Post by Brandon Payne on Apr 30, 2011 20:15:56 GMT
At the comfort of the home of one, Brandon Payne. The man, who for the last four years portrayed the infamous Genesis character. Was now ready to speak out about the events that took place on Nitro. Shedding some light of the past. How he was hired to become the new Genesis. His relationship with John Costas, and the real Genesis himself. His future in TNB Wrestling. His current injuries, and so much more.
TNB's own Eliza Aries joins Brandon Payne at his home in San Diego, California. Resting out on the deck on a beautiful sunny day without a single cloud in the sky. Sipping on a cup of fresh, hot coffee. Dressed in casual clothing. Consisting of a T-Shirt & baggy shorts w/ sandals. He sits back and relaxes as Samantha asks some rather, tough questions that need to be answered:
Eliza Aries: Brandon Payne. I'd like to start off by thanking you for inviting me, and the camera's from TNB Wrestling to your home.
Pleasure is all mine, Sami. I'm thankful you guys could come on short notice. But I've got alot of information that needs to be shared here this afternoon.
Eliza Aries: Well with that said. I'd like to start out first, and ask you. How exactly did you meet John Costas, and took over the role of Genesis for all these years?
Well Sami. It started back in middle of 2007. I was training to turn pro. I worked a few indy shows in a small wrestling organization based out here in California. When one day I was approached by a man named John Costas. At the time, I had long black hair & had the Lemmy Kilmister look going on with my beard. Since I'm a big Motorhead fan, and all that jazz. So anyway, we got to talkin', and he asked me if I ever heard of a guy who went by the name "Genesis". To which I replied "Yeah, I've heard of. He seems like a good wrestler. But what about him?" Then he dropped a bombshell and said "Well son. Genesis isn't doing too well. I'm worried about him. He hasn't ate, or slept hardly at all since he was banished from 'New York'. He's depressed & in a bad state of mind. I'm afraid that if he doesn't come back. His name will fade into distant memory. That people would forget that he ever existed. But you. You have the similar look to him. You even sound almost like him. Would you like to take his place?"
(laughs) I took a step back & said: "WHAT!?" Then John said "No, No Brandon. I'm serious here. I really need your help. I've been all over the world looking for the one guy who could take over, and run with the character. I've seen alot of people. But you? You've got something special in ya. I believe your just the guy who can pull it off. Now if you agree to this. I can land you a deal with a Memphis based organization called "New Era Wrestling" or NEW for short. Its filled with guys who used to be around Genesis. Its an easy fit for you. You can blend in there, and start over fresh!"
Then I said: "Oooookay! But one thing, John. I don't know any of these guys? I'm going to have to have a little info here. So I know who I'm talking to, and what they're all about. Whether there supposed to friends or enemies. Ya know, that sorta thing".
Then Samantha. John presented me with a huge folder. And I tell ya, Sami. When I opened up that folder. This man had a profile on EVERYBODY. Every person that Genesis ever came into contact with from the beginning of his career. To the time he was fired from 'New York'. He had there profiles. There history, what they've done for there careers. Ya name it. What it was. He kept a diary of everything. Hoping to someday write a book of his career, and the people he had met, and ultimately wanted to bury & destroy. In a funny way. I felt like I was looking at a hit list or something (laughs).
Anyways, he wanted me to study over everything then get ready to go over to NEW. Where I'd go through several changes with the character, and experiment. Cause since it was me controlling the character. I wanted to do things my way. While also too. Taking input from John Costas so I didn't go too far off track.
Eliza Aries: Did the real Genesis know about what was going on?
No. Not at the time anyway. He was so whacked out of his mind. From all the medication, and daily treatments to help cure his mental issues that he was often in a zombie like, state of mind. He was there... but not really all 'there', ya know? (laughs). So for the longest time. He had no idea what was going on. His father kept it secret from him. To prevent Genesis from going off out of his mind.
Eliza Aries: So starting with NEW, all the way til the present. You portrayed the Genesis character. But along the way. While I believe the intention was for you to carry on his dark legacy. You changed it, and wanted a kinder, gentler legacy to be proud of?
