Interview with Geese
Nov 22, 2020 5:06:55 GMT -5
Post by OrochiGeese on Nov 22, 2020 5:06:55 GMT -5
Hello fans, this is John Randolph and I'm here with exciting news.
I was able to interview Geese Walker this past week. Hopefully, this talk will shed some light on what's going been going through his head on a number of topics. This is a video of the interview which was held over UBL’s proprietary software (coded by Mr. Luke Kisiera) called “Bubble-Chat.”
[John:] "I want to thank you again for agreeing to this interview. To be honest, I was surprised."
[Geese:] "As one should be. Throughout my career, talking with the media has not been my favorite activity."
[John:] "I take it that Robin Walker's early role as your personal interviewer is an exception?"
*Geese nods his head with an impressed look.*
[Geese:] "You've done your homework."
[John:] "Rule number 1 of talking to you: Don't waste your time. Rule number 2: Do your homework."
[Geese:] "And rule number 3: avert your eyes at what happened to those who ignored the first two rules.”
*John gulps*
[Geese:] “The reason I agreed to talk with you is because of the delays that have plagued the UBL this year. I feel as if the world has wasted my time and I have more then a little pent up aggression as a result. So I actually feel energized to address certain topics since it's the next best thing to pulverizing them."
[John:] "Let's start at the upcoming league show and work backward. Your match at Continuum III will be your official return to the UBL after the injuries you suffered at the hands of Destiny and the delays we all suffered in the past year. The world is wondering what they will see from you when you get into the ring. You already mentioned your current mindset. Compounding that is the fact that your match will be against James Ward. Your history with him is rife with conflict. He was equally responsible for the first shot fired in the Jinchuu war against you and the UBL. In January of 2011, he and Kyle Walker attacked you with the helmet from the Centurion costume that Ward once proudly wore. Then James covered you for the pinfall before Kyle sent you to the hospital. We know that you and Kyle have put the past behind you-"
[Geese:] “We built a relationship of trust and respect by not sweeping under the rug what happened but by facing it and moving forward. Neither of us ignore the past but we have re-contextualized it after talking about it honestly. We understand what happened from each other’s point of view and realized that what united us is central to our own goals and our individual relationships with Robin. As a result, we forged a brotherhood and have each grown as a result."
[John:] "I am sure the viewers will be glad to hear that."
[Geese:] "I'm not so sure some of them they will be, but you may continue."
[John:] "How do you feel about James Ward all these years later?"
[Geese:] "First, I'd like to apologize to you."
[John:] "Me?"
[Geese:] "It was my reckless and violent treatment of him which led to his formation of Jinchuu with Kyle, and Cosmic K*I*D behind the scenes. As a result, James Ward took over the broadcast booth that was once solely yours."
[John:] "You...you saw that? I still try to forget it."
[Geese:] "Let me re-contextualize it for you then by giving you sanction. I watched all of the Circuit shows in 2011 from the hospital. James made your job a living hell and threatened your physical safety multiple times. Had I handled him better in the past, specifically the Battalion show on the Moon, then he would not have been radicalized."
[John:] "Wow, I don't know what to say."
[Geese:] "Accept the apology and move onto the next question."
[John:] "Of course. Thank you. So, how are you approaching your match with him?"
[Geese:] "My apology is good for one incident of time wasting. Ask the real question you have."
[John:] "Is revenge on your mind?"
[Geese:] "Not mine but perhaps his."
[John:] "Didn't he get it some measure of it with Jinchuu?"
[Geese:] "Jinchuu resulted in success for me and ultimate failure for him. Is he any happier after the injuries that he caused? Look at the difference in the lives that he and I lead. Imagine how he feels having his one chance at relevance cut short and his career sent plummeting back down to embarrassing depths. Imagine how he feels watching me almost become NEXUS Champion within two matches back of a 7-year retirement he thought he had a direct hand in causing.
James Ward may have had a legitimate reason to be angry at me years ago, but now all he has left is jealousy and resentment as a result of his own poor decisions. Think for a moment why would he even return for this league and show his face in the UBL again? He's clearly on the final throes of his career. Even at the height of his abilities, he was a middling presence. Now, the best he can do is cheat his way into a win against someone else in our block who hasn’t faced him before. Against me, he's powerless. And I know that. I do not seek revenge because I have already beaten him in every way that counts. His victory over me in 2011 was fraudulent and his road since then has been straight to the gutter."
