Post by PANTHRO on Jun 13, 2013 21:59:48 GMT -6
Everyone's Got A Problem.
When you look at me what do you see? A 6’5” two hundred and sixty-five pound monster? A clumsy video game loving hulk of a nerd? Maybe a family loving, friendly neighborhood black guy? Maybe a thug, a poser, an arrogant prick. What do you label me as in your head? You get these labels put on you, people make things up on their own. I mean that’s how rumors happen.....that’s how gossip starts. It never ends when it comes to me y’know? I try to do right, and wherever I go...I have people degrading me...and believing that...I don’t fit in a certain part of society. I couldn’t fit in the NFL or I can’t fit in pro wrestling.
People have been giving me this funny look. Like I stole something from somebody, like I'm suddenly the bad guy in this situation with me winning the title and the company making the decision of letting me hold the belt. I fought my ass off and the people who TRULY...supported me said I did a good job. The company and my friends have been nothing but supportive and I thank God I landed in a company like this because there is no way I’d be able to survive in any other place other than Exodus. I’ve been treated fair, I’ve given it my all, but at the end of the day I got guys called me a fluke behind my back.
And it doesn’t hurt me mentally, no, the talk has been going on since I was a kid. What it does is motivate me, what it does is make me strong and want to fight harder. It makes me a man, and it makes hungry. There’s this guy uhm...Zero, and his entire argument against me was....”If I was a really fucking man...” And this is exact words, “I would challenge them again.” and I guess, he didn’t read my Tweet after the match. I said I would down...to set the record straight, meaning I would welcome a rematch.
And it irked me a little bit that after I say something like that, someone’s gotta open their mouth and think they know what goes on, and they make an ass out of themselves. So I wanted to let anyone who’s willing to listen know that if they wanna shot at the belt I am DOWN for a fight. I ain’t got shit to lose but my pride, and if I lose I know I lost to the better man. So please, you got a problem, take it up with me. I don’t want to see a tweet about it, I don’t wanna hear you talk at me, I want you to talk to me face to face.
I went to Japan, I fought hard, and I earned the belt. No matter what you say, I...FOUGHT. It might not be enough because Lord knows there are many perfectionists in pro wrestling nowadays who believe THEY KNOW what’s best for the business when at the end of it, it’s based off of envy or just down right hatin’. To my friends, to the company, thank you...for giving me a chance and backing me on everything I do, I honest to God love you all for being there for me. And to those selected few, those people who CONTINUE to set themselves as the standard of this business, who think I don’t fit in their world, or think I shouldn’t BE a champion? The Big L says...
Get Over It.
I was back in New York, feeling fresh and a bit relieved. They gave me a chance to prove myself, then handed me a playbook. My heart was beating hard and I couldn’t believe it, would I be able to play a real NFL game..?! I sat in that hotel room reading over that book. I just couldn’t sleep I was so excited. I didn’t know what to do...so...I called my parents. I dialed the number and hoped they hadn’t gone to bed yet. After four rings I heard the phone getting picked up.
Mom: ….Hello...?
Steve Lenton: Hey....mom...?!
Mom: Hey Steve...what’s goin’ on you make it to New York fine, baby?
Steve Lenton: Uh yeah, yeah, hey uhm....where’s dad?
Mom: Getting ready to head to bed why?
Steve Lenton: Bring’em to the phone.
Mom: Everythin’ alright up there...?
Steve Lenton: Yeah, I uh...just want’em to hear this.
Mom: ….KURT.
Dad (in the distance): What?
Mom: Steve’s on the phone.
Dad (in the distance): ...Alright, hold on!
I wait for a moment....
Mom: ….He’s puttin’ his pants back on.
Steve Lenton: What’s he doin’ with his pants on?
Mom: Boy it’s a Friday night, and your daddy’s off work for the next few days, I’ma get mine tonight.
That was gross to hear.
Steve Lenton: Thanks for the image mom.
Mom: Better stop acting shy, I want some grandkids soon.
Steve Lenton: MA.
Mom: Here he is, talk to your son!
Dad: Hey Steve...!
Steve Lenton: Hope I wasn’t interrupting anything...
Dad: Naw, naw....get the candles and the sparkling apple juice ready....so what’s up?!
Steve Lenton: Well, remember what you said to me when we went fishing? Wait and good things will come right...?