Yeah... I mean. For me. Its hard being an 'evil' guy every day. I'm not like that in real life obviously. When it came to the 'real' Genesis, he was this person day in, day out. 24/7. I couldn't do this. At first, it was kinda fun. Then after awhile. I started to see the real damage it was doing to me personally. From that point. I could see a little bit of the real guy went through. Here was this hated, despised man. Who would loathe everything that ever crossed him. Because it was just his nature to take out anything that would be in his way. And now, I'm being "trained" to be this guy. So I eventually went to 'New York'. For what was planned by Costas as being the 'redemption plot'.
He wanted me to water down Genesis. He wanted me to play by there rules. Gain there trust. Be one of the them. Fit in to there family. So I did. In 2008. I became Combatant Xtraordinaire. I earned there trust. They saw me as one of there own. Part of me, was proud. Because I know that it was "I", who did all of this. But then again. I felt a little betrayed. Like I really just did this for another guy. That when my 'job' is over, and if he ever comes back? He's gonna take away all the glory that I worked for.
Eliza Aries: So what happened next, Brandon?
That was when I made up my mind. From 2009 on up. I wanted to do my own thing. I was willing to turn this "Genesis" into my own, desired profession. I didn't want to be remembered in a negative light. My contact with John Costas became less, and less. Often times. I'd ignore his phone calls & text messages. It was then, I would guess. That the real Genesis found out what was going on.
So one day. Out of the blue. Just as TNB was about to 're-open' its doors. I received a phone call from Costas. This time, I went on ahead & answered. He was a bit agitated. He uh... basically said, in much stronger words that Genesis knew about me. And that when he became well enough. He was gonna come back & kill me. That I had one last chance to redeem myself. Until then, I would be living my life on borrowed time. That if I ever fucked up again, for any reason. He was gonna personally come down to Atlanta. Bring Genesis with him. And destroy everything. Let this 'Loose Cannon' run wild, and pollute everything. I laughed and just told him to fuck off.
I never heard from him again until about a few weeks ago. As time went on. I figured he was bluffing. So I continued going about my business. I kept this whole thing a secret from the world. Hoping that this monster would never show his face again.
Eliza Aries: This might seem a little off-topic. But did this ever have anything to do with you, coming & going from TNB?
A little bit. I mean, I wanted to keep a low profile. I lived this character up to the tee so good. That people really bought that I was Genesis. So therefore. Many folks hated me for the longest time. At times. I'd have to take a step back. My own personal life would get threatened, or become in dangered. So I would take breaks, then come back whenever things would cool down. I know it would frustrate the owners to no end. Often times. I'd have to take a leave of absence in the middle of a storyline, and such. I hated to do it. But at the time. I felt that I had no choice.
Eliza Aries: I see. Lets get back to your story now. You were saying that Genesis & Costas had threatned to come back, and hurt everyone. What was running through your mind when you received the phone call that he was indeed going to arrive at Nitro?
A part of me. Didn't want to believe it. But then again. I knew that if he did show. Everything would be out in the open. I would be exposed as a 'fraud'. The people, that I had worked so hard to honor & protect. I questioned if they would ever forgive me for such a betrayal. My friends. Avenger, Shia Storm, Angel Fyre, MG Cage, and a few others. Would they forgive me? Which made things word. Because most of them were the same people Genesis despised. Yet I was good friends with them.
At the end of the day. If this monster came back. They would all be in grave danger. These fans? They would be at the receiving end of his evil deeds. You see. When you look into Genesis' eyes. There's no light in those eyes, Samantha. Its complete darkness. His heart? Its black as the cold abyss. He's not normal. You talk about your 'bad seeds' in life. I think calling Genesis a bad seed is putting it lightly. He is in fact the creation of the devil himself.
Eliza Aries: At Nitro. We all witnessed the resurrection of the 'real' Genesis. Unfortunately, as one would expect. You were on the receiving end of the beat down. Some could say. You were the first casualty of this war. But when Genesis snapped & took out his own father. What... or can you even begin to tell us how that must've felt??
Genesis hurting me. Well, I think its pretty obvious. I expected it. I tried to fight him off. But for a man whose been out of this game for four years. I tell ya. I'm not sure what force possessed him that day. But he was driven by an unrelenting anger & rage that made any normal man helpless against him. Its like, when he gets into that 'zone', if you will. He can't be stopped.