[John:] "Ouch. So you aren't going to try to injure him…aside from that verbal assault?"
[Geese:] "That is not my way now. I will beat him, decisively, but I won't spend one extra ounce of energy doing otherwise. Even if I did hold residual anger, he has proven himself unworthy of it. How can I look in the mirror and call myself the next Infinite Continuum Champion if crippling a bottom feeding parasite like James Ward occupies any portion of my aspirations? Of course, I am mindful of his weaknesses as I am with any opponent I’m set to face. And I know that he will come at me with the final vestige of his dignity and anger. But you'll all see the desperation on his face give way to pure despair."
[John:] "That's probably the most disturbing way I've ever heard someone say they weren't going to hurt someone."
[Geese:] "John, I am the same man that returned in 2018. Destiny’s attack on me robbed me of a year but not my resolve in accomplishing what I set out to do. My paramount goal remains.”
[John:] “And if you can put that succinctly…”
[Geese:] “Then I wouldn’t be Geese Walker.”
*Both men chuckle a little but then Geese turns serious.*
[Geese:] “The Infinite Continuum Championship is my immediate target, but it is just the means to an end. It provides the motivation for me to seek my ideal threshold of competition. Reaching it and demonstrating it in battle will be the final piece of my legacy which will shape the future of this sport.”
[John:] “And to those who wonder how the Destiny attack and time off changed that?”
[Geese:] “If you didn't trust me when I initially stated my intentions in 2018, don't trust me now. If you understood what I was saying then, realize that I have not changed since then. I have learned so much since retirement. I will not seek to maim James Ward, nor will I shake his hand. His safety beyond that is entirely up to him."
[John:] "You said that Destiny’s attack didn't change you. And, at the risk of editorializing, it does seem to me like you are the same person now as you were before your match with Matt Rivers in December of 2018. But what about the time in between? Geese, were you really transfixed on the stock market? And if so, do you have any stock tips?"
[Geese:] "I was a concussed man with partial amnesia. I can't explain my proclivities, or allies, then any more than I could vouch for any specialized professional knowledge I may have learned under its influence. It took considerable time with Dr. Holt and other medical professionals to break through that haze and reclaim my true self. But once I did, the results were absolute. And I feel no different about men like James Ward now than I did right before the Destiny attack."
[John:] "How do you feel about Matt Rivers? Certainly, you see him differently?"
[Geese:] "See him differently? No. I have every reason to believe that Thunder Strike's assessment of Destiny's control over Mr. Rivers is completely accurate. Do I feel differently about Mr. Rivers? Yes. Even with the knowledge of what happened, it is a very different thing to have a true comfort level with him now."
[John:] "He will be one of your other opponents in Block D. How have you approached that?"
[Geese:] "With disappointment. If someone had told me in 2018 that I would have two matches against Mr. Rivers that had Championship implications, I would celebrate the opportunity. But despite his remaining abilities, I have lost my taste for being in the ring with him. He's not the same man that he used to be, you can see in his eyes. A bore like Ward was never compelling so his turn to Jinchuu wasn't so much disappointing as it was despicable. But what happened to Mr. Rivers, to him, also ruined the enjoyment that many others were looking forward to having when facing him."
[John:] "Isn't that a little harsh? You acknowledge that none of it was his fault, but you claim that he's been spoiled somehow.”
[Geese:] “It may be harsh but it’s also the truth. I’m far from the only one thinking it. Facing Mr. Rivers in 2020 offers a significantly lower level of excitement than it used to in the glory to be gained and the resistance in doing so.”
[John:] “What about his recent match? Saji seemed to get something positive out of it."
[Geese:] "I say this with appreciation for Saji's personal growth but his mindset has recently become too accommodating. He went from not respecting anyone, including himself, to falling a little too heavily into the “handshake” mentality that has engulfed the UBL and professional wrestling as a whole. Saji has the potential to be one of the best in this promotion for so many reasons but he should have won that match or been more bothered by the draw. It was his respect for who Mr. Rivers used to be that prevented him from winning. But Mr. Rivers is nowhere close to being back to himself. That match clearly showed he has both physical and psychological factors holding him back from reaching his old standard. He may never reclaim himself in or out of the ring. I do not derive any enjoyment from saying that but it is my sincere belief."
[John:] "What about Corey O'Brian's words of support and offer for Matt Rivers?"
