The "perfect" Path of Rage?
Sept. 12, 2006

As Fall Battle Fields left the air last Wednesday night, not only did professional wrestling fans across the map witness the reformation of Rated R, but an apparent alliance being formed between bitter rivals for the better part of a decade, Taz and newly crowned PWF Champion Mr. Perfect.

The scene was shocking -- Taz coming to the aid of Mr. Perfect, who appeared to be just moments away from a solo showdown against all three members of one of the reborn old school empires. After Taz ushered Perfect to safety outside the ring, it looked like the Taz the world has come to know and, if not love, at least respect, as he threw wild rights and lefts at three of the most decorated and skilled wrestlers of our lifetime. Taz knew no fear that night, as is his trademark, but the question remained: what in the world did we just witness?

Internet message boards and Gene Okerlund's PWF Hotline lit up immediately, with speculation running from the somewhat possible, if not probable -- Taz had grown tired of battling the Perfect Team after all these years and wanted to see what it was like on the other side of the fence for awhile -- to the downright ludicrous -- Ted DiBiase was Taz's only hope of paying off the organized crime ring that he had become involved with earlier in life.

Those more ridiculous ideas are testament to the fact that what we had just, without question, witnessed -- Taz aiding perhaps his most bitter rival Mr. Perfect -- was difficult for his biggest fans to watch and even harder for the eyes to believe. What were his reasons? Why did Taz do it? Were we somehow seeing it all wrong? Luckily for us, Taz has since shed some light on that surreal night. The Human Suplex Machine, the eight-time World Champion, had the following to say to ThePWF.com contributor Scoop Scoopson:

"I was sitting down in that Mexican jail, rotting away in the most horrific place I have ever seen. Then, someone bailed me out and they led me into a private jet. I'm offered champagne and a big steak. While I'm eating, the person that sprung me comes to join me -- Ted DiBiase. Then, he laid down a big suitcase full of money ... if you saw how much money was in this suitcase, you wouldn't say no either," said an unremorseful Taz.

A marriage of convenience it would seem was formed with the bond between the two sides being the seemingly unlimited funds of PWF Tag Team Champion Ted DiBiase. The Million Dollar Man has been as giving as ever lately, first purchasing the state of Vermont as a gift for Mr. Perfect and now ... this. This newfound partnership is still hard to believe, not just on Taz's behalf. What made Mr. Perfect and the Perfect Team willing to trust their longtime rival? Taz was happy to fill us in.

"Let's just say that Mr. Perfect had a feeling Excellence, Wilkes, and Ace were up to something. They wanted an insurance policy so they went out and bought the best money could buy. I'm here to keep people away and shut people up." Perhaps Taz sees this as opportunity to get paid for doing what he does best, decimating his enemies, and also a way to keep the Perfect Team out of his way, because he makes it clear that there is no love on his behalf for the Perfect Team.

"I hate everyone Scoop; they are just paying me to focus my rage elsewhere."

If there's one man that Taz hates more than Mr. Perfect or any member of the Perfect Team, it might very well be the most decorated World Champion in wrestling history, new PWF signee and former Supreme Championship Wrestling head James Ace. If there were any questions as to the seriousness in which Taz has entered into this partnership with the Perfect Team, his words to Scoop Scoopson put those to rest.

"James (expletive) Ace. I owe him a welcome home present, and he's going to get it real soon," said Taz, while tapping his Easton. Nothing was EVER settled between us and, if he thinks he can come ANYWHERE near Mr. Perfect or any of the other Perfect Team members, he's going to have to get through me first!"

Be sure to tune into Thrillzone this Thursday at 9 p.m. ET on FOX as more light will undoubtedly be shed onto this most unlikely of partnerships. Taz will also square off against Magnificent Mike Flynn in an attempt to score some revenge on his former friend in Fresno, Calif.