Post by Anthony Bailey on Dec 16, 2013 11:59:50 GMT -5
“I'm always excited by the unlikely, never by ordinary things.” – David Hockney
The holiday season was by far one of my most favorite times of year. I always attempted to never allow the haste of purchasing gifts or decorating a tree with lights and ornaments to overcome me, and to practically keep myself grounded and hold to those ideals, I went out of my way each year to give back in whatever capacity I was able. Frank Cavalli, my mentor and good friend, was throwing a Christmas gala for FAWA and he wanted Hopkins and I to attend. I jumped at the offer because this wasn’t only my chance to give back, this gave me a way to escape the brutal Seattle snow and to sleep in my own townhouse, since St. Augustine was only a forty-five minute drive away from Jacksonville, where the headquarters of FAWA is located.
A majority of the wrestlers who were in my FAWA class a few years ago had gone on to do other things, so a whole new crop of talent was in Jacksonville cutting their teeth in this sport. Frank wanted to use this time so we could catch up and to also have Hopkins and I motivate the new class of aspiring wrestlers, because only two short years ago I was in their shoes. Working night and day trying to get Frank’s attention and prove to him that I was “ready”…waiting for my opportunity…and viola, by God’s grace and some elbow grease here I am. Coming off of my victory this past week in the all roster last chance over the top battle royale World Title qualifier, I was feeling revitalized and couldn’t wait to mingle with the next generation of notables.
Brandi, my stylist in St. Augustine, said that she had the perfect outfit for me for the gala. I asked her to text me a picture of it but she wouldn’t because she said that it would ruin the surprise factor. She had excellent taste so I wasn’t worried about what she put together. I still find it quite funny that the whole concept of a stylist was foreign to me for my entire life all the way until after my first few months in APW. Before each event that would require you to dress to impress, I would just stop by the store and buy my own clothes. Hearing talks backstage among some of the megastars, and even to my dismay of once being asked who designed my shirt, and I responded with “I dunno, I got it because it looked nice and it was on sale at Ross,” made me realize that life in the public eye took some getting used to. Thankfully I used that embarrassing moment as a learning experience and have grown from it.
“Frank, you do realize that I only came for the snacks right?,” I said trying not to open my mouth too wide as I chewed on an Oreo cookie.
“And you do realize that Hopkins was the one that I really wanted, correct? I couldn’t afford to hire extra security for him and I figured that you’d suffice,” Frank snapped back sarcastically.
Renting out a room for a couple of hours on the University of North Florida’s campus for the gala was expensive, so there may have been a hint of truth in Frank’s joke concerning the budget. But I knew that he was only pulling my leg since we always joked around with each other. He was a friend and a fatherly figure to me.
“Man, you guys are something else,” Hopkins chimed in with a laugh.
“If joking on me helps the old man stay young and energetic, then by all means go ahead.”
“Choose those words carefully Bailey, because this ‘old’ man would make you look pathetic in a ring any day. But for the sake of all of your fans I spare you the embarrassment.”
What a humbling statement, because once again, Frank’s dry humor had a unique way of imparting facts. Frank was no Terry Marvin, Level-One, Evan Envi, or Sally Talfourd, but I trembled at the thought of ever wrestling him. It would be a classic “student vs. teacher” for the ages, but at this stage, there was no way it could ever happen but still. And yes even in his early fifties, he could still get around the ring at a decent pace. I was much quicker but Frank was a technical machine. That’s how he made a name for himself in the amateur wrestling circuit back in the day. Most of his opponents would tap within minutes of the match starting. I owe whatever submission moves I’ve mastered along the way to Frank, especially during my tenure as APW Tap Out Champion. His training did wonders for me.
{{Suddenly Frank grabbed me and mildly bear hugged me, almost causing me to drop my paper plate of Oreo cookies. This was his way of saying “Don’t get emotional, I’m only playing. I haven’t seen you in a while so it’s only right that I do this to you.” I had the “This is random and awkward” look on my face and Hopkins could tell.}}
“I would pay to see that match though. Frank ‘The Tank’ Cavalli versus Anthony ‘The Promise’ Bailey? You are a beast and all Frank, but I’d have to hold it down for Ant if that ever went down,” Hopkins asserted.
