Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2014 16:12:55 GMT -5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“It is not where you start but how high you aim that matters for success.” ? Nelson Mandela
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yo you ready? Yeah? Let’s lock and load. My contracts been signed, my debut is set, my opponents have been chosen. Here we go! Tell me what do you see? A man of a scrutinized heritage. A man who was labeled with stereotypes drawing his first breath. I was born in Chicago. And yah I had a hard life growing up. What of it? It made me into the man I am today. But the thing is, they couldn’t hold me down then and I’m not going to be held down now. I’m on a mission to be, what I’m destined to be. I done been through the pain and the sorrow. The struggle is nothing but love. Everyone has had their own pain and sorrow; it is in this that we are all the same. It’s how we embrace that struggle that defines us.
I'm a soldier, a rider, a ghetto survivor.
Really what do you see when you looking at me? Do you see me coming up from nothing, to me living my dreams? They told me having the dream of becoming a professional wrestler was stupid. They said I already had enough of a battle because of the way I look, the way I talk, and the things I do. But I didn’t listen, sure I struggled, I grinded, yet I perfected my hustle cause you see me standing strong here today. I done been to the bottom, I done suffered a lot. I deserve to be rich, heading straight for the top. It's easy to hate, it's harder to love me. Ya'll don't understand, ya'll quickly to judge me. But its fine, it is. Been dealing with it my whole life, and it ain’t stopped me yet. Thank you for making me struggle, thank you for making me grind, I perfected my hustle, tell me the world ain't mine. If you do I’ll still prove you wrong.
You’ll be seein’ me. I’m a miracle baby. I refuse to lose. This is what the ghetto done made me.
All my homies are behind me. Ain't you happy I made it? That I'm making a statement? Take a look and you can tell that I'm destined for greatness. Now if I’m put in the spot. Or, if I’m left out on the block. I’ll still hustle hard cause it’s all the same, and you know those grinds don’t stop. I’m going to rise to the top. And everybody is going to know my name. No matter how long it takes, not matter how many times I fall. I’ll get up again, dust myself off and will still grind, will still hustle. No more pain, no more sufferin. For me that is. You tryna stop me. Go ahead and tryna make me fall. But I’ll get back up and ask for more. I’m on a mission to be, what I’m destined to be.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2005 photograph of the last remaining Robert Taylor Homes (building 22).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“It is not where you start but how high you aim that matters for success.” ? Nelson Mandela
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yo you ready? Yeah? Let’s lock and load. My contracts been signed, my debut is set, my opponents have been chosen. Here we go! Tell me what do you see? A man of a scrutinized heritage. A man who was labeled with stereotypes drawing his first breath. I was born in Chicago. And yah I had a hard life growing up. What of it? It made me into the man I am today. But the thing is, they couldn’t hold me down then and I’m not going to be held down now. I’m on a mission to be, what I’m destined to be. I done been through the pain and the sorrow. The struggle is nothing but love. Everyone has had their own pain and sorrow; it is in this that we are all the same. It’s how we embrace that struggle that defines us.
I'm a soldier, a rider, a ghetto survivor.
Really what do you see when you looking at me? Do you see me coming up from nothing, to me living my dreams? They told me having the dream of becoming a professional wrestler was stupid. They said I already had enough of a battle because of the way I look, the way I talk, and the things I do. But I didn’t listen, sure I struggled, I grinded, yet I perfected my hustle cause you see me standing strong here today. I done been to the bottom, I done suffered a lot. I deserve to be rich, heading straight for the top. It's easy to hate, it's harder to love me. Ya'll don't understand, ya'll quickly to judge me. But its fine, it is. Been dealing with it my whole life, and it ain’t stopped me yet. Thank you for making me struggle, thank you for making me grind, I perfected my hustle, tell me the world ain't mine. If you do I’ll still prove you wrong.
You’ll be seein’ me. I’m a miracle baby. I refuse to lose. This is what the ghetto done made me.
All my homies are behind me. Ain't you happy I made it? That I'm making a statement? Take a look and you can tell that I'm destined for greatness. Now if I’m put in the spot. Or, if I’m left out on the block. I’ll still hustle hard cause it’s all the same, and you know those grinds don’t stop. I’m going to rise to the top. And everybody is going to know my name. No matter how long it takes, not matter how many times I fall. I’ll get up again, dust myself off and will still grind, will still hustle. No more pain, no more sufferin. For me that is. You tryna stop me. Go ahead and tryna make me fall. But I’ll get back up and ask for more. I’m on a mission to be, what I’m destined to be.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2005 photograph of the last remaining Robert Taylor Homes (building 22).
