A Proven Wrestler #7a: IT'S ALIVE!

[Smash INC]

Keaton Saint in
A Proven Wrestler #7a: Past Conflict, Future Resolution

Cherish Yesterday

Professional Wrestling has always held a deep meaning to me.

Long before I even considered training to become a wrestler, the sport always held a certain mystical quality to me and I was attracted to it much like a moth to a naked flame. The first time I ever laid eyes on a wrestling match I could never look away and it was at that time I started to truly learn some life lessons. As a child I was always given advice on competitiveness and pushing forward to be better than others, before I had even decided on a sport to enjoy I was pushed into believing that competition was everything, it was the sole focus and aim of any sport. There was a time long ago when I actually believed it entirely, I was young and I was gullible to believe that this sport and any other held only one layer instead of being the beautiful tapestry that it really is.

Chess, football, rounders and any other sport you could name ended up becoming more than playful, it was war and it was competition. I felt the severe need to become better than other people and in doing so I pushed further and further away from my real goal in life. By the time I realised that wrestling was my calling I was already past my teens and I had missed out on the chance to be a child prodigy in this great sport. A regret? Possibly, but it is neither the beginning or end of my career.

No regret or loss ever is.

I was motivated by fear, the same fear that we're taught that every man, woman and child has. Fear of loss, fear of defeat and fear of being surpassed. People fear mediocrity in the same way they fear being overtaken by others, it motivates selfish decisions and it motivated my own selfish need to feel at ease with myself. This is long before I knew what it meant to be Keaton Saint, long before I knew what it meant to be a torchbearer in professional wrestling. Fear motivated me, but it also crushed my spirit over time.

This overbearing presence of fear enveloped my beliefs and began to crush me, this belief in something so distant had encroached upon the core of my being and the only lesson I began to learn was that being human meant being afraid. It took my absolutely years to get rid of that assumption, even longer to believe I could make a difference.

The only person who ever turned out to be honest about the whole concept of losing was my dad. It wasn't a dark presence, it never overtook my life and it wasn't as scary as it had been portrayed up until that point. I had seen plenty of people lose in different ways up to that point but I never understood what it meant until I was in a position where I could lose properly. The fear of loss was so strong in the environment I knew that I was never given the chance to see what it meant, losing didn't exist and neither did winning because all winning was presented as was a way top offset the eventual loss and contamination of your being. Until it actually happened it all felt unreal, until I knew the truth of what competition meant I felt like an outsider looking at concepts I knew next to nothing about. These lessons took a long time to learn and until I learnt them I was stuck in a vicious circle of self-doubt and emphatic belief in outside forces controlling my life.

The time it took to understand that what truly mattered was how I approached a problem, not whether I overcame it or not. The tightrope that I felt like I was walking on my whole life had been taken away and replaced with good, solid ground. I came alive with the knowledge that what mattered was knowing that you did your absolute best, not whether you won or lost in the end.

Once I knew I could control myself and my destiny the dark presence I used to believe was real was shown to be a false idol. It made me become able to represent the banner of who I am, it made me able to become Keaton Saint.

And so I cherish my lessons learnt before now because without them I would not be able to stand here and face up to the fact that this is the biggest fight of my life. People call this a business and in saying that they can sometimes ignore the real human effort and cost that goes into this sport. This match is the biggest thing I've ever been challenged with and no amount of calling it a piece of business or a moment of sporting glory will change what it truly is.

The greatest test I may ever face.

You know what I said about no regret or loss being the end of things? This match is the exception.

Losing this match could be the death of Keaton Saint, the death of the message and belief I have brought ever since I began my path. That's why I cherish what yesterday brought to me and that's why I'll fight to the very best of my ability, the very limit of my heart and soul combined. If I have to quit and die against Terry Marvin I will go out fighting, just like I did when I learnt my lessons a long time ago. I may be fighting, but that doesn't take away from the truth.

I'm afraid. I used to embrace moments like this but considering what the stakes are I feel the same fear coming to take me over and this is the only time in years I've felt truly afraid of losing.

Terry Marvin knows this isn't a match, it is a war and a chance to destroy everything I believe in. I don't want to see Sunday come and go with the feeling that everything I've built up to as a professional wrestler is a lie.

I'm afraid of what might happen, but I will fight with every ounce of my being to stop it from happening.

