Diary Entry – February 16th, 2021
Give up on the Cruze legacy. Be my own man. Do everything that I hadn’t been doing since the beginning.
Still, even now… the day after, I can hear his voice, clear as a bell.
Telling me, without knowing, that he wanted me to change.
The battles I had fought, the odds I had gone up against. Could it really have been that it was all for nothing. For a Legacy that Dad wanted to die with him and no one else.
What was I supposed to do now? What was I supposed to stand for?
How could I be my own man, when I don’t have the first clue who that person is supposed to be? This wasn’t going to come easy for me. I’d been striving for one thing since my training begun seven years ago.
What was I supposed to do next?
February 27th, 2021
Los Angeles
Owen had done a lot of soul searching since watching the video of his Father. Many people had asked him questions about the content, but Owen had refused to reveal what was on the DVD, it being personal to him. It was his Mom that had been most insistent, but what Owen was going to do about it, he wanted it to be his decision. However, even if his career seemed to be up in the air, one thing that wasn’t was his relationship with Jennifer. If he had any doubts about them living together, they had quickly been cast aside. Jennifer was brilliant, and she was the one sure thing he had in his life.
Jennifer: Owen, I’m going to fix myself a drink, you want one?
Jennifer peers out the kitchen window, holding up a bottle of lemonade.
Owen: I’m good, going to come in soon… shall we take Buck out?
Jennifer: Sounds like a plan
Owen laughs, imagining them as an old married couple. It seemed like they were already halfway there. Owen’s attention is drawn to the back gate, and he is surprised to see Shaun walk through it. When Shaun see’s Owen he removes his shades and walks over, the two-fist bumping.
Owen: This is a surprise, what you doing here?
Shaun: Thought I’d drop in on my favorite Nephew, see how he was doing.
Owen: I’m good… shouldn’t it be the other way round?
Shaun: Ah don’t be daft, look at me. Fighting fit.
Owen: Good… so what you doing here then? Let me guess, Mom sent you?
Shaun takes a seat on the bench next to him, taking a moment to look over Los Angeles.
Shaun: She’s worried about you kid.
Owen: She doesn’t have to be, I’m a big boy now. Can make my own choices and everything.
Shaun: I know Owen, but it can’t have been easy.
Owen: What, seeing my Dad again? No, it wasn’t, but I’m glad it happened. It certainly gave me plenty to think about.
Shaun: Yeah?
Owen knew what Shaun was doing, and he shuts it down immediately.
Owen: I’m sorry, but I’m not telling you Shaun. I’m not telling anyone.
Shaun holds up his hand.
Shaun: OK, OK… I get it. But, let me just say this.
Owen: Go on
Shaun: If you ever do want to talk about it, I’m here. Don’t let it fester and it become a bigger deal than it is.
Owen wanted to laugh… if only Shaun knew.
Owen: I will, but I don’t think I’ll need to. Dad was clear in what he wanted for me. I just need to put it into practice.
Shaun: That’s it then, I’ll tell Kloe not to worry.
Owen: You do that.
Shaun could sense the slight annoyance in Owen’s voice, confirmed when Owen changes the subject swiftly.
Owen: So, was that all you came round for?
Shaun: No actually, there’s something else I want to run past you.
Owen: Sounds ominous…
“Oh, hey Shaun I didn’t hear you arrive.”
Shaun turns over his shoulder, and gets to his feet as he see’s Jennifer, kissing her on the cheek. He then bends down to fuss Buck who has come out with her.
Jennifer: So, to what do we owe the pleasure?
Owen: He’s spying for Mom…
Owen laughs, Jennifer pushing his shoulder.
Jennifer: Ah, the mysterious DVD huh?
Shaun: No, I’m not… not at all. But I am glad you are here Jennifer because this concerns you as well.
Jennifer: Sounds like I best sit down then.
Jennifer sit’s down next to Owen, taking a hold of his hand.
Shaun: Well, you know how you and I were talking about going into SCW as a tag team once your contract ran down with EMERGE?
Jennifer nods her understanding.
Shaun: I’ve been giving it some thought…
Owen: Dangerous
Shaun: …and all that’s been going on of late, I just can’t ignore it anymore. SCW was my home for so many years, and I can’t just sit back and let what is happening, happen any longer. Look Jen, I’m still open to do the whole tag team thing when the time comes, that’s hasn’t changed. But…
Owen: I’m not sure I like where this is going.
