Post by biggs on Jun 29, 2013 0:33:49 GMT -4
“BIGGS! BIGGS! BIGGS!”
The crowd is chanting my name while clapping in unison. It’s impressive to hear and see, and I swear, it’s shaking the very foundation of the coliseum itself. It’s easy to appreciate this kind of a reaction from the crowd, even as I stand above the vanquished remains of my foe, Johnny Rebel. It was a hard fought victory, but one that earned me a spot in the top ten. I smile, despite the pain I’m in, despite the fact that I’m covered with blood and sweat, and that sand is getting into places I’d rather it not, namely my wounds. I smile, despite the raging heat that causes the sun to glimmer off of my short sword and shield. Still, I have no time to celebrate, as there is still much ahead of me.
As I wait down in the staging area, I hear the names of more gladiators who have fought their way through the ranks, joining the elite ten who will comprise the Test for the Best tournament. I am relieved to hear that one of those brave souls moving on is my good friend, C.J. Gates. I see the guards carry the body of Delikado by as my friend is escorted back to his holding cell across from mine.
”Friend, it is good to see that you are still alive,” I say, nodding in his direction.
”Aye, friend, it is good to see you as well,” he replies. ”Still, if it comes to pass that we meet in the arena, I’m sad to say that our friendship will not stay my hand if I have to defeat you to move on.”
”I understand, and respond in kind. Still, best of luck my friend.”
”And to you as well,” C.J. responds. He nods, and then heads to the bench in his cell, laying down to rest before the next round.
Later on, I find myself waiting in one of the ten tunnels leading to the arena floor. Despite the fact that I’m enveloped in shade, it is still incredibly hot out. I’m already roasting in my bronze armor, my shield is already hot to the touch. I can even see heat lines forming above the sand. Endurance will be just as much my enemy today as those I will face in combat.
The crowd is stomping and clapping in the stands, shaking the arena once more. They are ready to see more carnage, more bloodshed. They are ready to see a fight. The sound of trumpets blare as I’m am escorted out of the tunnel into the sweltering heat. I immediately look up, and see Emperor Jeff, dressed in full regalia, including a pure white Tunic, and a maroon cape, along with the golden olive wreath upon his crown. This tournament is one of his most popular creations, a pageant that takes place every year. It’s one of the reasons why people love him so much.
His attendant announces my arrival. He’s a nervous, nebbish older man. ”Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the participants of the Test for the Best Tournament. Allow me to introduce first, Biggs!”
I raise my hand to wave to the crowd, drawing thunderous cheers. It truly is a sight and sound to behold, experiencing that many people reacting to something that I’m doing. It’s one of the reasons that I do this. Still, my moment is brief, as the attendant announces the other participants as they emerge from their respective tunnels.
”A.C. Smith!”
A towering, hulking man stands in the arena, drawing a positive response from the crowd. His golden armor glinting in the sun. He has armor over one arm, and a golden helmet concealing his face. In his free arm, he carries a spear. He’ll obviously have the reach advantage in this contest, not to mention size and strength. A dangerous competitor for sure.
”Nathanial Havok!”
As Havok enters the arena, he is greeted with a mixed reaction. He has built his reputation upon treachery, and has won many a match through deceit. He has claimed that that is all behind him, but we’ll see how true his words are on the field of battle.
”Jace Savage!”
Jace receives a mixed reaction as well, although it’s largely due to the fact that he’s new to top level competition in the arena. His silver armor shines bright, and he brandishes a short sword, just like me. Still, I have heard great things of his rise up the ranks, and will not make the mistake of overlooking him because he is young.
”Robina Hood!”
The crowd lets Robina have it, despite the fact that she’s a woman. Woman are rare in this sport, although not unheard of. She has an arrogance about her that the crowd does not appreciate, nor do I. Much like Jace, though, she has quickly risen up the ranks. Her weapon is a large wooden club. It’s not pretty, but it’s effective.
”Jair Hopkins!”
There are more cheers as Hopkins steps out from his tunnel, clad in glowing golden armor. He has a swagger about him, but unlike Robina, it’s not because he hypes himself up. Rather, it’s because he’s just that good. Jair is one of those competitors that you don’t hear too much about, but one that you know that if he’s standing across from you, that you’re in for a tough battle.
”Representing The New Sindicate, Logan Alexander!”