[Geese:] "Saji is not the only one whose view of the current Mr. Rivers was impacted by a previous rivalry they shared. Corey’s views are also colored by an intense nine-year desire to face Mr. Rivers. I think that, to some unconscious degree, Corey does not want one of his goals to be nullified due to what Mr. Rivers has turned into. His enthusiastic support for Mr. Rivers is also his psychological defense of his own goal of their dream match. In Corey's mind, his match with Mr. Rivers would unify the two greatest Champions of the past ten years. He needs to believe Mr. Rivers can still compete on that level or else that match will no longer be possible. Losing that opportunity is difficult for a competitor like Corey."
[John:] "Do you think that Corey O’Brian and Matt Rivers are the two greatest UBL Champions of the past ten years?"
[Geese:] "Undoubtedly. And I alsp consider Corey O'Brian to be my only real competition in this league."
*John looks surprised.*
[John:] "Wow, stop the presses, that was a scorcher!"
[Geese:] "Was it, though? Let's look at the other top competitors. Alicia Gordon's win over Matthew Rivers was tainted due to his mind control by Destiny. As limited as Mr. Rivers is now, his performance in 2019 was pathetic. Her preceding victory over Joachim was never televised and so we have no idea what Joachim was even capable of then. Alicia is impressive, and I will once again credit her as being one of the few in this league with the proper competitive mindset, but she's not on my level. RYOMA is another that people have great confidence in. But he has not yet proven himself on the UBL stage."
[John:] "In singles matches."
[Geese:] "Yes, I am not questioning his tag legacy which has admittedly eclipsed mine when I teamed with Thunder Strike. And I am well aware of RYOMA's recent Championship success in Super NOVA and previous success in other promotions. But when it comes to singles matches in the UBL, he underperforms and knows it. That stigma of him not being able to win the big one isn’t in general, it’s directed to him here. It will continue as long as he’s competing with me. After all, I defeated him in the first match back from my retirement. That would not happen for a man truly primed to win this league.”
[John:] “I would argue that RYOMA may be a different man now after winning the Super NOVA Championship."
[Geese:] "I hope that is correct. But that's his burden to prove, not ours to preemptively believe."
[John:] "So there is really no one else besides Corey O’Brian?”
[Geese:] “Wonderland intrigues me...as always."
[John:] "Is he your pick to win Block B?"
[Geese:] "I'm intrigued but not certain...yet. He beat me for the FPCPP World Championship ten years ago. At that point in his career, he could have beaten anyone else in this league. However, I have no idea what his current potential is.”
[John:] “He beat Thomas Mills rather easily.”
*Geese laughs.*
[Geese:] “Nepotism beat Thomas Mills rather easily. He never grew strong or motivated enough to be a real threat in this sport due to his coddling. Watching the manner in which he lost to Wonderland was embarrassing, especially after Mills’ spirited words. It must be humiliating for him. The way he capitalized on all the attention he gained in responding so forcefully to me was by falling flat on his face because Wonderland tied his shoelaces together.”
[John:] “Ouch. So do you think Wonderland is an actual threat to you now?”
[Geese:] “I learned my lesson. He turned the power of propaganda against me because I let him. I underestimated him and that will not happen again. But if there’s anyone I’m watching closely in this league, it’s Wonderland."
[John:] "Jason Hyde also beat you in the past, during the 2007 Universal Champions League."
[Geese:] "I'll comment on his chances if he gets past Block A: especially if be beats Alicia."
[John:] "Are you holding back due to his participation in Jinchuu or out of respect for his early exit from it?"
[Geese:] "Neither is a factor. I don't know his motivation this time around. But he won't be able to advance without showing his hand. I will react accordingly if he shows that he's still capable of being among the upper echelon."
[John:] "Speaking of showing hands, what do you think of the injury to Charles Langford?"
[Geese:] "This is an unpopular view, and I am not showing sympathy, but I think he’s still legitimately injured. Even if his time away and silence may have the effect of emotionally crippling Tetsu Gushiken, that can't be his primary motivation now. I watched the footage. Kyle thought Tetsu might have killed him by accident. I don’t think that’s the case but the impact Langford’s head took from being struck between the metal post and Gushiken's knee was worse than what my head took from the Destiny and Jinchuu attacks. Langford must be physically incapacitated, and he is likely psychologically damaged as well. It would be dangerous for him to compete anytime soon: if he can ever get back into the ring at all. I think he is the oldest competitor in the league and already had one foot out the door due to switching careers. If we ever see Langford competing in a match again, I will be surprised. I’m more interested in who would take his place."
