Post by PANTHRO on Aug 10, 2013 22:59:13 GMT -6
Prologue: Head Held High.
…
…
I don’t know what to say, or do. I’m angry, I’ve cried over this, and I’ve just feeling sorry for myself since I lost the title. It’s sad to admit defeat; Even more sad when you had a chance to make history, and it all just washed away just like that, without any warning. I talked a big game and it bit me hard in my brown ass and you know what? Through the shit I talked, the promises I made, people have asked me lately was it all WORTH it at the end of the day?
….Damn right it was!
What kind of man would I be to let this keep me down?! What kind of CHAMP am I going to become if I let shit like this get me down?! It hurts, it hurts so bad that I just want something to sooth; Like the night I left Endgame and sobbed backstage in private where no one could see me! It felt good at the moment, it made me feel human, not like a beast, but a human being with built up emotions because I KNOW I let it all hang out in that damn ring and no one can say I didn’t give one hundred and ten FUCKIN’ percent!!!
I’m not going to let losing the belt affect me, I’m not going to let it hold me down, because The Big L is STILL The Big L...and there ain’t nothin’ changin’ that. So The Big L is going to get himself back on track, he’s gonna go in there with The Big Bad Wulf and he’s gonna win MORE gold. No matter what the obstacles hold, no matter the future holds...we’re going to win, and win big in San Diego!! The Big L is back, and he’s ready to kick some ass!!!
March 12, 2030
“ Good Morning Hampton Roads. It’s 4.00 a.m. The forecast is partly cloudy, until 7:30 a.m. We welcome you for another smooth morning, hopin’ you get to work easy, no traffic reports for the hour. Startin’ the mornin’ off right with “Easy Days” by The Pointer Sisters...this is Smooth R&B from Yesterday and Today...”
[CLICK]
Easy days, when we can just relax
Easy days, that's when love can make you feel
That life is for real
We're just dreamin' and hopin' that someday soon
We'll have those easy days when we can lay around
And let the children play
And let choirs of angel sing our love to the world...
It had been twenty years, before I knew it I was older and a bit more leathery. Those years I spent busting my hump as a professional wrestler were behind me now, and I had a moment to rest. Once you got to a certain age like 50, you deserved to sit on your ass watching Wheel of Fortune with a Hungry Man in front of you. Wrestling was behind me now, at least for now. A few guest visits here and there in small promotions, but that was it for me. I had accomplished what I wanted in the game, and many people for nostalgic purposes wanted to see me back inside of a wrestling ring...to wrestle.
My body had seen enough and felt enough punishment. Now I just wanted to help out around my community as much as I can. I moved back to Hampton, my parents were still alive, my dad the ripe age of seventy and my mom was getting up there. My dad sold the house we lived in since I was eight years old and got himself a RV which he had been drooling over since his 45th birthday. He hit the road and him and mom went off to travel the country. I got letters and pictures from his travelling and it seems that when the good Lord does take him away from me and my mom he’ll feel fulfilled.
Aaron surprisingly enough has grown up, even if it’s taken him nearly three decades to do it. I’m an uncle of a beautiful baby girl, and he’s gotten a job coaching football at Davis Middle School, home of the Davis Bulldogs! And me? I couldn’t pass up the chance to coach, so I went back to Bethel High School and became the junior varsity coach for the Bruins. When I didn’t coach, I was looking after teens in detention. They sat there with their eyes glued on me as I continued to tell them my giant story of my accomplishments, my misfortunes, my dreams, and most of all my heartbreaks. Before I did all of that, I had to get ready for work. I ate a big breakfast, which was followed up by one nice hour at the gym at 4 in the morning.
Deep down I was still The Big L and I was still lookin’ damn muscular for a man my age. Though, I was a lil’ wrinkly in places where I didn’t want people to see. I hopped in my car when school was starting to open up, I was greeted with “hello” and “hey there champ”...I guess people were warming up to me. I went into the main office and found my room number. These were worksheets for the kids who were going to be put in my little prison. I took them out of courtesy, even though I knew these kids would fall asleep or procrastinate someway.
I walked in and turned the lights on and sat at my desk, reading the news until the bell rang. Five kids came in slowly, looking at me with a nonchalant attitude. I give them a glance back and continue my reading. The second bell rang, then came the announcements, then...silence. I stood up and grabbed the stack of worksheets from their classes and I handed them out.
Steve Lenton: Alright, so, you are given the entire time you’re in here to finish your work and hand them in to me. There are no iPhones, iPads, games, or music players during this time. So if you were thinkin’ you were gonna slack off in here and play around....think again. There will be no talking, no noise. If you finish your work early, then you can read, sleep, or do something to occupy your time while here. We cool?
They stayed quiet. I nod my head with a content expression.
Steve Lenton: Good enough for me.
I sat down and continued my reading...they looked at the papers and just pushed them aside. I sigh lightly and shake my head. Some of these kids didn’t seem to care about their work. This was more like a mini vacation from their homeroom teachers. After half an hour passed I watched them, just sitting there, staring aimlessly at nothing like zombies. This was depressing, almost too much for me to bear. I mean, I was their age once, albeit I never been to detention before. Now that I think about it I sound like a square. Two minutes, and I was starting to get restless, it was depressing. These kids were just PUT in here with nothing to do but work.
I quietly stand up, take my chair and pull it up in the middle of the dead room. They all look at me, some confused, some just didn’t notice. I sat down in front of them and clapped my hands together once and put them in my lap.