Logan steps out of his tunnel to loud boos. He’s a battle hardened veteran. You can see the years of experience in his face and in his scars. Still, he’s not only survived this long, he has thrived. Another dangerous adversary.
”Also representing The New Sindicate, Aubrey J. Parker!”
More jeers from the crowd as AJP exits her tunnel and enters the arena. Not too long ago, she was one of the most popular gladiators to step foot in the arena, drawing the admiration of the people. Those days are long gone. However, one thing that is not gone is her bond with Logan Alexander. There is no doubt that the two of them will help each other out in any way that they can, at least until it comes down to the two of them facing off against one another.
”And also representing the New Sindicate, Christian Kane!”
Kane swivels his hips as he enters the arena, full of bravado and crassness. Just like his fellow New Sindicate members, he’s clad in silver armor, with a blood red tunic beneath. I can tell just by looking at Kane that he’s not taking this battle seriously, that he’s more concerned with putting on a good show rather than winning the whole thing. If he stands before me, I will make him pay.
”And finally, C.J. Gates!”
As C.J. enters the arena, the crowd erupts. He is certainly the odds on favorite heading in, not to mention the favorite of the fans. As much as I don’t want to fight my friend, I know that if I want to legitimately win this whole thing, it’s very likely that my path will cross his. I know that he will give me no quarter, no shall he ask for any in return.
With all ten of us in the arena, Jeff stands to his feet, and raises his hand to silence the crowd. There is an immediate hush over the arena.
”My congratulations to each of you for making it this far in the Test for the Best. Before you, you see nine other men and women who want the same thing that you do: Immortality. Win the Test for the Best, and your name shall be forever etched into history. Not only that, but you shall receive a chance to take on one of the top two Gladiators here. Win and you shall face either Terry Marvin!”
The crowd boos as Jeff motions to his left, where Terry Marvin is seated in a luxurious sofa that is second only to Jeff’s throne. Terry has a smug look on his face, and nods approvingly towards his lackeys in the New Sindicate. Obviously, he’s pulling for one of them to win this.
”Or Level-One!”
Jeff points to his right, where Level-One is reclined on a soft couch, being fanned by two beautiful women holding palm branches. They appear to be twins. I glare at Level-One. I have faced him before in the arena, and it shames me to say that I was defeated at his hands. It was only by the mercy of the crowd that I have the chance to even stand in the arena today, although it was a long road to recovery after the beating I took from him. If I win this, when I win this, I’m going straight for him.
Jeff raises his hand again to silence to crowd, before continuing with his speech, ”Ten of you remain, but only one of you will remain standing by the end of this. Only the Best shall survive!”
The weight of his words aren’t lost on me, and I’m sure it’s not lost on any of my opponents. In mere seconds, all decorum, all civility will be thrown out. Any pretense of friendship or loyalty shall be torn asunder. Only one of us can win this. Only one of us will survive.
”Without further ado, let us start the Test for the Best! FIGHT!”
The world becomes a blur, and the sound of the fans a buzz, as I rush headlong into battle. I don’t know exactly what this fight will bring, what chaos, what strife. I don’t know if I’m fully healed from my defeat to Level-One. Still, I must put that in the back of my mind, because the battle has already started! My sword clashes with that of one of my opponents, and at this moment, nothing else matters.
I must become the Best…
The crowd is chanting my name while clapping in unison. It’s impressive to hear and see, and I swear, it’s shaking the very foundation of the coliseum itself. It’s easy to appreciate this kind of a reaction from the crowd, even as I stand above the vanquished remains of my foe, Johnny Rebel. It was a hard fought victory, but one that earned me a spot in the top ten. I smile, despite the pain I’m in, despite the fact that I’m covered with blood and sweat, and that sand is getting into places I’d rather it not, namely my wounds. I smile, despite the raging heat that causes the sun to glimmer off of my short sword and shield. Still, I have no time to celebrate, as there is still much ahead of me.
As I wait down in the staging area, I hear the names of more gladiators who have fought their way through the ranks, joining the elite ten who will comprise the Test for the Best tournament. I am relieved to hear that one of those brave souls moving on is my good friend, C.J. Gates. I see the guards carry the body of Delikado by as my friend is escorted back to his holding cell across from mine.
”Friend, it is good to see that you are still alive,” I say, nodding in his direction.
”Aye, friend, it is good to see you as well,” he replies. ”Still, if it comes to pass that we meet in the arena, I’m sad to say that our friendship will not stay my hand if I have to defeat you to move on.”
