Post by Lochlyn Cade on Aug 18, 2021 11:29:54 GMT
The constant question, hero or villain?
There’s a vague shadowy boundary between the good and evil that lies within the heart and soul of every man. The age-old adage ask, who then shall say where the one ends and the other begins. Is it possible to have built a bridge between the two? A bridge that permits a man to move across those imagined lines and then back?
“We all have a Monster within; the difference is in degree, not in kind.” ― Douglas Preston
To what extent should someone as Raijin constrict that shadows of the grievous and forsake the hopes and dreams of success?
It has been nearly a month since the day Reo Raijin has stepped foot within that of Action Wrestling and CruiserClash. He’ll say that he’s a good guy but yet appears to cross that line. Both the people that we call fans and the brass backstage have noticed that shifting line of The American Luchador. He has not denied that passing between realms. If nothing else he has openly acknowledge it, The San FranPsycho.
“Most of the evil in this world is done by people with good intentions.” ― T.S. Eliot
It’s a nickname that he has embraced and navigates within those imagined boundaries as he advocates between the self righteous entitled elites of Action Wrestling and those simply trying to compete in a sport that they love.
That shadowy boundary hasn’t won him any favor and most in the locker room probably haven’t gained any trust. That’s an understandable stance to have taken. On his first night he came crashing into Action Wrestling attacking and costing his self proclaimed nemesis a solid victory inside of the ring. A villainous and nefarious act with a clearly drawn line by the masked man.
He talks as though the squared circle is a sacred place that he has referred too as home. Raijin appears to have devoted all of himself to live between those ropes. Nothing but respect towards the sport and those that came before him. Yet, he sacrificed Jonathan Cade Keeton at the alter of Action Wrestling, desecrating the place he holds dear.
Who would step forward and avenge or take the place of the sacrificial lamb when it’s a man such as J.C. Keeton? Who’s actions greatly exceed that of the masked man with the blurred lines.
It’s obvious that the fans of AW are unsure whether too cheer or jeer the American Luchador. At times the fans within the arena are split between the two. One fan in particular had stood outside of the Fillmore, XIII event, holding a sign which read, The LuchaVillain Our Hero. Raijin stopped walking and stood in front of this fan. He smiled and appeared to revel in the moment. Then walked into the event and was victorious via actions normally reserved for the bad guy.
Reo Raijin thanks and talks in favor of the Action Wrestling fans. He has consistently shown respect for those that sit in the audience or watch from home. Yet, inside of those ropes he’s had more than a few devilish moments during his short time in AW.
Which side of that line does Reo Raijin identify with?
The constant question, hero or villain?
Most would identify with either good or evil, you obey the laws or you don’t, but why either or and not both?
Much like the character Two Face from American comics Reo Raijin resides under the concept of duality and the conflict between good and evil. Though he’s not disfigured perhaps this is the reasoning behind the mask. He willingly accepts that duality and conflict yet doesn’t want to be held too it.
He has stated that he hates the mask but he continues to wear it. When it really comes down to it don’t we all wear a mask, at least metaphorically.
It’s his shield, his armor, in which he can be any man; good or evil.
Perhaps he’s the Jekyll and Hyde of Action Wrestling.
With the wearing of a mask there lays one ever present and essential concern.
If you wear a mask long enough do you begin to forget who you are beneath it?