Worse then that. What he did to his own father?? Sami. Can you even imagine what that must be like. How can any person strike down there own father?? Granted. John & I have had our differences. But no father out there, deserves to be disrespected & beaten down by your own flesh & blood. You just don't do that.
That probably hurt me worse then my own injuries. Having to watch John Costas, the father of this man who isn't in the best frame of mind. A guy, who sacrificed the last several years to caring for, and helping Genesis through those awful times. Its like you offering a homeless person a warm bed to sleep in, and some hot food. Then one day. They get up, and just slap ya in the face. Thats about how I felt about this situation. Genesis deserves to rot in hell, Sami. He deserves no 2nd chances.
On one hand. You can see him as someone. Who... at the end of the day. Can't control his actions, or his temper. Who needs help more then anyone can really give him. To watch that same man go on a rampage, and hurt his own dad?? To obsess over the ruin of one organization, and The Avenger. The man who is the cornerstone. In his mind. He believes that by eliminating the guy who trained him, and brought him up in the wrestling business. That he will then have all the respect & admiration Avenger gets on a daily basis. And it just doesn't work that way, Samantha. But Genesis? He really believes that.
I-I can't... it makes me sick to my own stomach thinking about it. Much less talking about it, Samantha. Just for that one, heinous act. And the acts that I'm sure are to follow. Genesis should be beaten to death, and not given a single chance for forgiveness or mercy. Because he sure as hell doesn't show any to the people he hurts.
Eliza Aries: Speaking of injuries. You yourself suffered broken ribs and a concussion at the hands of Genesis. Is there a timetable of when... or if you will return?
I really don't know, Sami. I'd like to sit here & say that I'm coming back next week to extract my revenge. To help TNB rid themselves of this new, evil force. Then get back to where things were before, and continue my wars with Christian MoneyMaker & MMInc. But right now? I just can't think about that. But I can tell you this. And I can tell the wrestlers, the fans, the people who looked up to me as I've looked to them for guidance in these last several months.
This "Genesis" might be dead. But Brandon Payne is alive & well. Someday, somehow. I will be back! You can count on that. And what I want out of all this? "I want justice!"
**END**
TNB's own Eliza Aries joins Brandon Payne at his home in San Diego, California. Resting out on the deck on a beautiful sunny day without a single cloud in the sky. Sipping on a cup of fresh, hot coffee. Dressed in casual clothing. Consisting of a T-Shirt & baggy shorts w/ sandals. He sits back and relaxes as Samantha asks some rather, tough questions that need to be answered:
Eliza Aries: Brandon Payne. I'd like to start off by thanking you for inviting me, and the camera's from TNB Wrestling to your home.
Pleasure is all mine, Sami. I'm thankful you guys could come on short notice. But I've got alot of information that needs to be shared here this afternoon.
Eliza Aries: Well with that said. I'd like to start out first, and ask you. How exactly did you meet John Costas, and took over the role of Genesis for all these years?
Well Sami. It started back in middle of 2007. I was training to turn pro. I worked a few indy shows in a small wrestling organization based out here in California. When one day I was approached by a man named John Costas. At the time, I had long black hair & had the Lemmy Kilmister look going on with my beard. Since I'm a big Motorhead fan, and all that jazz. So anyway, we got to talkin', and he asked me if I ever heard of a guy who went by the name "Genesis". To which I replied "Yeah, I've heard of. He seems like a good wrestler. But what about him?" Then he dropped a bombshell and said "Well son. Genesis isn't doing too well. I'm worried about him. He hasn't ate, or slept hardly at all since he was banished from 'New York'. He's depressed & in a bad state of mind. I'm afraid that if he doesn't come back. His name will fade into distant memory. That people would forget that he ever existed. But you. You have the similar look to him. You even sound almost like him. Would you like to take his place?"
