Post by Goldash on Sept 6, 2008 18:55:28 GMT -5
(ORCHARD PARK, NY): Remember the Cold War? Sure, many wrestling fans were too young to remember or were born with the knowledge that the biggest country in the Eastern Hemisphere was indeed called Russia, not the Soviet Union. To the children of the 1990's and the 2000's, Reagan and Gorbachev, Glasnost and Perestroika and the Fall of the Berlin Wall were not history in progress, but in the history books. Today, the words of Lenin and Stalin are as antiquated as the words of Lennon and Starr. The Red Scare, The Hollywood Ten and McCarthyism have transformed from propaganda to names of rock bands. The red and yellow of the Soviet flag has turned into the red, white and blue of the Russian Federation.
But two wrestlers just may bring every facet of the Cold War back into the Russo-American lexicon. Like present relations between the United States and Russia, The Commander seems to respect his adversary at Popular Demand.
"Alex is one of those guys you never see coming," says Commander at his home in Washington. "He's caught on so fast here in the URWL. His technique, skill, and versatility has caught the league by storm. There's no one quite like him in professional wrestling today, and because of that, I'm honored to be squaring off against him at Popular Demand."
But honor isn't always what the United States and Russia have for one another. There's always a heavy dose of skepticism. Since former Soviet official Vladimir Putin took office, Russia has slowly turned into one of the United States's harshest critics, particularily during the current Bush administration, leading many to question whether we're currently living in a "new cold war". Like the U.S. Government, Commander also has his doubts.
"I'm concerned, though," Commander adds. "because I can sense he's about to crack. During the time I spent as a drill instructor, I became accustomed to it. It's a premonition. Some guy's being pushed too much and crosses the line. He snaps. And that's when situations become ugly. Hell, I don't know. Maybe it already happened. Maybe it happened in Episode 8."
That incident in Episode 8 was the first meeting of Kuleshov and Commander in a URWL ring. With Trent Tail in a bow-and-arrow lock in the center of the ring, Commander looked to have full control over the contest. However, the situation turned sour instantly as boos filled the Xcel Energy Center. Aleksandar Kuleshov had finally made a decision. He chose to break up the hold and end the match in a draw, only for the chance to get his hands on The Commander before Popular Demand. What followed was one of Kuleshov's most intense Triangle Holds yet. It was if Kuleshov was possessed, determined to weaken Commander before the biggest test of his young professional wrestling career.
Did the fans' booing finally go to Kuleshov's head? After all, he was touted as a "Champion-in-the-making" even before he debuted in Episode 5 of the URWL on YouTube against Busiwa Tanao. Was it his much-criticized style? Was it not "pro wrestling" enough for the fans? Was it the endless criticism of the harsh Internet Wrestling Community? Or was it the fact that he was a foreigner that spoke no English and only communication with the outside wrestling world was through an interpreter? Many factors could have determined Kuleshov's decision to "cross the line" and attack Commander in Episode 8. But one thing's for certain: something suspicious is brewing in the mind of the man they call "AK-47".
"In a perfect world," Commander later proclaimed, "this contest would be about mutual respect. I'd give him my best effort. He'd give me his best. In a perfect world, we'd produce a Match of the Year contender. Now, I don't know if the possibility like that exists anymore. I pride myself as a technician, first and foremost, and I've been anxiously awaiting an opponent that's able to mirror my style in the ring. I thought Kuleshov could've been that opponent. I thought he'd share a common interest. Now, I just don't know what his interests or motives are. I don't think anyone knows."
As North American Champion, The Commander finds himself not only as a representative of the URWL's elite, but a representative of his continent. Dropping the belt to Kuleshov at Popular Demand could bring disastrous consequences to his already-tumultuous CAW era career. Despite pulling off one of the most controversial heel-turns in URWL history at URWL Discontent 2007 against Seth Stern, the fans forgave and forgot what made Commander infamous. He returned in the Stars and Stripes at Digital Mayhem 2008, the same flag that made him what he is today...a true locker room leader and one of the most decorated veterans (excuse the pun) in the URWL today. Although he hasn't defended his URWL North American Championship, he is seen as one of the most talented champions on the roster today.
But what will happen if he were to lose? "I'm not thinking of losing. I'm thinking of putting on the best match possible for the fans and for everyone in the United States of America. This is a showcase for both of us, regardless if Alex has his head on straight or not. I've been preparing for months for a moment like this, and as it nears, I'm not feeling scared at all. Mr. Kuleshov certainly has an impressive winning streak going, but I'm not concerned. This URWL North American Championship belongs to exactly who it's intended for: North America. Alex, I respect you. I expect both of us to give our all at Popular Demand. But the belt's staying where it is, Alex. It's staying in the Western Hemisphere. It's staying with me. Oh, and one more thing, Kuleshov, try to put up a fight. And that, Aleksandar Kuleshov, is an ORDER."
