Post by PANTHRO on Dec 29, 2013 11:48:35 GMT -6
Prologue: I Can Do Anything.
I went in there in that ring, I told you that, I would give my all. The Big L did just that and he got the win. He went in that very ring, in front of the MASSES in RIMAC Arena, and he pinned the world champ one, two, three. Did need any tricks, didn’t need anyone to hold The Big L’s hand, he went in there, looked Zero in his eyes and has a FIGHT. Zero McHannon, the man is tough, tough as hell and one thing I’ve noticed...humble. He’s got nothing but respect for the man, nothing BUT. I’m sure if we had this match again, yeah, The Big L would be a little weary because The Big L knows Zero’s comin’ back with full steam. Some people however...they don’t want to believe that it’s The Big L and Zero McHannon who can put on shows and give the people what they want.
When I look in that locker room each time I go to lace’em up...I see winners. They came to this company, because of it’s reputation. We bring a fire to professional wrestling, we bring competition, a place where anyone can make a namesake. I want to address the people who think their shit don’t stink, who have this basic idea that they created Exodus Pro Wrestling. Let me rephrase that, who think they were the one who MADE Exodus Pro Wrestling what it is today. You see, I don’t like it...I don’t like prima donnas they hurt a team. The Big L’s been a Exodus team player ever since he stepped in. He represented Sekigun when they were in need, he holds the Exodus name in high regards, and yet people wanna sling mud on it.
Let me tell those “people” the ones who like to march around here as if they’re ABOVE everyone else. Maybe if you LOOKED down once in awhile you would see how the future of Exodus is going to look for years to come. Maybe if you weren’t so busy bitchin’ and moanin’ about yourself, how it’s unfair, how you deserve belts, how you’re the face of this business...MAYBE...JUST MAYBE...PEOPLE WOULD RESPECT YOU. Respect is a thing that can go a long way and if you don’t have it then you’re DONE in this business. Every opponent The Big L has faced he has had some respect for what they bring. The Big L will never take for granted what he has been given...and so they gave’em a match. They put’em in the ring with the champ, and people have been talking about it. And so with that win, The Big L got another opportunity, The Big L GOT himself a challenge.
The Big L got Chris Strike.
And many people look at the #1 contender for the belt, and see him as a legitimate champion for this company. The Big L can’t deny that Chris Strike’s been impressive since he’s joined, and he’s shown that he’s got what it takes to be a champion. Many people believe that if he were to win the belt RIGHT NOW, he’d be the longest reigning champion...hands down. So they give The Big L a huge mountain to climb, to see if he ain’t a fluke. Well, The Great Brown Hope’s about to show these people why he beat Zero McHannon in the first place, and the REASON WHY was because The Big L’s got the second gear shifted up HIGH when the talent begins to rise.
Chris Strike is tough, The Big L’s seen the matches, he knows from being in the ring with him before. He don’t pull punches, he’s willing to do whatever it is to get the W. The Big L...he’s willing to go through the ringer if it means he comes out of the other end with the win. The Big L's not going to front it's going to be tough as shit. A title shot is lookin' me dead in the face literally begging me to take it. The Big L knows one thing though, that road that they placed him on might be hard, might be bumpy, might be steep...but it's not impossible. I got so many people behind me that there's no WAY The Big L can turn down such a huge match!
So Strike, Sunday night, I’m gonna fly my black ass back to San Diego to face you! The Big L is gonna be in that ring, he’s gonna be fueled by drive and grit. The Big L’s DNA was engineered to be able to reach this level!! So Strike, the thousands, the millions, the eyes in the RIMAC Arena sittin’ at the edge of their seats ready to EXPLODE with anticipation, WE WILL GIVE THEM A SHOW! Win or lose, I will send these people home with a smile! Because, like it or not it was the people who pushed The Big L to win against Zero McHannon, it was the people who gave him that extra little push to win these tag team championship with Wulf; And it will be the people who will chant, “BIG L” LOUD in that arena that will push him to beat you. I only get one SHOT, AND YOU BEST BELIEVE I’M NOT GOING TO WASTE IT!!!! Be ready for war…in fact...
Be Ready For Anything.
Dedicated to Lorenzo Lenton Sr.
Loving Grandfather...Loving Man.
1928-2010
Loving Grandfather...Loving Man.