At one time, it was the largest public housing development in the country, and it was intended to offer decent affordable housing. It was composed of 28 high-rise buildings with 16 stories each, with a total of 4,415 units, mostly arranged in U-shaped clusters of three, stretching for two miles (three kilometers).
Robert Taylor Homes faced many of the same problems that doomed other high-rise housing projects in Chicago such as Cabrini–Green. These problems include narcotics, violence, and the perpetuation of poverty. Planned for 11,000 inhabitants, the Robert Taylor Homes housed up to a peak of 27,000 people. Six of the poorest US census areas with populations above 2,500 were found there.
Including children who are not of working age, at one point 95 percent of the housing development's 27,000 residents were unemployed and listed public assistance as their only income source, and 40 percent of the households were single-parent, female-headed households earning less than $5,000 per year. About 96 percent were African-American. The drab, concrete high-rises, many blackened with the scars of arson fire, sat in a narrow stretch of slum. The city's neglect was evident in littered streets, poorly enforced building codes, and scant commercial or civic amenities. At one point with things being so discouraging it was said "this is where hope goes to die".
Robert Taylor Homes faced many of the same problems that doomed other high-rise housing projects in Chicago such as Cabrini–Green. These problems include narcotics, violence, and the perpetuation of poverty. Planned for 11,000 inhabitants, the Robert Taylor Homes housed up to a peak of 27,000 people. Six of the poorest US census areas with populations above 2,500 were found there.
Including children who are not of working age, at one point 95 percent of the housing development's 27,000 residents were unemployed and listed public assistance as their only income source, and 40 percent of the households were single-parent, female-headed households earning less than $5,000 per year. About 96 percent were African-American. The drab, concrete high-rises, many blackened with the scars of arson fire, sat in a narrow stretch of slum. The city's neglect was evident in littered streets, poorly enforced building codes, and scant commercial or civic amenities. At one point with things being so discouraging it was said "this is where hope goes to die".
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene opens up earlier in the week in Jason Xavier’s hometown in the Bronzeville neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. The camera pans around and we see Jason Xavier standing reminiscing about his past. He’s wearing a bandana, number 23 Chicago Bulls jersey, baggy shorts, and Jordans. The camera moves along and shows a mixed-income housing development called Legend’s South. Legends South was built to replace the infamous Robert Taylor Homes.
Jason Xavier: Home. This is where I was born and raised on June 23, 1988. Back in the old days this was the site of Robert Taylor Homes, before it was demolished and turned into what you see before you now the Legends South.
Xavier pauses, and walks around as if he’s tracing his steps in his old stomping grounds.
Jason Xavier: The Robert Taylor Homes were also home at one time to such famous residents as celebrity Mr. T, drummer Marvin Smith, basketball player/coach Maurice “Mo” Cheeks, baseball player Kirby Puckett, and even current Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.
Xavier pauses again to recollect some of his memories.
Jason Xavier: I pity the fool who believes that this was a great place to live growing up. I grew up in a three-room apartment, in a poorly constructed building, in an area with high levels of gang “Turf wars” as The Mickey Cobras (MC's) and Gangster Disciples (GD's) gangs dominated the housing project and the largest concentration of poverty in America at that time.
Xavier crosses his arms across his chest.
Jason Xavier: I remember on Thursday, August 15, 1991 shortly before midnight, CHA Police Department officer Jimmie Haynes was fatally wounded by sniper fire from a high powered rifle. He died two days later at Mercy Hospital. Three suspects were charged with his murder, Ellean Nance, 20, Lorenzo Guye, 18 and a 13 year old boy. On February 11, 1993, a maintenance worker was beaten by gang members with a chain after allowing police officers access to a building in the project. And there were incidents before I was born so growing up naturally I witnessed murder, rape, and other crimes, but I attribute my survival and my success to my Madre’s love and my love for wrestling.
Xavier scratches his chin.
Jason Xavier: I attended Dunbar Vocational High School; some notable alumni were Mr. T, Jennifer Hudson, Jimmy D. Lane and even Michelle Gordon, where I played football, basketball, and wrestled. After amassing a series of athletic qualifications including basketball and amateur wrestling, I was offered a scholarship to the University of Tennessee, which I rejected, preferring to pursue a career in professional wrestling.
