Post by Michael Callahan on Apr 17, 2013 23:59:39 GMT -4
In the summer of 1986, the threat of nuclear war seems never more likely to become an inevitable reality. As the weather reaches its boiling apex, so too do the temperatures in the melting pot of international relations between the three biggest super-powers in the world. On one side of the battlefield you have the USSR, a mighty titan of industrial strength and a testament to the power of collective conscience lead by the iron reigns of blood hungry diktats posturing behind the mask of egalitarianism.
Lead by their fierce, worshipped leader of Alexei Chekov Smirnoff, or A.C. Smirnoff for short, the extreme ways in which he guides his nation is something celebrated by his own populace but reviled by his adversaries who characterise his administration as crass, tyrannical and nothing short of an effect of the cult of personality he has gleefully built around himself.
Across the Bering Strait is the home of our hero, President Michael Callahan of the good ol' US of A, a former professional wrestler, cooking show host and radio broadcaster who has used his years in the entertainment industry and to the surprise of the Democratic left, has captured the heart of the American people to become a strong figure in the eyes of the middle American right, the old money and the new, embodied by those lovable yuppies that the working classes like to groan about.
And of course, nestled in next to Russia is the final heavyweight in this three way dance of atomic strength. Lady China, a far-away and mysterious country who's rich history and culture is starkly contrasted by the industrial-agrarian abyss of a populace without rights and a leader, Li Harrisian, who knows no hatred for ideologies but simply vies for control on the global scale. While America and the USSR have been content to tear one another's throats out, China has instead took a step back in fevered anticipation of the day it can step in and sweep up the rubble remains.
And today was the day that it would all come to a head. On April 18th, 1986 the war was finally going to come to it's blistering, earth-shattering crescendo. This was a war of super-powers, a war of stand-outs in their field, a war... of champions.
Standing on the edge of the promenade at Venice Beach atop a podium facing the sea, a throng of people have assembled not before Callahan as he gives a public address but behind him to join in basking in the spectacle of watching humanity's future be torn apart. Besides President Callahan was his doting wife Nancy, holding onto his hand with a satisfied smile on her ageing face.
Michael Callahan: It's a beautiful day, ain't it Nancy? The state of California, a paradise utopia for our nation's entertainment industry to call home, and how fitting it is that the ultimate entertainment spectacle will be viewed from here.
Nancy Callahan: I'm so proud of you for taking this step, sweetie.
Michael Callahan: I haven't made any steps just yet, and you ain't seen nothing yet. Now if you'll excuse me my sweet, I gotta' address these people.
Michael Callahan: Ladies and gents, today is an important day in American history. Today is the end of the Cold War!
The assembled throng applaud and cheer, not afraid of what nuclear weaponry will do to their homeland but simply satisfied that the eradication of their opponents will be worth it.
Michael Callahan: Today is the day that I, President Callahan lead us into war with our adversaries. For centuries, our nations have existed in peace, ruling in our own ways and manners which may seem strange and foreign to each other as we surely do to them. But today, that facade of peace comes to an end. Three of the world's super powers go to war, and with it, the might of our nuclear arsenals will be deployed against one another. There may be no victor left standing from this battle, but should our battle end in defeat then we shall know that we have forever ruined our enemies.
Michael Callahan: These people, they speak strange languages. They worship strange Gods. They stand directly in opposition of the spread of American ideology, of an independent USA and for that reason they must be destroyed. They are enemies of freedom. They are enemies of justice and liberty. Their absence will make this world a safer place, and if our martyrdom is the catalyst to create a better world then I believe we as Americans are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the good of humanity. However, we ARE Americans and we WILL survive the extent of their nuclear arsenal. We will survive this date with destiny and we WILL be the winners. So fear not, my fellow Americans, for we are with the push of a button about to win this war. So, without further delay... it is now time... for launch.
Far from terrified, the American public have blindly embraced this man's idea of humanitarian behaviour without question. With a roar of cheering, applause, approval and self-congratulatory chants of “USA!” echoing across the shores of California, a secret service agent hands President Callahan a metallic Zero Halliburton briefcase containing the nuclear 'football' for which the key to American's ultimate answer lies.
President Callahan unlocks the briefcase and flips the lid, revealing but a simple red button surrounded by velvet. With launch codes activated, the destinations keyed in and all systems go for launch, President Callahan reaches for the button. Nancy grabs his wrist gently and stops him.