”I understand, and respond in kind. Still, best of luck my friend.”
”And to you as well,” C.J. responds. He nods, and then heads to the bench in his cell, laying down to rest before the next round.
~*~*~
Later on, I find myself waiting in one of the ten tunnels leading to the arena floor. Despite the fact that I’m enveloped in shade, it is still incredibly hot out. I’m already roasting in my bronze armor, my shield is already hot to the touch. I can even see heat lines forming above the sand. Endurance will be just as much my enemy today as those I will face in combat.
The crowd is stomping and clapping in the stands, shaking the arena once more. They are ready to see more carnage, more bloodshed. They are ready to see a fight. The sound of trumpets blare as I’m am escorted out of the tunnel into the sweltering heat. I immediately look up, and see Emperor Jeff, dressed in full regalia, including a pure white Tunic, and a maroon cape, along with the golden olive wreath upon his crown. This tournament is one of his most popular creations, a pageant that takes place every year. It’s one of the reasons why people love him so much.
His attendant announces my arrival. He’s a nervous, nebbish older man. ”Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the participants of the Test for the Best Tournament. Allow me to introduce first, Biggs!”
I raise my hand to wave to the crowd, drawing thunderous cheers. It truly is a sight and sound to behold, experiencing that many people reacting to something that I’m doing. It’s one of the reasons that I do this. Still, my moment is brief, as the attendant announces the other participants as they emerge from their respective tunnels.
”A.C. Smith!”
A towering, hulking man stands in the arena, drawing a positive response from the crowd. His golden armor glinting in the sun. He has armor over one arm, and a golden helmet concealing his face. In his free arm, he carries a spear. He’ll obviously have the reach advantage in this contest, not to mention size and strength. A dangerous competitor for sure.
”Nathanial Havok!”
As Havok enters the arena, he is greeted with a mixed reaction. He has built his reputation upon treachery, and has won many a match through deceit. He has claimed that that is all behind him, but we’ll see how true his words are on the field of battle.
”Jace Savage!”
Jace receives a mixed reaction as well, although it’s largely due to the fact that he’s new to top level competition in the arena. His silver armor shines bright, and he brandishes a short sword, just like me. Still, I have heard great things of his rise up the ranks, and will not make the mistake of overlooking him because he is young.
”Robina Hood!”
The crowd lets Robina have it, despite the fact that she’s a woman. Woman are rare in this sport, although not unheard of. She has an arrogance about her that the crowd does not appreciate, nor do I. Much like Jace, though, she has quickly risen up the ranks. Her weapon is a large wooden club. It’s not pretty, but it’s effective.
”Jair Hopkins!”
There are more cheers as Hopkins steps out from his tunnel, clad in glowing golden armor. He has a swagger about him, but unlike Robina, it’s not because he hypes himself up. Rather, it’s because he’s just that good. Jair is one of those competitors that you don’t hear too much about, but one that you know that if he’s standing across from you, that you’re in for a tough battle.
”Representing The New Sindicate, Logan Alexander!”
Logan steps out of his tunnel to loud boos. He’s a battle hardened veteran. You can see the years of experience in his face and in his scars. Still, he’s not only survived this long, he has thrived. Another dangerous adversary.
”Also representing The New Sindicate, Aubrey J. Parker!”
More jeers from the crowd as AJP exits her tunnel and enters the arena. Not too long ago, she was one of the most popular gladiators to step foot in the arena, drawing the admiration of the people. Those days are long gone. However, one thing that is not gone is her bond with Logan Alexander. There is no doubt that the two of them will help each other out in any way that they can, at least until it comes down to the two of them facing off against one another.
”And also representing the New Sindicate, Christian Kane!”
Kane swivels his hips as he enters the arena, full of bravado and crassness. Just like his fellow New Sindicate members, he’s clad in silver armor, with a blood red tunic beneath. I can tell just by looking at Kane that he’s not taking this battle seriously, that he’s more concerned with putting on a good show rather than winning the whole thing. If he stands before me, I will make him pay.
”And finally, C.J. Gates!”
As C.J. enters the arena, the crowd erupts. He is certainly the odds on favorite heading in, not to mention the favorite of the fans. As much as I don’t want to fight my friend, I know that if I want to legitimately win this whole thing, it’s very likely that my path will cross his. I know that he will give me no quarter, no shall he ask for any in return.
