ABYSS SAYS...
Back when Abyss and I had TheMonsterAbyss.com website, he had his own column, Abyss Says...
Here are the original articles, that were on that website. Episode five has not been put on here due to it being political, with it being written in 2015 - it might be taken out of context.
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​Jump to an episode:
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Episode One
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Episode Two
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Episode Three
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Episode Four
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​Episode Six
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Episode Seven
EPISODE ONE
This is the first ABYSS SAYS on my new website.
ABYSS SAYS is going to be a periodic essay by me, the Monster Abyss, aka Chris Park. I'm going to use this as a platform to give my views on not just professional wrestling, but world events and happenings going on in our world.
In ABYSS SAYS, you all will get to hear my views on the state of the wrestling business as well as the state of world that we live in daily. My goal is to provide you views from a 20 year veteran of the wrestling industry about issues inside the business, but just as important, outside of wrestling.
So often, wrestling fans and media place focus on wrestling and wrestlers solely on wrestling merit. But what about a wrestlers views on current events and issues??? This is where ABYSS SAYS will be different and provide you all with my opinions and stands on issues that effect ALL of us. Certainly my opinions and stands will not be received and interpreted the same by all.
Certainly my opinions and stands will not be agreed with by all. As well they SHOULDN'T be. This is MY forum with MY opinions. I certainly do not expect all to agree with my views, but I feel it's important to allow others to view my opinions and make up their own mind. My goal with ABYSS SAYS is to allow my great fans to get to know me and my views OUTSIDE of the wrestling business and to give fans a different perspective on the "monster".
I certainly welcome all feedback, rebuttal, review, and suggestion as we move forward. After all, that's what this section of my website is all about....opinion.
So, THANK YOU all for visiting my website and participating with me at TheMonsterAbyss.Com. I'm looking forward to using this section and my entire website to keep you all up to date on the happenings and opinions that is Chris Park, the Monster Abyss.
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed plenty of turkey and football. I know I sure did!
Until next time, I hope everyone enjoys the beginnings of this holiday season and I'll be back soon with episode 2 of ABYSS SAYS.
Take care everybody!!!!!​
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EPISODE TWO
This episode of Abyss Says is dedicated to all you Christmas "marks" out there who love the holiday season. I'm proud to admit, I'm one of them. I love this time of the year. It's my favorite season.
I love everything about it. Shopping for gifts, holiday parties, eggnog (with a little rum), time spent with family and friends, incredible food, cookies, and holiday candy, NOT being on the road, being with my family, and just being more "jolly" than usual.
The Christmas season has always put me into that festive and fun mode. It's the time of the year where nothing else matters except family, friends, and snow. That's right, I said SNOW. Most of my friends inside the wrestling business are not big fans of snow, as most live in warm weather year long climates, but not me. I love it. I grew up in Cleveland Ohio and most every Christmas I was surrounded by no less than 2 feet of the fluffy cold fun. It's such an engrained aspect of Christmas to me, that Christmas without it doesn't feel like Christmas. The snow always went hand in hand with the Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, Christmas tree, and ole St Nick. Hopefully this year Mother Nature won't let me down and has some big plans for the northeast. Obviously, this is the season to relax, enjoy, and reflect on the year rapidly winding down.
As I reflect on the year 2015, nothing but great memories flood my mind. I'm getting ready to complete my 13 year with TNA IMPACT WRESTLING. I can't believe it's been 13 years and it's something I cherish more than anything ever in my career. The good to great matches, the team work, the effort & passion, the relationships & friendships, the longevity.
All of this makes me feel so blessed, because I am blessed. Christmas always helps me ponder back on my career and the friendships made along the way. I hope that each and every one of you reading this have something or someone that elicits the same feelings and churns up the great life long memories. It's my Christmas wish for each of you.
So, to all my fans, fans of wrestling, and anyone reading this, I'd like to wish you ALL Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years. If it weren't for you, I'd truly wouldn't be who I am today.
I'll be back next week with Episode 3 of ABYSS SAYS, my year end review and year end awards. A must read!! Take care everybody!!!!
