Insider Interview: "Triple X" Sean Stevens

(FADEIN: The scene opens up in front of a CSWA backdrop. The setting was a dark, dimly lit room, with two chairs in the center. The men sitting in the chairs happen to be two ChampionShip Wrestling Alliance personalities, the first, is CSWA’s longtime reporter, and journalist, Rudy Seitzer, the other, is a superstar, almost two years into his CSWA career, former Presidential Champion, Sean ‘Triple X’ Stevens.)

SEITZER: Sean, thank you for taking the time to do this special interview.

(Stevens nodded.)

SEITZER: I want to start by saying; you’ve made major strides in the CSWA since coming here two years ago. What are your goals here?

STEVENS (Smirking): Major strides? I heard Joey Melton the other day… He doesn’t even know who I am. …or atleast it’s what he claimed. Maybe he doesn’t. Maybe it was a cry for my attention. Either way, he got it, and I’d like to take this opportunity to say to Joey…

…is this the main camera?

(Seitzer nods ‘yes’, as Sean sits up in his seat, directly in front of one particular camera, staring a hole in it.)

STEVENS: If you don’t know who I am, Melton… it’s not because of anything I’ve done wrong. If winning the CSWA Presidential Championship, and holding it for seven months isn’t enough to clue you in on who I am, that’s fine. But, don’t speak for the fans. Or other wrestlers. Fans who actually watch the programming, wrestlers who actually pay attention to other wrestlers.

…Wrestlers who wrestle more than one time every two years. I wouldn’t expect you to know me, Joey… When you were packing your bags, shipping out of here after ANNIVERSARY2K, I was moving in. Now, what was the question again, Rudy?

(Seitzer swallowed hard.)

SEITZER: What are your long term goals here, and are you at the point where you thought you’d be two years ago when you signed your CSWA contract?

STEVENS: My long term goals, of course, include winning the CSWA World Heavyweight Championship. This is, by far, the biggest and best promotion I’ve ever competed in, and that says a lot, considering where I’ve competed. But, I honestly don’t think my career would be fulfilled if I don’t win it at some point in time.

As for me being at the point I thought I’d be? Well, I always saw myself winning the CSWA Presidential Championship, so for it to happen is great. I also always envisioned myself wrestling Hornet one- on- one. …that, too… excites me that I did. But, as I sit here, right now… I’m no longer Presidential Champion, and in that match with Hornet… I lost. I want more, and the expectations I set for myself are so high, I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to reach them. So, the answer is ‘no’.

SEITZER: I know you have a personal and private life away from the business. Recently, it was exposed, a little, by GXW World Champion, Dan Ryan.

(Sean shook his head at the mere mention of Ryan’s name.)

SEITZER: It’s been documented that Ivy McGinnis and I are very good friends, so as you may know… I know the answer to my next question… But, for your fans… the people who want to hear it from your mouth, is your relationship a publicity stunt? One of those “on air” relationships we’ve seen from time to time? Or something more.

(Triple X paused for a moment, looking down at nothing in particular. Slowly, he raised his head staring back at Rudy.)

STEVENS: I knew you were going to go there. …was just wondering when.

SEITZER (smiling): Wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t.

STEVENS: I understand. …Well, where should I begin?

SEITZER: With the truth…

STEVENS: Well… Late ’99 I fell in love with Ivy. And, I haven’t stopped since. Eli and I wrestled a match and we both got hurt, as expected… But, Ivy did, too. That’s when I first looked at her differently. At the time, I couldn’t do much, as she was obviously in a well publicized on again, off again, relationship with Hornet. And, for a long time after they separated, I didn’t think she’d be capable of committing to me because of her feelings for Hornet. But, that girl surprises me each and everyday. And, this, Rudy… is the realest thing I’ve ever been in.

SEITZER: Like I said, being friends with Ivy, I knew that. But, I think it was important for her fans and yours, to hear one of you say it. Now, FISH FUND XIII is rapidly approaching. We’re going to end this interview with your thoughts on your opponents. And, what you think your chances at winning are.

STEVENS: I *know* my chances are good. But, I also know that there isn’t a wrestler in that locker-room who comes out for a match expecting to lose. I *know* I’m gonna win because Dan Ryan’s mouth has written him checks his (bleep) can’t cash. Pride is a son-of-a- (bleep), Rudy… I know it, realize it, and understand that it can be your downfall. But, my pride won’t allow me to lose to that bastard. Not after the trash he’s talked. Not after the threats he’s made.

I also know I’m gonna win because… Hornet, as great as he is, has NO idea exactly what he’s gonna get at FISH FUND. Sure, he’s seen the tapes… Watched what I’ve done in other promotions, and has even BEATEN me in the center of a CSWA ring one- two- three. Judging by his words, that’s what he’s expecting again. The same Sean Stevens he beat. The same outcome. But, I’ve learned. I never make the same mistake twice, and the mistakes I made that day, I can guarantee, won’t be repeated.

And, lastly… I know I’m gonna win because Shane Southern, a talented (bleep) performer, isn’t quite ready just yet. Does he have a hell of a future? Sure does. Shane can and will be a top superstar wherever he chooses to compete. But, make no mistake about it… Shane Southern isn’t as talented as I am. He isn’t as smart as me. And, while he talks a good game… I’m not too sure he realizes exactly what he’s in. But, I digress…

…Fact of the matter is, I’m walking into Sweetwater, Texas with a goal in mind, and I’m not leaving until I achieve it. Hornet, Ryan, and Southern can either except it, or sit there like idiots, scratching their heads, wondering what went wrong. I’m tired of talking Rudy… I’m ready. I truly believe it’s “my time”, and if somebody can prove otherwise, I’ll accept it. But, I really, REALLY don’t like there chances.

SEITZER: Thank you for your time, Sean. Folks, we hope you’ve enjoyed the first edition of the new era of the TRIBUNE Insider. Be sure to check out my Grapevine column elsewhere on the site as well.