Post by PANTHRO on Dec 15, 2013 0:00:01 GMT -6
"Work Hard. Fight Harder."
Prologue: Against All Odds.
We did it. Through the struggle, through the heartbreaks, the heartaches, and through the odds...we...did it. The Big L feels some type of joy in knowing that even when the chips were down, that ONE moment defined us. TROUBLE in some people’s eyes are a team that got too many tries, well the Big L can tell those people that even when you get your ass handed to you nearly five times in a row, the chain at the end has to break at some point and two weeks ago, that chain snapped like a twig. I respect The Turks, I respect what they do, and how they do it. Even though we ended up not getting a shot in the Honor Cup, goddamn does it feel good knowing we didn’t come out of this thing empty-handed. We worked our asses off, knowing this was do-or-die and we take pride in knowing we did not die in this match. When our backs are against the wall, and when there are voices inside of your head saying that you can’t do something…
…
You just need to learn how to push them out.
Me and Wulf dug deep and now we’re your ExPro Tag Team Champions. That has a nice ring to it, something I can talk about to my future children. I know that at the end of the way Wulf and I are gonna have a target painted right on the back of our heads. Believe The Big L when he says this: Come get some. Me and Wulf didn’t get to the top by just cowering behind people. We didn’t get these belts by giving up, by slacking off, and without trying damn near a million times before we found the formula to break this drought. WORK HARD, FIGHT HARDER, is my mantra, and I don’t need to tell people how hard I fight everyday.
I comes with the territory, The Big L’s been fightin’ since the doctor spanked him on the ass to make sure I was alive. I’m use to fighting for everything I get, I’m use to adversity, and I’m use to critics. The Big L knows, he reads the tweets, he gets the emails, about how me and Wulf aren’t deserving of this belt, and honestly...I’m not mad at them. These people are surprised, confused, they don’t know what to think. All they know is the top tag team in Exodus--if not--in wrestling today were dethrone by these unlikely two guys who were thrown into a lethal lottery tournament months ago and have become a cohesive unit ever since.
Yeah, I’d be shocked too. But let The Big L break it down to you: He’s had people say that he’s gotten lucky before, so it does not faze The Big L. It does no budge me, does not upset me. What would upset me was if people were saying I wasn’t trying. The Big L gives 150% in everything...EVERYTHING...he does. And he’s going to give it to Zero McHannon who The Big L really familiar with. In some sort of event The Big L has witness a transformation of Zero where he’s our world champ. Through the bullshit with LEGION and The White Nights, Zero use to be a creamsicle with a sour core. But now he’s got some soul, some humility (at least I think), and now he’s at the top of his sport. There’s ONE THING...and one thing alone The Big L can say to you:
Congratulations.
Yes The Big L knows what you’ve been fighting some personal problems. He knows that you’ve lost a lot, but at the end of it all you came out as champion and did it the way I’d want to do it. That takes balls, it takes willpower, and it impressed me McHannon. Beyond your past shit, The Big L can consider you a man when you look him in the eye and show him you mean business. That belt around your waist proves you mean business. It takes a select few to hold that belt, and someday McHannon--maybe not tonight--I WILL hold the Exodus World Championship in my possession. When the time comes, if you still have that belt McHannon, The Big L is going to look you in the eyes, give you that intense look he always gives, and tell you, “I’m ready!!”
Because this match McHannon it’s gonna be The Big L, against the world champ, and all eyes are on this match. One of us is gonna show that we don’t have a championship hangover. The Big L’s ready, he’s willing, and he’s going to prove to the FINE people of San Diego, California that he’s not going to just let you roll over him like dough. No, The Big L is gonna do what he did to you back in the day. He’s gonna take his big ass boot, and aim for your orange flavored ass and send you packin’.
The Big L’s got goosebumps at this match, he’s shivering! The cold out in D.C. can’t keep The Big L down because he’s too damn hot for this match! Be prepared Zero, be prepared for EVERYTHING I throw. Because deep down you think you know what I’m gonna throw your way; But Zero, believe The Big L, he’s been throwin’ curveballs at you, now you get to see him throw those fastballs…so Zero, this is a warning...a BIG, BIG warning!!!