Nancy Callahan: Are you sure about this Michael? How can you be so sure America will survive a nuclear holocaust?
Michael Callahan: Because we are American, Nancy. Our homes are torchable, are people human and mortal just like any other, but the American spirit is unbreakable. They can shatter our lands with nuclear bombs. They can throw their best at us, but America always comes back stronger than ever. This is our battle to win, Nancy.
Nancy Callahan: If you're sure...
Michael Callahan: Positively.
President Callahan's hand hovers over the button.
Click.
All at once, like so many fireworks soaring into the sky, the horizon behind the assembled millions fill with plumes of thick cloud white smoke as the missiles launch skywards, sealing the fate of America with their activation. The crowd simultaneously slip on identical black sunglasses to watch the show as the missiles orientate themselves and then zip across the Pacific Ocean at impossible speeds like fighter jets as they make trails for their strategic destinations. Across the water, the USSR and China have made exactly the same mistake, though the impact of their assaults will be felt a lot sooner than America's due to their closer proximity. All the Americans have to do now is sit and wait.
Michael Callahan: Let's get outta' here Nancy. I say we got a couple of hours left before it gets to us. We can make it back to the bunker in Washington and escape the missiles. What do you say?
Nancy Callahan: We shouldn't abandon our people-
Michael Callahan: Now, Nancy.
Hand in hand, the President and First Lady vanish into the stunned crowd as they watch in awe in anticipation of the first bombs falling. It'll be some two hours yet, but it's just the beginning.
–
In front of a backdrop which is half the American flag, half the APW logo, Michael Callahan stands ready to address the public about the upcoming match. In a battle for supremacy amongst the three main champions of the Overdrive brand, one could imagine Callahan's great apprehension in facing off with two people that he's never faced before who are both eager to prove their superiority to him. Yet ever the master of handling great pressures, Callahan seems at ease in front of the camera mere hours away from his Battle of the Champions collision.
Michael Callahan: April 18th, 2013, Overdrive. A night that the good people at the creative department have deemed “Fan Appreciation Night”, but I have seen fit to give it a more appropriate title. This night shall be remembered not for who the fans instilled as the referee, but for it's main event, a battle of titans as the brand's three champions go head to head to head So, I have decided to call it “The War of the Super Powers”, as the three mightiest of mights leave it all on the line to jostle for rank and reorganise their place in the hierarchy. Or it's alternate title, Cold War +1.
Though really, the only comparison is that the three men involved are all titans of their field in their own right. There will be no apprehension about going to the mattresses when that final bell rings and the three go hell for leather. That much is obvious.
Michael Callahan: In the one corner we have, of course, a man who is attempting to turn a leaf, to vindicate himself of his wrong-doings and past misdemeanour’s by boldly flying the flag of the promotion as high as he does his national red, white and blue, and acting as a patriot and protector of this fine promotion in the face of adversity and Syndicate corruption. Indeed, I refer to myself, your World Heavyweight Champion Michael Callahan as the man who has tasked himself with the stewardship of Action Packed Wrestling, responsible for stopping the likes of Level One and Felipe DeLoren from turning this place into their own personal gulag.
Alexander Duvall had made his intentions more than clear last week with his address to Callahan, but far from put fear into him it merely strengthened his resolve and set him a clear goal to follow.
Michael Callahan: In the next corner we have a man who has taken championship belt afflicted madness to the next level. Evan Envi, brother of Meltdown's current commissioner of programming has taken the rather unusual twist of characterising his prestigious title as a beautiful and sophisticated woman. He refers to his Overdrive Championship as “she”, “Lady Overdrive” in a reversal of dehumanisation techniques seen in every war propaganda campaign ever. By seeing his property as a person that he shares a deep and intimate bond with, he strengthens his resolve and commitment to fight it's battles, though I fear that this will only set him up for total destruction when the day comes that someone takes the belt away from him.
Evan Envi's increasingly erratic behaviour was almost impossible not to note. It was evident in whatever form of media he took, whether it was the social interactions on Twitter or his insistence on referring to Shadow by his real first name, it seemed like Evan was reaching a point of desperation. Like the tension of waiting to break out was driving him mad with desire.