==========

A Little Time

"You're afraid?" Victoria Higgins-Lloyd had seen a lot in her time, but to see those words in black and white made it clear that Keaton Saint was doubting himself more than he had ever done before.

"Well, yeah." Keaton replied not really knowing what else he could say. "Vic I have to be honest."

"And you think this helps?"

"It's like I said, honesty is a good thing to have and when it comes out like this, it's a bit of--"

"Therapy, I know." Vic interrupted.

"Well if you know, why ask?"

"Because the very least you could've done is told me before you started spouting off to the world."

"You don't trust me?" Keaton felt he had to ask.

"You don't seem to trust yourself dammit!" Vic responded emphatically and with such passion that Keaton was taken aback,was he being ignorant again?

"Don't be like that."

"Like what? Honest?"

"You know what I mean."

"Then you better get a handle on what I'm gonna be like, I don't care if your entrance music says you're on your own."

"What does my theme have to do with this?"

"Just... just." Vic had to stop herself, this wasn't the right time to debate lyrical content.

"Right."

"You're not alone." Vic paused. "Don't ever think you're alone, not now, not ever."

"I know that, but this match is the biggest thing I've ever been involved with." Keaton looked to the ceiling. "Surely it makes sense that I am aware of what this could do."

"You've been in big matches before."

"For money, glory or a championship maybe. But this is to do with the very core of who I am. Losing kills every single ounce of belief I've built up. It destroys the shreds of what I've become. I'm scared Vic."

"I'm not saying you can't be afraid, but at least get your bloody act together and consider that you're not the only one involved."

"I don't care what you're saying there, you're not coming down to Indianapolis." Keaton stated, he felt as if Vic was trying to get herself in favour of going down to see Keaton live and in person. Considering the stakes of the match and the stipulation, he knew that couldn't be the case.

"I'm not dense Keat, I know that Terry Marvin would plan something if he knew where I was."

"Have some faith in me, the fear will drive me further."

"I can't have faith in you if you don't believe in yourself."

"I do, I just..."

"You just? This is what I mean." Vic pointed to the way Keaton was speaking, almost slurred and slowing down to a point where he had become unsure of how to form a true sentence of intent. Keaton was becoming his own worst enemy.

"How do you mean?" Keaton asked in reply. The problem for Vic was that Keaton was becoming ignorant to his own weaknesses. It wasn't the fact that he was unaware, more that he was allowing the chance of fear to overtake what he could accomplish. Terry Marvin would not give him an inch, Keaton had to make sure he was the same in return.

"I'm doing my part for you by getting that guy from the Rhino down, deflecting everything away from you so you can concentrate on getting ready but here you stand."

"You never agreed to that did you?"

"Y'know, it serves a purpose."

"Like what?"

"It keeps the hounds from calling."

"I can take the hounds."

"But are you ready to face a big dog like Terry Marvin?"

"I, er, I..." Keaton paused, unable to finish his sentence he just stood there waiting on Vic to speak.

"And this is what I mean."

"Me, not answering things and standing here?"

"Yes, there you stand as an unprepared waste of space and I shouldn't have to be the one to tell you how to get ready for this."

"I already know that, I know what needs to be done and I know it WILL take time."

"I'm right in front of you Keat, you don't have to raise your voice for a single word."

"You're there--"

"And I'm not going away or backing down." Vic interrupted. "Learn to live with it."

"I already know."

"You better do, you need to get yourself into the right mindset."

"I just need a little time to get things together."

"Yeah, you go ahead and sulk before you figure out what we already know."

"You're not the one who has to go in there and put everything on the line." Keaton replied with tenacity.

"No, but you're not the one who is standing here making a choice to stand by her man and do the right thing because she knows it and wants to."

"You want what?"

"I want you to be ready, because when I speak to that guy from the Rhino I'm going to be honest with him."

"How honest?"

"Well if you're like this I'll let him know so all those fans you've been trying to lead to a statement of effort and a great work ethic can be told before you go and get yourself killed that you were wrong and they shouldn't follow your example any more."

"Do you realty believe that?"

"Do you?!" Vic responded sharply, sharper in tone than anything Keaton had ever seen from her. The woman was ignited like he had never seen and he knew from her voice and her eyes that this match was more than just his beliefs on the line. It was her faith in him as well.

"I need time, a little time to get some things done."

