Post by gzavadak on Jul 10, 2013 23:52:12 GMT -4
If there is one thing that is constant in the life of every one of the Lord Thy God’s creations, it is that they will almost certainly be touched by the winds of change. But, the one thing that the petulant creature called man always seems to forget is that all of these changes stem from one source: the will of the Father. The only good thing that can possibly come from the road more traveled, choosing to question His decisions at every single turn, is the occasional answer. The mere fact that man always expects his questions to be answered puts his inherent sinfulness on full display.
That didn’t mean that “The Evangelist” Jerry Matthews didn’t at least have to hesitate before asking some important questions himself over the past ten days. The announcement of the Meltdown brand’s unfortunate demise. It had been quite awhile since his ministry had attained so much success so early. Marking the beginning of the end of the false impostor Legion’s career. Cleansing the brand’s roster of two of its more vile sinners in known homosexual London Carter and the wicked harlot herself Catherine Jewel. And, all the while, having the quiet, unrelenting, full support of the incumbent General Manager Sienna Harrison. She risked her own professional well-being by endorsing the Southern Baptist with such ferocity. At first, it looked like she might survive the media firestorm that the pastor’s remarks about London Carter had stirred up among the Babylonian liberal media. Which makes this announcement come at the oddest time, just when God’s Broadsword was booked for his first main event during his short APW career, the plug was pulled. It was a conclusion the holy man quickly came to, and he began to at least contemplate what the Lord could have in mind for him.
Especially when the bookings for his debut on Overdrive brand were announced. A “Prove Yourself” Battle Royal. Forcing him to show some chops, as if they had barely paid attention since his debut on the May 20 Meltdown Supershow. Apparently, President Jeff and the rest of the heathens that made up APW management would simply resort to the by now familiar tactic of stalling. All in an attempt to frustrate the good Reverend to the point where he moved on. That had been tried in any number of promotions, with the result ending in failure each time. And this time, there couldn’t have been better circumstances for motivation. The loss of what he viewed as the opportunity he deserved for the North American title and the chance to finally purify the Guv’nor and give the Meltdown fans the kind of champion they deserved. A champion who could lead each and every one of them to salvation and from the hells that awaited during the coming Armageddon. But, now, it was back to square one. There is no worse fury than that of the Lord’s carried on angel’s wings and delivered via “The Evangelist.”
Soon, Overdrive would be baptized with the blood of the Lamb, a fate that had originally been reserved for Meltdown. The first step along this path required Matthews to “prove” himself.
He, through the good grace of God the Father, was all too willing and able.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The scene opens to the office of the outgoing Meltdown General Manager herself, Sienna Harrison. She is sitting behind her desk, her head firmly buried in her hands. It’s as if she is still attempting to come to terms with the news of the brand’s eventual termination. In approximately one week, she would be out of a job when the final pin or submission was recorded. One could only speculate on the flurry of activity that was going through her head.
All of a sudden, the door to her office flies open, heralding the entry of the Reverend Jerry Matthews and his spiritual liaison, Deacon Jeremiah. Matthews is wearing a white cotton suit, his face still obscured by his mask. Jeremiah is wearing an all-black suit, his signature sunglasses matching perfectly. The pastor stops directly in front of her desk, the Deacon on his right. He attempts to console his biggest supporter in all of Action Packed Wrestling.
Jerry Matthews: Sister Sienna, what is troubling you?
Sienna Harrison had been shocked at the religious duo’s entry, and was paying close attention.
Sienna Harrison: Reverend, what makes you think that something is wrong?
Matthews shakes his head at what he perceives as a lack of trust.
Jerry Matthews: Sister, by now I thought our relationship was well past this. Don’t think that the Lord hasn’t noticed your sincere efforts of making amends. It’s only natural that he would make me aware of your overwhelming sense of dread. Please, I encourage you to share.
Sienna rises from her seat and brings her hair back out of her eyes. She takes a deep breath and opens her heart to the preacher’s inquiry.
Sienna Harrison: Reverend, I just don’t know what is to happen next for me. I would’ve never expected that Meltdown was going to be ended. I just keep wondering what I did to deserve this. And why the Lord would deprive of my chance to finally rid Meltdown of the Guv’nor.