[John:] "Probably Jasper Woodruff. But I’m more interested in your view of Tetsu's actions."
[Geese:] "There's not one moment in my life when I wouldn’t support and defend what he did in those circumstances: From my heroic days as Bolt to rolling around with Holly carefree in GWF, to talking ethics with Celes. What Tetsu did in defending himself was unequivocally justified. However..."
[John:] "Yes..."
[Geese:] "I will phrase this delicately because it will be innocently and intentionally misinterpreted. Tetsu should not feel guilty for injuring Charles because it was necessary self-defense. Instead, he should re-examine the last year of his utter failure to deal with 3 of a Kind. Tetsu's real mistake was allowing them to think they could get away with hurting him. He should have made it crystal clear to Charles, Kurt, and Jasper that antagonizing him was a serious mistake. That message should have been backed up by RYOMA and Kazuo Saji as well. The fact is that Kurt kept testing Tetsu to see how far he could push him. Tetsu did not push back, he just won a few matches against Kurt. That was not standing up to the threat, it was just working around it or dragging himself through it. Tetsu did nothing to dissuade Charles and his allies from trying to hurt him. There was never an indication that real consequences would result from their misbehavior.”
[John:] "That criticism sounds..."
[Geese:] "Yes, it may sound like it comes from the parts in my career that I am less proud of. But I am not advocating that Tetsu should have preemptively attacked any of them and put them in the hospital. I am not advocating for Matsuki Army to have defended themselves with disproportionate violence. I am saying that the true competitors of this promotion need to understand that the less they push back, the more their antagonists are emboldened. Tetsu, do not regret your instantaneous act of self-defense that saved your career, regret the appeasement that made the act necessary. But take pride in the fact that you didn’t do what I would have done in 2011 had Charles attempted that attack on me."
[John:] "What would you have done?"
[Geese:] "A man trying to end my career in 2011 would be erased from our memories due to the collective trauma that would have resulted from my violence. However, I am not that person anymore and never wish to be again.
I just hope that Tetsu can understand that he doesn't turn into that person by responding the way he did or by pushing back strong before Charles attempts his attack. There is a large gap between Tetsu Gushiken and Orochi Geese. Do not be so scared of the latter that you fail to protect the former. And don’t insult Ogawa and yourself by not competing at your best. It’s irrational to refuse usage of your best weapon in its intended way just because of what happened to Langford.”
[John:] "So all of those thoughts? That's the threshold idea?"
[Geese:] "That's the threshold. Even though I am not aiming to injure James Ward, I will not tolerate being hurt by him. If he pushes me, I will drop him. However, I will do it poised and assertively as one does with a lower beast. A shove will not be met with a spike onto his head. But I will make sure that he, and everyone else, knows that I am not to be reckoned with. I will compete at the best of my abilities, even if that means a reckless man like Ward gets injured as a result of the encounter. The injury will not be intentional, but I won't give him an opening, especially with his desire to injure me."
[John:] "I think we went full circle here and, in doing so, covered everything I wanted to ask."
[Geese:] "Allow me to ask you a question then."
[John:] "Sure, of course!"
[Geese:] "What is it that you want?"
[John:] "You mean, from this interview?"
[Geese:] "From your career. You've been with the UBL for over a decade. What is your goal now?"
[John:] "Can...can I get back to you on that?"
[Geese:] "You most certainly can not. Part of not wasting my time is ensuring that you have worthy goals."
[John:] "Well, my own goals for my career aren't the same as my goals in performing my duties."
[Geese:] "How can they even survive being separate? Mr. Randolph, you have not unified your reasons for being in this promotion with how you do your job. I consider your efforts and performance to be admirable, but you are still missing something. Focus on that by finding the threshold unifying your goals with your responsibilities."
[John:] "Thank you, truly, but why your interest in me?"
[Geese:] "You are the voice of the UBL. You tell our story with passion. We will need that advocacy at its best soon, and we will need it from a man who truly understands how his mission aligns with his aspirations. If you can’t identify and defend your own goals, how can you truly do it for the UBL?"
*John takes a few seconds to process this then his eyebrow raises.*
[John:] "What do you mean…’soon?’ Do you know something I don't know?"
[Geese:] "By definition, due to your stated uncertainty. Be well and be whole, Mr. Randolph."
