Post by Chaos Stryke on Aug 10, 2013 22:59:01 GMT -4
Defeated at the hands of the Unforgiven.
I’m sure that’s what Zachariah and Sentinel believe happened two weeks ago during our scheduled encounter. The dished out quite an impressive beating there I will say, they scored a victory and managed to get something that they could use to soothe the injuries to their pride that the Dying Breed gave them a month ago. But as I said, such a victory was hollow and meaningless.
Everyone who saw that match believes that they saw the defeat of Logan Alexander at the hands of an upstart tag team that have a long way to go before they can begin living up to their own hype. Reality though is quite different. That loss wasn’t even remotely as such. It was merely the first move in part of a larger stratagem. A required sacrifice needed for a longer term gain.
The Unforgiven assault hasn’t left a mark upon me, much like I said. Whatever attempt at retribution that was made has failed. If anything, I’m in better condition this week than the last. I fully expect that this little ‘game’ isn’t over but it isn’t a primary concern of mine. I have my own goals and priorities, and what I’m playing at will keep me a few steps ahead of unrelated pursuers and allow me to focus on business at hand. I am a champion after all with a title to defend and challengers to combat.
This week will be the last opportunity to prepare in ring before the next scheduled defence of my Tap Out championship… and it’s quite and interesting match up as well.
Logan Alexander versus Reaver. A first time one on one match, although we’ve set foot in the ring together on a few occasions and I’ve got the victories to show for it. I’m sure this has the makings of being another hard fought, knockdown, drag out fight between the Tap Out champion and the man who’s had a few chances to get to be the Tap Out champion.
Well… at least that’s what it was going to be at first.
Instead, the front office sat down and though, ‘what would be an unusual tag team pairing to throw out there is week for no reason whatsoever?’ Then someone piped up with ‘how about Logan and Reaver?’ And ‘but they’re already in a match’ followed that. Which led to ‘find a couple of other guys on the roster not doing anything and put them together as well to be their opponents.’ Voila! That brings us to this week’s showdown. I partner with Reaver to face former World champion Keaton Saint and the longest reigning North American champion Guv’nor.
I’ve got mixed feelings about this. I always do when I’m just thrown into matches such as this. There’s no reason for Reaver and I to work cohesively. I do so because I want to win. I have no idea about him on that regard though or where he’s going to be coming from going into this match up. Last time I was in against him, I’d just dumped Jason Kash over the top rope and then did the same with Reaver in order to punch my ticket to Test for the Best. These are the sorts of guys that hold grudges and I need to trust one of them to have my back. Well… at least I have my own corner man with me…
A video feed, showing Logan and his new ringside assistant, comes on. The two are apparently backstage at wrestling event, near the entryway, waiting to head out. A close up is shown of Logan’s assistant. A header on screen identifies him as ‘Rich Sanders, AMDTC graduate, current independent circuit wrestler’. The two are dressed for a match, Logan in his ring gear and jacket, Rich in the long ring jacket seen last Asylum. Both have their similar masks on, Rich with his longer blonde hair tied back behind his, and both with their hair hanging over the edges of the open top. Logan glances at Rich.
So how do you feel having made your professional debut a couple of weeks ago Rich?
I think I have bruises from that match. It hurts to watch the replays…
Logan pats him on the shoulder.
Well… stepping up to the highest levels of competition is quite a challenge for most people. I do think you’re ready for the challenge placed ahead of you though. That’s one reason I asked you for your assistance in my latest project.
Rich looks back at Logan and smiles slightly.
And for that I’m grateful Logan. Getting a chance to work alongside you is quite an honour.
Logan chuckles softly.
You say that now, but just wait until you get to know me like many of my previous partners have. Most of them continue to curse the ground I walk on.
Well, I’ve had more of a chance to get to know you before this opportunity came along.
Of course. You’ve been one of my students for a few years. I figured you could use some exposure to the big time environment like the one APW provides. It might help you find your next gear on the indy circuit. You’re get to be right there in the middle of things.
Logan sighs, glancing towards the curtain leading out to the ring.
And to be honest… I need someone with me that I can trust. You’re that someone as it happens.
Rich lowers his gaze.
Well… I’m glad that you’ve shown so much faith in me… but I don’t think I can do what you expect of me.
Logan looks over at him.