Dad: Mmmmhm.
Steve Lenton: ….Well, I got my playbook today!
Dad: YOU DID?!
Steve Lenton: Yeah!
Dad: DEB!!!!
Mom: Huh...?!
Dad: STEVE MADE THE TEAM.
I heard a loud joyous scream.
Mom: OH MY GOD!!!!!
Steve Lenton: Now it’s nothing official, I just...gotta play well for this preseason and I might make the team!
Dad: ALRIGHT!!!
Mom: I’MA GET A NEW DRESS, EARRINGS, SHOES...--
Dad: DEBORAH CALM DOWN! Alright Steve, you got and celebrate tonight. Me and your mom are gonna go celebrate in a lil’ bit too.
Steve Lenton: Uh, okay! I’ll...talk to you later then?
Dad: You bet. Night son. C’MERE GIRL.
I heard giggles before my dad hung up. I laughed for a moment before hanging up. This was a big deal for me. I didn’t think I’d set foot in the NFL, but now...now I’m here. I couldn’t control my excitement, so long to having a good night’s rest. I sat up in my bed and just continued to read...maybe that would help.
My heart was racing.
I stood in that hallway and started to breathe heavily. This was it, the big show, this was where it was going to start...my brand new life. This was the first preseason game against Colts. The fans began to roar and I felt a bit uneasy. I felt someone slap my helmet. London Fletcher glared at me with a big smirk. London Fletcher was ready to play, I wish I could get as amped as him, but my nerves were starting to get to me. I played in front of big crowds before back in college ball, but this transition...it was--
London Fletcher: C’mon Rook, this is the big time, look excited!!!
Steve Lenton: I’m tryin’ but I can’t get my hands to stop shaking!!
London Fletcher: Know what’ll cure that shit right up?!
Steve Lenton: What...?!?
The group started to move and we were out on the field. My eyes wandered as I saw the crowd cheering. I felt special for that moment...I felt....great. I didn’t get to play really, not until the last few minutes of the game. They let me in the huddle and I heard the play, I was ready for anything. They had their backup, ready to snap the ball. I saw what they were trying to do. They took the ball and started to run. I shed a block and started to pursue the ball. Suddenly I got blindsided by a guard, nearly took my head off with that block. I laid on the ground for a few moments and saw him looking at me with a smirk.
Offensive Guard: Welcome to the NFL bitch! Ain’t like college ball huh? Where you can buy your awards huh boy? Get your black ass up, I ain’t done with you.
Steve Lenton: ….
I stood up and and limped a bit and shook the loose screws in my head tight. I glared as he walked off. He glanced at me and chuckled talking to the other guards. I turn to the defense with bad intentions in my eyes.
Steve Lenton: #63....he’s mine.
They looked at each other and shrugged. I go back to my position and glared him down, he looked like he wasn’t paying much attention to me. “Black 84!! Black 84!!! HIKE!” that was a signal. I ran up towards him and smacked him as hard as I could in the helmet, his neck snapped to the side and he fell down. I ran towards his QB and nearly knocked him across the field. I stepped over and back towards that lineman who gave me lip. I look down at him.
Steve Lenton: You’re lucky this is a preseason fatass.....
I step over him and back to the huddle. He got up shook up, so did his QB. I heard it from their crowd, cursing and shouting at my hit. I didn’t even care at this point. The guys in the huddle looked at me with a straight face. I knew I was going to have it from the older guys. But they laughed and smacked my helmet, accepting me. The coach gave me a tongue lashing about it though. I say it was worth it. I went to sit on the bench and London Fletcher came over laughing at me. He put a hand on my shoulder and lends down.
London Fletcher: How you feelin’ now...?!
Steve Lenton: Pissed off, but....lovin’ every minute of it!!
London Fletcher: THAT’S what I wanna hear!! HAHAHA!
He pats me on the shoulder twice and goes back to stand up on the sidelines. I sat there and thought about it for a moment. People got to see what I could do...and on top of that, I was going to make it...I knew I was. I had a feeling that this was going to be a great start to a great career....at least I thought. You know what they say...
Things Never Turn Out The Way You Want...
