At The Crossroads

Choices. Each one of us is faced with a myriad of choices in life. Some of are little consequence - like what pair of shoes to wear or which breakfast cereal to have; while others are life-altering - like who to marry or what career path to follow. One man faced with such a life-altering decision is X-Pac.

Over the past several months X-Pac has been at a crossroads - it is not two paths, however, but three that confront the "Bronco Buster." He must decide to whom his loyalties belong and what direction his career should take. In order to do so, he must take a hard look inside himself and determine who he really is and what his true purpose in life is. Is he Kane's ally - destined to be mentor to a powerful yet vulnerable friend? Or is X-Pac simply DX at heart - a rebel whose very essence is the pursuit of "coolness?" Or does X-Pac's need to run with the big boys - perhaps to compensate for feelings of inadequacy - override all others?

Each path would fulfill an innate desire within X-Pac - one of status and reputation, one of intimacy and feeling needed and one of creativity and recklessness. The question is, which desire is most compelling?

X-Pac found in DX an environment where he was able to cut loose and express his rebellious nature. There, X-Pac had the freedom to let it all out and to defy authority - all with the backing of other like-minded individuals.

DX was a tight-knit group. It was a family, and a very loyal one at that. Triple H, Billy Gunn, Chyna, Road Dogg and X-Pac all subscribed to the same set of values and beliefs - a "degenerate" lifestyle. X-Pac was able to carry that and live a rebellious existence - the ultimate cool.

Although DX as a group is no more, their essence certainly lives on. Will X-Pac choose the DX green glow? Will he return to the degenerate way of life and carry on that tradition of defiance of authority?

And then there is Kane. First paired up due to booking rather than affinity, the twosome proved to be one of the most intense tag teams in World Wrestling Federation history. This intensity went beyond the mat. True, Chyna once caught Kane's attention; and Kane's father, Paul Bearer, had psychologically tormented and controlled the "Big Red Machine." But X-Pac was the first to truly touch Kane's soul, to guide Kane to his own heart and give him the courage to realize his human potential, which was always there buried deep inside. X-Pac and Kane...worked together like magic.

X-Pac was amazing with Kane - his fearlessness was astounding, especially as Kane had a reputation for being an unpredictable sociopath. And with Kane not only did X-Pac achieve great tag team status in the Federation, but he also discovered the genuine one-on-one friendship he had never discovered, even in DX.

It is no secret that X-Pac has always been self-conscious about his size disadvantage, and time and again he has tried to prove himself to be on the same page as the giants, such as the Undertaker. It wasn't too long ago that X-Pac ordered Kane not to interfere in his match against Chris Jericho. Much to his chagrin, however, Kane did interfere and caused X-Pac much shame and humiliation. X-Pac wants to play in the major leagues - and with Undertaker and Big Show that need could be satisfied. However, if X-Pac chooses this path, he will be in league with more than he bargained for - he will be looking evil right in the eye.

Perhaps there is more here than meets the eye, however. It could very well be that X-Pac has a dark side unbeknownst to all and that only with Undertaker does he feel he can truly explore and fulfill his dark potential...

What about consequences? If X-Pac returned to the degenerate lifestyle, it would be a lonely existence at best. The other members have left the next and created new identities for themselves. To return to the DX way might very well be the demise of X-Pac - very soon he'd be out of style.

If X-Pac decides to remain loyal to Kane, he will have a true friend for life and a good career in the Federation, although possibly a limited one. A strong friendship may not be enough for X-Pac. Because of Kane's social maladjustment, X-Pac could be limited in his creativity and progress. He would also have the Undertaker continually out to destroy him.

If evil tempts X-Pac and he enters into a deal with the Undertaker and Big Show, he has lost Kane forever. He also tarnishes his reputation - he could very well be perceived as a sell-out. Most important, however, is that if X-Pac goes down the dark path of destruction, he may lose his soul...

Three choices, three completely different paths to take that will significantly and permanently alter X-Pac's career in the Federation, as well as his life and reputation. Whichever road he takes, and whether he goes back to DX or falls under the Undertaker's influence, how will Kane react? What if X-Pac does not choose either path, but instead creates his own - one offering ties to all three choices - ultimately becoming his own man? With the new millenium fast approaching, the "Bronco Buster" may surprise us all and become a pioneer of the 21st century - a true man of the '00s.

Perhaps their alliance was doomed from the start, but no one can deny their success and effectiveness as a team.

The origination of these articles

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