Matthews nods as he listens to her confession, and takes a moment before responding.
Jerry Matthews: You must put all of your troubles, any of the concerns you might have at the feet of the Lord, Sienna. All of your frustration over this hurdle to your career. All overcome them.
Sienna Harrison: I suppose you’re right. I have allowed myself to stew over my troubles for too long. Thank you for taking the time to listen.
Jerry Matthews: It is my pleasure, sister.
Matthews and Jeremiah then both bow ceremoniously to the Meltdown General Manager.
Sienna Harrison: Now, what is it that I can do for the two of you? Needless to say, I didn’t expect this unannounced appointment.
Jerry Matthews: Allow me to apologize for my previous incursion. I didn’t mean for you to take offense. But, the reason for my visit is quite urgent, I assure you.
Sienna Harrison: Well, go on then.
Matthews cops a smile and leans down so his hands are resting on Sienna’s desk.
Jerry Matthews: Have you seen the next card for Overdrive?
Sienna Harrison: Of course, what about it?
Jerry Matthews: Well, I was wondering if you could offer me a plausible explanation as to why I am in a goddamned “Prove Yourself” Battle Royal!!! Opening the show when I just main evented on Meltdown!!!
Sienna is taken aback by the pastor’s outburst. She puts her right hand on her right hip and leans over to face the holy man eye to eye.
Sienna Harrison: What makes you think you can come into my office and demand anything!!! After all I’ve done for you! The full-fledged endorsement that carried you through the London Carter fiasco. All of the publicity I got you over the past six weeks. You’ve got some nerve, Reverend!!
Matthews stares directly into Sienna’s fiery scowl.
Jerry Matthews: No doubt about it. When you talk so much of fire, brimstone, and destruction, no doubt a little of it gets ingrained into you somewhere down the line. But, I think you at least owe me an explanation.
Sienna remains silent until her facial features soften a bit.
Sienna Harrison: If you think for one second that I wavered in my support of you, you couldn’t be more wrong. I did everything I could to make sure they knew what they had with you, but I guess that President Jeff doesn’t share my unbridled enthusiasm.
Matthews takes a step back from the desk.
Jerry Matthews: I should’ve guessed. No doubt this is some sort of punishment for my claims that he was a firm practitioner of nepotism. Yet, any time someone watches Ron Rufio in the ring, you couldn’t ask for a better example of that exact type of conduct.
Matthews, Jeremiah and Sienna all share a laugh at Rufio’s expense.
Sienna Harrison: You know that if I had it my way, you’d be a lot farther along in your mission. But, now, who knows what happens to either of us?
Jerry Matthews begins to laugh again, and Sienna can’t help but stare awkwardly at him.
Sienna Harrison: I don’t get it, what’s so funny?
Matthews stops laughing before answering.
Jerry Matthews: Sister, I’m surprised. By now, after all of the time we’ve spent, you should know better than anyone that the Lord always watches over his flock. Granted, the closing of Meltdown has set us both back temporarily, don’t doubt that the Lord has better things in mind for you and for me. To put it simply, continue your prayers, and soon you will receive your answer.
Sienna reaches out and grabs the pastor’s left hand in both of hers.
Sienna Harrison: Thank you, Reverend. Though I’m still fearful of what’s to come, it feels as if a burden has been lifted off of my shoulders. I think I owe that to you and the repeated encouragement you give me.
Jerry Matthews: None of this is my doing, you need only thank yourself. Now, let us pray.
Matthews, Jeremiah and Harrison all join hands and bow their heads for a moment of prayer. Once they are finished, Matthews makes the sign of the cross and the scene fades to black.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The scene opens to the backstage area of the North Charleston Coliseum. A Thursday Night Overdrive banner is prominently displayed, but not nearly as much as the pulpit “The Evangelist” Jerry Matthews stands behind. The pulpit bears an insignia on the front, that of two burning swords forming a cross, the vertical sword coming down through the head of a large serpent in a particularly gruesome fashion. Matthews is wearing a white cotton suit and he is bearing an uncharacteristic grin on his face before addressing his congregation.