You just need to be there and do your thing. All that really matters is you give your best out there. I don’t expect you to win every fight because some aren’t meant to be won. You’re just meant to show up and fight.
Rich looks up and meets Logan’s gaze, before nodding.
When you put it that way, it’s a lot easier to follow.
Logan smiles.
I thought you might see it that way.
What you did two weeks ago was fine. You were there with me and did what you had to. We were on the losing end, but that’s all right. You just need to come out, do your part this week, and not worry about how things might end. It’s all a learning experience for you. Treat it as such.
Rich stands a bit straighter, nodding to Logan with more determination.
All right. I’ll do my best.
Logan nods back.
That’s all I ask. Let’s go.
The two head for the curtain and disappear through it, as the scene fades back out.
So while I have questions about my own partner, it’s possible that our opponents have the same concerns. But I won’t walk into this match assuming my opponents aren’t going to be able to function as a unit. Guv’nor and Saint are a potentially dangerous combination. If they can coexist and function well as a team, then Reaver and I face a tough uphill climb. These are two men that are quite impressive and accomplished in their own rights. I won’t take them lightly, but neither will I view them as being insurmountable obstacles.
I’ve been in the ring with both of these men before, but I can’t say that I’ve ever really fought with either of them. I crossed Guv’nor’s path at Survive and Conquer, where he was the person that eliminated me from the match. Saint and I were in Asylum’s last chance battle royal for Test for the Best, but we never faced off there. So this is going to be an interesting challenge for me, getting to mix it up with a couple of opponents that I respect professionally and am looking forward to fighting. Scoring a victory against either of them would be something of a noteworthy accomplishment for me. A win against another former World champion or beating the longest reigning North American champion in APW history.
You’re on your farewell tour now Saint. I can sympathize with your situation even if I don’t truly know what it’s like. I’ve never been in a position where I knew that my career was winding down and coming to an end soon. Yet here you are, still willing to go out and give everything you’ve got still for this profession even though being in this profession has taken something from you, which is forcing you to leave. It’s admirable that you’re still willing to give all you have under those circumstances. But even as I admire you for being able to do that, do think for a moment that such sentiment will have any bearing on this match.
My objective is to win and advance my own career and cause at the expense of yours. You’re admittedly on the way out. I am not yet ready to make such a departure myself, so it will do no one any good for me to drop a decision to you here in the ring this week. I have much I’m still working towards and trying to accomplish. As such, I’m not going to let the feel good moment of Keaton Saint’s final tour deter me from what I have to do. I’ll be more than willing to shake your hand before this match begins, but after that, I’ll be looking to use these hands to bring you down in however many pieces are required.
I have no doubts in my ability either Saint, but I have to wonder if you have what it takes anymore on your end. Your career has been a continual legacy of almost but not quite moments, when you’ve come so close to greatness only to fall short time and time again. You were certainly viewed as one of those guys that would be a huge breakout star, but you never could get to that point could you? You never really had the moment of success that told the world that Keaton Saint was here. All you ever got was to pick the World Heavyweight championship from the nearly lifeless grasp of Phil Atkin, pose with the title for a little while, and then pass it along to Michael Callahan. It’s like you know that you weren’t meant for greatness. You weren’t destined to be one of the stars. Rather you were to be just one of the bit players in the background, stepping up every so often to fill an important role, but never really accomplishing anything great himself.
You see… that’s not a fate I would wish for myself.
I don’t seek to be the best or the greatest, but I am always pushing to be better than I am at any given moment. I’m not someone that is fawned over by the masses. I’m generally unheralded for my accomplishments and overlooked by my peers. I’m certainly not the star that everyone focuses on. I’m not you Saint. I already have plenty of accomplishments to my name and I just continue to gain momentum. I plan to continue my rise, while you resume your fall.
As for you Guv’nor, I suppose this match would’ve come up sooner or later. I suppose this isn’t the ideal situation for us to square, but we’ll just have to make due with what we have. The two best North American champions. Two of a kind you and I seem to be. We’ve both had long tenured runs as champions on Meltdown. We’ve both given the GM’s there fits. We’ve each had our own personal rivals there we’ve had to fight against. We’ve also both shown a knack for overcoming the tough odds in competition and walking out with big victories. I’ve watched your career here with great interest Guv, because I could see it almost from the get go that you were going to be a force in competition… and I was right.