I was seen sitting down in front of a table, the International Championship was gleaming in the sunshine. I sat there parked on a workout bench, drenched in sweat and lookin’ swole like usual. I placed my hands together and started to form my thoughts. If you couldn’t tell by now I was kind of worn out. Things were running through my head, I realized that I was going to get a lot of scrutiny for last weeks iPPV. So I was going to have to make this clear, and make it known what my feelings were.
Steve Lenton: Last week, I went through a tough match, a really tough match against two of Exodus Pro’s best. Heather Halliwell, and Christian Kane, put me through the toughest match in my career here in this company. I don’t deny it, the odds were against me, not a lot of people thought I would make it out with the strap. But here I am, with the belt, holding it close to me, like it’s my life support, because it means THAT MUCH, to The Big L. And so here it goes, every jackass, douchebag, bitchass, and everything in between wants to state “facts” that it was a fluke. Wanna know what else is considered a fluke, winning the lottery, finding a quarter on the street, g’damn BINGO.
What I did--what I FOUGHT for--what I trained for...was not a fluke. You could say what you want, you could say I-I’m...not cut out to be champ, I’m not good enough to hold this belt. I welcome it, it brings me comfort, comfort in knowing I’m going to prove you wrong. So bring me your best and bring me what you consider is your A material, because I’m ready for ANYONE who believes they have what it takes to take this title away from me. Now that The Big L’s got that heavy shit off his chest. Let’em get crackin’ at this show.
Big main event, a huge one comin’ up! The Big L aligns himself, with the World Champ, one half of “Team Friendship” the lil’ mama herself, FIona Rourke. Then we got Mr. Attitude over here Blake Jones, who I consider the anchor of this team. They think we ain’t got the chemistry, that we’re not gonna be able to win this match, that we’re going to step on each other’s toes; The Big L ain’t got time for that mumbo jumbo ass crap! He knows what he’s gotta do in this match, doesn’t need to read a guide for that. He’s a team player, has always been one, nothing changed. He believes in his team just as much as they believe in him. The Big L sees Blake Jones, hungry, determined, wanting to prove himself in this company. Blake, I want you to know somethin’, The Big L won’t get in your way. Hey, you wanna crack at these guys, you want’em to know you’re nobody to screw with then hey...
I hold my hands up with a content expression, shaking my head some to let’em know I wouldn’t hold him back.
Steve Lenton: By all means don’t let The Big L stop you. However, let’s be clear, we...are a team, we look out for each other, because at the end of the night, we’ve got three assholes who are trying to bring LEGION some momentum by beating two of the company’s champions and a rising star. YEAH you’re on the rise, you’re makin’ things happen Blake, so be the guy who puts the team first. I don’t give two shits and a dill pickle about anything else, we WIN this match and you win the respect of any naysayers in your ear. Speaking of which....
I adjust the belt on the bench sitting in front of me. I blink and give a smirk at the camera.
Steve Lenton: Zero, lemme welcome you to Exodus, even though we heard from your big forehead havin’ ass a good month ago. You gotta lot of mouth, and nothing but shit comin’ from it. But hey, The Big L likes that about you, you ain’t afraid to let your voice be heard. Just as much as you like to talk shit about somebody you don’t even have a clue is.
Youtube and Twitter are your only source of how you even know WHO I am, what I’ve done, and who I’ve faced. While you’ve been running your mouth for a good fuckin’ month, I was bustin’ my ass. Yeah, I was busting my ass. If I didn’t have somebody in my ear tellin’ me I was a poser who spoke in third person, I had guys like you--who of course had portional faces--tellin’ me that I haven’t had real competition yet...
“Unless I face them.”
Which to The Big L is like sayin’ that, my foot has gotten tired from kickin’ so much ass lately that you’re an exception. Lemme break it down to you like this Captain Caveman: Whatever cave you crawled out of, spoiled you. They gave you the impression that you’ll get far by pounding your iPhone keypad with your asscheeks to spew bullshit on Twitter. Not only that but talk about nothing and seem as though you said a lot. Lemme give you a nice lil’ sayin’ I use to hear when I was growin’ up...
I pretend as if I was trying to remember it. I hold my hand out and begin to move my hand along with the words I spoke.
Steve Lenton: “Don’t let your mouth write a check your ass can’t cash....
I look back with a serious expression, then give a half-hearted smirk.