Shaun: Owen, please…
Owen: You’re coming, back aren’t you? And you’re going after Giovanni?
Shaun: Owen…
Jennifer looks at Owen, the look of disappointment etched on his face, and then back to Shaun, who looks down at the floor, nodding his head.
Owen: Unbelievable… someone else who believes I’m not capable of taking care of my own business.
Shaun: It’s not like that Owen, and you know it isn’t. You’ve heard him Owen, on social media, baiting me whenever he has had the opportunity to. He knows full well I’m not going to back down, I never have. But he’s not going to stop either, not until I do something about it.
Owen: What, you mean like Blake did?
Shaun: I’m not Blake.
Owen: No, you’re not… Blake has been competing consistently for years now, and you’ve been out the ring for months. Can’t you see Shaun, it doesn’t matter what you do to him, he’ll still be there like the proverbial bad smell. The ONLY person that can end this is Sasha, and she won’t. Her answer to everything is that I asked for this, I asked for him not to get fired. Well, I was wrong… so why can’t she get rid of him now?
He holds up his hand and rubs his index and middle finger on his thumb.
Owen: The money… his shock tactics draws fans. And no matter what you do, he’ll only leave when he chooses to.
Shaun: So, I should ignore him like you’ve decided to?
Owen’s eyes narrow, that sentence obviously hitting home.
Owen: No, you should stay out of his way. Just like Blake should, just like the Perfect Pack should have. He’s Teflon Shaun, nothing sticks, and no matter how good you are, whether you beat him or not, you’ll have no more success that anyone else has in getting rid of him. You can’t stop him Shaun… I’m sorry but you can’t.
Owen’s voice is raised ever so slightly, and Shaun waits for a moment to allow him to calm down. Owen seems to sense this, and when he speaks his tone is quieter, though still contains the same edge.
Owen: Do you think Dad would have wanted this for us Shaun? Seriously? Do you think he would have wanted us to watch as all our friends and family were hurt, time and time again? Assholes like Giovanni will always go that little bit further, take those liberties that we would never, and that’s why after facing, and beating him three times he continues with his bullshit.
Owen holds up both hands.
Owen: Look Shaun, I can’t stop you from doing this, but if you came here looking for me to give you blessing, then it ain’t happening. I’ve gotten you hurt once already with my bad decisions this year, I ain’t going to let it happen again. Challenge Giovanni, get up in his grill, do what you like Shaun. But if you get hurt like Blake, Kelcey, Aaron or Peyton, that’s on you… not me.
Shaun listens intently, not recognizing Owen in this moment.
Owen: You’re the one that can explain to Angyalka and the kids why you took this risk when you had literally NO reason to, other than Giovanni hurting your feelings on social media. You’re just falling into the same trap as everyone else, and I thought you were better than that.
Shaun shakes his head and gets to his feet.
Shaun: I’ll go, you obviously don’t understand.
Owen: That’s the thing Shaun, I do understand, I understand perfectly because I’ve been where you are, being trolled by that jackass every single time I breathe. I’ve had Giovanni question me, and who I am, time and time again. But I’ve stepped into that ring three times, and beaten him three times, and like I said earlier, NOTHING has ever changed, and all that has happened is time and time again, people I have loved to have gotten hurt and his actions have gotten even more controversial. If you gotta do this for you, whatever… go for it. But you don’t do this in my name, I don’t need anyone fighting my battles.
Jennifer bites her bottom lip, Shaun opening his mouth to say something but then stopping, fearing that he would only make the situation worse.
Shaun: I’m gonna go… see you Jen, Owen.
He turns to leave, Owen shouting, Shaun looking over his shoulder.
Owen: Don’t do this Shaun, it only ends one way.
Shaun turns fully around, nodding his head.
Shaun: You’re right, it does… with Giovanni Aries finished.
Shaun opens the back gate and walks though it, Owen taking a deep sigh. He doesn’t say a word, and looks down at the floor, shaking his head.
Jennifer: Owen? What are you thinking?
Owen looks up, and their eyes meet.
Owen: He’s going to get hurt Jen, I know it. This is Aries plan, to bring Shaun out to get at me. He knows he can’t go after the Pack anymore, so he’s focusing on Shaun, and Shaun is taking the bait.
Jennifer: This is Shaun though Owen. He’s been in the ring with people much worse that Giovanni.