With all ten of us in the arena, Jeff stands to his feet, and raises his hand to silence the crowd. There is an immediate hush over the arena.
”My congratulations to each of you for making it this far in the Test for the Best. Before you, you see nine other men and women who want the same thing that you do: Immortality. Win the Test for the Best, and your name shall be forever etched into history. Not only that, but you shall receive a chance to take on one of the top two Gladiators here. Win and you shall face either Terry Marvin!”
The crowd boos as Jeff motions to his left, where Terry Marvin is seated in a luxurious sofa that is second only to Jeff’s throne. Terry has a smug look on his face, and nods approvingly towards his lackeys in the New Sindicate. Obviously, he’s pulling for one of them to win this.
”Or Level-One!”
Jeff points to his right, where Level-One is reclined on a soft couch, being fanned by two beautiful women holding palm branches. They appear to be twins. I glare at Level-One. I have faced him before in the arena, and it shames me to say that I was defeated at his hands. It was only by the mercy of the crowd that I have the chance to even stand in the arena today, although it was a long road to recovery after the beating I took from him. If I win this, when I win this, I’m going straight for him.
Jeff raises his hand again to silence to crowd, before continuing with his speech, ”Ten of you remain, but only one of you will remain standing by the end of this. Only the Best shall survive!”
The weight of his words aren’t lost on me, and I’m sure it’s not lost on any of my opponents. In mere seconds, all decorum, all civility will be thrown out. Any pretense of friendship or loyalty shall be torn asunder. Only one of us can win this. Only one of us will survive.
”Without further ado, let us start the Test for the Best! FIGHT!”
The world becomes a blur, and the sound of the fans a buzz, as I rush headlong into battle. I don’t know exactly what this fight will bring, what chaos, what strife. I don’t know if I’m fully healed from my defeat to Level-One. Still, I must put that in the back of my mind, because the battle has already started! My sword clashes with that of one of my opponents, and at this moment, nothing else matters.
I must become the Best…
***
”Just two more nights. Two more nights until the Test for the Best tournament, two more nights until I get my shot at making history.”
“The fact of the matter is that in APW, short of winning either the APW World Heavyweight Championship or Undisputed Championship, the two biggest accomplishments you can achieve are winning Survive & Conquer or winning Test for the Best! The fact that they only come around once a year raises the significance of the feat. In both cases, you’re fighting against huge odds, in Survive & Conquer, taking on 100 wrestlers from all over the world of wrestling in one match, or in Test for the Best, fighting your way through the APW roster over the course of a month just to have a chance to compete in three matches in one night, with a shot at the title up for grabs.”
“Not everybody can qualify for Test for the Best, and even more, from that exclusive group, only one can go on to win the whole darn thing.”
“This will be my third chance at competing in the Test for the Best Tournament. I know there’s the old cliché that the Third Time is the Charm, but the fact of the matter is that just showing up in the tournament a lot of times doesn’t mean that you somehow deserve to win it. No, whoever ends up winning this tournament will have earned it. It’s hard enough fighting one match here in APW, the level of competition is just that great. It’s even harder to win that one match.”
“Now imagine trying to win three matches against three top shelf opponents, all within the span of just over three hours. Just thinking about it is exhausting! In my prior two tries, I was not able to accomplish this, and although in both cases, I was eliminated by the eventual winner of the tournament those years, there’s no solace in being able to say, ‘Well hey, at least I lost to the person who won it all!’ Not at all.”
“Because Test for the Best is that big of a deal. Test for the Best is one of those nights where every match in the tournament has a big fight feel. I don’t care who you have matched up, Test for the Best has a way of bringing out the best in everybody, because nobody wants to lose in the first round. Fewer people want to lose in the second round. And absolutely nobody in the world wants to make it to the finals just to come up short. Everyone who is fighting in this tournament simply wants to the be known as the Best. And Test for the Best is one of those rare things that you can point to and say, yes, the person who won that is the Best!”
“In so much of our world, being the Best is a very subjective thing. Best Picture at the Oscars. Best Album at the Grammys. Best Drama or Comedy at the Emmys. All of these are subject to a popular vote, most of them from rich, old white men. Obviously, their idea of what is the best movie, music or show is going to be different from Joe Sixpack’s stance. Heck, I could stand here all day, going blue to the face talking about how I think Doctor Who is just about the best show ever, or that The Killers are the best band that I’ve ever heard, but at the end of the day, those are just my opinions.”