Michael Callahan: And then of course, there is A.C. Smith, the fresh new face in the gritty world of petty corruption, ghosts and goblins that dwell within the Xtreme Division. A.C. Smith, a man of conviction and devotion fights a similar battle to me, keeping his nose clean even as the jagged and mangled choppers of ultra violence close around his tender gullet like a bear trap around the ankle of a rather non-plussed California grizzly. With power in droves and a connection with the fans that resonates through every arena we step into, his star will shine brighter than mine and Evan's combined in front of the Bogota audience at this spectacle.
Although he had never spoken to A.C. Smith, he had great respect for his accomplishments as both a wrestler and as a former cop. Callahan had always made an effort never to be derogatory about A.C. Smith. Primarily because he didn't want to go back to his Mercedes and find a cluster of parking tickets but also because as a fellow former public servant, he felt some form of connection with the Big Apple Asskicker.
Michael Callahan: It's a difficult time for me right now. Realising that everything you're doing is wrong is quite possibly the best way to throw a man off his game and while I've come to terms with the fact that as one of this company's most reviled rogues, I may never truly have the trust and support of the people, it's affecting me because changing old habits well and truly die hard. Making a u-turn on what you've done your entire career and dedicating yourself to a brand new cause seemingly over night may seem knee jerkier than a physiotherapist using a sledgehammer to check your reflexes and it's having it's toll on me mentally.
Though you'd never believe that from the way he held his composure. Constantly self-assured, always in the drivers seat, Level One's two week streak of making a show of him hadn't outwardly done much to shake him. Inside, Callahan was questioning himself and his ability to represent as champion but he wouldn't allow Level One the satisfaction of seeing that.
Michael Callahan: At the same time though, my motivation is at an all time high to follow through on my new promises. For the first time, I have a real point to prove and a lofty ambition above all others. I must prove that I am the fighter who should be representing this company, so that the people can feel safe in following my cause in joining the good fight. But for that to happen, my campaign needs a healthy dose of momentum and to do that? Well, I'm going to need to start picking up victories. Without question, failing to assert myself as the champion of champions in Overdrive will mark a rapid end to my cause.
To be eclipsed by a “lesser” champion would throw serious some serious questions at his legitimacy as champion. Should he even be holding the World Championship if he can't beat the likes of Envi and A.C. Smith? Level One had beaten them both before, as had Delikado, so Callahan wouldn't have much stake to claim if he lost now.
Michael Callahan: Now, with this company's most prestigious prize wrapped around my waist, some people might make the mistake of assuming that tonight's battle is a foregone conclusion. That by virtue of holding the company's most prestigious prize, the victory is mine for the seizing. So allow me to spend the next couple of minutes telling you why you're wrong and why this is going to be an incredibly difficult match that I'll be lucky to escape with my two front teeth still residing in my mouth.
Michael Callahan: I have two opponents, both of whom are held to have “inferior” championships. That's not to say that their belts aren't prestigious, quite the opposite in fact. Holding any championship in Action Packed Wrestling is a fantastic thing to have on your reference should you ever leave these hallowed halls, because if you can make it here then truly you can make it anywhere. However, the Xtreme Championship and the Overdrive Championship aren't contested for in the main events of pay-per-views, the rivalries in pursuit of them do not usually meet the same level of hostilities as my World Championship does and most importantly? Their belts don't have the same rich lineage. Almost every Undisputed Champion has held one of their championships, but how many former Overdrive and Xtreme Champions won the World Championship? The imbalance is extraordinary.
The championship records speak for themselves. Few go on to win the Undisputed Championship, but if they do they've usually won the other belts first.
Michael Callahan: For the first time, these two gentlemen will get the opportunity to step out of perceived championship roles as “undercard champions” in an attempt to eclipse both of the other brand's main titles. They're going to up their game to levels never seen before from a champion bout, and with me being the fresh new champion from Asylum? They're even more motivated because they want to prove that any champion on Overdrive is better than Asylum's cream of the crop.
Rivalry between the two brands was as strong as ever, with each brand although separated generally constantly feeling like it was better than the other. Callahan had the weight of Asylum expectations as a “home grown” talent to prove himself in the eyes of the Overdrive people.
Michael Callahan: But that is more fuel to my fire. I now have the weight on my old stomping grounds resting on my shoulders. While I didn't exactly have the greatest of relationships with the people on Asylum? I feel obliged to kick it up a notch and prove that I was the best man to send over to Overdrive to prove that our toughest of the tough can hang with the big boys over here, not for the people on Asylum but for the brand because frankly? It didn't always get the credit it deserved and I felt it deserved more attention than it got.
