Post by PANTHRO on May 31, 2013 21:54:01 GMT -6
Tell Us What It Takes to Be #1
I want to tell you all a story, there was this kid back in elementary school named Steven who was quiet and very shy around people. He moved from the country, where you didn’t learn anything new unless you went to school or read the newspaper. Suffolk was where he was born and that’s where he lived the most of his childhood. He was a little chubby, didn’t know nothin’ about diets or a lot of exercise, but he had a bit of muscle on’em just enough to help his grandmother out with the crops she harvested out in the fields. Now Hampton was a big city with a lot of people and that’s where his dad’s job was as a shipfitter. So they moved out of their small house and went across the James River Bridge to their new life.
Steven didn’t know anybody in Hampton, and when he went to school a lot of kids saw this chubby kid sit and say nothing and thought he was weird. They use to spread rumors about him, use to take his lunch, and use to bully him on the bus ride home. Those moments were harsh, they were real, and they were what made him a bit depressed, up until middle school. Steven thought this was a fresh start, a new place for him to make new friends. His grades were good, and a lot of kids wanted to buddy with him. So in exchange Steven helped them with homework, gave them answers for said homework, and they would let him have a seat at the lunch table.
But soon the teacher realized that all the homework was copied and everyone wanted to point the finger at Steven, all because he was the easiest to frame. Steven was sent to the principal’s office, and was suspended for five days for cheating. The kids continued their lives, and forgot about’em. When he came back, they treated him like he was a ghost. Steven was angry all of the time, and saw people as nothin’ but bullshitters and liars who wanted something from him. He had a chip on his shoulder and carried it with him throughout the first year of middle school.
His second year he found his calling where he could hit and hurt people, a little game of football. He was big, and taller than the other kids, and they always bagged on him because they believed he was out of shape, almost breathing hard, never knew a thing about working out. The ring leader for all of this was a kid named Javon. He thought he was Mr. Perfect, he played football for the school, and he was their QB. Javon had a lot of people suck up to him, and many of the girls made goo-goo eyes at him. Steve played a game of football on Friday which was a free day. Javon got most of the good people and gave the scraps to us “nerds”.
After we would line up, Javon snapped the ball. Steve pushed, and shoved, and claws his way towards Javon. And when he got to him, Javon was laid out, flew across the field and laid there in pain. The P.E. teachers ran over to see what happened and pulled Steve aside. They acted like they were going to scold him, but Steve was given the idea of taking all of that anger and putting it to use, into football. Throughout middle school Steve put his energy into football and became well liked by everyone, the nerds who he had befriended and some jocks.
High school was the turning point, where he made it big. He was popular, he was modest, and he was liked. Throughout those harsh years growing up it all paid off at the end of the way. And so his goals were reached, and now he set his eyes on ONE goal everybody like him dreamed of...the NFL. And he fought hard for it, he broke school records, he won state championships, awards, he did it all...and he was proud of it. He proved to everyone a simple black kid from the country could make it in the city through guts and determination.
Now look at him...on top of the world. Now Chris....Heather...you gotta be wondering, “What the Hell is Lenton smoking?!?” You gotta be asking why he’s telling us stories, why is he wasting time, get to it. Fine, I’ll make it simple, to be #1 you first have to be a ZERO. Where people look at you and think you aren’t special, where people degrade you, make you feel like SHIT! THAT’S WHEN...the real you blossoms from that cocoon of obscurity...and that...is where...you spread your wings. Steven was trapped in such a thick cocoon...that no one...not even his family believed he would get out of it. And Steven...
…..
Steven...MADE it. What it takes...to be #1....is the will....to face your obstacles head on. And The Big L faces his obstacles head on in Japan, filled with people of different races. Three people into that ring...and ONE....ONE PERSON....LEAVES...as #1!! I mean...this is why I love this sport.
Anything Can Happen.
You may not have a car at all
But remember brothers and sisters
You can still stand tall
Just be thankful for what you've got
“You’re reeling in too much.”
“It’s been out for an hour Dad, the bait is probably gone.”
“Sigh, alright if you say so.”
*laughter* “What, I gotta check!”
Dad: Alright, go ahead.