Owen: No Jen, no he hasn’t. Giovanni is a totally different animal. He doesn’t care if he wins, or loses the match, because in the end he always wins, one way or another. He’s not afraid to use Angyalka, or Dorothea, or even Jacob. He’ll ruin Shaun, and all to get at me. It’s just a stupid idea Jen… what’s worse is Shaun can’t even see it.
Jennifer: So, what are you going to do? You can’t just stand there and let it happen.
Owen shakes his head.
Owen: No, I can’t… and that’s the worst thing about Shaun’s decision.
Jennifer: What do you mean?
Owen: The fact that I can’t just stand back and let it happen. If Shaun’s going to get hurt, I need to do something about it, but if I do something about it, then Giovanni once again becomes a part of my business. My career stagnating yet again because my Uncle can’t let a tweet go. Shaun does this Jen, and I’m right back where I started with Giovanni two years ago and I can’t go there. I just can’t.
He sighs again, Buck sensing that something is up and resting his head on Owen’s knee, as Jennifer puts her arm around him.
Owen: Worse thing is though Jen, I don’t think I’m going to have any choice. What else can I do but stand by him?
Jennifer didn’t know the answer to that question but could see how much it was troubling her boyfriend. Over the past few weeks, he’d seemed to have found his direction, his focus, but now once again he seemed to be questioning everything. In Jennifer’s eyes, there was no doubt Shaun was going to do this regardless, but if Owen was right and he was to be drawn back in, what was that going to do to him mentality, after he had only just gotten away last time? She didn’t have the answers, what she didn’t know was that Owen didn’t have them either. He just knew that once again it looked like he was going into battle with the Wonderland.
Diary Entry – February 27th, 2021
Why… why would he do this?
The family, the businesses, his name forever stamped in SCW’s history, why would you risk all that?
I knew why of course. Giovanni knew exactly what he was doing, and as always had known what buttons to press.
Shaun was more than capable of beating Giovanni of course. I knew that. But what he wasn’t prepared for was everything else. It was a risk he simply didn’t have to take.
But was going to anyway by the sounds of it.
All I can do is hope either Giovanni backs off, or Shaun gives up on this idea. Truth is, I don’t think either of those things are going to happen.
March 10th, 2021
Los Angeles
Things had quietened down a little, at least for a short while, but then Shaun made true on his desire to return to SCW and take down the leader of the Wonderland with a singular tweet. April the 1st, Shaun had challenged Gio… in New Orleans, and although SCW hadn’t commented, Owen knew that they would book the match. Owen however had tried to put it to the back of his mind, with Kandis announced for Retribution. They had faced off several times during 2020 in tag team competition, and Kandis had come out on time pretty much every time. After his lost to Cid, this was the perfect opportunity to get back to winning ways, whilst at the same time knowing Kandis would be looking to strike a blow where she couldn’t with Peyton and Aaron. It set the stage nicely for what would be a very interesting PPV, as all eyes started to turn towards Taking Hold of the Flame. And with their being no Breakdown this week, it allowed Owen to call in on his Mother, and see how her and his Sister were getting on. Of course, he’d had updates over the phone, but Owen wanted to see for himself before it was time to head to Dallas. A clear mind was what he needed to be able to put away Kandis, and he wasn’t going to have that with Becca still acting up. Thankfully, when he arrived at his Moms, it was Becca who answered the door, and who immediately through her arms around him, giving him a huge hug. She then grabs his head and takes him, almost dragging him into the living room where Kloe was already sat.
Kloe: Oh, Hi Owen, I was just about to start some lunch. You’re welcome to stay and eat with us.
Owen: Nah it’s all good, already eaten. Only came round to make sure all was OK?
Kloe: Yeah, it’s all going well isn’t it Becca?
Becca nods enthusiastically, and somewhat like a child.
Owen: You sure?
Kloe: Of course, it’s been nice having Becca to talk to actually while Ruby has been at school
Owen turns to Becca and then back to Kloe, looking more than a little confused.
Owen: I don’t get it, I half expected coming around here and you saying that you’d had enough and yet here you are playing happy families like the Walton’s or something. You’re covering up, you’ve gotta be. Where’s Ruby, I can always tell when she is lying.
Kloe: Owen, seriously, it’s been fine. Becca’s been attending all her meetings, and she’s been helping me around the house, and Ruby is loving having a big Sister to talk to. And help her with her homework. First few days were a big difficult whilst Becca re-adjusted but once she got used to my rules, it all fell into place.
Owen turns to Becca, still scowling.
