AxxessNet: 1 on 1 with Mark Storm (part one)

[STORM]

(Whether he was tired of not you couldn't really tell. But that was something that came with the package of Mark Storm. You couldn't really tell how he was feeling with his vacant eyes and emotionless expressions. Reading him was impossible, like he was encrypted with codes that were unquenchable, nobody could crack them. But from a genuine standpoint, he looked calm and composed as he sit against the leather sofa unit. Allowing photos to be taken by photographers of Frontier Grappling Arts as he posed casually, one arm slung over the top of the sofa whilst the other placed on his lap. 

Entering the scene was the recognizable Spencer Burke and Storm rose from his seat, the two embracing each other with a hug followed by a handshake, a friendly exchange that was inaudible due to the microphones not being attached to them at this point. Burke then took a seat and the two were given mics to be placed on their clothing. This was his promotional video in preparation for his big match against James Edwards at All Star Showdown. A match that was highly anticipated and he was personally looking forward to.)

Spencer Burke: Ladies and Gentlemen, hello and welcome. You are tuning in to an AxxessNet exclusive one on one. I'm Spencer Burke and joining me today is a man who's known throughout the wrestling world. Whether you love him or hate him, the man joining me today isn't one to be ignored. He's conquered the indies and continues to do so, driven by the motivation to be the best wrestler to ever grace the four sided ring. But he isn't just one of your indy darling either. No, this man has reached the heights on a global scale too, competing in some of the most anticipated matches in the year as well as having prestige and class cemented in his accolades. He is "Your Hero and Mine", Mark Storm. It's always great to see you Mark, and you look well. How are you doing today?

(Nodding his head with a smile before answering.)

Mark Storm: I feel well Spence. The schedule has been hectic but I've had it worse. I'm doing great today. I'm finally at home, been able to see my daughter and also my friends back here in the States. It's awesome, so yeah - I'm doing just fine. 

Spencer Burke: As you mentioned you're back in the States and you've been spending most of your time in Japan, competing in the Pride of Puroresu Crown - how's that been for you? 

Mark Storm: It's been an honor, truly an honor. I mean, it's torture in every sense of the word, with the difference in styles very evident in Japan. It's a lot my brutal, and authentic, with heavy hits and a high tenacity. But I've enjoyed it thoroughly. Being able to be in an environment where the wrestling culture is so different to ours here in the States, it's eye opening and it also helps. It helps with the self enhancement of our own skills as we're constantly picking things up as we go through the series. But as well as that, I'm also getting to face guys who I've never been inside the four sided ring with and that in itself is something I'm enjoying. I've had this bucket list of guys and gals that I've wanted to face and half of them are literally in my block. But yeah, it's something that requires high demand but as always, I can deliver. 

Spencer Burke: Talking about high demand, Mark - you're someone who's never really been settled or been complacent, or has just devoted himself to one promotion. A freelancer by choice, who's in high demand. You've talked about this Global Takeover tour you've been embarking on and it's been a long one, a tour you've been on since the beginning of 2016. When does it end? Have you even thought about the end of this journey? And where does Mark Storm go from there? What promotion does he stick by?

(Taking a few seconds to reflect Storm doesn't say anything initially, he just looked down at his hands, pondering on what his answer would be to a question he'd been asked far too many times. He looked back up and smiled, clasping his hands together.)

Mark Storm: It's been a lot of fun. I've had my best times in the ring in the last year or so. I think many people would counter argue by saying that in 2015, I was unstoppable and 2016 wasn't even close to eclipsing it. 2015 was the beginning, the real beginning of my story to stardom. That's how I see it in my eyes. It's the year where I signed pen to paper with Extreme Wrestling Corporation, arguably the biggest promotion in the world. The year where I won the world heavyweight title and would hold it for the majority of the season. And it's a year where I caught the attention of a lot of guys and gals, who hadn't heard of me before but all of a sudden, they were asking about what's next and whether I sign for any other promotions. 2016, was the year of expansion.