1928-2010
June 1995
I hate being so big, it’s almost like it’s some type of voodoo. Mama and Dad say that God made me big for a reason. Me? I think that it’s a pain in the butt. I can’t play basketball with the other kids full court because of it and they laugh at me. I hate being made fun of, it makes me feel bad. Dad isn’t fat...Mama isn’t either...maybe I should have put those Pop-Tarts down and moved around a bit more. It really gets old, you look around and you see all of these other kids in the summer playing all kinds of fun games and I’m stuck on the porch with Granddaddy while he watches the sun go down.
Granddaddy was a big guy, built like a Transformer! I remember each time I get to stay over while mom and dad are off on a trip, I stand in the mirror and flex next to him. He thinks it’s cute...I just wanna know how a old guy can get so HUGE. Granddaddy was rocking back and forth in his rocking chair with a big smile, giant, huge glasses sitting on his face. He glanced down at me staring, a hand on my cheek, holding a football in my hand...wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers hate two sizes too big.
Granddaddy was a big guy, built like a Transformer! I remember each time I get to stay over while mom and dad are off on a trip, I stand in the mirror and flex next to him. He thinks it’s cute...I just wanna know how a old guy can get so HUGE. Granddaddy was rocking back and forth in his rocking chair with a big smile, giant, huge glasses sitting on his face. He glanced down at me staring, a hand on my cheek, holding a football in my hand...wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers hate two sizes too big.
Granddaddy: Stevie, you gonna go play?
Steve Lenton: Nah...I’m okay.
Granddaddy: You sure about that? Clenching that football mighty hard, and you look bored sittin’ around with an old man.
Steve Lenton: Well...it’s too hot...and...I don’t wanna get sunburn.
Granddaddy: Boy, you’re black as coffee beans...ain’t no sun gonna burn you…
Steve Lenton: I’m fine, just gonna watch the other kids play.
Granddaddy: What’s the matter...c’mere.
I sat down on his lap with a sigh as I glance down with a disheartened glance.
Steve Lenton: ...No one wants to be my friend since we moved and it stinks. I’ve tried to talk to everyone, but they all just turned away from me and ignored me.
Granddaddy: Ooooh...the ol’ignore-them-until-they leave treatment. I’ve had that happen to me back in my time...but that was during Jim Crow.
Steve Lenton: What’s Jim Crow?
Granddaddy: Well, back in the day people of our skin weren’t given fair rights. We couldn’t go to the same bathrooms, we couldn’t eat burgers at our favorite restaurant, couldn’t even use the same water fountains can you believe that?
Steve Lenton: Seems pretty mean.
Granddaddy: Yes it was mean, and your grandfather who had served his country heard such mean words from the other people. He couldn’t sit where he wanted on the bus and when he said something the bus driver kicked him off. He’s been cursed at before, mean words. But your granddaddy...boy could he work. Did you know me and your dad use to go to work together?
I shake my head no...I didn’t even know what my dad did really.
Granddaddy: They wouldn’t give us a chance because we were black, but me and your daddy walked up to the supervisor and told them we could report them to the government if we didn’t get more money for working. Everyone started to like us...they would smile and call us good names, like “hero”. The point is Stevie...don't ever let no one deny you. Don't face obstacles with doubt...give it your all...your SOUL. You go out there, and you show those boys what you're made of and they'll like ya.
Steve Lenton: ...Really?
He nods and rubs my head.
Steve Lenton: I don't know.
Grandpa looks at me and puts me down, stands up and takes my football.
Granddaddy: Go long!
Steve Lenton: What?
Granddaddy: Go one, I still got my arm, go!
I jog as fast I could, granddad threw a pass at me and I threw it back.
Granddaddy: Lenton has the ball, a defender is comin' right up the middle!
I blink, grin realizing what he wanted to do. I waddle towards him and hop on him. Granddad fell over and let out a playful graon.
Granddaddy: Fumble on the play!
I grab the ball and start running.
Granddad ran after me laughing. He caught me and grabbed me, picking me up and whirling me around. I giggled and laughed. Grandpa was alright, he was the best I ever needed. Suddenly I looked over…
Kid: ...Hey.
I glanced behind me with caution. My grandpa looked down at me and pats me on the head. I walk over with my football and look at them.