It was a nice hot summer afternoon and I was enjoying it fishing. It felt nice to finally sit down with my dad. My world was spiraling out of control and I had my parents as a safety net to catch me. My dad took me out to the base where we usually fished. He had been out all day trying to see if anything was biting. Just a few croaker bit, but the crabs were cleaning our lines. This was nice, I loved this relaxing atmosphere. Dad decided to take me out to fish, just to see where my head was...or...where it was going. He sat back with his hands clasped over his belly and his shades on looking out at the water with a content expression. For years I wanted to know what made my dad happy. He had hobbies, things that made him excited for a few moments, but I didn’t know what made him truly...joyful.
I wish some of whatever he had rubbed off on me, so I could feel whole like him. I mean, my life was going down the shitter. I had nothing to fall back on except for maybe my degree. Glad my parents talked me into staying my senior year. As I sat there and watched the waves crash against the pier we were fishing on, I just had to know what made my dad go. It was bugging me, maybe because he was a little too loose and relax. I cross my right leg over my left and leaned back in my seat.
Steve Lenton: Dad...I’ve been meaning to ask you...
Dad: Oh lord, you’re asking something? We’re not just gonna enjoy fishing together....?
Sarcasm, my dad’s signature move....
Steve Lenton: When you were growing up...what did you REALLY wanna do when you were an adult?
Dad: ….Let’s see........hm. I wanted to be....a cartoonist. Back in college I use to love art, big artist in my day. Was really good with my sketches, people said I should do it, maybe post some illustrations in the school newspaper. I remember I had a small little comic in the paper....”Benny the Booger.”
Steve Lenton: You mean that old drawing I saw in Monica’s house?
Dad: Yep, that was how he got his start. Of course there were some drawbacks, I mean, being a cartoonist was hard work, and time consuming. Plus it was hard to get a job in comics. So I took my drawing skills and went in to mechanical engineering.
Steve Lenton: Then...?
Dad: Since Reagan was elected, my school cut my loans, and so I ended up dropping out of college. It was rough, I ended up working where ever a job was available. I worked at NASA...they let me go. I was unemployed for awhile...right around when you and Aaron were born. Your mom support use both, before I got a job as a shipfitter...
Steve Lenton: ...Did it hurt? That you wanted to do something and the door shut right in your face.
Dad: Well yeah Knothead, that's how life works. If human beings were to mope around about everything not going their way we'd be in some trouble. Life, is about trial and error Steve. It's about, knowing when one door closes another presents itself for you to step through. Because you don't get your way, or because you aren't a football player in the NFL that life doesn't matter anymore...you gotta...keep searchin'....fightin'....
Steve Lenton: ...
Dad: Listen, I've told you it doesn't matter whoever you try and make happy, they will not be satisfied. I don't want you to make me happy or proud, I want YOU to make yourself happy and proud.
Steve Lenton: Dad...how can you be so okay with what you have now...? Don't you ever think about what you could be...? What could have happened...?
Dad: Nope. Never. Because I know God had another plan for me, and as you can see, I ain't havin' such a rough time now am I?
Steve Lenton: Heh....nope.
Dad: Steve, things might go your way. Hell, things may never go your way. However, don't ever allow it to claim your life. Football means a lot to you, and I can see it...since you were a little kid, I knew you would find something you want to commit yourself to. Son, no matter what you choose to do, whether it be football, working in a ditch, heck flippin' burgers, you have to be happy with what you got. And when that happens...you'll be happy n' old like me.
Steve Lenton: Not as old as you but...happy!
Dad: Right. Keep tellin' yourself that. Gonna get this belly like your dear ol' man! Watch.
Steve Lenton: Don't curse me like that!
Dad: It's--WHOA, you gotta bite!
Steve Lenton: HOOOLY--
I launched up and grabbed that fishing rod and started to pull and reel. Soon enough, I pulled up a big ass fish. I let out a howl and laughed. Dad gave a big grin and stood up to look at it with me. He put a hand on my neck and shook me in a playful manner.
Dad: ...See...good things come to those who wait.
Steve Lenton: Yeah......yeah you're right.
He was right, about everything. And I was glad I came to him about it. He knew what to say, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Things would come to me, whether bad or good, they would come, and I would face them. There's always an obstacle...you just gotta learn how to hurdle over them and land on your two feet.
"Your Mom isn't gonna believe what you got."
"Yeah, she's gonna have a field day with this bad boy..."
"Yep, well that's more where that came from...take a seat."
"Alright Dad."