Michael Callahan: That's only one reason why this match is important and it factors hugely into motivations for going the extra mile, but there's two more reasons why I'm going to have to truly soul-search to win and that's because of who my opponents are, A.C. Smith and Evan Envi. First of all, you've got A.C. Smith who by far has held his championship belt longer than Evan and I combined. He's been ruthlessly dominant in his division and with his stats, can you see why? 6'8, nearly 300 pounds of ex-cop frame. The man is a slab of concrete with the power to bring worlds to their knees. Why the Hell wouldn't you be afraid?
Michael Callahan: As Xtreme Champion, we've seen A.C. Smith proliferate into something more. At one point early on in his career, it seemed like he might be a lost cause doomed to an eternity of just being the guy that's around, but out of the blue when you least expected it he flew out of the gates and made himself a star. He became champion, he did what everyone thought he was capable of but wasn't quite realising his potential and now he's well on his way to becoming a top star here on the brand. Everyone who's been in a match with A.C. Smith, whether you're a World Championship calibre athlete or you're the rookie straight out of wrestling school, knows they've been in a fight with A.C. Smith and I look forward to seeing EXACTLY what he can do this Thursday on Overdrive.
Michael Callahan: And then there's Evan Envi, who's career can so far only be described as “slow burn”. He came in, he won the North American Championship and spent a long time on Overdrive. Everyone knew that he was great and destined to break out but the question was simply when. When would he shatter the self-imposed ceiling, stop biding his time and take the place by storm? Well, in all honesty I think we're still waiting for that moment. To say Evan Envi is a power in the making is unfair, it's already painfully obvious that he has every skill necessary to completely take over Overdrive and make it his own. He hasn't yet, but when he does it'll be the kind of run that makes household names.
No doubt Evan Envi was destined for greatness, but it was all a matter of time until he struck out and reached for his goals.
Michael Callahan: Unless of course... he self-destructs first. The man is a victim to a number of vices. He drinks a lot, I believe he smokes, yes, I know I'm guilty as charged, but I've heard some rumours that he's stepped beyond what is acceptable for an athlete of his calibre. Whether that's true? I don't know. All I know is that he's got a bad boy reputation and if he's anything like his sister, then he's an ice cold, ruthless son of a gun who can only bring himself to care about the people that will bring benefits to him. Lately, he's grown dangerously attached to his Overdrive title, referring to it in the feminine and almost sexualising the championship with the way he carries it around. It begs the question of whether his unhealthy, minimum/maximum attitudes will spiral out of control like I did when he meets the challenge he can't overcome, when he can't get what he wants.
We'd seen it all before. Evan Envi's numerous assaults over the past few months had been grave and his potential for blood thirsty behaviour was striking at the best of times, horrifying at the worst. Evan was quite clearly a tense man riddled with many stress related anxiety issues, but with the pressure of championship glory on his back one had to wonder whether or not he'd crack.
Michael Callahan: Regardless of their walks of life, their styles, their personal choices? You can't help but respect them both. They're CHAMPIONS. They're successful people, with championship belts that herald their greatness. For me, I have to hope that having the best belt of them all is enough of a psychological advantage. I'm a good wrestler, hell, I'll even go as far to say that I'm a great wrestler, but these two are next generation athletes that can beat the best on their worst days. Should I lose this belt, you know they'll both hold it one day, so I've got to prove not just to them, not just to the fans but to Level One, The Syndicate, Alexander Duvall and everyone who thinks I shouldn't be holding this belt that actually? I AM deserving. I worked HARD for this belt and I am going to fight tooth and nail to keep it.
The passion of the reinvigorated Callahan is absolutely unmatched. For the first time ever, Callahan felt in tune like he really knew what the people expected from him and this to him was like rocket fuel being lit under his ass. Callahan could feel himself soaring to new heights, basking in the possibility of public support and admiration for his goals.
Michael Callahan: I will command an intense game in this match. It'll be a right down to the finish battle of bettering. Every move in my arsenal will be unleashed, no weapon left held back, no nuclear option left unconsidered to prove that not only am I an Overdrive Champion, not only am I an Asylum champion, not only I am a World Heavyweight Champion but I am Overdrive's BEST champion, I am APW's BEST champion and that I will give every ounce, every screed, every jot of my resolve to reinforce that. The key to the future belongs to Evan Envi and A.C. Smith, but TONIGHT is my night and no matter what the outcome? I'm going to blow you all away, and THAT my friends is a promise!
