Post by Anthony Bailey on Aug 24, 2013 20:52:31 GMT -4
"Many people genuinely do not wish to be saints, and it is possible that some who achieve or aspire to sainthood have never had much temptation to be human beings." – George Orwell
{{The scene opens to the inside of the dainty Memorial Presbyterian Church located in St. Augustine, FL. Memorial Pres. was Florida's first Presbyterian church ever and it was established in the year 1824 by wealthy entrepreneur Henry Flagler. Anthony Bailey became acquainted with the conservative congregation during his days at Flagler College since the church is located near the school’s campus. Not much of a regular church goer due to his hectic traveling schedule and his Ghandi philosophy of “I like your Christ but I do not like your Christians,” Bailey was asked to participate in the annual back to school jam and he obliged. The fact that such a traditional church even had an event like this immediately sparked Bailey’s interest. The event’s organizers wanted him to give a short speech on the importance of education since Bailey himself constantly talked about the impact that it had on him, even to this day. Called on for a minor rehearsal a few days before the actual event, Bailey is spotted inside the church along with a few of the organizers, church leaders, and the children’s choir. Bailey, clad in a red, black, and white T.D.B. T-shirt, black jeans, and a pair of red, black, and white Nike sneakers, watches on as the children’s choir practice their hymn for the event.}}
Choir Director: Okay children, attention. Attention please!
{{The chatter among the children ceases as her voice raises.}}
Good job boys and girls. Stand up straight, you know that I loathe sloppy posture. Okay now and from the top…one…two…three…
{{The organ chimes in as the choir director’s arms raise and begin to move and sway to the rhythm.}}
Children’s Choir:
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the drums begin to bang
Oh, when the drums begin to bang
Oh, Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the stars fall from the sky
Oh, when the stars fall from the sky
Oh, Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the moon turns red with blood
Oh, when the moon turns red with blood
Oh, Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the trumpet sounds its call
Oh, when the trumpet sounds its call
Oh, Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the fire begins to blaze
Oh, when the fire begins to blaze
Oh, Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
{{The organ halts as the children are applauded by all of the attendees for their outstanding effort.}}
Choir Director: It sounds excellent, great job. You may be seated.
{{The choir sits down.}}
I will talk to your moms and dads about having you here one hour early on the actual day of the school jam.
{{The director glances over at the organ player.}}
Before we close out, are there any other announcements? I’m drawing a blank right now...
{{The organ player shakes his head.}}
Okay well that’s all on my end. Please exit the sanctuary quietly if your parents are outside in the lobby waiting for you.
{{Only a few kids remain in the choir stand as the rest quickly walk out of the sanctuary whispering. The director looks back at Bailey, who is attentively watching from one of the pews in the front.}}
Mr. Bailey?
{{She motions for him to make his way down to the front of the church and he does. A few of the children who stayed behind considered it a privilege to have the chance of observing him from such a close distance, especially the ones who were avid wrestling fans. Bailey smiles at them as he approaches the choir director.}}
Hey, how are you?
Anthony Bailey: I’m doing well, how about yourself?
Choir Director: I’m doing well now that the kids learned the hymn so quickly. I was worried at first because we were getting so close to the event and hadn’t had a lot of time to practice.
Anthony Bailey: From what I heard, it sounded great. It’s rare that I hear a children’s choir that really wows me the way that they did.
{{A couple of the kids begin to smile ferociously at Bailey’s words.}}
Choir Director: Thank you, it means a lot. On top of working and taking care of your own family, directing a children’s choir is not as easy as it might seem. It’s not all fun and games.
{{Bailey looks in the direction of the choir stand.}}
Anthony Bailey: Well they seem like a great bunch of kids so I’m sure the experience, though difficult, is enjoyable.
Choir Director: It is such a blessing to be apart of their lives and serve them in this aspect. But on behalf of the church, we thank you once again for being apart of the event. We know how busy you are so we appreciate you taking the time out to do this for us and for them.
Anthony Bailey: The pleasure is all mine. I’ll do anything for the kids.
Choir Director: That’s wonderful to hear. Keep that mindset and I’m sure that the Lord will take you far in life.
{{Bailey smiles.}}
Anthony Bailey: I can’t even begin to tell you about all the things that He has done for me. It’s overwhelming! Where do I even start?
