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| Article: |
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| The Christian Right |
Charlie Benson |
Does Christian deserve more from WWE than just being king of ECW?
13 November 2005 was a halcyon day for Total Non-Stop Action; it was the day of its Genesis pay-per-view and, ironically, the day began dreadfully. The news of Eddie Guerrero�s untimely demise had filtered through to a locker room full of Eddie�s friends and close associates. A funereal atmosphere had taken hold but, in its wake, there was an entertainer�s determination that the show must carry on. The latest addition to the TNA roster stood in the wings that night; he was preparing to mark his arrival in an unknown environment, embarking upon a brand new journey on the day Eddie�s ended forever.
Not surprisingly, the various wrestling insiders and info sources that litter the internet already knew of his likely arrival. Just two days previously, they collectively sat (and clicked) in utter amazement as news broke of the draconian way WWE renegotiates mid-level talent contracts. The fallout made for compelling coverage: the gentleman in question had calmly requested time to consider the terms of a contract extension in the presence of his lawyer, but this simple (and legally prudent) request was not granted. Instead, he was ordered to sign immediately and without question. Incredulous to such a hostile demand, he responded by calmly handing the paperwork back to the gofer who had presented it, packed his bags and made a phone call. Two days and doubtless a mixture of trepidation and ecstasy later, the results of that telephone call would be live and in living colour for all to see.
The time came for his entrance. As the house lights dimmed and the countdown commenced, the crowd crackled with anticipation. Soon enough, a heavy metal theme blared in the arena and a young, stylishly casual individual bestrode the Impact Zone with a knowing grin and a superstar�s aura. As the on-screen graphic put it, Christian Cage had arrived in TNA; at ringside, former WCW announcer Mike Tenay, no stranger to shock introductions, emphasised the ramifications of Christian�s arrival. He called it the highest profile defection in TNA history. And considering the likes of Raven and Rhino had been fired by WWE and simply landed in Jeff Jarrett�s lap, this was no hyperbolic overstatement.
Entering the six-sided ring and delivering an unashamedly babyface promo, Christian told of the joy he felt and the desires he held. Declaring he�d joined TNA because he �loved wrestling�, the diehards lapped it up like manna from Heaven. As Christian stood in awe of the most passionate reaction he�d ever received in his decade-long career, the stage was undoubtedly set. Looking back at this four years later though, FSM wonders if the reigning ECW champion reflects pensively on what must have been a champagne moment in the life of Jason Reso�
For the rest of this feature, check out issue 48 of FSM - available at WH Smith and all good retailers. (For US readers we are now carried at Borders and Barnes & Noble, so check for local availability or click here to subscribe.)
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