Post by Josh Eagles on Apr 16, 2011 20:43:59 GMT -5
This was it. Tomorrow would be the last time I stood in this building and had the fans of the Kingdom of Pride cheering my name, tomorrow would be the last day I stood in a wrestling ring. I stood just in the entrance of our old arena in Cooksville taking it in knowing that tomorrow I wouldn't be here and that I would never wrestle in this ring again. As a matter of fact my last match in this ring was uninspired and a loss, I had let my mind wander to tomorrow, to my retirement, to Eddie Nash. I sigh and look around the empty hall. I had agreed to meet Alex Avice here and give him one more interview before the Kingdom of Pride was no more and today I would give him one that he would never forget.
I begin to walk down the halls towards the ring area. I could feel the Valiant Championship on my shoulder and it felt heavier; it was like the belt knew that its weight and what it represented was heavy and was on my mind. I knew I had a man who was focused on holding this belt and it knew that it was on a man who was focused on keeping it. I had to put it out of my mind for a moment, to get my focus back. Every step I took I tried to recall my time here in the Kingdom! It had only been months, but it felt like I had been here for my entire life. Partly it was true ... this place had built my life.
Every step I made down the hall something caught my eye and sparked a memory that brought a smile to my face. Remembering meeting fans, having conversations with staff members, getting face to face with some of the other wrestlers, and even the place where I put and end to the arguments between Sterling and Noble. Everything reminded me of why I lived and breathed the Kingdom of Pride. But everything flushed back to me the most when I stepped from behind the curtain and saw that our ring was missing, just an empty spot as it had already been transported.
Everything that I had accomplished inside of it, inside of this arena flooded into my memory. I was filled with pride, I was filled with a longing to be back inside of the ring, to keep on fighting. I knew that I couldn't ... I knew that my time had come and that I was being given a chance to create one final moment for myself and the history books.
"I know it's a little much to handle being some empty."
I look a little to my left and Alex Avice is standing there with a couple of chairs set up to do our interview with. It was a nice set up, a place where the camera could catch the arena that we had come to call home. I walk up and put everything I used to not like about Alex in the past; everything was coming to an end and I didn't have time for being petty as I clasped his hand.
"I can't imagine what you have been feeling Josh. I know this place has become a home to you."
"It has and seeing it empty like this isn't easy. But I understand. I have been around the business long enough to know things like this just happen and we have to try and make the best of it."
Alex nods in understanding as I stare out across the arena one more time and run my hand through my hair taking a deep breathe before sitting down adjacent to Alex and ready to start the interview.
"Well I guess the most obvious thing to ask is how are you feeling Josh? With your loss last week, knowing that tomorrow you will be defending that title for the last time win or lose and that you'll be headlining the final show of the Kingdom."
"My mind tells me that I want to feel overwhelmed to be honest with you Alex. I don't think there is a person in wrestling today let along the Kingdom of Pride that puts more pressure on themselves then I do. I always want to win and I always want to find ways to become better. But the honest answer is that I am proud and honored. I know that I have done great things here in the Kingdom of Pride and that I've redefined my career. To be sitting here as a two time Valiant Champion going into the closing night of in my opinion the greatest company in history ... it's just an honor. I'm proud to be here Alex."
I smile at Alex as I think back once again on my career here in the Kingdom and how amazing it has been.
"You deserve to be proud of what you've done and I think the fans would support you in that. But now you have to get through one last obstacle to make your KoP dream a reality and that is to defend against Eddie Nash."
"I do Alex and its not going to be an easy task. Eddie Nash is a fighter, he competes hard every time he gets into the ring and he doesn't give up. I've been in the ring with this guy before and it was as I have stated before one of the best matches I've ever had. I know that I'm going to have to dig deep and find something bigger then my A game to bring to the table."
"There is no doubt at all that Nash is going to be a tough customer and he feels the same about you. You've stated that Nash is a fighter but he has recently claimed that you are the best pure and natural athlete to step into the ring in the KoP. Do you care to comment?"
Nash was good I had to admit that. I knew he respected me but on one side I was wondering if he was seeing if my ego was still there and he was trying to feed it.