You Better Be Ready To Swing.
It was so surreal to hold this thing in my hands that I didn't even think I was in reality. I pinched myself, splashed some cold water on my face at the hotel, but...it was real alright. Everything looked like it was coming together for me, and when I thought I couldn't go on, I managed to let my fears subside and go out there and fight. You should have seen Wulf, it was a giant fucking party for him. Alcohol was all over the place, and...he was all over the place. This celebration, it was something else. I guess he was glad that the ride was finally over and we could finally get some time to relax. Me, I just wanted to get back in the gym. One of us had to, I had to make sure these belts stay. At the end of it...I felt uneasy, like there was no certainty that that me and Wulf would be champions forever. Maybe it was my paranoia getting the best of me, or maybe I was sort of right about being uneasy like this.
Whatever the case it might have been, all I knew was that I had a big match ahead of me for Sunday night and I had a lot to prove to myself and to the people at home. There were a lot, and I mean a lot of people who thought me and Wulf were going to get squashed. Shit, I might have bought into it if I didn't realize that me and Wulf had been through some shit, so what did we have to lose. What we lost, he gained back ten fold. Jesus Christ, I didn't think the Tag Team Championships would be so heavy...or maybe I'm exaggerating again, I do that sometimes. And so started the beginning of a new life as a champion again. I felt great, I felt even better when I found out I was going to be the subject of some sort of documentary. ESPN E:60 wanted me and they decided that they wanted me to be apart of their story about a man who had it all and had it washed away just like that.
I didn't want to bring back those bad memories in my youth. It still hurts to talk about what I did it anyway. Can't say I don't miss football, but what's done is done, and I want to get rid of that guilt stored up in my heart. It was a tough one, but...I got through the interviews. Production was good, and they told me to stay tune. But fuck was I nervous, what would people THINK about me. People know me as this lovable guy who's always got a smile on his face, always joking with the fans and always being so uplifting. What people didn't know during those harsh times was that I was depressed, I was angry, I was insecure...those feeling...I pushed away. Now I have a new life and I want to leave behind something worthwhile...so I became a wrestler...The End. Sound like I was desperate to make something of my life, but the truth was that it was my gateway to enlightenment if you want to say that. It saved my life, and I owed the sport.
I sat down at my T.V. with the phone glued to my ear.
Steve Lenton: Yeah, it's coming on at 7 tonight. Yeah...yeah it's all good, make sure Monica and Aubrey tune into it. Where's Aaron? ...Again? I thought he--Mom he's gotta move out...he's like...what? 28? I thought he got a job...? Fired. Doesn't surprise me. Listen tell him when he gets home I want to talk to sometime and see where his head is at. Yeah, I love you too mom, tell Pop I said hey. Uh-huh...bye-bye.
Things didn't change at the house, Aaron was still bumming around, and I was still trying to tell him to do the right thing and try and find his own place. But he still continues to go down the route he's going...I can't do anything but talk to him. But I couldn't think about that now...tonight was a special night. People were going to hear from people who were in my...basically everything about my life. I sighed and shook my head, nervous...
Steve Lenton: ...Let's do this.
7 o'clock, showtime.
Whatever the case it might have been, all I knew was that I had a big match ahead of me for Sunday night and I had a lot to prove to myself and to the people at home. There were a lot, and I mean a lot of people who thought me and Wulf were going to get squashed. Shit, I might have bought into it if I didn't realize that me and Wulf had been through some shit, so what did we have to lose. What we lost, he gained back ten fold. Jesus Christ, I didn't think the Tag Team Championships would be so heavy...or maybe I'm exaggerating again, I do that sometimes. And so started the beginning of a new life as a champion again. I felt great, I felt even better when I found out I was going to be the subject of some sort of documentary. ESPN E:60 wanted me and they decided that they wanted me to be apart of their story about a man who had it all and had it washed away just like that.