Jerry Matthews: Brothers and sisters of the faithful, thank you for taking the time out of your day to share this time of fellowship with me. And, despite all that has transpired over the past ten days in APW, I find myself in a state craving renewal. The kind that I hope to find when I debut for all you in a short time on Overdrive. It’s a greener pasture, a move that I have come to eagerly anticipate after hours of contemplation. Sure, I missed a chance at the North American Championship and finally getting a shot at the Guv’nor, but if God is willing to grant me another opportunity, undoubtedly it will come to pass. Praise him!
Matthews makes the sign of the cross after pointing upwards.
Jerry Matthews: Undoubtedly, the very concept of this match, proving oneself worthy of future opportunities, has stirred up a storm cloud of resentment and anger. Man, as a whole, doesn’t respond very well when being put on the spot in such a fashion. Every other competitor will no doubt walk into this match with a chip on their shoulders, taking the need to “prove” themselves to heart. All so that President Jeff will jump for joy as his various investments dance for him. I share no such feelings.
"I feel no need to “prove” myself to APW management. My resume should speak for itself. Especially when I have yet to be pinned or submitted since the night I debuted. I have nothing left to prove, and that’s because I continuously am given the opportunity to prove myself before the Lord God himself. Every time that I step into the squared circle, every time I work to save yet another soul from eternal damnation, I must prove my mettle. And, with all of the blessings he has chosen to shower me with, I continue to do so. As long as I remain in the Lord’s favor, there is no need to prove anything else for the rest of my short existence on these earthly plains. Because I, just like the rest of the Lord’s flock, can look forward to forever dining with him and the rest of the saints at His table forever and ever. Amen."
Matthews bows his head for a few seconds of prayer. Once he has finished, he reaches into his suit pocket, and pulls out a small, leather-bound Bible. He thumps it down on the pulpit and turns to the passage for this week’s reading.
Jerry Matthews: As mentioned, I lost a lot when President Jeff announced the end of Meltdown. But, mourning over something does you no good, either here on earth, or in the afterlife. One need look no further than the Book of Joshua during the Israelite campaign to conquer the Holy Land from the heathen peoples that claimed it as their own.
"During the campaign, the Israelites, commanded by Joshua, encircled the Canaanite city of Ai. They attempted to storm the walls, but sixteen were killed, and the assault failed once Joshua ordered a retreat. A good deal of Israelites, Joshua included, mourned the passing of their brothers, dressing in burlap sacks and covering their heads with dirt. That is, until….."
Matthews pounds his fist on the pulpit.
Jerry Matthews: The Lord came to Joshua. And he scolded him for putting his tail between his legs and running away from the battle. even with the knowledge that Joshua and his people were backed completely by the One True God. Thankfully, Joshua saw the error of his ways, and rallied his people. The next day, they assaulted the city again, except this attempt was met with success. For, you see, brothers and sisters, mourning does nothing but distract us from our one true purpose: showering the Lord with well-deserved praise, and living our lives the way he set forth in the Scriptures and by the deeds of his one and only Son, Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior. Take this lesson to heart, friends, I beg of you.
Matthews crosses himself once more and pockets the Bible.
Jerry Matthews: That concludes our lesson for today, allowing me to finally focus my attentions on each of my opponents in this “Prove Yourself” Battle Royal. You’d have to look quite far and away to find a group that could serve as a better example of all the troubles that ail APW to its very core.
"Joseph Johnson. The self-proclaimed “Innovator of Excellence.” Hardly the most creative moniker. This industry couldn’t have more men proclaiming themselves to be an innovator or an originator. You may have had quite the run in Phoenix Wrestling, but it can’t be said by anybody better than yourself. They released you because they recognized the fact that you couldn’t keep up with the young talent. That they were forced to carry you anytime you made an appearance. And, Joe, the worst part about it is that this is a fate you brought on yourself, with all the years of drug abuse and alcoholism."
"That doesn’t even begin to cover the list of all the wrongs you’re responsible for. By peddling drugs, you are a firm advocate of addiction, no better than a common piece of street trash. Nothing angers me more than all of the families you’ve broken up, all of the lives you helped ruin. I’ve dealt with your kind before in Premium Championship Wrestling, when I destroyed Jose Fernandez in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match to the point where he left the company. You, much like him, I fear, are well past the point of saving. Someone needs to be the one to put the pathetic dog you are down, to punish you for continuously spitting on the name of the Lord. And, that, Joe, will be me. You won’t be getting the warm welcome you might be expecting, and rest assured, I harbor the illest of intentions for you."