Steve Lenton: “Homie.” Which means, when translated, don’t talk shit if you don’t want YOUR shit to get kicked in. I don’t care where you have been, I don’t care what you have done, I don’t even care what your real damned name is, and quite frankly, I don’t even care what you STAND for in this entire war between the LEGION and EXODUS. All I know is your team is in a lot of trouble now that they have someone like you gabbering it up. Your ass kicking is just beginning to marinate Zero, don’t add anymore to it unless it’s going to be too strong for you. And before I finish up with you, I wanna talk to you about this...right here.
I hold it up towards the camera with a serious glare in my eyes.
Steve Lenton: “Second rate” as you call it is disrespectful, not to me, call me whatever you WANT...but to this belt. History lesson Quark pay attention...this belt that I hold is the FIRST...the very FIRST championship sanctioned by Exodus Pro. This means this belt is the first ever belt in Ex-Pro. It’s been held by TWO people, which cements their name in the history books. My name, being the fourth on that list...means I’m apart of history. However it’s up to ME how I go down in those books Zero. You wanna say I ain’t shit until I win the World Championship, well, I’m gonna put my chips down on the table and say I’ll get there way before YOU DO. Your attitude, the way you carry yourself, your fucking ego....you got the makings of someone who could have had a lot of potential, but his big ass mouth got’em in trouble. So in the main event, THE BIG STAGE, here’s what The Big L wants you to do Zero: Bring your iPhone to ringside, have your gastroenterologist on speed dial. Because The Big L is going to shove his boot SO FAR up your ass it’ll fill that indent at the top of your flat ass head!!
I calm down, breathe and blink two times before taking in another breath of air.
MOVING ON. Zack Lifer, a name that HAS popped up as of late. It’s not a good thing either, because from what I understand he’s been stirring up trouble for Heather and Dom, two of my friends who seem him as nothing but a wedge between their relationship, which, by the way shouldn’t be any concern of his. You seem like the type of guy who likes to play puppeteer. Everyone’s got a set of strings that can be pulled and you’re just the guy who can do it. Maybe there was a coat cased over my eyes as to who you are, or I’m just....missing something. But people who try and cause problems with my friends.
Officially have problems with me.
I don’t know what your game is, I don’t know what there is for you at the end of this all, but I’ll reassure you this: I ain’t gonna take you lightly. You’re dangerous, pretty much unpredictable, you’re the maverick on your team. You’ve had a successful career, had a place in the business to call your own. Me? As you can see, I just scratched the surface. People just have high expectations for me. I believe I’m just getting started. Lifer, The Big L he knows...at least he thinks he knows what he’s in for. But the truth of it all is, I can guess what you’re going to do or see for myself. What the Big L does know, Zack, you’ll stoop to any level if it gains your advantage, whether you think it’s good or bad. So until I see it, I’ll be waiting for you on Sunday.
I stop for a moment and think about the last person. I had history with him and his group. I glare at the camera lens with a solemn expression in my brown eyes.
Steve Lenton: Then.....there’s Chase. Kameron Chase, one of the founding members of that cesspool of a group LEGION. You’ve been a thorn in my brown ass along with your even worse of a half Daisuke Iwakuma. Chase, I want you to know The Big L hasn’t forgotten the grief you’ve given him. When your little posse ran a muck around Ex-Pro, when you tried to take all of the belts, The Big L knew this was trouble. Now look at you, the last time I saw ya, I your asses were getting put through tables and having chairs wrapped around your skull.
But he knows you’re capable of anything, and he ALSO...knows that your group is large in numbers. If you try and pull any of that shit in this match, The Big L guaran-DAMN-tees he’s gonna be makin’ a Human Centipede on Sunday night. Let this be a warnin’, Hell, let it be a warning to the other two in our match. Sunday, in the main event, in front of THOUSANDS in the arena, and MILLIONS out in the world. Fiona Rourke, Blake Jones, and The ONE...and ONLY....The Big L, Steve Lenton...sweep this LEGION dirt under the rug....
I hold up my left index finger.
Steve Lenton: Once.
I then slowly retract it back, forming a fist with a intense glare.
Steve Lenton: And for all.
I take the title and drape it over my waist. I lean back on the bench and get ready to do another set. I was killing time talking when I could have been preparing for this match. I grab a hold of the barbell and start to go to work. The camera lens zoomed in on my title and began to fade away steadily. In just three days, I’d go back to San Diego, and chop off the last head of LEGION...and I wouldn’t be alone.