“In a tournament like Test for the Best, when the dust settles, when the last match has been fought, and the 1, 2, 3 has been counted or the tap out called, there is no question who the Best really is. It is the man or woman standing in the center of the ring with their arm being raised.”
“I know that if I want to be the man with my arm being raised in the center of the ring this Sunday, I’m going to have to fight through Hell and back. I’m going to have to have the fight of my life not once, not twice, but three times! The field of ten this year is one of the best fields in Test for the Best history. Every single of us earned our spot in the tourney, all of us have already fought through so much just to make it to this point, that none of us will just roll over and give up.”
“Well maybe Christian Kane. The fact is that in the lead up to the Tournament, it’s probably been the most consistent he’s been since he got here to APW. Well, Christian, at APW, I fully expect for the other shoe to drop, and I anticipate an early exit for you in the tournament. Why? Because we’re two days out from the biggest event of your career here in APW, and we haven’t even heard a peep from you! Through your actions, or lack thereof, it’s obvious that you aren’t taking this tournament seriously at all, which not only speaks negatively about your character, but it’s also a slap in the face to everyone else on the APW roster who fought so hard, only to come up short, while a guy who like you tries to coast in on the coattails of his buddies, and doesn’t even appreciate the chance he’s been given. Personally, I’d like to eliminate you myself, Christian.”
“Speaking about another person I’d love to eliminate personally, Nathaniel Havok, I want to ask you a question. Do you remember what happened on August 4th, 2011? Do you need me to jog your memory? Are you forgetting about that night just like everyone else has forgotten about your brief run as the World Heavyweight Champion, yourself included? On that night, Havok, you and I participated in a Triple Threat Battle of the Champions Match, along with the then Overdrive Champion, Johnny Rebel, and as I recall, I ended up winning that match. Not only did I win the match, but I did so by pinning you!”
“Havok, you really shouldn’t throw out broad generalities when you’re trying to trash talk your opponents, especially ones that can easily be fact checked. And I know that I’ve had my fair share of concussions, but’s it’s kind of sad how much better of a memory I have than you! Still, I don’t trust you, and I don’t trust what you’re trying to pull with the League of Extraordinary Wrestlers. If you think that I got to where I’m at today through politics, well, then I’d be more than happy to step into the ring and debate that fact with you with my fists! You’re a butthead, Havok, a plain and simple butthead.”
“Considering that I seem to be at the point where I’m running down my possible opponents for the tournament, I guess now would be as good a time as any to address Jace Savage. Jace, I haven’t seen much of your work, but what I’ve seen, I’ve liked. You’ve got a bright future ahead of you for sure, kid, but I can assure you, you’re not going to be making your future this Sunday night at my expense. If we do end up meeting in the ring, I’m going to show you why I’m a former APW Undisputed Champion and Three-Time Overdrive Champion.”
“Same goes for you, Robina Hood. Sure, you talk a big game, and you’ve even managed to fight your way through the Meltdown Roster to make it into the Test for the Best tournament. But let me tell you one thing, sweetheart, winning in Test for the Best is a whole lot different than qualifying for it! There’s a reason why people get called up from Meltdown to Overdrive or Sunday Night Raab-A-Mania. Gosh I hate that name. Still, back to my point, you will undoubtedly face some shell shock at just how different the level of competition is as you move up. Like I said, you talk a big game, Robina, but can you back it up in the ring against nine of the best APW has to offer?”
“Logan and Aubrey, or the two respectable members of The New Sindicate, at least respectable in terms of your in-ring work ethic. Simply put, I would love for the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with either one or both of you. You are two of the best on Sunday Night Raab-A-, you know what, I refuse to refer to it by that ridiculous name anymore, you are two of the best in-ring competitors in the Asylum! Your respective attitudes suck, but there’s no denying your talent in the ring. Both of you have had success as a team and on the individual level, but just remember, there are no friends in Test for the Best, only opponents.”
“On that note, C.J. Gates, I’ve got to be honest, bud, you’re the best friend I’ve got here in APW. And while we really haven’t had as much of a chance as to build traction as the Space Cowboys as we would have liked thus far, I’m not going to complain about the fact that both of us have qualified for Test for the Best. Unlike in years past, where we could count on there being an Overdrive Bracket and an Asylum Bracket, this year that’s not in effect. Considering the format of the tournament this year, where we have no idea what the brackets are shaped like, I’ll be honest, there is nobody I would rather face in the finals than you. It could happen, and I hope it happens!”