"The “Madman” Chris Madison. Someone I had previously harbored what some might call respect for. That is until he proved that he was nothing more than a sheep being led to the slaughter by joining the Black Hand with Tommy Knox and Niobe “Nightmare” Martin. You can make all of the false claims you want to, Chris, about the supposed ideologies that you and the rest of the Black Hand stand for. But, I see through the ruse. I see that the three of you are nothing more than a trio that seeks personal glory. By simply joining together, you acknowledged that you are willing to sell your soul for anything to get ahead. It also shows the weak nature of your character. The fact that ou feel the need to form a close-knit group to watch your back. You’ve proven on any number of occasions against the Unforgiven that you are hardly a threat on your own. And, unless Tommy Knox or Niobe Martin is standing there at ringside with you, it’s hard for me to foresee a favorable outcome for you. Perhaps when I throw you over the top rope onto your head, it will help you to finally see the light. That the truths Tommy Knox is offering are nothing more than smoke screens meant to distract you, to keep you from realizing the one universal truth, the existence of the One True God and all that he has done for you."
"Wyatt Crash. A man I’m to this point mostly unfamiliar with due to his limited time in APW. A man that, despite getting the ever loving crap kicked out of him by Sang Real, has demonstrated a technical prowess that only the greatest of the great can even hope to possess. Wyatt, if there’s one thing that I’ve come to realize about you while studying film, it is that you are fiercely dedicated to your craft. Otherwise, you may never have even reached APW. I see great things for you in the future if you are willing to double dip a bit, if you will. For, you see, there is a God, and He has chosen to bless you with an extraordinary amount of talent. Wyatt, you must offer Him proper sacrifice, pay Him the proper respect. You know that he deserves nothing less. Otherwise, your career will never be able to reach the heights that it is capable of. I will be paying close attention to you in the future, Wyatt, and one day, I hope that you come to me to help you open your heart to the Lord’s love. I’d enjoy nothing more."
"Brian Hollywood. Merely uttering your name makes it hard for me to hold back from vomiting, Brian. I’ll never understand why someone would choose to identify themselves with one of the most wretched places in all of the United States. A city that is a harbor for so much debauchery and sin. A place that plays such a huge role into making our great country into another Babylon. Brian, clearly when you chose your nickname, you coherently made the decision to encourage all of the behavior that the Lord expressly prohibits in the Good Book. By now, I hope that you have gotten over diverting your entire attention to the Unforgiven, because when we go head to head, you’ll be facing a whole other kind of force. The force of an army of ten thousand angels ready to reak havoc in the name of the Lord. It’s a force that is hell-bent on trying to convert you into seeing the errors of your ways. You’ve made an extremely bad first impression on me, the Deacon, and the Father. And he is not pleased. Say your prayers, Brian, you’re in for a bumpy ride."
"And, finally, that brings me to Jace Savage. The plucky underdog that has captured the hearts of the APW audience that qualified for the Test of the Best shocking all of the industry’s pundits. Jace, you are one of the only men to own a victory over me, an honor that has become increasingly rare. Ever since that edition of Meltdown, I have prayed for another opportunity against you, to right one of the only wrongs of my APW career. Thankfully, the Lord chose to smile upon me and give me that chance. You caught my eye when you laid Damien Gargano out cold all those weeks ago, and you even inspired a bit of envy in me, causing me a rare moment of weakness. I thought of what could have been, but thinking back on it, I’d want it to transpire the same way every time. Because it allowed me to be humbled, to allow me to rededicate myself to my ministry and saving the legions of the unwashed. For that, Jace, I want to thank you. You served the Lord well by allowing me to come to this realization."
"You, like Chris Madison, have chosen to join with others to advance your career. But, unlike Madison, your case is a far more curious one. You’ve had quite the amount of success, to the point where man hail you as one of future faces of this company. Especially considering that one of your new allies is Brian Hollywood. This disappoints me, Jace. You keep horrific company, so you do have some “proving” to do. I encourage you to take on the role of the student. Keep your eyes and ears open, and take your notes. Because I will be the headmaster, and I will show you the fate you’ll share if you continue to travel in the same circles."