Fade. Static. End.
When you look at me what do you see? A 6’5” two hundred and sixty-five pound monster? A clumsy video game loving hulk of a nerd? Maybe a family loving, friendly neighborhood black guy? Maybe a thug, a poser, an arrogant prick. What do you label me as in your head? You get these labels put on you, people make things up on their own. I mean that’s how rumors happen.....that’s how gossip starts. It never ends when it comes to me y’know? I try to do right, and wherever I go...I have people degrading me...and believing that...I don’t fit in a certain part of society. I couldn’t fit in the NFL or I can’t fit in pro wrestling.
People have been giving me this funny look. Like I stole something from somebody, like I'm suddenly the bad guy in this situation with me winning the title and the company making the decision of letting me hold the belt. I fought my ass off and the people who TRULY...supported me said I did a good job. The company and my friends have been nothing but supportive and I thank God I landed in a company like this because there is no way I’d be able to survive in any other place other than Exodus. I’ve been treated fair, I’ve given it my all, but at the end of the day I got guys called me a fluke behind my back.
And it doesn’t hurt me mentally, no, the talk has been going on since I was a kid. What it does is motivate me, what it does is make me strong and want to fight harder. It makes me a man, and it makes hungry. There’s this guy uhm...Zero, and his entire argument against me was....”If I was a really fucking man...” And this is exact words, “I would challenge them again.” and I guess, he didn’t read my Tweet after the match. I said I would down...to set the record straight, meaning I would welcome a rematch.
And it irked me a little bit that after I say something like that, someone’s gotta open their mouth and think they know what goes on, and they make an ass out of themselves. So I wanted to let anyone who’s willing to listen know that if they wanna shot at the belt I am DOWN for a fight. I ain’t got shit to lose but my pride, and if I lose I know I lost to the better man. So please, you got a problem, take it up with me. I don’t want to see a tweet about it, I don’t wanna hear you talk at me, I want you to talk to me face to face.
I went to Japan, I fought hard, and I earned the belt. No matter what you say, I...FOUGHT. It might not be enough because Lord knows there are many perfectionists in pro wrestling nowadays who believe THEY KNOW what’s best for the business when at the end of it, it’s based off of envy or just down right hatin’. To my friends, to the company, thank you...for giving me a chance and backing me on everything I do, I honest to God love you all for being there for me. And to those selected few, those people who CONTINUE to set themselves as the standard of this business, who think I don’t fit in their world, or think I shouldn’t BE a champion? The Big L says...
Get Over It.
I was back in New York, feeling fresh and a bit relieved. They gave me a chance to prove myself, then handed me a playbook. My heart was beating hard and I couldn’t believe it, would I be able to play a real NFL game..?! I sat in that hotel room reading over that book. I just couldn’t sleep I was so excited. I didn’t know what to do...so...I called my parents. I dialed the number and hoped they hadn’t gone to bed yet. After four rings I heard the phone getting picked up.
Mom: ….Hello...?
Steve Lenton: Hey....mom...?!
Mom: Hey Steve...what’s goin’ on you make it to New York fine, baby?
Steve Lenton: Uh yeah, yeah, hey uhm....where’s dad?
Mom: Getting ready to head to bed why?
Steve Lenton: Bring’em to the phone.
Mom: Everythin’ alright up there...?
Steve Lenton: Yeah, I uh...just want’em to hear this.
Mom: ….KURT.
Dad (in the distance): What?
Mom: Steve’s on the phone.
Dad (in the distance): ...Alright, hold on!
I wait for a moment....
Mom: ….He’s puttin’ his pants back on.
Steve Lenton: What’s he doin’ with his pants on?
Mom: Boy it’s a Friday night, and your daddy’s off work for the next few days, I’ma get mine tonight.
That was gross to hear.
Steve Lenton: Thanks for the image mom.
Mom: Better stop acting shy, I want some grandkids soon.
Steve Lenton: MA.
Mom: Here he is, talk to your son!
Dad: Hey Steve...!
Steve Lenton: Hope I wasn’t interrupting anything...
Dad: Naw, naw....get the candles and the sparkling apple juice ready....so what’s up?!
Steve Lenton: Well, remember what you said to me when we went fishing? Wait and good things will come right...?
Dad: Mmmmhm.