You won a big multi-person ladder match to get the title. You retained in a scramble match, and a few other multi-person matches as well. You weren’t unstoppable, but then no one is, but you were damned impressive. But then… your accomplishments weren’t unique either. Everything that you’ve done, I’m pretty sure that I can lay out something that was just as impressive. I won a five pack challenge twice in one night and an ironman match with a crooked referee calling it for the North American title. I claimed my current title from a gauntlet match. I won a battle royal with injured ribs immediately after competing against my tag partner. So tell me, which of us is really greater? I’ve done more in APW and I’ve had a harder road put before me. I’ve had adversity in my way since day one, and I simply refused to let it stop me, regardless of the number of bodies thrown my way or the underhanded tactics used against me. I survived the grind on Meltdown for longer than any one before me and arguably since.
I look at you Guv, and I wonder if I have what it takes to beat you. You’re damn good at what you do and I’d easily say that you can beat me on any night, but I’m not going to sit back and let that happen. I’ve overcome plenty of adversity up to this point, so what’s keeping me from doing so one more time?
Mannie potentially cheated us out of a pay-per-view match, so we have to make do with this one here. This isn’t a high stakes match but you’re a suitable competitor for that situation. If there is one difference between us though, it’s that I have proven my worth against some of the best competitors available in APW. I’ve beaten current and former champions from all levels of competition. I’ve pushed some of the best to their limit in the ring. I’ve racked up plenty of big wins and accomplished more than anyone expected from me. You Guv’nor have yet to do that. You’ve been absolutely dominant during most of your tenure in APW, but most of that time has been spent on Meltdown. You haven’t been fighting against the best. You haven’t really been pushed in competition. So the true testing of your ability will begin now on Asylum where you’ll face past and current stars, not just potential future stars like you’ve been doing.
And given your last few outings, one has to ask, are you really up for the challenge Guv? I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
This isn’t exactly a match I’ve been looking forward to, but you can bet I’ll be giving my all this week. It’s my last tune up before Shockwave, it’s a mish-mash tag team mix-up, and it’s got potential to be a wild one. It should be fun if nothing else. See you guys then.
I’m sure that’s what Zachariah and Sentinel believe happened two weeks ago during our scheduled encounter. The dished out quite an impressive beating there I will say, they scored a victory and managed to get something that they could use to soothe the injuries to their pride that the Dying Breed gave them a month ago. But as I said, such a victory was hollow and meaningless.
Everyone who saw that match believes that they saw the defeat of Logan Alexander at the hands of an upstart tag team that have a long way to go before they can begin living up to their own hype. Reality though is quite different. That loss wasn’t even remotely as such. It was merely the first move in part of a larger stratagem. A required sacrifice needed for a longer term gain.
The Unforgiven assault hasn’t left a mark upon me, much like I said. Whatever attempt at retribution that was made has failed. If anything, I’m in better condition this week than the last. I fully expect that this little ‘game’ isn’t over but it isn’t a primary concern of mine. I have my own goals and priorities, and what I’m playing at will keep me a few steps ahead of unrelated pursuers and allow me to focus on business at hand. I am a champion after all with a title to defend and challengers to combat.
This week will be the last opportunity to prepare in ring before the next scheduled defence of my Tap Out championship… and it’s quite and interesting match up as well.
Logan Alexander versus Reaver. A first time one on one match, although we’ve set foot in the ring together on a few occasions and I’ve got the victories to show for it. I’m sure this has the makings of being another hard fought, knockdown, drag out fight between the Tap Out champion and the man who’s had a few chances to get to be the Tap Out champion.
Well… at least that’s what it was going to be at first.
Instead, the front office sat down and though, ‘what would be an unusual tag team pairing to throw out there is week for no reason whatsoever?’ Then someone piped up with ‘how about Logan and Reaver?’ And ‘but they’re already in a match’ followed that. Which led to ‘find a couple of other guys on the roster not doing anything and put them together as well to be their opponents.’ Voila! That brings us to this week’s showdown. I partner with Reaver to face former World champion Keaton Saint and the longest reigning North American champion Guv’nor.
