Post by PANTHRO on Feb 22, 2013 16:50:31 GMT -6
Prologue: Setbacks.
Disappointment, frustration, just two words that describes how I feel whenever I lose focus and let something like two weeks ago happen to me. I never like losing, it leaves a sour taste in my mouth. That competitive desire that's deep inside of myself always leaks out in front of everyone. I got robbed, but am I gonna bitch about it? No. That's how shit goes, and I ain't gonna let it get to me. But somewhere inside of my head, I keep replaying how I could have gone about it better, how I could have won, and how I could come back to the audience with a big triumphant smile and give'em a thumbs up. That's not how it works sometimes, I guess. But it's a new day...and a new time...and a next match.
Now it's all up to me to make this W happen. It’s gonna take some effort for me to get back into the stride. No one said this job was easy, and they sure as Hell didn’t say I’d win every match I’d be in. But hey, I can still go out there and kick some ass right?! You’re damn right I can. So they put me in a match with a porkchop and collard greens eatin’ son of a bitch. They wanna test The Big L’s will again. Exodus Pro wants to see where The Big L’s head is at. Well they’re about to see where I’m at. They’re gonna see me in the ring again. They’re gonna see The Big L fight his ass off, and watch him get back into the groove of things ONCE...MORE.
I’ve handled setbacks in the past. I’ve been beat down to my knees by the people who tore me down. I’ve taken enough punishment for a decade. So there’s NO WAY...and I meant NOOOO way...I’m going to lose in California again. Romero might seem tough, he might seem dangerous because it’s mating season in the antarctic for walruses and he’s got blue balls like a mug! But The Big L...will not...allow him to win. Setbacks or not...I have to fight...
That’s All I Know How To Do.
The news ate me alive, and the entertainment shows butchered me. They tried to connect people with me I’ve never met before. Everything was turning sour and I couldn’t stop it. I had people giving me funny looks, most of them neighbors I had known for years. It wasn’t like they were blind, they read the paper and watched the news. Some of my friends didn’t want to talk to me because of how everything went down. The only friends I had that were close to me were James and Kendall to my of friends since middle school. James Eley was a student at Old Dominion University studying engineering. Kendall was a barber at a local barbershop in Downtown Hampton.
They were the closest friends I had at a time like this, and new I wasn’t the type of guy to take bribes. I was the odd guy out of the group when it came to things like that. James and Kendall use to do stupid shit back in the way, like pocketing snacks from Rite Aid. That’s because they never had money in their pocket. I always saved money up and always bought a snack for myself. It tasted better than squashing or crushing whatever you had in your pocket. We played basketball at the blacktop where we all went to middle school at, Jefferson Davis Middle School.
It was close and easy to get to, and most of the time there weren’t a lot of people around. I was a little hesitant to go because I was afraid someone would see me. But they had a way with words, and I threw on my Nike’s and my Michael Jordan jersey and went out. They did their best to get my mind off of this bullshit. The jokes about me, and about my jumpshot kept me occupied for the time being. I took a jumpshot....it bounced off of the rim and fell. Kendall catches it and dribbles with it.
Kendall: Steve...how come everytime you try and shoot the ball...you always suck?
James: ...He’s gotta point you do suck.
Steve Lenton: Well the gleam off of James’s big bald ass head keeps getting in my eyes. And I guess the ball gravitates towards you Kendall because it wants to punch the ugly off of your face.
Kendall: I’ll take that answer son...
I laughed quietly to myself, he bounces the ball towards me and I set up and shoot again, making it. Kendall gives me my change and I set up for another jumpshot.
James:How you feelin’ everything cool...?
Steve Lenton: Yeah...why wouldn’t it be?
Kendall: Yo James...now ain’t the right time fam...
James: I mean...you let that scandal shit go?
I go quiet for a moment and dribble the ball for a few moments. Kendall gave James a look and shook his head, James just shrugged lightly and looked back at me.