"Like what?"

"You'll know when I've done it."

"Likewise, you'll know what I think of you when I'm done with the guy from the Rhino."

"I believe in you Vic, I really do."

"Make sure your time isn't a lifetime, we haven't got that long."

"I can make three calls, it'll get things done."

"You better be right."

"I have to be." Keaton took a seat and took a deep and thoughtful breath before pulling out his phone. At least one of these calls was something he never wanted to make, but life wasn't easy and with Terry Marvin on the horizon closing in, something had to be done.

==========

Excerpt from Ted's Throwdown
Ted Hunsinger reporting for the Rhino Rasslin' Roundup

I'm going to go ahead and say it.

I am the best reporter-cum-journalist involved in the RRR and right now I am completely at ease to state that for all my readers and everyone else associated with this place to see. Whilst most wrestling writers are too busy forming their own "unique" viewpoints on the upcoming major events in wrestling including APW's Rasslemania, I'm the only one who actually went out to try and get an interview away from the pomp and circumstance of the official divisions.

And guess who went ahead and succeeded? Ted Hun himself.

So whilst I won't take away from the fact that opinion pieces like this do draw in some readers, I know that once you see this interview the real fans of wrestling will bump up the viewer count to something ridiculous. Because I am DAMN good at what I do.

On to Rasslemania anyhow and as I've said, I'm getting an interview with close associate and personal friend of Keaton Saint, Victoria Higgins-Lloyd. some of you might know about her from Saint's entry into last year's Extreme Tournament but for those who don't know, she is a great personality from what I've seen and heard. I'm looking forward to this, so should you.

Back to the match at hand.

Keaton Saint challenges for the Overdrive championship against reigning, defending and downright scarily motivated champion, Terry Marvin. This match was made on the back of Saint pressuring for the chance to prove himself and once his head was firmly placed into the ring mat, The Real Show was very willing to grant it. there's a lot of animosity going on here because of how both men view themselves and I won't be surprised if this degrades into all-out violence seconds into the match.

When you've looked at the backgrounds of both men you can see a correlation of sorts, they've both had good showings in Survive & Conquer (albeit in different years) and they've both got a long-standing reputation of going out to the ring and being a tough opponent for anyone in the professional wrestling circuit. Marvin's denouncement of the fans is one of the reasons that Saint opposes him but what is most striking is how similar the two are from some perspective. I can most certainly see Terry Marvin making a case for a challenge if he wasn't pinned or submitted in a title defence. There is justification there and what likely motivates both men is the chance to settle a score without doubt. The stipulation simply makes it set in stone, there WILL be a winner in this one and there will definitely be a loser, or more accurately a quitter.

The stipulation of "I Quit" stems from older forms of submission wrestling, the sign of tapping out wasn't always the definitive sign of submission that it is today and so way back when, the way to end a match like that was to audibly say that you quit. As time has gone on and as the wrestling techniques have become more advanced, the need for a tap-out to mean an end to a match has become a necessity. I mean, how would you say "I Quit" if you couldn't even speak thanks to a vicious chokehold by your opponent. To speak, you have to take in air and if you can't do that... Well it's simple enough.

What strikes me most about the stipulation is how the evolution has brought along a need for brutality, most wrestlers now would like to assume that they can withstand a lot more punishment than their predecessors but is that truly the case? Matches like this settle the scores between wrestlers in a definitive environment but I doubt that many wrestlers would want to be tested in this way. A loss is devastating whilst a victory can be seen as mere survival. Mind games may be in play, but this really is a survival of the most depraved and unhinged individual at times. And that takes into account the stamina of most wrestlers.

Keaton Saint and Terry Marvin are not most wrestlers however, their stamina has been proven in various manners. Marvin's recent showing in this year's Survive & Conquer is a prime example of this and Saint had been involved in the Siberian stage of the Extreme Tournament from the Experts, more recently Saint has to contend with the fact that he will be wrestling in Brazil shortly before Rasslemania due to an ongoing commitment with CWC and the Ascension tournament. This takes a lot of stamina and for both men events like this will be on their minds.

But who really has the mental advantage here?

Is it Terry Marvin, the man who made the match happen along with the stipulation?

Or is it Keaton Saint, the man who has a history of dealing with impromptu surprises and extreme environments?