"Honestly I think Eddie Nash is just demonstrating some respect to me like I am to him. I've seen Eddie in that ring and he knows how to bring it on the technical front just as he knows how to scrap. I haven't gotten to the level that I got to without fighting my way to the top either. But I won't lie that I am hoping that my tenacity and technical skill can out match Nash as it's my biggest strength and what I am going to need to tap into if I want to win."
"Well over the past weeks we've heard you talk about how you are going to stop taking the beatings and start bringing the fight to people. What did you mean by that?"
My answer should be I want to stop getting my ass kicked!
"Its really simple Alex. I've been around this industry a long time, a little over seven years. In that time I've learned to maneuver a ring and I've learned that sometimes an over zealous offense can bring mistakes and I've taken a lot of beating and held out in the ring trying to catch a mistake and capitalize. I mean look at when I first fought Nash! He beat me all around that ring and I managed to catch him up with a devastating Impact Asylum when he got ahead of himself. Now I want to find that balance and I want to bring the fight back to people. When I fight Nash I want to push him to his limits instead of being pushed to my own."
"What will that do for you if your other way has been working so well in the past?"
"It can cause problems like last week. Simple fact is sometimes heart and the ability to take a beating actually can't bring you the win on it's own. I need to get in there and really mix it up against Nash, hopefully put him off of his game plan a bit. Nash is an explosive guy, he comes at you fast and hard. Most people know that I am a calculating guy, that I search for that mistake ... now I want to create that mistake."
I knew it was true, Nash was going to explode out of this match and lay into me hard and I wanted nothing more to explode back just as hard. I wasn't going to match him blow for blow or match his physicality ... but I was fast enough and skilled enough to get the advantage early and keep pressure on him. With luck I'd make him desperate and he'd make a mistake and the Impact Asylum would end him once again.
"This year we have watched as you have become accustomed to facing someone once and them coming back better then ever in Jason Phoenix. Eddie Nash has constantly looked better and has immense confidence coming in against you."
"You know if you are not in it to get better then there is no point in being here. I was Eddie's first loss, I shook his confidence and gave him something to reach for and he has responded admirably. I mean look at his track record here in the Kingdom, he is no slouch and its clear that he has gotten far better then when we first tangled. But one thing a lot of people tend to forget is that I've gotten better as well. Just because I've been around for a while doesn't mean I don't constantly strive to improve myself.
I constantly take on the best the Kingdom and the wrestling world has to offer so then that way I can improve my skills. Every person has something to learn when they step into the ring and I am no exception. This match won't be similar to the first time we locked horns. We are both better, faster, stronger! There is a lot more on the line, there are reasons to fight beyond what there ever were before ... it's a different atmosphere and its a question of who is better prepared for it."
I watch as Alex pours two glasses of water and I take one with a slight nod of thanks.
"Who do you think is better prepared and can adapt better?"
"Well clearly I am going to pick myself or I might as well admit defeat. But to be fair I think I'm the better choice also Alex. I'm used to the big match ups, the pressure doesn't get to me in fact I've been known for thriving under the pressure. This is the big leagues for Nash, this is his first chance and everything is on the line. I think that's a lot to handle."
"You say that, but Nash is claiming that he is going to see if you can ride or if you'll crash and burn! He is saying that he is going to be ruthless in order to beat you."
"That is the attitude he has to have. This is an all or nothing game and I don't blame him for those strong words, but he has to understand that its going to come back in the exact same way. I'm not going to be intimidated as he won't be the first person who stepped up and told me they were going to be ruthless or they will see what I have. I accept the challenge and I welcome it and I will beat it. However hard he comes at me, I'll push back that much harder because that's the way I am."
I take another sip of water as Alex jots some notes down as this interview clearly is a double duty interview with him as he tries to get some last ditch research in.
"We've talked about Nash and the one last thing we have to say is how tough the man is; we've all seen the scars ..."
"And we've all heard the stories they have told. Yes as much as it doesn't seem like it I heard Nash say all the things that you are asking me about and I've never question how tough Eddie Nash is. But this isn't about life and death, this isn't about healing and managing to get back into it. I could go over my scars, the stab wounds, the broken bones but none of it would matter. For years I have heard people talk about all the stuff they have been through and the pain they have taken and it hasn't stopped me from keeping them down for three quick beats.