James: I Know some of that shit is lies Steve. You ain’t that type of dude man...
Kendall: Yeah Steve, you a straightarrow, you ain’t never been the type to do some sketchy bullshit like that. How the fuck did they accuse you anyway...?!
Steve Lenton: I don’t know...and I wanna find out myself. All I know is...my career is over after this point.
James: How?
Steve Lenton: No one recovers after something like this, it would be a miracle to get picked up by a team that wants to take a risk on me. I know I’m innocent...but the public...it’s not pretty, not one bit.
I take a lazy jumper and sigh, backing away a bit and rubbing my face.
Kendall: You just gotta...I don’t know what to tell you...
Steve Lenton: Naw, I gotta figure it out myself, otherwise--
James: We know...you won’t be able to let it go Steve. We’ve been friends with you this long, we know how the fuck you feel most of the time.
Steve Lenton: ….I wanna play football...I just--
I place my hands on top of my head walking around.
Steve Lenton: I gotta play.
Kendall: We know Steve.
James: Yeah....
Steve Lenton: Can we not talk about this right now...?
Kendall: Yeah, you up for a game of 21?
James: Who’s gonna bust?
Steve Lenton: I’ll do it--
? ? ?: Mr. Lenton?
I stopped for a moment and turned around, it was a man with a cameraman behind him with a microphone. I turned to see more people coming around. I tossed the ball to Kendall and saw a flood of people starting to line up. It was like an army of fuckin’ ants.
Steve Lenton: ...We gotta go.
James:Why what’s up?
Steve Lenton: I don’t know how, but the fuckin’ media followed me.
Kendall: Aw shit...
Steve Lenton: Let’s go.
Reporter: Steve how do you feel about being accused of these crimes, do you regret anything?
Steve Lenton: No comment.
Voices began to pile up as they rushed me. I reached inside of my pocket and pulled out my keys trying to get into my car.
Reporter #2: Mr. Lenton, if these accusations are correct you realize your credibility as a player and a human being will be held into question?
Steve Lenton: Leave me alone.
They called out my name as I slammed my SUV door hard and then the camera flashing ensued. Loud chattering, the people banging on my car windows. I started to back up, not caring if there was a reporter behind me. I hit the gas and sped off. I drove as far as I could where no one could see me. I called James and Kendall and told them I'd meet them later. I drove all the way to Fort Monroe where my grandfather and grandmother took me to play when I was a kid...and where me and my dad went to fish. A nice calm place to think.
It was then I realized that maybe this was more serious than I thought. That maybe this is going to either make me or break me. My career was in jeopardy and I had to fight for it. If I didn't it meant that everything I worked hard for, everything I accomplished, all of it...was going to be flushed down the toilet. I had to find out who did this to me...somehow...someway...I had to find out who was trying to ruin my life. It was going to take some time...but I was dedicated enough to find my tormentor.
I managed to get in California successfully. It was nice and warm over here, way different than the bitter cold up in D.C. I was dressed in a tanktop and a pair of jeans, and a pair of Adidas, showing off the boys. The Big L wasn't afraid to let the WMD's loose, especially in Cali. I had a pair of sunglasses on with a big smile, if you didn't know The Big L was at the beach, relaxin' lookin' at the view, enjoyin' himself. I take in a deep breathe, closing my eyes and exhale lightly.
Steve Lenton: You smell that...? That's the fresh smell of paradise. That's the fresh smell...of new beginnings for The Big L. See last time you saw'em, The Big L was doin' what he said he would do, he was kickin' ass! I went in there, I took Sailor Moon by his dry ass blonde locks of hair...and I tossed him over and flattened his Furby of a manager Donovan Torment. I crushed Kevin Brody, made'em know what time it is! But then...then The Big L got careless, he got cocky, thought he had the match but then...
I snap my fingers with a serious expression.