Choir Director: You can unpack that for us a little more at the jam if you’d like because I’m sure that the church and the youth would love to hear it. Now to go over some of the logistics for the event...we need you to arrive about one hour in advance. We’ll have food and drinks for you and anything else you may require.
Anthony Bailey: Sounds good to me, so I guess I’ll see you then?
Choir Director: Yes, we shall reconvene on that day.
Anthony Bailey: Sounds like a plan. Goodbye kids and have a goodnight everyone.
{{The kids respond in unison.}}
Children’s Choir: Goooodbbbyyyyeeee Mr. Bailey!
{{Bailey flashes a smile and waves as he walks up the aisle of the church. The scene fades to black before shifting to a shot of Bailey standing on the front steps of the church. The sun is setting as Bailey peers out over the roads of his small town St. Augustine and over the property of his former school, Flagler College. He exhales lightly, looks directly into the camera, and then begins to speak.}}
Anthony Bailey: Initially, I wanted a true exhibition but you….you wanted contention. I wanted to give a veteran who means a lot to me, to this business, and to his fans a proper send off but you desired enmity. This is not what I wanted or what I had even expected, but as I have learned in the last year and half, I just have to roll with the punches. And many punches will be delegated in the direction of one particular man this Sunday night. And that’s not an empty threat or one that will fall by the wayside; it’s a pro…
Fearing the trap of sounding stale and cliché, Bailey switches his word mid sentence like a basketball player adjusts his shot in mid air at the coming intrusion of the defense.
It’s a guarantee because you said it yourself Keaton…neither one of us will ever have the chance at this specific type of match ever again. No DeLorean powerful enough will be able to cause us to re-live this night. This isn’t merely a dress rehearsal, this is opening night. Our match will be a one time deal and will not be an extended series of showcases as you experienced with Terry Marvin and I had with Jason Kash. After Sunday, that’s it. After your plane departs from Detroit you will likely go on to lead a quiet life outside of the spotlight, presumptively resurfacing when it’s your time to be inducted into the APW Hall of Fame; but retreating to your life of serenity soon after.
I will go on and continue grappling in both the singles and tag team divisions while laboring to cement a worthwhile legacy and make a name for myself and my team The Dying Breed. A name that will hopefully transcend the radius of APW. You and I will go our separate ways after Shockwave and while that night will be a milestone for one of us, the other will be haunted by it for the rest of their days. Even before you decided to astound the masses with the shove heard ‘round the world on Raab-A-Mania, I Anthony Reese Bailey have already made up in my mind that I will not be the one who is haunted.
I have been haunted by many things in my profession and throughout my life. “Could I have sought to be more understanding towards Tasha?” “What was Schmidt’s real intention of not ever giving me a rematch for the World Title even though people like Callahan received his fair share?” “Stables here in APW come and go like the wind, so will Dying Breed truly last?” Those are some of the thoughts that have permeated my mind but everyone thinks along these lines and has doubts. I’m not necessarily willing to embrace them so that they become a self-fulfilling prophecy and paralyze me in fear, but I am willing to accept the reality of them.
I’ll allow mental recreation to haunt me from time to time but I will not be haunted by a defeat at the hands of you during your final match. You will have moved on with your life and probably never given me another single thought while I’ll be known as the man who lost to Keaton Saint before his exodus. But no more second best for me. Those days are far behind me now. The conquest will be troublesome but I am willing to do whatever it takes for it. And this isn’t on some ol’ deceptive AJP type mechanism either. She’s willing to gain her victories by any means necessary. Rest in peace Malcolm X...
The term “by any means necessary” was spoken by the prominent Civil Rights activist Malcolm X on June 28, 1964 at the OAAU Founding Rally. X is credited for introducing the phrase to pop culture.
Even if she has to cheat to get them…but me? I don’t and never have condoned cheating so that isn’t even going to be an option. I’m willing to do whatever it takes as long as it’s moral and upright. But don’t over think either because there is going to be a slight level of unfairness added to this equation. It’s unfair how a man was allied with other like minded individuals but they all ended up leaving that man to fend for himself on a brand that he was unfamiliar with. It’s unfair how one night in Topeka, Kansas could change the dynamic of an impression that you might have had about a person. And it’s unfair how a man will have to conclude his illustrious career in defeat.