The Monster Abyss
EPISODE THREE
Welcome back all to Episode 3 of ABYSS SAYS.
This episode is about something which I LOVE and that's the NFL, the National Football League.
I've been a fan of pro football since I was a child as my father was and still is a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan. I was raised and brought up as a Steelers fan by my father and being a Steelers fan is something I've been proud of my entire life. After all, this is the Pittsburgh Steelers, owners of 6 world title rings which is tops in NFL history. The Steelers represent hard work, grit, and toughness. All traits that I feel have been a staple of mine throughout my career in wrestling.
Last week, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals competed in the NFL Wildcard Playoff game. For those of you who are football fans, you probably know what I'm going to say next. This game was embarrassing and made me ashamed to be a football fan and from the city of Cincinnati as well. Ya see, yes I'm a Steelers fan living in Cincinnati, which is a challenge at times. But it's never affected my feeling of good sportsmanship and strong even play across the board. In the last 6 minutes of that game last week, it became glaringly obvious that this football game had deteriorated into a mess of a spectacle that was, and still should be, a source of intense embarrassment for those involved.
Middle linebacker Montez Burficts hit of Ben Rothlisberger started it all as the beleaguered, classless, and unsportsmanlike linebacker from the Cincinnati Bengals couldn't stop at just sacking the Steelers quarterback. He had to inflict injury (torn ligaments) and add insult to injury by stripping the ball away from a hurt Rothlisberger who was down and the play was over. It further deteriorated into a fiasco as Burficts senseless hit to the head of Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown sent the all pro receiver to the turf almost lifeless like a rag doll.
Another unsportsmanlike penalty by undisciplined Bengals cornerback Adam Pac Man Jones (yes the same Pac Man who was a former TNA World Tag Team champion back in 2006) sealed the game for the Steelers with a chip shot field goal. The cherry on top you ask??? For me it was watching drunk and classless Cincinnati fans throwing beer cans onto the field directly at a hurt Big Ben as he was on a cart being taken off the field. I couldn't help but think, as I watched this all unfold, that this was terrible for the game of football and the "family friendly" environment that the NFL promises it's fans.
Both head coaches lost complete control of their players and should have been held accountable. The referee crew lost complete control of this game and should have been held accountable. Individual players such as Montez Burfict and Adam Jones lost control of themselves and their emotions and should be held accountable. But outside of Burficts three game suspension for next season, there has been no accountability from ANYONE.
Where is the NFL on holding people accountable for this embarrassing night?? Where are the Steelers and Bengals leadership on their accountability?? The fact is there has been no accountability by anyone. It's embarrassing and the NFL should want this game erased from NFL history. It's about time the NFL stop counting its profits (which topped 9 billion dollars last year) and start investing in its image and public perception.
The movie CONCUSSION is in theaters now starring Will Smith. It paints a very disturbing picture of the NFL and its practices regarding head injury. You would think that the NFL would be more aware of public perception than ever before. Don't become so big that you forget what got you to this point. Hard work, grit, integrity. Not Childress unsportsmanlike behavior.
Come on NFL!!! Stay classy!!!
EPISODE FOUR
Hope this writing finds all my fans in great health and spirits. In this episode of Abyss Says, I want to focus on the great fans of the United Kingdom.
I recently participated in the TNA Maximum Impact 8 tour held in Manchester, London, and Birmingham and have wrestled and performed in front of countless crowds throughout the UK over the past 14 years. I have to say, without a doubt, these crowds are the most passionate and wild crowds I perform in front of ALL year long.
Not to "dis" or sell out the American wrestling fan in anyway. As a matter of fact, the American Abyss and TNA fans have been most gracious and supportive throughout my career. However, the United Kingdom fans have been crazy passionate and turn out in droves every time I appear there. It got me to thinking as to why this is?? I think it has something to do with the fact that fans into the United Kingdom are not as spoiled as fans in America are.