End.
Lead by their fierce, worshipped leader of Alexei Chekov Smirnoff, or A.C. Smirnoff for short, the extreme ways in which he guides his nation is something celebrated by his own populace but reviled by his adversaries who characterise his administration as crass, tyrannical and nothing short of an effect of the cult of personality he has gleefully built around himself.
Across the Bering Strait is the home of our hero, President Michael Callahan of the good ol' US of A, a former professional wrestler, cooking show host and radio broadcaster who has used his years in the entertainment industry and to the surprise of the Democratic left, has captured the heart of the American people to become a strong figure in the eyes of the middle American right, the old money and the new, embodied by those lovable yuppies that the working classes like to groan about.
And of course, nestled in next to Russia is the final heavyweight in this three way dance of atomic strength. Lady China, a far-away and mysterious country who's rich history and culture is starkly contrasted by the industrial-agrarian abyss of a populace without rights and a leader, Li Harrisian, who knows no hatred for ideologies but simply vies for control on the global scale. While America and the USSR have been content to tear one another's throats out, China has instead took a step back in fevered anticipation of the day it can step in and sweep up the rubble remains.
And today was the day that it would all come to a head. On April 18th, 1986 the war was finally going to come to it's blistering, earth-shattering crescendo. This was a war of super-powers, a war of stand-outs in their field, a war... of champions.
Standing on the edge of the promenade at Venice Beach atop a podium facing the sea, a throng of people have assembled not before Callahan as he gives a public address but behind him to join in basking in the spectacle of watching humanity's future be torn apart. Besides President Callahan was his doting wife Nancy, holding onto his hand with a satisfied smile on her ageing face.
Michael Callahan: It's a beautiful day, ain't it Nancy? The state of California, a paradise utopia for our nation's entertainment industry to call home, and how fitting it is that the ultimate entertainment spectacle will be viewed from here.
Nancy Callahan: I'm so proud of you for taking this step, sweetie.
Michael Callahan: I haven't made any steps just yet, and you ain't seen nothing yet. Now if you'll excuse me my sweet, I gotta' address these people.
Michael Callahan: Ladies and gents, today is an important day in American history. Today is the end of the Cold War!
The assembled throng applaud and cheer, not afraid of what nuclear weaponry will do to their homeland but simply satisfied that the eradication of their opponents will be worth it.
Michael Callahan: Today is the day that I, President Callahan lead us into war with our adversaries. For centuries, our nations have existed in peace, ruling in our own ways and manners which may seem strange and foreign to each other as we surely do to them. But today, that facade of peace comes to an end. Three of the world's super powers go to war, and with it, the might of our nuclear arsenals will be deployed against one another. There may be no victor left standing from this battle, but should our battle end in defeat then we shall know that we have forever ruined our enemies.
Michael Callahan: These people, they speak strange languages. They worship strange Gods. They stand directly in opposition of the spread of American ideology, of an independent USA and for that reason they must be destroyed. They are enemies of freedom. They are enemies of justice and liberty. Their absence will make this world a safer place, and if our martyrdom is the catalyst to create a better world then I believe we as Americans are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the good of humanity. However, we ARE Americans and we WILL survive the extent of their nuclear arsenal. We will survive this date with destiny and we WILL be the winners. So fear not, my fellow Americans, for we are with the push of a button about to win this war. So, without further delay... it is now time... for launch.
Far from terrified, the American public have blindly embraced this man's idea of humanitarian behaviour without question. With a roar of cheering, applause, approval and self-congratulatory chants of “USA!” echoing across the shores of California, a secret service agent hands President Callahan a metallic Zero Halliburton briefcase containing the nuclear 'football' for which the key to American's ultimate answer lies.
President Callahan unlocks the briefcase and flips the lid, revealing but a simple red button surrounded by velvet. With launch codes activated, the destinations keyed in and all systems go for launch, President Callahan reaches for the button. Nancy grabs his wrist gently and stops him.
Nancy Callahan: Are you sure about this Michael? How can you be so sure America will survive a nuclear holocaust?
Michael Callahan: Because we are American, Nancy. Our homes are torchable, are people human and mortal just like any other, but the American spirit is unbreakable. They can shatter our lands with nuclear bombs. They can throw their best at us, but America always comes back stronger than ever. This is our battle to win, Nancy.
