Post by "Captain" Joe Stall on Mar 16, 2011 20:52:06 GMT
Clank! The connecting weights kick up a cloud of dust as the old man’s knees struggle with the leg lift machine. Around the room the tired wallpaper is peeling apart. Only the bench press, the leg lift and the treadmill can be clearly made out. Most of the old machines are still covered by cloth. In the center of the gym the ring stands with no ring ropes around its rusted poles. A few faded photographs hang around the dimly lit room. The dust in the air makes everything seem almost sepia-toned.
“Captain” Joe Stall sits alone in his private gym in his house in Great Neck, Long Island. He sweats away at the leg lift with his white gym shorts, blue Real Deal muscle shirt, and American flag bandana. The beads of sweat run down his reddened face and off his white horseshoe mustache. He breathes heavily with each exertion of his strength. Under his breath he grunts the lyrics to “Real American” with each lift.
”I am a real American.”
The weights are set far above what a man of Joe’s age and condition should be lifting. They put massive strain on the knees that have suffered through so many battles in the ring with legends like Pain, Ernest “the Beast” Bethea, Marcus Brody Sr. and Dan the Dragon Taylor, and monsters like “Dark” Mark Lloyd and the Unknown.
”Fight for the rights of every man.”
Joe continues to work as the door to his basement opens allowing in a crack of light. He stops, letting the weight come down with a loud crash. The door opens further to reveal Joe Stall’s son in law, Pain. He looks at Joe and then walks down the creaky wooden steps into the basement.
Joe? What are you doing?
Joe gets up from the leg lift machine and allows himself to feel the full ache of his knees before he staggers over to the butterfly machine. He pulls off the cloth, tosses it to the ground and sits down.
”What’s it look like I’m doing?”
He begins to do butterfly presses as Pain walks closer to him.
”I’m working out.”
I know. Steve called me. Said you were talking about training again. You’re scaring the shit out of him.
Joe lets the weight drop and then leans behind the machine to add more before going back to work.
”Well tell my son not to worry. I’m fine.”
Joe, you’re sixty years old. You shouldn’t be pushing yourself like this. You’re going to give yourself a heart attack.
Joe ignores Pain. He keeps his face straight forward and grunts as he increases the speed of his repetitions.
”I’m in fine shape. I’ve been training others at the Academy for years. Now it’s time to get back to training myself.”
I just want to understand why. You’re a Hall of Famer. You’ve won more titles than I can count. You’ve got nothing left to prove.
”I have a legacy to defend. I’m not going to let myself be forgotten.”
Pain nods slowly and then stops. His head snaps back up to look at Joe.
Wait a minute. Is this about the Fizz?
Joe says nothing, but lets the weight drop violently. He lands with a loud clang before Joe picks up his pace again.
Christ, Joe! It’s the Fizz. He entire career has consisted of energy drinks and concussions… and probably cocaine. It’s no wonder she can’t remember anything. I’m surprised she hasn’t had an aneurism in the ring. There’s no way her brain works properly.
Joe sets the weight down slowly.
”It’s not just about her.”
She’s a ball of incoherent nonsense.
”I said it’s not just about her.”
Pain stops talking and looks over at Joe who is breathing heavily. His eyes dart around the room and he grabs a bottle of water that is sitting by the bench press. He tosses it to Joe.
Alright. Then what is this about?
Joe takes a long draw from the water bottler and sprays most of it on his head letting it seep through the bandana and run down his face and mustache.
”Partly it’s about what she said. It’s about not being forgotten, but she’s just the straw that broke the camel’s back. I’ve been toying around with this idea for a while since I’ve been working with the youngsters at the Academy. Then there was “Dark” Mark Lloyd at Jealousy… the way he handled me. I can’t let that stand. I can’t let that bastard get away with that.”
Joe that feud’s long over. You’ve beaten him so many times. You have to let it go.
Joe shakes his head.
”There’s something you don’t know about Mark… but forget it. It’s about James too. I’ve been training him and—“
You know he loves you.
”Yeah I know. And I also know he looks at me like I’m a relic. He has an immense respect for everything I’ve done, but I can tell he doesn’t think I can do it anymore. Nobody does. That’s why I have to do this. I have to prove you all wrong one more time.”
Pain leans back and lets out a long drawn out sigh.
So you’re really serious about it this time? Cause… no offense, but usually you just show up to these events and give it a shot, but no one ever actually takes you as a serious threat to win. It’s kinda like you’re filler. Again… no offense.