I didn't want to bring back those bad memories in my youth. It still hurts to talk about what I did it anyway. Can't say I don't miss football, but what's done is done, and I want to get rid of that guilt stored up in my heart. It was a tough one, but...I got through the interviews. Production was good, and they told me to stay tune. But fuck was I nervous, what would people THINK about me. People know me as this lovable guy who's always got a smile on his face, always joking with the fans and always being so uplifting. What people didn't know during those harsh times was that I was depressed, I was angry, I was insecure...those feeling...I pushed away. Now I have a new life and I want to leave behind something worthwhile...so I became a wrestler...The End. Sound like I was desperate to make something of my life, but the truth was that it was my gateway to enlightenment if you want to say that. It saved my life, and I owed the sport.
I sat down at my T.V. with the phone glued to my ear.
Steve Lenton: Yeah, it's coming on at 7 tonight. Yeah...yeah it's all good, make sure Monica and Aubrey tune into it. Where's Aaron? ...Again? I thought he--Mom he's gotta move out...he's like...what? 28? I thought he got a job...? Fired. Doesn't surprise me. Listen tell him when he gets home I want to talk to sometime and see where his head is at. Yeah, I love you too mom, tell Pop I said hey. Uh-huh...bye-bye.
Things didn't change at the house, Aaron was still bumming around, and I was still trying to tell him to do the right thing and try and find his own place. But he still continues to go down the route he's going...I can't do anything but talk to him. But I couldn't think about that now...tonight was a special night. People were going to hear from people who were in my...basically everything about my life. I sighed and shook my head, nervous...
Steve Lenton: ...Let's do this.
7 o'clock, showtime.
"Second Chance: Stephen Lenton"
A scene opens up to a roundtable with journalists sitting around it; Michael Smith, Chris Connelly, Jeremy Schaap, Jeffri Chadiha, and Rachel Nichols. Papers were in their hands any many of them were paying attention to a woman. Her name, Lisa Salter, she glanced around with an intrigued glance in her eyes on her subject.
Lisa Salter: We all remember, Steve Lenton. Was a beast of a linebacker in Virginia Teach. He was a humble guy, was always smiling, and had the drive of a champion. A lot of people thought..."Hey this guy could be an All-Pro linebacker in the NFL." Well it all changed from there. He was involved in a scandal in which he knew nothing about, sources say that the scouts who recruited him for their school set him up and passed the blame on him. Well Lenton, he's a pro wrestler now.
Michael Smith: Kind of fits his personality a bit.
Lisa Salter: Yeah we want to know...how his life has transitioned since then. And I wanted to know if...
Jeffri Chadiha: If he was involved or if this mistake ruined his chances of being a pro.
Rachel Nichols: It was always a weird story when it came up. How did this happen, and who was responsible for this?
Michael Smith: The only person who knows that is Stephen and I think we might have gotten our answer.
"Football was my life...it was something that...brought out confidence inside of me and made me feel like I was somebody. In my school you either played sports or got your money taken from you by the jocks. When I played football...I wanted to change that a lot and I did a bit I think."
Lisa Salter (Narration): Stephen Lenton was born on December 19, 1082 to Debra Brown and Kurt Lenton. They lived in a small apartment complex out in Suffolk, Virginia where Stephen was surrounded by family all of the time...
Steve Lenton: I was always around family as a kid. My aunt Katherine use to live upstairs actually in our apartment. There was Aunt Linda two blocks down, Uncle Junior lived in an apartment in front of us. Then my Aunt Sara, Uncle Darrell, and Uncle Jamie lived out in the country with my grandmother. Uhm, I was use to it, I liked being around them a lot. They made it...fun...everything was fun around my house so I wasn't ever bored or...annoyed...I always had someone to play with and...it was nice.
Lisa Salter (Narration): He was a big kid, and always knew he was different from the other kids.
Steve Lenton: I remember my first day of pre-school, it was something crazy. I remember a kid...wanted half of this cookie my mom gave me with my lunch. He told me he would pay me back later. Me not being around kids, I didn't know how mischievous they were at the time (laughs) so...I waited and I waited, but he never gave me a cookie. Me growing up in a household where telling the truth was a good thing, I didn't know what "lying" was. All I knew was that if I give someone something they have to say "please" and "thank you". He said the two magic words so...that turkey sandwich didn't taste right without a chocolate chip cookie.