Steve Lenton: He got distracted, took his eye off of the ball and then...he got careless. He ended up getting blindsided by that walkin' Ultraman villain Gouken, thanks to his sister of course...he got the win. The Big L can stomach the fact that he lost; HOWEVER, The Big L can't stomach the fact that he got distracted by Gouken's lil' Pikachu of a sister Kanna. Now you might believe you got a decisive victory Gouken, but believe me...our paths will cross again. And when that time comes, when it comes around Gouken...we'll both know who the better man is that day. BUT ON TO BUSINESS. The Big L's in a match, another Whale Huntin' match courtesy of Exodus Pro Wrestling. Aiden Romero, a badass from Kentucky, home of The G.O.A.T. Muhammad Ali! Home of KFC...Colonel Sanders...11 herbs and spices! He looks like he's could eat two buckets by himself and then ask for some peach cobbler!
Now Aiden, be clear as to what this match means to The Big L. Be clear...that this match...is motivation for me. Because weeks back, The Big L got his pride hurt, he came in, guns blazing, kickin' ass from left to right...and he got screwed. Now that messed with me a bit...it messed with me a lot. Because it made The Big L believe that he didn't have enough firepower to get the job done at March of War. After all of that struggle, after fighting off three guys in a ring...The Big L let his eye off of what was important and he paid for it. The Big L...will not make the same mistake again. NO WAY...is The Big L going to allow another loss, NO MORE...will he come up short.
I wave my right index finger and shake my head with a definite no.
Steve Lenton: Aiden Romero, you've got issues in your past, we all got'em. I've had'em, and I've pushed through. I'm determined enough to not let you be an obstacle in my path to gettin' to the top. You're big, your tough as nails, you got an iron jaw, but The Big L's got a JACKHAMMER...for a boot...and it's ready to plow a path straight down your flabby ass!! So in San Diego, in front of the thousands LIVE...you can guaran-DAMN-tee The Big L...is motivated.
I give a small nod and walk down the sandy path, ready to enjoy the sun. This was going to be my bounce-back match. This time, I wouldn't lose my sights on this match. It was mine for the taking...believe that.
Fade. Static. End.
Disappointment, frustration, just two words that describes how I feel whenever I lose focus and let something like two weeks ago happen to me. I never like losing, it leaves a sour taste in my mouth. That competitive desire that's deep inside of myself always leaks out in front of everyone. I got robbed, but am I gonna bitch about it? No. That's how shit goes, and I ain't gonna let it get to me. But somewhere inside of my head, I keep replaying how I could have gone about it better, how I could have won, and how I could come back to the audience with a big triumphant smile and give'em a thumbs up. That's not how it works sometimes, I guess. But it's a new day...and a new time...and a next match.
Now it's all up to me to make this W happen. It’s gonna take some effort for me to get back into the stride. No one said this job was easy, and they sure as Hell didn’t say I’d win every match I’d be in. But hey, I can still go out there and kick some ass right?! You’re damn right I can. So they put me in a match with a porkchop and collard greens eatin’ son of a bitch. They wanna test The Big L’s will again. Exodus Pro wants to see where The Big L’s head is at. Well they’re about to see where I’m at. They’re gonna see me in the ring again. They’re gonna see The Big L fight his ass off, and watch him get back into the groove of things ONCE...MORE.
I’ve handled setbacks in the past. I’ve been beat down to my knees by the people who tore me down. I’ve taken enough punishment for a decade. So there’s NO WAY...and I meant NOOOO way...I’m going to lose in California again. Romero might seem tough, he might seem dangerous because it’s mating season in the antarctic for walruses and he’s got blue balls like a mug! But The Big L...will not...allow him to win. Setbacks or not...I have to fight...
That’s All I Know How To Do.
The news ate me alive, and the entertainment shows butchered me. They tried to connect people with me I’ve never met before. Everything was turning sour and I couldn’t stop it. I had people giving me funny looks, most of them neighbors I had known for years. It wasn’t like they were blind, they read the paper and watched the news. Some of my friends didn’t want to talk to me because of how everything went down. The only friends I had that were close to me were James and Kendall to my of friends since middle school. James Eley was a student at Old Dominion University studying engineering. Kendall was a barber at a local barbershop in Downtown Hampton.