{{Frank laughs.}}
“Oh no no no, my wrestling days are far behind me. I leave that up to guys and gals like you. Technically, the teacher is supposed to defeat the student so your bet on Bailey would be misguided. Even if I wanted to lace up the boots again though, my knee wouldn’t last.”
Injuries and being a young father had hindered Frank from transcending the realm of amateur wrestling and not going pro. Frank always taught me to live with no regrets and he looks at him never making it “big” as a gift and not a curse. I deeply admired his wisdom and outlook on life.
“Plus over the years, my heart has shifted from being in the middle of all the action to behind the scenes. Not only is it much safer, I’m trying to raise up and cultivate a wave of Anthony Baileys and Jair Hopkins’. You guys are good for the business. I’m really liking what I’m seeing from you Jair, and Anthony…wow! Seeing you first starting out ‘til now has been amazing and so rewarding. It reminds me that taking time away from my wife and kids to be at the gym with all of the newcomers showing them the ropes is not in vain,” Frank rendered.
“I definitely agree that none of this is in vain. I’m forever indebted to you for what you’ve done for me. You helped my dreams come true,” I said fighting back the probability of at least one tear streaming down my face.
{{Frank’s Italian and because of this he couldn’t take too much sentimental stuff, or at least that’s what he would often say, and therefore he quickly switched the topic out of nowhere.}}
“So what do you two have planned for the holidays?”
“I’ll be in Brooklyn for Christmas spending time with the family,” answered Hopkins.
{{I interjected.}}
“Yeah, I’ll be in Tampa on Christmas day but the day after, I have to fly back to Seattle in time for PURE’s first pay per view...”
{{Seemingly right on cue my iPhone begins to vibrate, so I reach into my pocket and grab it to see that I have a new text message….but not just any text message, a text message from the one and only Aubrey J. Parker. Hopkins notices the puzzling look on my face.}}
“You okay bro?”
There’s a slight pause between Hopkins’ question and my response. “Umm yeah, I’m good. It’s AJP…she just sent me a text out of nowhere. She never texts me, she usually just slanders…I mean talks to me on Twitter. I didn’t even know she had my number for crying out loud.”
“Well, what’s it say?” asked Frank.
{{Frozen from the shock, I had not even proceeded to open the text to see what it said until Frank asked.}}
“It says….‘Hey Kareem!! I just wanted to wish you and your family a Happy Kwanzaa! Power to the people (;’”
The nerve of this woman! But the joke’s really on her because I don’t even celebrate Kwanzaa…
“How are you going to deal with her on Monday?”
“I’m just going to stay in my lane and do what I do best. Aubrey isn’t the enemy…at least Monday she’s not.”
I could not believe that the latter part of that statement even left my mouth. What was wrong with me?
“Yeah, stay in your lane kid. I’ve seen many women in this business come and go, but I have rarely seen one like her. She’s phenomenal.”
“That she is, that she is.”
For to us an opportunity is born, to us a moment is given; and the federation shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called The Promise and The Golden Boy…
Forgive me if I am coming off as blasphemous because that is far from my intent. This time of year is a special season. Not for the sake of Christmas lists and egg nog, this is the season pointing to something that transcends time and space and something that is greater than us. Something that came at just the right time….peace on earth and the moment for a perfect God and wicked sinners to be reconciled. How is this fleshed out you might ask? What if a baby born of a virgin in a manger isn’t intellectually satisfying enough? I’ll give you that, but I personally believe that this will be perfectly illustrated in the sixth episode of PURE TV as the self-proclaimed deity AJP teams up with the no good and depraved Anthony R. Bailey to take on “Mad Man” Chris Madison & Joe Martinez in the main event of the night. Four competitors who will be trying their hardest to outwrestle one another for the World Title in only two short weeks must do the unthinkable and lay aside all differences for one night.
