From the Podium 14: A Slight Deviation

[Leonard]

FROM THE PODIUM 14: A SLIGHT DEVIATION


GROUP THERAPY WITH LEONARD

Good day to you, folks.

By the time you read this second sentence, you will realize that I have temporarily abandoned my normal format for something a little more…personal. There won’t be an Ictus, a Secondary Cues, or a Stinger this time. In fact, only a small portion of this will likely be about just professional wrestling. I wanted to write to you all in a very personal and real way, something that I’ve done very little of in my tenure as a columnist at LOPForums.com. Yes, I’ve done a billion championship analyses, and a few other pieces, but nothing that really shows me as a person, rather than a wrestling enthusiast. I’d like to share some of that with you right now.

I watched professional wrestling for the first time when I was four years old. It may be hard to believe that I remember that, but I sure do. WrestleMania VI, Hulk Hogan v. The Ultimate Warrior. It was title for title, not that I understood the significance of that in my young age. All I remember is the two men, along with the excitement in the crowd, being very captivating and giant-like. I was hooked from that point on. I immediately got a ton of wrestling toys, including the infamous “Wrestling Buddies” that were so popular back in the day (mine was Big Bossman, if I remember correctly). From the early ‘90’s Warriors, Hulks, and Savages, to the mid-‘90’s era Harts, Razors, and Shawns, I was an obsessed wrestling fan. Nothing fulfilled me more than watching the wrestling events every Monday night, and the Pay-Per-View events that my dad would usually order. In fact, as I fell out of school sports and into music during the mid-to-late ‘90’s, this would be the only commonality that my father and I would share, until my adult life.

I was as obsessed as a kid could be. As I lived through the Attitude Era, my 12-year-old self became even more infatuated with the product. I could have possibly been the world’s biggest fan during the second “Golden Era” of wrestling, living through such moments as Stone Cold Steve Austin’s rise to fame, the introduction of more racy story arcs (Degeneration X, specifically), the Montreal Screwjob, and the plethora of the good and bad that those such as Vince Russo brought us every Monday (and eventually Thursday) night. After the end of the WWF/Alliance feud in 2001, though, I began to fall out of favor with wrestling in a big way. I would occasionally watch, but would almost always certainly choose another program or event over it…especially so-called “intellectual” programming, such as Frasier. After all, professional wrestling is “trash sport,” right? Why would I ever like that garbage?

The next five years would usher in many changes in my life. I began studying music, rather than just playing an instrument, and took an intense turn in my studies when I began studying music education at a local college in 2004. Out of curiosity one day, I “googled” the internet for wrestling news and rumors in January 2006. I came across DaveyBoy’s Wrestling Menu on LordsOfPain.net, and began reading the other Main Page columns, as well as keeping up with the wrestling news at the time. After a bit of this, I decided to watch again. I didn’t find very much of it interesting, but what did catch my eye was the ongoing story arc between Trish Stratus and Mickie James. I guess the part that made it interesting was the fact that the bookers were pushing a serious feud in the women’s division. I continued to watch, slowly began enjoying the rest of the product, and eventually ordered WrestleMania 22 on Pay-Per-View, my first outing since Survivor Series 2001.

Let’s backtrack a bit…In 2005, my oldest brother was involved in a serious All Terrain Vehicle accident that caused paralysis from the neck down. My brother and I, unfortunately, didn’t really have too much in common, and this injury only extended the gap between the two of us. Though my brother and I were roughly 12 years removed, one thing we both always enjoyed was watching wrestling, especially in our younger days. When I started watching again, oftentimes he would join me. As my brother spent the better part of two years in and out of hospitals and nursing homes, occasionally we would watch wrestling matches (after all, I had over five years to catch up on). For me, wrestling was a return to normalcy in a time of mortal uncertainty. Also, the time we spent watching wrestling was a bridging of the gap that had formed between us over the years. When he passed away in 2007, roughly two years after his accident, wrestling was something that I kept as a bond between my brother and me. I also continue that bond by sharing some professional wrestling with my four year old nephew, whom my brother left behind in his passing. Much as I enjoyed wrestling when I was young, my nephew has grown to enjoy the product, as well.