Tokyo was littered with people, and for me I stood out the most. A tall tattooed foreigner in a crowd full of Japanese women and men who looked at me like I was some sort of anomaly. I was dressed in a suit, wanting to look good for the show. I was in a nice hotel, it was a suite with a balcony. I glared at the camera as it got close to me. I had a pair of sun shades on, and I slowly took them off. Underneath these shades was a gaze, but not just any kind of gaze I would give in a match. This was a glare, filled with passion, something I hadn’t shown in a few matches. I took in a deep breath and let out a small sigh, as I blink a few times.
Steve Lenton: The Big L...touched down in Japan, full of hope, hope for a bit of payback. See, not too long ago, about two weeks back, I was in a match, a match to face off against a good friend of mine, the Exodus Pro International champ, Heather Halliwell. The Big L had his eyes set, he was ready, he was going to put that walkin’, talkin’ bottle of orange soda Christian Kane away. But before I could do anything, before I could put the final nail in that coffin....he decides to hit me with a chair. Now as The Big L stared up at those lights and heard his big ass monologue about how he was smart and how he was going to be in this title match, here in Tokyo, The Big L contemplated. Y’know this was a good idea, it was the best idea he’s made since coming to Exodus, not for himself persay, but for me.
Because now I have something else to fight for in this match. Kane, let me explain something to you, wrestling isn’t boring. Wrestling had NEVER been boring, wrestling is sculpted by the people who respect the sport, and BELIEVE me, before The Big L was a fan of The Pittsburgh Steelers, he was a fan of the Four Horsemen. The love I have for this business, the bond we SHARE, it runs through my veins as we speak and it’s givin’ The Big L goosebumps! The sport he chose as his home; The one and ONLY thing that he dedicated himself when he was down on his luck, was wrestling. Boring, is for people who haven’t found the true meaning of the business, who haven’t seen the wide spectrum and have had a cynic view of what wrestling should be.
You’ve been warped by this very idea of what it takes to be “THE GUY” in professional wrestling. And y’know what, The Big L can’t feel sorry for someone who knows what the Hell they’re doin’. When you decided to hit me with the chair, when you decided to weasel your way into this title match, The Big L already knew what your character was. You want to talk about how I was the problem with wrestling, because The Big L liked to talk about himself in third person and how he’s just a big poser running around Exodus. No, no you are mistaken. Lemme tell you somethin’ that’s very important to me, and it’s this company. When they signed me, they took a chance on me, but they saw the charisma that oozed through my pores.
And so since then, I’ve fought the toughest bastards in the U.S.A. and HERE in Japan. And now I’m fighting for the International Championship where I will face two of the best in this business. Never will deny you of that title, one of the BEST. But you, will have to accept that when The Big L goes into that ring, lays down some boots in anus, and walks out with the belt, he is indeed cemented his path to being one of THE BEST Exodus has to offer. Now Kane, I know....I know you believe yourself to be the epitome of wrestling. To be honest The Big L was surprised, you gave’em a fight Reese’s Pieces. But that moment you KNEW you couldn’t finish me off, you resorted to using a weapon.
I chuckle, shaking my head in disbelief as my eyes didn’t leave the lense. I lick my lips and reposition myself a bit.
Steve Lenton: Wanna know what I get tired of? Being on the short end of the stick by guys like you. It’s been that way since I joined, it happened with LEGION, it’s happened with Harakiri, and now it’s happening again. The upside of it is, I get to kick your Kool-Aid orange ass up and down Korakuen Hall!! You can SAY what you want, you can say I’m popular because of my look, you can say I’m getting so much attention because I’m another big body takin’ up Exodus Pro’s roster space. MAKE UP ANY EXCUSE YOU WANT! The Big L is here, for one reason, he busted his ass, paid his g’damn dues, and now he’s made it to the TOP. I know it’s a hard pill to swallow Otto the Orange, but you’re just gonna have to DEAL with it. No one knows the correct path to success. We all have this method, this route, this ideology of what it takes to be great. Your formula just happens to be wrong Kane.
But out of the two of you, I rather lose to Heather than to lose to YOU. Speaking of which, Heather....Halliwell. We have formed a friendship for the past few months. You’ve invited me over for dinner, I’ve met your kids, I’ve seen how a kind hearted you can me. Your humility...I will never forget it, and I am in debt to you for being a good friend. But Heather, lil’mama, I just want you to KNOW something. Through this little promo, I have never said a bad thing about you. This isn’t about favoritism, this ain’t about being bias, the truth, the cold hard facts are, I don’t know SHIT...about you. And it’s hard to say something meaningful against a friend, someone that you respect the most. It’s definitely hard for me, because you know what kind of guy I am.