This game of chess that we call life isn’t fair Keaton and you will understand its full context this Sunday in Detroit. You didn’t want an exhibition and I would hate to be associated with the list of people who didn’t come through for you and ultimately let you down. What a stacked list that is though. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be on a list with names like Sally Talfourd, TJ, and Chris Strike just to name a few? I know that I would want to be but not under these circumstances. As much as I respect your former comrades and as much as I desire to make my mark in this sport like they have, they let you down by abandoning you. Just think if they would’ve ignored all of the backstage politics that was going on at the time and stuck it out?
Just think of the endless possibilities Keaton. The Pillars and The Dying Breed would have probably ended up aligning together to make sure that some of the ruckus going on these last few months would have never occurred. I can’t see the future but that would’ve been something huh? But everything happens for a reason and things didn’t pan out that way. And instead of coming into their own as a prevailing force, the word “Pillars” has become somewhat of a curse word in APW. Nobody wants to talk about it because it didn’t live up to the hype and fell apart kind of quickly. It’s almost like that average looking girl who had a nice personality and you really liked her but you kept her under wraps because your friends would have given you hell about her because she wasn’t at least a seven?
Bailey formulated the question so confidently; it was almost as if he was speaking from experience.
That’s what I think about when I think about The Pillars, Keaton. As taboo of a subject it already is, it’s factual and it happened. The same way the outcome of our match will be for you. A defeat won’t be the most favorite thing to talk about with your family and friends, but to sweep it under the rug would be doing a disservice. I know what everyone is thinking…”Slow your roll Bailey, you don’t know what you are getting yourself into. I mean this is Keaton Saint we’re talking about here.” I am well aware of who my opponent is but as I’m sure he can relate, I’m tired of only being second best or runner up. I’m tired of barely making it by the skin of my teeth. This weekend I am making a statement.
Weren’t you tired of being doubted during your battles with TMarv? Weren’t you exhausted with the naysayers when they didn’t believe that you could one day become the World Heavyweight Champion? But you did Keaton and you proved them wrong. You ascended to the highest hill when the skeptics thought you couldn’t. But that proved true only during a season of your life. Me on the other hand….my WHOLE career has been plagued with doubters overlooking me and counting me out. What has a twenty-three year old megastar like myself truly done to deserve a place of significance in this business and in this company? Am I a prisoner to my own sense of entitlement?
My resume’ is frequently taunted, I’m poked fun at by some of my colleagues on social media, my five month Tag Title reign with Hopkins is nothing but a joke in the eyes of some, and the list goes on…
{{Slowing the pace on his rant that has the potential of turning ugly, Bailey pauses to stay calm. Keaton wasn’t his enemy, his enemy was the system and the powers that be.}}
I can win titles and gain recognition but it doesn’t seem to be sufficient enough. The Tap Out Title? Cool. The World Title? Making progress. Tag Team Titles? We’re getting somewhere but we’re still not quite there yet. But where exactly is “there”? It seems as if I have to cure world hunger and the common cold to even be a blip on the radar. Am I bitter or mad? Absolutely not. Am I more disappointed than anything? Yeah, you can say that. But what if…what if I became the man who indirectly retired Keaton Saint? I mean he was already retiring in the first place but what if I was the one who was associated with his departure? That could solidify the position that I have been relentlessly pursuing for oh so long.
Not for selfish gain because I am not that kind of person Keaton. What you’re seeing with Anthony Bailey is exactly what you’re getting. As the popular hymn says “Oh, Lord I want to be in that number when the saints go marching in.” I do want to be in that number. I want to be in that number of megastars who’s taken seriously and who is respected enough to become a legitimate contender for the Undisputed Title and not out of pity from GM Raab, but because I have earned it. I want to be in that number of future APW Hall of Famers as Saint goes marching into retirement. Lord knows that I want to be in that number and I will be in that number at Shockwave in Detroit.
There is no ill will at all on my part Keaton, I’m just giving you what you want. You wanted a war so there’s no way I’m coming to that ring looking like a private, I’m trying to make the rank of sergeant and do a spectacular megastar like you justice. You didn’t have to grant me the opportunity for this but you did. You could’ve overlooked me as I have constantly been overlooked in the past but you didn’t and I thank you for that. This will be war but it will also be a proper send off that will be talked about for ages to come because that’s the least that I could do for you after all you have done for the business. How could I seemingly verbally assault you this entire promo and then end on a more positive note? It’s simple… I am Anthony Bailey…APW’s only Promise…the only Promise that can't be broken, not by a sinner and certainly not by a saint. Until Detroit….
