Post by Chaos Stryke on May 18, 2013 15:16:47 GMT -4
Hello there. As most of you know, I’m not really an interview person anymore. I used to take part more in past years, but lately they seem to be instances for others to take shots at me, my partner, or to blow minor issues into larger ones or create issues from nothing. That’s why Aubrey and I stopped doing interviews on Meltdown and haven’t made ourselves available on Asylum. It turns into lots unnecessary drama.
“Why am I telling you this?” you may ask. It turned out I was contacted by someone I’d worked with in a prior federation, who’s covers wrestling events for an external organization which reports about many federations then publishes them. Seeing as this person is someone I knew, am willing to deal with, and not affiliated with APW, I was open to the idea of having a discussion with him. We’d done this before, and out of respect I decided to extend some courtesy and see how things went.
We see Logan Alexander step out into the main foyer of his training center, dressed in jeans and ‘A.M.D.T.C. trainer’ shirt, exiting one of the actual training areas, there he sees a guest examining pictures around the foyer. This guest is a middle-aged looking man dressed in a nice suit and dress shoes, with short dark, slightly greying hair, and carrying a bag over one shoulder. Logan starts walking over and once he draws near the man turns towards him. He smiles as he extends one hand.
Logan Alexander.
Logan takes hold of the offered hand, shaking it firmly.
Mark Keller.
He smiles back and releases Mark’s hand.
Nice to see you again. It’s been a long time… Five years since Classic in 08.
That it has. It’s good to see that you’re still in this business after all these years.
It hasn’t been easy. I’ve almost been retired by injuries more than once. I keep finding reason to return. How have you been?
I miss some of the old days back in AWA. The backstage work was pretty good. Now I cover wrestling from a distance unless I get to conduct interviews with talent or take in a show as a spectator. I try to keep tabs on former AWA stars like you.
Logan laughs softly.
I was presentable for AWA. But it’s not really for me to judge if I was a star.
You were there. But I’d heard about your arrival in APW from some colleagues who also mentioned the A.C. Smith and Evan Harrison were there already. I started to watch, remembering some high profile matches with both of them back in the day.
Logan’s cheery expression falters slightly.
That was a long time ago and a lot has happened since then. I guess there’s always a chance there could be a continuation, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
He shakes his head and glances back towards the doors leading into the training area, then back to Mark.
Anyway, would you like to tour the school while you’re here? We can get down to business afterwards.
Mark smiles a bit more at that.
That sounds like a rather good offer.
The two of them head off into the school.
The scene transitions to a lounge elsewhere in the building where Mark and Logan are sitting in separate chairs chatting amicably.
You seem to have done quite well here.
This is where I hope to have my greatest success in the wrestling world. I’ll keep trying to be a star while working to create future stars. Nothing lasts forever, but I’d still like to create something beyond my own career.
Mark nods slightly.
I can understand that.
He then reaches down into his back and pulls out a notebook.
But for now, perhaps we can get to business.
You’re covering Mayhem, so hopefully you’re up to date on events in APW.
I wouldn’t be here to speak with you otherwise, Logan.
I like to be sure. I’ve always preferred to have as good an understanding about things as I can. It’s easier to prepare.
Of course.
He opens to a marked page in his book and readies a pen.
Anyway, those following Asylum know you’ll face off with “The Smooth One” William D. Williams, “The Main Attraction” Young Mannie, “The Jesus” Michael Lively, and “The Soul of Philly” TJ for the Knockout championship in a ‘Knockout rules’ gauntlet match at Mayhem. In the last few weeks, people said that you seemed disgruntled with your position on Asylum and the lack of opportunities available to you. So what’s your opinion on this match for the Knockout championship?
Everything considered, I’m glad I’m here and have this opportunity for a singles championship, regardless of which one. It represents forward progress. That’s something I take seriously to this day. I should show more patience on Asylum though. Considering the scheduling of shows and that I’ve only been a roster member for a couple of months, I’ve only had half a dozen matches. I probably shouldn’t get ahead of myself. But when I look around, I see others, who’ve been here a similar length of time, getting opportunities that I haven’t. So what should I think about that? I feel slighted. It feels like politics and that, regardless of where I go, I’m always fighting against the current.
Mark looks at him thoughtfully.
So you legitimately feel that you’re being held back by… someone in the company?
Logan frowns slightly.