So I’m going to do my best. At Invincible Heather, you were placed inside of the ring with two of the rising stars in wrestling. Ryuji Kamigawa, hitman for hire, tough as nails native of this proud country Japan. And Dom Harter another person I can call friend. You went in there, and made that word Invincible MEAN something. You’ve been right about some things, ain’t about size, how big n’ mean you can be. The Big L’s faced his share of people who don’t even BLINK when they face him. But lil’mama Heather, you need to understand, The Big L don’t expect you to be afraid of his size, but he wants you to be nervous about what he will do when the time comes to face off against you. He knows you understand when the odds are stacked against you, The Big L knows. But Heather....be honest, do you believe lightning is gonna strike twice in two supershows? The Big L respects your ability, y-your tenacity, but The Big L will not, and he means NOT allow you to walk out of this show with that belt. We’re friends, we’re allies, we both are humble human beings...but that belt...is coming home....with ME.
I nod my head and my eyes scan around for a moment, roaming in everlasting thought. I hold my hand towards my heart and have a proud expression.
Steve Lenton: I...owe this sport everything, and everyone believes they’re entitled to everything. They want spotlight, they want to be on the poster, they want the exclusive interviews, more views on Youtube for their promos. Everyone’s all “want, want, want, me, me, me”. People...need to open their eyes...and see that championship or not, it’s not an entitlement. The International Championship, in my eyes, is proof...that this sport has accepted me with open arms. He shows I’ve put forth everything to get here...and that it’s my time. So I want you both to know, I owe this sport everything, it got me off my ass when I was feeling sorry for myself, and turned me into....this. The Big L...owe the sport...and the fans...a win. And he will make good on his debt. Here in Japan, there will be...a new...CHAMPION.
I sniff sharply and shrug my shoulders back. I take my shades and put them on slowly and straighten out my suit jacket. I walk out with a swagger towards the streets of Japan towards the Hall. There might be an interview so I have to look the professional part. After the formalities...came the real business: The Championship. I’m so close I can taste it. The scene begins to take it’s familiar transformation...
Fade. To. Black.
I want to tell you all a story, there was this kid back in elementary school named Steven who was quiet and very shy around people. He moved from the country, where you didn’t learn anything new unless you went to school or read the newspaper. Suffolk was where he was born and that’s where he lived the most of his childhood. He was a little chubby, didn’t know nothin’ about diets or a lot of exercise, but he had a bit of muscle on’em just enough to help his grandmother out with the crops she harvested out in the fields. Now Hampton was a big city with a lot of people and that’s where his dad’s job was as a shipfitter. So they moved out of their small house and went across the James River Bridge to their new life.
Steven didn’t know anybody in Hampton, and when he went to school a lot of kids saw this chubby kid sit and say nothing and thought he was weird. They use to spread rumors about him, use to take his lunch, and use to bully him on the bus ride home. Those moments were harsh, they were real, and they were what made him a bit depressed, up until middle school. Steven thought this was a fresh start, a new place for him to make new friends. His grades were good, and a lot of kids wanted to buddy with him. So in exchange Steven helped them with homework, gave them answers for said homework, and they would let him have a seat at the lunch table.
But soon the teacher realized that all the homework was copied and everyone wanted to point the finger at Steven, all because he was the easiest to frame. Steven was sent to the principal’s office, and was suspended for five days for cheating. The kids continued their lives, and forgot about’em. When he came back, they treated him like he was a ghost. Steven was angry all of the time, and saw people as nothin’ but bullshitters and liars who wanted something from him. He had a chip on his shoulder and carried it with him throughout the first year of middle school.
His second year he found his calling where he could hit and hurt people, a little game of football. He was big, and taller than the other kids, and they always bagged on him because they believed he was out of shape, almost breathing hard, never knew a thing about working out. The ring leader for all of this was a kid named Javon. He thought he was Mr. Perfect, he played football for the school, and he was their QB. Javon had a lot of people suck up to him, and many of the girls made goo-goo eyes at him. Steve played a game of football on Friday which was a free day. Javon got most of the good people and gave the scraps to us “nerds”.