(laughs) I took a step back & said: "WHAT!?" Then John said "No, No Brandon. I'm serious here. I really need your help. I've been all over the world looking for the one guy who could take over, and run with the character. I've seen alot of people. But you? You've got something special in ya. I believe your just the guy who can pull it off. Now if you agree to this. I can land you a deal with a Memphis based organization called "New Era Wrestling" or NEW for short. Its filled with guys who used to be around Genesis. Its an easy fit for you. You can blend in there, and start over fresh!"
Then I said: "Oooookay! But one thing, John. I don't know any of these guys? I'm going to have to have a little info here. So I know who I'm talking to, and what they're all about. Whether there supposed to friends or enemies. Ya know, that sorta thing".
Then Samantha. John presented me with a huge folder. And I tell ya, Sami. When I opened up that folder. This man had a profile on EVERYBODY. Every person that Genesis ever came into contact with from the beginning of his career. To the time he was fired from 'New York'. He had there profiles. There history, what they've done for there careers. Ya name it. What it was. He kept a diary of everything. Hoping to someday write a book of his career, and the people he had met, and ultimately wanted to bury & destroy. In a funny way. I felt like I was looking at a hit list or something (laughs).
Anyways, he wanted me to study over everything then get ready to go over to NEW. Where I'd go through several changes with the character, and experiment. Cause since it was me controlling the character. I wanted to do things my way. While also too. Taking input from John Costas so I didn't go too far off track.
Eliza Aries: Did the real Genesis know about what was going on?
No. Not at the time anyway. He was so whacked out of his mind. From all the medication, and daily treatments to help cure his mental issues that he was often in a zombie like, state of mind. He was there... but not really all 'there', ya know? (laughs). So for the longest time. He had no idea what was going on. His father kept it secret from him. To prevent Genesis from going off out of his mind.
Eliza Aries: So starting with NEW, all the way til the present. You portrayed the Genesis character. But along the way. While I believe the intention was for you to carry on his dark legacy. You changed it, and wanted a kinder, gentler legacy to be proud of?
Yeah... I mean. For me. Its hard being an 'evil' guy every day. I'm not like that in real life obviously. When it came to the 'real' Genesis, he was this person day in, day out. 24/7. I couldn't do this. At first, it was kinda fun. Then after awhile. I started to see the real damage it was doing to me personally. From that point. I could see a little bit of the real guy went through. Here was this hated, despised man. Who would loathe everything that ever crossed him. Because it was just his nature to take out anything that would be in his way. And now, I'm being "trained" to be this guy. So I eventually went to 'New York'. For what was planned by Costas as being the 'redemption plot'.
He wanted me to water down Genesis. He wanted me to play by there rules. Gain there trust. Be one of the them. Fit in to there family. So I did. In 2008. I became Combatant Xtraordinaire. I earned there trust. They saw me as one of there own. Part of me, was proud. Because I know that it was "I", who did all of this. But then again. I felt a little betrayed. Like I really just did this for another guy. That when my 'job' is over, and if he ever comes back? He's gonna take away all the glory that I worked for.
Eliza Aries: So what happened next, Brandon?
That was when I made up my mind. From 2009 on up. I wanted to do my own thing. I was willing to turn this "Genesis" into my own, desired profession. I didn't want to be remembered in a negative light. My contact with John Costas became less, and less. Often times. I'd ignore his phone calls & text messages. It was then, I would guess. That the real Genesis found out what was going on.
So one day. Out of the blue. Just as TNB was about to 're-open' its doors. I received a phone call from Costas. This time, I went on ahead & answered. He was a bit agitated. He uh... basically said, in much stronger words that Genesis knew about me. And that when he became well enough. He was gonna come back & kill me. That I had one last chance to redeem myself. Until then, I would be living my life on borrowed time. That if I ever fucked up again, for any reason. He was gonna personally come down to Atlanta. Bring Genesis with him. And destroy everything. Let this 'Loose Cannon' run wild, and pollute everything. I laughed and just told him to fuck off.
I never heard from him again until about a few weeks ago. As time went on. I figured he was bluffing. So I continued going about my business. I kept this whole thing a secret from the world. Hoping that this monster would never show his face again.
Eliza Aries: This might seem a little off-topic. But did this ever have anything to do with you, coming & going from TNB?