I wouldn’t say ‘held back’. But perhaps unacknowledged for what I’ve done in comparison to others thus far. Look at the competitors in this gauntlet match for a moment. TJ, as the champion, requested this match. That’s his prerogative though. He can request matches like this. But how were the contenders decided? Whoever asked for a spot in the match was given it.
Usually the general manager would be involved in deciding the contenders. That results in a field of competitors being named to the match, like back in December with the last Tap Out gauntlet, or you’d have qualifier matches for the open slots. The former gives you contenders viewed as deserving of the opportunity. The latter gives you people who wanted the opportunity and fought for it more than others, so you get very competitive matches which create better champions.
What does making a championship first come, first serve do? You don’t have to earn your opportunity. You didn’t have to prove you deserve it. You just look for a handout and say, I want a title match. But title matches aren’t just supposed to be handed out to everyone who wants them. That’s the point. If you want to be a champion, you’re supposed to earn it.
So you don’t think everyone in this match deserves to be there? Aren’t they just stepping up to the challenge issued?
Stepping up for a challenge doesn’t mean you deserve that opportunity. It means you’re cutting in line to get ahead of competitors that may deserve the match, but don’t beg for it. I could have been there at the front of the line like Mannie and demanded my spot in the gauntlet. I’m undefeated on Asylum. I haven’t lost a match directly in three months and haven’t been beaten cleanly in five. Despite all of that, why would I deserve to be in this title match?
Mark considers this for a while.
Aren’t those good enough reasons?
Logan just shakes his head.
Not on their own. Mannie’s in the same boat. We’ve both won several matches but what sets us two apart is our drive and heart. The moment the easy route became available, he was all over it. He’s been taking the easiest route since returning to action. When he finally had success, he couldn’t hang onto it, because he can’t handle adversity. He only knows how to take shortcuts. Then he decided he won’t compete on Asylum for the foreseeable future because of his sponsors. How can you be a champion with an attitude like that and you duck everything that comes your way?
I didn’t beg for a gauntlet spot, because I would’ve been called out like I called him out. I waited and I was given an opportunity to earn my way in. I have no issue with working my way into title matches. I’ve had to earn every shot I’ve gotten in APW. Bringing you back to an earlier point, is it any surprise I have some bitterness? I always have to work for opportunities but others are given them for nothing.
Mark taps the end of his pen against his mouth for a few moments.
Hmmm… I do understand how frustrating that could feel. But that doesn’t make others less deserving of those opportunities.
Logan considers this before replying.
Possibly, but it reeks of favouritism. If we’re all judged on our merits, I would’ve had a Suicidal championship match a month ago or maybe I’d have been named a top contender to the Knockout championship along with Mannie, but that didn’t happen. All I have now is the feeling I’m being overlooked and that translates into the knowledge that I may only get one championship opportunity and I’ll have to make it count.
Some people might look at that and figure I need to win this match and think that’ll give them an advantage, thinking I’ll be more prone to mistakes or something, but it gives me a stronger sense of motivation and when things get difficult I’ll use that desperation to push myself even further. Desperation doesn’t make me reckless. It makes me push harder for victory.
I do remember seeing that in your time in the AWA. There were few people that could match you in such a state.
True. But that’s the past. What was true then doesn’t always hold for the present. Someone else in this match should know that.
That would be Michael Lively?
Logan nods slowly.
He’s a grand slam champion in APW. It’s something he is right to be proud of, but he needs to wake up and realize those glory days are several years removed. He isn’t the dominant force he believes himself to be nowadays. He’s confident to the point of arrogance and deeply flawed in the ring.
He has had some success during his return to APW though.
He certainly has. Former North American champion and holds a victory over Level One and C.J. Gates. But what else has he done in the year he’s been around?
He snorts softly.
Former champion, but his work ethic sucked. He’s clearly coasting on old glory. If he was half as dominant as he claimed, he’d have run over all competition on Meltdown rather than getting beaten every other week. He can be good, he’s shown that, but he’s wildly inconsistent. That’s part of the problem with being arrogant. When you don’t take your opponents seriously you don’t bring your best to the fight and you run the risk of getting shown up. Lively has made a habit of getting shown up. Instead of preparing, he’d rather talk about his balls… like that has any relevance. It’s like dealing with an adolescent. He just doesn’t understand his glaring shortcomings and can never fix them. As a result, he’s most likely going to have to deal with another outing where he’s going to have his balls busted by competition that wants the victory more than he does. But he should be used to that by now.
Well, you’ve addressed half of your competition this week. What are your thoughts about William D. Williams?