After we would line up, Javon snapped the ball. Steve pushed, and shoved, and claws his way towards Javon. And when he got to him, Javon was laid out, flew across the field and laid there in pain. The P.E. teachers ran over to see what happened and pulled Steve aside. They acted like they were going to scold him, but Steve was given the idea of taking all of that anger and putting it to use, into football. Throughout middle school Steve put his energy into football and became well liked by everyone, the nerds who he had befriended and some jocks.
High school was the turning point, where he made it big. He was popular, he was modest, and he was liked. Throughout those harsh years growing up it all paid off at the end of the way. And so his goals were reached, and now he set his eyes on ONE goal everybody like him dreamed of...the NFL. And he fought hard for it, he broke school records, he won state championships, awards, he did it all...and he was proud of it. He proved to everyone a simple black kid from the country could make it in the city through guts and determination.
Now look at him...on top of the world. Now Chris....Heather...you gotta be wondering, “What the Hell is Lenton smoking?!?” You gotta be asking why he’s telling us stories, why is he wasting time, get to it. Fine, I’ll make it simple, to be #1 you first have to be a ZERO. Where people look at you and think you aren’t special, where people degrade you, make you feel like SHIT! THAT’S WHEN...the real you blossoms from that cocoon of obscurity...and that...is where...you spread your wings. Steven was trapped in such a thick cocoon...that no one...not even his family believed he would get out of it. And Steven...
…..
Steven...MADE it. What it takes...to be #1....is the will....to face your obstacles head on. And The Big L faces his obstacles head on in Japan, filled with people of different races. Three people into that ring...and ONE....ONE PERSON....LEAVES...as #1!! I mean...this is why I love this sport.
Anything Can Happen.
You may not have a car at all
But remember brothers and sisters
You can still stand tall
Just be thankful for what you've got
“You’re reeling in too much.”
“It’s been out for an hour Dad, the bait is probably gone.”
“Sigh, alright if you say so.”
*laughter* “What, I gotta check!”
Dad: Alright, go ahead.
It was a nice hot summer afternoon and I was enjoying it fishing. It felt nice to finally sit down with my dad. My world was spiraling out of control and I had my parents as a safety net to catch me. My dad took me out to the base where we usually fished. He had been out all day trying to see if anything was biting. Just a few croaker bit, but the crabs were cleaning our lines. This was nice, I loved this relaxing atmosphere. Dad decided to take me out to fish, just to see where my head was...or...where it was going. He sat back with his hands clasped over his belly and his shades on looking out at the water with a content expression. For years I wanted to know what made my dad happy. He had hobbies, things that made him excited for a few moments, but I didn’t know what made him truly...joyful.
I wish some of whatever he had rubbed off on me, so I could feel whole like him. I mean, my life was going down the shitter. I had nothing to fall back on except for maybe my degree. Glad my parents talked me into staying my senior year. As I sat there and watched the waves crash against the pier we were fishing on, I just had to know what made my dad go. It was bugging me, maybe because he was a little too loose and relax. I cross my right leg over my left and leaned back in my seat.
Steve Lenton: Dad...I’ve been meaning to ask you...
Dad: Oh lord, you’re asking something? We’re not just gonna enjoy fishing together....?
Sarcasm, my dad’s signature move....
Steve Lenton: When you were growing up...what did you REALLY wanna do when you were an adult?
Dad: ….Let’s see........hm. I wanted to be....a cartoonist. Back in college I use to love art, big artist in my day. Was really good with my sketches, people said I should do it, maybe post some illustrations in the school newspaper. I remember I had a small little comic in the paper....”Benny the Booger.”
Steve Lenton: You mean that old drawing I saw in Monica’s house?
Dad: Yep, that was how he got his start. Of course there were some drawbacks, I mean, being a cartoonist was hard work, and time consuming. Plus it was hard to get a job in comics. So I took my drawing skills and went in to mechanical engineering.
Steve Lenton: Then...?
Dad: Since Reagan was elected, my school cut my loans, and so I ended up dropping out of college. It was rough, I ended up working where ever a job was available. I worked at NASA...they let me go. I was unemployed for awhile...right around when you and Aaron were born. Your mom support use both, before I got a job as a shipfitter...
Steve Lenton: ...Did it hurt? That you wanted to do something and the door shut right in your face.
Dad: Well yeah Knothead, that's how life works. If human beings were to mope around about everything not going their way we'd be in some trouble. Life, is about trial and error Steve. It's about, knowing when one door closes another presents itself for you to step through. Because you don't get your way, or because you aren't a football player in the NFL that life doesn't matter anymore...you gotta...keep searchin'....fightin'....