Xavier cracks a smile.
Jason Xavier: I then competed in the independent circuits in Mexico and Japan blending the Lucha libre style of wrestling with a more mat-based, United States style wrestling style. My heroes of inspiration growing up were Mil Máscaras, Gory Guerrero, and Carlos Colón. Those men along with their later family members Alberto Del Rio, Eddie Guerrero, and Carlito helped influenced the type of wrestler I wanted to be.
Xavier rubs both his hands together.
Jason Xavier: And that leads us to now. I’ve caught a break and signed a contract with Wrestling Championship Federation. I’ve followed you guys for a while now and have watched a lot of matches involving the likes of World Champ Steve Orbit, Jonny Fly, Jayson Price, Waylon Cash, John Gable etc. I know this place is a small pond with a lot of big fish and sharks. The competition is going to be great as we all circle in the water, biding our time, before we finally strike and claim our prize. I’m definitely looking forward to wrestling there.
Xavier’s All the Above ringtone is heard and he looks down at his phone.
Jason Xavier: Speak of the devil. Looks like I have my debut match. A triple threat match against Arabella Montgomery and Teddy Blaze. Heh I better go prepare.
Xavier starts walking away out of frame as the scene fades to black.
Hank Brown: Jason Xavier I presume?
Brown extends his hand for a handshake while waiting for an answer.
Jason Xavier: Yah that’s me homie. What gave me away?
Xavier grabs Brown’s hand and shakes it before taking a seat.
Hank Brown: It’s kind of in my job description to know everyone.
Xavier chuckles.
Jason Xavier: I get that. That’s a good point. If one wants to be able to do a good job, he must know everything. I get it.
Brown smiles.
Hank Brown: Alright now that we got the formalities out of the way. Let’s proceed with the interview. Thanks for joining me by the way.
Jason Xavier: No problem Hank, I’m glad to be here, in Hong Kong, sitting in this chair. It just feels surreal.
Brown looks confused.
Hank Brown: What feels surreal?
Jason Xavier: The realization that I made it. That an outcast from Chicago from a rough neighborhood is now in China; having an interview, before getting ready to go out and wrestle on the big stage. All my grinding and hustling has paid off.
Hank Brown: I understand that, it seems like all your hard work has paid off.
Jason Xavier: You could say that Hank, but then again, there is still more grinding to do. And it starts tonight, here in Hong Kong, as I make my debut.
Brown nods his head in approval.
Hank Brown: Speaking of your debut I wanted to ask you, your thoughts on tonight’s match.
Jason Xavier: Tonight I step into the squared circle against Arabella Montgomery and Teddy Blaze. After doing a little research on my opponents I’ve only noticed a few things about them as there wasn’t much to go on. As far as I can tell both my opponents are making their debuts tonight just like me.
Brown looks down at his clipboard and back up.
Hank Brown: From my understanding that’s true.
Jason Xavier: Let’s start with Arabella. She’s supposed to be a descendent of some kind of a Salem Witch. I thought they were all killed in Salem. Guess not but ok anyways. I watched her promo and she seems like a jive chick. She claims to have similarities with me because of our respective heritages dealing with the cruel persecution of society because we are different. That’s commendable I get where she’s coming from. But she’s wrong on one thing…I’m not looking to have my hand raised to show defiance…I’m glad society saw fit to try and keep me down. It just made me stronger every time I got back up.
Xavier clears his throat.
Jason Xavier: And now Teddy Blaze. He’s apparently a high fiver and crowd waver. It seems he is interested in just getting his 15 minutes of fame when stepping into the ring. Instead of wanting to further himself to the top he just wants to play to the crowds, which don’t get me wrong that’s not necessarily bad. It’s good for the crowd; because of them we are able to do this job. We do wat we do for the fans. But that shouldn’t interrupt your focus in the match. Everyone’s goal should be to focus and win, giving the crowd their monies worth on the way. So while he’s worried about whipping the crowd into a frenzy, I’ll be looking to capitalize on his mistakes.
Hank Brown: Hmm some wise words, so tell me, how do you plan on winning this match? Or prepare for it rather since it is anybody’s ball game.