"The Word of the Lord, Thanks Be to God."
Matthews crosses himself, and walks offscreen as the camera focuses in once again on the pulpit’s insignia as the scene fades to black.
That didn’t mean that “The Evangelist” Jerry Matthews didn’t at least have to hesitate before asking some important questions himself over the past ten days. The announcement of the Meltdown brand’s unfortunate demise. It had been quite awhile since his ministry had attained so much success so early. Marking the beginning of the end of the false impostor Legion’s career. Cleansing the brand’s roster of two of its more vile sinners in known homosexual London Carter and the wicked harlot herself Catherine Jewel. And, all the while, having the quiet, unrelenting, full support of the incumbent General Manager Sienna Harrison. She risked her own professional well-being by endorsing the Southern Baptist with such ferocity. At first, it looked like she might survive the media firestorm that the pastor’s remarks about London Carter had stirred up among the Babylonian liberal media. Which makes this announcement come at the oddest time, just when God’s Broadsword was booked for his first main event during his short APW career, the plug was pulled. It was a conclusion the holy man quickly came to, and he began to at least contemplate what the Lord could have in mind for him.
Especially when the bookings for his debut on Overdrive brand were announced. A “Prove Yourself” Battle Royal. Forcing him to show some chops, as if they had barely paid attention since his debut on the May 20 Meltdown Supershow. Apparently, President Jeff and the rest of the heathens that made up APW management would simply resort to the by now familiar tactic of stalling. All in an attempt to frustrate the good Reverend to the point where he moved on. That had been tried in any number of promotions, with the result ending in failure each time. And this time, there couldn’t have been better circumstances for motivation. The loss of what he viewed as the opportunity he deserved for the North American title and the chance to finally purify the Guv’nor and give the Meltdown fans the kind of champion they deserved. A champion who could lead each and every one of them to salvation and from the hells that awaited during the coming Armageddon. But, now, it was back to square one. There is no worse fury than that of the Lord’s carried on angel’s wings and delivered via “The Evangelist.”
Soon, Overdrive would be baptized with the blood of the Lamb, a fate that had originally been reserved for Meltdown. The first step along this path required Matthews to “prove” himself.
He, through the good grace of God the Father, was all too willing and able.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The scene opens to the office of the outgoing Meltdown General Manager herself, Sienna Harrison. She is sitting behind her desk, her head firmly buried in her hands. It’s as if she is still attempting to come to terms with the news of the brand’s eventual termination. In approximately one week, she would be out of a job when the final pin or submission was recorded. One could only speculate on the flurry of activity that was going through her head.
All of a sudden, the door to her office flies open, heralding the entry of the Reverend Jerry Matthews and his spiritual liaison, Deacon Jeremiah. Matthews is wearing a white cotton suit, his face still obscured by his mask. Jeremiah is wearing an all-black suit, his signature sunglasses matching perfectly. The pastor stops directly in front of her desk, the Deacon on his right. He attempts to console his biggest supporter in all of Action Packed Wrestling.
Jerry Matthews: Sister Sienna, what is troubling you?
Sienna Harrison had been shocked at the religious duo’s entry, and was paying close attention.
Sienna Harrison: Reverend, what makes you think that something is wrong?
Matthews shakes his head at what he perceives as a lack of trust.
Jerry Matthews: Sister, by now I thought our relationship was well past this. Don’t think that the Lord hasn’t noticed your sincere efforts of making amends. It’s only natural that he would make me aware of your overwhelming sense of dread. Please, I encourage you to share.
Sienna rises from her seat and brings her hair back out of her eyes. She takes a deep breath and opens her heart to the preacher’s inquiry.
Sienna Harrison: Reverend, I just don’t know what is to happen next for me. I would’ve never expected that Meltdown was going to be ended. I just keep wondering what I did to deserve this. And why the Lord would deprive of my chance to finally rid Meltdown of the Guv’nor.
Matthews nods as he listens to her confession, and takes a moment before responding.
Jerry Matthews: You must put all of your troubles, any of the concerns you might have at the feet of the Lord, Sienna. All of your frustration over this hurdle to your career. All overcome them.