As you said, the Global Takeover tour where I pinned myself down to an abundance of promotions, wrestling constantly in house shows, bingo halls, arenas, you name it I was probably there. Towards the latter stages as everybody knows, I faded away and it's a shame that I did because I was truly about to make an impact in a few promotions including Frontier Grappling Arts. And 2017, it's about solidification. Now there's been a lot of arguments. About whether Mark Storm has what it takes to be considered as one of the best working professionals in the world. A lot of people don't like the fact that I'd put myself in the bracket but they're entitled to their own opinion, and that's totally fine. But this year is about solidification. With no debates, just facts. It's been a long road to get here you're right but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it's getting closer. The journey, it's coming to an end but where does Mark Storm end up after that? Mark Storm doesn't even know the answer to that question himself. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. But right now, my only focus is on the tasks that I have ahead of me and there's some big matches that are on the way. 

Spencer Burke: Big matches indeed. All Star Showdown on the 25th of June, the biggest event of the year for Frontier Grappling Arts. You step inside the four sided ring for a third time with the "Burning Heart" James Edwards. Now, you two have of course faced each other on Flashpoint and Vertigo with those matches being highly contested and often, stealing the show some would say. Two names known for their global trot of the wrestling world, facing each other in one more dual to decide who is better. James Edwards or Mark Storm? Those previous matches, you've drawn. But this time round, there's no time limit, no excuses, there will be a winner. 

Mark Storm: It has to be this way. I'm wanting to know. James is wanting to know. The fans are wanting to know and I'm sure yourself, want to know who is the best out of the two of us. And it is all revealed at All Star Showdown. 

Spencer Burke: The granddaddy of them all.

Mark Storm: Damn right. A lot of people would feel more pressured and because of that, their thoughts would be everywhere, they become unsure, uncertain. But not me. This story that is being told between the two of us Spence, it's a story of two competitors who are without a doubt - the hardest working professional wrestlers on the planet, bar none. We set the bar. We set the standard. James hasn't been in the business for a very long time but he's been around long enough to create an impression. To create a name for himself. Someone who is known as the "Burning Heart" and I admire that. I admire him and I have a lot of respect for what that man can do inside that ring. There's no one quite like him. He isn't your generic carbon copy. He isn't your traditional tough guy. But he's one of the most deadliest in the world, try to deny that - then you'd be lying to yourself. 

[STORM]

(Mark remained calm and composed. From the look of him, you wouldn't initially deduce that Mark Storm was a professional wrestler. Particularly on this occasion, as he looked artsy and creative - the type of individual who'd find himself painting upon a canvas. But Mark's canvas was the four sided ring. That's where he created his art.)

Spencer Burke: You speak so highly of your opponent.. something that a lot of people wouldn't necessarily do leading into a All Star Showdown match. 

(Chuckling to himself.)

Mark Storm: I'm not ordinary people, Spence. I'm not an idiot, either. James Edwards is one of the best in the world. I'm not going to sit here and tell you otherwise, then I'd be lying to you and myself. I know what I'm going into, I know what to expect. Edwards and I, we've been crossing paths all over the shop. First it was the battle royal, the number one contender royal for the Pride championship. I won that match but you couldn't really judge the two of us in a match that involves multiple people. You couldn't really say who's better. Then we crossed paths in Seattle, in a fatal four way match for the vacant Pride championship they have over there. A match that he won but once again, just like the battle royal - there's multiple people, you just can't call it. Next, two fights here in Frontier Grappling Arts, and we couldn't even get a definitive winner. Draws.

But then Spence, then I hit the jackpot. Mark Storm versus James Edwards, Pride of Puroresu Crown - I managed to put him away, moments before the buzzer went off to mark the time limit for that match. I've beat him before Spence. One on one, I've beat him before! And it's still fresh. It's a victory that he's probably had nightmares over, and I don't blame him, I would too because he was inches away from defeating me. Inches away, from putting me out of my misery, and ending this whole debate of who is better! But he couldn't do it. He couldn't get the job done. I know that come All Star Showdown, he'll use that to fuel himself. He'll use that to fight better, to be better - so what we have here Spence, is a match with the potential, to steal the whole damn show! Two fighters who aren't content with being average. Who aren't content with sticking around one place. We're addicted. Addicted to the same drug and that drug, is wrestling. 

(He spoke with passion and conviction, you could tell that he mean't every word that left his mouth.)

Spencer Burke: Last year, you faced Savannah Taylor at All Star Showdown and you managed to get the win. That win really did set the tone for you, introducing you into the Pride division. This year, whether you win or lose - what's next? 