Steve Lenton: ...
Dad: Listen, I've told you it doesn't matter whoever you try and make happy, they will not be satisfied. I don't want you to make me happy or proud, I want YOU to make yourself happy and proud.
Steve Lenton: Dad...how can you be so okay with what you have now...? Don't you ever think about what you could be...? What could have happened...?
Dad: Nope. Never. Because I know God had another plan for me, and as you can see, I ain't havin' such a rough time now am I?
Steve Lenton: Heh....nope.
Dad: Steve, things might go your way. Hell, things may never go your way. However, don't ever allow it to claim your life. Football means a lot to you, and I can see it...since you were a little kid, I knew you would find something you want to commit yourself to. Son, no matter what you choose to do, whether it be football, working in a ditch, heck flippin' burgers, you have to be happy with what you got. And when that happens...you'll be happy n' old like me.
Steve Lenton: Not as old as you but...happy!
Dad: Right. Keep tellin' yourself that. Gonna get this belly like your dear ol' man! Watch.
Steve Lenton: Don't curse me like that!
Dad: It's--WHOA, you gotta bite!
Steve Lenton: HOOOLY--
I launched up and grabbed that fishing rod and started to pull and reel. Soon enough, I pulled up a big ass fish. I let out a howl and laughed. Dad gave a big grin and stood up to look at it with me. He put a hand on my neck and shook me in a playful manner.
Dad: ...See...good things come to those who wait.
Steve Lenton: Yeah......yeah you're right.
He was right, about everything. And I was glad I came to him about it. He knew what to say, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Things would come to me, whether bad or good, they would come, and I would face them. There's always an obstacle...you just gotta learn how to hurdle over them and land on your two feet.
"Your Mom isn't gonna believe what you got."
"Yeah, she's gonna have a field day with this bad boy..."
"Yep, well that's more where that came from...take a seat."
"Alright Dad."
Tokyo was littered with people, and for me I stood out the most. A tall tattooed foreigner in a crowd full of Japanese women and men who looked at me like I was some sort of anomaly. I was dressed in a suit, wanting to look good for the show. I was in a nice hotel, it was a suite with a balcony. I glared at the camera as it got close to me. I had a pair of sun shades on, and I slowly took them off. Underneath these shades was a gaze, but not just any kind of gaze I would give in a match. This was a glare, filled with passion, something I hadn’t shown in a few matches. I took in a deep breath and let out a small sigh, as I blink a few times.
Steve Lenton: The Big L...touched down in Japan, full of hope, hope for a bit of payback. See, not too long ago, about two weeks back, I was in a match, a match to face off against a good friend of mine, the Exodus Pro International champ, Heather Halliwell. The Big L had his eyes set, he was ready, he was going to put that walkin’, talkin’ bottle of orange soda Christian Kane away. But before I could do anything, before I could put the final nail in that coffin....he decides to hit me with a chair. Now as The Big L stared up at those lights and heard his big ass monologue about how he was smart and how he was going to be in this title match, here in Tokyo, The Big L contemplated. Y’know this was a good idea, it was the best idea he’s made since coming to Exodus, not for himself persay, but for me.
Because now I have something else to fight for in this match. Kane, let me explain something to you, wrestling isn’t boring. Wrestling had NEVER been boring, wrestling is sculpted by the people who respect the sport, and BELIEVE me, before The Big L was a fan of The Pittsburgh Steelers, he was a fan of the Four Horsemen. The love I have for this business, the bond we SHARE, it runs through my veins as we speak and it’s givin’ The Big L goosebumps! The sport he chose as his home; The one and ONLY thing that he dedicated himself when he was down on his luck, was wrestling. Boring, is for people who haven’t found the true meaning of the business, who haven’t seen the wide spectrum and have had a cynic view of what wrestling should be.
You’ve been warped by this very idea of what it takes to be “THE GUY” in professional wrestling. And y’know what, The Big L can’t feel sorry for someone who knows what the Hell they’re doin’. When you decided to hit me with the chair, when you decided to weasel your way into this title match, The Big L already knew what your character was. You want to talk about how I was the problem with wrestling, because The Big L liked to talk about himself in third person and how he’s just a big poser running around Exodus. No, no you are mistaken. Lemme tell you somethin’ that’s very important to me, and it’s this company. When they signed me, they took a chance on me, but they saw the charisma that oozed through my pores.