“Since I’m running out of time, Jair Hopkins and AC Smith, I hate to clump you together, but I’m going to have to. I greatly respect what each of you brings to this tournament, and more importantly, I respect how you carry yourselves in this business. Neither one of you points to yourselves and yells,’ LOOK AT ME! I’M IMPORTANT!’ Rather, both of you go out to that ring, and let your work do the talking. I tip my hat to both of you, and wish you both the very best of luck.”
“But not too much luck, because in all honesty, I have every intention of leaving Orlando, Florida, as the winner of Test for the Best 2013! Let’s be honest here, even though I’m only 28 years of age, I’m not the spring chicken I once was. The wars I’ve fought, the hell I’ve been through over my 10 year career, well, it’s all starting to add up. The Hell-in-a-Cell Match I fought with Level-One at RassleMania is just one of the many career shortening match I’ve partaken in. Realistically, this may be one of my last chances to get a shot at one of the top belts. I cannot waste this opportunity. I will not waste this opportunity!”
“My body may be breaking down on me faster than I would like. I have three major concussions to my name, and probably more that have gone undetected, and yet my spirit remains strong! I am ready and willing to face any challenge that comes my way this Sunday night! And I will face these challenges the same way I’ve faced them for years, with speed, with skill, with finesse. My conditioning, both mental and physical, is second to none! And perhaps most importantly, I have confidence that I can and will achieve my goals this Sunday!”
“The first time I was in Test for the Best, I was just happy to be there! The second time, I had a bad draw in the first round. This time, there are no excuses. There is no other acceptable outcome than victory in all three matches!”
“Will my head hold up? Can I avoid another concussion, especially in wrestling three matches in one night? At this point, I rightly don’t care! I invite any and all of my opponents to target my head. You’re all going to attack it anyways! Just know that in Test for the Best, there is no such thing as an easy win, unless your name is Christian Kane. I know that after my first match, I’m going to be fighting hurt. But then again, so are all of my opponents! Test for the Best isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. If you want to win, you have to dig down to deep, and pull yourself up to a level that you’ve never been to before. And nothing helps you do be able to dig better than some good ol’ fashioned adversity! I say bring it on!”
“Anyone who knows me, knows that I am hell-bent at paying Level-One back for what he did to me at RassleMania! Considering that he is the World Heavyweight Champion, and that they don’t hand out title shots like candy around here in APW, this is my best shot at getting back at him. And last time I checked, I’m undefeated in title matches against Level-One! So when I win Test for the Best, when I’m coming for you, Lester, you better appreciate that title around your waist. Because even though you scoff it now, you won’t realize what you really had until it was gone. I guarantee it!”
“In two nights, history will be made. In two nights, the ten of us remaining in Test for the Best will do battle like the Gladiators of old. And while we won’t be fighting in the sand under the heat of the sun, we will wage our war on the canvas under the heat of the bright lights!”
“Only one of us can win Test for the Best.”
“Only one of us can become a legend.”
“I don’t know about y’all, but my money is on the one guy in the tournament who is quite simply OUT OF THIS WORLD, me!”
”Just two more nights. Two more nights until the Test for the Best tournament, two more nights until I get my shot at making history.”
“The fact of the matter is that in APW, short of winning either the APW World Heavyweight Championship or Undisputed Championship, the two biggest accomplishments you can achieve are winning Survive & Conquer or winning Test for the Best! The fact that they only come around once a year raises the significance of the feat. In both cases, you’re fighting against huge odds, in Survive & Conquer, taking on 100 wrestlers from all over the world of wrestling in one match, or in Test for the Best, fighting your way through the APW roster over the course of a month just to have a chance to compete in three matches in one night, with a shot at the title up for grabs.”
“Not everybody can qualify for Test for the Best, and even more, from that exclusive group, only one can go on to win the whole darn thing.”
“This will be my third chance at competing in the Test for the Best Tournament. I know there’s the old cliché that the Third Time is the Charm, but the fact of the matter is that just showing up in the tournament a lot of times doesn’t mean that you somehow deserve to win it. No, whoever ends up winning this tournament will have earned it. It’s hard enough fighting one match here in APW, the level of competition is just that great. It’s even harder to win that one match.”