Owen: And you’re happy as well?
Becca: Yes. Your Mom listens to me and doesn’t raise her voice when she responds. She talks to me like an adult, instead of like a little kid.
Owen knew that was a dig at Sallie, as well as a dig at him as well.
Kloe: Becca knows that she has made mistakes Owen, but she wants to put them right. That’s half the battle isn’t it?
Owen tilts his head, still not really understanding the scene in front of him. Of course, he should be happy, but he just didn’t get how Kloe could have achieved what he couldn’t so easily.
Kloe: Becca, why don’t you go and start the lunch, and let me have a chat with Owen huh?
Becca: OK… but no leaving without saying goodbye Owen ok?
Owen: I won’t
Owen watches her suspiciously as she leaves the run, before turning back to Kloe.
Owen: This where you tell me the truth right?
Kloe: I already have Owen. I just thought it might be easily to talk without her being sat there. She really is trying Owen; she’s trying to do better. She knows what a burden she has been on you recently, and she wants to get her life back on track before it’s too late. But more than anything, she just needed someone to listen to her, someone perhaps not directly involved.
Owen: And I didn’t?
Kloe: Not saying that at all Owen. I think for someone like Becca, the worst feeling of all was that she was being judged by and compared with you. You must remember Owen, she didn’t have a Father growing up like you did, Sallie took care of that. She see’s you as the golden child, Ruby as well. I think she just needed to feel like she belonged, and that she was every bit a Cruze as you are. I’ve tried to give her that and although it’s early days she seems to be thriving. It’s baby steps, but I reckon with time she’ll get there, and that’s all you ever wanted right?
Owen nods, it was. He realizes he has no right to be shocked, and instead should be thankful.
Kloe: She’s welcome to stay for as long as she needs to get herself sorted, so stop worrying. This was good for her; and you made the right choice bringing her here.
Owen: OK
Kloe: Seriously, stop worrying. She’s got this.
Owen nods again, he still wasn’t certain he’d had one too many false dawns with Becca, but maybe this was what she had needed all along. Time would tell.
Kloe: So, have you given any further thought to O-Cru? Been on the phone to the buyers this morning, they are still really interested.
Owen: I still don’t Mom. I mean, I’m not sure I want to go through the hassle of employing staff, and them perhaps not being up to scratch. I liked being able to leave it with you and Pixie… how do I know if I can trust someone new?
Kloe: You don’t Owen, that’s the risk you would have to take. Look at it this way, you built this to honor your Dad, right? Well, the money you’d get, you can still do that, and perhaps do something in his memory that does interest you. The clothes, they are still going to be out there, they are not suddenly going to go away. You can be proud of what you achieved and move on without the hassle of it all. Just like I intend doing.
Owen: And it’s as simple as that?
Kloe: Yes, all you gotta do is give me the go ahead and I’ll make the call. You won’t have to do a thing but check the money lands in your account. Wouldn’t it be nice to have one less thing to worry about?
Owen: I can’t deny that.
Kloe: Owen, if fashion were one of your passions in life, I wouldn’t have even asked you. But it’s not is it? It’s not even close. Now’s precisely the right time to get out. My advice… take it.
Owen: OK, do it… I trust you.
Kloe smiles, placing her hand on his knee and squeezing.
Kloe: It’s the right choice Owen…
Both their heads turn, as a knock is heard at the front door. They then hear Becca shouting.
Becca: I’ll get it.
Kloe smiles, Owen laughing as she seems to have her well trained, but then a squeal pierces through the house, Owen immediately jumping to his feet.
“THOUGHT YOU COULD HIDE FROM US HUH!!!”
Owen runs out the front door, a man holding Becca by the wrist and dragging her across the driveway, Owen catching up and spinning the guy around.
Owen: Let her go.
“And who the fuck are you short stuff?”
Owen: I’m her brother, and I’m not going to tell you again. Let her go.
“Ah, the brother. Sallie told me all about you. You’re the meddling little shit huh?
Becca: Owen, it’s OK, I’ll go with him.
Owen: No way. This Sallie’s boyfriend I take it?
Becca nods, Owen turning back to him.
Owen: Last chance dickhead, or I call the police.
“And say what? She belongs with her Mom… I’m just taking her back home.”
Owen pushes him square in the chest, making him take a couple of steps back, loosening his grip just enough for Becca to escape.
Owen: She’s not going anywhere with you.
“I’m gonna enjoy this.”