I’ve got mixed feelings about this. I always do when I’m just thrown into matches such as this. There’s no reason for Reaver and I to work cohesively. I do so because I want to win. I have no idea about him on that regard though or where he’s going to be coming from going into this match up. Last time I was in against him, I’d just dumped Jason Kash over the top rope and then did the same with Reaver in order to punch my ticket to Test for the Best. These are the sorts of guys that hold grudges and I need to trust one of them to have my back. Well… at least I have my own corner man with me…
A video feed, showing Logan and his new ringside assistant, comes on. The two are apparently backstage at wrestling event, near the entryway, waiting to head out. A close up is shown of Logan’s assistant. A header on screen identifies him as ‘Rich Sanders, AMDTC graduate, current independent circuit wrestler’. The two are dressed for a match, Logan in his ring gear and jacket, Rich in the long ring jacket seen last Asylum. Both have their similar masks on, Rich with his longer blonde hair tied back behind his, and both with their hair hanging over the edges of the open top. Logan glances at Rich.
So how do you feel having made your professional debut a couple of weeks ago Rich?
I think I have bruises from that match. It hurts to watch the replays…
Logan pats him on the shoulder.
Well… stepping up to the highest levels of competition is quite a challenge for most people. I do think you’re ready for the challenge placed ahead of you though. That’s one reason I asked you for your assistance in my latest project.
Rich looks back at Logan and smiles slightly.
And for that I’m grateful Logan. Getting a chance to work alongside you is quite an honour.
Logan chuckles softly.
You say that now, but just wait until you get to know me like many of my previous partners have. Most of them continue to curse the ground I walk on.
Well, I’ve had more of a chance to get to know you before this opportunity came along.
Of course. You’ve been one of my students for a few years. I figured you could use some exposure to the big time environment like the one APW provides. It might help you find your next gear on the indy circuit. You’re get to be right there in the middle of things.
Logan sighs, glancing towards the curtain leading out to the ring.
And to be honest… I need someone with me that I can trust. You’re that someone as it happens.
Rich lowers his gaze.
Well… I’m glad that you’ve shown so much faith in me… but I don’t think I can do what you expect of me.
Logan looks over at him.
You just need to be there and do your thing. All that really matters is you give your best out there. I don’t expect you to win every fight because some aren’t meant to be won. You’re just meant to show up and fight.
Rich looks up and meets Logan’s gaze, before nodding.
When you put it that way, it’s a lot easier to follow.
Logan smiles.
I thought you might see it that way.
What you did two weeks ago was fine. You were there with me and did what you had to. We were on the losing end, but that’s all right. You just need to come out, do your part this week, and not worry about how things might end. It’s all a learning experience for you. Treat it as such.
Rich stands a bit straighter, nodding to Logan with more determination.
All right. I’ll do my best.
Logan nods back.
That’s all I ask. Let’s go.
The two head for the curtain and disappear through it, as the scene fades back out.
So while I have questions about my own partner, it’s possible that our opponents have the same concerns. But I won’t walk into this match assuming my opponents aren’t going to be able to function as a unit. Guv’nor and Saint are a potentially dangerous combination. If they can coexist and function well as a team, then Reaver and I face a tough uphill climb. These are two men that are quite impressive and accomplished in their own rights. I won’t take them lightly, but neither will I view them as being insurmountable obstacles.
I’ve been in the ring with both of these men before, but I can’t say that I’ve ever really fought with either of them. I crossed Guv’nor’s path at Survive and Conquer, where he was the person that eliminated me from the match. Saint and I were in Asylum’s last chance battle royal for Test for the Best, but we never faced off there. So this is going to be an interesting challenge for me, getting to mix it up with a couple of opponents that I respect professionally and am looking forward to fighting. Scoring a victory against either of them would be something of a noteworthy accomplishment for me. A win against another former World champion or beating the longest reigning North American champion in APW history.
You’re on your farewell tour now Saint. I can sympathize with your situation even if I don’t truly know what it’s like. I’ve never been in a position where I knew that my career was winding down and coming to an end soon. Yet here you are, still willing to go out and give everything you’ve got still for this profession even though being in this profession has taken something from you, which is forcing you to leave. It’s admirable that you’re still willing to give all you have under those circumstances. But even as I admire you for being able to do that, do think for a moment that such sentiment will have any bearing on this match.