The Cold War began with several imporant matchups: The 1972 Summit Series. The 1980 Olympic Hockey "Miracle on Ice". Rocky Balboa and Ivan Drago. Hulk Hogan and Nikolai Volkoff. But will another Cold War begin at Popular Demand between The Commander and Aleksandar Kuleshov? Cast your votes and tune in to find out...
But two wrestlers just may bring every facet of the Cold War back into the Russo-American lexicon. Like present relations between the United States and Russia, The Commander seems to respect his adversary at Popular Demand.
"Alex is one of those guys you never see coming," says Commander at his home in Washington. "He's caught on so fast here in the URWL. His technique, skill, and versatility has caught the league by storm. There's no one quite like him in professional wrestling today, and because of that, I'm honored to be squaring off against him at Popular Demand."
But honor isn't always what the United States and Russia have for one another. There's always a heavy dose of skepticism. Since former Soviet official Vladimir Putin took office, Russia has slowly turned into one of the United States's harshest critics, particularily during the current Bush administration, leading many to question whether we're currently living in a "new cold war". Like the U.S. Government, Commander also has his doubts.
"I'm concerned, though," Commander adds. "because I can sense he's about to crack. During the time I spent as a drill instructor, I became accustomed to it. It's a premonition. Some guy's being pushed too much and crosses the line. He snaps. And that's when situations become ugly. Hell, I don't know. Maybe it already happened. Maybe it happened in Episode 8."
That incident in Episode 8 was the first meeting of Kuleshov and Commander in a URWL ring. With Trent Tail in a bow-and-arrow lock in the center of the ring, Commander looked to have full control over the contest. However, the situation turned sour instantly as boos filled the Xcel Energy Center. Aleksandar Kuleshov had finally made a decision. He chose to break up the hold and end the match in a draw, only for the chance to get his hands on The Commander before Popular Demand. What followed was one of Kuleshov's most intense Triangle Holds yet. It was if Kuleshov was possessed, determined to weaken Commander before the biggest test of his young professional wrestling career.
Did the fans' booing finally go to Kuleshov's head? After all, he was touted as a "Champion-in-the-making" even before he debuted in Episode 5 of the URWL on YouTube against Busiwa Tanao. Was it his much-criticized style? Was it not "pro wrestling" enough for the fans? Was it the endless criticism of the harsh Internet Wrestling Community? Or was it the fact that he was a foreigner that spoke no English and only communication with the outside wrestling world was through an interpreter? Many factors could have determined Kuleshov's decision to "cross the line" and attack Commander in Episode 8. But one thing's for certain: something suspicious is brewing in the mind of the man they call "AK-47".
"In a perfect world," Commander later proclaimed, "this contest would be about mutual respect. I'd give him my best effort. He'd give me his best. In a perfect world, we'd produce a Match of the Year contender. Now, I don't know if the possibility like that exists anymore. I pride myself as a technician, first and foremost, and I've been anxiously awaiting an opponent that's able to mirror my style in the ring. I thought Kuleshov could've been that opponent. I thought he'd share a common interest. Now, I just don't know what his interests or motives are. I don't think anyone knows."
As North American Champion, The Commander finds himself not only as a representative of the URWL's elite, but a representative of his continent. Dropping the belt to Kuleshov at Popular Demand could bring disastrous consequences to his already-tumultuous CAW era career. Despite pulling off one of the most controversial heel-turns in URWL history at URWL Discontent 2007 against Seth Stern, the fans forgave and forgot what made Commander infamous. He returned in the Stars and Stripes at Digital Mayhem 2008, the same flag that made him what he is today...a true locker room leader and one of the most decorated veterans (excuse the pun) in the URWL today. Although he hasn't defended his URWL North American Championship, he is seen as one of the most talented champions on the roster today.
But what will happen if he were to lose? "I'm not thinking of losing. I'm thinking of putting on the best match possible for the fans and for everyone in the United States of America. This is a showcase for both of us, regardless if Alex has his head on straight or not. I've been preparing for months for a moment like this, and as it nears, I'm not feeling scared at all. Mr. Kuleshov certainly has an impressive winning streak going, but I'm not concerned. This URWL North American Championship belongs to exactly who it's intended for: North America. Alex, I respect you. I expect both of us to give our all at Popular Demand. But the belt's staying where it is, Alex. It's staying in the Western Hemisphere. It's staying with me. Oh, and one more thing, Kuleshov, try to put up a fight. And that, Aleksandar Kuleshov, is an ORDER."
The Cold War began with several imporant matchups: The 1972 Summit Series. The 1980 Olympic Hockey "Miracle on Ice". Rocky Balboa and Ivan Drago. Hulk Hogan and Nikolai Volkoff. But will another Cold War begin at Popular Demand between The Commander and Aleksandar Kuleshov? Cast your votes and tune in to find out...