They were the closest friends I had at a time like this, and new I wasn’t the type of guy to take bribes. I was the odd guy out of the group when it came to things like that. James and Kendall use to do stupid shit back in the way, like pocketing snacks from Rite Aid. That’s because they never had money in their pocket. I always saved money up and always bought a snack for myself. It tasted better than squashing or crushing whatever you had in your pocket. We played basketball at the blacktop where we all went to middle school at, Jefferson Davis Middle School.
It was close and easy to get to, and most of the time there weren’t a lot of people around. I was a little hesitant to go because I was afraid someone would see me. But they had a way with words, and I threw on my Nike’s and my Michael Jordan jersey and went out. They did their best to get my mind off of this bullshit. The jokes about me, and about my jumpshot kept me occupied for the time being. I took a jumpshot....it bounced off of the rim and fell. Kendall catches it and dribbles with it.
Kendall: Steve...how come everytime you try and shoot the ball...you always suck?
James: ...He’s gotta point you do suck.
Steve Lenton: Well the gleam off of James’s big bald ass head keeps getting in my eyes. And I guess the ball gravitates towards you Kendall because it wants to punch the ugly off of your face.
Kendall: I’ll take that answer son...
I laughed quietly to myself, he bounces the ball towards me and I set up and shoot again, making it. Kendall gives me my change and I set up for another jumpshot.
James:How you feelin’ everything cool...?
Steve Lenton: Yeah...why wouldn’t it be?
Kendall: Yo James...now ain’t the right time fam...
James: I mean...you let that scandal shit go?
I go quiet for a moment and dribble the ball for a few moments. Kendall gave James a look and shook his head, James just shrugged lightly and looked back at me.
James: I Know some of that shit is lies Steve. You ain’t that type of dude man...
Kendall: Yeah Steve, you a straightarrow, you ain’t never been the type to do some sketchy bullshit like that. How the fuck did they accuse you anyway...?!
Steve Lenton: I don’t know...and I wanna find out myself. All I know is...my career is over after this point.
James: How?
Steve Lenton: No one recovers after something like this, it would be a miracle to get picked up by a team that wants to take a risk on me. I know I’m innocent...but the public...it’s not pretty, not one bit.
I take a lazy jumper and sigh, backing away a bit and rubbing my face.
Kendall: You just gotta...I don’t know what to tell you...
Steve Lenton: Naw, I gotta figure it out myself, otherwise--
James: We know...you won’t be able to let it go Steve. We’ve been friends with you this long, we know how the fuck you feel most of the time.
Steve Lenton: ….I wanna play football...I just--
I place my hands on top of my head walking around.
Steve Lenton: I gotta play.
Kendall: We know Steve.
James: Yeah....
Steve Lenton: Can we not talk about this right now...?
Kendall: Yeah, you up for a game of 21?
James: Who’s gonna bust?
Steve Lenton: I’ll do it--
? ? ?: Mr. Lenton?
I stopped for a moment and turned around, it was a man with a cameraman behind him with a microphone. I turned to see more people coming around. I tossed the ball to Kendall and saw a flood of people starting to line up. It was like an army of fuckin’ ants.
Steve Lenton: ...We gotta go.
James:Why what’s up?
Steve Lenton: I don’t know how, but the fuckin’ media followed me.
Kendall: Aw shit...
Steve Lenton: Let’s go.
Reporter: Steve how do you feel about being accused of these crimes, do you regret anything?
Steve Lenton: No comment.
Voices began to pile up as they rushed me. I reached inside of my pocket and pulled out my keys trying to get into my car.
Reporter #2: Mr. Lenton, if these accusations are correct you realize your credibility as a player and a human being will be held into question?
Steve Lenton: Leave me alone.