Meaning simply, there is so much more wrestling available in America and televised on a weekly basis than in the UK. Between TNA and the competitors, (WWE, ROH, NEW JAPAN, LUCHE UNDERGROUND) wrestling is flooded on our TV screens each week with programming from all the above companies. I got to thinking that the reason UK fans are so much more passionate and wild is because they "crave" wrestling more because they experience it less. It's not on TV as much as it is in America. This past TNA MAXIMUM IMPACT TOUR was simply fantastic.
Fantastic crowds. Passionate fans. Loud fans. Respectful fans. It equated into some great television that you all will see over the next month and a half on IMPACT WRESTLING on POP TV. I highly suggest you take the time to soak these shows in and experience our great product in front of great, passionate crowds.
The wrestling fans of the United Kingdom are simply incredible and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. To ALL the great wrestling fans in the UK and America, thank you for your support not only of me, but of TNA and the wrestling business in general. You ALL are the lifeline to this business. For without you, there would be no wrestling business.
Keep up the INCREDIBLE work and so will we. Take care friends. Talk to you all soon in episode 5 of ABYSS SAYS.
EPISODE SIX
Hello again to all my great fans and thanks for tuning back in for another episode of ABYSS SAYS.
In this 6th instalment, I'm going to dive into my top 10 opponents of all time throughout my 21 year career.
It hasn't been easy to pick my top 10 opponents ever as I've shared the squared circle with so many countless stars and out right incredible wrestlers and performers during the last 21 years.
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I'm sure there are going to some that most deservedly belong on this list but due to it being limited to my top 10, I'm sure some will be unfortunately left off.
I'm interested to know YOUR thoughts on my selections. Agree or disagree this list is undoubtedly a strong list of incredible wrestlers who I've had the pleasure and honor to share the squared circle with.
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With said, here we go:
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10. SAMOA JOE:
Joe's intensity and ring savvy are second to none in wrestling.
He and I had a couple intense and fun matches during my career but unfortunately our best encounters occurred at non televised events and other shows.
A couple encounters on Impact Wrestling took place over the years and we both showed the capabilities of good big men in this business.
Joe is incredible and so athletic for a power house.
9. KEVIN NASH:
Kevin and I did not have much interaction during my career or his stay in TNA but we did have one very memorable and good match on TNA PPV back in 2008 that I'll always remember because it was the two of us, both very big athletic men but I don't think the expectations were high for the match but the results were!
The match was fun and we both really clicked and had great chemistry leading us to a very good match.
Kevin is one of the nicest, kindest, and classiest people I've ever known in this business and I'm proud to call him a friend.
8. BULLY RAY:
Not enough can be said about what a great competitor and intense wrestler this guy is.
We had several memorable matches during our time together in TNA with most intense moment for me ever occurring at BOUND FOR GLORY 2008 in Chicago at Hoffman Estates when Bully choke slammed me through a table engulfed in fire to a concrete floor.
I'd be lying if I said it didn't take my breath away and perhaps a couple years off my career.
It was to date the single biggest injury I ever sustained in the wrestling business.
Bully and I went on to have several other great matches including a Monsters Ball match that lead to a memorable encounter and series of matches with my brother Joseph Park (wink,wink).
7. RHINO
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Rhino and I had several great PPV matches with TNA over the years that included several intense and memorable Monsters Ball matches.
The best match between he and I occurred in 2006 in a falls count anywhere match where Rhyno gored me off a balcony 15 feet to the floor through 4 tables stacked up.
One of the craziest bumps I've ever taken or experienced.
6. CHRISTIAN CAGE
Christian Cage is one of the most creative and smartest wrestlers I ever wrestled.
His charisma and personality were contagious and I loved sharing a locker room with this guy. He and I did some really great things together in TNA as I was his first really big feud when he arrived to TNA.
We main evented the 2nd LOCKDOWN ever and tore the house down in a very memorable cage match for the TNA World Title.
One of the most memorable moments of my career occurred in the build up to our LOCKDOWN match when I attacked Christian in his own home in Florida and attempted to drown him in his own pool.
5. JEFF HARDY
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What can I say about the charismatic enigma??