Jason Xavier: Well Hank it’s simple. All three of us all have high-flying moves in our arsenal. I just plan on going higher than them and being smart when to execute certain moves. Obviously I don’t want to crash and burn so I’ll be focused on my timing and relying on my repertoire of moves and counter-moves. It should be an exciting and fun match Hank, I’m looking forward to getting in that squared circle and showing everyone what I’m made of. No disrespect to Arabella or Teddy but I’m looking to make the most of this opportunity with a dubya in the win column as I make my way up from the bottom. As far as my opponents goes, I’m sure they are going to do everything they can to stop me. But dat’s ok, I’m used to having to grind and hustle. It’ll just be a normal day of one Jason Xavier.
Xavier grins.
Hank Brown: Alright sounds good. That about sums the interview, any parting words you want to add?
Jason Xavier: Just that I’ve come up from nothing to living my dreams. I’m going to make the most of it. I’m on a mission to be, what I’m destined to be. Destined for greatness.
Xavier shakes hands with Brown again before getting up and walking away as the scene fades to black.
Jason Xavier: Home. This is where I was born and raised on June 23, 1988. Back in the old days this was the site of Robert Taylor Homes, before it was demolished and turned into what you see before you now the Legends South.
Xavier pauses, and walks around as if he’s tracing his steps in his old stomping grounds.
Jason Xavier: The Robert Taylor Homes were also home at one time to such famous residents as celebrity Mr. T, drummer Marvin Smith, basketball player/coach Maurice “Mo” Cheeks, baseball player Kirby Puckett, and even current Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.
Xavier pauses again to recollect some of his memories.
Jason Xavier: I pity the fool who believes that this was a great place to live growing up. I grew up in a three-room apartment, in a poorly constructed building, in an area with high levels of gang “Turf wars” as The Mickey Cobras (MC's) and Gangster Disciples (GD's) gangs dominated the housing project and the largest concentration of poverty in America at that time.
Xavier crosses his arms across his chest.
Jason Xavier: I remember on Thursday, August 15, 1991 shortly before midnight, CHA Police Department officer Jimmie Haynes was fatally wounded by sniper fire from a high powered rifle. He died two days later at Mercy Hospital. Three suspects were charged with his murder, Ellean Nance, 20, Lorenzo Guye, 18 and a 13 year old boy. On February 11, 1993, a maintenance worker was beaten by gang members with a chain after allowing police officers access to a building in the project. And there were incidents before I was born so growing up naturally I witnessed murder, rape, and other crimes, but I attribute my survival and my success to my Madre’s love and my love for wrestling.
Xavier scratches his chin.
Jason Xavier: I attended Dunbar Vocational High School; some notable alumni were Mr. T, Jennifer Hudson, Jimmy D. Lane and even Michelle Gordon, where I played football, basketball, and wrestled. After amassing a series of athletic qualifications including basketball and amateur wrestling, I was offered a scholarship to the University of Tennessee, which I rejected, preferring to pursue a career in professional wrestling.
Xavier cracks a smile.
Jason Xavier: I then competed in the independent circuits in Mexico and Japan blending the Lucha libre style of wrestling with a more mat-based, United States style wrestling style. My heroes of inspiration growing up were Mil Máscaras, Gory Guerrero, and Carlos Colón. Those men along with their later family members Alberto Del Rio, Eddie Guerrero, and Carlito helped influenced the type of wrestler I wanted to be.
Xavier rubs both his hands together.
Jason Xavier: And that leads us to now. I’ve caught a break and signed a contract with Wrestling Championship Federation. I’ve followed you guys for a while now and have watched a lot of matches involving the likes of World Champ Steve Orbit, Jonny Fly, Jayson Price, Waylon Cash, John Gable etc. I know this place is a small pond with a lot of big fish and sharks. The competition is going to be great as we all circle in the water, biding our time, before we finally strike and claim our prize. I’m definitely looking forward to wrestling there.
Xavier’s All the Above ringtone is heard and he looks down at his phone.
Jason Xavier: Speak of the devil. Looks like I have my debut match. A triple threat match against Arabella Montgomery and Teddy Blaze. Heh I better go prepare.
