Post by Tom Matheny on Aug 20, 2014 13:53:04 GMT -6
An EXODUS Reaction logo flashes on the screen before cutting to footage of EXPRO on FX 21. We see footage of Zack Lifer's various exploits during the evening, including his Tag Team match alongside Evangelists against Daisuke Iwakuma, and nemesis Justin Brooks before fading away.
The feed now shows EXODUS lead correspondent and Interviewer, Tom Matheny sitting down with The New Iron Saint, who is now dawning a ninja style mask.
Tom Matheny: Welcome to another edition if EXODUS Reaction! Before we get starter Zack, I'd like to thank you for thank you for sitting down and taking this opportunity to answer some questions.
Lifer smiles and nods.
Zack Lifer: Anytime, Tom.
Tom Matheny: Well lets jump right into it then. There's been a distinct change in your philosophy recently, what's sparked this change? Why do you consider yourself to be an Archangel?
Lifer nods, registering the question, rubbing the back of his neck as he begins to answer .
Zack Lifer: Let me just say, this Archangel motif? It's not brand new. It was actually co-crafted with none other than Melissa Michaels. She's CEO of Dragonkin Inc. See, back when The White Nights were going strong, back when they tossed me aside in PDW, I had the company create this mask, create this gear. State of the art, nothing less. I needed to send a message, I needed to show people that I wasn't messing around. I needed to intimidate, I needed to show that I was willing to do whatever it took to do the right thing without any politics or without any army to have my back.
See, the idea of the Archangel fell through plenty of times. PDW aired some promotional material, but nothing ever came of it. The idea was scrapped. Now? Now, I needed the persona more than ever. I needed to become the Archangel.
The New Iron Saint turned Archangel takes a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing.
Zack Lifer: Define the word? Powerful spiritual beings. They capture people’s attention and awe, just like this persona. Archangels are the highest-ranking angels in Heaven, or so the story goes. God, not Magnus Gunner mind you, gives them the most important responsibilities, and they do their work both in the 'heavenly dimension' as well as here on Earth. They go on daily missions, as well as send messages from above to the people here on Earth, so isn't that fitting?
Now, I'm not saying I'm a messenger of 'God,' no. I'm saying I embody that thought. My missions? To do the right thing, do what's good for EXODUS no matter the cost. The messages? Well, I'm sure I'll make that clear in the coming weeks, won't I? The question is, will they even listen to the messages? That's what this 'Archangel' persona means to me, and that's what you need to realize.
He laughs to himself a bit. Matheny soaking in all the information as Lifer elaborates.
Zack Lifer: I'm not WEAPON. I'm not Jon Collins, I'm not Chris Strike. I'm something else entirely and I don't hide my face. I want them all to know who the Archangel is and always will be, mask or not. That's what I am. Do you get the picture? I've always been willing to do the right thing, even thought the LEGION was what was right from what limited information they fed me, as well as Gods & Monsters. But now? This change of philosophy? Well, I'm just taking that thought at a whole new level. Anything to inspire change, and like I've been saying, you can't change a thing with hope.
Tom Matheny: You haven't made a lot of friends in your tenure here in EXODUS, why that is can be disputed - however, you seem to have gained a mutual respect for Andreas Lasiewicz, why? Do you share his views about Jonathan Collins?
Zack nods repeatedly, leaning up in the chair as he begins to offer his two cents.
Zack Lifer: I do have a mutual respect for the man, yes. I teased him even before I officially signed my contract and you saw what happened during our feud, didn't you? Some of the best matches he's ever had, I earned his respect. And honestly, not a lot of people are making sense in EXODUS these days. Lasiewicz, however? He made a good point. He makes a lot of great points, but no one seems to be listening. So, consider me the messenger.
See, he thinks if this war goes on as it is now, it's destined to self-destruct. People like me who want to help are tossed aside by the Sekigun, they're too concerned with their own ranks. Me? I'm more concerned with EXODUS as a whole, with the fans watching and their experience. And if things continue without any intervening, they'll both find their way to the grave. Gods & Monsters will win against the Sekigun and its 'high road' political, egotistical philosophies and then Gods & Monsters will self destruct from greed once they get what they want. EXODUS doesn't wanna see that, they don't wanna see the company fall. They want someone willing to do whatever it takes for the betterment of everyone, they want someone willing to put their LIFE on the goddamn line just to clear this war of all the bullshit flying around! They need someone willing to be the third side of this war, and Lasiewicz thinks it should be me!