”Yeah… thanks… And yes this is a real honest shot at coming out of retirement. I used to just run around in the ring at those events for fun, and to keep in shape. I haven’t given it my all in quite a while. But now I’m going to show everyone why I won multiple New Year’s Rumbles at UCW.”
Joe looks up and laughs.
”Besides, it’ll be fun to toss Marcus out of that ring again, his son too. And I haven’t really hit James since I used to spank him as a child. An old fashioned beating will do him a world of good.”
Plus Chris Knite is in the match.
”Now that guy’s filler.”
The father and son duo laugh out loud and Joe leans back against the butterfly machine. He lets his long muscular legs stretch out, and he finishes the bottle of water.
”You know. Now that you’re here, you could actually help me with something.”
What?
”I have an interview with Linda Myles.”
Pain cocks his head in confusion.
Joe, I’m sure you’ve done dozens of interviews with Linda Myles. You don’t need my help with that.
”No. This one’s different. It’s on the computer.”
Pain stares at Joe his lips pursed and his eyebrow raised as he tries to understand what Joe is saying.
I know you’re old, but I’m sure you know how to use a computer.
”I do, but we’re supposed to be skipping or something.”
SKYPEing?
”Yeah. That’s it.”
Pain strokes his chin.
You’ve never used SKYPE before?
”Nope.”
What are you an ooVoo person?
”What’s an ooVoo?”
Pain slaps his palm to his forehead.
Nevermind. Just… just let me see your computer.
A half an hour later and Pain and Joe Stall are in Joe’s dining room with his Dell laptop sitting on the table. Joe has changed into a clean set of clothes. He’s wearing blue jeans, a black t-shirt, and a matching black bandanna.
Okay. I set you up on SKYPE, and I called Linda to give you your username. I also updated your Windows Live Messenger, which was way overdue. No wonder you haven’t been online in forever.
Pain steps away and allows Joe to sit down at his dining room table. He stands behind Joe and points out the laptop’s built in webcam.
Now, just look into this little camera and talk. It’s very simple.
Joe nods, and Linda Myles calls in. Joe stares blankly at the laptop screen for a moment before Pain uses the mouse to click the Answer with Video button. He steps back out of sight as Linda’s face pops up on screen.
Hello Joe.
”Hello Linda. I’m glad we could have this interview today.”
Well thank you so much for making yourself so available. Let’s get right down to some questions shall we?
Joe clears his throat and nods.
Alright. First of all, the world wants to know, are the rumors true? Are you really planning on coming out of retirement on a full time basis?
Joe smiles broadly.
”Yes I am Linda. If you haven’t heard it already “Captain” Joe Stall is officially coming back. I’m tired of sitting on the sidelines. I think it’s high time I got back in the saddle and show everyone that I can still do the things that made me a Hall of Famer. People forget things Linda. They forget that I am a big deal in this business. I am a founding member of both FWF and UCW. I have held more titles than most people in this business. I don’t want to sound like an egotist Linda, but I’m one of the great ones, and there’s no denying that. There have been many great ones Linda, Pain, Predator, Dan Taylor, Ernest Bethea, Marcus Brody Sr. etc. And I’ve earned my place among them. I’ve earned the respect that should be given to me. I think you know that.”
I certainly do Joe. There’s no denying you were one of the best in the business.
”And I aim to prove I still am.”
Of course. With that said how bout you give us your thoughts on this match? You’ve chosen to come back for a Blizzard match on a very special edition of Live-Wire. And it’s a match with many wrestlers that you are familiar with.
Joe takes a moment to pause and think about all the matches he has had with the many old school FWF veterans that are in the Blizzard match he is about to take part in.
”Certainly Linda. I’ve worked with just about every warrior in that match. I’m sure many of them are names that other newer warriors won’t recognize. Do you remember Eagle? I do. He’s a former cruiserweight champion, a very small man. I’m pretty a sure I could snap him in half. Now there’s Knuckles. He’s a straight badass. I used to work quite a bit with him back in the day. He’s a good man. He’s a strong man, but he’s even more out of practice than I am. If I’ve lost half a step I imagine he’s lost three. Danny Diablo was young hot headed and reckless when I first new him, and I haven’t seen much of him since then.”
And what about the FWF Warriors that our newer audience is more familiar with?
