Speeches

Raven - ECW Wrestling on TNN - October 15, 1999

"It's 5:30 in the morning in New Orleans on Bourbon Street. Look at these dirtballs, it's a complete den of iniquity; there's decadence, debauchery, a neighborhood of chaos, a haven for sin. As I look around these filthy animals following me, sinners each and every one of them, I realize one thing. That it's better to have a condemned soul, than no soul at all.

So Tommy Dreamer . . . shut up . . . Tommy Dreamer, look at these morons, these fools, these jesters and buffoons, these idiots. They're your people, Tommy, and for them and all their problems, and all their sins, and all their hatred, and all their anger . . . I feel your pain, Tommy . . . Ha! I feel your pain! Ha Ha! I FEEL YOUR PAIN!!! AH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!

Ha Ha Ha! I love it, Tommy. You see this, this is it, These are your people, Tommy. This is my home, Tommy. Sinners, one and all; no one cares, no one worries. Tommy Dreamer, you and your little 'white meat babyface' world. 'I do it for the people, I don't care about my back, I'll survive for you people!' What hogwash, Tommy! It's crap! They don't care about you any more than they care about me. They just want to leech onto my stardom. But that's ok, Tommy. I'm garbage, a piece of crap. I've lived my life and I deserve what I get."

TNN speech 10/29

"It doesn't matter how many bars you close, it doesn't matter how many women you victimize, you can never be me. Quote not just the coolest, Quote not just the best, Quote the Raven nevermore."

Raven's first ECW speech (September, 1999)

For two and a half years...Tommy Dreamer...we fought an epic battle...of mythic proportions. We had a friendship based on love and a hatred based on friendship. You scarred my face...you battered me unmercifully...and you took my girl...but the one thing...that you could never do...was beat me Tommy. You could never beat me...and I always pinned you. Two and a half years Tommy... after I came to ECW to exercise your demons...it was time for you to graduate...(smiling) so I gave you your victory. For two and a half years Tommy Dreamer....I stayed away from ECW...and with me gone...your life lost it's meaning...your career lost it's purpose and your relationship... with Beulah...lost it's foundation...you've lost your focus Tommy...(smiling) you lost the girl. Kaiser Souze said, "The greatest trick...the devil ever pulled...was convincing the world...that he didn't exist. Well Tommy...I exist and I am going to be...your own personal demon...because this saviour...has already been crucified...for your sins. Quote the Raven...NEVERMORE.

-Raven

Video premiered on WCW Saturday Night, 12/19/98

"...As a child, I had dreams of loneliness, and of a hatred... that drove me mad. Of a stillness, and of sorrow, of what I never had; of what could only be.

"My mother thought, that children should be seen and not heard. My mother thought, that I was just a prop, for her amusement... for her idle friends... for her to look like someone... I was almost; I was like a monkey, and she was an organ grinder, as I sat and did tricks, for all the other adults that came over. As the idle rich came by, and looked me over as I'd recite... the names of the presidents back and forth... forward and backward... and backward and forth... and they'd clap their hands... I was surprised no one threw me any money, 'cause that's what I felt like.

"She never loved me... She never did, and she never will. And I often wonder, maybe it was my fault... but it wasn't; it wasn't my fault. And the only thing I can think to say, when i think about her, and what she did to me, and the pain she caused... the hatred, and the loathing I fear, is What about me? What about Raven?..."

-Raven

Thunder

When I was 8 years old my mother told me "Don't even bother trying; you won't amount to anything anyway. Your just a cinder in the furnace of the dammed." But I fought my way out of the gutter and I made myself who I am, but somehow, someway, somebody else always gets my breaks... Take for example... DDP. Page and I started out together, but look where he is and look where I am. Page used to be a common man...Now he's got a million dollar house...a butler...a maid. And what do I get...I get the flock...(sarcasim) Wow. What about me? What about Raven? Page gets to wrestle with Dennis Rodman...he gets to wrestle with Karl Malone and Jay Leno. Page has a Playboy centerfold for a wife. What do I get? What about me? What about Raven? (Enter DDP) What about you?! The way I see it, your gettin BANGED! (Match starts between the two)