There's conviction in his tone as Lifer continues to assert his views.
Zack Lifer: I'm not closed minded. I understand what the Sekigun is doing and I understand how Jon runs things. I wanted to conform, to belittle myself with making friends I dislike in general just to get this farce of a war over with, just to finally fit in, but no matter how much I try, Jon and the Sekigun will never accept me for who I am, for what I stand for. They'll never accept my help. So, I decided to go freelance.
I have no disrespect for Jonathon Collins as a person, I respect him, I just don't respect his methods. Instead of trying to convince him we need to go all out on the enemy, no remorse, I know he wouldn't hear me out anyhow. So, I'm doing it my way, parallel to the Sekigun in its overall goal but on a very different road nonetheless. Hopefully the rest of Sekigun respects that. I wish them all the luck in the world, contrary to what Lasiewicz believes.
I think for myself. I don't blindly follow a leader. I create a mission for myself and I go at it full force, no matter who stands in my way. Does it hurt to stand alone? Does it make me less powerful than the rest? Maybe. But at least I'm not hindered by being suppressed by an ego as a figurehead who turns down all my pleas to help. Maybe one day, people will follow me as well with like-minded thoughts, no matter how erratic. We'll see.
Matheny takes in the candid response; Zack Lifer was showing a new layer to his persona, a more confident and headstrong one.
Tom Matheny: Justin Brooks and Cleon Gray have been thorns in your side for quite a while now - do you have a plan in mind to change that?
Zack clenches his fist, shaking it demonstratively as he speaks up.
Zack Lifer: Of course I do. Big plans. Plans that'll fix EXODUS as a whole, plans that'll rid the company from being tormented with punishment match after punishment match. 'Discipline' is just a cover for 'mad with power' and I'm making it my first mission before I do anything else to fix it. Don't worry, EXODUS. The Archangel, The New Iron Saint will ring the final bell and 'll do absolutely whatever it takes to make sure class is no longer in session.
As far as Justin Brooks is concerned? I'm more worried about him than I am with Mr. Gray. I'm beginning to think he's no longer a henchman. We have legitimate bad blood, and honestly? I think even after Mr. Gray is gone, he'll still have me in his sights. Maybe not right away, maybe months from now. I'm sure we'll cross paths plenty of times. The point is, I still believe he's a hell of a wrestler, I just wanna let that be known, but when it's all said and done, I have a proposition for you...
Lifer looks directly at the camera now as if he's speaking to the world and more importantly, the Big Bad Brooks himself.
Zack Lifer: Long Way Down. Justin, you want me? You got me, but it'll be in my PLAYGROUND! My STIPULATION, my RULES! You wanna quit playing around, you wanna put your life on the line? The games end NOW. How 'bout you and I meet in a match I've become KNOWN for, a match that changed my WHOLE CAREER and almost ENDED IT! 'Big Bad' Justin Brooks. 'The Archangel' Zack Lifer. BARBED! WIRE! MASSACRE! Don't you see the headlines?!
You wanted a plan, Tom? Does that about cover it? You think that'll send a message to Mr. Gray and the rest of EXODUS that I don't mess around, or do you think I need to raise the stakes? That is, if he even accepts at all.
Tom is visibly shocked by the challenge, and Lifer's determination. He leans back to come to terms with what he just heard before offering his final inquiry.
Tom Matheny: Chuck Matthews - he seems to rub people the wrong way, with many citing their inability to trust him - do you?
Lifer scoffs at the question.
Zack Lifer: 'Course I do, he's a friend of mine. Remember how I said few make sense in this company? Well, he makes sense. He gets it. He's a smart man, and smart men gravitate towards each other, they just have that natural bond. We come from opposite ends of the spectrum - he owns a company and I simply became a dark quote unquote 'enigma' inside some white walls, but needless to say, he always has my back. And maybe, just maybe, he'll support me in my quest for equality. Maybe he'll stand side by side with yours truly so we can put an end to all this mayhem surrounding EXODUS right now and in the future. Maybe, just maybe, Chuck Matthews is one of the last sane men we have in this company. So, how can you not trust a man like that?