“Now imagine trying to win three matches against three top shelf opponents, all within the span of just over three hours. Just thinking about it is exhausting! In my prior two tries, I was not able to accomplish this, and although in both cases, I was eliminated by the eventual winner of the tournament those years, there’s no solace in being able to say, ‘Well hey, at least I lost to the person who won it all!’ Not at all.”
“Because Test for the Best is that big of a deal. Test for the Best is one of those nights where every match in the tournament has a big fight feel. I don’t care who you have matched up, Test for the Best has a way of bringing out the best in everybody, because nobody wants to lose in the first round. Fewer people want to lose in the second round. And absolutely nobody in the world wants to make it to the finals just to come up short. Everyone who is fighting in this tournament simply wants to the be known as the Best. And Test for the Best is one of those rare things that you can point to and say, yes, the person who won that is the Best!”
“In so much of our world, being the Best is a very subjective thing. Best Picture at the Oscars. Best Album at the Grammys. Best Drama or Comedy at the Emmys. All of these are subject to a popular vote, most of them from rich, old white men. Obviously, their idea of what is the best movie, music or show is going to be different from Joe Sixpack’s stance. Heck, I could stand here all day, going blue to the face talking about how I think Doctor Who is just about the best show ever, or that The Killers are the best band that I’ve ever heard, but at the end of the day, those are just my opinions.”
“In a tournament like Test for the Best, when the dust settles, when the last match has been fought, and the 1, 2, 3 has been counted or the tap out called, there is no question who the Best really is. It is the man or woman standing in the center of the ring with their arm being raised.”
“I know that if I want to be the man with my arm being raised in the center of the ring this Sunday, I’m going to have to fight through Hell and back. I’m going to have to have the fight of my life not once, not twice, but three times! The field of ten this year is one of the best fields in Test for the Best history. Every single of us earned our spot in the tourney, all of us have already fought through so much just to make it to this point, that none of us will just roll over and give up.”
“Well maybe Christian Kane. The fact is that in the lead up to the Tournament, it’s probably been the most consistent he’s been since he got here to APW. Well, Christian, at APW, I fully expect for the other shoe to drop, and I anticipate an early exit for you in the tournament. Why? Because we’re two days out from the biggest event of your career here in APW, and we haven’t even heard a peep from you! Through your actions, or lack thereof, it’s obvious that you aren’t taking this tournament seriously at all, which not only speaks negatively about your character, but it’s also a slap in the face to everyone else on the APW roster who fought so hard, only to come up short, while a guy who like you tries to coast in on the coattails of his buddies, and doesn’t even appreciate the chance he’s been given. Personally, I’d like to eliminate you myself, Christian.”
“Speaking about another person I’d love to eliminate personally, Nathaniel Havok, I want to ask you a question. Do you remember what happened on August 4th, 2011? Do you need me to jog your memory? Are you forgetting about that night just like everyone else has forgotten about your brief run as the World Heavyweight Champion, yourself included? On that night, Havok, you and I participated in a Triple Threat Battle of the Champions Match, along with the then Overdrive Champion, Johnny Rebel, and as I recall, I ended up winning that match. Not only did I win the match, but I did so by pinning you!”
“Havok, you really shouldn’t throw out broad generalities when you’re trying to trash talk your opponents, especially ones that can easily be fact checked. And I know that I’ve had my fair share of concussions, but’s it’s kind of sad how much better of a memory I have than you! Still, I don’t trust you, and I don’t trust what you’re trying to pull with the League of Extraordinary Wrestlers. If you think that I got to where I’m at today through politics, well, then I’d be more than happy to step into the ring and debate that fact with you with my fists! You’re a butthead, Havok, a plain and simple butthead.”
“Considering that I seem to be at the point where I’m running down my possible opponents for the tournament, I guess now would be as good a time as any to address Jace Savage. Jace, I haven’t seen much of your work, but what I’ve seen, I’ve liked. You’ve got a bright future ahead of you for sure, kid, but I can assure you, you’re not going to be making your future this Sunday night at my expense. If we do end up meeting in the ring, I’m going to show you why I’m a former APW Undisputed Champion and Three-Time Overdrive Champion.”
“Same goes for you, Robina Hood. Sure, you talk a big game, and you’ve even managed to fight your way through the Meltdown Roster to make it into the Test for the Best tournament. But let me tell you one thing, sweetheart, winning in Test for the Best is a whole lot different than qualifying for it! There’s a reason why people get called up from Meltdown to Overdrive or Sunday Night Raab-A-Mania. Gosh I hate that name. Still, back to my point, you will undoubtedly face some shell shock at just how different the level of competition is as you move up. Like I said, you talk a big game, Robina, but can you back it up in the ring against nine of the best APW has to offer?”