People are jumping the gun and assuming that AJP and I will be at each other’s necks all night and unable to coexist. The fact that she and I have differences is an understatement. We can’t stomach the sight of each other sometimes. Sure we tweet each other and joke around, but we both know what’s going on. We don’t like each other and probably never will. But as different as we are as individuals, we both know what it takes to win. Now her “any means necessary” approach is a bit too radical for my tastes because she’ll literally do anything to win. Her giving confidential information about our government to Iran and jeopardizing the safety of the American people isn’t far fetched if it means that she’ll come out with the victory. Anything goes when she’s competing and I, along with Hopkins, know that probably more than anyone on the entire PURE roster given my history with her. But not only do we know what it takes to win, we also possess what it takes to win. AJP is pound for pound one of the best competitors to step foot in a PURE ring and I can attest. She talks a big game but she can back up every single word and every syllable.
Can Madison and Martinez do the same? They’re both good guys and talented men who I am honored to call my co-workers. Martinez defeated me just one week ago and remains undefeated while Madison has four wins. As a team the odds might be in their favor because of their win loss record, but the unlikely duo of Parker and Bailey is a force to be reckoned with and we’ve never even teamed together. It’s our backgrounds that are key....do the letters M&M or the phrase Dying Breed mean anything to you, Madison and Martinez? Before AJP was AJP, she was a ferocious tag team competitor alongside Logan Alexander as M&M. They defeated us once for the APW Tag Team Titles and went on to give one of our most memorable feuds to date.
I’m no tag team specialist but teaming with Jair Hopkins as the Dying Breed since the end of last year, I have gained a strong sense of what it takes to successfully compete as a dominant tag team. Many would attest to the fact that Hopkins and I along with teams like M&M and The Unforgiven helped to bring the entire division back to the forefront of APW. AJP would probably shake her finger at me for “living in the past,” but it is what it is. Facts are facts and Hopkins and I did just that. Now I’m unaware of how familiar my opponents are with tag team competition, so I won’t assume anything on their end, but our end? This scenario is something we’re competent in surviving in.
Madison, it’s good to see you come into your own here in PURE. In only a short matter of time you have fought your way to becoming one of the four number one contenders for the World Title. PURE isn’t APW so I didn’t know what to expect, but I felt like you got lost inside of the shuffle known as The Black Hand. But who wouldn’t? You were teaming alongside a group of talented individuals. Jennings was the spokesman and Raab…well ya know…Raab was Raab…
{{Bailey smirks as it is unclear what message he was trying to convey with his previous statement.}}
Familiarity makes us content and causes us to remain in our comfort zone. That’s why this shift to Seattle has been sort of difficult for me. Florida is all I have ever known for twenty-three years of life, but that’s no excuse. I can’t just pout my lips and stamp my feet because that won’t alter the situation. I have to make the most of it, even if it’s hard to do. Chris, I know you have been used to existing in the shadows so to speak. I know you were used to playing the background while Jennings and Raab got most of the attention, and the temptation will be there to do the same when you team with Martinez. But this is your chance to prove the naysayers wrong. You have the talent, that’s not even debatable, but whether you will be passive or intentional about what I’m saying is something entirely different. The choice is yours Chris. There’s no one around to tell you otherwise…it’s all up to you…
And last but not least we have Mr. Joe Martinez. These past few weeks have been cloud nine for you but I think it’s about time for that cloud to dissipate. Not for my sake but for your own. Your record is flawless but if you aren’t humbled early on, you’ll begin to think that you are something that you aren’t. But maybe I’m completely wrong and this isn’t even a matter of you needing to be humbled. Maybe I’m incapable of being the one to do it by my lonesome. But on Monday I’m not coming alone Joe, AJP will be in my corner and WE working side by side can definitely get the job done? As I said last week, it’s humble confidence because I am Anthony Bailey…PURE’s only Promise…the only Promise that can't be broken. Until the next edition of PURE TV…
{{The scene slowly fades to black.}}
The holiday season was by far one of my most favorite times of year. I always attempted to never allow the haste of purchasing gifts or decorating a tree with lights and ornaments to overcome me, and to practically keep myself grounded and hold to those ideals, I went out of my way each year to give back in whatever capacity I was able. Frank Cavalli, my mentor and good friend, was throwing a Christmas gala for FAWA and he wanted Hopkins and I to attend. I jumped at the offer because this wasn’t only my chance to give back, this gave me a way to escape the brutal Seattle snow and to sleep in my own townhouse, since St. Augustine was only a forty-five minute drive away from Jacksonville, where the headquarters of FAWA is located.