My brother’s injury and death placed me in an internal debate on many issues. My focus was on larger issues, such as faith and spirituality, life (or lack thereof) after death, my career choices, the place of my family and friends in my life, and the meaning of life in general. On a smaller scale, I began questioning anything and everything, as every good researcher does. I questioned everything from why I insist getting the same breakfast sandwich from Sheetz and why I fear multiples of five, to why those in power make the decisions they do. Professional wrestlers, bookers, and owners, among folks in other fields, were not immune to this last point. It was during this time that I became a wrestling enthusiast, rather than a fan. I still question many things…the questioning you see from me focuses on decisions made in professional wrestling, in an enthusiast’s fashion rather than just a fan talking about what he sees.

Why do I spill all of these details about my life related to wrestling? And why at this exact moment? Wouldn’t this have been a good topic for a debut column to tackle? I proverbially hear all of these questions being posed at me as I type this statement. As I mentioned above, I give you plenty of analyses and opinions on the state of professional wrestling today, and many people disagree with them. That’s okay, of course, but I want to make sure that folks disagree with these opinions because they disagree, and not because they think I’m an elitist musician entering the world of professional wrestling column writing simply to have my soapbox to stand on. Of course, I do enjoy being on a soapbox from time to time, but I am more eager to share my opinions with other wrestling enthusiasts, and read their thoughts as well.

Getting back to the original questions, what sparked this sudden public soul-searching for me was the death of my dear neighbor, who was like a grandmother to me during my younger years (and even up to her passing). Again, I started posing questions of a religious and spiritual nature. If a higher power does exist, why do things like sudden deaths and long sufferings occur? Is “free will” granted to us, or are we on a predetermined track that we cannot deviate from? To add even more items to my grocery list, the funeral took place in a Catholic church, with typical Catholic rituals that occur during the service. Several times I found myself forgetting I was at a funeral service, with all of the traditional Catholic rituals taking place. Somehow, all of these events have me questioning my life choices, as well as my faith (or, as much of my family feels, lack of faith). Therefore, I have decided to go back to my true roots, and immerse myself in what my life calling is…

Music, obviously.

In light of my recent experiences, I have decided to make an effort to compose my first large-scale work in almost two years. I will begin composing a Requiem. For those of you who don’t know, a Requiem is a Catholic ritual, literally meaning “mass for the dead,” that is set to music. This venture will obviously take a lot of research, reflection, and concentration.

So where does this put column writing, and wrestling in general? That, my friends, I am currently unsure of. What I do know, though, is that I’ve had a ton of fun thinking about and writing the first fourteen columns that I have released. I’ve also found out several things about myself (I’m not as great of a writer as I initially thought, I do come off as a bit of an elitist, and my obsession with Mike Adamle may very well be borderline unhealthy). Again, the most important thing here is that I’ve had fun sharing my opinions with you all, and commenting on yours. A Column of the Month win, a Main Page promotion, or earning a book deal writing about my personal gripes concerning professional wrestling are not goals for me. My goal is to have a great time, and get some jabs in on fellow columnists when the mood strikes me. I’ll leave you with some closing thoughts as I end this particularly short musing:

1) A Column of the Month victory is not the “be all end all” of existence.

2) This column writing business is supposed to be fun…feel free to disagree always, but don’t get angry or offended. And why not feedback columns when you disagree, rather than writing a shoot column concerning a single statement that you disagree with (hypothetically, of course)?

3) Mike Adamle could have been the best authority figure in professional wrestling history, had he been handled correctly (See From the Podium VI+IV: An Adamle Original).

I won’t say that I’m leaving column writing. For now, I’ll continue what I’m doing here. I will say that life is too short, guys. Live like you were dying (thanks, Tim McGraw). I know I do.