Steve Lenton: ….Well, I got my playbook today!
Dad: YOU DID?!
Steve Lenton: Yeah!
Dad: DEB!!!!
Mom: Huh...?!
Dad: STEVE MADE THE TEAM.
I heard a loud joyous scream.
Mom: OH MY GOD!!!!!
Steve Lenton: Now it’s nothing official, I just...gotta play well for this preseason and I might make the team!
Dad: ALRIGHT!!!
Mom: I’MA GET A NEW DRESS, EARRINGS, SHOES...--
Dad: DEBORAH CALM DOWN! Alright Steve, you got and celebrate tonight. Me and your mom are gonna go celebrate in a lil’ bit too.
Steve Lenton: Uh, okay! I’ll...talk to you later then?
Dad: You bet. Night son. C’MERE GIRL.
I heard giggles before my dad hung up. I laughed for a moment before hanging up. This was a big deal for me. I didn’t think I’d set foot in the NFL, but now...now I’m here. I couldn’t control my excitement, so long to having a good night’s rest. I sat up in my bed and just continued to read...maybe that would help.
My heart was racing.
I stood in that hallway and started to breathe heavily. This was it, the big show, this was where it was going to start...my brand new life. This was the first preseason game against Colts. The fans began to roar and I felt a bit uneasy. I felt someone slap my helmet. London Fletcher glared at me with a big smirk. London Fletcher was ready to play, I wish I could get as amped as him, but my nerves were starting to get to me. I played in front of big crowds before back in college ball, but this transition...it was--
London Fletcher: C’mon Rook, this is the big time, look excited!!!
Steve Lenton: I’m tryin’ but I can’t get my hands to stop shaking!!
London Fletcher: Know what’ll cure that shit right up?!
Steve Lenton: What...?!?
The group started to move and we were out on the field. My eyes wandered as I saw the crowd cheering. I felt special for that moment...I felt....great. I didn’t get to play really, not until the last few minutes of the game. They let me in the huddle and I heard the play, I was ready for anything. They had their backup, ready to snap the ball. I saw what they were trying to do. They took the ball and started to run. I shed a block and started to pursue the ball. Suddenly I got blindsided by a guard, nearly took my head off with that block. I laid on the ground for a few moments and saw him looking at me with a smirk.
Offensive Guard: Welcome to the NFL bitch! Ain’t like college ball huh? Where you can buy your awards huh boy? Get your black ass up, I ain’t done with you.
Steve Lenton: ….
I stood up and and limped a bit and shook the loose screws in my head tight. I glared as he walked off. He glanced at me and chuckled talking to the other guards. I turn to the defense with bad intentions in my eyes.
Steve Lenton: #63....he’s mine.
They looked at each other and shrugged. I go back to my position and glared him down, he looked like he wasn’t paying much attention to me. “Black 84!! Black 84!!! HIKE!” that was a signal. I ran up towards him and smacked him as hard as I could in the helmet, his neck snapped to the side and he fell down. I ran towards his QB and nearly knocked him across the field. I stepped over and back towards that lineman who gave me lip. I look down at him.
Steve Lenton: You’re lucky this is a preseason fatass.....
I step over him and back to the huddle. He got up shook up, so did his QB. I heard it from their crowd, cursing and shouting at my hit. I didn’t even care at this point. The guys in the huddle looked at me with a straight face. I knew I was going to have it from the older guys. But they laughed and smacked my helmet, accepting me. The coach gave me a tongue lashing about it though. I say it was worth it. I went to sit on the bench and London Fletcher came over laughing at me. He put a hand on my shoulder and lends down.
London Fletcher: How you feelin’ now...?!
Steve Lenton: Pissed off, but....lovin’ every minute of it!!
London Fletcher: THAT’S what I wanna hear!! HAHAHA!
He pats me on the shoulder twice and goes back to stand up on the sidelines. I sat there and thought about it for a moment. People got to see what I could do...and on top of that, I was going to make it...I knew I was. I had a feeling that this was going to be a great start to a great career....at least I thought. You know what they say...
Things Never Turn Out The Way You Want...
I was seen sitting down in front of a table, the International Championship was gleaming in the sunshine. I sat there parked on a workout bench, drenched in sweat and lookin’ swole like usual. I placed my hands together and started to form my thoughts. If you couldn’t tell by now I was kind of worn out. Things were running through my head, I realized that I was going to get a lot of scrutiny for last weeks iPPV. So I was going to have to make this clear, and make it known what my feelings were.