Nancy Callahan: If you're sure...
Michael Callahan: Positively.
TEN
NINE
EIGHT
SEVEN
SIX
FIVE
FOUR
NINE
EIGHT
SEVEN
SIX
FIVE
FOUR
President Callahan's hand hovers over the button.
THREE
TWO
ONE!
TWO
ONE!
Click.
All at once, like so many fireworks soaring into the sky, the horizon behind the assembled millions fill with plumes of thick cloud white smoke as the missiles launch skywards, sealing the fate of America with their activation. The crowd simultaneously slip on identical black sunglasses to watch the show as the missiles orientate themselves and then zip across the Pacific Ocean at impossible speeds like fighter jets as they make trails for their strategic destinations. Across the water, the USSR and China have made exactly the same mistake, though the impact of their assaults will be felt a lot sooner than America's due to their closer proximity. All the Americans have to do now is sit and wait.
Michael Callahan: Let's get outta' here Nancy. I say we got a couple of hours left before it gets to us. We can make it back to the bunker in Washington and escape the missiles. What do you say?
Nancy Callahan: We shouldn't abandon our people-
Michael Callahan: Now, Nancy.
Hand in hand, the President and First Lady vanish into the stunned crowd as they watch in awe in anticipation of the first bombs falling. It'll be some two hours yet, but it's just the beginning.
–
In front of a backdrop which is half the American flag, half the APW logo, Michael Callahan stands ready to address the public about the upcoming match. In a battle for supremacy amongst the three main champions of the Overdrive brand, one could imagine Callahan's great apprehension in facing off with two people that he's never faced before who are both eager to prove their superiority to him. Yet ever the master of handling great pressures, Callahan seems at ease in front of the camera mere hours away from his Battle of the Champions collision.
Michael Callahan: April 18th, 2013, Overdrive. A night that the good people at the creative department have deemed “Fan Appreciation Night”, but I have seen fit to give it a more appropriate title. This night shall be remembered not for who the fans instilled as the referee, but for it's main event, a battle of titans as the brand's three champions go head to head to head So, I have decided to call it “The War of the Super Powers”, as the three mightiest of mights leave it all on the line to jostle for rank and reorganise their place in the hierarchy. Or it's alternate title, Cold War +1.
Though really, the only comparison is that the three men involved are all titans of their field in their own right. There will be no apprehension about going to the mattresses when that final bell rings and the three go hell for leather. That much is obvious.
Michael Callahan: In the one corner we have, of course, a man who is attempting to turn a leaf, to vindicate himself of his wrong-doings and past misdemeanour’s by boldly flying the flag of the promotion as high as he does his national red, white and blue, and acting as a patriot and protector of this fine promotion in the face of adversity and Syndicate corruption. Indeed, I refer to myself, your World Heavyweight Champion Michael Callahan as the man who has tasked himself with the stewardship of Action Packed Wrestling, responsible for stopping the likes of Level One and Felipe DeLoren from turning this place into their own personal gulag.
Alexander Duvall had made his intentions more than clear last week with his address to Callahan, but far from put fear into him it merely strengthened his resolve and set him a clear goal to follow.
Michael Callahan: In the next corner we have a man who has taken championship belt afflicted madness to the next level. Evan Envi, brother of Meltdown's current commissioner of programming has taken the rather unusual twist of characterising his prestigious title as a beautiful and sophisticated woman. He refers to his Overdrive Championship as “she”, “Lady Overdrive” in a reversal of dehumanisation techniques seen in every war propaganda campaign ever. By seeing his property as a person that he shares a deep and intimate bond with, he strengthens his resolve and commitment to fight it's battles, though I fear that this will only set him up for total destruction when the day comes that someone takes the belt away from him.
Evan Envi's increasingly erratic behaviour was almost impossible not to note. It was evident in whatever form of media he took, whether it was the social interactions on Twitter or his insistence on referring to Shadow by his real first name, it seemed like Evan was reaching a point of desperation. Like the tension of waiting to break out was driving him mad with desire.
Michael Callahan: And then of course, there is A.C. Smith, the fresh new face in the gritty world of petty corruption, ghosts and goblins that dwell within the Xtreme Division. A.C. Smith, a man of conviction and devotion fights a similar battle to me, keeping his nose clean even as the jagged and mangled choppers of ultra violence close around his tender gullet like a bear trap around the ankle of a rather non-plussed California grizzly. With power in droves and a connection with the fans that resonates through every arena we step into, his star will shine brighter than mine and Evan's combined in front of the Bogota audience at this spectacle.