Steve Lenton: Alright kids, time to wake up, wakey, wakey, wakey, c’mon. Come BACK to the living children...
They paid attention to me....good.
Steve Lenton: Awesome. Since you guys aren’t interested in your work...I thought we could pass the time...with a story.
Teen: …..Do we look like we in elementary school?
Steve Lenton: No, but you guys look so dull that I feel 20 years younger just lookin at your quiet behinds. This’ll be fun, you guys like fun right? Isn’t that why you were put in here....too much fun?
Teen: Listen Coach Lenton....but....we just tryna get out of this piece, f’real....
Steve Lenton: And what better way to do that with a good ol’story. You’ll like it.
Teen #2: Maaaan, can we just sit here please?
Steve Lenton: Okay fine. Sit here, be bored, look like you wanna jump off a cliff. No biggie to me...just thought you guys wanted to spice up this already LIVELY day, but it’s whatever. You young folks don’t wanna listen to an old man, I get it.
Teen #3: ….What’s it about?
Teen: Man shut up.
Teen #4: I wanna know too.
Teen #5: ...Me too.
The most vocal kid in the room sighed and rolled his eyes and slouched in his desk. I slowly sit back down in my seat and look at them.
Steve Lenton: You got outvoted kid....
Teen: Whatever.
Steve Lenton: Anyway, you all know that I played in the NFL before, they told you that already. But they didn’t tell you why I left or what my life was like before then. I use to be like you guys, frustrated, never wanting to talk to anyone, feelin’ angry all of the time. But I got through it....and you guys will too.
Teen: Get on with it please...
Teen #2: Yeah man, we in here for the entire day....
Steve Lenton: Alright....so it all started back in Virginia Tech....
And there I was, telling them my life story. I was an open book for these kids. I told them the things I did, the hard work I put forth. I was letting them know my entire history...in that one day. They listened carefully, and suddenly they were into it, their ears were opened, soaking up my every word....
“And that’s...how it all ended for me. I wish I could have gone on and been a great football player...maybe coulda been sitting here and telling you there was a happy ending for all of this. But at the end, there wasn’t a happy ending for that story...”
One of the kids raised their hand and I nod, giving them permission to speak.
Teen: ...So...what happened? Did you like...ever play again?
Steve Lenton: Nope. I found something better afterward.
Teen #2: What? Workin’ at Wal-Mart on West Mercury?
The kids laugh, I give a fake chuckle and fold my massive arms over my chest.
Steve Lenton: Well, I use to work at Wendy’s for a short time. Believe me, how things are in this day and age, I rather watch you all sleep through your punishment then greet other old people at a door.
Teen #3: So you got released, then....?
Steve Lenton: Hold on I’ll get to it...I’m old...need to make sure I get the story right. Where was I...? Oh yeah, so it’s been almost three years since that happened. I was overweight, hadn’t left the house unless I was going somewhere with the family or my friends forced me to come out with them. Me, I just wanted to disappear, the decisions I made...ultimately cost me....
“Big Time.”
September 5, 2008
It was almost 12 in the daytime...and I hadn’t moved from my couch. I sat there watching whatever it was on the T.V. and eating a nice healthy breakfast of Poptarts...only thing I could afford since I was only making minimum wage at Wendy’s. I was gaining weight literally everyday, but I didn’t care. My world collapsed and I was prepared to let it bury me alive. I got bored of watching whatever was playing on the T.V. and started to look towards my weight room. Maybe this would be the day, the day I get my shit together. I decided to try something basic....push-ups. I got down and pushed myself off the ground, and went to lower myself down. I tried to get back up, I really tried my best, but I couldn’t do it. I collapsed and fell down on the ground...in defeat.
I didn’t know what the Hell I was doing, I didn’t need to look good, at this point I didn’t care about my appearance, what I wore, what people thought. I just felt sorry for myself, I felt...empty...and each time my friends came over they could see it on my face. I walked back in the living room and grabbed the half eaten Pop-Tart off of the table and went back to my regular routine. Suddenly I heard a knock on the door, I got up and opened it up to see mom and dad with my mom carrying a bag of something. Maybe leftovers she had saved for me. I could smell it though, ribs, macaroni, some collard greens. My dad looked at me with a small smirk.
Dad: Gonna let me in boy?
Steve Lenton: Uh, yeah, c-c’mon in.
Mom: Here, I made you some food, just somethin extra from last night if you haven’t ate.
I took the bag and opened it up quickly, placing it down on the table and sitting down to eat it. I stuffed my face before I knew it and my parents were looking at me like I was a pig on a farm.
Dad: Slow down....
I looked at them both before blushing from embarrassment.
Steve Lenton: Sorry....
Mom: It’s fine, your brother and dad were like that last night too, I don’t blame you.
Dad: ...Been doin’ okay...? How’s work been?
Steve Lenton: Boring. I swear if I see another burger again I’m gonna puke....
Dad: See how it can be hard, not really the ideal place you wanna spend the rest of your life. It’s more of a launching pad for other things...y’know.
Steve Lenton: ...Yep.
Dad: ...So...been working out?
Steve Lenton: I...never get the chance to. Gotta run errands.....then I got straight to work.
Dad: I see....
Mom: Well at least you’re doing something with your time baby, that’s all that matters.
But this wasn’t what I wanted. Everything seemed off base, an alternate reality, abnormal! This wasn’t my life, this was just sad. I didn’t say anything to them and just sat quiet, eating slowly.