Steve Lenton: Hi…
Kid: Ronny had to go home, he’s got baseball practice and we’re down a guy so...you wanna play some football?
I look at my granddad, he waved his hands urging me to go play. I was a little hesitant, I mean they didn’t really wanna play with me at first. I was kind of nervous...oh man this was my chance!
Steve Lenton: Yeah, okay. Grandpa, I’m gonna go play!
Granddaddy: Alright, don’t wander off, and be safe!!
I wave at him, and then head on off to play. Maybe these guys weren’t so bad. I got to play with them all day, and it was SO much fun! I didn’t know that playing with so many people would be this great. Was this what having friends was like?! If so I wanted to make as many friends as possible. I wanted mom and dad...and grandma and granddad to know I could make friends! Granddad sat down with me in the backyard, I was jumping and running...I felt amazing. I kept telling him over and over how many touchdowns I got, and he watched, with a cigar in his mouth as I stopped running, out of breath.
Steve Lenton: A-And then...I threw a pass, and he caught it...and uhm...and then, he RAN SO FAST and he SCORED! Then they let me run it, and I felt so big and awesome, no one could take me down grandpa, it was AWESOME!!!!
Granddaddy: How many did you score again.
I held up four fingers with a big smile.
Steve Lenton: THAT many!
Granddaddy: Ain’t you the man! Proud of you big guy. Like I said, you can do anything if you put enough heart in it. Don’t ever let people put you down. I want you...to grow up to be a good boy, alright?
I nod my head and go over to him and hug him.
Steve Lenton: Thanks grandpa…
He gives me a light embrace and pats my back.
Granddaddy: Alright, time for another round…!
He gets up and takes my football away.
Granddaddy: Lorenzo Lenton, has the ball, he jukes to the left, the right!
Steve Lenton: AND THEN STEVE COMES ALONG FOR THE TACKLE!
I run after him, he chuckles and runs around in a circle with the football. I try and catch him giggling to myself.
“HE’S AT THE FORTY, THE THIRTY, THE TWENTY!”
“GRANDPA SLOW DOWN LET ME TACKLE YOU!”
“OOF ya got me!!”
“This was a fun day…”
“Sure was, Stevie...it sure was.”
December 19th 2013.
Zuni, Virginia
“Heeeeey Granddad.”
It had been a few years since I seen the grave. I glance down at the gravestone, the flowers were dying. I took them up, then replaced them with a new set. I glanced lightly at the grave and sat down in-front of it. It was cold here in Zuni, almost forgot about how cold it was. I smirked and looked around at the other graves. This gravesite was where mostly all of my family was buried in. There was grandma, there was Uncle O’Neal, Uncle Clinton...I sighed and rubbed the back of my neck.
Steve Lenton: I meant to come by last time, but...work. Mom and dad said they came by with Monica on your birthday September...I shoulda been there. Hey listen...I’m really happy with my life down...everything was crazy at first, but I think I got over it. Uh...Aaron's still up to no good...he's been trying to be that "pimp" he always wanted to be and...well it's not good. Can't hold a job, don't know when he's gonna grow up. I hope by the time he gets my age he'll see. Some things are going to hit him hard, and the way he is he won't know how to handle it. Mom and dad tried their best, but...the kid won't listen. I know he use to put on a smile when you and grandma were around, but...I just miss my little brother. I miss you the most to be honest. You always knew what to say to make me feel better. You shoulda seen me last show, I did awesome. People praised me...gave me good jobs. I'm makin' the family proud. Uhm...dad's doin' okay besides those chronic joint pains. The doctors say he needs to take a break...but you know how dad is he's stubborn...just like you always said. I really miss you sometimes...I miss being able to walk to your house from my house and coming over to visit. I miss grandma feeding me...I was her little "teddy bear".
I paused for a moment and glanced down at the ground, taking in a slow breath of staggered air.
Steve Lenton: I'm gonna come visit more often, I'll come with the family next time...I'll visit and see how Great Aunt Claire is and...I'll be sure to bring some more flowers to the others here I promise. I hope you're gettin' some good sleep granddad...you deserve it. I’m going to make sure I take care of the family...and make sure everything’s okay. Dad’s not getting any younger...and his health. All I know is...it’s tough not seeing you around for my birthday. I sat by the phone today hoping to get a call from you...then I remembered you were here.