Although he had never spoken to A.C. Smith, he had great respect for his accomplishments as both a wrestler and as a former cop. Callahan had always made an effort never to be derogatory about A.C. Smith. Primarily because he didn't want to go back to his Mercedes and find a cluster of parking tickets but also because as a fellow former public servant, he felt some form of connection with the Big Apple Asskicker.
Michael Callahan: It's a difficult time for me right now. Realising that everything you're doing is wrong is quite possibly the best way to throw a man off his game and while I've come to terms with the fact that as one of this company's most reviled rogues, I may never truly have the trust and support of the people, it's affecting me because changing old habits well and truly die hard. Making a u-turn on what you've done your entire career and dedicating yourself to a brand new cause seemingly over night may seem knee jerkier than a physiotherapist using a sledgehammer to check your reflexes and it's having it's toll on me mentally.
Though you'd never believe that from the way he held his composure. Constantly self-assured, always in the drivers seat, Level One's two week streak of making a show of him hadn't outwardly done much to shake him. Inside, Callahan was questioning himself and his ability to represent as champion but he wouldn't allow Level One the satisfaction of seeing that.
Michael Callahan: At the same time though, my motivation is at an all time high to follow through on my new promises. For the first time, I have a real point to prove and a lofty ambition above all others. I must prove that I am the fighter who should be representing this company, so that the people can feel safe in following my cause in joining the good fight. But for that to happen, my campaign needs a healthy dose of momentum and to do that? Well, I'm going to need to start picking up victories. Without question, failing to assert myself as the champion of champions in Overdrive will mark a rapid end to my cause.
To be eclipsed by a “lesser” champion would throw serious some serious questions at his legitimacy as champion. Should he even be holding the World Championship if he can't beat the likes of Envi and A.C. Smith? Level One had beaten them both before, as had Delikado, so Callahan wouldn't have much stake to claim if he lost now.
Michael Callahan: Now, with this company's most prestigious prize wrapped around my waist, some people might make the mistake of assuming that tonight's battle is a foregone conclusion. That by virtue of holding the company's most prestigious prize, the victory is mine for the seizing. So allow me to spend the next couple of minutes telling you why you're wrong and why this is going to be an incredibly difficult match that I'll be lucky to escape with my two front teeth still residing in my mouth.
Michael Callahan: I have two opponents, both of whom are held to have “inferior” championships. That's not to say that their belts aren't prestigious, quite the opposite in fact. Holding any championship in Action Packed Wrestling is a fantastic thing to have on your reference should you ever leave these hallowed halls, because if you can make it here then truly you can make it anywhere. However, the Xtreme Championship and the Overdrive Championship aren't contested for in the main events of pay-per-views, the rivalries in pursuit of them do not usually meet the same level of hostilities as my World Championship does and most importantly? Their belts don't have the same rich lineage. Almost every Undisputed Champion has held one of their championships, but how many former Overdrive and Xtreme Champions won the World Championship? The imbalance is extraordinary.
The championship records speak for themselves. Few go on to win the Undisputed Championship, but if they do they've usually won the other belts first.
Michael Callahan: For the first time, these two gentlemen will get the opportunity to step out of perceived championship roles as “undercard champions” in an attempt to eclipse both of the other brand's main titles. They're going to up their game to levels never seen before from a champion bout, and with me being the fresh new champion from Asylum? They're even more motivated because they want to prove that any champion on Overdrive is better than Asylum's cream of the crop.
Rivalry between the two brands was as strong as ever, with each brand although separated generally constantly feeling like it was better than the other. Callahan had the weight of Asylum expectations as a “home grown” talent to prove himself in the eyes of the Overdrive people.
Michael Callahan: But that is more fuel to my fire. I now have the weight on my old stomping grounds resting on my shoulders. While I didn't exactly have the greatest of relationships with the people on Asylum? I feel obliged to kick it up a notch and prove that I was the best man to send over to Overdrive to prove that our toughest of the tough can hang with the big boys over here, not for the people on Asylum but for the brand because frankly? It didn't always get the credit it deserved and I felt it deserved more attention than it got.