Dad: Son, I know you’ve said you’re okay with what you’ve got, but...why not try the Shipyard again?
Mom: Kurt...
Dad: I mean you get paid more, and the hours are good when you start off....
Steve Lenton: Dad...
I stop and put my fork down and look at him.
Steve Lenton: I-I get it...you want something better for me, I understand...but I’m...just not cut out for it.
Dad: Not cut out for it, or just don’t want to?
Mom: Kurt.
Dad: Stephen, this isn’t it. Bills are pilin’ up, haven’t seen you in forever. All I got was a card and a present from you last week for my birthday son. Somethin’...is wrong...and I just wanna help.
Steve Lenton: And I appreciate it, but right now...I jus--...I just need to think.
Dad: You had almost three years to think Steve, and it’s time you man up and get--
Mom: Kurt...enough. Now baby, we’re worried, you never leave this place, you don’t look like you anymore, and we’re afraid. We know you, it ain’t like you to give up so easy babe. You need to pick yourself up by your bootstraps...and get back to bein’ you....
I sat quiet and looked down at the floor. My mom brought a hand to my head, then towards my cheek and rose my head up to look her in the eyes. She smiled and caressed my cheek. I looked at her, ashamed and unconfident.
Mom: You’ll make it...I know you will. God’s gotta plan for you, just wait.
Steve Lenton: Hey...guys....I’ve gotta get ready for work. Do you mind...?
Dad: ...See you later son. C’mon Deb.
My mom looked at my dad then at me and smiled. She kissed my cheek and rubbed where she had kissed. They left and I started to tear up lightly. I wiped those tears away and got myself ready for a long day at work. It was the same old there, the fries were cold, they asked for no mustard, do we serve apple pies. I stepped foot in the building and the manager was already ready to give me a hard time.
I was getting chewed out over something and it didn’t really hurt me anymore. I took it and went on to cleaning their floors and their equipment. The day had ended and I sluggishly opened my apartment door and flopped down on the couch. I turned on the T.V. and sat there like a dead husk. Flipping through, talk shows, sports, then something caught my eye...it was a match between two guys I didn’t know wrestling. I was more of a mainstream wrestling fan so I wasn’t into independent wrestling. I watched and something went off in my head. I remember watching this match, and getting into it.
For that brief moment I was excited about what would happen next week. So my love for wrestling as a young kid back when there were wacky characters bloomed again. I watched different things, from the U.S. to Japan. I loved it all, and soon...I wanted to get into it. There was this fire, and it was burning brightly. I hadn’t felt like this in...well forever. My motivation was back and I was ready to make that jump to get a chance. So I looked up any schools nearby, the closest was in North Carolina which would be a 3 hour drive. I called them and they told me the fee...that wouldn’t be the problem...the problem would be to get back in shape...
Steve Lenton: You can do this....
I got down on my hands and knees and I began to try and do more than one push-up. I struggled, sweating, and then fell down. I tried again, and again, and again, and soon one became two, and two became five, and five began thirty. So I trained my ass off, made the money to go to the school...that was the easy part...the hard part was the training.....and it was gonna be a TOUGH one.
Steve Lenton: ….So there you have it...I got my ass in gear and made something of myself. Wrestling saved my life, it made me confident again, and I owe it to the people who brought me into that world. I made friends, enemies, rivals, and at the end I felt like I was on top of the world. They took me in, maybe me somebody, and I still thank them until this day...for showing me that life....isn’t lost.
Teen: ….Yo....
Steve Lenton: Yeeeep.
Teen #2: So you were a wrestler...?
Steve Lenton: That right.
Teen #5: ...What was that like?
Steve Lenton: ….Well--
The bell rang and I glanced up.
Steve Lenton: I’ll tell you some other time guys...gotta get out. Hopefully I’ll tell you when you aren’t here alright?
The packed up their stuff and leave. I sat in the classroom and stay there for a moment. I pull out my phone and rummage through the Google searching for it. Exodus Pro Wrestling, and I found articles and pictures of me, and of them of course...was me holding the Tag Team Championship. Reminiscing like this brought back great memories...and showed that even though times were tough I pulled through.
Without a worry or care
And your thoughts are as clear as the air
There's so much to share
I Always Pull Through.
The Big L was pacing back and forth outside of his balcony in D.C., eyes on the ground and mind set on ONE thing, Sunday night. He lost the belt, he knew he messed up, he knew that he had a long climb back to the top, and he KNEW he was going to have to make a statement. The Big L dressed in a black tank top and a pair of jeans and black Chuck Taylors, looked into the lens with his hand towards his chest.
Steve Lenton: I messed up. The Big L wants you to know that straight up. He messed up BIG time, and he’s gotta live with that. He was a champ, talked the talk, but now without a doubt people are gonna say he couldn’t walk the walk. The Big L...put forth his best effort in his match against Johnny Cannon. Johnny Cannon beat The Big L fair and square and he says, he’s humble in defeat. But The Big L AIN’T gonna take it layin’ down, so what Cannon should do is make sure he keeps a hold of that championship so The Big L can take it BACK when the time comes. But right now, The Big L, he’s got a bigger challenge, he’s got a REALLY big challenge. He’s lookin’ at the match, sees that he’s in a Lethal Lottery, but he ain’t alone, almost the entire roster’s been put in this match and now--here comes that M. Night Shyamalan twist--they have to TEAM UP. The Big L was timid at first, he was a little nervous because in such a big time match, the flashbacks of two weeks back played in his head like a film. They turned...and turned...and turned. The Big L was beginning to feel the pressure, beginning to see that he was put on the spot once more, and if he didn’t make it this time, he was gonna have to go back to the drawing board and see what he had to do to make things work again!