”Well first let me say that if you don’t know Knuckles you seriously need to watch some old matches. He’s great. As for the warriors that FWF fans might know better, I take Camisado and James Bohne very seriously. I also take “The” Ross Walker and Oswald Brodd seriously. They are all incredibly talented people, and they’ve earned everything they’ve gotten in this business. They are to be commended. That said-- Oh and Prozac and Ritalin too—I don’t want to forget them. That said I’m still going to toss them all one by one over the ropes.”
And what about the warriors that you have the closest relationships too?
”Of course. I knew this was coming. As everyone knows James Stall is my grandson. I’m proud of what he’s been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time, but that won’t stop me from teaching the kid that his Grandpa can still whoop his ass. As for Marcus and Son… Marcus Brody and I go back many years. We’re beyond good friends. He’s been like a brother to me, and his son is my godson. That’s a little known fact. It will be an honor to toss both of them over those ropes. Hell it’ll just be fun to share the ring with Marcus again.”
And what about the rest of the warriors in the match?
”The rest of the warriors aren’t worth mentioning… except for the Fizz. Fizz, I’m coming for you especially. I’m going to make sure that after this match you remember who “Captain” Joe Stall is. And to answer your question I am a decorated member of the United States Armed forces. If you’re not going to respect me you will respect the men and women who give their lives to protect your freedom. I will not let you belittle real heroes. Semper Fi!”
Joe slams his fist on the table which causes the laptop to shake.
We’re running short on time, but I have one last question. If you win this match you will face Christian Lee at Genesis. What are your thoughts on him?
”I’m focusing on one thing at a time right now. When I win this match I’ll focus on Christian Lee, but suffice it to say that I don’t believe he deserves that title. In the end though, it’s not about winning for me. It’s about getting the respect I deserve. And I’ll beat it out of Christian Lee when the time comes for that as well.”
Thank you for your time “Captain”. I know I and the rest of the FWF fandom look forward to your return this upcoming Live-Wire.
”Thank you Linda. It’s been wonderful doing this interview with you. And I look forward to making my return even more than you look forward to seeing it. “
Linda disconnects the call. Joe looks over at Pain.
”I’d say that went pretty damn well.”
Yes. Yes it did.
Pain pats Joe on the back and Joe slowly rises from his seat.
”Now if you excuse me, I have to get back to training.”
Joe walks back down the rickety stares to his dust filled basement singing the words to Real American to himself.
”If You hurt my friends then you hurt my pride. Gotta take a stand. Can’t let it slide.”
“Captain” Joe Stall sits alone in his private gym in his house in Great Neck, Long Island. He sweats away at the leg lift with his white gym shorts, blue Real Deal muscle shirt, and American flag bandana. The beads of sweat run down his reddened face and off his white horseshoe mustache. He breathes heavily with each exertion of his strength. Under his breath he grunts the lyrics to “Real American” with each lift.
”I am a real American.”
The weights are set far above what a man of Joe’s age and condition should be lifting. They put massive strain on the knees that have suffered through so many battles in the ring with legends like Pain, Ernest “the Beast” Bethea, Marcus Brody Sr. and Dan the Dragon Taylor, and monsters like “Dark” Mark Lloyd and the Unknown.
”Fight for the rights of every man.”
Joe continues to work as the door to his basement opens allowing in a crack of light. He stops, letting the weight come down with a loud crash. The door opens further to reveal Joe Stall’s son in law, Pain. He looks at Joe and then walks down the creaky wooden steps into the basement.
Joe? What are you doing?
Joe gets up from the leg lift machine and allows himself to feel the full ache of his knees before he staggers over to the butterfly machine. He pulls off the cloth, tosses it to the ground and sits down.
”What’s it look like I’m doing?”
He begins to do butterfly presses as Pain walks closer to him.
”I’m working out.”
I know. Steve called me. Said you were talking about training again. You’re scaring the shit out of him.
Joe lets the weight drop and then leans behind the machine to add more before going back to work.
”Well tell my son not to worry. I’m fine.”
Joe, you’re sixty years old. You shouldn’t be pushing yourself like this. You’re going to give yourself a heart attack.
Joe ignores Pain. He keeps his face straight forward and grunts as he increases the speed of his repetitions.
”I’m in fine shape. I’ve been training others at the Academy for years. Now it’s time to get back to training myself.”
I just want to understand why. You’re a Hall of Famer. You’ve won more titles than I can count. You’ve got nothing left to prove.