I know it would be hard to make Nash tap but I can get it done if that is the route I need to take. I've been through ladders and cages, barbwire and tables. Any type of match of damage a body can take I've done it. But the biggest scar he claims ... his last one is when I dislocated his jaw and at that moment Eddie Nash was down for a three count and I was declared the winner. Even the toughest guys can get knocked down and be kept down for a short period. I do offer him more respect for being like me and getting back up and keep coming and I hope when the Kingdom is closed that he continues to do just that. For me ... it's over."
Now I watch as that catches Alex completely off guard and his jaw drops in shock like he wasn't sure what he heard.
"What do you mean done?"
"Tomorrow night will be my retirement match Alex. I am going to step into the ring with Eddie Nash where I will listen and be happy as the crowd is split chanting both of our names. Chanting for the Wolf Pack and Eagles Nation! But after the match, after I have beaten Eddie Nash my boots will be hung up for good."
"But you've just made your career everything you've ever wanted it to be."
"Exactly. I have made up for my past, I have become one of the best and I have given back heart, mind, body, and soul to the fans. My body is getting worn and my mind is getting strained. Now is the perfect time to throw in the towel ... just one last match, one last victory and my torch will be passed."
"Well what if you don't win? What if it doesn't finish perfectly?"
"It won't happen. I won't lose tomorrow if I have to kill myself trying to win. This is the true chance for me to leave everything in that ring, to leave every scrap of myself and in the very slim chance I can't over come Eddie Nash well as long as I've done my best I can't ask for more. It will still be the perfect night."
Alex just looks shocked at the news.
"The Kingdom of Pride has given me what I never thought I'd ever have and the fans have stuck by me and supported me. I can't bring myself to move on I want to say my farewells and thank yous to a company that has become a home to me ... it just makes sense."
"You'll be missed."
"I'll also be remembered Alex and this time remembered the way I want to be remembered. I couldn't be more honored to step into the ring and defend this Valiant Championship against a competitor the level of Eddie Nash. But I am going to win, I am going to retire a champion, I am going to retire in the best match of my career and that match is going to be given to me by Nash! I'm going to make everything I've been through here in the KoP worth it and Nash can't stop me."
"Ironically Nash thought the same of you."
"Well he's got a lot to learn then still. Thank you for this time Alex."
I get up and offer Alex my hand in friendship and he takes it and embraces me. I smile, the time to end everything and to give the KoP the remainder of what I had left in me was now. I wasn't going to disappoint! Eagles Nation would have something to remember and to be proud of and I would be the one making sure of that.
I begin to walk down the halls towards the ring area. I could feel the Valiant Championship on my shoulder and it felt heavier; it was like the belt knew that its weight and what it represented was heavy and was on my mind. I knew I had a man who was focused on holding this belt and it knew that it was on a man who was focused on keeping it. I had to put it out of my mind for a moment, to get my focus back. Every step I took I tried to recall my time here in the Kingdom! It had only been months, but it felt like I had been here for my entire life. Partly it was true ... this place had built my life.
Every step I made down the hall something caught my eye and sparked a memory that brought a smile to my face. Remembering meeting fans, having conversations with staff members, getting face to face with some of the other wrestlers, and even the place where I put and end to the arguments between Sterling and Noble. Everything reminded me of why I lived and breathed the Kingdom of Pride. But everything flushed back to me the most when I stepped from behind the curtain and saw that our ring was missing, just an empty spot as it had already been transported.
Everything that I had accomplished inside of it, inside of this arena flooded into my memory. I was filled with pride, I was filled with a longing to be back inside of the ring, to keep on fighting. I knew that I couldn't ... I knew that my time had come and that I was being given a chance to create one final moment for myself and the history books.
"I know it's a little much to handle being some empty."
I look a little to my left and Alex Avice is standing there with a couple of chairs set up to do our interview with. It was a nice set up, a place where the camera could catch the arena that we had come to call home. I walk up and put everything I used to not like about Alex in the past; everything was coming to an end and I didn't have time for being petty as I clasped his hand.
"I can't imagine what you have been feeling Josh. I know this place has become a home to you."
"It has and seeing it empty like this isn't easy. But I understand. I have been around the business long enough to know things like this just happen and we have to try and make the best of it."
Alex nods in understanding as I stare out across the arena one more time and run my hand through my hair taking a deep breathe before sitting down adjacent to Alex and ready to start the interview.
