[Promo - The Undeniable Words #1, 10/17/08]

NOW PLAYING- Your Choice

Heh. I bet you thought you'd finally seen the last of me, huh XWF?

It's been nearly a year now since I represented the XWF in any real way, shape or form- and it's been longer than that since I last actually took a slot on the active roster. People always guessed, of course, that I'd be back in a matter of weeks or months, but as time rolled on, I think people finally began to actually get the idea that maybe, just maybe, Steve Jason was going to be gone for a long time. Possibly forever.

Originally, that was my intention- to stay gone for a long time. I got invitations, of course. Hardcore Smitty tried to entice me back, old opponents kept asking for 'one more match', and of course, there's always been the offer on the table for the Ten Year Anniversary. In the past, I'd have crumbled to those offers. This time, I've said no to everything but the anniversary- because I've felt that at the time, I don't really belong here. I have other things to do, and the XWF's gotta learn to survive without me. I have to admit, I was... proud to see that happen when the Order came back and I didn't have to save the world for once. But I digress. It seemed like- and I firmly believed it at the time- that nothing could convince me to come back this time.

Well, I'm going to openly admit it- I was wrong. There was one thing that I'd have returned for. One thing that I have indeed returned for. One thing that even my will and resolve couldn't possibly have said no to no matter how hard I tried.

Well, OK, it's two things. The first? Former XWF star Christian Phoenix, a prodigy in his own right. And the second? A man who I have had the pleasure of knowing for a very, very long time. A man who I have fought against and who I've had call my matches. A man who I can honestly say that I consider my friend and who I sorely miss to this very day. AJ. Exterminator. Call him what you will, he's who I speak of.

My first real interaction with AJ was the second time Jem Williams and I won the tag team titles. Now I'm gonna be honest. The first time the Unkillables became tag team champions, it was almost too easy. In fact, I kinda ended up winning that match on my own. But the second time, we had to face Dangerous By Design. AJ and Chasm. They were the champions at the time. And while Jem and I were victorious, I can say that AJ fought with honor, with dignity, and by God, he made it an absolute bastard of a match. Going in, he was classy, he was respectful, he was a guy I could actually like.

And in the match, he was tough, he was fierce, he took a hell of a pounding and gave one out in return. He did absolutely nothing less than give me everything he had- which is the greatest honor a warrior can receive. And when the match ended... he was not bitter. He was not disrespectful. He was not angry, nor did he take his loss out on me. He congratulated us, and told us that we had his respect. And he had mine.

Ever since then, I've held the man in high regard. I've watched his progress, and I found it a crying shame that he didn't realise his dreams of ascending to the World and Universal realms. Because believe me, if those titles were based on the quality of a man's character, he'd have more accolades that I could even dream of.

Those two men are why I am here. I don't care about waving my dick around in some kind of 'I'm an XWF Legend and ridiculously decorated, kiss my arse' fashion. I'm not even here to wave and pander to my 'adoring populace'. Because truth be told, neither I nor the populace are the focus of this show. Yes, most of the time I'm seen as some mighty legend of XWF, but for one night, I am a humble man paying tribute to far greater men than I.

And what better way than to face Leroy Bruce Stone.

Heh, I don't think I really have to go over our history with you, Leroy. The interview with Sayors shows me that you pretty much have the exact same grasp on it I do. We've never been enemies so much as we've been rivals for the top, and we're kinda more foils to each other than nemesis. One of us annoys the other, the other one does it straight back, and it turns into an outright hilarious state of affairs most of the time. Some would say it's driven by our egos, and you know something, they're probably right.

But I'm gonna do something I very rarely do- I reach a consensus with you. You are absolutely right in every last thing I've heard come from your interview with Steve Sayors. This was one of the very, very rare times that I could agree with just about every word coming out of your mouth. So I'll start with getting something out of the way- I have heard about your own losses- your mother and your friend- and I am deeply sorry, Lee. Nobody should lose either, and you've lost both. If there is any way I can help you in your need to get through that through this match, then I'll do it. Hell, after all we've been through it's probably the least I can do.

And believe it or not, I agree- this is where our little rivalry should end. That's why I was extremely pleased to hear that you'd wanted a shot with me. We needed this one final clash and it's been coming for such a horribly long time. To be honest, I'd always wondered how it would be. Would we be hating each other for some slight? Would we be so old and tired by then that we wouldn't give it our all? Would it be cheapened by external factors? This is the one time I can honestly tell you- it's how I wanted it to go out.