-Raven

Thunder - August 5, 1998 in ring talking to Saturn

"Saturn, it's you, me, and Kanyon, and only I know how this will play out; because you dance to the tune I play, you bow before me. And Saturday, at the triangle match, it may just turn into a handicap match. And I don't want you to go in unprepared, so I'll let you have a handicap match tonight because only I know where Kanyon is. So tonight, you'll face Riggs and Sick Boy by yourself. Quote the Raven, nevermore."

-Raven

Thunder - August 14, 1998 in ring confonting The Flock

"The line must be drawn here. Horace, your insubordination will not be tolerated. Saturday Night at Road Wild, you cost me the triangle match. What about me?!? What about Raven!?! Monday Night, I chose to reprimand you, and you allowed Saturn to give me the Death Valley Driver and for that, you must suffer. Quote the Raven, nevermore" (Beats up Horace)

-Raven

August 10 Monday in the ring confronting the entire Flock (minus Reese)

"Once again the Flock has let me down...Two nights ago at Road Wild, Riggs, you, Kidman and Sickboy did not even show up...for that you gotta be punished (Evenflows Riggs)...and Lodi, as usual you were worthless (pushes Lodi)...but you Horace cost me the match...you hit me with a stop sign...and for that a lesson must be learned... (goes to hit Horace, Horace blocks, and a match starts between the two)."

-Raven

Video-Monday Night August 3rd.

"Everyone of you... Craves... life pleasure...Yet you don't indulge...You want to drink from ecstasy cup...Yet you won't abive... Yet you want to walk the edge like Raven...But you are afraid to fall...So you back away... Slowly...Hoping no notices your frailtys, your crowardliness...You wish that you weren't so weak...and you hurt... But what do you know about pain...Try walking in my shoe, experience my sorrow...A childhood without hope, a life without joy...but hey least you'll be alive...They say the Raven is the Flock's guide down alienation baren path...but really I walk alone...Quote the Raven Nevermore."

-Raven

In the aisle, talking to Saturn in the ring, Monday Night August 3rd.

"Tonight contest between Sickboy and Kanyon will not take place...so leave Micky J (ref)...Sickboy is here but Kanyon has been swalled up by the darkness...But the speculation is; and you better listen close Saturn; is either that Kanyon got flocked and is nursing his wounds in some dark dirty alley either that or he is in some corner dive nursing a drink with his new best friends the Flock... Saturn you better hope that Kanyon was the victim of Raven and a cement wall because if not this Saturday at Sturgis our triangle match you, me and Kanyon will be a handicap match...Quote the Raven Nevermore..."

-Raven

In ring, talking to a restrained Saturn

"Saturn, it's time you started taking responsibility for your life. It's your fault as a child that you were unpopular. It's your fault as a child that you were poor. It's your fault as a child that your dad used to beat you. And it's your fault that our friendship is over. Friendship is a two-way street, and I gave, and I gave, and I gave. And all you ever did was take! So take this! (Evenflows Saturn) Quote the Raven, nevermore..."

-Raven

In ring, talking to a restrained Kanyon

"Kanyon, where you walk, you walk alone. And where you stand, you stand alone. A generation ago, that would have been admirable, but today, it's just foolish. (Evenflows Kanyon) Quote the Raven, nevermore"

-Raven

Thursday [in ring, to Brad Armstrong]

[The Flock is holding Brad Armstrong]