My objective is to win and advance my own career and cause at the expense of yours. You’re admittedly on the way out. I am not yet ready to make such a departure myself, so it will do no one any good for me to drop a decision to you here in the ring this week. I have much I’m still working towards and trying to accomplish. As such, I’m not going to let the feel good moment of Keaton Saint’s final tour deter me from what I have to do. I’ll be more than willing to shake your hand before this match begins, but after that, I’ll be looking to use these hands to bring you down in however many pieces are required.
I have no doubts in my ability either Saint, but I have to wonder if you have what it takes anymore on your end. Your career has been a continual legacy of almost but not quite moments, when you’ve come so close to greatness only to fall short time and time again. You were certainly viewed as one of those guys that would be a huge breakout star, but you never could get to that point could you? You never really had the moment of success that told the world that Keaton Saint was here. All you ever got was to pick the World Heavyweight championship from the nearly lifeless grasp of Phil Atkin, pose with the title for a little while, and then pass it along to Michael Callahan. It’s like you know that you weren’t meant for greatness. You weren’t destined to be one of the stars. Rather you were to be just one of the bit players in the background, stepping up every so often to fill an important role, but never really accomplishing anything great himself.
You see… that’s not a fate I would wish for myself.
I don’t seek to be the best or the greatest, but I am always pushing to be better than I am at any given moment. I’m not someone that is fawned over by the masses. I’m generally unheralded for my accomplishments and overlooked by my peers. I’m certainly not the star that everyone focuses on. I’m not you Saint. I already have plenty of accomplishments to my name and I just continue to gain momentum. I plan to continue my rise, while you resume your fall.
As for you Guv’nor, I suppose this match would’ve come up sooner or later. I suppose this isn’t the ideal situation for us to square, but we’ll just have to make due with what we have. The two best North American champions. Two of a kind you and I seem to be. We’ve both had long tenured runs as champions on Meltdown. We’ve both given the GM’s there fits. We’ve each had our own personal rivals there we’ve had to fight against. We’ve also both shown a knack for overcoming the tough odds in competition and walking out with big victories. I’ve watched your career here with great interest Guv, because I could see it almost from the get go that you were going to be a force in competition… and I was right.
You won a big multi-person ladder match to get the title. You retained in a scramble match, and a few other multi-person matches as well. You weren’t unstoppable, but then no one is, but you were damned impressive. But then… your accomplishments weren’t unique either. Everything that you’ve done, I’m pretty sure that I can lay out something that was just as impressive. I won a five pack challenge twice in one night and an ironman match with a crooked referee calling it for the North American title. I claimed my current title from a gauntlet match. I won a battle royal with injured ribs immediately after competing against my tag partner. So tell me, which of us is really greater? I’ve done more in APW and I’ve had a harder road put before me. I’ve had adversity in my way since day one, and I simply refused to let it stop me, regardless of the number of bodies thrown my way or the underhanded tactics used against me. I survived the grind on Meltdown for longer than any one before me and arguably since.
I look at you Guv, and I wonder if I have what it takes to beat you. You’re damn good at what you do and I’d easily say that you can beat me on any night, but I’m not going to sit back and let that happen. I’ve overcome plenty of adversity up to this point, so what’s keeping me from doing so one more time?
Mannie potentially cheated us out of a pay-per-view match, so we have to make do with this one here. This isn’t a high stakes match but you’re a suitable competitor for that situation. If there is one difference between us though, it’s that I have proven my worth against some of the best competitors available in APW. I’ve beaten current and former champions from all levels of competition. I’ve pushed some of the best to their limit in the ring. I’ve racked up plenty of big wins and accomplished more than anyone expected from me. You Guv’nor have yet to do that. You’ve been absolutely dominant during most of your tenure in APW, but most of that time has been spent on Meltdown. You haven’t been fighting against the best. You haven’t really been pushed in competition. So the true testing of your ability will begin now on Asylum where you’ll face past and current stars, not just potential future stars like you’ve been doing.
And given your last few outings, one has to ask, are you really up for the challenge Guv? I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
This isn’t exactly a match I’ve been looking forward to, but you can bet I’ll be giving my all this week. It’s my last tune up before Shockwave, it’s a mish-mash tag team mix-up, and it’s got potential to be a wild one. It should be fun if nothing else. See you guys then.