I stop and point towards the camera with both hands out and keep my eyes locked forward.
Steve Lenton: And then, he looked at the teams, took a close look at’em and it started to click. Them gears in his head started to move, and The Big L realized...they got as little chance of winnin’ as The Big L does. So The Big L wondered to himself, WHO, who was gonna be by his side? Who was gonna form the second half of the Dynamic Duo of Ass-Kick. He clicked through, looked around the site; Got distracted after lookin’ at some nasty adult things, got a little jiggy in his loft, THEN went back to BUSINESS. And who does he see? Wulf Erikssen. THW’s Wulf Erikssen!! But before he was that, he was GRENDEL, that masked bastard who was a thorn in my black ass alongside LEGION. After we talked over the past few days we formed a bond, and understanding. See...we both have a degree and it’s in Kickology. Which means any ass we see in this match, we’re sure as Hell gonna kick it!! We talked, we found that common bond, that drive that pushes us both and we both see things on the same page. We both know what Zero McHannon and Christian Kane represent..I like to call’em Team Oompa Loompa cause there so damned orange if I were to pinch them orange Fanta would come from their asses!!! See this team right here, it’s the team of arrogance, and I’ve faced them before. I know what they stand for and what they stand for are the guys in the world who want all of the praise, but don’t want the criticism. Look at Christian Kane, the last time I saw him, I was in a ring with him and WON my match for the International Championship. He’s said that I’m just muscular poser in the past, he’s insulted me, and so has McHannon. They believe me to be overhyped, they think I’m just a plastered on face of Exodus Pro....
I stop, lick my lips, and blink a few times, my expression never breaking from character.
Steve Lenton: The Big L takes a lot of crap, he hears what people say and you know what it makes it even more satisfying when I get in there and beat them, if me and Wulf do face them. See these guys are all talk, unlike me. When I want to, you damn well better be prepared for a fight!! You can say what you want, call me what you want, but both of you tangerines better realize with me and Wulf being in this match you’re shit out of luck for a championship.Speaking of championships.....Heather.
I adjust my footing.
Steve Lenton: You know what adversity is like I’ve said in the past. But Heather you’ve got a very steep climb ahead of you with your partner being someone who is practically unknown in this company. However, you know what it takes to win. I won’t downplay your heart and strong will but when the time comes, I’m going to make sure the world champ walks out with an L this match. Then we got another champ, along with the MVP of the Sekigun The Young Guns...Sylar Drake and Blake Jones. You both are young, hungry, and very brash dudes and The Big L respects what you do in the ring and what you represent: The good part of this business. But you said when the time comes...you won't hesitate in beating us. All I can say...right back at you!! You wanna do what it takes to beat me and Wulf, you better lace'em up tight and bring your A, B, and C game--HELL the entire alphabet if you wanna be able to win if you face us. You got the passion, you got the talent, but what you don't have is the X-factor that makes every match like this explosive. Unfortunately for you if you get in the ring with myself and Wulf...you won't be movin' on. Speaking of which, Kliff Ulysses and Magnus Gunner...I don't even think they'll be able to move on from their differences. They want to kill one another, wanna make tear each other apart, eat each other's unborn and hang one another's heads on a pike somewhere. Kliff, I respect, Gunner, that manliner wearing, I didn't get enough kisses lookin' son of a bitch has rubbed me in all the wrong places since he joined Exodus in general. He's a dangerous, self-righteous, bitter, sour bastard, who's intends to hurt people mentally and physically makes him someone I want to face, I wanna get in the ring with him, I want to face off with him so I can humble his cry-baby ass. This time Maggy, if you DO decide to quit again, me and Wulf will be able to make sure it's a permanent vacation!!!
I stop and look on.
Steve Lenton: Then...Ryuji and Adrien Cochrane. I haven't been in a ring with you both, all I know is one is dangerous and the other has been quiet for a long time. Silent...but deadly. I know that if we were to get in the ring with you....we're in for a battle. Ryuji...a very stiff, powerful, and brutal fighter from Japan. A gun for hire, a guy who doesn't need a motive for kicking my ass, unless it's for a dollar. Ryuji, I know what you got. You do what sees fit, and at the end of our supposed match...who knows what the fuck the outcome is. Then....The Turks...uncrowned? Maybe. But if they wanna be legitimate champions, they need to be able to go through this hardship. Sally and Lassie are a tough, hard nosed, never-say-die unit who deserve to be tag champs. I say this in respect, because The Big L respects what your formula is and knows that you're going to be fighting, CLAWING, damn near CRAWLING to get your hands on those belts. However....The Big L's job is to make sure you don't GET to those belts. So in the Finals when you face off against Wulf Erikssen and Steve Lenton, you better know....we mean business. You got ALL of the talent in the world and it makes you look great....respectable. But on Sunday night, in San Diego...we're walkin' out with some damned gold!!
To all of you in this match, you got a very tough fight ahead of you and you all know it. I'm shaking so much from the anticipation, I look like I could have a damn seizure. But The Big L...will not...cannot...let these fans down once again. So The Big L is gonna go in, with The Big Bad Wulf by his side, gun blazing, willing to go out in glory for a chance at redemption!!! BE READY BECAUSE THE BIG. L. IS. COMIN'!!!!