Lisa Salter (Narration): His parents felt as if Stephen was being picked on at school sometimes.
Debra Lenton: Stephen...was a very sweet child. He was curious, bright, and was a very nice little boy. ANd sometimes the others would take advantage of that.
Kurt Lenton: I remember he came home without his little backpack. I asked'em "Where's your stuff" he said that some kid needed to borrow it. So, I remember driving down to the school and asking to talk to the principal about this. He got his stuff back and I told'em "Don't ever let someone take your stuff. It's your's and only your's." and I remember my son, he--I knew he didn't understand saying no to people, he said "What if he really needs it?" That's when my wife and I knew...we had a very special son.
Lisa Salter (Narration): Through preschool to elementary school, his parents decided they wanted to move out of the small rural county of Suffolk and move up to Newport News. There they thought Stephen and his newborn brother Aaron would get a better life. But little did they knew Stephen would get bullied not only by students, but also by teachers...
Debra Lenton: I remember Stephen came home crying. I asked him what was wrong and he told me the teachers took his snack away and yelled at him. I remember...going up to that school and I remember raising Hell. I knew that wasn't the right school for him and pulled him from that place. When my husband got a new job at the shipyard...we moved out of Newport News and to Hampton.
Lisa Salter: Did that change?
Debra Lenton: Oh yeah, yes, it did a lot. Newport News was not...really a good place to bring your kids up in. That place was very...rugged...and dark and I knew my sons needed a brighter future than that.
Lisa Salter (Narration): After passing elementary school Stephen attended Davis Middle School. He had gained a bit of weight, and many kids would make fun of him because of his obesity.
Steve Lenton: A lot of people gave me grief about it. Sometimes, they would spread a rumor that I stank, and I always wondered WHY people didn't want to sit next to me, and they would cover their noses when they passed. That...hurt...and it kept happening for three years. That's when I discovered football and that's when I started to REALLY love the sport.
Lisa Salter (Narration): The start for his love was a free day of P.E.
Steve Lenton: I remember they wanted me to play, I was the only person they didn't pick and they just--no one wanted me, so they through me with the trash team. The cool guys always pick the cool guys and level the bottom totem pole guys to flounder. One play, this kid star QB for our team...runs for it. I remember I caught him when he wasn't looking. *SMACK* ran right into a wall, couldn't get up for five minutes, just groaning. I remember looking around like I killed him and ran to the coach for help. "What happened?" I told him we were playing football and he looked at me and asked "You do this?" I felt my heart go through my nostrils. I nod and he says, "Come see me in the office after." I go, shakin' like a dang leaf...and wouldn't you know it, coach told me about the football team...and my 7th grade year...I was a Bulldog.
Lisa Salter (Narration): Stephen went on to win championships for his school, and even was voted the #1 prospect in the peninsula area.
S
Kurt Lenton: I was proud of him, I was proud he was doing something. The rules were...keep your grades afloat, stay away from the wrong crowd, and made sure you do what the coaches and teachers say. And he ended up getting straight A's during middle school and went to Bethel.
Stephen went through a transformation. He was taller, and he had lost his extra fat and turned it into muscle.
Steve Lenton: (Laughing aloud) NO ONE recognized me. I told him, "Yeah I went to Davis." they would look at me and then when I said my name...they would just...gawk. It felt good, the kid they picked on...they wanted to be friends with.
Lisa Salter (Narration): Throughout his four years in high school, Stephen was a standout at linebacker. He was ranked #1 on Rivals and he committed himself to Virginia Tech.
...
Lisa Salter: How did it feel...to have your son go to such a prestegious school like Virginia Teach Mrs. Lenton?
Debra Lenton: I remember screaming and jumping up and down.
Kurt Lenton: I remember trying to calm her down. (laughing)
Lisa Salter (Narration): Stephen graduated with 3.6 almost graduating as a Valedictorian. College life was new to him, but he was able to adjust. He came into the game and made a definite impact, becoming the the new sack leader his Junior year of college with 24 sacks...beating Bruce Smith's school record.