Mark Storm: There's a lot happening here in Frontier Grappling Arts, Spence. As you know, there's always people coming and going, new opportunities on the horizon. You never really know what's round the corner. But I have unfinished business within the Pride division. It's a title that I've wanted for a long time and the man who currently holds the title is someone who I deeply respect and yet to beat, and if he is still the champion after All Star Showdown, he's someone I'd love to face again. But at the moment, I'm only focusing on what's round the corner and that's James Edwards. 

Spencer Burke: I'm not sure if you heard what James Edwards has had to say about you previously. But here's a little look at what he had to say after your match on Flashpoint. 

"I thought I had it."

James isn't happy. He paces in the locker room area, still dressed in his fighting gear with a towel around his neck.

James Edwards: There was no way Storm was gonna break that small package. It was air tight. He was gassed and had nothing left. I took his best, and he took mine, but I was still the one who was in the position to come out on top. I thought I had it."

He keeps packing but slings the towel back in the direction of his locker. The inability to beat Mark Storm is eating at him, that is obvious.

James Edwards: I thought I was gonna get to celebrate and move on. Hell, I already was. Then the ref taps me on the shoulder, and I hear the decision, a time limit draw, another freakin' draw.

He spits the word out like it is a poorly cooked piece of chicken, rubbery and cold.

James Edwards: The first time I could stomach a draw. It was a double KO, that doesn't happen often. Hell, you can't help but laugh at a fluke like that. This time I'm not laughing. Go back and watch the tape, I was better than Mark Storm tonight. I wanted it more. I was hungrier, and still, because of that damn bell, I gotta stand on the same level as Mark Storm. There will be a rematch, one that I will win.

Edwards takes a deep breath, not comfortable with is next words, needing every bit of the momentary calm.

James Edwards: I still respect you, Mark. I like you as a person and as a fighter, but I can't draw or lose to you again. You've had your chance to make an impression. You can treat this like a game and have fun. These fights are serious for me. I have everything to gain or lose, and I'll do anything within the rules to beat you next time out.

Spencer Burke: "Stand on the same level as Mark Storm." Insult? What do you think? 

(Mark remained quiet. Digesting everything that had been said by James Edwards.)

Mark Storm: I know what he means. It's not an insult at all. We all want to advance, Spence. And as classic as our matches have been, we don't want to be doing this each and every week to find out who's better. There has to be an end and it'll come at All Star Showdown, the end of this little rivalry of ours and then we'll go our separate ways. Whilst we do have a lot of similarities in terms of style, we also share a lot of differences. The main one being that he's prepared to follow the rules. He lives by the code. Keeps it underneath his pillow at night. A white collared goody two shoes who'll obey the rules that are put forward. But in my world, a doggy dog world, there are no rules. It's every man for themselves and you have to do everything, to attain that win. Lie, cheat, steal, claw, scratch, punch. Everything. Am I going to reject my moral codes? No chance. James Edwards gets the same treatment as everyone else. 

He think's he's better than me. We're all entitled to our own opinions. Until he pins my shoulders to the mat will I admit defeat. He was close last time out on Flashpoint, almost had me beat but could he do it? No. He couldn't get the job done. And what does that tell you about James Edwards? It tells you that he's a half measure when it comes to me. It tells you that he's met his poison. Someone that he can throw everything he has but still, it won't be enough. I'm an immovable object and Edwards has been rattling my cage. It's only a matter of time until he awakens the beast within and he doesn't want to see that side of me. That side of me, the demon - he's been a sleep for the majority of the year. But he's provoking me. He's making me turn into something else entirely, Spence. And he thinks he wants that, but he shouldn't. He thinks I'm not taking this seriously and this is all fun and games, well I guess he just doesn't really know me. This isn't fun and games. This is my life. And I take this, very seriously. I pride myself on putting on a 5 star performance every time I step foot inside the ring. EVERY TIME! Not just for my own self gratification. But for those fans at home who deserve to see the best wrestling in the world! I work my ass off... this isn't some joke. He thinks he has it all to play for like I don't too. This match, could either make us or break us, James. It's the biggest stage of them all! You win, you could find yourself in a world you only dream't of but if you lose, you could find yourself having to work your way back up at the bottom of the food chain. I've been at the bottom. I scratched my way out of there time after time, after time. And I'm not prepared to go back. It's only up from here.