I march off to the side. The camera stays in place, and the begins to fade away.
Fade. Static. End.
…
…
I don’t know what to say, or do. I’m angry, I’ve cried over this, and I’ve just feeling sorry for myself since I lost the title. It’s sad to admit defeat; Even more sad when you had a chance to make history, and it all just washed away just like that, without any warning. I talked a big game and it bit me hard in my brown ass and you know what? Through the shit I talked, the promises I made, people have asked me lately was it all WORTH it at the end of the day?
….Damn right it was!
What kind of man would I be to let this keep me down?! What kind of CHAMP am I going to become if I let shit like this get me down?! It hurts, it hurts so bad that I just want something to sooth; Like the night I left Endgame and sobbed backstage in private where no one could see me! It felt good at the moment, it made me feel human, not like a beast, but a human being with built up emotions because I KNOW I let it all hang out in that damn ring and no one can say I didn’t give one hundred and ten FUCKIN’ percent!!!
I’m not going to let losing the belt affect me, I’m not going to let it hold me down, because The Big L is STILL The Big L...and there ain’t nothin’ changin’ that. So The Big L is going to get himself back on track, he’s gonna go in there with The Big Bad Wulf and he’s gonna win MORE gold. No matter what the obstacles hold, no matter the future holds...we’re going to win, and win big in San Diego!! The Big L is back, and he’s ready to kick some ass!!!
March 12, 2030
“ Good Morning Hampton Roads. It’s 4.00 a.m. The forecast is partly cloudy, until 7:30 a.m. We welcome you for another smooth morning, hopin’ you get to work easy, no traffic reports for the hour. Startin’ the mornin’ off right with “Easy Days” by The Pointer Sisters...this is Smooth R&B from Yesterday and Today...”
[CLICK]
Easy days, when we can just relax
Easy days, that's when love can make you feel
That life is for real
We're just dreamin' and hopin' that someday soon
We'll have those easy days when we can lay around
And let the children play
And let choirs of angel sing our love to the world...
It had been twenty years, before I knew it I was older and a bit more leathery. Those years I spent busting my hump as a professional wrestler were behind me now, and I had a moment to rest. Once you got to a certain age like 50, you deserved to sit on your ass watching Wheel of Fortune with a Hungry Man in front of you. Wrestling was behind me now, at least for now. A few guest visits here and there in small promotions, but that was it for me. I had accomplished what I wanted in the game, and many people for nostalgic purposes wanted to see me back inside of a wrestling ring...to wrestle.
My body had seen enough and felt enough punishment. Now I just wanted to help out around my community as much as I can. I moved back to Hampton, my parents were still alive, my dad the ripe age of seventy and my mom was getting up there. My dad sold the house we lived in since I was eight years old and got himself a RV which he had been drooling over since his 45th birthday. He hit the road and him and mom went off to travel the country. I got letters and pictures from his travelling and it seems that when the good Lord does take him away from me and my mom he’ll feel fulfilled.
Aaron surprisingly enough has grown up, even if it’s taken him nearly three decades to do it. I’m an uncle of a beautiful baby girl, and he’s gotten a job coaching football at Davis Middle School, home of the Davis Bulldogs! And me? I couldn’t pass up the chance to coach, so I went back to Bethel High School and became the junior varsity coach for the Bruins. When I didn’t coach, I was looking after teens in detention. They sat there with their eyes glued on me as I continued to tell them my giant story of my accomplishments, my misfortunes, my dreams, and most of all my heartbreaks. Before I did all of that, I had to get ready for work. I ate a big breakfast, which was followed up by one nice hour at the gym at 4 in the morning.
Deep down I was still The Big L and I was still lookin’ damn muscular for a man my age. Though, I was a lil’ wrinkly in places where I didn’t want people to see. I hopped in my car when school was starting to open up, I was greeted with “hello” and “hey there champ”...I guess people were warming up to me. I went into the main office and found my room number. These were worksheets for the kids who were going to be put in my little prison. I took them out of courtesy, even though I knew these kids would fall asleep or procrastinate someway.
I walked in and turned the lights on and sat at my desk, reading the news until the bell rang. Five kids came in slowly, looking at me with a nonchalant attitude. I give them a glance back and continue my reading. The second bell rang, then came the announcements, then...silence. I stood up and grabbed the stack of worksheets from their classes and I handed them out.
Steve Lenton: Alright, so, you are given the entire time you’re in here to finish your work and hand them in to me. There are no iPhones, iPads, games, or music players during this time. So if you were thinkin’ you were gonna slack off in here and play around....think again. There will be no talking, no noise. If you finish your work early, then you can read, sleep, or do something to occupy your time while here. We cool?
They stayed quiet. I nod my head with a content expression.
Steve Lenton: Good enough for me.
I sat down and continued my reading...they looked at the papers and just pushed them aside. I sigh lightly and shake my head. Some of these kids didn’t seem to care about their work. This was more like a mini vacation from their homeroom teachers. After half an hour passed I watched them, just sitting there, staring aimlessly at nothing like zombies. This was depressing, almost too much for me to bear. I mean, I was their age once, albeit I never been to detention before. Now that I think about it I sound like a square. Two minutes, and I was starting to get restless, it was depressing. These kids were just PUT in here with nothing to do but work.
I quietly stand up, take my chair and pull it up in the middle of the dead room. They all look at me, some confused, some just didn’t notice. I sat down in front of them and clapped my hands together once and put them in my lap.