Oh, and his hatred and need to make a joke out of Magnus Gunner and friends is pretty admirable too. Gotta love the latin jokes. Shout out to you, buddy! Good luck at ExPro #22. I'll be rooting for you.
With that Matheny and Lifer shake hands as the scene fades.
The feed now shows EXODUS lead correspondent and Interviewer, Tom Matheny sitting down with The New Iron Saint, who is now dawning a ninja style mask.
Tom Matheny: Welcome to another edition if EXODUS Reaction! Before we get starter Zack, I'd like to thank you for thank you for sitting down and taking this opportunity to answer some questions.
Lifer smiles and nods.
Zack Lifer: Anytime, Tom.
Tom Matheny: Well lets jump right into it then. There's been a distinct change in your philosophy recently, what's sparked this change? Why do you consider yourself to be an Archangel?
Lifer nods, registering the question, rubbing the back of his neck as he begins to answer .
Zack Lifer: Let me just say, this Archangel motif? It's not brand new. It was actually co-crafted with none other than Melissa Michaels. She's CEO of Dragonkin Inc. See, back when The White Nights were going strong, back when they tossed me aside in PDW, I had the company create this mask, create this gear. State of the art, nothing less. I needed to send a message, I needed to show people that I wasn't messing around. I needed to intimidate, I needed to show that I was willing to do whatever it took to do the right thing without any politics or without any army to have my back.
See, the idea of the Archangel fell through plenty of times. PDW aired some promotional material, but nothing ever came of it. The idea was scrapped. Now? Now, I needed the persona more than ever. I needed to become the Archangel.
The New Iron Saint turned Archangel takes a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing.
Zack Lifer: Define the word? Powerful spiritual beings. They capture people’s attention and awe, just like this persona. Archangels are the highest-ranking angels in Heaven, or so the story goes. God, not Magnus Gunner mind you, gives them the most important responsibilities, and they do their work both in the 'heavenly dimension' as well as here on Earth. They go on daily missions, as well as send messages from above to the people here on Earth, so isn't that fitting?
Now, I'm not saying I'm a messenger of 'God,' no. I'm saying I embody that thought. My missions? To do the right thing, do what's good for EXODUS no matter the cost. The messages? Well, I'm sure I'll make that clear in the coming weeks, won't I? The question is, will they even listen to the messages? That's what this 'Archangel' persona means to me, and that's what you need to realize.
He laughs to himself a bit. Matheny soaking in all the information as Lifer elaborates.
Zack Lifer: I'm not WEAPON. I'm not Jon Collins, I'm not Chris Strike. I'm something else entirely and I don't hide my face. I want them all to know who the Archangel is and always will be, mask or not. That's what I am. Do you get the picture? I've always been willing to do the right thing, even thought the LEGION was what was right from what limited information they fed me, as well as Gods & Monsters. But now? This change of philosophy? Well, I'm just taking that thought at a whole new level. Anything to inspire change, and like I've been saying, you can't change a thing with hope.
Tom Matheny: You haven't made a lot of friends in your tenure here in EXODUS, why that is can be disputed - however, you seem to have gained a mutual respect for Andreas Lasiewicz, why? Do you share his views about Jonathan Collins?
Zack nods repeatedly, leaning up in the chair as he begins to offer his two cents.
Zack Lifer: I do have a mutual respect for the man, yes. I teased him even before I officially signed my contract and you saw what happened during our feud, didn't you? Some of the best matches he's ever had, I earned his respect. And honestly, not a lot of people are making sense in EXODUS these days. Lasiewicz, however? He made a good point. He makes a lot of great points, but no one seems to be listening. So, consider me the messenger.
See, he thinks if this war goes on as it is now, it's destined to self-destruct. People like me who want to help are tossed aside by the Sekigun, they're too concerned with their own ranks. Me? I'm more concerned with EXODUS as a whole, with the fans watching and their experience. And if things continue without any intervening, they'll both find their way to the grave. Gods & Monsters will win against the Sekigun and its 'high road' political, egotistical philosophies and then Gods & Monsters will self destruct from greed once they get what they want. EXODUS doesn't wanna see that, they don't wanna see the company fall. They want someone willing to do whatever it takes for the betterment of everyone, they want someone willing to put their LIFE on the goddamn line just to clear this war of all the bullshit flying around! They need someone willing to be the third side of this war, and Lasiewicz thinks it should be me!
There's conviction in his tone as Lifer continues to assert his views.