He lunges forwards, but way too slow, Owen anticipating the shot and ducking underneath it.
Owen: You don’t want to do this, walk away.
The guy seems frustrated, and swings again, but again Owen see’s it coming a mile off, and sidesteps the shot, landing a right hook of his own that staggers the man backwards, resting him against the car. He comes forwards again, but Owen tackles him to the floor, and starts throwing right hands into the guys face.
Kloe: OWEN, NO!!!
But Owen isn’t listening, and doesn’t even see two passing patrol cars stop, and two officers get out. Owen’s anger, and his frustrations of the past months having totally taken over, as the man does his best to cover up. Suddenly, Owen is lifted under his arms and dragged away by one of the officers, but he escapes and spins around, lifting his hand ready to strike. His eyes widen, as he notices it’s the officer, and thankfully he manages to stop himself and lower his fist, as the other officer grabs him and takes him down, his arm behind his back. His head turns, Sallie’s boyfriend sat with his back to the car smirking, his eye bloodied.
Officer: Come on Son, you’re coming with us
Kloe: No, that’s not fair officer, he was only…
Officer: He’ll have plenty of time to explain himself at the station.
The second officer picks Sallie’s boyfriend up and bundles him in the back of his car, whilst Owen is placed in the second.
Kloe: Officer this isn’t right, he was only protecting us.
Officer: We’ll get to the bottom of it, don’t worry.
Owen lowers his head in the back of the car, barely able to look at the crowd that has gathered to watch. The first car drives off, and then the car containing Owen follows, Kloe putting her arm around Becca and wiping away a tear. With the cars around the corner, Kloe pulls her phone out of her jeans and dials a number, waiting for an answer which comes quickly.
Kloe: Shaun, it’s Kloe…
March 10th, 2021
Los Angeles Police Department
Owen sheepishly looks at the floor, as the two officers opposite him seem to be enjoying themselves. It had become apparent that one of them knew who Owen was, and neither of them seemed willing to believe Owen’s story, instead repeating what they had seen.
Officer: Owen, when we pulled up, it certainly didn’t look like Mr. Thomas was the aggressor. In fact, it looked to us like you had lost it.
Owen: And wouldn’t you, lose it I mean, if he’d beaten up your Sister.
Officer 2: That’s purely speculation at this point
Owen: No, it’s not… he beat up my Sister and was dragging her down the driveway when I got in his way. She shouldn’t be with Sallie…
Officer: Her Mother you mean?
Owen: In name only. She’s never been a Mother… my Mom…
Officer: Kloe?
Owen: Yeah, has been looking out for her, and has done more in the last two weeks than Sallie did in twenty-five years. I wasn’t going to let her go back to get another black eye, or worse.
Officer 2: Ok, so let’s say this is the truth…
Owen: It is
Officer: Then why not call us when it very first happened? I mean, if your as protective as you claim, surely that would have been the best course of action.
Owen shrugs his shoulders.
Owen: Becca didn’t want me to. Regardless of how shit she is, Becca still loves her Mom.
Officer 2: And yet you don’t want her to be with her?
Owen: No, because if she is, then she’ll only have the crap beat out of her again. I’ve told you this, many times. Can I go now?
Officer: See, we’d love to let you out of here, thing is I’ve a few more questions. Like why you raised your hand to an officer of the law.
Owen: I didn’t know it was an officer.
Officer 2: I see, so it could just as easily been your Mother, or your Sister?
Owen: Yeah, it could have… I’d have stopped then as well.
Officer: You see Owen, this is where I’m not so sure. I mean, it’s not like this is the first time in recent months you’ve been arrested for fighting is it? Weren’t you part of a mass brawl in a restaurant not too long ago? I’m concerned that you’re more than a little out of control.
Owen: This is ridiculous… I was defending my Sister from a guy who was manhandling her down the driveway. Ask anyone who saw it and they will tell you. I’m only still here because you two know exactly who I am and want to prove a point. Well OK, point proven… now let me go or charge me. But if you are going to charge me, I want a lawyer.
A smug grin forms on the face of the first officer, knowing he has Owen wound up. He is just about to say something when a knock at the door distracts them, and a third officer puts his head around the door.
Officer 3: Got a minute?
One of the officers gets to his feet and walks over, his face dropping as something is whispered in his ear. He shakes the back of his head, and walks back over to the table, sitting down.
