Post by C on Dec 10, 2022 4:45:00 GMT
Entitlement.
Throughout my short time in this sport, I have come to know this word all too well. A term so commonly used and associated with people who believe they have a right to something without necessarily putting in the work necessary to achieve it. Regardless of one's background or accomplishments, if their current route within their career doesn't match up with the destination one sees themselves as being worthy enough of reaching, then one will be tied to such a negative connotation. It's something that I myself have used against some of my opponents over the months. Future stars, former champions, it didn't matter to me. I've witnessed these people make demands and declare themselves as being owed a spot at the top, but whenever they go up against me, they weren't able to showcase why they deserved such an opportunity. All talk, little action.
And in this sport, action will always hold more power than words.
Still, never did I think that that same word would be used against me.
Entitlement.
In spite of everything I've done, how far I've been able to take this little movement of mine and make it matter, winning over people and making them believe in this sport again, there is still a noticeable group of people who cannot get behind me, the idea of me or the ideas that I have presented to the world. Sure, I figured that there would be some pushback, but out of everything that's been said about me - from my naivety to the unrealistic expectations that I have - I never thought that that would be the one word attached to me. Still, I... supposed on one hand I could see why some see it that way. In just my fourth match here in IPW, I'm in the main event of God Amongst Men. I have the chance to become a world champion, and with it comes the chance of proclaiming myself to be the best if I so desire.
Not many people get this sort of chance so early in their careers. Even fewer can get the chance to walk up to the champion directly and make it known that they have every intention of challenging them for a championship so prestigious. Infinite Pro Wrestling may not have been around for a long time, but in a short timeframe, this promotion along with its wrestlers has proven itself to be deserving of being compared to the current greats of this sport. And truthfully, one person can be attributed as being the face of this growing promotion.
So, really, MYOJIN, it should come as no surprise why I decided to have my eyes set on you. And I like to think that, despite what you've said to me from that tag match to the go-home show and now in the present, there has to be a reason why you decided to grant me this match. After all, if you saw me as unfit to challenge you, then surely, you could've turned me down, no? You had all obligations to do so. It wouldn't have been a bad look for you either; you've been the world champion for 131 days now, fighting against the most cutthroat, glory-driven competitors this promotion had to offer. And while there are fans who have watched me from my time in APEX, I was an unknown foe walking into your territory. This is your domain. Yet, you didn't turn me away.
I'm here, and this match is happening.
It's clear you've paid enough attention to be aware of my background, what I've done and what I ultimately seek to accomplish. I never had it easy. My path of purification may be a solid one but it isn't without its faults - one of which I will fully own up to with no regrets. People can continue to chastize for me a decision I decided to make, but what's done is done and I'm not looking back on it. I can only focus on the future that I've worked tirelessly to get to, MYOJIN. A future I can be proud of because I know that it will be of benefit to everyone here. Still, that doesn't stem from any sort of arrogance or entitlement. It is a genuine desire of mine that I've pretty much had to bleed and fight for to make it even close to reality. I'm not a golden boy. Far from it.
I've sacrificed just as much as you. The only difference is that I was able to do all of that and accomplish what you've done in a shorter amount of time.
And perhaps it does place a lot of pressure on me, but you know what? it doesn't phase me. I've had to deal with an insurmountable amount of pressure before. The sort that could make anyone in my shoes crack and fold. However, I never let it get to me. I thrived off of it. I embraced it. Just like you said: pressure makes diamonds. If anyone knows more about that, then it's me.
Because I wouldn't be the man that I am now if I wasn't able to turn this movement into the gem that it is today.
You may have two years over me, but that didn't stop me from winning against well-traveled, well-regarded world champions who should've beaten me. You may be the ace of this place, but that didn't stop me from essentially becoming an ace in my own right over the likes of a Wakefield, Karlson or Senn. Just like you I have ascended to heights that no one thought I could reach. I made due on every promise because I never was entitled. I had to work hard to get here, to go after you, and get people to believe in me.
If winning the Next Level Championship never convinced you of that, then taking your title will. I'll make a believer out of you.
And IPW will believe in hope again.