"Well I guess the most obvious thing to ask is how are you feeling Josh? With your loss last week, knowing that tomorrow you will be defending that title for the last time win or lose and that you'll be headlining the final show of the Kingdom."
"My mind tells me that I want to feel overwhelmed to be honest with you Alex. I don't think there is a person in wrestling today let along the Kingdom of Pride that puts more pressure on themselves then I do. I always want to win and I always want to find ways to become better. But the honest answer is that I am proud and honored. I know that I have done great things here in the Kingdom of Pride and that I've redefined my career. To be sitting here as a two time Valiant Champion going into the closing night of in my opinion the greatest company in history ... it's just an honor. I'm proud to be here Alex."
I smile at Alex as I think back once again on my career here in the Kingdom and how amazing it has been.
"You deserve to be proud of what you've done and I think the fans would support you in that. But now you have to get through one last obstacle to make your KoP dream a reality and that is to defend against Eddie Nash."
"I do Alex and its not going to be an easy task. Eddie Nash is a fighter, he competes hard every time he gets into the ring and he doesn't give up. I've been in the ring with this guy before and it was as I have stated before one of the best matches I've ever had. I know that I'm going to have to dig deep and find something bigger then my A game to bring to the table."
"There is no doubt at all that Nash is going to be a tough customer and he feels the same about you. You've stated that Nash is a fighter but he has recently claimed that you are the best pure and natural athlete to step into the ring in the KoP. Do you care to comment?"
Nash was good I had to admit that. I knew he respected me but on one side I was wondering if he was seeing if my ego was still there and he was trying to feed it.
"Honestly I think Eddie Nash is just demonstrating some respect to me like I am to him. I've seen Eddie in that ring and he knows how to bring it on the technical front just as he knows how to scrap. I haven't gotten to the level that I got to without fighting my way to the top either. But I won't lie that I am hoping that my tenacity and technical skill can out match Nash as it's my biggest strength and what I am going to need to tap into if I want to win."
"Well over the past weeks we've heard you talk about how you are going to stop taking the beatings and start bringing the fight to people. What did you mean by that?"
My answer should be I want to stop getting my ass kicked!
"Its really simple Alex. I've been around this industry a long time, a little over seven years. In that time I've learned to maneuver a ring and I've learned that sometimes an over zealous offense can bring mistakes and I've taken a lot of beating and held out in the ring trying to catch a mistake and capitalize. I mean look at when I first fought Nash! He beat me all around that ring and I managed to catch him up with a devastating Impact Asylum when he got ahead of himself. Now I want to find that balance and I want to bring the fight back to people. When I fight Nash I want to push him to his limits instead of being pushed to my own."
"What will that do for you if your other way has been working so well in the past?"
"It can cause problems like last week. Simple fact is sometimes heart and the ability to take a beating actually can't bring you the win on it's own. I need to get in there and really mix it up against Nash, hopefully put him off of his game plan a bit. Nash is an explosive guy, he comes at you fast and hard. Most people know that I am a calculating guy, that I search for that mistake ... now I want to create that mistake."
I knew it was true, Nash was going to explode out of this match and lay into me hard and I wanted nothing more to explode back just as hard. I wasn't going to match him blow for blow or match his physicality ... but I was fast enough and skilled enough to get the advantage early and keep pressure on him. With luck I'd make him desperate and he'd make a mistake and the Impact Asylum would end him once again.
"This year we have watched as you have become accustomed to facing someone once and them coming back better then ever in Jason Phoenix. Eddie Nash has constantly looked better and has immense confidence coming in against you."
"You know if you are not in it to get better then there is no point in being here. I was Eddie's first loss, I shook his confidence and gave him something to reach for and he has responded admirably. I mean look at his track record here in the Kingdom, he is no slouch and its clear that he has gotten far better then when we first tangled. But one thing a lot of people tend to forget is that I've gotten better as well. Just because I've been around for a while doesn't mean I don't constantly strive to improve myself.
I constantly take on the best the Kingdom and the wrestling world has to offer so then that way I can improve my skills. Every person has something to learn when they step into the ring and I am no exception. This match won't be similar to the first time we locked horns. We are both better, faster, stronger! There is a lot more on the line, there are reasons to fight beyond what there ever were before ... it's a different atmosphere and its a question of who is better prepared for it."