Geese logged off and the bubble popped. Suffice to say, I now have more questions than I got answers!
- John Randolph
I was able to interview Geese Walker this past week. Hopefully, this talk will shed some light on what's going been going through his head on a number of topics. This is a video of the interview which was held over UBL’s proprietary software (coded by Mr. Luke Kisiera) called “Bubble-Chat.”
[John:] "I want to thank you again for agreeing to this interview. To be honest, I was surprised."
[Geese:] "As one should be. Throughout my career, talking with the media has not been my favorite activity."
[John:] "I take it that Robin Walker's early role as your personal interviewer is an exception?"
*Geese nods his head with an impressed look.*
[Geese:] "You've done your homework."
[John:] "Rule number 1 of talking to you: Don't waste your time. Rule number 2: Do your homework."
[Geese:] "And rule number 3: avert your eyes at what happened to those who ignored the first two rules.”
*John gulps*
[Geese:] “The reason I agreed to talk with you is because of the delays that have plagued the UBL this year. I feel as if the world has wasted my time and I have more then a little pent up aggression as a result. So I actually feel energized to address certain topics since it's the next best thing to pulverizing them."
[John:] "Let's start at the upcoming league show and work backward. Your match at Continuum III will be your official return to the UBL after the injuries you suffered at the hands of Destiny and the delays we all suffered in the past year. The world is wondering what they will see from you when you get into the ring. You already mentioned your current mindset. Compounding that is the fact that your match will be against James Ward. Your history with him is rife with conflict. He was equally responsible for the first shot fired in the Jinchuu war against you and the UBL. In January of 2011, he and Kyle Walker attacked you with the helmet from the Centurion costume that Ward once proudly wore. Then James covered you for the pinfall before Kyle sent you to the hospital. We know that you and Kyle have put the past behind you-"
[Geese:] “We built a relationship of trust and respect by not sweeping under the rug what happened but by facing it and moving forward. Neither of us ignore the past but we have re-contextualized it after talking about it honestly. We understand what happened from each other’s point of view and realized that what united us is central to our own goals and our individual relationships with Robin. As a result, we forged a brotherhood and have each grown as a result."
[John:] "I am sure the viewers will be glad to hear that."
[Geese:] "I'm not so sure some of them they will be, but you may continue."
[John:] "How do you feel about James Ward all these years later?"
[Geese:] "First, I'd like to apologize to you."
[John:] "Me?"
[Geese:] "It was my reckless and violent treatment of him which led to his formation of Jinchuu with Kyle, and Cosmic K*I*D behind the scenes. As a result, James Ward took over the broadcast booth that was once solely yours."
[John:] "You...you saw that? I still try to forget it."
[Geese:] "Let me re-contextualize it for you then by giving you sanction. I watched all of the Circuit shows in 2011 from the hospital. James made your job a living hell and threatened your physical safety multiple times. Had I handled him better in the past, specifically the Battalion show on the Moon, then he would not have been radicalized."
[John:] "Wow, I don't know what to say."
[Geese:] "Accept the apology and move onto the next question."
[John:] "Of course. Thank you. So, how are you approaching your match with him?"
[Geese:] "My apology is good for one incident of time wasting. Ask the real question you have."
[John:] "Is revenge on your mind?"
[Geese:] "Not mine but perhaps his."
[John:] "Didn't he get it some measure of it with Jinchuu?"
[Geese:] "Jinchuu resulted in success for me and ultimate failure for him. Is he any happier after the injuries that he caused? Look at the difference in the lives that he and I lead. Imagine how he feels having his one chance at relevance cut short and his career sent plummeting back down to embarrassing depths. Imagine how he feels watching me almost become NEXUS Champion within two matches back of a 7-year retirement he thought he had a direct hand in causing.
James Ward may have had a legitimate reason to be angry at me years ago, but now all he has left is jealousy and resentment as a result of his own poor decisions. Think for a moment why would he even return for this league and show his face in the UBL again? He's clearly on the final throes of his career. Even at the height of his abilities, he was a middling presence. Now, the best he can do is cheat his way into a win against someone else in our block who hasn’t faced him before. Against me, he's powerless. And I know that. I do not seek revenge because I have already beaten him in every way that counts. His victory over me in 2011 was fraudulent and his road since then has been straight to the gutter."
[John:] "Ouch. So you aren't going to try to injure him…aside from that verbal assault?"