"Brad Armstrong, last week I gave you an opportunity for salvation and an opportunity for redemption but you did not take me up on that offer. Diamond Dallas Page, I made you no such offer because someone as evil and as heinous as you does not deserve a second chance. You deserted me, Page, and I can never forgive you for that. Last night was to be your moment of shining glory. MTV Live. Movie superstar, Matthew McConaghey weas there. Rock superstars, the Foo Fighters, and yes, US champion Diamond Dallas Page. But I took all that away from you, Page. You thought you were going to be a big star, but I took it away. But I should've had to, Page. That should've been me. That should've been me, Page. What about me? What about Raven? What about me? That should've been me on that show. I should've been the star. I should've been out there with the US title. So instead, I took a stop sign, and I beat you unmercifully about the head with it. Page, you were just about to begin to feel the suffering. that is our destiny. And as I grow more powerful, you will grow weaker. So it is written and so it shall come to pass. [to The Flock] Gimme Armstrong. [The Flock brings Brad Armstrong near Raven. Raven kicks him in the mid-section and gives him an Evenflow] Quote the Raven... Page is nevermore!"

-Raven

Thursday 2/22/98 [back stage]

"Riggs, go get me Hammer. [Riggs exits. Enter Mortis. He says "Raven, I want in."] You want in? You want to join the flock? You want to follow me? Look what you follow now. James Vandenberg: a human oddity. Does he make you dress in this clown costume? Is that a mask of hate or a mask of shape? Is their any reason why I would want you? Is there something about you that you aren't showing? If you want to join the flock, you have to be yourself. You have to be true to who you are. You have to be unafraid to be different, to be laughed at, to be scorned. That's all it takes to follow me. [Mortis nods his head and begins to leave] Oh by the way, and you've got to beat Diamond Dallas Page as well. Quote the Raven, nevermore."

-Raven

[in ring w/mic]

"Hey, Page, what about me? Hey, Page, what about me?! What about Raven, Page?! What about me?! Over here, you idiot! I spent three years in a carnival freak show because of you. I had to wrestle in barbed wire, putting people through tables because of you, Page. What about me?! What about me?! You want my U.S. belt? Come and take it, Page. Come and take it. You want this, Page? Come and get it, Page. Come and get it. Come on, Page, come on....[Kanyon in disguise attacks Raven]"

-Raven

[in ring w/mic]

"Last night, Saturn defeated Chris Benoit. In the preceding weeks, we've beaten on him, we've stretched him, and we've humiliated him. Any normal person would've known when enough's enough. But Chris Benoit is a masacist. He has serious physchological damage. And if he insists on recieving punishment every week, then I inisist that we inflict it. Quote the Raven... nevermore."

-Raven

[Video]

"I can't remember a time when I wasn't alone, even when my parent were around. The sound of their fury was harsh, but the sound of their silence was deafining. It's devastation that left me buried beneath a mountain of solitude. My lonliness and despair traped me in a storm of unimaginable emptiness. What about me? What about Raven? The other kids playing ball outside, and me with them was am illusion I'd allow myself, but the stark reality was even if my parents would of allowed me to leave my bedroom dwell, the other kids wouldn't of allowed me to join in anyway. They said I didn't follow thier rules. Their stupid rules... Quote the Raven, nevermore."

-Raven

Monday 3/31/98 [in ring w/mic]

"Apparently there's been some complaints over the past 8 months, that what I've been saying has not been easy to understand because of my excessively large vocabulary and my high level of diction. Well, tonight I will put what I have to say in terms so clear that everyone, even those of limited intelligence will know exactly what I mean. Page. I want you to listen especially close Page. Because Page you should understand my problems, because you know about ‘em better than anyone. How I was voted most unpopular in high school. How my father never spent time with me. Page you were the one that picked me up at the hospital the first time I got out of rehab. You should understand my pain, but you don't. Four years ago when WCW let you go. They said you would never be anybody. You'd never be... a superstar. Who lent you a shoulder to cry on? I did, Raven did. When ever you had problems of any nature, who listened to you on the telephone nightly? I did, Raven did. But what about me Page. What about Raven. What about me! I spent three long years in barbed wire city, getting torn to shreds, going through tables and being hit with frying pans and chairs. But you could have prevented it. You could of stopped it. You could of made one phone call and called in a favor, made a deal and got Raven into WCW, but you didn't. Because you were jealous. You were jealous and you were scared that I would become a bigger star than you. You know I should have listened to the Snake. He said you weren't a true friend. He said you'd turn your back on me when you became a star. He was right, I should have listened. But times are different now and where once I felt your pain you'll feel mine. Quote the Raven United States Champion Forevermore!"