Steve Lenton: Alright kids, time to wake up, wakey, wakey, wakey, c’mon. Come BACK to the living children...
They paid attention to me....good.
Steve Lenton: Awesome. Since you guys aren’t interested in your work...I thought we could pass the time...with a story.
Teen: …..Do we look like we in elementary school?
Steve Lenton: No, but you guys look so dull that I feel 20 years younger just lookin at your quiet behinds. This’ll be fun, you guys like fun right? Isn’t that why you were put in here....too much fun?
Teen: Listen Coach Lenton....but....we just tryna get out of this piece, f’real....
Steve Lenton: And what better way to do that with a good ol’story. You’ll like it.
Teen #2: Maaaan, can we just sit here please?
Steve Lenton: Okay fine. Sit here, be bored, look like you wanna jump off a cliff. No biggie to me...just thought you guys wanted to spice up this already LIVELY day, but it’s whatever. You young folks don’t wanna listen to an old man, I get it.
Teen #3: ….What’s it about?
Teen: Man shut up.
Teen #4: I wanna know too.
Teen #5: ...Me too.
The most vocal kid in the room sighed and rolled his eyes and slouched in his desk. I slowly sit back down in my seat and look at them.
Steve Lenton: You got outvoted kid....
Teen: Whatever.
Steve Lenton: Anyway, you all know that I played in the NFL before, they told you that already. But they didn’t tell you why I left or what my life was like before then. I use to be like you guys, frustrated, never wanting to talk to anyone, feelin’ angry all of the time. But I got through it....and you guys will too.
Teen: Get on with it please...
Teen #2: Yeah man, we in here for the entire day....
Steve Lenton: Alright....so it all started back in Virginia Tech....
And there I was, telling them my life story. I was an open book for these kids. I told them the things I did, the hard work I put forth. I was letting them know my entire history...in that one day. They listened carefully, and suddenly they were into it, their ears were opened, soaking up my every word....
“And that’s...how it all ended for me. I wish I could have gone on and been a great football player...maybe coulda been sitting here and telling you there was a happy ending for all of this. But at the end, there wasn’t a happy ending for that story...”
One of the kids raised their hand and I nod, giving them permission to speak.
Teen: ...So...what happened? Did you like...ever play again?
Steve Lenton: Nope. I found something better afterward.
Teen #2: What? Workin’ at Wal-Mart on West Mercury?
The kids laugh, I give a fake chuckle and fold my massive arms over my chest.
Steve Lenton: Well, I use to work at Wendy’s for a short time. Believe me, how things are in this day and age, I rather watch you all sleep through your punishment then greet other old people at a door.
Teen #3: So you got released, then....?
Steve Lenton: Hold on I’ll get to it...I’m old...need to make sure I get the story right. Where was I...? Oh yeah, so it’s been almost three years since that happened. I was overweight, hadn’t left the house unless I was going somewhere with the family or my friends forced me to come out with them. Me, I just wanted to disappear, the decisions I made...ultimately cost me....
“Big Time.”
September 5, 2008
It was almost 12 in the daytime...and I hadn’t moved from my couch. I sat there watching whatever it was on the T.V. and eating a nice healthy breakfast of Poptarts...only thing I could afford since I was only making minimum wage at Wendy’s. I was gaining weight literally everyday, but I didn’t care. My world collapsed and I was prepared to let it bury me alive. I got bored of watching whatever was playing on the T.V. and started to look towards my weight room. Maybe this would be the day, the day I get my shit together. I decided to try something basic....push-ups. I got down and pushed myself off the ground, and went to lower myself down. I tried to get back up, I really tried my best, but I couldn’t do it. I collapsed and fell down on the ground...in defeat.
I didn’t know what the Hell I was doing, I didn’t need to look good, at this point I didn’t care about my appearance, what I wore, what people thought. I just felt sorry for myself, I felt...empty...and each time my friends came over they could see it on my face. I walked back in the living room and grabbed the half eaten Pop-Tart off of the table and went back to my regular routine. Suddenly I heard a knock on the door, I got up and opened it up to see mom and dad with my mom carrying a bag of something. Maybe leftovers she had saved for me. I could smell it though, ribs, macaroni, some collard greens. My dad looked at me with a small smirk.
Dad: Gonna let me in boy?
Steve Lenton: Uh, yeah, c-c’mon in.
Mom: Here, I made you some food, just somethin extra from last night if you haven’t ate.
I took the bag and opened it up quickly, placing it down on the table and sitting down to eat it. I stuffed my face before I knew it and my parents were looking at me like I was a pig on a farm.
Dad: Slow down....
I looked at them both before blushing from embarrassment.
Steve Lenton: Sorry....
Mom: It’s fine, your brother and dad were like that last night too, I don’t blame you.
Dad: ...Been doin’ okay...? How’s work been?
Steve Lenton: Boring. I swear if I see another burger again I’m gonna puke....
Dad: See how it can be hard, not really the ideal place you wanna spend the rest of your life. It’s more of a launching pad for other things...y’know.
Steve Lenton: ...Yep.
Dad: ...So...been working out?
Steve Lenton: I...never get the chance to. Gotta run errands.....then I got straight to work.
Dad: I see....
Mom: Well at least you’re doing something with your time baby, that’s all that matters.
But this wasn’t what I wanted. Everything seemed off base, an alternate reality, abnormal! This wasn’t my life, this was just sad. I didn’t say anything to them and just sat quiet, eating slowly.
Dad: Son, I know you’ve said you’re okay with what you’ve got, but...why not try the Shipyard again?