Logan lapses into silence as he considers his response.
Honestly, I feel sorry for him.
He lets out a breath.
He’s hooked up with a pair of self-destructive competitors, so it’s no wonder he’s coming up short in his own endeavours alongside them.
I legitimately am sad for Jair Hopkins. It’s always saddening to hear about someone that puts themselves through something like that for whatever reason or even accidentally. If he has some sort of condition that’s the cause, I hope he can be helped through it. Bailey seems so hung up in his own personal crusades and busy defending his image that you have to wonder just when he’s going to go right off the deep end. What does that leave Williams with? His partners have their own problems and demons to fight with. Bailey sided with them to help elevate newcomers and give back. So where’s his help for Williams? I can’t say that I’ve seen improvement. He’s trying, but he’s not moving ahead. Ultimately, that’s going to be his story in this match.
I have no ill will towards Williams. He’s an obstacle in my path and I’m going to do to him what I’d do to anyone else that is in my way, nothing more and nothing less. I am a bit disappointed that he’s been quiet this week, but I figure that is a result of what has happened with Hopkins. He’ll either come with his best or he won’t. Either way, I’m going for a knockout and victory.
Mark regards him quietly through all this.
Doesn’t that seem rather cold-hearted?
Logan nods.
Very much so, but I’m not going to pretend that I’m his best friend nor make light of or exploit this situation. He wouldn’t believe the first, figuring it’s a set up of some sort, and I’m not heartless enough to do the second. It’s simply up to him to decide how to respond. I expect him to try and win this for Hopkins. I’m going to do what I can to prevent that if I face him. That’s just the facts.
Mark looks somewhat disappointed by that, but he continues ahead.
If you say so… What about the champion TJ? What are your thoughts about facing him?
I wonder where his head’s at. I was sure he’d have come out and set the tone to try and run the gauntlet. It was his idea. It’s only since Rasslemania that he’s lost momentum. He was beaten by Terry Marvin twice and then lost to Aubrey. I wouldn’t say those are losses to be ashamed about, if that’s what’s bothering him. Until the hottest competitor in APW strolled into Asylum, TJ was on a roll himself. He’s beaten all comers for months. I have no doubts that most people think he could sweep this gauntlet if he wanted. I just don’t know if he wants it.
This week, he’s not making his case already. He’s somewhere else, keeping his own council or biding his time. Regardless it doesn’t seem like the same confident TJ that’s been around before. If that’s the case, he might be vulnerable. If Lively’s right and TJ’s looking for a way out, then he’s a non-issue in this match. I’m not going to believe that until I see it. The most dangerous thing you can do is underestimate a big man in the ring. I’ve been hurt by far too many of them by doing that, so I’m not going to give TJ the chance.
He’s a big man, and I have to knock him out, so either it’ll find a way to hoist him up for a Chaotic Evolution or I’ll play to my strength and his weakness, use submissions, and apply a choke to put him out. Big men aren’t easy to beat, so you have to break them down bit by bit. That’s how you beat TJ if you can’t match him for power.
You don’t seem to lack for any confidence against your opponents here this week. What about the match itself? How do you feel about being in a gauntlet for a championship?
Logan smiles slightly.
It’s something a bit different than what I’m used to, although in APW there seems to be a fondness for matches with lots of people fighting, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to get used to it. It’s a tough match to handle regardless. Luck can play a huge factor in a gauntlet. Getting the last slot in the match would be fortunate. Having to start would not. I train for the worst though. If I have to open this match I’m comfortable with that. If I come in late I’ll focus on getting a quick finish.
There’s lots of pressure for me. Looking at history, Mannie and Lively have both won against me, so I have to work to overcome their challenge and not let it happen again. Williams might be due for a victory, so I can’t slip up and become his victim. TJ’s been a dominant champion, so I’ll have to derail him if I plan on picking up his championship. Combined, it’s a lot to overcome… but I believe I’m up to the challenge.
The one good thing about being under pressure is that those conditions can make diamonds, and diamonds are damn near unbreakable. That’s what I intend to be at Mayhem.
The scene freezes on them and then fades to black a few moments later.
It was at that point that we wrapped up our interview. It was nice to see Mark again and we talked some more about the past, but I’ve kept my focus on the present and future…
This is a huge opportunity for me. No one ever wants to squander one when it comes before them and I have four other people that surely feel the same.