[Geese:] "That is not my way now. I will beat him, decisively, but I won't spend one extra ounce of energy doing otherwise. Even if I did hold residual anger, he has proven himself unworthy of it. How can I look in the mirror and call myself the next Infinite Continuum Champion if crippling a bottom feeding parasite like James Ward occupies any portion of my aspirations? Of course, I am mindful of his weaknesses as I am with any opponent I’m set to face. And I know that he will come at me with the final vestige of his dignity and anger. But you'll all see the desperation on his face give way to pure despair."
[John:] "That's probably the most disturbing way I've ever heard someone say they weren't going to hurt someone."
[Geese:] "John, I am the same man that returned in 2018. Destiny’s attack on me robbed me of a year but not my resolve in accomplishing what I set out to do. My paramount goal remains.”
[John:] “And if you can put that succinctly…”
[Geese:] “Then I wouldn’t be Geese Walker.”
*Both men chuckle a little but then Geese turns serious.*
[Geese:] “The Infinite Continuum Championship is my immediate target, but it is just the means to an end. It provides the motivation for me to seek my ideal threshold of competition. Reaching it and demonstrating it in battle will be the final piece of my legacy which will shape the future of this sport.”
[John:] “And to those who wonder how the Destiny attack and time off changed that?”
[Geese:] “If you didn't trust me when I initially stated my intentions in 2018, don't trust me now. If you understood what I was saying then, realize that I have not changed since then. I have learned so much since retirement. I will not seek to maim James Ward, nor will I shake his hand. His safety beyond that is entirely up to him."
[John:] "You said that Destiny’s attack didn't change you. And, at the risk of editorializing, it does seem to me like you are the same person now as you were before your match with Matt Rivers in December of 2018. But what about the time in between? Geese, were you really transfixed on the stock market? And if so, do you have any stock tips?"
[Geese:] "I was a concussed man with partial amnesia. I can't explain my proclivities, or allies, then any more than I could vouch for any specialized professional knowledge I may have learned under its influence. It took considerable time with Dr. Holt and other medical professionals to break through that haze and reclaim my true self. But once I did, the results were absolute. And I feel no different about men like James Ward now than I did right before the Destiny attack."
[John:] "How do you feel about Matt Rivers? Certainly, you see him differently?"
[Geese:] "See him differently? No. I have every reason to believe that Thunder Strike's assessment of Destiny's control over Mr. Rivers is completely accurate. Do I feel differently about Mr. Rivers? Yes. Even with the knowledge of what happened, it is a very different thing to have a true comfort level with him now."
[John:] "He will be one of your other opponents in Block D. How have you approached that?"
[Geese:] "With disappointment. If someone had told me in 2018 that I would have two matches against Mr. Rivers that had Championship implications, I would celebrate the opportunity. But despite his remaining abilities, I have lost my taste for being in the ring with him. He's not the same man that he used to be, you can see in his eyes. A bore like Ward was never compelling so his turn to Jinchuu wasn't so much disappointing as it was despicable. But what happened to Mr. Rivers, to him, also ruined the enjoyment that many others were looking forward to having when facing him."
[John:] "Isn't that a little harsh? You acknowledge that none of it was his fault, but you claim that he's been spoiled somehow.”
[Geese:] “It may be harsh but it’s also the truth. I’m far from the only one thinking it. Facing Mr. Rivers in 2020 offers a significantly lower level of excitement than it used to in the glory to be gained and the resistance in doing so.”
[John:] “What about his recent match? Saji seemed to get something positive out of it."
[Geese:] "I say this with appreciation for Saji's personal growth but his mindset has recently become too accommodating. He went from not respecting anyone, including himself, to falling a little too heavily into the “handshake” mentality that has engulfed the UBL and professional wrestling as a whole. Saji has the potential to be one of the best in this promotion for so many reasons but he should have won that match or been more bothered by the draw. It was his respect for who Mr. Rivers used to be that prevented him from winning. But Mr. Rivers is nowhere close to being back to himself. That match clearly showed he has both physical and psychological factors holding him back from reaching his old standard. He may never reclaim himself in or out of the ring. I do not derive any enjoyment from saying that but it is my sincere belief."
[John:] "What about Corey O'Brian's words of support and offer for Matt Rivers?"
