For All The Right Reasons
A few short hours before the cameras come on for this week's edition of A1E's Warfare, a figure wanders down the aisle toward the ring. The arena is dark save for a lone spotlight illuminating the ring. As the figure crosses into the light, those familiar with him will recognize BigDog. The big man walks up to the ring apron and places his hands on it in front of him. Without looking up at the camera, he starts to speak.
BigDog: For years now, I have climbed up into this ring and given my all for the fans of A1E. No matter how much blood I spilled or how many ligaments and tendons were strained or sprained, I always knew it was worth it.
Win or lose, what was important was that I gave the fans their money's worth. For most of the people that come through these doors tonight, this will be the biggest event of their week, perhaps of their month. They have saved up their money and looked forward to this show for who knows how long.
I have made it my mission throughout my career to make sure that their money was well spent. And tonight is no exception.
BigDog turns around and looks toward the camera.
BigDog: However, there is an event coming up that will be slightly different.
A1E will be participating in the first ever Dupree Cup, a tournament among teams from federations across the country. This competition features teams of four from each fed, and it will take place over the next couple of months.
The reason it's different is quite simple. Most nights, I step into this ring fighting one match for myself. Win or lose isn't so important as long as I've given it the kind of fight I can be proud of, and I know the people go home happy.
But this event, this event I'm not just fighting under my name. I am fighting under the banner of "A1E" along with some men I greatly respect. James Irish is a man who has taken our federation by storm. It's only a matter of time before he wins that World Title. The same can be said for Andrew Gilkison. Andy's been so close so many times. It won't be long before he crosses that final hump. And lastly, a newcomer by the name of Troy Douglas. I've kept my eyes on him, as I do everyone that comes through A1E, and I have to say he's got as much potential as any I've seen.
To stand shoulder to shoulder with these men and fight for our federation, that is the greatest honor I could ask for. Not only am I fighting for the fans, but I'm also fighting for all the men back there in that lockerroom that I've spilled blood with. All the men that I've been up and down the road with, and all the men that have left their mark on this fed before riding off into the sunset.
For each and every one of them, any of the four of us will spill whatever blood is necessary.
First up, we face off with the team from EUWC in the round robin. As part of that, James and I will be taking on the Angel of Death and Nero in a tag team match. I'd be lying if I said that I knew much about either of these guys right now. I'll get hold of whatever I can, obviously, before match time, but right now I'm pretty much flying blind.
So, with that in mind, I'll just offer the two of them a little advice.
Come to the ring looking for a straight up fight, and you'll get the best one you've ever been involved in. I say that with no sense of arrogance. It's a simple matter of fact. James and I will be more than willing to trade holds, trade blows, and trade pins with you.
But, come to this match looking to take a shortcut and you won't walk out of that ring under your own power. Treat us with respect, and you'll receive it in kind. Try to disrespect us, and we will flat out plant you. Just a free bit of advice boys.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a match to get ready for tonight. But as soon as that's over, my mind will be right back on the two of you. I'm looking forward to it. Hope you are too.