Steve Lenton: I felt like nothing could stop me. I just had a second gear and people just...knew I was preforming well. Everyone was looking at me and I knew it. I felt like I could take our team to a National Championship with the way I was playing. Even though those years weren't a our y'know.
Lisa Salter: Did you ever blame--
Steve Lenton: No, those guys played hard, and they knew I was doing this for them. I never blamed them and took most of the burden.
Lisa Salter: They went to four consecutive bowl games winning 3 out of 4. After his senior year Stephen went into the draft, many believing him to be the number one overall pick.
Steve Lenton: I remember talking to agents...everyone wanted to sign me...and...coaches called me...representatives...owners. It was all overwhelming and it felt like...wow...I'm this important to people. Of course mom and dad knew I was...y'know...I was excited...the NFL I couldn't BELIEVE it.
Lisa Salter (Narration): Stephen seemed to be primed for success...but his story came to a tragic end. Investigations began saying that Lenton received benefits while playing at Virginia Tech. The news struck him hard and dropped his stock value.
Steve Lenton: It hurts y'know...I think about it everyday...and it hurts. I feel like I let this turn into a giant...storm of doubt and didn't answer them right away. I feel as if that...if I told the world I had nothing to do with this...I'd be in a NFL jersey right now.
Kurt Lenton: ...Steve was distraught...I was too...and Debra was nearly bawling over this. We couldn't believe this...Stephen would never steal from people...take bribes. My son isn't that type of person and I told him not to fight this...it would all blow over.
Debra Lenton: Our baby...was getting destroyed.
Lisa Salter (Narration): After the investigations were over Lenton went undrafted. Though he got some success making the team for the Buffalo Bills, he was cut after crashing his car with fellow his teammate in the car.
Steve Lenton: That was in, what else could I do. My dream was dead so I ended up holed in my apartment, gained over 100 pounds and got a part-time job.
Kurt Lenton: Steve...was in a state of depression. We always came by to check on'em, see how things were...but he looked bad...didn't look like he slept...and more importantly...didn't look like he was ever going to be the same again.
Lisa Salter (Narration): So it appeared Lenton turned up again, however he was in shape...and was in wrestling trunks. He appeared on local pro-wrestling programs in Virginia and North Carolina.
Steve Lenton: When I say I love the sport I mean it. It...is the best thing to happen to me. It keeps me focused, it makes me happy about life and it just...brings out the best in me. Many people would see it as big, muscle -having, meat-heads running around in a ring pretend fighting. No, it's dangerous, and very tactical and should be respected as what it is. I'd say it's a little more physically demanding than football. I just...remember sitting down one day watching it and something clicked in my head that I needed change. So I got my money went down to North Carolina and asked for my training and now...here I am.
Lisa Salter (Narration): Stephen has said that he misses the game somedays, but nearly forgets he played when in the ring. He wrestlers in a California promotion called Exodus Pro Wrestling. There the people love him, and he says he loves them back.
Steve Lenton: I wouldn't trade this for the world...I love this...I love the fans and the people in the company have shown their love for me. All I needed was change...and I got it...big time.
Debra Lenton: I'm just glad to see my baby boy smile again. He laughs, tell jokes, and he's so full of life and I...love him for that.
Kurt Lenton: That was the Stephen we knew, and who we still know. I'm proud of'em.
Steve Lenton: ...Nothing is impossible...I'm livin' proof of it...
The Big L was freezing, The Big L knew he should have brought a warmer jacket out on the D.C. streets. I was dressed ready to leave for San Diego. The camera was in my face as I took in deep breathes of cold air. I stared into it with my trademark sunshades and began...
Steve Lenton: Zero McHannon, The Big L's got history with you, a ton of it. The Big L knows what you're about. You ain't afraid of shit, you get the job done. That's why you got the world title, you get shit DONE. The Big L he's one to get shit done too. Time after time again, The Big L and Wulf Erikksen failed to get the tag team belts from The Turks. But with a stroke of drive and heart, WE WON! The Big L stands in front of you half of the tag champs. And so now the uphill battle commences Zero, now the company wants to know if we're ready for primetime. The Big L has this to say, I'VE BEEN READY!!! I been ready to take the next step!! The Big L heard'em knockin' at his door.