I watch as Alex pours two glasses of water and I take one with a slight nod of thanks.
"Who do you think is better prepared and can adapt better?"
"Well clearly I am going to pick myself or I might as well admit defeat. But to be fair I think I'm the better choice also Alex. I'm used to the big match ups, the pressure doesn't get to me in fact I've been known for thriving under the pressure. This is the big leagues for Nash, this is his first chance and everything is on the line. I think that's a lot to handle."
"You say that, but Nash is claiming that he is going to see if you can ride or if you'll crash and burn! He is saying that he is going to be ruthless in order to beat you."
"That is the attitude he has to have. This is an all or nothing game and I don't blame him for those strong words, but he has to understand that its going to come back in the exact same way. I'm not going to be intimidated as he won't be the first person who stepped up and told me they were going to be ruthless or they will see what I have. I accept the challenge and I welcome it and I will beat it. However hard he comes at me, I'll push back that much harder because that's the way I am."
I take another sip of water as Alex jots some notes down as this interview clearly is a double duty interview with him as he tries to get some last ditch research in.
"We've talked about Nash and the one last thing we have to say is how tough the man is; we've all seen the scars ..."
"And we've all heard the stories they have told. Yes as much as it doesn't seem like it I heard Nash say all the things that you are asking me about and I've never question how tough Eddie Nash is. But this isn't about life and death, this isn't about healing and managing to get back into it. I could go over my scars, the stab wounds, the broken bones but none of it would matter. For years I have heard people talk about all the stuff they have been through and the pain they have taken and it hasn't stopped me from keeping them down for three quick beats.
I know it would be hard to make Nash tap but I can get it done if that is the route I need to take. I've been through ladders and cages, barbwire and tables. Any type of match of damage a body can take I've done it. But the biggest scar he claims ... his last one is when I dislocated his jaw and at that moment Eddie Nash was down for a three count and I was declared the winner. Even the toughest guys can get knocked down and be kept down for a short period. I do offer him more respect for being like me and getting back up and keep coming and I hope when the Kingdom is closed that he continues to do just that. For me ... it's over."
Now I watch as that catches Alex completely off guard and his jaw drops in shock like he wasn't sure what he heard.
"What do you mean done?"
"Tomorrow night will be my retirement match Alex. I am going to step into the ring with Eddie Nash where I will listen and be happy as the crowd is split chanting both of our names. Chanting for the Wolf Pack and Eagles Nation! But after the match, after I have beaten Eddie Nash my boots will be hung up for good."
"But you've just made your career everything you've ever wanted it to be."
"Exactly. I have made up for my past, I have become one of the best and I have given back heart, mind, body, and soul to the fans. My body is getting worn and my mind is getting strained. Now is the perfect time to throw in the towel ... just one last match, one last victory and my torch will be passed."
"Well what if you don't win? What if it doesn't finish perfectly?"
"It won't happen. I won't lose tomorrow if I have to kill myself trying to win. This is the true chance for me to leave everything in that ring, to leave every scrap of myself and in the very slim chance I can't over come Eddie Nash well as long as I've done my best I can't ask for more. It will still be the perfect night."
Alex just looks shocked at the news.
"The Kingdom of Pride has given me what I never thought I'd ever have and the fans have stuck by me and supported me. I can't bring myself to move on I want to say my farewells and thank yous to a company that has become a home to me ... it just makes sense."
"You'll be missed."
"I'll also be remembered Alex and this time remembered the way I want to be remembered. I couldn't be more honored to step into the ring and defend this Valiant Championship against a competitor the level of Eddie Nash. But I am going to win, I am going to retire a champion, I am going to retire in the best match of my career and that match is going to be given to me by Nash! I'm going to make everything I've been through here in the KoP worth it and Nash can't stop me."
"Ironically Nash thought the same of you."
"Well he's got a lot to learn then still. Thank you for this time Alex."
I get up and offer Alex my hand in friendship and he takes it and embraces me. I smile, the time to end everything and to give the KoP the remainder of what I had left in me was now. I wasn't going to disappoint! Eagles Nation would have something to remember and to be proud of and I would be the one making sure of that.