To put some sort of answer to this I must consider the process of how this has come about. Saint pressured for the match to happen but admitted that he didn't consider Marvin would cave in as easily as he did. Could this be construed as a sign of weakness or part of the gameplan? Marvin made the call for the match to happen, but it was done when Saint was facing the mat and his control was assured thanks to the assistance of Johnny Knuckles. Could this be weakness or a sign of a great mind at work?

However Saint has been through the rabbit hole before. His first championship was won in the independent promotion known as Premier WC in an impromptu deathmatch apparently sprung upon him on the night of the match. Saint's other accolades have always seemed to come from a hardcore environment, especially his current and previous reign as the CWC Hardcore champion along with his endeavours in the Experts Extreme Tournaments. For a man who claims to represent pure wrestling, Saint has adapted like a professional to the sort of environment that chews out the squeamish and leaves their remains on the side of a highway.

If this was a match built on familiarity with the subject then both men would have a good chance at the very least, Terry Marvin is known to have stamina in recent times. Saint is known to be able to adapt to extreme situations and deal with it very well. Both men are able to control the pace of a match and come back from near-defeat. It's a tough call regardless of the criteria which is why I think this will all boil down to the mental strength wars between the two.

This is a reason I'm glad I'm able to interview part of Saint's camp, it gives me an insight into one of the most intriguing wars in recent wrestling history. This is one of those matches that you won't want to miss, I am very certain of that.

Join me soon as I come back with my interview with the enthralling Victoria Higgins-Lloyd.

Until then, this is Ted Hun signing out.

==========

Writer's Note

/*If this was to be a two-parter as originally planned, the above would be part 1 and the below would be part 2.*/


==========

Three Heralds

Patricia Burrell had not wrestled professionally for a long time, so to have a call traced to a representative of Action Packed Wrestling was more than a little surprising. Upon finding the reserves to pick up her phone and dial voicemail she was more surprised to learn that it had not come from one of the APW staff but from Keaton Saint himself. She listened to the message and recalled that it had really been that long since he had been laid out on the ground coughing up dirt thanks to the efforts of one of the most infamous and ruthless individuals of the business, Level One.

Patricia finished listening to the message and spoke out loud to herself.

"Well isn't that something."

She began to listen to the message again, noting down the contact number and as she jotted down the last digit she felt compelled to dial it there and then. For Keaton to leave a message like that was surprising, although at a time like this it was within reason. Patricia went through her usual business for the day and as some time passed she looked back at the number again. The reply would be delivered.

She called and was met with the option to leave a message, much like the one she heard before. With a knowing sigh she began to leave her own input on the situation.

"Keaton, this isn't the same time as it was when you first started. I appreciate the thanks but I only set you on the path. You're the one who started walking it. Learning to be cold and ruthless just isn't in your nature and I'm thankful you never turned into a carbon-copy of me. I do appreciate the fact that you've contacted me but I was already going to watch Rasslemania anyhow and I know, I know more than you do that this won't be your last night. You're too strong to let that happen. Take care of yourself."

Patricia left her words and hoped they would provide something for Keaton Saint, even if he had never asked for them.

**********

They called her Destiny because that was what she offered, now they called her many things but Destiny still fit like a glove. She was a revealer of truth even when her clothes weren't a revealing input into the female anatomy. Her body was a temple for sin and she had embraced her ability as a dark mistress of domination, sadism and masochism really was her calling even without the fact that the money was amazing for the work it involved. She was a sinner and she loved it, so when the voice of Saint filled her ears she scowled to herself knowing that in some way, she knew why he was calling and why he left the message.

Destiny listened to the message, to a man calling her by her given name rather than a moniker and talking to her as an equal rather than as a mistress. Time had passed and work had to be done but for this dominatrix, a moment would indeed be spared for a thankful man. Even if that man called himself a Saint.

"I don't know how the fuck you got hold of my business number but.."

Destiny stopped the call and held herself back for a moment, of course she knew how he got the number. There was only one person who could've given it to him and he had been down last week.

"I know John gave you this number but whatever you're expecting from me is too much to ask, I'm not here to support you so go talk to your rasslin' friends you pri..."

Destiny stopped herself again. Saint had always been honest with her and that had to be commended at least, the call he left was honest as well. They weren't ever going to be friends but she had a chance to provide advice to one of the heir-apparent wrestlers of the world. Why not take a chance?

