Birds of a Feather - APEX 04/02/22

“Ningún hombre de verdad pasa por la vida sin dificultades.”

That is what my mentor always said to me whenever I would come back through the curtain after a match without my arm raised. You see, when I was but a boy I was not the exquisite performer that you see before you today. No, no. I was frail. I was not muscular, but nor was I capable of some of the extraordinary gymnastics that others performed in the ring. I was just a boy. A boy with a dream. And that dream was to become the greatest luchador that the world had ever seen. Has that dream become a reality yet? Well, not quite… but the night is still young and so am I. I am not about to sit here and lament over my shortcomings like I’m some worthless cockroach living in the walls of Jessie B.’s so-called “fine establishment” of Bahama Mamas. This is a moment for reflection and, mami, I must tell you, no one’s reflection looks as good as El Pavo Real’s.

My mentor, Platino? He also told me that only cowards don’t stray from the nest. That is why I came here to the United States in the first place. This is the land of the free, yes, but it is also the greatest proving ground for lucha in the entire world. Nobody is truly a global success until they have been successful here. I knew my time here would not come without its own share of difficulties but that is exactly what I have been craving for so long: New adversity to overcome and conquer. I’ve seen the way others have talked about coming here to APEX. I see it in the way that they walk and the way that they move. They’re happy to take the bird feed and move on to the next day. To me, APEX isn’t just some place to take things one day at a time. This is the peak of competition. So I’m not here for a little bit of feed. I’m here to rule the whole damn roost.

I also know, however, that in spite of the slobs and slackers that will undoubtedly look to taint this promotion with their idle ways, the cream will always rise to the top. And you know who my mind immediately jumps to when I think of who could rise to those heights? I think of Finnegan Wakefield.

Now, now. I know what you’re thinking. Why on Earth would I think of that goat-faced troll when I think of the potential face of this company? Well, we’re surprisingly not as dissimilar as you might think — the obvious contrast in our looks aside.

Wakefield and I, we are both international talents. Now while I come from the great country of México and he comes from the cold, dreary mudpile known as England, I can certainly relate to his effort to travel overseas and it is that kind of determination and desire that drives a man to be truly great. Bury, is it? Where he is from. Funny. If I were a lesser man I would make a remark about that but we are two respectable gentlemen, Wakefield, are we not? I would hate to give off the wrong first impression knowing that we will be in the ring together in only a matter of a few days. After all, I know how strenuous it must be to keep yourself in the condition you are in. To stay at that top tier of competition. I mean, just think about all that you have been through: You have been stabbed, beaten bloody, harassed by some of the worst scum this profession has ever seen… and yet still people seem to prefer watching your fiancée. I can’t really blame them, in all honesty. She’s certainly easier on the eyes — but I digress.

This is not about appearances. It is about skill.

There is no one in APEX more skilled than you, as far as I am concerned. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t taken at least a moment to watch back your work and I must say that I will be fearing for the wellbeing of my limbs when we’re standing across from each other and that bell finally rings.

…But there’s one thing you should be worrying about more.

Your pride, amigo.

You seem to be filling your plate quite quickly from what I have seen. Between earning — well, re-earning — Arata Asakura’s ire, putting your faith in Hiroto Kamiya, and now squaring off against me? That’s a lot of competition to deal with even for a man of your caliber. You’re putting a lot of pride in yourself if you think you can balance all of these things. I’m sure the cogs are turning in the back of your mind as to whether or not Arata will be of a concern when you show up on APEX this week and perhaps you’re even considering Hiroto Kamiya’s true intentions knowing that he’ll be on commentary for our match. Maybe he’s your back-up… or maybe he’s upset that you stuck your nose where it doesn’t belong? Those are all worries I’d be having right now if I were you — If I were so foolish to get myself in your position in the first place, that is.

Instead, while you’re working yourself up for this match and preparing for the worst, I’ll be arriving the only way El Pavo Real knows how, baby…

In style.

See you out there, amigo.

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Oh! And uh… break a leg.