A majority of the wrestlers who were in my FAWA class a few years ago had gone on to do other things, so a whole new crop of talent was in Jacksonville cutting their teeth in this sport. Frank wanted to use this time so we could catch up and to also have Hopkins and I motivate the new class of aspiring wrestlers, because only two short years ago I was in their shoes. Working night and day trying to get Frank’s attention and prove to him that I was “ready”…waiting for my opportunity…and viola, by God’s grace and some elbow grease here I am. Coming off of my victory this past week in the all roster last chance over the top battle royale World Title qualifier, I was feeling revitalized and couldn’t wait to mingle with the next generation of notables.
Brandi, my stylist in St. Augustine, said that she had the perfect outfit for me for the gala. I asked her to text me a picture of it but she wouldn’t because she said that it would ruin the surprise factor. She had excellent taste so I wasn’t worried about what she put together. I still find it quite funny that the whole concept of a stylist was foreign to me for my entire life all the way until after my first few months in APW. Before each event that would require you to dress to impress, I would just stop by the store and buy my own clothes. Hearing talks backstage among some of the megastars, and even to my dismay of once being asked who designed my shirt, and I responded with “I dunno, I got it because it looked nice and it was on sale at Ross,” made me realize that life in the public eye took some getting used to. Thankfully I used that embarrassing moment as a learning experience and have grown from it.
---------------
“Frank, you do realize that I only came for the snacks right?,” I said trying not to open my mouth too wide as I chewed on an Oreo cookie.
“And you do realize that Hopkins was the one that I really wanted, correct? I couldn’t afford to hire extra security for him and I figured that you’d suffice,” Frank snapped back sarcastically.
Renting out a room for a couple of hours on the University of North Florida’s campus for the gala was expensive, so there may have been a hint of truth in Frank’s joke concerning the budget. But I knew that he was only pulling my leg since we always joked around with each other. He was a friend and a fatherly figure to me.
“Man, you guys are something else,” Hopkins chimed in with a laugh.
“If joking on me helps the old man stay young and energetic, then by all means go ahead.”
“Choose those words carefully Bailey, because this ‘old’ man would make you look pathetic in a ring any day. But for the sake of all of your fans I spare you the embarrassment.”
What a humbling statement, because once again, Frank’s dry humor had a unique way of imparting facts. Frank was no Terry Marvin, Level-One, Evan Envi, or Sally Talfourd, but I trembled at the thought of ever wrestling him. It would be a classic “student vs. teacher” for the ages, but at this stage, there was no way it could ever happen but still. And yes even in his early fifties, he could still get around the ring at a decent pace. I was much quicker but Frank was a technical machine. That’s how he made a name for himself in the amateur wrestling circuit back in the day. Most of his opponents would tap within minutes of the match starting. I owe whatever submission moves I’ve mastered along the way to Frank, especially during my tenure as APW Tap Out Champion. His training did wonders for me.
{{Suddenly Frank grabbed me and mildly bear hugged me, almost causing me to drop my paper plate of Oreo cookies. This was his way of saying “Don’t get emotional, I’m only playing. I haven’t seen you in a while so it’s only right that I do this to you.” I had the “This is random and awkward” look on my face and Hopkins could tell.}}
“I would pay to see that match though. Frank ‘The Tank’ Cavalli versus Anthony ‘The Promise’ Bailey? You are a beast and all Frank, but I’d have to hold it down for Ant if that ever went down,” Hopkins asserted.