"You've been a wrestler for far too long to start questioning yourself now. I'll get a feed of your little show and I know what I expect to see. I know deep down you're ready to unleash the bastard that you are and I know better than you do the need to unleash something that you've kept behind you for far too long. Stay angry, stay fearful because it will make you aware."

Destiny paused herself, this was starting to sound like mental advice rather than what Saint had asked for.

"I won't say ignore that but for what you're asking for, I've got the answers. Mental advantage is your business but if you want to know what makes a person tick you need to attack the points. I know pleasure and I sure as hell know pain which is why you're calling, I'm going to send you a link to a website you can study and as for the guy you're facing, I'll grab a photo of him and figure out the options you have. This won't be your ending Saint, just embrace what you can really become."

Destiny was many things, a dominatrix, a bitch, a businesswoman but she was not a liar. Saint would get his instruction, it was up to him to make the best use of it.

**********

Jim was a barman and his bar was known enough that everyone only needed to refer to him as Jim, anybody else who happened to have the same name ended up realising that this was Jim's bar and they were most certainly not Jim.

It had been some time since the young man from Britain had set foot in the bar, Jim knew that the man in question had become more of a traveller again thanks to the sport of wrestling but he questioned why, of all times, now would be the best to come down and ask about a decades-old tape of a match that most people had never heard of. The young man, the kid was different. The kid was a Saint in name and in manner, he knew what this held and when he made the call he was adamant about learning from it.

"You'll have to come down." Jim was quick to answer the message and left his own, there was no need to say anything more than that. Jim couldn't convert the tape without running a risk of damaging the original recording but what he could do was make a copy, so that is what he did.

The kid walked in sometime during a cool afternoon, he ordered a quick non-alcoholic drink and simply nodded to Jim. Jim knew that the message was clear, this was a man who wanted to learn something rather than collect a piece of the past so when the message was left he knew that he wasn't giving up the memory to someone who would lose it. The Saint simply exchanged a nod as he handed over a few Franklins, Jim had never discussed money with the kid but here he was, paying hundreds for an old piece of wrestling footage.

"This isn't needed." Jim spoke quietly as he eyed up the cash.

The kid responded by saying he was paying for the drink, Jim's initial response was to say that it wasn't worth that much but with the knowing nod of the kid he knew what had to be done.

"Yeah, drinks are sure getting expensive these days." Jim said as he pocketed the money. "I'll bet you haven't noticed."

The kid responded with another knowing nod as he finished his drink and left the bar. Drinks were expensive, but memories like that must've been priceless to him. Jim mused to himself that perhaps the kid was studying the past to use in his future...

Surely not.

==========

Ted Hunsinger presents...
A Special Interview for the Rhino Rasslin' Roundup

So I recently got the chance to take a few moments with close associate, friend and supporter of Keaton Saint, Victoria Higgins-Lloyd. For those of you who don't know her, she's been working with Saint since the Extreme Tournament last year and as such deals with the day-to-day issues of the APW wrestler. As Saint is busy preparing for his match with Terry Marvin this provides an exclusive insight into the workings behind the one of the biggest matches at Rasslemania.

I did say I'd get a good exclusive for the RRR, here it is.

Ted Hunsinger: Thank you for having me here, I'm sure you're very busy with the ongoing preparations for Keaton Saint's upcoming match at Rasslemania.

Victoria Higgins-Lloyd: You wouldn't believe the amount that has to go into something like this.

TH: I'm sure I can take a guess.

VHL: Even so, a match like this demands a lot from whoever is involved. I am sure that Keaton is at the stage now where he's able to look past his weaknesses and focus on what he can accomplish.

TH: So you're not part of the physical training?

VHL: I have been a part of it in other matches, but Keaton has said more than once that for a match as intimate and important as this one he needs to be in tune with himself mentally and physically. We've had issues getting to that stage but I feel he is approaching it very soon.

TH: So what you're saying is that he's not ready right now?

VHL: If the match started right now, Keaton would not be as prepared as he would be when the match is supposed to begin.

TH: But surely you're saying that he isn't ready right now.

VHL: If you wish to take it that way then so be it, wrestling is not a static sport. It requires concentration and time to achieve the best results. Ask any professional wrestler and they will tell you what goes into achieving peak mental and physical condition. It is not a switch you can turn on and off at will.