{{The scene slowly fades to black as Bailey exits the church steps.}}
{{The scene opens to the inside of the dainty Memorial Presbyterian Church located in St. Augustine, FL. Memorial Pres. was Florida's first Presbyterian church ever and it was established in the year 1824 by wealthy entrepreneur Henry Flagler. Anthony Bailey became acquainted with the conservative congregation during his days at Flagler College since the church is located near the school’s campus. Not much of a regular church goer due to his hectic traveling schedule and his Ghandi philosophy of “I like your Christ but I do not like your Christians,” Bailey was asked to participate in the annual back to school jam and he obliged. The fact that such a traditional church even had an event like this immediately sparked Bailey’s interest. The event’s organizers wanted him to give a short speech on the importance of education since Bailey himself constantly talked about the impact that it had on him, even to this day. Called on for a minor rehearsal a few days before the actual event, Bailey is spotted inside the church along with a few of the organizers, church leaders, and the children’s choir. Bailey, clad in a red, black, and white T.D.B. T-shirt, black jeans, and a pair of red, black, and white Nike sneakers, watches on as the children’s choir practice their hymn for the event.}}
Choir Director: Okay children, attention. Attention please!
{{The chatter among the children ceases as her voice raises.}}
Good job boys and girls. Stand up straight, you know that I loathe sloppy posture. Okay now and from the top…one…two…three…
{{The organ chimes in as the choir director’s arms raise and begin to move and sway to the rhythm.}}
Children’s Choir:
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the drums begin to bang
Oh, when the drums begin to bang
Oh, Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the stars fall from the sky
Oh, when the stars fall from the sky
Oh, Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the moon turns red with blood
Oh, when the moon turns red with blood
Oh, Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the trumpet sounds its call
Oh, when the trumpet sounds its call
Oh, Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the fire begins to blaze
Oh, when the fire begins to blaze
Oh, Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
{{The organ halts as the children are applauded by all of the attendees for their outstanding effort.}}
Choir Director: It sounds excellent, great job. You may be seated.
{{The choir sits down.}}
I will talk to your moms and dads about having you here one hour early on the actual day of the school jam.
{{The director glances over at the organ player.}}
Before we close out, are there any other announcements? I’m drawing a blank right now...
{{The organ player shakes his head.}}
Okay well that’s all on my end. Please exit the sanctuary quietly if your parents are outside in the lobby waiting for you.
{{Only a few kids remain in the choir stand as the rest quickly walk out of the sanctuary whispering. The director looks back at Bailey, who is attentively watching from one of the pews in the front.}}
Mr. Bailey?
{{She motions for him to make his way down to the front of the church and he does. A few of the children who stayed behind considered it a privilege to have the chance of observing him from such a close distance, especially the ones who were avid wrestling fans. Bailey smiles at them as he approaches the choir director.}}
Hey, how are you?
Anthony Bailey: I’m doing well, how about yourself?
Choir Director: I’m doing well now that the kids learned the hymn so quickly. I was worried at first because we were getting so close to the event and hadn’t had a lot of time to practice.
Anthony Bailey: From what I heard, it sounded great. It’s rare that I hear a children’s choir that really wows me the way that they did.
{{A couple of the kids begin to smile ferociously at Bailey’s words.}}
Choir Director: Thank you, it means a lot. On top of working and taking care of your own family, directing a children’s choir is not as easy as it might seem. It’s not all fun and games.
{{Bailey looks in the direction of the choir stand.}}
Anthony Bailey: Well they seem like a great bunch of kids so I’m sure the experience, though difficult, is enjoyable.
Choir Director: It is such a blessing to be apart of their lives and serve them in this aspect. But on behalf of the church, we thank you once again for being apart of the event. We know how busy you are so we appreciate you taking the time out to do this for us and for them.
Anthony Bailey: The pleasure is all mine. I’ll do anything for the kids.
Choir Director: That’s wonderful to hear. Keep that mindset and I’m sure that the Lord will take you far in life.
{{Bailey smiles.}}
Anthony Bailey: I can’t even begin to tell you about all the things that He has done for me. It’s overwhelming! Where do I even start?
Choir Director: You can unpack that for us a little more at the jam if you’d like because I’m sure that the church and the youth would love to hear it. Now to go over some of the logistics for the event...we need you to arrive about one hour in advance. We’ll have food and drinks for you and anything else you may require.