Only one of us is walking away from this showdown, but who wants it more than I do? I can’t think of anyone who does, and I stand ready to prove them wrong if they think they do. I may not have anything to lose, but I’m going to definitely fight like I’ve got everything on the line. It’s the time to go for broke and be unbreakable.
“Why am I telling you this?” you may ask. It turned out I was contacted by someone I’d worked with in a prior federation, who’s covers wrestling events for an external organization which reports about many federations then publishes them. Seeing as this person is someone I knew, am willing to deal with, and not affiliated with APW, I was open to the idea of having a discussion with him. We’d done this before, and out of respect I decided to extend some courtesy and see how things went.
We see Logan Alexander step out into the main foyer of his training center, dressed in jeans and ‘A.M.D.T.C. trainer’ shirt, exiting one of the actual training areas, there he sees a guest examining pictures around the foyer. This guest is a middle-aged looking man dressed in a nice suit and dress shoes, with short dark, slightly greying hair, and carrying a bag over one shoulder. Logan starts walking over and once he draws near the man turns towards him. He smiles as he extends one hand.
Logan Alexander.
Logan takes hold of the offered hand, shaking it firmly.
Mark Keller.
He smiles back and releases Mark’s hand.
Nice to see you again. It’s been a long time… Five years since Classic in 08.
That it has. It’s good to see that you’re still in this business after all these years.
It hasn’t been easy. I’ve almost been retired by injuries more than once. I keep finding reason to return. How have you been?
I miss some of the old days back in AWA. The backstage work was pretty good. Now I cover wrestling from a distance unless I get to conduct interviews with talent or take in a show as a spectator. I try to keep tabs on former AWA stars like you.
Logan laughs softly.
I was presentable for AWA. But it’s not really for me to judge if I was a star.
You were there. But I’d heard about your arrival in APW from some colleagues who also mentioned the A.C. Smith and Evan Harrison were there already. I started to watch, remembering some high profile matches with both of them back in the day.
Logan’s cheery expression falters slightly.
That was a long time ago and a lot has happened since then. I guess there’s always a chance there could be a continuation, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
He shakes his head and glances back towards the doors leading into the training area, then back to Mark.
Anyway, would you like to tour the school while you’re here? We can get down to business afterwards.
Mark smiles a bit more at that.
That sounds like a rather good offer.
The two of them head off into the school.
The scene transitions to a lounge elsewhere in the building where Mark and Logan are sitting in separate chairs chatting amicably.
You seem to have done quite well here.
This is where I hope to have my greatest success in the wrestling world. I’ll keep trying to be a star while working to create future stars. Nothing lasts forever, but I’d still like to create something beyond my own career.
Mark nods slightly.
I can understand that.
He then reaches down into his back and pulls out a notebook.
But for now, perhaps we can get to business.
You’re covering Mayhem, so hopefully you’re up to date on events in APW.
I wouldn’t be here to speak with you otherwise, Logan.
I like to be sure. I’ve always preferred to have as good an understanding about things as I can. It’s easier to prepare.
Of course.
He opens to a marked page in his book and readies a pen.
Anyway, those following Asylum know you’ll face off with “The Smooth One” William D. Williams, “The Main Attraction” Young Mannie, “The Jesus” Michael Lively, and “The Soul of Philly” TJ for the Knockout championship in a ‘Knockout rules’ gauntlet match at Mayhem. In the last few weeks, people said that you seemed disgruntled with your position on Asylum and the lack of opportunities available to you. So what’s your opinion on this match for the Knockout championship?
Everything considered, I’m glad I’m here and have this opportunity for a singles championship, regardless of which one. It represents forward progress. That’s something I take seriously to this day. I should show more patience on Asylum though. Considering the scheduling of shows and that I’ve only been a roster member for a couple of months, I’ve only had half a dozen matches. I probably shouldn’t get ahead of myself. But when I look around, I see others, who’ve been here a similar length of time, getting opportunities that I haven’t. So what should I think about that? I feel slighted. It feels like politics and that, regardless of where I go, I’m always fighting against the current.
Mark looks at him thoughtfully.
So you legitimately feel that you’re being held back by… someone in the company?
Logan frowns slightly.
I wouldn’t say ‘held back’. But perhaps unacknowledged for what I’ve done in comparison to others thus far. Look at the competitors in this gauntlet match for a moment. TJ, as the champion, requested this match. That’s his prerogative though. He can request matches like this. But how were the contenders decided? Whoever asked for a spot in the match was given it.