Steve Lenton: Last week, I went through a tough match, a really tough match against two of Exodus Pro’s best. Heather Halliwell, and Christian Kane, put me through the toughest match in my career here in this company. I don’t deny it, the odds were against me, not a lot of people thought I would make it out with the strap. But here I am, with the belt, holding it close to me, like it’s my life support, because it means THAT MUCH, to The Big L. And so here it goes, every jackass, douchebag, bitchass, and everything in between wants to state “facts” that it was a fluke. Wanna know what else is considered a fluke, winning the lottery, finding a quarter on the street, g’damn BINGO.
What I did--what I FOUGHT for--what I trained for...was not a fluke. You could say what you want, you could say I-I’m...not cut out to be champ, I’m not good enough to hold this belt. I welcome it, it brings me comfort, comfort in knowing I’m going to prove you wrong. So bring me your best and bring me what you consider is your A material, because I’m ready for ANYONE who believes they have what it takes to take this title away from me. Now that The Big L’s got that heavy shit off his chest. Let’em get crackin’ at this show.
Big main event, a huge one comin’ up! The Big L aligns himself, with the World Champ, one half of “Team Friendship” the lil’ mama herself, FIona Rourke. Then we got Mr. Attitude over here Blake Jones, who I consider the anchor of this team. They think we ain’t got the chemistry, that we’re not gonna be able to win this match, that we’re going to step on each other’s toes; The Big L ain’t got time for that mumbo jumbo ass crap! He knows what he’s gotta do in this match, doesn’t need to read a guide for that. He’s a team player, has always been one, nothing changed. He believes in his team just as much as they believe in him. The Big L sees Blake Jones, hungry, determined, wanting to prove himself in this company. Blake, I want you to know somethin’, The Big L won’t get in your way. Hey, you wanna crack at these guys, you want’em to know you’re nobody to screw with then hey...
I hold my hands up with a content expression, shaking my head some to let’em know I wouldn’t hold him back.
Steve Lenton: By all means don’t let The Big L stop you. However, let’s be clear, we...are a team, we look out for each other, because at the end of the night, we’ve got three assholes who are trying to bring LEGION some momentum by beating two of the company’s champions and a rising star. YEAH you’re on the rise, you’re makin’ things happen Blake, so be the guy who puts the team first. I don’t give two shits and a dill pickle about anything else, we WIN this match and you win the respect of any naysayers in your ear. Speaking of which....
I adjust the belt on the bench sitting in front of me. I blink and give a smirk at the camera.
Steve Lenton: Zero, lemme welcome you to Exodus, even though we heard from your big forehead havin’ ass a good month ago. You gotta lot of mouth, and nothing but shit comin’ from it. But hey, The Big L likes that about you, you ain’t afraid to let your voice be heard. Just as much as you like to talk shit about somebody you don’t even have a clue is.
Youtube and Twitter are your only source of how you even know WHO I am, what I’ve done, and who I’ve faced. While you’ve been running your mouth for a good fuckin’ month, I was bustin’ my ass. Yeah, I was busting my ass. If I didn’t have somebody in my ear tellin’ me I was a poser who spoke in third person, I had guys like you--who of course had portional faces--tellin’ me that I haven’t had real competition yet...
“Unless I face them.”
Which to The Big L is like sayin’ that, my foot has gotten tired from kickin’ so much ass lately that you’re an exception. Lemme break it down to you like this Captain Caveman: Whatever cave you crawled out of, spoiled you. They gave you the impression that you’ll get far by pounding your iPhone keypad with your asscheeks to spew bullshit on Twitter. Not only that but talk about nothing and seem as though you said a lot. Lemme give you a nice lil’ sayin’ I use to hear when I was growin’ up...
I pretend as if I was trying to remember it. I hold my hand out and begin to move my hand along with the words I spoke.
Steve Lenton: “Don’t let your mouth write a check your ass can’t cash....
I look back with a serious expression, then give a half-hearted smirk.