TH: I see, how is Keaton Saint approaching his opponent? We've seen varying degrees of animosity between Saint and Marvin prior to now and surely that must weigh on his mind?

VHL: It would be a part of the process for anyone involved. What's important is how you work towards the right goal for the right match, Keaton knows there are no limits here for himself or Terry Marvin. That means he has to incorporate some elements into his arsenal of moves that he hasn't used in some time, as well as some new techniques that he has had to prepare for an occasion just like this.

TH: Doesn't that carry a risk with it?

VHL: The argument against that would be that if Keaton walked to this match with a gameplan that Terry Marvin knew about entirely, he'd know what to counter and how to break Keaton down. New moves, new ideas keep that from happening and I know without any doubts that what Keaton has is the strength of will to use these techniques at the right time. It's a big risk, but it has to be done.

TH: Surely you'd want to be taking smaller risks if you had to take any at all?

VHL: But then like I said, Terry Marvin would be prepared for that. The reward justifies the need to experiment.

TH: Any chance you can tell the readers of the RRR what might be in store?

VHL: I can't speak of anything specific but I know Keaton has unearthed some moves and styles that are effective despite a lack of use. I can also say for certain that Keaton has prepared a move for all positions that might arise so if he needs to take to the air he has a devastating move in the queue to be used.

TH: Surely any manager would say that.

VHL: I'm not his manager. Keaton manages himself. I'm not a cheerleader either but I can assure you of one thing. Keaton's becoming more ready for this by the second.

TH: I take it that is why he was unable to take questions from me.

VHL: That was one reason.

TH: Care to tell me the others?

VHL: I'd rather not.

TH: That's understandable at least. What are your opinions on the rest of the Rasslemania card?

VHL: I know that Keaton would refrain from making a comment on what the others matches may bring.

TH: that's why I'm asking you.

VHL: You want my opinion? Fine I'll go over a couple of matches.

TH: How about I name them and you give me your thoughts on it?

VHL: Definitely.

TH: Overdrive taking on Asylum. Who wins and why?

VHL: Might not be a popular pick but I have to say Asylum. Something seems to favour the underdogs in matches like this and from what I've heard about them I think they could pull it off here. Overdrive winning relies on their team getting along and with guys like Yarmouth in the team I just can't see it happening.

TH: Michael Callahan takes on Chris McKenzie in what promises to be a huge match. Your pick and why?

VHL: Keaton'll hate me saying this but Callahan to take it, the Smiler...

TH: The Smiler?

VHL: Keaton calls him that.

TH: Please continue.

VHL: Well, Callahan seems to have a plan much like ~Javex Valerius did in the CWC event last year. I see a lot of similarities here and I reckon Callahan has a plan for his match.

TH: Surely everyone would have a plan?

VHL: I think his will work.

TH: The big tag title match with the Studmuffins defending, your pick and why?

VHL: If I knew the answer to that I'd be rich.

TH: You believe it's too hard to call?

VHL: I know it has a lot of variables.

TH: Possible at least. Tell me about the Sally Talfourd/Level One encounter, your pick and why?

VHL: Honestly they could both choke in the ring and I wouldn't care.

TH: You want them to die?

VHL: No no, that came out wrong. Keaton's always had his grievances with Level One and I'm sure everyone knows that but for him to start spouting crap about him and to stick with Sally Talfourd in this one reeks of a bad idea. She's JUST as bad, if not worse than he is and personally I don't think he should be as blind as he is being.

TH: Does this stretch back to last year?

VHL: I think, I know rather. I know Keaton is still torn up about the New Experts and what could have been, he blamed himself but I personally have to shoulder some blame on her. It was obviously a vehicle to get Sally Talfourd into the spotlight and I can't believe Keaton never saw it.

TH: Harsh words indeed... So you're not picking a winner?

VHL: No way.

TH: Well I'll draw your attention to the main event, massive match with a lot on offer. Noble, Gates, Rebel, Blade. Who is your pick and why?

VHL: Well if Noble won like Keaton thinks he will I'll be happy with that because I know Keaton can beat him without interruption. Keaton's been in the ring with Gates before but time has passed and he's better now. Rebel dropped a title before going into this...

TH: Perhaps giving Keaton Saint the chance he needed to get into title contention.