A little bit. I mean, I wanted to keep a low profile. I lived this character up to the tee so good. That people really bought that I was Genesis. So therefore. Many folks hated me for the longest time. At times. I'd have to take a step back. My own personal life would get threatened, or become in dangered. So I would take breaks, then come back whenever things would cool down. I know it would frustrate the owners to no end. Often times. I'd have to take a leave of absence in the middle of a storyline, and such. I hated to do it. But at the time. I felt that I had no choice.
Eliza Aries: I see. Lets get back to your story now. You were saying that Genesis & Costas had threatned to come back, and hurt everyone. What was running through your mind when you received the phone call that he was indeed going to arrive at Nitro?
A part of me. Didn't want to believe it. But then again. I knew that if he did show. Everything would be out in the open. I would be exposed as a 'fraud'. The people, that I had worked so hard to honor & protect. I questioned if they would ever forgive me for such a betrayal. My friends. Avenger, Shia Storm, Angel Fyre, MG Cage, and a few others. Would they forgive me? Which made things word. Because most of them were the same people Genesis despised. Yet I was good friends with them.
At the end of the day. If this monster came back. They would all be in grave danger. These fans? They would be at the receiving end of his evil deeds. You see. When you look into Genesis' eyes. There's no light in those eyes, Samantha. Its complete darkness. His heart? Its black as the cold abyss. He's not normal. You talk about your 'bad seeds' in life. I think calling Genesis a bad seed is putting it lightly. He is in fact the creation of the devil himself.
Eliza Aries: At Nitro. We all witnessed the resurrection of the 'real' Genesis. Unfortunately, as one would expect. You were on the receiving end of the beat down. Some could say. You were the first casualty of this war. But when Genesis snapped & took out his own father. What... or can you even begin to tell us how that must've felt??
Genesis hurting me. Well, I think its pretty obvious. I expected it. I tried to fight him off. But for a man whose been out of this game for four years. I tell ya. I'm not sure what force possessed him that day. But he was driven by an unrelenting anger & rage that made any normal man helpless against him. Its like, when he gets into that 'zone', if you will. He can't be stopped.
Worse then that. What he did to his own father?? Sami. Can you even imagine what that must be like. How can any person strike down there own father?? Granted. John & I have had our differences. But no father out there, deserves to be disrespected & beaten down by your own flesh & blood. You just don't do that.
That probably hurt me worse then my own injuries. Having to watch John Costas, the father of this man who isn't in the best frame of mind. A guy, who sacrificed the last several years to caring for, and helping Genesis through those awful times. Its like you offering a homeless person a warm bed to sleep in, and some hot food. Then one day. They get up, and just slap ya in the face. Thats about how I felt about this situation. Genesis deserves to rot in hell, Sami. He deserves no 2nd chances.
On one hand. You can see him as someone. Who... at the end of the day. Can't control his actions, or his temper. Who needs help more then anyone can really give him. To watch that same man go on a rampage, and hurt his own dad?? To obsess over the ruin of one organization, and The Avenger. The man who is the cornerstone. In his mind. He believes that by eliminating the guy who trained him, and brought him up in the wrestling business. That he will then have all the respect & admiration Avenger gets on a daily basis. And it just doesn't work that way, Samantha. But Genesis? He really believes that.
I-I can't... it makes me sick to my own stomach thinking about it. Much less talking about it, Samantha. Just for that one, heinous act. And the acts that I'm sure are to follow. Genesis should be beaten to death, and not given a single chance for forgiveness or mercy. Because he sure as hell doesn't show any to the people he hurts.
Eliza Aries: Speaking of injuries. You yourself suffered broken ribs and a concussion at the hands of Genesis. Is there a timetable of when... or if you will return?
I really don't know, Sami. I'd like to sit here & say that I'm coming back next week to extract my revenge. To help TNB rid themselves of this new, evil force. Then get back to where things were before, and continue my wars with Christian MoneyMaker & MMInc. But right now? I just can't think about that. But I can tell you this. And I can tell the wrestlers, the fans, the people who looked up to me as I've looked to them for guidance in these last several months.
This "Genesis" might be dead. But Brandon Payne is alive & well. Someday, somehow. I will be back! You can count on that. And what I want out of all this? "I want justice!"
**END**