{{Frank laughs.}}
“Oh no no no, my wrestling days are far behind me. I leave that up to guys and gals like you. Technically, the teacher is supposed to defeat the student so your bet on Bailey would be misguided. Even if I wanted to lace up the boots again though, my knee wouldn’t last.”
Injuries and being a young father had hindered Frank from transcending the realm of amateur wrestling and not going pro. Frank always taught me to live with no regrets and he looks at him never making it “big” as a gift and not a curse. I deeply admired his wisdom and outlook on life.
“Plus over the years, my heart has shifted from being in the middle of all the action to behind the scenes. Not only is it much safer, I’m trying to raise up and cultivate a wave of Anthony Baileys and Jair Hopkins’. You guys are good for the business. I’m really liking what I’m seeing from you Jair, and Anthony…wow! Seeing you first starting out ‘til now has been amazing and so rewarding. It reminds me that taking time away from my wife and kids to be at the gym with all of the newcomers showing them the ropes is not in vain,” Frank rendered.
“I definitely agree that none of this is in vain. I’m forever indebted to you for what you’ve done for me. You helped my dreams come true,” I said fighting back the probability of at least one tear streaming down my face.
{{Frank’s Italian and because of this he couldn’t take too much sentimental stuff, or at least that’s what he would often say, and therefore he quickly switched the topic out of nowhere.}}
“So what do you two have planned for the holidays?”
“I’ll be in Brooklyn for Christmas spending time with the family,” answered Hopkins.
{{I interjected.}}
“Yeah, I’ll be in Tampa on Christmas day but the day after, I have to fly back to Seattle in time for PURE’s first pay per view...”
{{Seemingly right on cue my iPhone begins to vibrate, so I reach into my pocket and grab it to see that I have a new text message….but not just any text message, a text message from the one and only Aubrey J. Parker. Hopkins notices the puzzling look on my face.}}
“You okay bro?”
There’s a slight pause between Hopkins’ question and my response. “Umm yeah, I’m good. It’s AJP…she just sent me a text out of nowhere. She never texts me, she usually just slanders…I mean talks to me on Twitter. I didn’t even know she had my number for crying out loud.”
“Well, what’s it say?” asked Frank.
{{Frozen from the shock, I had not even proceeded to open the text to see what it said until Frank asked.}}
“It says….‘Hey Kareem!! I just wanted to wish you and your family a Happy Kwanzaa! Power to the people (;’”
The nerve of this woman! But the joke’s really on her because I don’t even celebrate Kwanzaa…
“How are you going to deal with her on Monday?”
“I’m just going to stay in my lane and do what I do best. Aubrey isn’t the enemy…at least Monday she’s not.”
I could not believe that the latter part of that statement even left my mouth. What was wrong with me?
“Yeah, stay in your lane kid. I’ve seen many women in this business come and go, but I have rarely seen one like her. She’s phenomenal.”
“That she is, that she is.”
---------------
For to us an opportunity is born, to us a moment is given; and the federation shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called The Promise and The Golden Boy…
Forgive me if I am coming off as blasphemous because that is far from my intent. This time of year is a special season. Not for the sake of Christmas lists and egg nog, this is the season pointing to something that transcends time and space and something that is greater than us. Something that came at just the right time….peace on earth and the moment for a perfect God and wicked sinners to be reconciled. How is this fleshed out you might ask? What if a baby born of a virgin in a manger isn’t intellectually satisfying enough? I’ll give you that, but I personally believe that this will be perfectly illustrated in the sixth episode of PURE TV as the self-proclaimed deity AJP teams up with the no good and depraved Anthony R. Bailey to take on “Mad Man” Chris Madison & Joe Martinez in the main event of the night. Four competitors who will be trying their hardest to outwrestle one another for the World Title in only two short weeks must do the unthinkable and lay aside all differences for one night.