Until the next downbeat…

[NightofDay]

[Kano]

This was seriously one of the best peices I have read in a long time. Not because of the content but the passion in which that came accross. I take it this is your last column for a while so I want to say thankyou for reading my columns on a regular basis and feedbacking man. I hope your life goes well, and don't be a stranger

[JoeyShinobi]

Sobering stuff. Not that I'm drunk. But you get the idea.

I'll say the same thing to you that I said to Xan when he posted just before Wrestlemania; I can't empathise with you, and I'll never have the emotional link to wrestling that either of you do. That's not to say I don't enjoy it as much as the next man, but my relationship with it is much more casual as a result. I agree with everything you said about column writing, you do learn things about yourself, just by writing things out.

Your decision to write a requiem has actually reminded me to do something I should have done some time ago. Meanwhile, this is by far the best thing you've written, but all that seems irrelevant. Thanks for providing a little bit of perspective to me.

[Martin Riggs]

Lenoard, this wasn't just one of the best pieces you've written (not to downplay some of your other works) But i think this is one of the best, honest, most emotional pieces I've ever read. All I can say is thank you for being here and continually bringing a standard of excellence the rest of us can strive for, and i hope to read many more columns from you before our time together is done.

After this, sir, the columns forum is your proverbial oyster. Do what you wish... we'll all be waiting.

[Lazyking]

wow I don't post columns but this was great. I also don't have link to wrestling but my first match I saw was also hogan VS warrior. Good luck man.

[The Maz]

I have not been here too long but a couple of times in the 6 months I have been a CFer a column has been posted that just blows me away... Ry P did it with an extremely funny piece on let who to break it to your girlfriend that you are wrestling fan. Skaos did it with an outragously inventive piece on the seven dwarves. You have now done it with this.

I was so busy at worked when I scanned it but I could not wait to get back home and read it. I can't believe you were debating whether this was worth posting.

I cannot really empahise with you in you situation but one of the final memories of my dad was also wrestling related so I can understand to some extent.

It is actually hard to feed this back but I will do a quick shoot on a comment in this. To say that you are not a good writer is crazy talk. You are easily one of the most talented guys in the CF and each time you have left your normal style/series, you have been nothing less than stellar.

I hope your projects go well but from a purely selfish point of view, I hope it doesn't stop your wrestling fandom and column writing.

[Hustle]

I thought I feedbackededed this already. Hmm..

A lot of us have done columns about why we started watching wrestling, and what connections we can make in our personal lives. As a reader, I always enjoy those types of columns, as they let us know more about the writer than we could've expected. Everyone has their own journey that brought us here, and no two stories are exactly alike. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. That's much more important than critiquing your spelling and grammar here, that's for sure.

I wish you luck with your future projects, whether they include this site or not.

Damn, how good did you initially think you were? Them's be some high standards!

[Roger Murtaugh]

Originally Posted by Lenny

1) A Column of the Month victory is not the “be all end all” of existence.

2) This column writing business is supposed to be fun…feel free to disagree always, but don’t get angry or offended. And why not feedback columns when you disagree, rather than writing a shoot column concerning a single statement that you disagree with (hypothetically, of course)?

3) Mike Adamle could have been the best authority figure in professional wrestling history, had he been handled correctly (See From the Podium VI+IV: An Adamle Original).

I won’t say that I’m leaving column writing. For now, I’ll continue what I’m doing here. I will say that life is too short, guys. Live like you were dying (thanks, Tim McGraw). I know I do.


Until the next downbeat…

At least some people get it.

I'm always a sucker for the personal stuff and this was no different. Tis a shame that one of your best and what will more than likely be your best received column will be your last for a while.

Still it's good that we were able to see a little behind the veil.

Good luck with you musical quest.



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Now playing: Eminem - Just Don't Give A Fuck
via FoxyTunes

[Box Car Rocco]

Like many others above me I love the personal side that some columns can bring especially when it's described as well as this was. Excellent read from start to finish.