Michael Callahan: That's only one reason why this match is important and it factors hugely into motivations for going the extra mile, but there's two more reasons why I'm going to have to truly soul-search to win and that's because of who my opponents are, A.C. Smith and Evan Envi. First of all, you've got A.C. Smith who by far has held his championship belt longer than Evan and I combined. He's been ruthlessly dominant in his division and with his stats, can you see why? 6'8, nearly 300 pounds of ex-cop frame. The man is a slab of concrete with the power to bring worlds to their knees. Why the Hell wouldn't you be afraid?
Michael Callahan: As Xtreme Champion, we've seen A.C. Smith proliferate into something more. At one point early on in his career, it seemed like he might be a lost cause doomed to an eternity of just being the guy that's around, but out of the blue when you least expected it he flew out of the gates and made himself a star. He became champion, he did what everyone thought he was capable of but wasn't quite realising his potential and now he's well on his way to becoming a top star here on the brand. Everyone who's been in a match with A.C. Smith, whether you're a World Championship calibre athlete or you're the rookie straight out of wrestling school, knows they've been in a fight with A.C. Smith and I look forward to seeing EXACTLY what he can do this Thursday on Overdrive.
Michael Callahan: And then there's Evan Envi, who's career can so far only be described as “slow burn”. He came in, he won the North American Championship and spent a long time on Overdrive. Everyone knew that he was great and destined to break out but the question was simply when. When would he shatter the self-imposed ceiling, stop biding his time and take the place by storm? Well, in all honesty I think we're still waiting for that moment. To say Evan Envi is a power in the making is unfair, it's already painfully obvious that he has every skill necessary to completely take over Overdrive and make it his own. He hasn't yet, but when he does it'll be the kind of run that makes household names.
No doubt Evan Envi was destined for greatness, but it was all a matter of time until he struck out and reached for his goals.
Michael Callahan: Unless of course... he self-destructs first. The man is a victim to a number of vices. He drinks a lot, I believe he smokes, yes, I know I'm guilty as charged, but I've heard some rumours that he's stepped beyond what is acceptable for an athlete of his calibre. Whether that's true? I don't know. All I know is that he's got a bad boy reputation and if he's anything like his sister, then he's an ice cold, ruthless son of a gun who can only bring himself to care about the people that will bring benefits to him. Lately, he's grown dangerously attached to his Overdrive title, referring to it in the feminine and almost sexualising the championship with the way he carries it around. It begs the question of whether his unhealthy, minimum/maximum attitudes will spiral out of control like I did when he meets the challenge he can't overcome, when he can't get what he wants.
We'd seen it all before. Evan Envi's numerous assaults over the past few months had been grave and his potential for blood thirsty behaviour was striking at the best of times, horrifying at the worst. Evan was quite clearly a tense man riddled with many stress related anxiety issues, but with the pressure of championship glory on his back one had to wonder whether or not he'd crack.
Michael Callahan: Regardless of their walks of life, their styles, their personal choices? You can't help but respect them both. They're CHAMPIONS. They're successful people, with championship belts that herald their greatness. For me, I have to hope that having the best belt of them all is enough of a psychological advantage. I'm a good wrestler, hell, I'll even go as far to say that I'm a great wrestler, but these two are next generation athletes that can beat the best on their worst days. Should I lose this belt, you know they'll both hold it one day, so I've got to prove not just to them, not just to the fans but to Level One, The Syndicate, Alexander Duvall and everyone who thinks I shouldn't be holding this belt that actually? I AM deserving. I worked HARD for this belt and I am going to fight tooth and nail to keep it.
The passion of the reinvigorated Callahan is absolutely unmatched. For the first time ever, Callahan felt in tune like he really knew what the people expected from him and this to him was like rocket fuel being lit under his ass. Callahan could feel himself soaring to new heights, basking in the possibility of public support and admiration for his goals.
Michael Callahan: I will command an intense game in this match. It'll be a right down to the finish battle of bettering. Every move in my arsenal will be unleashed, no weapon left held back, no nuclear option left unconsidered to prove that not only am I an Overdrive Champion, not only am I an Asylum champion, not only I am a World Heavyweight Champion but I am Overdrive's BEST champion, I am APW's BEST champion and that I will give every ounce, every screed, every jot of my resolve to reinforce that. The key to the future belongs to Evan Envi and A.C. Smith, but TONIGHT is my night and no matter what the outcome? I'm going to blow you all away, and THAT my friends is a promise!
End.