VHL: Perhaps, but I don't think Rebel can do it on his own. I honestly would say that of everyone involved in that match there is only one winner. Blade.

TH: A bold pick.

VHL: I feel I'm right.

TH: Certainly a bold choice. Many thanks for going over the card for Rasslemania with me and good luck to Keaton Saint in his match there against Terry Marvin.

VHL: Thanks for having me.

And so folks, that's where we finished up. I did speak to Victoria some more about APW business and possible picks for up and coming stars in the roster but her concentration is naturally on Keaton Saint.

Ted Hun signing out once more and this is with a great hope that this special interview has given to RRR readers an insight into the biggest event of the year.

==========

Realism

I went over this more than once and here I am, facing into the abyss preparing to give a speech before I venture into a vision of hell, your vision of hell.

The fact is I didn't want to do this, I wanted a match with you where we could prove in a true wrestling environment what we could accomplish. I wanted to create a Rasslemania moment and yet here I am looking towards something that doesn't resemble a true match at all. Your choices have brought us to this point, your abandonment of what it means to be a wrestler has brought us here and when you turn your back on yourself, something has to bring you back. I am that thing and I am that person.

When the dust settles after our explosive union the world will know that everything was done from both sides to defeat the other. In a world with no rules that would be the norm but this is professional wrestling, we're not savages. We are athletes and what you've done to the sport is twist it for your own sick purposes. I wanted to prove myself to you and show that I deserved the chance to defeat you to become Overdrive champion. That is still the case but everything that goes into this match now is done so I can ensure you'll never make these choices again.

We had a chance a few weeks back to really offer something to everyone involved with APW. Terry Marvin taking on Keaton Saint is a guaranteed seat-filler and what we're both able to do far surpasses the average. I know you're a damn good wrestler, I know I'm capable of competing with you and yet you're the one who turned the possible creation we could have had into something that will be ultimately destructive. This match WILL take a toll on our mental and physical well being, I know I'm walking into this match with a VERY real possibility of shortening my career by five years or more. I also know that this has to be done because to end your destruction of the relationship between a wrestler and his fans needs to be stopped for the good of the crowd that will see us collide.

The fans are the air of this sport and what you did was turn that away from you and treat it as if it was poison. The fact that you're even willing to make a match like this happens proves that you've become so far beyond reaching that I have no reason to hold back. There was a time when I thought I should walk into this and try to resolve what we've done but the only resolution available now is an end to your reign and an end to your assault on professional wrestling.

You talk about being the Real Show but what you've ignored is that this brings out the most REAL and definitive part of my being. I'm afraid of what might happen but I'm really afraid of what might happen if I fall to you. Everything I've built up from 2008 up to now is on the line and yet I'm doing it all to dethrone a champion and prove that supporting the fans is the right thing to do. I believe that with every ounce of my being and yet here I am, fearful of what might happen if I fall. I have to question if it was all really worth it, but I know this must be done.

You wanted to force this upon me, I will find a way to prove that your wishes have a way of backfiring and destroying your plan of turning your back on everything in wrestling. You cannot ignore the Patron Saint of Professional Wrestling for long because just like hope, I will find a way.

This isn't about saving anyone. I'm not here to try and save you, I came here to prove myself against the best wrestlers in the world and even in this environment I will do everything I can to do that. The only person who can truly turn the tide against your choices is yourself, I'm just the man who will be a catalyst towards your revival. Unlike your twisted need to make me your bitch I have a belief in creating something special for the fans of wrestling. I want to make things happen, not tear things away and destroy them in front of thousands of pairs of eyes. I create, you destroy but when we meet I will do everything to make something out of myself that is unbreakable. That is the spirit and the power of Keaton Saint.

I'm here to march in like I always do and prove that in ANY environment I belong with the best.

I do not want to be the person to make you say those fateful words but when the bell rings you will see the absolute peak of what I am, the best of what I've done and the ultimate representation of who I am. The time to turn back is long gone and I've never been a person to quit so when the bell rings to signal the end of our destructive union you WILL recognise one fact about me.

I deserve to be in the same ring as you and I deserve to wrestle for the Overdrive championship.

To end your reign and make you say those fateful words, it is a mission of requirement unlike your twisted need for dominance.

Rasslemania marks a resolution. Whatever happens, one fact is clear.

I am the one who will end this.