They called out my name as I slammed my SUV door hard and then the camera flashing ensued. Loud chattering, the people banging on my car windows. I started to back up, not caring if there was a reporter behind me. I hit the gas and sped off. I drove as far as I could where no one could see me. I called James and Kendall and told them I'd meet them later. I drove all the way to Fort Monroe where my grandfather and grandmother took me to play when I was a kid...and where me and my dad went to fish. A nice calm place to think.
It was then I realized that maybe this was more serious than I thought. That maybe this is going to either make me or break me. My career was in jeopardy and I had to fight for it. If I didn't it meant that everything I worked hard for, everything I accomplished, all of it...was going to be flushed down the toilet. I had to find out who did this to me...somehow...someway...I had to find out who was trying to ruin my life. It was going to take some time...but I was dedicated enough to find my tormentor.
I managed to get in California successfully. It was nice and warm over here, way different than the bitter cold up in D.C. I was dressed in a tanktop and a pair of jeans, and a pair of Adidas, showing off the boys. The Big L wasn't afraid to let the WMD's loose, especially in Cali. I had a pair of sunglasses on with a big smile, if you didn't know The Big L was at the beach, relaxin' lookin' at the view, enjoyin' himself. I take in a deep breathe, closing my eyes and exhale lightly.
Steve Lenton: You smell that...? That's the fresh smell of paradise. That's the fresh smell...of new beginnings for The Big L. See last time you saw'em, The Big L was doin' what he said he would do, he was kickin' ass! I went in there, I took Sailor Moon by his dry ass blonde locks of hair...and I tossed him over and flattened his Furby of a manager Donovan Torment. I crushed Kevin Brody, made'em know what time it is! But then...then The Big L got careless, he got cocky, thought he had the match but then...
I snap my fingers with a serious expression.
Steve Lenton: He got distracted, took his eye off of the ball and then...he got careless. He ended up getting blindsided by that walkin' Ultraman villain Gouken, thanks to his sister of course...he got the win. The Big L can stomach the fact that he lost; HOWEVER, The Big L can't stomach the fact that he got distracted by Gouken's lil' Pikachu of a sister Kanna. Now you might believe you got a decisive victory Gouken, but believe me...our paths will cross again. And when that time comes, when it comes around Gouken...we'll both know who the better man is that day. BUT ON TO BUSINESS. The Big L's in a match, another Whale Huntin' match courtesy of Exodus Pro Wrestling. Aiden Romero, a badass from Kentucky, home of The G.O.A.T. Muhammad Ali! Home of KFC...Colonel Sanders...11 herbs and spices! He looks like he's could eat two buckets by himself and then ask for some peach cobbler!
Now Aiden, be clear as to what this match means to The Big L. Be clear...that this match...is motivation for me. Because weeks back, The Big L got his pride hurt, he came in, guns blazing, kickin' ass from left to right...and he got screwed. Now that messed with me a bit...it messed with me a lot. Because it made The Big L believe that he didn't have enough firepower to get the job done at March of War. After all of that struggle, after fighting off three guys in a ring...The Big L let his eye off of what was important and he paid for it. The Big L...will not make the same mistake again. NO WAY...is The Big L going to allow another loss, NO MORE...will he come up short.
I wave my right index finger and shake my head with a definite no.
Steve Lenton: Aiden Romero, you've got issues in your past, we all got'em. I've had'em, and I've pushed through. I'm determined enough to not let you be an obstacle in my path to gettin' to the top. You're big, your tough as nails, you got an iron jaw, but The Big L's got a JACKHAMMER...for a boot...and it's ready to plow a path straight down your flabby ass!! So in San Diego, in front of the thousands LIVE...you can guaran-DAMN-tee The Big L...is motivated.
I give a small nod and walk down the sandy path, ready to enjoy the sun. This was going to be my bounce-back match. This time, I wouldn't lose my sights on this match. It was mine for the taking...believe that.
Fade. Static. End.