I pause for a moment and rub my face.
Steve Lenton: I’m still doing what you told me to do...I’m doing everything with %110 and I’m making you and everyone proud of me. It was a bumpy start but...I managed to make good on my mistakes. You were there for me...and...I’m...missing you. I wish you could see me now granddad...I wish you could see with your own eyes...what I am today.
I look at my watch for a moment...I had to get ready for Christmas. I stand up and dust my ass off.
Steve Lenton: ...I love you.
I walk over to grandma's headstone and place flowers down. I kiss my right hand and pat the grave lightly. I missed being around them...I miss being spoiled to death. I miss singing songs with them and having so much fun, and most of all...I miss learning. Granddad taught me like I was his own son. I was his blood, the part of him in his elderly life that was worth living. Dementia took him a few years back, and it hurt. It always made me smile though...when I went into the home he would always say…
"Hey Stevie."
Like I had been there all along. He could never forget my face, and his will forever been etched into my mind as the old man who taught me how to play catch in his backyard so I could play with the other kids on his street. There was only one Lorenzo Lenton and he was the best grandfather I could ever have. He was my hero, my one and only and Sunday night...
"Hey Stevie."
Like I had been there all along. He could never forget my face, and his will forever been etched into my mind as the old man who taught me how to play catch in his backyard so I could play with the other kids on his street. There was only one Lorenzo Lenton and he was the best grandfather I could ever have. He was my hero, my one and only and Sunday night...
He would be watching over me.
The Big L was pacing back and forth in his hotel room, “WARRIOR” written on his black T-shirt with “#BELIEVE” on the back of it. The Big L sported his usual shades as he turned his head to the camera.
Steve Lenton: Before The Big L goes, he wants to say something to a certain Magnus Gunner who’s been running his mouth. Twitter’s been blowin’ up, the people have been talkin’, and you wanna know something Gunner, people are SICK and tired of coming on and seeing the same shit comin’ out of your mouth. You like to say that you’re the reason Exodus exists, it was your blood, your sweat, and your matches. Wanna know what really irks me, it’s not the fact that you think you’ve carried Exodus on your back, I know that’s not true. It’s the fact that you don’t want to give credit where credit it due. You don’t want to thank Fiona Rourke for actually breaking her fucking hump, being the first champion for this company and carrying it with pride. You don’t want to thank The Turks for making the tag team division one of the most competitive divisions in this company. And you don’t want to thank the fans for actually spending their money on tickets to come see you. You see somethin’ don’t click, somethin’ ain’t right, so The Big L wants to tell you with the upmost confidence: You are WRONG!!
The Big L didn’t come into this company just so people could state claim to a crown because of a few matches. HELL, you could sellout a cardboard box, but that still doesn’t give anyone the right to think they are bigger than Exodus. This is my home, the place that brought me in when no one wanted to take the risk on a green ex-football player! So when you talk as if YOU’RE who people should be thanking, you got another thing comin’. See Magnus, the real beef I got with you ain’t your delusions, I’ve learned to welcome your bullshit and whining. The real beef I got is that I’ve spent my entire year here...carrying the Exodus banner PROUD!!! I am PROUD of this company and what it has done. All I’ve heard from you was how everyone was jealous of you and how Exodus is full of false heroes.
I step forward and look at the camera lens my body tensing up.
Steve Lenton: LISTEN. TO. ME. The only false motherfuckers around here is the jackass who’s too busy cryin’ to make an impact. YOU’VE HAD MATCHES, GREAT ONES, ONES THAT WOULD MAKE PEOPLE WONDER WHY YOU HAVEN’T WON A TITLE HERE IN EXODUS!!! WANNA KNOW WHY YOU HAVEN’T?! IT’S SIMPLE, you don’t have the heart for it. While you’re so damn busy trying to be the best in the fuckin’ planet you ignore the simple ingredients that make up who you fucking are. All this hate, this despair, all of this convuluded crap about how you’re the “one true champion” of this company is an ego-feeding, self satisfying, load of shit. WANNA PROVE YOU’RE SOMEBODY...WIN AGAINST ZERO! WANNA PROVE YOU’RE A WINNER, SHOW YOU’RE A FUCKING WINNER AND GET YOUR ASS SOME FUCKING HUMILITY. BECAUSE I CANNOT WAIT, AND THE BIG L REPEATS, HE CANNOT WAIT TO GET IN A RING WITH YOU IN THE NEAR FUTURE. BECAUSE HE WANTS TO SHOW YOU, MAGNUS GUNNER, KING OF MAYBELLINE, WHAT IT TAKES TO BE NUMBER UNO!!!! So when you’re done trying to tell yourself that you’re the reason you’re successful, I want you to look out there...