Zack Lifer: I'm not closed minded. I understand what the Sekigun is doing and I understand how Jon runs things. I wanted to conform, to belittle myself with making friends I dislike in general just to get this farce of a war over with, just to finally fit in, but no matter how much I try, Jon and the Sekigun will never accept me for who I am, for what I stand for. They'll never accept my help. So, I decided to go freelance.
I have no disrespect for Jonathon Collins as a person, I respect him, I just don't respect his methods. Instead of trying to convince him we need to go all out on the enemy, no remorse, I know he wouldn't hear me out anyhow. So, I'm doing it my way, parallel to the Sekigun in its overall goal but on a very different road nonetheless. Hopefully the rest of Sekigun respects that. I wish them all the luck in the world, contrary to what Lasiewicz believes.
I think for myself. I don't blindly follow a leader. I create a mission for myself and I go at it full force, no matter who stands in my way. Does it hurt to stand alone? Does it make me less powerful than the rest? Maybe. But at least I'm not hindered by being suppressed by an ego as a figurehead who turns down all my pleas to help. Maybe one day, people will follow me as well with like-minded thoughts, no matter how erratic. We'll see.
Matheny takes in the candid response; Zack Lifer was showing a new layer to his persona, a more confident and headstrong one.
Tom Matheny: Justin Brooks and Cleon Gray have been thorns in your side for quite a while now - do you have a plan in mind to change that?
Zack clenches his fist, shaking it demonstratively as he speaks up.
Zack Lifer: Of course I do. Big plans. Plans that'll fix EXODUS as a whole, plans that'll rid the company from being tormented with punishment match after punishment match. 'Discipline' is just a cover for 'mad with power' and I'm making it my first mission before I do anything else to fix it. Don't worry, EXODUS. The Archangel, The New Iron Saint will ring the final bell and 'll do absolutely whatever it takes to make sure class is no longer in session.
As far as Justin Brooks is concerned? I'm more worried about him than I am with Mr. Gray. I'm beginning to think he's no longer a henchman. We have legitimate bad blood, and honestly? I think even after Mr. Gray is gone, he'll still have me in his sights. Maybe not right away, maybe months from now. I'm sure we'll cross paths plenty of times. The point is, I still believe he's a hell of a wrestler, I just wanna let that be known, but when it's all said and done, I have a proposition for you...
Lifer looks directly at the camera now as if he's speaking to the world and more importantly, the Big Bad Brooks himself.
Zack Lifer: Long Way Down. Justin, you want me? You got me, but it'll be in my PLAYGROUND! My STIPULATION, my RULES! You wanna quit playing around, you wanna put your life on the line? The games end NOW. How 'bout you and I meet in a match I've become KNOWN for, a match that changed my WHOLE CAREER and almost ENDED IT! 'Big Bad' Justin Brooks. 'The Archangel' Zack Lifer. BARBED! WIRE! MASSACRE! Don't you see the headlines?!
You wanted a plan, Tom? Does that about cover it? You think that'll send a message to Mr. Gray and the rest of EXODUS that I don't mess around, or do you think I need to raise the stakes? That is, if he even accepts at all.
Tom is visibly shocked by the challenge, and Lifer's determination. He leans back to come to terms with what he just heard before offering his final inquiry.
Tom Matheny: Chuck Matthews - he seems to rub people the wrong way, with many citing their inability to trust him - do you?
Lifer scoffs at the question.
Zack Lifer: 'Course I do, he's a friend of mine. Remember how I said few make sense in this company? Well, he makes sense. He gets it. He's a smart man, and smart men gravitate towards each other, they just have that natural bond. We come from opposite ends of the spectrum - he owns a company and I simply became a dark quote unquote 'enigma' inside some white walls, but needless to say, he always has my back. And maybe, just maybe, he'll support me in my quest for equality. Maybe he'll stand side by side with yours truly so we can put an end to all this mayhem surrounding EXODUS right now and in the future. Maybe, just maybe, Chuck Matthews is one of the last sane men we have in this company. So, how can you not trust a man like that?
Oh, and his hatred and need to make a joke out of Magnus Gunner and friends is pretty admirable too. Gotta love the latin jokes. Shout out to you, buddy! Good luck at ExPro #22. I'll be rooting for you.
With that Matheny and Lifer shake hands as the scene fades.