-Raven

Saturday 1/31/98 [video]

"Different people need different things. Some people need a family. Some people need titles. Some people claim to need neither. Diamond Dallas Page is a prime example. But I would have to beg to differ with Page. See I've known him for a very long time. We've been friends, we've been enemies, we've been friends, we've been enemies again. Diamond Dallas Page swears that he need nothing. Nothing whatsoever. Doesn't need his U.S. Title. I don't need this belt to show everyone how great I am. Yet he constantly brings it out with him. He says I don't need anyone. I don't need any people. I don't need the support. I'm glad for it, but I don't need them. Yet he brings his trashy Nitro wife out with im each and every single week. You know it's a little odd to me. You know maybe Page isn't giving the whole story. You see Page and I go back a long way. We both had the same mentor. And as our mentor told us there can only be one. There can only be one who is the best. And Page may have come up with the Diamond Cutter, but the Snake. He gave me the DDT. Quote the Raven Nevermore."

-Raven

Thursday 2/5/98 [promo for "Movies for Guys Who Like Movies"]

"Coming up after Thunder on the corporate Superstaion, Its movies for guys who like movies. Starring Dan Akroyd, a washed up, hack comedian, and one of my fallen idols, John Belushi. The Blues Brothers. The talk of salvation. The tale of redemption. Oh and Chris Benoit beware of the DDT. Watch the end of Thunder and then watch this movie. And Chris Benoit beware. Quote the Raven Nevermore."

-Raven

Saturday Night, 2/07/98 [video]

"Fate is a strange mistress and for some reason she has decreed that you, Chris Benoit, must suffer before me. In the past you felt the strength of my Flock, but at Souled Out I felt the Crippler Cross-Face. But I did not submit. I did not tap out. In fact some would say that I even enjoyed it. Thursday night I decided that you personally would feel the DDT. And if you have the heart and the desire that my former friend Diamond Dallas Page says you do then you'll come out and feel the DDT once more. Quote the Raven Nevermore."

-Raven

Monday, 2/09/98 [in ring w/ mic]

"From what I understand Chris Benoit is not here tonight. You saw the footage of me DDTing him Thursday. And after the abuse that I inflicted upon him on Saturdays show he's probably at home in Calgary nursing his wounds. As far as you Booker T. You have something that belongs to the Flock. More specifically, property that belongs to Saturn. The World Television Title. Now if you were smart you would take your T.V. Title, walk to the back and hand it over to Saturn. But I don't think you're that smart. So we're going to have to teach you a lesson and set an example. Fellas! Quote the Raven Nevermore."

-Raven

Saturday Night, 1/24/98 [video]

"Throughout the trials and tribulations and the heartbreak and the misery that is my life, there is only one man who's advice I've ever heeded. And he told me there are two rules. One there are no rules and two is someone must feel the DDT. Quote the Raven Nevermore."

-Raven

Thursday, 2/26/98 [in ring w/mic]

"Obviously Kevin Nash is not very popular with the suits at the corporate superstation and it's no secret that Raven is considered a misfit and a freak. So I guess the powers that be decided, lets have Kevin Nash wrestle Raven tonight. I guess they figure someone's bound to get hurt. Someone's bound to be put out of the sport. Well I'll wrestle Kevin Nash tonight, but as everyone knows it's under Raven's rules and tonight it will be Battle Royal style. Quote the Raven Nevermore."