”I have a legacy to defend. I’m not going to let myself be forgotten.”
Pain nods slowly and then stops. His head snaps back up to look at Joe.
Wait a minute. Is this about the Fizz?
Joe says nothing, but lets the weight drop violently. He lands with a loud clang before Joe picks up his pace again.
Christ, Joe! It’s the Fizz. He entire career has consisted of energy drinks and concussions… and probably cocaine. It’s no wonder she can’t remember anything. I’m surprised she hasn’t had an aneurism in the ring. There’s no way her brain works properly.
Joe sets the weight down slowly.
”It’s not just about her.”
She’s a ball of incoherent nonsense.
”I said it’s not just about her.”
Pain stops talking and looks over at Joe who is breathing heavily. His eyes dart around the room and he grabs a bottle of water that is sitting by the bench press. He tosses it to Joe.
Alright. Then what is this about?
Joe takes a long draw from the water bottler and sprays most of it on his head letting it seep through the bandana and run down his face and mustache.
”Partly it’s about what she said. It’s about not being forgotten, but she’s just the straw that broke the camel’s back. I’ve been toying around with this idea for a while since I’ve been working with the youngsters at the Academy. Then there was “Dark” Mark Lloyd at Jealousy… the way he handled me. I can’t let that stand. I can’t let that bastard get away with that.”
Joe that feud’s long over. You’ve beaten him so many times. You have to let it go.
Joe shakes his head.
”There’s something you don’t know about Mark… but forget it. It’s about James too. I’ve been training him and—“
You know he loves you.
”Yeah I know. And I also know he looks at me like I’m a relic. He has an immense respect for everything I’ve done, but I can tell he doesn’t think I can do it anymore. Nobody does. That’s why I have to do this. I have to prove you all wrong one more time.”
Pain leans back and lets out a long drawn out sigh.
So you’re really serious about it this time? Cause… no offense, but usually you just show up to these events and give it a shot, but no one ever actually takes you as a serious threat to win. It’s kinda like you’re filler. Again… no offense.
”Yeah… thanks… And yes this is a real honest shot at coming out of retirement. I used to just run around in the ring at those events for fun, and to keep in shape. I haven’t given it my all in quite a while. But now I’m going to show everyone why I won multiple New Year’s Rumbles at UCW.”
Joe looks up and laughs.
”Besides, it’ll be fun to toss Marcus out of that ring again, his son too. And I haven’t really hit James since I used to spank him as a child. An old fashioned beating will do him a world of good.”
Plus Chris Knite is in the match.
”Now that guy’s filler.”
The father and son duo laugh out loud and Joe leans back against the butterfly machine. He lets his long muscular legs stretch out, and he finishes the bottle of water.
”You know. Now that you’re here, you could actually help me with something.”
What?
”I have an interview with Linda Myles.”
Pain cocks his head in confusion.
Joe, I’m sure you’ve done dozens of interviews with Linda Myles. You don’t need my help with that.
”No. This one’s different. It’s on the computer.”
Pain stares at Joe his lips pursed and his eyebrow raised as he tries to understand what Joe is saying.
I know you’re old, but I’m sure you know how to use a computer.
”I do, but we’re supposed to be skipping or something.”
SKYPEing?
”Yeah. That’s it.”
Pain strokes his chin.
You’ve never used SKYPE before?
”Nope.”
What are you an ooVoo person?
”What’s an ooVoo?”
Pain slaps his palm to his forehead.
Nevermind. Just… just let me see your computer.
A half an hour later and Pain and Joe Stall are in Joe’s dining room with his Dell laptop sitting on the table. Joe has changed into a clean set of clothes. He’s wearing blue jeans, a black t-shirt, and a matching black bandanna.
Okay. I set you up on SKYPE, and I called Linda to give you your username. I also updated your Windows Live Messenger, which was way overdue. No wonder you haven’t been online in forever.
Pain steps away and allows Joe to sit down at his dining room table. He stands behind Joe and points out the laptop’s built in webcam.
Now, just look into this little camera and talk. It’s very simple.
Joe nods, and Linda Myles calls in. Joe stares blankly at the laptop screen for a moment before Pain uses the mouse to click the Answer with Video button. He steps back out of sight as Linda’s face pops up on screen.
Hello Joe.
”Hello Linda. I’m glad we could have this interview today.”
Well thank you so much for making yourself so available. Let’s get right down to some questions shall we?
