| “Quote The Raven….Nevermore”
– the famous Edgar Allen Poe quote has
served as Raven’s trademark for many
years. Ironically, Raven’s legacy may
mirror that of the famous writer, as he borders
on spiraling into madness in his quest to
achieve his self-described “destiny”
to become NWA World Heavyweight Champion.
Much like Jim Morrison’s personality
transcended music, Raven’s career has
transcended wrestling – with a touch
of pure evil. The superstar entered TNA in
2003 when he attacked Jeff Jarrett and proclaimed
his ultimate goal to become world champion.
His mission has resulted in wars with AJ Styles,
The New Church, Sabu and many others.
Known as one of the most sadistic and barbaric
stars to ever step foot in the ring, Raven
is a hardcore legend that, in 2005, fulfilled
his lifelong destiny to become the NWA World
Heavyweight Champion.
It didn't come easy for Raven as he was faced
with then-World Champion, Jeff Jarrett, after
his entry into TNA Wrestling in 2003. From
there, Raven would go against the likes of
AJ Styles and Ron Killings among others on
his path to fulfill his destiny. There was
a roadblock along the way, however, and it
was James Mitchell. At the time, Mitchell
was bringing in hired hands to take out Raven
as punishment. Unlike Mitchell, Raven was
versatile in taking care of issues one to
one like a man. Raven disposed of James Mitchell
in a bloody war after taking out each of Mitchell's
disciples, but not before the maniacal manager
scalped his longtime foe in one of the most
heinous acts in TNA history.
Finally, Raven received his opportunity at
Slammiversary 2005 after being granted entry
into the King of the Mountain match by Larry
Zbyszko. That night, Raven overcame AJ Styles,
Abyss, Monty Brown, and Sean Waltman to become
the NWA World Heavyweight Champion.
Raven would be the champion throughout the
summer of 2005, defending the gold against
Abyss and Rhino before losing the title in
September to Jeff Jarrett in Canada. Rather
than getting his much-deserved rematch, Raven
was now disposed of from the TNA roster by
Championship Committee member Larry Zbyszko
at January's Final Resolution when he lost
to Sean Waltman thanks to Larry Z registering
the final three count.
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