Mom: Kurt...
Dad: I mean you get paid more, and the hours are good when you start off....
Steve Lenton: Dad...
I stop and put my fork down and look at him.
Steve Lenton: I-I get it...you want something better for me, I understand...but I’m...just not cut out for it.
Dad: Not cut out for it, or just don’t want to?
Mom: Kurt.
Dad: Stephen, this isn’t it. Bills are pilin’ up, haven’t seen you in forever. All I got was a card and a present from you last week for my birthday son. Somethin’...is wrong...and I just wanna help.
Steve Lenton: And I appreciate it, but right now...I jus--...I just need to think.
Dad: You had almost three years to think Steve, and it’s time you man up and get--
Mom: Kurt...enough. Now baby, we’re worried, you never leave this place, you don’t look like you anymore, and we’re afraid. We know you, it ain’t like you to give up so easy babe. You need to pick yourself up by your bootstraps...and get back to bein’ you....
I sat quiet and looked down at the floor. My mom brought a hand to my head, then towards my cheek and rose my head up to look her in the eyes. She smiled and caressed my cheek. I looked at her, ashamed and unconfident.
Mom: You’ll make it...I know you will. God’s gotta plan for you, just wait.
Steve Lenton: Hey...guys....I’ve gotta get ready for work. Do you mind...?
Dad: ...See you later son. C’mon Deb.
My mom looked at my dad then at me and smiled. She kissed my cheek and rubbed where she had kissed. They left and I started to tear up lightly. I wiped those tears away and got myself ready for a long day at work. It was the same old there, the fries were cold, they asked for no mustard, do we serve apple pies. I stepped foot in the building and the manager was already ready to give me a hard time.
I was getting chewed out over something and it didn’t really hurt me anymore. I took it and went on to cleaning their floors and their equipment. The day had ended and I sluggishly opened my apartment door and flopped down on the couch. I turned on the T.V. and sat there like a dead husk. Flipping through, talk shows, sports, then something caught my eye...it was a match between two guys I didn’t know wrestling. I was more of a mainstream wrestling fan so I wasn’t into independent wrestling. I watched and something went off in my head. I remember watching this match, and getting into it.
For that brief moment I was excited about what would happen next week. So my love for wrestling as a young kid back when there were wacky characters bloomed again. I watched different things, from the U.S. to Japan. I loved it all, and soon...I wanted to get into it. There was this fire, and it was burning brightly. I hadn’t felt like this in...well forever. My motivation was back and I was ready to make that jump to get a chance. So I looked up any schools nearby, the closest was in North Carolina which would be a 3 hour drive. I called them and they told me the fee...that wouldn’t be the problem...the problem would be to get back in shape...
Steve Lenton: You can do this....
I got down on my hands and knees and I began to try and do more than one push-up. I struggled, sweating, and then fell down. I tried again, and again, and again, and soon one became two, and two became five, and five began thirty. So I trained my ass off, made the money to go to the school...that was the easy part...the hard part was the training.....and it was gonna be a TOUGH one.
Steve Lenton: ….So there you have it...I got my ass in gear and made something of myself. Wrestling saved my life, it made me confident again, and I owe it to the people who brought me into that world. I made friends, enemies, rivals, and at the end I felt like I was on top of the world. They took me in, maybe me somebody, and I still thank them until this day...for showing me that life....isn’t lost.
Teen: ….Yo....
Steve Lenton: Yeeeep.
Teen #2: So you were a wrestler...?
Steve Lenton: That right.
Teen #5: ...What was that like?
Steve Lenton: ….Well--
The bell rang and I glanced up.
Steve Lenton: I’ll tell you some other time guys...gotta get out. Hopefully I’ll tell you when you aren’t here alright?
The packed up their stuff and leave. I sat in the classroom and stay there for a moment. I pull out my phone and rummage through the Google searching for it. Exodus Pro Wrestling, and I found articles and pictures of me, and of them of course...was me holding the Tag Team Championship. Reminiscing like this brought back great memories...and showed that even though times were tough I pulled through.
Without a worry or care
And your thoughts are as clear as the air
There's so much to share
I Always Pull Through.
The Big L was pacing back and forth outside of his balcony in D.C., eyes on the ground and mind set on ONE thing, Sunday night. He lost the belt, he knew he messed up, he knew that he had a long climb back to the top, and he KNEW he was going to have to make a statement. The Big L dressed in a black tank top and a pair of jeans and black Chuck Taylors, looked into the lens with his hand towards his chest.
Steve Lenton: I messed up. The Big L wants you to know that straight up. He messed up BIG time, and he’s gotta live with that. He was a champ, talked the talk, but now without a doubt people are gonna say he couldn’t walk the walk. The Big L...put forth his best effort in his match against Johnny Cannon. Johnny Cannon beat The Big L fair and square and he says, he’s humble in defeat. But The Big L AIN’T gonna take it layin’ down, so what Cannon should do is make sure he keeps a hold of that championship so The Big L can take it BACK when the time comes. But right now, The Big L, he’s got a bigger challenge, he’s got a REALLY big challenge. He’s lookin’ at the match, sees that he’s in a Lethal Lottery, but he ain’t alone, almost the entire roster’s been put in this match and now--here comes that M. Night Shyamalan twist--they have to TEAM UP. The Big L was timid at first, he was a little nervous because in such a big time match, the flashbacks of two weeks back played in his head like a film. They turned...and turned...and turned. The Big L was beginning to feel the pressure, beginning to see that he was put on the spot once more, and if he didn’t make it this time, he was gonna have to go back to the drawing board and see what he had to do to make things work again!