The Big L points at the window of his hotel room. The camera pans around to look at the beautiful San Diego city.
Steve Lenton: I want you to take a big ass look at the people who made you. The people Gunner, are the ones who liked your matches. The people are the ones who also can say without a doubt they would be okay without another Magnus Gunner setting foot inside of this ring. And it is the people...who will forever be your antagonist...because you DESERVE it. Now that The Big L’s got that pasty, pale, ugly, monkey off of his back…….
He adjusts and places his hands on his hips.
Steve Lenton: Two weeks ago, The Big L stood in-front of this camera and told MILLIONS what he would do in San Diego, California. He told Zero he would put everything there was into the match. He told Zero McHannon that The Big L was going to show him that he means BUSINESS! He left it all in the ring, wanna give him a big round of applause because Zero McHannon and The Big L put on a DAMN good show, main event worthy! The people, the fans, and The Big L went home happy, knowing that with every obstacle comes a solution. The Big L can hold his head up high, with a smile on his face...but there’s another cloud comin’ his way, a much bigger cloud ready to block The Big L’s way to a possible title shot...and he goes by the name of CHRIS...STRIKE. Chris Strike is a baller, a guy who’s been around the block and back and then some. The Big L knows he very well from his matches against Christian Kane and knows the ferocity that he can bring into a ring. He don’t play games, I’ll tell ya’ll that right now. There are no games to be played when you get into the ring with a Chris Strike, because he’s willing to try and knock your head off of your shoulders before he lets you make a fool out of’em.
Well that’s perfect, because The Big L don’t play games when he’s after something. That switch inside of The Big L is turned on 365 days of the week, even on Christmas! Shoulda seen The Big L on Christmas, he ate his tower of Christmas pancakes WITH INTENSITY. He got his presents and opened those with INTENSITY!! And the night after Christmas, he came back to San Diego, took a visit, and showed a lucky lil’mama how INTENSE The Big L is when those lights were turned off!! The Big L is ALL ABOUT INTENSITY!! So when I say I expect nothing less of Chris Strike on December 29th I’m telling you the truth. I see the look in his eyes in a match. I see the look of a guy who’s got the willpower of a goddamn DOG when it’s hungry enough and willin’ enough to bite someone. Chris Strike is a monster in his own category and should be respected. The Big L? He respects Chris Strike’s game, and will always respect a man with such dedication and professionalism that he’s shown. Does that mean I gotta fear what the Hell I’m gonna be up against? HELL. NAW. The Big L, when he was just Lil’ L, use to check his under his bed and close for monsters; I didn’t see Chris Strike underneath there. Fear’s never in my heart, fear doesn’t consume me, The Big L can say that with a straight FUCKING face! FEAR DOESN’T LIVE HERE!!!
My stance was firm, and I held my head steady, breathing heavily.
Steve Lenton: You’re a bad man Chris Strike and someone who’s going to be great someday. But understand this: The Big L has an opportunity to finally get his chance at the World Championship. He has proven he can go against the world champ in Zero McHannon. He has proven with the help and friendship of Wulf Erikksen that, no matter how many times you fall you can get back up; And we got the Tag Team Championships to prove just that! So Chris Strike, be REASSURED...THE BIG L WON’T LET THIS SLIP AWAY! He doesn’t matter if you’re a MONSTER, A GOD, A WORLD CHAMP, OR AN INTERNATIONAL CHAMP; THE BIG L STANDS FIRM...IN HIS BELIEF...THAT IF HE CAN DO IT...HE SHALL!!!!
My eyes flare up, I take my shades off and toss them on the bed beside me.