Usually the general manager would be involved in deciding the contenders. That results in a field of competitors being named to the match, like back in December with the last Tap Out gauntlet, or you’d have qualifier matches for the open slots. The former gives you contenders viewed as deserving of the opportunity. The latter gives you people who wanted the opportunity and fought for it more than others, so you get very competitive matches which create better champions.
What does making a championship first come, first serve do? You don’t have to earn your opportunity. You didn’t have to prove you deserve it. You just look for a handout and say, I want a title match. But title matches aren’t just supposed to be handed out to everyone who wants them. That’s the point. If you want to be a champion, you’re supposed to earn it.
So you don’t think everyone in this match deserves to be there? Aren’t they just stepping up to the challenge issued?
Stepping up for a challenge doesn’t mean you deserve that opportunity. It means you’re cutting in line to get ahead of competitors that may deserve the match, but don’t beg for it. I could have been there at the front of the line like Mannie and demanded my spot in the gauntlet. I’m undefeated on Asylum. I haven’t lost a match directly in three months and haven’t been beaten cleanly in five. Despite all of that, why would I deserve to be in this title match?
Mark considers this for a while.
Aren’t those good enough reasons?
Logan just shakes his head.
Not on their own. Mannie’s in the same boat. We’ve both won several matches but what sets us two apart is our drive and heart. The moment the easy route became available, he was all over it. He’s been taking the easiest route since returning to action. When he finally had success, he couldn’t hang onto it, because he can’t handle adversity. He only knows how to take shortcuts. Then he decided he won’t compete on Asylum for the foreseeable future because of his sponsors. How can you be a champion with an attitude like that and you duck everything that comes your way?
I didn’t beg for a gauntlet spot, because I would’ve been called out like I called him out. I waited and I was given an opportunity to earn my way in. I have no issue with working my way into title matches. I’ve had to earn every shot I’ve gotten in APW. Bringing you back to an earlier point, is it any surprise I have some bitterness? I always have to work for opportunities but others are given them for nothing.
Mark taps the end of his pen against his mouth for a few moments.
Hmmm… I do understand how frustrating that could feel. But that doesn’t make others less deserving of those opportunities.
Logan considers this before replying.
Possibly, but it reeks of favouritism. If we’re all judged on our merits, I would’ve had a Suicidal championship match a month ago or maybe I’d have been named a top contender to the Knockout championship along with Mannie, but that didn’t happen. All I have now is the feeling I’m being overlooked and that translates into the knowledge that I may only get one championship opportunity and I’ll have to make it count.
Some people might look at that and figure I need to win this match and think that’ll give them an advantage, thinking I’ll be more prone to mistakes or something, but it gives me a stronger sense of motivation and when things get difficult I’ll use that desperation to push myself even further. Desperation doesn’t make me reckless. It makes me push harder for victory.
I do remember seeing that in your time in the AWA. There were few people that could match you in such a state.
True. But that’s the past. What was true then doesn’t always hold for the present. Someone else in this match should know that.
That would be Michael Lively?
Logan nods slowly.
He’s a grand slam champion in APW. It’s something he is right to be proud of, but he needs to wake up and realize those glory days are several years removed. He isn’t the dominant force he believes himself to be nowadays. He’s confident to the point of arrogance and deeply flawed in the ring.
He has had some success during his return to APW though.
He certainly has. Former North American champion and holds a victory over Level One and C.J. Gates. But what else has he done in the year he’s been around?
He snorts softly.
Former champion, but his work ethic sucked. He’s clearly coasting on old glory. If he was half as dominant as he claimed, he’d have run over all competition on Meltdown rather than getting beaten every other week. He can be good, he’s shown that, but he’s wildly inconsistent. That’s part of the problem with being arrogant. When you don’t take your opponents seriously you don’t bring your best to the fight and you run the risk of getting shown up. Lively has made a habit of getting shown up. Instead of preparing, he’d rather talk about his balls… like that has any relevance. It’s like dealing with an adolescent. He just doesn’t understand his glaring shortcomings and can never fix them. As a result, he’s most likely going to have to deal with another outing where he’s going to have his balls busted by competition that wants the victory more than he does. But he should be used to that by now.
Well, you’ve addressed half of your competition this week. What are your thoughts about William D. Williams?
Logan lapses into silence as he considers his response.
Honestly, I feel sorry for him.
He lets out a breath.
He’s hooked up with a pair of self-destructive competitors, so it’s no wonder he’s coming up short in his own endeavours alongside them.