-Raven

Monday 3/16/98 [in ring w/mic]

"Chris Benoit, last night you cost me my United States Title. Be-- [looks at crowd who chants loudly against him] because of you that back-stabbing, two-faced Diamond Dallas Page is still the champ. You're a brave and valiant warrior Chris Benoit, but unfortunately for you it is time for me to fulfill my destiny. Unfortunately for you it is time for this feud to end. Unfortunately for you, you must feel the Evenflow. DDP... didn’t have to be like this Page. It didn't have to be like this. You and I, we could of ruled wrestling together, side by side. But a long time ago you deserted me. You turned your back on me and now there can be only one. I know the Snake is out there watching’ and I know he'd want it this way. Quote the Raven Nevermore."

-Raven

Saturday Night 3/21/98 [video]

"The winds of Fate have blown once more and I rain supreme as the United States Champion. Wednesday night on MTV Diamond Dallas Page was an invited guest, among superstars like Matthew Mcwannabe and the Food Fighters, a spot that should have been mine. I should of been invited Page, not you. So I had to rain on your parade and I took that stop sign to your head and I beat you unmercifully. Then I DDT'd you through a table and through my belt. Diamond Dallas Page, this is just the beginning. The beginning of a long and horrible and excruciatingly painful reminder of what I went through. How you deserted me. The “Snake” knows it, I know it, everyone knows it. You're a shameless self-promoter, you're a shameless shill, and I stole your moment of glory. In your biggest and finest hour as U.S. Champion on MTV. I took it all away from you. I took it all away from you Page. Tonight... tonight you'll face members of my Flock. I don't need to be there Page. I can already guess the outcome and it doesn't look good. Saturn and Hammer. Quote the Raven Nevermore."

-Raven

Saturday Night 3/28/98 [interview]

"Page, on Thunder did you not only feel defeat but the pain I inflicted on you. That's just the tip of the iceberg. Imagine the pain Raven in going to give you at Spring Stampede."

-Saturn

[video]

"Page, I will feast on your pain, I will feast on your anguish, I will feast on your hatred. You will hate me more and more and more. Thursday night you mentioned Jake. That he helped you and that I didn't. Well I did Page. I helped you. Why can't you acknowledge that. What about me Page? What about Raven? What about me? Well I'm the U.S. Champion and you are not. Spring Stampede is not that so far off Page. It's not that far off. And you and I will face each other. And long ago grievances will be solved, age old disputes, you and I will end it once and for all and unfortunately for you the outcome will be nothing like you envisioned. There will be no Bang. There will be no Diamond Cutter. All there will be is the Evenflow and as you lay there on that mat in a semi state of consciousness and wonder... wonder to yourself why... why did I do him wrong? Why didn't I help Raven. Why was I so selfish. You will think that maybe next time you will make a wiser decision. You will make a wiser choice. So it os written. So it shall come to pass. Quote the Raven Nevermore."

-Raven

Thunder 3/12/98 [talking to Brad Armstrong in ring]

"Brad Armstrong, tonight you and I are scheduled to do battle, but perhaps, I can persuade you that disgretion is the better part of valor. I understand your frustration. I understand your hurt. In 1980, I remember you were once voted rookie of the year. In 1981 you were one half of the world tag team champions. But since then, isn't it true, that your career has descended into mediocracy? Hear me out... hear me out Armstrong. I'm fully aware of the Armstrong curse. They say that the sins of the father are visited upon the son. I understand your respect and your admiration for your father; 'Bullet' Bob Armstrong. He was a great man. But isn't it true, that the other promoters and the bookers for World Championship Wrestling were jealous of him, and they take it out on you? They take it out on you Brad Armstrong. Give into your hate. Give into your anger, give into your frustration. I feel your pain. Quote the Raven, nevermore "

-Raven

Saturday Night 3/14/98 [Locker room interview]

"Fate is a curious beast. No matter how fast you run. No matter how far you go. You can't escape it. Diamond Dallas Page, Chris Benoit. Two members of World Championship Wrestling. Two members united, supposedly. I love it. As my grand design comes together, unity has become separation. Separation has led to squabbling, has led to fighting, has led to brawling. Come Uncensored, tomorrow night, you two will do my bidding, when you two take each other out. Whether Benoit gives you the Cross-Face or you Diamond Cut Chris Benoit. Either way I'll be there to pick up the pieces. I will walk out with the United States Title. I will be vindicated for my past. And Page you will suffer. Benoit, that's just the way it goes. Quote the Raven, Nevermore."

