Re: AGGRESSION 54: Non-Title Match - Karl "The Dragon" Brown (c) vs. Donovan Astros
[FADE IN. “The Dragon” is sitting in a familiar spot – the branches of an oak tree]
Karl: It’s amazing. Whenever somebody in wrestling takes a couple of days away from the cameras, people start wondering if and implying that they’re, a, scared, b, scared, or c, scared. Never does someone actually take the time to think, hey, maybe they’re just busy. Maybe they’re on the road and not near a television or computer – shocking though that is to hear. Somewhere without TV or a computer… no, must be that the other person is scared or doesn’t take their opponent seriously.
Which is something that seems to happen whenever someone shows an interest in things other than wrestling. I remember several people – the previous TV title holder included – saying things along the lines of you’ve got to give this business absolutely everything you’ve got, no days off, you’ve got to fight and climb to the top with professional wrestling as your raison d’etre in every fibre of your being. If you’ve got an outside interest, you’re not taking people seriously.
Hi, I’m Karl Brown, and I have a life outside of wrestling. I’m sorry if my listening to an album and taking notes before I reviewed it for a guest slot on radio offended you, Donovan, but you might want to remember that there is a thing away from the ring called the rest of a person’s life. If someone listens to music, it doesn’t mean they don’t take you seriously as an opponent – just that they enjoy listening to music, or get paid for something else. In my case, it’s both. Same as how I read and write. You need something away from wrestling, and from time to time, I take a couple of days off. I still hit the gym or do something to train, but just because I don’t watch TV religiously or call the front office and demand that a camera crew flies over to England there and then so I can tape more random ramblings doesn’t mean I don’t take you seriously. I’d be an idiot if that was true.
Because I have researched Donovan Astros – after finding that typing Donovan into Google brings up lots of song lyrics from someone my dad used to know. True story.
I do know what you bring to the ring, Donovan. And I know that one slip in the ring, and not only would I lose the match, but potentially be put out of action for a long time. Between the open and closing bell, I’m very serious.
But, I should look at the situation at hand, shouldn’t I. We’ve got a new World Champion! Wow. It’s not like I haven’t seen that done before – I remember Christian Sands, Beast, Lindsay Troy, Joey Melton and Sean Stevens winning World titles while I watched on the monitors back stage. We’ve got a new number one contender to the Intercontinental Championship – which is something I’ve seen a fair few times seeing as I held that belt for almost two years myself before I left. The situation has changed… or not. To be honest with you, the situation in Empire Pro Wrestling is the same now as it was after Black Dawn in two thousand and four – people vying for position, trying to become the next in line to get a crack at someone holding a title. Nothing but a few names has really changed. Then again, I am a big picture of life kind of person.
Now, on to what went down on Aggression. You dominated Shawn, yes. But are you really using the “I got tired breaking my knuckles on his face” excuse for why you weren’t able to dominate me? Do you think that should make any difference to the self-professed greatest wrestler on God’s green earth? As good as you say you are, wailing away on Shawn should’ve been a nice easy warm-up. As good as you are, with the accolades you’ve won, you should’ve been able to take me to task and pick me apart, even if you’d already wrestled three times that night.
Or are you saying that all I have to do is run around the ring, tire you out, and I can blow you down with a feather for the pin? I could try something like that if you’d like, I’ve got a lot of stamina, and if the shots you hit me with at Aggression are anything to go by I don’t have to worry about an early knock-out.
Seriously, Donovan – is that all you’ve got? Because if it is, it won’t be enough.
You re right about one thing, though – I am your chance to show Empire Pro what you can do. I am your chance to show Empire Pro that unlike the who’s who of professional wrestling who’ve tried to do the same thing, you’re able to best me with ease. You’re not simply sensational – you’re not part of an entourage – you’re not pissed off because I’m called The Dragon – you’re the greatest wrestler on God’s green earth.
It’s a big chance for you, Donovan. Because out of all the people who’ve wrestled in Empire Pro very, very few have managed to beat me. And so far, nobody has been able to dominate me. Some nights I haven’t been at my absolute best and I’ve lost, yes – but even then, people haven’t found me an easy opponent.
And do you want to know a secret, Donovan? I’m not even the best Empire Pro currently has on the roster.
Oh my word, did a professional wrestler actually admit they weren’t the best? That’s as rare as them having a life away from the ring! Call the press!
[He takes a couple of moments, laughing to himself]
Karl: At Aggression, Donovan, the TV title isn’t on the line. Not by choice, I don’t mind if the title is up for grabs or not. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to take it easy like so many champions have done. I know full well what you’re hoping to do – dominate me and use me as a spring-board to get to the next level, wherever that is for you. And while I won’t lose any sleep if you do beat me, you should know that when you step foot in the ring with me, I’m not a springboard. I’m not someone you can look beyond. When I came back to Empire Pro and won the Television title in my third match back, I proved that as good as I used to be, I’m even better now. One mistake from you, and you’ll be looking up at the lights wondering where your next potential springboard is. One moment’s lapse of concentration, and your dream of sprinting straight to the top a la Sean Stevens, is put on hold.
I may not be the best, currently, that Empire Pro has to offer. But from everything I’ve seen, Donovan, neither are you. And guess which one is going to get to that level first?
Oh… and, in case you’re interested, Iron Maiden’s new album is a good buy. Not their strongest, but a bit of fun.
Looks like those few days having a life weren’t totally wasted, huh?
[Karl places his hands behind his head and leans back against the trunk of the oak. FADE OUT]