Steve Lenton: Because believe it or not Chris Strike, when The Big L was just a lil’ kid out in the city of Hampton Roads, Virgina, down Manchester Drive my granddad use to tell me, “Never let doubt hold you back, do everything with SOUL!” This came from a Airforce and Navy veteran who fought for his country back in WWII and raised a girl and a boy!! My grandfather, Lorenzo “Deucey” Lenton, was a strong old man, and was one of the main reasons WHY I am the way I am today. He was a tough human being and he taught me if I wanted to be something, I had to show I wanted it. I’m showing you RIGHT NOW, CHRIS STRIKE, GOD OF THUNDER, THAT YOU CAN RUMBLE AND ROAR, ALL YOU WANT...BUT THE BIG L’S ROAR WILL BE THE LOUDEST DAMN THING YOU HAVE EVER...EVER...EVERRRR...HEARD IN YOUR ENTIRE CAREER!!!!
I point at my heart, hand trembling, wanting for the bell-time to be now. GODDAMN was I excited. I wanted to get in that ring so bad, I didn’t want to wait another moment. I was ready to get in that son of a bitch and GO!!
Steve Lenton: Everyone in my FAMILY ...all of my FRIENDS are strong. nNd without that supporting cast...I’d be just another schmuck tryna call himself a “wrestler”. I’d be another big body taking up space on such a deep roster. See I take everything I seriously Strike. This pro wrestling thing isn’t just a job to me, I’ve turned it into a lifestyle. I give these people something to look forward to over the weekend, whether I’m getting my ass handed to me or now! I lace these boots up Chris Strike, I tie’em up real nice, and guard them with my life...they are my namesake! These boots don’t know, race, gender, good or bad...ALL THAT KNOW...IS KICKIN’ ASS!!! That’s what I plan to do...on Sunday night I plan to kick some ass. I plan to show these folks out here in the 619 what I’m gonna do! Steve Lenton is LIVE AND IN LIVING COLOR, READY TO SHOW THE WORLD HE CAN HANG WITH THE BIG BOYS!!! So The Big L and begging you Chris Strike GIVE HIM A FIGHT!!! THOSE CHILLS HE GOT WHEN THE MATCH WAS ANNOUNCE, THOSE WEREN’T CHILLS OF FEAR...THOSE WERE CHILLS OF EXCITEMENT RUNNIN’ DOWN HIS SPINE!!! Because I know I’m in for a treat, I know I’m going to be facing the best wrestler on this roster; And The Big L knows if he wants to even be mentioned in the title talks, he’s going to have to pull out everything against you. So on that night, he’s going to look at you from the other side of that ring, EYES LIT, FISTS CLENCHED, AND READY FOR SOME ACTION!!! The Big L’s hungry for this shit Strike, and he’s not going to stop here! Not...now.
I stand there, my eyes were lit up, my muscles were tense, and my heart was pounding. I was ready for a war, I was ready for everything to be on the line, I was ready to take it to a new extreme for this title shot. The guys who were put in front of me, whether it be Zero McHannon or Chris Strike...I knew they were good. But The Big L had to believe he was better. He had to make them believe he was better. All of this shit he’s said, all of it could fall on his head. The Big L knew the risks, but he was so calm. The Big L was calm over the fact that if he lost, he knew he gave these guys Hell.
I wasn’t doing this just so I could get my names in pretty lights. No, I wasn’t the type of guy who wanted to soak up all of the light and claim it. The Big L was here because The Big L loves his business, and loves the people in it. His friends the people who back him in this sport...he loves them. He BELIEVES...he will forever BELIEVE and there’s not a goddamn soul out there that can dim his light of hope! The Big L was going to come at Chris Strike like a goddamn storm of fury. The Big L is ready for this fight, he’s ready for that extra step, and he is READY...for a title shot. The world was watching...time to show off. The scene begins to fade away...and then there was black.
I wasn’t doing this just so I could get my names in pretty lights. No, I wasn’t the type of guy who wanted to soak up all of the light and claim it. The Big L was here because The Big L loves his business, and loves the people in it. His friends the people who back him in this sport...he loves them. He BELIEVES...he will forever BELIEVE and there’s not a goddamn soul out there that can dim his light of hope! The Big L was going to come at Chris Strike like a goddamn storm of fury. The Big L is ready for this fight, he’s ready for that extra step, and he is READY...for a title shot. The world was watching...time to show off. The scene begins to fade away...and then there was black.
Fade. Static. End.