[Geese:] "Saji is not the only one whose view of the current Mr. Rivers was impacted by a previous rivalry they shared. Corey’s views are also colored by an intense nine-year desire to face Mr. Rivers. I think that, to some unconscious degree, Corey does not want one of his goals to be nullified due to what Mr. Rivers has turned into. His enthusiastic support for Mr. Rivers is also his psychological defense of his own goal of their dream match. In Corey's mind, his match with Mr. Rivers would unify the two greatest Champions of the past ten years. He needs to believe Mr. Rivers can still compete on that level or else that match will no longer be possible. Losing that opportunity is difficult for a competitor like Corey."
[John:] "Do you think that Corey O’Brian and Matt Rivers are the two greatest UBL Champions of the past ten years?"
[Geese:] "Undoubtedly. And I alsp consider Corey O'Brian to be my only real competition in this league."
*John looks surprised.*
[John:] "Wow, stop the presses, that was a scorcher!"
[Geese:] "Was it, though? Let's look at the other top competitors. Alicia Gordon's win over Matthew Rivers was tainted due to his mind control by Destiny. As limited as Mr. Rivers is now, his performance in 2019 was pathetic. Her preceding victory over Joachim was never televised and so we have no idea what Joachim was even capable of then. Alicia is impressive, and I will once again credit her as being one of the few in this league with the proper competitive mindset, but she's not on my level. RYOMA is another that people have great confidence in. But he has not yet proven himself on the UBL stage."
[John:] "In singles matches."
[Geese:] "Yes, I am not questioning his tag legacy which has admittedly eclipsed mine when I teamed with Thunder Strike. And I am well aware of RYOMA's recent Championship success in Super NOVA and previous success in other promotions. But when it comes to singles matches in the UBL, he underperforms and knows it. That stigma of him not being able to win the big one isn’t in general, it’s directed to him here. It will continue as long as he’s competing with me. After all, I defeated him in the first match back from my retirement. That would not happen for a man truly primed to win this league.”
[John:] “I would argue that RYOMA may be a different man now after winning the Super NOVA Championship."
[Geese:] "I hope that is correct. But that's his burden to prove, not ours to preemptively believe."
[John:] "So there is really no one else besides Corey O’Brian?”
[Geese:] “Wonderland intrigues me...as always."
[John:] "Is he your pick to win Block B?"
[Geese:] "I'm intrigued but not certain...yet. He beat me for the FPCPP World Championship ten years ago. At that point in his career, he could have beaten anyone else in this league. However, I have no idea what his current potential is.”
[John:] “He beat Thomas Mills rather easily.”
*Geese laughs.*
[Geese:] “Nepotism beat Thomas Mills rather easily. He never grew strong or motivated enough to be a real threat in this sport due to his coddling. Watching the manner in which he lost to Wonderland was embarrassing, especially after Mills’ spirited words. It must be humiliating for him. The way he capitalized on all the attention he gained in responding so forcefully to me was by falling flat on his face because Wonderland tied his shoelaces together.”
[John:] “Ouch. So do you think Wonderland is an actual threat to you now?”
[Geese:] “I learned my lesson. He turned the power of propaganda against me because I let him. I underestimated him and that will not happen again. But if there’s anyone I’m watching closely in this league, it’s Wonderland."
[John:] "Jason Hyde also beat you in the past, during the 2007 Universal Champions League."
[Geese:] "I'll comment on his chances if he gets past Block A: especially if be beats Alicia."
[John:] "Are you holding back due to his participation in Jinchuu or out of respect for his early exit from it?"
[Geese:] "Neither is a factor. I don't know his motivation this time around. But he won't be able to advance without showing his hand. I will react accordingly if he shows that he's still capable of being among the upper echelon."
[John:] "Speaking of showing hands, what do you think of the injury to Charles Langford?"
[Geese:] "This is an unpopular view, and I am not showing sympathy, but I think he’s still legitimately injured. Even if his time away and silence may have the effect of emotionally crippling Tetsu Gushiken, that can't be his primary motivation now. I watched the footage. Kyle thought Tetsu might have killed him by accident. I don’t think that’s the case but the impact Langford’s head took from being struck between the metal post and Gushiken's knee was worse than what my head took from the Destiny and Jinchuu attacks. Langford must be physically incapacitated, and he is likely psychologically damaged as well. It would be dangerous for him to compete anytime soon: if he can ever get back into the ring at all. I think he is the oldest competitor in the league and already had one foot out the door due to switching careers. If we ever see Langford competing in a match again, I will be surprised. I’m more interested in who would take his place."