“Logan and Aubrey, or the two respectable members of The New Sindicate, at least respectable in terms of your in-ring work ethic. Simply put, I would love for the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with either one or both of you. You are two of the best on Sunday Night Raab-A-, you know what, I refuse to refer to it by that ridiculous name anymore, you are two of the best in-ring competitors in the Asylum! Your respective attitudes suck, but there’s no denying your talent in the ring. Both of you have had success as a team and on the individual level, but just remember, there are no friends in Test for the Best, only opponents.”
“On that note, C.J. Gates, I’ve got to be honest, bud, you’re the best friend I’ve got here in APW. And while we really haven’t had as much of a chance as to build traction as the Space Cowboys as we would have liked thus far, I’m not going to complain about the fact that both of us have qualified for Test for the Best. Unlike in years past, where we could count on there being an Overdrive Bracket and an Asylum Bracket, this year that’s not in effect. Considering the format of the tournament this year, where we have no idea what the brackets are shaped like, I’ll be honest, there is nobody I would rather face in the finals than you. It could happen, and I hope it happens!”
“Since I’m running out of time, Jair Hopkins and AC Smith, I hate to clump you together, but I’m going to have to. I greatly respect what each of you brings to this tournament, and more importantly, I respect how you carry yourselves in this business. Neither one of you points to yourselves and yells,’ LOOK AT ME! I’M IMPORTANT!’ Rather, both of you go out to that ring, and let your work do the talking. I tip my hat to both of you, and wish you both the very best of luck.”
“But not too much luck, because in all honesty, I have every intention of leaving Orlando, Florida, as the winner of Test for the Best 2013! Let’s be honest here, even though I’m only 28 years of age, I’m not the spring chicken I once was. The wars I’ve fought, the hell I’ve been through over my 10 year career, well, it’s all starting to add up. The Hell-in-a-Cell Match I fought with Level-One at RassleMania is just one of the many career shortening match I’ve partaken in. Realistically, this may be one of my last chances to get a shot at one of the top belts. I cannot waste this opportunity. I will not waste this opportunity!”
“My body may be breaking down on me faster than I would like. I have three major concussions to my name, and probably more that have gone undetected, and yet my spirit remains strong! I am ready and willing to face any challenge that comes my way this Sunday night! And I will face these challenges the same way I’ve faced them for years, with speed, with skill, with finesse. My conditioning, both mental and physical, is second to none! And perhaps most importantly, I have confidence that I can and will achieve my goals this Sunday!”
“The first time I was in Test for the Best, I was just happy to be there! The second time, I had a bad draw in the first round. This time, there are no excuses. There is no other acceptable outcome than victory in all three matches!”
“Will my head hold up? Can I avoid another concussion, especially in wrestling three matches in one night? At this point, I rightly don’t care! I invite any and all of my opponents to target my head. You’re all going to attack it anyways! Just know that in Test for the Best, there is no such thing as an easy win, unless your name is Christian Kane. I know that after my first match, I’m going to be fighting hurt. But then again, so are all of my opponents! Test for the Best isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. If you want to win, you have to dig down to deep, and pull yourself up to a level that you’ve never been to before. And nothing helps you do be able to dig better than some good ol’ fashioned adversity! I say bring it on!”
“Anyone who knows me, knows that I am hell-bent at paying Level-One back for what he did to me at RassleMania! Considering that he is the World Heavyweight Champion, and that they don’t hand out title shots like candy around here in APW, this is my best shot at getting back at him. And last time I checked, I’m undefeated in title matches against Level-One! So when I win Test for the Best, when I’m coming for you, Lester, you better appreciate that title around your waist. Because even though you scoff it now, you won’t realize what you really had until it was gone. I guarantee it!”
“In two nights, history will be made. In two nights, the ten of us remaining in Test for the Best will do battle like the Gladiators of old. And while we won’t be fighting in the sand under the heat of the sun, we will wage our war on the canvas under the heat of the bright lights!”
“Only one of us can win Test for the Best.”
“Only one of us can become a legend.”
“I don’t know about y’all, but my money is on the one guy in the tournament who is quite simply OUT OF THIS WORLD, me!”