Sienna Harrison: I suppose you’re right. I have allowed myself to stew over my troubles for too long. Thank you for taking the time to listen.
Jerry Matthews: It is my pleasure, sister.
Matthews and Jeremiah then both bow ceremoniously to the Meltdown General Manager.
Sienna Harrison: Now, what is it that I can do for the two of you? Needless to say, I didn’t expect this unannounced appointment.
Jerry Matthews: Allow me to apologize for my previous incursion. I didn’t mean for you to take offense. But, the reason for my visit is quite urgent, I assure you.
Sienna Harrison: Well, go on then.
Matthews cops a smile and leans down so his hands are resting on Sienna’s desk.
Jerry Matthews: Have you seen the next card for Overdrive?
Sienna Harrison: Of course, what about it?
Jerry Matthews: Well, I was wondering if you could offer me a plausible explanation as to why I am in a goddamned “Prove Yourself” Battle Royal!!! Opening the show when I just main evented on Meltdown!!!
Sienna is taken aback by the pastor’s outburst. She puts her right hand on her right hip and leans over to face the holy man eye to eye.
Sienna Harrison: What makes you think you can come into my office and demand anything!!! After all I’ve done for you! The full-fledged endorsement that carried you through the London Carter fiasco. All of the publicity I got you over the past six weeks. You’ve got some nerve, Reverend!!
Matthews stares directly into Sienna’s fiery scowl.
Jerry Matthews: No doubt about it. When you talk so much of fire, brimstone, and destruction, no doubt a little of it gets ingrained into you somewhere down the line. But, I think you at least owe me an explanation.
Sienna remains silent until her facial features soften a bit.
Sienna Harrison: If you think for one second that I wavered in my support of you, you couldn’t be more wrong. I did everything I could to make sure they knew what they had with you, but I guess that President Jeff doesn’t share my unbridled enthusiasm.
Matthews takes a step back from the desk.
Jerry Matthews: I should’ve guessed. No doubt this is some sort of punishment for my claims that he was a firm practitioner of nepotism. Yet, any time someone watches Ron Rufio in the ring, you couldn’t ask for a better example of that exact type of conduct.
Matthews, Jeremiah and Sienna all share a laugh at Rufio’s expense.
Sienna Harrison: You know that if I had it my way, you’d be a lot farther along in your mission. But, now, who knows what happens to either of us?
Jerry Matthews begins to laugh again, and Sienna can’t help but stare awkwardly at him.
Sienna Harrison: I don’t get it, what’s so funny?
Matthews stops laughing before answering.
Jerry Matthews: Sister, I’m surprised. By now, after all of the time we’ve spent, you should know better than anyone that the Lord always watches over his flock. Granted, the closing of Meltdown has set us both back temporarily, don’t doubt that the Lord has better things in mind for you and for me. To put it simply, continue your prayers, and soon you will receive your answer.
Sienna reaches out and grabs the pastor’s left hand in both of hers.
Sienna Harrison: Thank you, Reverend. Though I’m still fearful of what’s to come, it feels as if a burden has been lifted off of my shoulders. I think I owe that to you and the repeated encouragement you give me.
Jerry Matthews: None of this is my doing, you need only thank yourself. Now, let us pray.
Matthews, Jeremiah and Harrison all join hands and bow their heads for a moment of prayer. Once they are finished, Matthews makes the sign of the cross and the scene fades to black.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The scene opens to the backstage area of the North Charleston Coliseum. A Thursday Night Overdrive banner is prominently displayed, but not nearly as much as the pulpit “The Evangelist” Jerry Matthews stands behind. The pulpit bears an insignia on the front, that of two burning swords forming a cross, the vertical sword coming down through the head of a large serpent in a particularly gruesome fashion. Matthews is wearing a white cotton suit and he is bearing an uncharacteristic grin on his face before addressing his congregation.
Jerry Matthews: Brothers and sisters of the faithful, thank you for taking the time out of your day to share this time of fellowship with me. And, despite all that has transpired over the past ten days in APW, I find myself in a state craving renewal. The kind that I hope to find when I debut for all you in a short time on Overdrive. It’s a greener pasture, a move that I have come to eagerly anticipate after hours of contemplation. Sure, I missed a chance at the North American Championship and finally getting a shot at the Guv’nor, but if God is willing to grant me another opportunity, undoubtedly it will come to pass. Praise him!