And remember one thing, there is no such thing as an unhealthy obsession

[Jason Boy]

When I see you have released a column, I will immediately open it getting excited. When you have high hopes for something the product isn't as good but that is never the case with you as your columns are amazing. There isn't much to say except this was extraordinary and by that I mean it was a great read. I can't wait to read your next one


Jason boy

[Leonard]

Before I tackle your comments, I want to clear up the misconception that I am definitely taking a writing hiatus. Right now, I am currently unsure of my status here, so I won't tease any future columns. If I can swing it, I'll still put out columns. I certainly hope that doesn't affect the way you guys read this column. I just want to make sure that my life passion comes first. Now to you fine folks.

NoD: Thank you, sir.

Kano: Thanks for reading. I'll certainly still be around, to read and feed at the very least. Like I said, I'm hoping to be able to balance this and my current venture.

Mr. Shinobi: Recieving praise from you is like recieving praise from the most difficult professor at my university...when you get it, you know you've done good. I appreciate that you enjoyed this work, and that my Requiem venture reminded you to do whatever it is that you need to do.

Boom: Coming from my nemesis/last "new class of the Private Block" friend, and a great writer to boot, that means a lot. Thanks for reading, friend.

Lazyking: Well then, we have something in common, don't we? I particularly take pride in work that non-columnists comment on and enjoy, so thanks for that.

Mr. Maz: I've said it before and I'll say it again, you're one of my absolute favorite writers here. To get those comments from you means a great deal. Thanks for your help during the final process of this column, sir.

Hustle: Man, I thought I was untouchable. Graduate studies do that to you, you know. In all seriousness, I'm glad you enjoyed my story. Thanks for reading.

Monkey, M.D. (I'm sorry, you're Monkey to me, not the body secretion-related name you use now): Yeah man, I know the day I take this stuff too seriously is the day I hang up the proverbial boots for good. Like I said, hopefully I can still be semi-regular, but I guess you guys will find out about the same time I do. Thanks for reading.

BCR: I'm glad you enjoyed my story. Thanks for the kind words.

Jason: Hopefully there will be a next one sooner rather than later. We'll see. Thanks for reading.

Because you all care so much...I went straight to work and somehow just finished the first movement of my new venture. Hopefully that's a sign that the creative juices will come quickly to me, but one can never tell. Thanks for all the support, friends.

--Leonard

[Vikodin]

Lenord like just about everyone else above I really really dig these emotive pieces. You have a connection with wrestling that I will never have. I enjoy

The one thing I will say is don't doubt yourself, your a great writer.

Good luck with your musical piece.

[MadchucK]

Funny thing reading your column, I began to realize a slight resemblence in terms of our interests and thoughts.

I am very much into music, not to the point that I went to college for it (I never went to college). But I loved it enough to get into a band as a bass player, performing in some shows, and working on releasing a CD or digital download someday. It's basically one of the most important things in my life.

I started watching wrestling in 1990, but the match that really captured my imagination was the Hogan vs Warrior WM 6 match.

I too, have had for the longest time dwelled on the meaning of life and death. To the point that I would constantly freak out in the dark before I sleep, fearing about death being this thing that resembles an eternal sleep with no dreams that one never wakes up from.

My view on God is basically one that their MAY and SHOULD be a higher power in the spiritual sense. But I don't really think that this "GOD" actually gives a rats ass what we do.

I used to write with a goal of winning a COTM and making it onto the MP.

But now, having just reached the big 30, I find that the most important thing in life for me. Is to make money, something that was a never a huge issue with me. And to make money so that I could retire by 40 and never have to work in a job again for the rest of my life unless I wanted to. I'm dreaming of course. But the stock market, something that I have never cared for about, is now my biggest obsession. To the point that I bought books to study, and for the first time in my life begin to read and try to understand the financial news.

I don't think my reply makes much sense, but maybe you could make out what I mean.

Sorry for you loss by the way. Take care.

[MyLeeCyrus]

Quality writing... Anything else I could say has been done by those quicker off the mark than me.

Just brilliant.