[John:] "Probably Jasper Woodruff. But I’m more interested in your view of Tetsu's actions."
[Geese:] "There's not one moment in my life when I wouldn’t support and defend what he did in those circumstances: From my heroic days as Bolt to rolling around with Holly carefree in GWF, to talking ethics with Celes. What Tetsu did in defending himself was unequivocally justified. However..."
[John:] "Yes..."
[Geese:] "I will phrase this delicately because it will be innocently and intentionally misinterpreted. Tetsu should not feel guilty for injuring Charles because it was necessary self-defense. Instead, he should re-examine the last year of his utter failure to deal with 3 of a Kind. Tetsu's real mistake was allowing them to think they could get away with hurting him. He should have made it crystal clear to Charles, Kurt, and Jasper that antagonizing him was a serious mistake. That message should have been backed up by RYOMA and Kazuo Saji as well. The fact is that Kurt kept testing Tetsu to see how far he could push him. Tetsu did not push back, he just won a few matches against Kurt. That was not standing up to the threat, it was just working around it or dragging himself through it. Tetsu did nothing to dissuade Charles and his allies from trying to hurt him. There was never an indication that real consequences would result from their misbehavior.”
[John:] "That criticism sounds..."
[Geese:] "Yes, it may sound like it comes from the parts in my career that I am less proud of. But I am not advocating that Tetsu should have preemptively attacked any of them and put them in the hospital. I am not advocating for Matsuki Army to have defended themselves with disproportionate violence. I am saying that the true competitors of this promotion need to understand that the less they push back, the more their antagonists are emboldened. Tetsu, do not regret your instantaneous act of self-defense that saved your career, regret the appeasement that made the act necessary. But take pride in the fact that you didn’t do what I would have done in 2011 had Charles attempted that attack on me."
[John:] "What would you have done?"
[Geese:] "A man trying to end my career in 2011 would be erased from our memories due to the collective trauma that would have resulted from my violence. However, I am not that person anymore and never wish to be again.
I just hope that Tetsu can understand that he doesn't turn into that person by responding the way he did or by pushing back strong before Charles attempts his attack. There is a large gap between Tetsu Gushiken and Orochi Geese. Do not be so scared of the latter that you fail to protect the former. And don’t insult Ogawa and yourself by not competing at your best. It’s irrational to refuse usage of your best weapon in its intended way just because of what happened to Langford.”
[John:] "So all of those thoughts? That's the threshold idea?"
[Geese:] "That's the threshold. Even though I am not aiming to injure James Ward, I will not tolerate being hurt by him. If he pushes me, I will drop him. However, I will do it poised and assertively as one does with a lower beast. A shove will not be met with a spike onto his head. But I will make sure that he, and everyone else, knows that I am not to be reckoned with. I will compete at the best of my abilities, even if that means a reckless man like Ward gets injured as a result of the encounter. The injury will not be intentional, but I won't give him an opening, especially with his desire to injure me."
[John:] "I think we went full circle here and, in doing so, covered everything I wanted to ask."
[Geese:] "Allow me to ask you a question then."
[John:] "Sure, of course!"
[Geese:] "What is it that you want?"
[John:] "You mean, from this interview?"
[Geese:] "From your career. You've been with the UBL for over a decade. What is your goal now?"
[John:] "Can...can I get back to you on that?"
[Geese:] "You most certainly can not. Part of not wasting my time is ensuring that you have worthy goals."
[John:] "Well, my own goals for my career aren't the same as my goals in performing my duties."
[Geese:] "How can they even survive being separate? Mr. Randolph, you have not unified your reasons for being in this promotion with how you do your job. I consider your efforts and performance to be admirable, but you are still missing something. Focus on that by finding the threshold unifying your goals with your responsibilities."
[John:] "Thank you, truly, but why your interest in me?"
[Geese:] "You are the voice of the UBL. You tell our story with passion. We will need that advocacy at its best soon, and we will need it from a man who truly understands how his mission aligns with his aspirations. If you can’t identify and defend your own goals, how can you truly do it for the UBL?"
*John takes a few seconds to process this then his eyebrow raises.*
[John:] "What do you mean…’soon?’ Do you know something I don't know?"
[Geese:] "By definition, due to your stated uncertainty. Be well and be whole, Mr. Randolph."
Geese logged off and the bubble popped. Suffice to say, I now have more questions than I got answers!
- John Randolph