Matthews makes the sign of the cross after pointing upwards.
Jerry Matthews: Undoubtedly, the very concept of this match, proving oneself worthy of future opportunities, has stirred up a storm cloud of resentment and anger. Man, as a whole, doesn’t respond very well when being put on the spot in such a fashion. Every other competitor will no doubt walk into this match with a chip on their shoulders, taking the need to “prove” themselves to heart. All so that President Jeff will jump for joy as his various investments dance for him. I share no such feelings.
"I feel no need to “prove” myself to APW management. My resume should speak for itself. Especially when I have yet to be pinned or submitted since the night I debuted. I have nothing left to prove, and that’s because I continuously am given the opportunity to prove myself before the Lord God himself. Every time that I step into the squared circle, every time I work to save yet another soul from eternal damnation, I must prove my mettle. And, with all of the blessings he has chosen to shower me with, I continue to do so. As long as I remain in the Lord’s favor, there is no need to prove anything else for the rest of my short existence on these earthly plains. Because I, just like the rest of the Lord’s flock, can look forward to forever dining with him and the rest of the saints at His table forever and ever. Amen."
Matthews bows his head for a few seconds of prayer. Once he has finished, he reaches into his suit pocket, and pulls out a small, leather-bound Bible. He thumps it down on the pulpit and turns to the passage for this week’s reading.
Jerry Matthews: As mentioned, I lost a lot when President Jeff announced the end of Meltdown. But, mourning over something does you no good, either here on earth, or in the afterlife. One need look no further than the Book of Joshua during the Israelite campaign to conquer the Holy Land from the heathen peoples that claimed it as their own.
"During the campaign, the Israelites, commanded by Joshua, encircled the Canaanite city of Ai. They attempted to storm the walls, but sixteen were killed, and the assault failed once Joshua ordered a retreat. A good deal of Israelites, Joshua included, mourned the passing of their brothers, dressing in burlap sacks and covering their heads with dirt. That is, until….."
Matthews pounds his fist on the pulpit.
Jerry Matthews: The Lord came to Joshua. And he scolded him for putting his tail between his legs and running away from the battle. even with the knowledge that Joshua and his people were backed completely by the One True God. Thankfully, Joshua saw the error of his ways, and rallied his people. The next day, they assaulted the city again, except this attempt was met with success. For, you see, brothers and sisters, mourning does nothing but distract us from our one true purpose: showering the Lord with well-deserved praise, and living our lives the way he set forth in the Scriptures and by the deeds of his one and only Son, Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior. Take this lesson to heart, friends, I beg of you.
Matthews crosses himself once more and pockets the Bible.
Jerry Matthews: That concludes our lesson for today, allowing me to finally focus my attentions on each of my opponents in this “Prove Yourself” Battle Royal. You’d have to look quite far and away to find a group that could serve as a better example of all the troubles that ail APW to its very core.
"Joseph Johnson. The self-proclaimed “Innovator of Excellence.” Hardly the most creative moniker. This industry couldn’t have more men proclaiming themselves to be an innovator or an originator. You may have had quite the run in Phoenix Wrestling, but it can’t be said by anybody better than yourself. They released you because they recognized the fact that you couldn’t keep up with the young talent. That they were forced to carry you anytime you made an appearance. And, Joe, the worst part about it is that this is a fate you brought on yourself, with all the years of drug abuse and alcoholism."
"That doesn’t even begin to cover the list of all the wrongs you’re responsible for. By peddling drugs, you are a firm advocate of addiction, no better than a common piece of street trash. Nothing angers me more than all of the families you’ve broken up, all of the lives you helped ruin. I’ve dealt with your kind before in Premium Championship Wrestling, when I destroyed Jose Fernandez in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match to the point where he left the company. You, much like him, I fear, are well past the point of saving. Someone needs to be the one to put the pathetic dog you are down, to punish you for continuously spitting on the name of the Lord. And, that, Joe, will be me. You won’t be getting the warm welcome you might be expecting, and rest assured, I harbor the illest of intentions for you."