Anthony Bailey: Sounds good to me, so I guess I’ll see you then?
Choir Director: Yes, we shall reconvene on that day.
Anthony Bailey: Sounds like a plan. Goodbye kids and have a goodnight everyone.
{{The kids respond in unison.}}
Children’s Choir: Goooodbbbyyyyeeee Mr. Bailey!
{{Bailey flashes a smile and waves as he walks up the aisle of the church. The scene fades to black before shifting to a shot of Bailey standing on the front steps of the church. The sun is setting as Bailey peers out over the roads of his small town St. Augustine and over the property of his former school, Flagler College. He exhales lightly, looks directly into the camera, and then begins to speak.}}
Anthony Bailey: Initially, I wanted a true exhibition but you….you wanted contention. I wanted to give a veteran who means a lot to me, to this business, and to his fans a proper send off but you desired enmity. This is not what I wanted or what I had even expected, but as I have learned in the last year and half, I just have to roll with the punches. And many punches will be delegated in the direction of one particular man this Sunday night. And that’s not an empty threat or one that will fall by the wayside; it’s a pro…
Fearing the trap of sounding stale and cliché, Bailey switches his word mid sentence like a basketball player adjusts his shot in mid air at the coming intrusion of the defense.
It’s a guarantee because you said it yourself Keaton…neither one of us will ever have the chance at this specific type of match ever again. No DeLorean powerful enough will be able to cause us to re-live this night. This isn’t merely a dress rehearsal, this is opening night. Our match will be a one time deal and will not be an extended series of showcases as you experienced with Terry Marvin and I had with Jason Kash. After Sunday, that’s it. After your plane departs from Detroit you will likely go on to lead a quiet life outside of the spotlight, presumptively resurfacing when it’s your time to be inducted into the APW Hall of Fame; but retreating to your life of serenity soon after.
I will go on and continue grappling in both the singles and tag team divisions while laboring to cement a worthwhile legacy and make a name for myself and my team The Dying Breed. A name that will hopefully transcend the radius of APW. You and I will go our separate ways after Shockwave and while that night will be a milestone for one of us, the other will be haunted by it for the rest of their days. Even before you decided to astound the masses with the shove heard ‘round the world on Raab-A-Mania, I Anthony Reese Bailey have already made up in my mind that I will not be the one who is haunted.
I have been haunted by many things in my profession and throughout my life. “Could I have sought to be more understanding towards Tasha?” “What was Schmidt’s real intention of not ever giving me a rematch for the World Title even though people like Callahan received his fair share?” “Stables here in APW come and go like the wind, so will Dying Breed truly last?” Those are some of the thoughts that have permeated my mind but everyone thinks along these lines and has doubts. I’m not necessarily willing to embrace them so that they become a self-fulfilling prophecy and paralyze me in fear, but I am willing to accept the reality of them.
I’ll allow mental recreation to haunt me from time to time but I will not be haunted by a defeat at the hands of you during your final match. You will have moved on with your life and probably never given me another single thought while I’ll be known as the man who lost to Keaton Saint before his exodus. But no more second best for me. Those days are far behind me now. The conquest will be troublesome but I am willing to do whatever it takes for it. And this isn’t on some ol’ deceptive AJP type mechanism either. She’s willing to gain her victories by any means necessary. Rest in peace Malcolm X...
The term “by any means necessary” was spoken by the prominent Civil Rights activist Malcolm X on June 28, 1964 at the OAAU Founding Rally. X is credited for introducing the phrase to pop culture.
Even if she has to cheat to get them…but me? I don’t and never have condoned cheating so that isn’t even going to be an option. I’m willing to do whatever it takes as long as it’s moral and upright. But don’t over think either because there is going to be a slight level of unfairness added to this equation. It’s unfair how a man was allied with other like minded individuals but they all ended up leaving that man to fend for himself on a brand that he was unfamiliar with. It’s unfair how one night in Topeka, Kansas could change the dynamic of an impression that you might have had about a person. And it’s unfair how a man will have to conclude his illustrious career in defeat.
This game of chess that we call life isn’t fair Keaton and you will understand its full context this Sunday in Detroit. You didn’t want an exhibition and I would hate to be associated with the list of people who didn’t come through for you and ultimately let you down. What a stacked list that is though. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be on a list with names like Sally Talfourd, TJ, and Chris Strike just to name a few? I know that I would want to be but not under these circumstances. As much as I respect your former comrades and as much as I desire to make my mark in this sport like they have, they let you down by abandoning you. Just think if they would’ve ignored all of the backstage politics that was going on at the time and stuck it out?