I legitimately am sad for Jair Hopkins. It’s always saddening to hear about someone that puts themselves through something like that for whatever reason or even accidentally. If he has some sort of condition that’s the cause, I hope he can be helped through it. Bailey seems so hung up in his own personal crusades and busy defending his image that you have to wonder just when he’s going to go right off the deep end. What does that leave Williams with? His partners have their own problems and demons to fight with. Bailey sided with them to help elevate newcomers and give back. So where’s his help for Williams? I can’t say that I’ve seen improvement. He’s trying, but he’s not moving ahead. Ultimately, that’s going to be his story in this match.
I have no ill will towards Williams. He’s an obstacle in my path and I’m going to do to him what I’d do to anyone else that is in my way, nothing more and nothing less. I am a bit disappointed that he’s been quiet this week, but I figure that is a result of what has happened with Hopkins. He’ll either come with his best or he won’t. Either way, I’m going for a knockout and victory.
Mark regards him quietly through all this.
Doesn’t that seem rather cold-hearted?
Logan nods.
Very much so, but I’m not going to pretend that I’m his best friend nor make light of or exploit this situation. He wouldn’t believe the first, figuring it’s a set up of some sort, and I’m not heartless enough to do the second. It’s simply up to him to decide how to respond. I expect him to try and win this for Hopkins. I’m going to do what I can to prevent that if I face him. That’s just the facts.
Mark looks somewhat disappointed by that, but he continues ahead.
If you say so… What about the champion TJ? What are your thoughts about facing him?
I wonder where his head’s at. I was sure he’d have come out and set the tone to try and run the gauntlet. It was his idea. It’s only since Rasslemania that he’s lost momentum. He was beaten by Terry Marvin twice and then lost to Aubrey. I wouldn’t say those are losses to be ashamed about, if that’s what’s bothering him. Until the hottest competitor in APW strolled into Asylum, TJ was on a roll himself. He’s beaten all comers for months. I have no doubts that most people think he could sweep this gauntlet if he wanted. I just don’t know if he wants it.
This week, he’s not making his case already. He’s somewhere else, keeping his own council or biding his time. Regardless it doesn’t seem like the same confident TJ that’s been around before. If that’s the case, he might be vulnerable. If Lively’s right and TJ’s looking for a way out, then he’s a non-issue in this match. I’m not going to believe that until I see it. The most dangerous thing you can do is underestimate a big man in the ring. I’ve been hurt by far too many of them by doing that, so I’m not going to give TJ the chance.
He’s a big man, and I have to knock him out, so either it’ll find a way to hoist him up for a Chaotic Evolution or I’ll play to my strength and his weakness, use submissions, and apply a choke to put him out. Big men aren’t easy to beat, so you have to break them down bit by bit. That’s how you beat TJ if you can’t match him for power.
You don’t seem to lack for any confidence against your opponents here this week. What about the match itself? How do you feel about being in a gauntlet for a championship?
Logan smiles slightly.
It’s something a bit different than what I’m used to, although in APW there seems to be a fondness for matches with lots of people fighting, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to get used to it. It’s a tough match to handle regardless. Luck can play a huge factor in a gauntlet. Getting the last slot in the match would be fortunate. Having to start would not. I train for the worst though. If I have to open this match I’m comfortable with that. If I come in late I’ll focus on getting a quick finish.
There’s lots of pressure for me. Looking at history, Mannie and Lively have both won against me, so I have to work to overcome their challenge and not let it happen again. Williams might be due for a victory, so I can’t slip up and become his victim. TJ’s been a dominant champion, so I’ll have to derail him if I plan on picking up his championship. Combined, it’s a lot to overcome… but I believe I’m up to the challenge.
The one good thing about being under pressure is that those conditions can make diamonds, and diamonds are damn near unbreakable. That’s what I intend to be at Mayhem.
The scene freezes on them and then fades to black a few moments later.
It was at that point that we wrapped up our interview. It was nice to see Mark again and we talked some more about the past, but I’ve kept my focus on the present and future…
This is a huge opportunity for me. No one ever wants to squander one when it comes before them and I have four other people that surely feel the same.
Only one of us is walking away from this showdown, but who wants it more than I do? I can’t think of anyone who does, and I stand ready to prove them wrong if they think they do. I may not have anything to lose, but I’m going to definitely fight like I’ve got everything on the line. It’s the time to go for broke and be unbreakable.