I stop and point towards the camera with both hands out and keep my eyes locked forward.
Steve Lenton: And then, he looked at the teams, took a close look at’em and it started to click. Them gears in his head started to move, and The Big L realized...they got as little chance of winnin’ as The Big L does. So The Big L wondered to himself, WHO, who was gonna be by his side? Who was gonna form the second half of the Dynamic Duo of Ass-Kick. He clicked through, looked around the site; Got distracted after lookin’ at some nasty adult things, got a little jiggy in his loft, THEN went back to BUSINESS. And who does he see? Wulf Erikssen. THW’s Wulf Erikssen!! But before he was that, he was GRENDEL, that masked bastard who was a thorn in my black ass alongside LEGION. After we talked over the past few days we formed a bond, and understanding. See...we both have a degree and it’s in Kickology. Which means any ass we see in this match, we’re sure as Hell gonna kick it!! We talked, we found that common bond, that drive that pushes us both and we both see things on the same page. We both know what Zero McHannon and Christian Kane represent..I like to call’em Team Oompa Loompa cause there so damned orange if I were to pinch them orange Fanta would come from their asses!!! See this team right here, it’s the team of arrogance, and I’ve faced them before. I know what they stand for and what they stand for are the guys in the world who want all of the praise, but don’t want the criticism. Look at Christian Kane, the last time I saw him, I was in a ring with him and WON my match for the International Championship. He’s said that I’m just muscular poser in the past, he’s insulted me, and so has McHannon. They believe me to be overhyped, they think I’m just a plastered on face of Exodus Pro....
I stop, lick my lips, and blink a few times, my expression never breaking from character.
Steve Lenton: The Big L takes a lot of crap, he hears what people say and you know what it makes it even more satisfying when I get in there and beat them, if me and Wulf do face them. See these guys are all talk, unlike me. When I want to, you damn well better be prepared for a fight!! You can say what you want, call me what you want, but both of you tangerines better realize with me and Wulf being in this match you’re shit out of luck for a championship.Speaking of championships.....Heather.
I adjust my footing.
Steve Lenton: You know what adversity is like I’ve said in the past. But Heather you’ve got a very steep climb ahead of you with your partner being someone who is practically unknown in this company. However, you know what it takes to win. I won’t downplay your heart and strong will but when the time comes, I’m going to make sure the world champ walks out with an L this match. Then we got another champ, along with the MVP of the Sekigun The Young Guns...Sylar Drake and Blake Jones. You both are young, hungry, and very brash dudes and The Big L respects what you do in the ring and what you represent: The good part of this business. But you said when the time comes...you won't hesitate in beating us. All I can say...right back at you!! You wanna do what it takes to beat me and Wulf, you better lace'em up tight and bring your A, B, and C game--HELL the entire alphabet if you wanna be able to win if you face us. You got the passion, you got the talent, but what you don't have is the X-factor that makes every match like this explosive. Unfortunately for you if you get in the ring with myself and Wulf...you won't be movin' on. Speaking of which, Kliff Ulysses and Magnus Gunner...I don't even think they'll be able to move on from their differences. They want to kill one another, wanna make tear each other apart, eat each other's unborn and hang one another's heads on a pike somewhere. Kliff, I respect, Gunner, that manliner wearing, I didn't get enough kisses lookin' son of a bitch has rubbed me in all the wrong places since he joined Exodus in general. He's a dangerous, self-righteous, bitter, sour bastard, who's intends to hurt people mentally and physically makes him someone I want to face, I wanna get in the ring with him, I want to face off with him so I can humble his cry-baby ass. This time Maggy, if you DO decide to quit again, me and Wulf will be able to make sure it's a permanent vacation!!!
I stop and look on.
Steve Lenton: Then...Ryuji and Adrien Cochrane. I haven't been in a ring with you both, all I know is one is dangerous and the other has been quiet for a long time. Silent...but deadly. I know that if we were to get in the ring with you....we're in for a battle. Ryuji...a very stiff, powerful, and brutal fighter from Japan. A gun for hire, a guy who doesn't need a motive for kicking my ass, unless it's for a dollar. Ryuji, I know what you got. You do what sees fit, and at the end of our supposed match...who knows what the fuck the outcome is. Then....The Turks...uncrowned? Maybe. But if they wanna be legitimate champions, they need to be able to go through this hardship. Sally and Lassie are a tough, hard nosed, never-say-die unit who deserve to be tag champs. I say this in respect, because The Big L respects what your formula is and knows that you're going to be fighting, CLAWING, damn near CRAWLING to get your hands on those belts. However....The Big L's job is to make sure you don't GET to those belts. So in the Finals when you face off against Wulf Erikssen and Steve Lenton, you better know....we mean business. You got ALL of the talent in the world and it makes you look great....respectable. But on Sunday night, in San Diego...we're walkin' out with some damned gold!!
To all of you in this match, you got a very tough fight ahead of you and you all know it. I'm shaking so much from the anticipation, I look like I could have a damn seizure. But The Big L...will not...cannot...let these fans down once again. So The Big L is gonna go in, with The Big Bad Wulf by his side, gun blazing, willing to go out in glory for a chance at redemption!!! BE READY BECAUSE THE BIG. L. IS. COMIN'!!!!
I march off to the side. The camera stays in place, and the begins to fade away.
Fade. Static. End.