People are jumping the gun and assuming that AJP and I will be at each other’s necks all night and unable to coexist. The fact that she and I have differences is an understatement. We can’t stomach the sight of each other sometimes. Sure we tweet each other and joke around, but we both know what’s going on. We don’t like each other and probably never will. But as different as we are as individuals, we both know what it takes to win. Now her “any means necessary” approach is a bit too radical for my tastes because she’ll literally do anything to win. Her giving confidential information about our government to Iran and jeopardizing the safety of the American people isn’t far fetched if it means that she’ll come out with the victory. Anything goes when she’s competing and I, along with Hopkins, know that probably more than anyone on the entire PURE roster given my history with her. But not only do we know what it takes to win, we also possess what it takes to win. AJP is pound for pound one of the best competitors to step foot in a PURE ring and I can attest. She talks a big game but she can back up every single word and every syllable.
Can Madison and Martinez do the same? They’re both good guys and talented men who I am honored to call my co-workers. Martinez defeated me just one week ago and remains undefeated while Madison has four wins. As a team the odds might be in their favor because of their win loss record, but the unlikely duo of Parker and Bailey is a force to be reckoned with and we’ve never even teamed together. It’s our backgrounds that are key....do the letters M&M or the phrase Dying Breed mean anything to you, Madison and Martinez? Before AJP was AJP, she was a ferocious tag team competitor alongside Logan Alexander as M&M. They defeated us once for the APW Tag Team Titles and went on to give one of our most memorable feuds to date.
I’m no tag team specialist but teaming with Jair Hopkins as the Dying Breed since the end of last year, I have gained a strong sense of what it takes to successfully compete as a dominant tag team. Many would attest to the fact that Hopkins and I along with teams like M&M and The Unforgiven helped to bring the entire division back to the forefront of APW. AJP would probably shake her finger at me for “living in the past,” but it is what it is. Facts are facts and Hopkins and I did just that. Now I’m unaware of how familiar my opponents are with tag team competition, so I won’t assume anything on their end, but our end? This scenario is something we’re competent in surviving in.
Madison, it’s good to see you come into your own here in PURE. In only a short matter of time you have fought your way to becoming one of the four number one contenders for the World Title. PURE isn’t APW so I didn’t know what to expect, but I felt like you got lost inside of the shuffle known as The Black Hand. But who wouldn’t? You were teaming alongside a group of talented individuals. Jennings was the spokesman and Raab…well ya know…Raab was Raab…
{{Bailey smirks as it is unclear what message he was trying to convey with his previous statement.}}
Familiarity makes us content and causes us to remain in our comfort zone. That’s why this shift to Seattle has been sort of difficult for me. Florida is all I have ever known for twenty-three years of life, but that’s no excuse. I can’t just pout my lips and stamp my feet because that won’t alter the situation. I have to make the most of it, even if it’s hard to do. Chris, I know you have been used to existing in the shadows so to speak. I know you were used to playing the background while Jennings and Raab got most of the attention, and the temptation will be there to do the same when you team with Martinez. But this is your chance to prove the naysayers wrong. You have the talent, that’s not even debatable, but whether you will be passive or intentional about what I’m saying is something entirely different. The choice is yours Chris. There’s no one around to tell you otherwise…it’s all up to you…
And last but not least we have Mr. Joe Martinez. These past few weeks have been cloud nine for you but I think it’s about time for that cloud to dissipate. Not for my sake but for your own. Your record is flawless but if you aren’t humbled early on, you’ll begin to think that you are something that you aren’t. But maybe I’m completely wrong and this isn’t even a matter of you needing to be humbled. Maybe I’m incapable of being the one to do it by my lonesome. But on Monday I’m not coming alone Joe, AJP will be in my corner and WE working side by side can definitely get the job done? As I said last week, it’s humble confidence because I am Anthony Bailey…PURE’s only Promise…the only Promise that can't be broken. Until the next edition of PURE TV…
{{The scene slowly fades to black.}}