-Raven

Saturday Night 2/28/98 [Locker room interview]

"I've known Diamond Dallas Page for a very long time. We've been friends, we've been enemies, friends again and enemies once more. Diamond Dallas Page would have you believe that he's a self-made man. That... he had no help along the way. But I beg to differ. I taught him... how to inflict pain. I taught him how to hurt people. I taught him how to have no fear. But Page doesn't remember my help. What about me? Page is a super star; the US champion. But what about Raven? What about me? That 's okay Page I'll find my way. I'll climb right through Benoit. I'll step all over him to get to your US Title. There's a lot of... back history between me and you. History you'll have to pay for. In the middle of emptiness where even the beat of eternity is fate, there is this in-between thing called torture and that's what you will receive Page. Tonight I face Chris Benoit and the Crippler knows what I can do. I'll feast on his pain and then I'll come for you. Quote the Raven, Nevermore."

-Raven

Signing of the contract [Interview with Mean Gene]

"I signed your contract, but I won't conform to your rules. I put certain stipulations in the contract. I'll sit where I want, I'll wrestle when I want, I'll wrestle who I want, I'll wrestle how I want; that means no disqualification; and you, will pay me what I want. Quote the Raven, nevermore."

-Raven

Talking about signing with WCW [Interview with Mean Gene]

"The entire purpose of human existence, is to kindle a light in the darkness of being. We are a nation of hollow stuffed people; bleeding together; heads stuffed with straw. Like wind in an empty street, or rats feet over broken glass in a dark and forgotten cellar. So it is written. So it shall come to pass. [rips contract] Quote the Raven, nevermore."

-Raven

It's your fault (in the ring with a mic)

"First of all, Riggs, I'd like to apologize for all the damage I did to your eye. I'm sorry. It was an accident. I feel your pain. Now, for all those, not intelligent enough, or able-minded enough, or coherent enough, to understand the message that I've been giving in the preceding months, I'd like to reiterate it, for posterity. You see I had an abusive childhood. I was teased, taunted, tormented, picked on, bullied, and beaten. But that was then, and this is now. And now, all the freaks, mutants, misfits, the disenfranchised, the hopeless, the unwanted, the dregs of society, have come forth from out of the shadows, to stand beside me, to help me gain my vengeance, against those, that treated me poorly. But don't blame me... blame yourselves! You made me what I am! It's your fault. So don't blame me. So it is written. So it shall come to pass. Quote the Raven, nevermore."

-Raven

Talking to Riggs [in the ring w/ mic]

"Riggs, there is no need for us to fight, and there is no need for us to wrestle tonight. In fact, you haven't won a match in 6 months. [audience laughs] But inside of you, there was once the potential, for a great athlete, and inside of you, there are also demons, and I feel your pain. Come with me, and I'll set you free. Come with me, and I'll set you free. [Riggs refuses to join] You've made your choice. So it is written. So it shall come to pass. Quote the Raven, nevermore."

-Raven

[in-ring w/mic]

"Trust and hate, and love and fate, and I don't understand. Social grace, the human race, confuse me. These words I speak, bring forth a world of emotions. Emotions of dreams lost, dreams found, and dreams I'll never see. So it is written. So it shall come to pass. But the questions is, will I, or will I not be Diamond Dallas Page's partner? But Isn't that the same question, that I've been asked time and time again, since my childhood? Isn't the question really, is there any dreams, I'd like to sell? Quote the Raven, nevermore."

-Raven

[Speech he gave to mean Gene]

"Gene... Rules and responsibilities. These are the ties that bind us. If we did otherwise, we would not be ourselves. I will do what I have to, and I will do what I must. The only announcement is, that there is no announcement... quote the Raven, nevermore."

-Raven