Steve Lenton: “Homie.” Which means, when translated, don’t talk shit if you don’t want YOUR shit to get kicked in. I don’t care where you have been, I don’t care what you have done, I don’t even care what your real damned name is, and quite frankly, I don’t even care what you STAND for in this entire war between the LEGION and EXODUS. All I know is your team is in a lot of trouble now that they have someone like you gabbering it up. Your ass kicking is just beginning to marinate Zero, don’t add anymore to it unless it’s going to be too strong for you. And before I finish up with you, I wanna talk to you about this...right here.
I hold it up towards the camera with a serious glare in my eyes.
Steve Lenton: “Second rate” as you call it is disrespectful, not to me, call me whatever you WANT...but to this belt. History lesson Quark pay attention...this belt that I hold is the FIRST...the very FIRST championship sanctioned by Exodus Pro. This means this belt is the first ever belt in Ex-Pro. It’s been held by TWO people, which cements their name in the history books. My name, being the fourth on that list...means I’m apart of history. However it’s up to ME how I go down in those books Zero. You wanna say I ain’t shit until I win the World Championship, well, I’m gonna put my chips down on the table and say I’ll get there way before YOU DO. Your attitude, the way you carry yourself, your fucking ego....you got the makings of someone who could have had a lot of potential, but his big ass mouth got’em in trouble. So in the main event, THE BIG STAGE, here’s what The Big L wants you to do Zero: Bring your iPhone to ringside, have your gastroenterologist on speed dial. Because The Big L is going to shove his boot SO FAR up your ass it’ll fill that indent at the top of your flat ass head!!
I calm down, breathe and blink two times before taking in another breath of air.
MOVING ON. Zack Lifer, a name that HAS popped up as of late. It’s not a good thing either, because from what I understand he’s been stirring up trouble for Heather and Dom, two of my friends who seem him as nothing but a wedge between their relationship, which, by the way shouldn’t be any concern of his. You seem like the type of guy who likes to play puppeteer. Everyone’s got a set of strings that can be pulled and you’re just the guy who can do it. Maybe there was a coat cased over my eyes as to who you are, or I’m just....missing something. But people who try and cause problems with my friends.
Officially have problems with me.
I don’t know what your game is, I don’t know what there is for you at the end of this all, but I’ll reassure you this: I ain’t gonna take you lightly. You’re dangerous, pretty much unpredictable, you’re the maverick on your team. You’ve had a successful career, had a place in the business to call your own. Me? As you can see, I just scratched the surface. People just have high expectations for me. I believe I’m just getting started. Lifer, The Big L he knows...at least he thinks he knows what he’s in for. But the truth of it all is, I can guess what you’re going to do or see for myself. What the Big L does know, Zack, you’ll stoop to any level if it gains your advantage, whether you think it’s good or bad. So until I see it, I’ll be waiting for you on Sunday.
I stop for a moment and think about the last person. I had history with him and his group. I glare at the camera lens with a solemn expression in my brown eyes.
Steve Lenton: Then.....there’s Chase. Kameron Chase, one of the founding members of that cesspool of a group LEGION. You’ve been a thorn in my brown ass along with your even worse of a half Daisuke Iwakuma. Chase, I want you to know The Big L hasn’t forgotten the grief you’ve given him. When your little posse ran a muck around Ex-Pro, when you tried to take all of the belts, The Big L knew this was trouble. Now look at you, the last time I saw ya, I your asses were getting put through tables and having chairs wrapped around your skull.
But he knows you’re capable of anything, and he ALSO...knows that your group is large in numbers. If you try and pull any of that shit in this match, The Big L guaran-DAMN-tees he’s gonna be makin’ a Human Centipede on Sunday night. Let this be a warnin’, Hell, let it be a warning to the other two in our match. Sunday, in the main event, in front of THOUSANDS in the arena, and MILLIONS out in the world. Fiona Rourke, Blake Jones, and The ONE...and ONLY....The Big L, Steve Lenton...sweep this LEGION dirt under the rug....
I hold up my left index finger.
Steve Lenton: Once.
I then slowly retract it back, forming a fist with a intense glare.
Steve Lenton: And for all.
I take the title and drape it over my waist. I lean back on the bench and get ready to do another set. I was killing time talking when I could have been preparing for this match. I grab a hold of the barbell and start to go to work. The camera lens zoomed in on my title and began to fade away steadily. In just three days, I’d go back to San Diego, and chop off the last head of LEGION...and I wouldn’t be alone.
Fade. Static. End.