Joe clears his throat and nods.
Alright. First of all, the world wants to know, are the rumors true? Are you really planning on coming out of retirement on a full time basis?
Joe smiles broadly.
”Yes I am Linda. If you haven’t heard it already “Captain” Joe Stall is officially coming back. I’m tired of sitting on the sidelines. I think it’s high time I got back in the saddle and show everyone that I can still do the things that made me a Hall of Famer. People forget things Linda. They forget that I am a big deal in this business. I am a founding member of both FWF and UCW. I have held more titles than most people in this business. I don’t want to sound like an egotist Linda, but I’m one of the great ones, and there’s no denying that. There have been many great ones Linda, Pain, Predator, Dan Taylor, Ernest Bethea, Marcus Brody Sr. etc. And I’ve earned my place among them. I’ve earned the respect that should be given to me. I think you know that.”
I certainly do Joe. There’s no denying you were one of the best in the business.
”And I aim to prove I still am.”
Of course. With that said how bout you give us your thoughts on this match? You’ve chosen to come back for a Blizzard match on a very special edition of Live-Wire. And it’s a match with many wrestlers that you are familiar with.
Joe takes a moment to pause and think about all the matches he has had with the many old school FWF veterans that are in the Blizzard match he is about to take part in.
”Certainly Linda. I’ve worked with just about every warrior in that match. I’m sure many of them are names that other newer warriors won’t recognize. Do you remember Eagle? I do. He’s a former cruiserweight champion, a very small man. I’m pretty a sure I could snap him in half. Now there’s Knuckles. He’s a straight badass. I used to work quite a bit with him back in the day. He’s a good man. He’s a strong man, but he’s even more out of practice than I am. If I’ve lost half a step I imagine he’s lost three. Danny Diablo was young hot headed and reckless when I first new him, and I haven’t seen much of him since then.”
And what about the FWF Warriors that our newer audience is more familiar with?
”Well first let me say that if you don’t know Knuckles you seriously need to watch some old matches. He’s great. As for the warriors that FWF fans might know better, I take Camisado and James Bohne very seriously. I also take “The” Ross Walker and Oswald Brodd seriously. They are all incredibly talented people, and they’ve earned everything they’ve gotten in this business. They are to be commended. That said-- Oh and Prozac and Ritalin too—I don’t want to forget them. That said I’m still going to toss them all one by one over the ropes.”
And what about the warriors that you have the closest relationships too?
”Of course. I knew this was coming. As everyone knows James Stall is my grandson. I’m proud of what he’s been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time, but that won’t stop me from teaching the kid that his Grandpa can still whoop his ass. As for Marcus and Son… Marcus Brody and I go back many years. We’re beyond good friends. He’s been like a brother to me, and his son is my godson. That’s a little known fact. It will be an honor to toss both of them over those ropes. Hell it’ll just be fun to share the ring with Marcus again.”
And what about the rest of the warriors in the match?
”The rest of the warriors aren’t worth mentioning… except for the Fizz. Fizz, I’m coming for you especially. I’m going to make sure that after this match you remember who “Captain” Joe Stall is. And to answer your question I am a decorated member of the United States Armed forces. If you’re not going to respect me you will respect the men and women who give their lives to protect your freedom. I will not let you belittle real heroes. Semper Fi!”
Joe slams his fist on the table which causes the laptop to shake.
We’re running short on time, but I have one last question. If you win this match you will face Christian Lee at Genesis. What are your thoughts on him?
”I’m focusing on one thing at a time right now. When I win this match I’ll focus on Christian Lee, but suffice it to say that I don’t believe he deserves that title. In the end though, it’s not about winning for me. It’s about getting the respect I deserve. And I’ll beat it out of Christian Lee when the time comes for that as well.”
Thank you for your time “Captain”. I know I and the rest of the FWF fandom look forward to your return this upcoming Live-Wire.
”Thank you Linda. It’s been wonderful doing this interview with you. And I look forward to making my return even more than you look forward to seeing it. “
Linda disconnects the call. Joe looks over at Pain.
”I’d say that went pretty damn well.”
Yes. Yes it did.
Pain pats Joe on the back and Joe slowly rises from his seat.
”Now if you excuse me, I have to get back to training.”
Joe walks back down the rickety stares to his dust filled basement singing the words to Real American to himself.
”If You hurt my friends then you hurt my pride. Gotta take a stand. Can’t let it slide.”