Just think of the endless possibilities Keaton. The Pillars and The Dying Breed would have probably ended up aligning together to make sure that some of the ruckus going on these last few months would have never occurred. I can’t see the future but that would’ve been something huh? But everything happens for a reason and things didn’t pan out that way. And instead of coming into their own as a prevailing force, the word “Pillars” has become somewhat of a curse word in APW. Nobody wants to talk about it because it didn’t live up to the hype and fell apart kind of quickly. It’s almost like that average looking girl who had a nice personality and you really liked her but you kept her under wraps because your friends would have given you hell about her because she wasn’t at least a seven?
Bailey formulated the question so confidently; it was almost as if he was speaking from experience.
That’s what I think about when I think about The Pillars, Keaton. As taboo of a subject it already is, it’s factual and it happened. The same way the outcome of our match will be for you. A defeat won’t be the most favorite thing to talk about with your family and friends, but to sweep it under the rug would be doing a disservice. I know what everyone is thinking…”Slow your roll Bailey, you don’t know what you are getting yourself into. I mean this is Keaton Saint we’re talking about here.” I am well aware of who my opponent is but as I’m sure he can relate, I’m tired of only being second best or runner up. I’m tired of barely making it by the skin of my teeth. This weekend I am making a statement.
Weren’t you tired of being doubted during your battles with TMarv? Weren’t you exhausted with the naysayers when they didn’t believe that you could one day become the World Heavyweight Champion? But you did Keaton and you proved them wrong. You ascended to the highest hill when the skeptics thought you couldn’t. But that proved true only during a season of your life. Me on the other hand….my WHOLE career has been plagued with doubters overlooking me and counting me out. What has a twenty-three year old megastar like myself truly done to deserve a place of significance in this business and in this company? Am I a prisoner to my own sense of entitlement?
My resume’ is frequently taunted, I’m poked fun at by some of my colleagues on social media, my five month Tag Title reign with Hopkins is nothing but a joke in the eyes of some, and the list goes on…
{{Slowing the pace on his rant that has the potential of turning ugly, Bailey pauses to stay calm. Keaton wasn’t his enemy, his enemy was the system and the powers that be.}}
I can win titles and gain recognition but it doesn’t seem to be sufficient enough. The Tap Out Title? Cool. The World Title? Making progress. Tag Team Titles? We’re getting somewhere but we’re still not quite there yet. But where exactly is “there”? It seems as if I have to cure world hunger and the common cold to even be a blip on the radar. Am I bitter or mad? Absolutely not. Am I more disappointed than anything? Yeah, you can say that. But what if…what if I became the man who indirectly retired Keaton Saint? I mean he was already retiring in the first place but what if I was the one who was associated with his departure? That could solidify the position that I have been relentlessly pursuing for oh so long.
Not for selfish gain because I am not that kind of person Keaton. What you’re seeing with Anthony Bailey is exactly what you’re getting. As the popular hymn says “Oh, Lord I want to be in that number when the saints go marching in.” I do want to be in that number. I want to be in that number of megastars who’s taken seriously and who is respected enough to become a legitimate contender for the Undisputed Title and not out of pity from GM Raab, but because I have earned it. I want to be in that number of future APW Hall of Famers as Saint goes marching into retirement. Lord knows that I want to be in that number and I will be in that number at Shockwave in Detroit.
There is no ill will at all on my part Keaton, I’m just giving you what you want. You wanted a war so there’s no way I’m coming to that ring looking like a private, I’m trying to make the rank of sergeant and do a spectacular megastar like you justice. You didn’t have to grant me the opportunity for this but you did. You could’ve overlooked me as I have constantly been overlooked in the past but you didn’t and I thank you for that. This will be war but it will also be a proper send off that will be talked about for ages to come because that’s the least that I could do for you after all you have done for the business. How could I seemingly verbally assault you this entire promo and then end on a more positive note? It’s simple… I am Anthony Bailey…APW’s only Promise…the only Promise that can't be broken, not by a sinner and certainly not by a saint. Until Detroit….
{{The scene slowly fades to black as Bailey exits the church steps.}}