And so since then, I’ve fought the toughest bastards in the U.S.A. and HERE in Japan. And now I’m fighting for the International Championship where I will face two of the best in this business. Never will deny you of that title, one of the BEST. But you, will have to accept that when The Big L goes into that ring, lays down some boots in anus, and walks out with the belt, he is indeed cemented his path to being one of THE BEST Exodus has to offer. Now Kane, I know....I know you believe yourself to be the epitome of wrestling. To be honest The Big L was surprised, you gave’em a fight Reese’s Pieces. But that moment you KNEW you couldn’t finish me off, you resorted to using a weapon.
I chuckle, shaking my head in disbelief as my eyes didn’t leave the lense. I lick my lips and reposition myself a bit.
Steve Lenton: Wanna know what I get tired of? Being on the short end of the stick by guys like you. It’s been that way since I joined, it happened with LEGION, it’s happened with Harakiri, and now it’s happening again. The upside of it is, I get to kick your Kool-Aid orange ass up and down Korakuen Hall!! You can SAY what you want, you can say I’m popular because of my look, you can say I’m getting so much attention because I’m another big body takin’ up Exodus Pro’s roster space. MAKE UP ANY EXCUSE YOU WANT! The Big L is here, for one reason, he busted his ass, paid his g’damn dues, and now he’s made it to the TOP. I know it’s a hard pill to swallow Otto the Orange, but you’re just gonna have to DEAL with it. No one knows the correct path to success. We all have this method, this route, this ideology of what it takes to be great. Your formula just happens to be wrong Kane.
But out of the two of you, I rather lose to Heather than to lose to YOU. Speaking of which, Heather....Halliwell. We have formed a friendship for the past few months. You’ve invited me over for dinner, I’ve met your kids, I’ve seen how a kind hearted you can me. Your humility...I will never forget it, and I am in debt to you for being a good friend. But Heather, lil’mama, I just want you to KNOW something. Through this little promo, I have never said a bad thing about you. This isn’t about favoritism, this ain’t about being bias, the truth, the cold hard facts are, I don’t know SHIT...about you. And it’s hard to say something meaningful against a friend, someone that you respect the most. It’s definitely hard for me, because you know what kind of guy I am.
So I’m going to do my best. At Invincible Heather, you were placed inside of the ring with two of the rising stars in wrestling. Ryuji Kamigawa, hitman for hire, tough as nails native of this proud country Japan. And Dom Harter another person I can call friend. You went in there, and made that word Invincible MEAN something. You’ve been right about some things, ain’t about size, how big n’ mean you can be. The Big L’s faced his share of people who don’t even BLINK when they face him. But lil’mama Heather, you need to understand, The Big L don’t expect you to be afraid of his size, but he wants you to be nervous about what he will do when the time comes to face off against you. He knows you understand when the odds are stacked against you, The Big L knows. But Heather....be honest, do you believe lightning is gonna strike twice in two supershows? The Big L respects your ability, y-your tenacity, but The Big L will not, and he means NOT allow you to walk out of this show with that belt. We’re friends, we’re allies, we both are humble human beings...but that belt...is coming home....with ME.
I nod my head and my eyes scan around for a moment, roaming in everlasting thought. I hold my hand towards my heart and have a proud expression.
Steve Lenton: I...owe this sport everything, and everyone believes they’re entitled to everything. They want spotlight, they want to be on the poster, they want the exclusive interviews, more views on Youtube for their promos. Everyone’s all “want, want, want, me, me, me”. People...need to open their eyes...and see that championship or not, it’s not an entitlement. The International Championship, in my eyes, is proof...that this sport has accepted me with open arms. He shows I’ve put forth everything to get here...and that it’s my time. So I want you both to know, I owe this sport everything, it got me off my ass when I was feeling sorry for myself, and turned me into....this. The Big L...owe the sport...and the fans...a win. And he will make good on his debt. Here in Japan, there will be...a new...CHAMPION.
I sniff sharply and shrug my shoulders back. I take my shades and put them on slowly and straighten out my suit jacket. I walk out with a swagger towards the streets of Japan towards the Hall. There might be an interview so I have to look the professional part. After the formalities...came the real business: The Championship. I’m so close I can taste it. The scene begins to take it’s familiar transformation...
Fade. To. Black.