The Big L swung that son of a bitch open and he said "IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME!!!" let them in, gave'em drinks, and made them feel comfortable, because they were going to be with me for a long ass time. That's apart of it Zero, it's about takin' the ball and running with it. THE BIG L...he looking to show them that as a champion, I have the ability to take on anyone they throw at me. So they throw you me, they put you in that ring Zero, and they say wrestle you. The Big L looks at them and says HELL YEAH I wanna wrestle that human Nerf ball again!!
So I want to take this opportunity to tell you straight up that I'm ready for you. Sure, you're on a roll, sure The Big L's finally got something to brag about, but ZERO McHANNON...don't get shit twisted. The Big L will not, cannot lose. He knows you're still hurting from the tragedies in your life, The Big L hurts a lot whenever he's watching a NFL game before the show on Sundays and wondering what could have been...
The Big L takes his glasses off slowly...I look into the screen with emotional eyes, scanning the camera lens.
Steve Lenton: You and me Zero, we got a lot of shit on our plate. But what brings you and I together is this sport. NOTHIN' else, the sport, the support of the THOUSANDS and MILLIONS who chant for us!! THE PEOPLE, WHO LOOK AT YOU ZERO McHANNON, AND SAY THEY WANT TO BE LIKE HIM; AND THE PEOPLE WHO LOOK AT THE BROWN-SKINNED ASSASSIN AND SAY, "I BELIEVE." We...make their dreams come true. You got the heart now Zero. Many people say on that day when you won the belt, your heart grew three sizes that day.
I say I'm gonna kick your Grinch-ass down that damn cliff and WIN!!! You want to WIN?! YOU WANNA TOUGH FIGHT?! The Big L will GIVE it to you and then some!! Best be clear if you're throwin' that change out Zero, I'm gonna be in the middle of that ring ready to hand you your receipt!!
I say I'm gonna kick your Grinch-ass down that damn cliff and WIN!!! You want to WIN?! YOU WANNA TOUGH FIGHT?! The Big L will GIVE it to you and then some!! Best be clear if you're throwin' that change out Zero, I'm gonna be in the middle of that ring ready to hand you your receipt!!
Here's what I want you to do Zero. I want you to have a fiber filled breakfast. Wheaties, bran muffins, with a glass of prune juice to help wash that down. I want you to sit on that toilet in your hotel room. Then I want you to take the Browns to the Super Bowl, McHannon. I want you push, and squeeze, and pinch, and clear your intestines. Because Sunday night, I want your ASS to have room for my size 14 BOOT!!! The boot ain't prejudice Zero, you know that and the fans know that so you should be prepared for The Big L to come at you.
You should be prepared for The Big L to come and show the world that he can hang with the best of'em; To show the WORLD that no matter who you put in front of'em HE'S GOING TO STAND TALL, REACH UP, AND PULL THE VICTORY OUT!! THAT'S WHAT MAKES THE BIG L, THE BIG L, THAT'S WHAT'S GOTTEN ME THROUGH THE LONG DAYS, AND THAT'S WHY ME AND WULF ARE CHAMPIONS. THE MOTTO DIDN'T CHANGE, THE GAME HASN'T BEEN BROKEN, SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY, ZERO McHANNON is the night...where The Big L shall reign victor.
Say what you want Zero, get yourself right for this match, let the people see you pour your heart out. I want that Zero McHannon because that Zero McHannon is going to try and kick my ass. That Zero McHannon is going to show The Big L he's the king of the mountain. You're going to present your ass to me Zero, and you are going to challenge me to kick it. Because you're an asshole like that. And SUNDAY NIGHT...we're going to see...who's got the bigger drive. The Big L thinks he has you beat in that department. So bring that shit on McHannon, I'm ready for it. Believe that.
The Big L pushes his shades back on his face and makes his exit towards his car. The camera stays in place and the scene begins to fade.
Fade. Static. End.