The most insane and crazy risk taker I've ever known and worked with. He and I have had countless encounters during my career dating back to early 2006 including memorable Monsters Ball matches and the first ever FULL METAL MAYHEM match in 2007.
Some of the greatest and most memorably insane moments in my career occurred with Jeff. The craziest swanton ever occurred in Monsters Ball in 2007 when Jeff came off the TOP of the set in Orlando onto me through a table as Jim Mitchell looked on in horror.
Jeff and I had so many great matches together all over the world they are hard to all remember.
4. SABU
Barbwire Massacre was and always will be my second favourite match of my career.
It was voted as MATCH OF THE YEAR in 2005 and was the first time EVER a no ropes, all barbwire ring and match took place on live television in North America.
To this point, this type of match had only occurred on TV in Japan. I'm so proud of this match and the new levels of insanity, brutality, and hardcore wrestling that Sabu and I brought to this match.
I have several intense scars on my arms and back that serve as a daily constant reminder of what Sabu and I sacrificed that night in 2005.
He and I went on to have several other great encounters in Monsters Ball matches throughout my career as well as a Match of 10000 thumbtacks that all aired on TNA TV and PPV.
3. KURT ANGLE
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What can I say? This guy simply was a cyborg in the ring.
A wrestling machine. The most intense opponent I've ever experienced in the ring and such a great and genuine person out of it.
I wrestled Kurt on several occasions during my career including his debut with TNA in 2005.
We went on to have a strong feud throughout his and my career with memorable matches that included Falls Count Anywhere in 2008 and several other PPV match ups.
2. STING
A dream come true to work with the Icon throughout my career.
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An incredibly gifted and giving person, Sting and I had several memorable matches during my career.
We wrestled each other on 9 different PPVs in some memorable and intense matches and I was fortunate enough to win my only world title from Sting in 2007.
A class act in and out of the ring and someone who truly cared about our business, Sting truly is exactly what he says.....ICONIC.
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1. AJ STYLES
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My all time favourite opponent and my favourite match of my career at LOCKDOWN 2005.
It was the first LOCKDOWN ever and first time main eventing a PPV for me.
The match was incredible. AJ and I had several other memorable bouts throughout my career and each one was special.
He's a special talent and an incredible person as well. Our careers started out together wrestling in Atlanta for Wildside Wrestling in 1999.
We immediately had chemistry and it continued into our TNA years together. Some of the best memories of my career are with AJ.
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​​That's it for Episode 6 of ABYSS SAYS everyone!! Let me know your thoughts!!! I read them all.
And come back soon for Episode 7 of ABYSS SAYS where I rank my TOP 10 Favourite wrestling announcers of all time.
Take care!!!!
EPISODE SEVEN
Hey everyone, welcome back to ABYSS SAYS. In this 7th episode, I give you my top 10 wrestling managers of ALL time.
Of course, this is my opinion and I'm sure some will agree or disagree. I welcome you to message me on this site with your reactions, thoughts, and opinions on who you think we're the top 10 managers of all time.
Believe me it wasn't easy to come up with this list as there are, and were, so many great managers throughout the history of this sport. The utilization of the wrestling manager has unfortunately become a lost art in this age and day of wrestling.
I personally feel that's a shame because a good manager has always been a refreshing and energizing part of the wrestling business. It's too bad that the wrestling industry, for countless reasons we could debate, has gone away from wrestling managers.
Some of my most fond memories of wrestling throughout my life have centered around the wrestling manager. I truly hope one day that the return of the wrestling manager makes its way back into wrestling.
Now I know most of you die hard fans will point to the success of Paul Heyman managing Brock as a current day example of wrestling managers. And I agree!!!! He most definitely is. He is the mouthpiece for arguably the biggest attraction in wrestling now and excels in this position. He truly has helped Brock reach new levels which is the job and goal of any good manager.
However, outside of this example, the wrestling manager has been scarce to non existent in modern day wrestling.
With that in mind, here we go with MY TOP 10 MANAGERS OF ALL TIME:
10. MR FUJI
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The first time I ever saw him, he was managing Don Murraco and I was drawn to his unique look with his patented tuxedo.
