III: Choices. -- Adrenaline XII.

[C]

    

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"We lost. Simple as that. In fact, in the eyes of JUDITH and countless others, it was all because of me. That has been the impression ever since the last Adrenaline show came to a close. It is a vivid picture that continues to be painted after all of this time. I didn't want JUDITH to cause any more unnecessary harm, and in the process, I paid a heavy price for it. Many decried it as a foolish intervention on my part. It is believed by some that more harm could have been done to me, and I traded victory for some strange sense of moral superiority. Others believe that I should've let her do what she deemed to be necessary, even if her actions weren't ideal."

"What I did that night may be seen as foolish, but quite frankly, I don't care. I do not have a single regret attached to my existence. My body may be sore with the pain serving as a reminder of what happens when a monster is truly crossed. However, at the same time, it is a reminder of an action I made the conscious choice to take that was necessary. An action that, ultimately, will be of benefit to myself, the wrestlers here, and professional wrestling as a whole. What use is a victory that could very well be tarnished by the blood of my opponents? What sort of fulfillment would I get knowing that I could've buried a hatchet with an enemy, but I let that same enemy carry on with their destructive ways? I couldn't live with myself. I don't care to see my opponents beaten down, battered, and barely clinging on within an inch of their lives. So, if that makes me a fool, then I am the biggest one of them all. I have no qualms about that. I refuse to put aside true and just competition for blatant barbarism that has no place in this sport. I've had my fair share of that even before JUDITH, and time after time, I have proven myself to be above any of that. The Next Level Championship proves that. So, why should I change?"

"I won't apologize for being myself. I won't allow myself to be like the rest of you and put aside what is right. This is because it means having a moment of glory that is not guaranteed to last forever. Paint me as stupid. However, nothing that anyone can say or do will have me second-guess myself as a wrestler and a person. You cannot change who I am. At least my next match will be a change of pace, though. For once, I do not feel as if I am walking on eggshells. I can relax knowing that my opponent is someone who enjoys the spirit of competition, and with each match, they prove that one day they have a chance to become someone who can help usher in a new era into IPW."

"Hanzo Aguilar, I must say that I am very much looking forward to this. Despite your shortcomings, I feel as if you've become essentially the heart of IPW. You never back down, you never let the weight of a match intimidate you, and you've shown many times that you are on the cusp of greatness. Your confidence never wavers, and I find you to be... refreshing, really. I wish more people could be like you, Hanzo, because your heart and your spirit are what's sorely needed. We need more people like you who can change things for the better, and it is my hope that with this match, both you and I can plant the seeds necessary for this sport to grow and flourish."

"And trust me, Hanzo, I won't fall prey to the darkness that currently clouds this sport. It may not have always been lavish or clean, but it doesn't have to stay that way. After all, if we do not challenge the status quo and allow things to remain the same, then the vicious cycle will only persist. People like you who work hard and tirelessly will continue to be passed up, and people who continue to thrive within such chaos will take what it is you desire. Surely, you do not want that, and neither do I. So, let's ensure we stop that."

"Together."

"For one night, we can change the hands of fate and inspire hope in these people again. In a headliner where many eyes will undoubtedly be on us, we can show them a glimpse of a future that is very much possible and better for everyone. Of course, only one of us can walk out as the winner. One of us will be closer to reaching the goals we have set for ourselves ever since we found our way to Infinite Pro Wrestling. I suppose in that way it's a shame, but alas, that is the current reality. You feel as though you have all of the chance in the world to win. While I commend you for that, I too am just as driven and determined as you. In fact, I'd argue that I am more so than you. My experience speaks for itself. What I've been able to achieve since May has given credence to this cause of mine. I do not intend on slowing down for even a second, and if it means I must barrel past you, then so be it."

"I may make some enemies along the way, but I accepted that fact long ago. I just hope that such enemies do not include you. Still, that is a decision for you to make, Hanzo, and as a man who has been through both the light and dark parts of this sport, you will have to show me which side it is you wish to take."

"Hopefully, though, you'll make the right choice. For your sake, and for the sake of IPW."