Xavier starts walking away out of frame as the scene fades to black.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene opens again this time backstage the China United Centre in Hong Kong, China, host of tonight’s edition of Slam. We see Jason Xavier making his way backstage eating a beefy five-layer burrito presumably on his way to his scheduled interview with WCF interviewer Hank Brown. He’s wearing a bulletproof vest, black elbow pad (on right arm), black wrist tap (on right arm), baggy black shorts and black Jordans. Just as he finishes his burrito and disposes of the wrapper in the trash he comes to the WCF interview area where they conveniently have everything ready to go. Hank Brown greets Jason upon his arrival.Hank Brown: Jason Xavier I presume?
Brown extends his hand for a handshake while waiting for an answer.
Jason Xavier: Yah that’s me homie. What gave me away?
Xavier grabs Brown’s hand and shakes it before taking a seat.
Hank Brown: It’s kind of in my job description to know everyone.
Xavier chuckles.
Jason Xavier: I get that. That’s a good point. If one wants to be able to do a good job, he must know everything. I get it.
Brown smiles.
Hank Brown: Alright now that we got the formalities out of the way. Let’s proceed with the interview. Thanks for joining me by the way.
Jason Xavier: No problem Hank, I’m glad to be here, in Hong Kong, sitting in this chair. It just feels surreal.
Brown looks confused.
Hank Brown: What feels surreal?
Jason Xavier: The realization that I made it. That an outcast from Chicago from a rough neighborhood is now in China; having an interview, before getting ready to go out and wrestle on the big stage. All my grinding and hustling has paid off.
Hank Brown: I understand that, it seems like all your hard work has paid off.
Jason Xavier: You could say that Hank, but then again, there is still more grinding to do. And it starts tonight, here in Hong Kong, as I make my debut.
Brown nods his head in approval.
Hank Brown: Speaking of your debut I wanted to ask you, your thoughts on tonight’s match.
Jason Xavier: Tonight I step into the squared circle against Arabella Montgomery and Teddy Blaze. After doing a little research on my opponents I’ve only noticed a few things about them as there wasn’t much to go on. As far as I can tell both my opponents are making their debuts tonight just like me.
Brown looks down at his clipboard and back up.
Hank Brown: From my understanding that’s true.
Jason Xavier: Let’s start with Arabella. She’s supposed to be a descendent of some kind of a Salem Witch. I thought they were all killed in Salem. Guess not but ok anyways. I watched her promo and she seems like a jive chick. She claims to have similarities with me because of our respective heritages dealing with the cruel persecution of society because we are different. That’s commendable I get where she’s coming from. But she’s wrong on one thing…I’m not looking to have my hand raised to show defiance…I’m glad society saw fit to try and keep me down. It just made me stronger every time I got back up.
Xavier clears his throat.
Jason Xavier: And now Teddy Blaze. He’s apparently a high fiver and crowd waver. It seems he is interested in just getting his 15 minutes of fame when stepping into the ring. Instead of wanting to further himself to the top he just wants to play to the crowds, which don’t get me wrong that’s not necessarily bad. It’s good for the crowd; because of them we are able to do this job. We do wat we do for the fans. But that shouldn’t interrupt your focus in the match. Everyone’s goal should be to focus and win, giving the crowd their monies worth on the way. So while he’s worried about whipping the crowd into a frenzy, I’ll be looking to capitalize on his mistakes.
Hank Brown: Hmm some wise words, so tell me, how do you plan on winning this match? Or prepare for it rather since it is anybody’s ball game.
Jason Xavier: Well Hank it’s simple. All three of us all have high-flying moves in our arsenal. I just plan on going higher than them and being smart when to execute certain moves. Obviously I don’t want to crash and burn so I’ll be focused on my timing and relying on my repertoire of moves and counter-moves. It should be an exciting and fun match Hank, I’m looking forward to getting in that squared circle and showing everyone what I’m made of. No disrespect to Arabella or Teddy but I’m looking to make the most of this opportunity with a dubya in the win column as I make my way up from the bottom. As far as my opponents goes, I’m sure they are going to do everything they can to stop me. But dat’s ok, I’m used to having to grind and hustle. It’ll just be a normal day of one Jason Xavier.
Xavier grins.
Hank Brown: Alright sounds good. That about sums the interview, any parting words you want to add?
Jason Xavier: Just that I’ve come up from nothing to living my dreams. I’m going to make the most of it. I’m on a mission to be, what I’m destined to be. Destined for greatness.
Xavier shakes hands with Brown again before getting up and walking away as the scene fades to black.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“The greatest glory in living, lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” ? Nelson Mandela
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