He was a main stay back in the WWF days and went on to manage Demolition and the Powers of Pain.
One of the legendary managers of all time.
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9. JIMMY HART
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Where do I begin with Jimmy.
To this day he has not aged a bit and has as much energy as he ever has had. What great energy he gives off every time I see him to this day.
Jimmy's resume for managing is quite extensive, second to only Bobby Heenan I believe.
From the Honky Tonk Man and the Hart Foundation of Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart to Hulk Hogan and the Nasty Boys plus countless others, Jimmy has solidified himself as one of the all time greats.
8. PAUL ELLERING
One of the most influential managers of one of the most memorable and ground breaking tag teams ever, the Road Warriors, Hawk and Animal.
Paul's presence and voice were so incredible and truly is one of the most memorable managers of all time.
7. CAPTAIN LOU ALBANO
Lou has to be the most diverse manager of all time and really rocketed to stardom and recognition with the Rock and Wrestling theme that he participated in leading up to the first Wrestlemania with Cyndi Lauper.
But Lou's resume is quite extensive.
He had a lot of success managing the British Bulldogs and also had a great run with teams such as the Moondogs, the Black Jacks, The Machines, and Head Shrinkers to name a few.
6. CLASSIE FREDDIE BLASSIE
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A true legendary manager Freddie actually managed Hulk Hogan before the dawn of Hulkamania.
But he managed a lot of legends in this business from the Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff to Adrian Adonis and Dick Murdoch to name a few.
His patented walking cane provided many memories including its involvement at the first Wrestlemania.
5. J J DILLON
Truly one of the all time great managers and manager of arguably the all time greatest group ever, the Four Horseman.
He always carried himself with such class and dignity.
He truly came across to me as a smart wrestling manager who was able to stay in the forefront even while surrounded by greats such as Ric Flair, Ole and Arn Anderson, and Tully Blanchard to name a few.
4. PAUL BEARER
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I got meet and talk to Percy several times before he passed away.
He was a kind and fun person to be around and was always very positive and supportive of me and my career.
He without doubt is the most recognizable and character fitting managers in the history of wrestling.
He truly helped the Undertaker get over to the heights he did and his look, voice, trademark urn and mannerisms made it impossible to forget him.
3. JIM CORNETTE
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One of the all time legendary managers.
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Jim's resume is quite extensive ranging from the Midnight Express and the Fabulous Ones to the Rock n Roll express and the Heavenly Bodies.
There are tons more he has managed and left his imprint on including me.
I've been around Jim a lot throughout my career and he has helped me so much over the years with psychology and knowledge to promo work.
He's an incredible mind and one of the best promos of all time, even to this day.
2. JAMES MITCHELL
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This one hold dear to my heart and always will.
Jim is the one who really helped me get over with Abyss from the very beginning.
We spent nearly 5 years together and his look and voice were a perfect match for me.
He is without a doubt in the top 5 talkers and promos of all time.
He managed me to my only world title in 2007 defeating Sting.
His demonic look and demonic promos were legendary in my opinion.
Thanks for everything Jim!
1. BOBBY HEENAN
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Enough said right???? Bobby is the most storied and memorable managers of all time.
His resume speaks for itself.
He was arguably as important and just as over as any talent in history during his WWF run. He was attached to every major heel who came into WWF and was the antagonist to baby faces most notable being Hulk Hogan.
He was the first manager who drew me into whatever he was saying. He was so intense and convincing when getting a match or story over.
He managed every major star in wrestling history including Curt Henning, Paul Orndorf, Rick Rude, Ric Flair, Buddy Rose, Big John Studd, Harley Race, and King Kong Bundy. And how could one forget his managing of Andre the Giant during the build up for Wrestlemania 3??
He truly garnered all the heat for Andre in my opinion.
I got to meet and visit with Bobby on several occasions during my run in TNA.
He is without doubt one of the nicest and funniest people I've ever met in this business.
A true class act that makes all around him feel good. Thanks Bobby!!!!
So there you go......My top 10 managers of all time!!!
Agree? Disagree? Let me know!!!
Take care til next time.