No enmity, no rivalry, no egos, no differing opinions. No locker-room-union versus individual freedom disputes like the good old days. Just the one thing we both hold dearest to our hearts- the love of the game and the memory of those who have enriched the game. It's how I wanted it to end- and as sad as I am remembering Christian and AJ's unfortunate circumstances, I'm full of joy that we get to do this for them.

So let's do this, Lee. You know me well enough that I refuse to spit in your face by holding back or not putting out a good effort. I refuse to insult Christian or AJ by doing the same either. You can rest assured that I will honor you and them by bringing back the Steve Jason who shook the XWF to its core. No more of the pathetic shell of a man I used to be back in the day. For one night, I intend to bring back my full glory, power and expertise, and likewise, I hope to help you become the incarnation of Lee Stone in his finest hour. If I can help you do that, and if I can do that myself... then even if I lose, I'll walk out of Phoenix Rising a happy man. Shiny pieces of plastic and leather have nothing on this. It's about so, so much more than that.

We probably won't speak again until Phoenix Rising. Until then, I wish you and yours well, and I wish you the best of luck in your preparations for this match. And I even wish you luck in your clash against me. Never thought you'd hear that, huh? Well, this is a magical event, and that can do strange things to a man. I'll see you there, Leroy. Good hunting, comrade.

And now we move on to something that I might get a bit solemn or sad talking about.

Yes. Steve Jason getting emotional in a promo. This is damn near unprecedented, but this situation downright demands it of me. 

Christian Phoenix. I didn't know you as well as I'd liked to have, but I've watched your performance from afar, and it's a tragic shame you didn't get to make it to the true heights you could have reached. You were a promising figure in the game, and I regret that I will never get to fight you. I wish I'd gotten the chance to get to know you, to hang in the locker room with you. But nevertheless, even though I didn't know you very well, know that I respect you. Look at this, Christian. Look at Phoenix Rising. You have managed to do the impossible- you have managed to unite an XWF roster full of people who would usually hate each other. Even in the strongest days of my Locker Room Union movements, I couldn't have hoped to do it. But you did it, Christian- and I will personally thank you from the bottom of my heart when I reach Phoenix Rising for realising my beautiful dream. It won't last... but by God, it's beautiful. Thank you. Thank you so much.

And that brings me to you, Andrew. Know that I miss you, and that I love you, man. You're like family to me, and it's a crying shame not to see you in that locker room every week. It breaks my heart not to see you wrestle here, fighting with every last ounce of energy and proving just why you are as good as you are. If I could turn back time and change things so you were still fighting, I'd do it in a second- but I can't. But I'll damn well do the only thing I know how to do in a situation like this.

I'll go out there and I'll fight with every last ounce of strength that I have. In your name- in reverence to you and Christian Phoenix- I will run myself to the wire, I will push myself harder than even I thought possible of myself, I will transcend pain and agony, and for the first time, I won't be doing it in the name of a win. Win, lose or draw, it doesn't matter to me this time around. I'm not going to brag and rub it in Lee Stone's face if I win. I won't slur you like that. I'd rather die.

It's all about you, Christian and AJ. In past, you looked up to me and both have told how you admire me. In truth, it is you two who deserve my admiration, my reverence. This night is yours, and the rest of us are merely working to give you the sendoffs you deserve. I just hope we can give you a worthy tribute.

I'm going to make a confession right now. I haven't even gone into Phoenix Rising yet... and I'm homesick for the XWF. I see the promos, I see the figures of past, present and future making promos and statements paying homage to the two of you in various forms, and I remember you two, and I miss the good old days here. I miss the company of this amazing group of men and women. I never thought I'd feel the same about this place again when I left, tired and wanting to move on... but truth be told, it's like an old love come back into my heart.

You made that possible, Christian and AJ. You did what I didn't think anybody could ever do, long after your departures. That says something about the power of your personalities and characters. It will be an honor to fight for the two of you tomorrow- and I believe it will become one of the best matches of my life.

This one's for you, guys. I don't care what I have to do or what happens to me, I will go one hundred percent in full appreciation. I'm thirty-one, but I'm far from exhausted in my potential- and I intend to break my own boundaries in your names.

And you are worthy of such effort. Truth be told, I just wish I could have one more match with each of you to give you the clashes you deserve. I can't do that, but my actions will speak of the love and respect I have for you. My actions will say that Christian Phoenix and AJ the Exterminator are two of the finest men ever to grace the XWF... no, ever to walk this Earth! And by God, win lose or draw, my actions will tell the world that that...

...IS UNDENIABLE!

I love you both. I'll see you guys on the other side.

[CLICK FOR A SPECIAL COMMENTARY BY LIAM JOHNSTON, THE AUTHOR OF SJ'S ADVENTURES]