"The “Madman” Chris Madison. Someone I had previously harbored what some might call respect for. That is until he proved that he was nothing more than a sheep being led to the slaughter by joining the Black Hand with Tommy Knox and Niobe “Nightmare” Martin. You can make all of the false claims you want to, Chris, about the supposed ideologies that you and the rest of the Black Hand stand for. But, I see through the ruse. I see that the three of you are nothing more than a trio that seeks personal glory. By simply joining together, you acknowledged that you are willing to sell your soul for anything to get ahead. It also shows the weak nature of your character. The fact that ou feel the need to form a close-knit group to watch your back. You’ve proven on any number of occasions against the Unforgiven that you are hardly a threat on your own. And, unless Tommy Knox or Niobe Martin is standing there at ringside with you, it’s hard for me to foresee a favorable outcome for you. Perhaps when I throw you over the top rope onto your head, it will help you to finally see the light. That the truths Tommy Knox is offering are nothing more than smoke screens meant to distract you, to keep you from realizing the one universal truth, the existence of the One True God and all that he has done for you."
"Wyatt Crash. A man I’m to this point mostly unfamiliar with due to his limited time in APW. A man that, despite getting the ever loving crap kicked out of him by Sang Real, has demonstrated a technical prowess that only the greatest of the great can even hope to possess. Wyatt, if there’s one thing that I’ve come to realize about you while studying film, it is that you are fiercely dedicated to your craft. Otherwise, you may never have even reached APW. I see great things for you in the future if you are willing to double dip a bit, if you will. For, you see, there is a God, and He has chosen to bless you with an extraordinary amount of talent. Wyatt, you must offer Him proper sacrifice, pay Him the proper respect. You know that he deserves nothing less. Otherwise, your career will never be able to reach the heights that it is capable of. I will be paying close attention to you in the future, Wyatt, and one day, I hope that you come to me to help you open your heart to the Lord’s love. I’d enjoy nothing more."
"Brian Hollywood. Merely uttering your name makes it hard for me to hold back from vomiting, Brian. I’ll never understand why someone would choose to identify themselves with one of the most wretched places in all of the United States. A city that is a harbor for so much debauchery and sin. A place that plays such a huge role into making our great country into another Babylon. Brian, clearly when you chose your nickname, you coherently made the decision to encourage all of the behavior that the Lord expressly prohibits in the Good Book. By now, I hope that you have gotten over diverting your entire attention to the Unforgiven, because when we go head to head, you’ll be facing a whole other kind of force. The force of an army of ten thousand angels ready to reak havoc in the name of the Lord. It’s a force that is hell-bent on trying to convert you into seeing the errors of your ways. You’ve made an extremely bad first impression on me, the Deacon, and the Father. And he is not pleased. Say your prayers, Brian, you’re in for a bumpy ride."
"And, finally, that brings me to Jace Savage. The plucky underdog that has captured the hearts of the APW audience that qualified for the Test of the Best shocking all of the industry’s pundits. Jace, you are one of the only men to own a victory over me, an honor that has become increasingly rare. Ever since that edition of Meltdown, I have prayed for another opportunity against you, to right one of the only wrongs of my APW career. Thankfully, the Lord chose to smile upon me and give me that chance. You caught my eye when you laid Damien Gargano out cold all those weeks ago, and you even inspired a bit of envy in me, causing me a rare moment of weakness. I thought of what could have been, but thinking back on it, I’d want it to transpire the same way every time. Because it allowed me to be humbled, to allow me to rededicate myself to my ministry and saving the legions of the unwashed. For that, Jace, I want to thank you. You served the Lord well by allowing me to come to this realization."
"You, like Chris Madison, have chosen to join with others to advance your career. But, unlike Madison, your case is a far more curious one. You’ve had quite the amount of success, to the point where man hail you as one of future faces of this company. Especially considering that one of your new allies is Brian Hollywood. This disappoints me, Jace. You keep horrific company, so you do have some “proving” to do. I encourage you to take on the role of the student. Keep your eyes and ears open, and take your notes. Because I will be the headmaster, and I will show you the fate you’ll share if you continue to travel in the same circles."
"The Word of the Lord, Thanks Be to God."
Matthews crosses himself, and walks offscreen as the camera focuses in once again on the pulpit’s insignia as the scene fades to black.