Officer: Well, it seems like it’s your lucky day Owen. Several witnesses have confirmed your story, and that you were confronted first on your Mothers property. So, we are going to let you go.
Owen: Finally…
Officer: But a word of warning Owen, you should calm that temper of yours, it’s going to get you into a lot of trouble
Owen: I think I’ll be fine… we done?
Officer: Yeah, we’re done. For now.
Owen smiles sarcastically and makes his way out the office, turning the corner and rolling his eyes. Stood waiting for him is Shaun, disappointment etched on his face.
Owen: Don’t say it.
Shaun holds up his hands.
Shaun: Just wondered if you needed a lift home kid, that’s all.
Owen: Guess it beats walking.
He walks past Shaun who follows, out into the car park.
Shaun: Hold up Owen, what was going on back there?
Owen: Two coppers thinking they were going to get a famous arrest. No big deal
Shaun: No, I mean at your Moms. See said you lost it big time.
Owen: Well, she’s wrong… the dickhead deserved it
Shaun: Yeah maybe, but Owen you can’t be acting like that. You know what it would look like if you got a record. Thank God the neighbor likes you and was willing to make a statement or you could have been in real trouble.
Owen: You what?
Shaun: Owen, no one saw how it started except Becca and Kloe. It would have been their word against his. I had to pay…
Owen stops him right there, figuring out what Shaun had done.
Owen: What? You mean you paid someone to lie?
Shaun: What else could I go Owen? I told Orlando I’d look out for you always.
Owen: Yeah, what maybe I don’t need fucking looking after?
Shaun: From where I’m standing, I’d say you do.
Owen: You’re wrong ok… I don’t need you, or anyone holding my hand and making my decisions for me. That shithead was going to hurt my Sister, and I took care of it. If you ask me, he got off lightly, because I didn’t want to stop. And what happened to what you were saying the other day. This guy was just as much a prick as Shane was.
Shaun: Owen, Shane tried to kill me?
Owen: Yeah, well who’s to say this guy wouldn’t have done the same thing to Becca huh? It’s NOT all black and white, and it’s not just your opinion that counts. And I’m sick of being the one fucked over when all I’m trying to do is what’s right for my family.
He turns away, Shaun grabbing his shoulder.
Shaun: Owen…
Owen shrugs him off.
Owen: I’m going to walk… thanks for ‘helping’
Shaun cannot miss the sarcasm in Owen’s voice, but persists anyway.
Shaun: Owen, get in the car, we’ll talk about it at home.
Owen: How many times Shaun, you are NOT in charge of my life, and you have no right telling me what to do. I’m walking… leave me alone.
Shaun opens his mouth to speak, but Owen is already walking away from him and towards the exit. Shaun watches, hoping that Owen will look back, but he never does and disappears round the corner and out of sight. Shaun walks over to the car and opens door, with one more glance towards the exit, more in hope than anything else. He stands there for a few moments, before getting in the car
Shaun: Fuck…
13th March 2021
Dallas
Scene opens, with Owen Cruze sat on a sofa, a recording device poised in front of him. The device is already on, capturing these early moments, showing a troubled individual, struggling to come to terms with everything going on. It had been a rough couple of weeks, both professionally and personally, rough even by Owen’s standards, and his face was showing the rigors of those events. Truth was that his promos were always well rehearsed. He preferred to know what he was going to say, before he said it. But this was going to be different, he had no script and no idea what was going to happen, or the trouble he may cause by what he might say. Finally, his eyes turn to the camera, and in a much quieter tone than usual, he starts to speak.
/RECORDING
“I’ve not been myself the past few weeks, there’s something troubling him, I’m worried about his mental health. These are just a few things I’ve heard recently, people’s thoughts and opinions that have been scattered around the internet. People Even approaching me and saying the same. Some of them, not all I accept, amateur psychologists that think they know me better than I know myself. ‘Owen would never walk away from a handshake’, err, I think you’ll find I didn’t. ‘Owen would never not care about Peyton’. What the actual fuck? Not being able to do something about it, and not caring it’s happened are two entirely different things. Who was one of the first people to call Peyton to check she was ok? Me as it happens, so screw anyone who thinks I don’t care. And as for the handshake, am I supposed to be happy I lost to Cid? Am I supposed to simply shrug it off and move onto the next one, knowing that in the back of Sasha’s mind and using SashaLogic, that loss pushed me back in the queue that little bit further? Newsflash… I was about to plant Cid’s head through the mat with the Cruze Stomp, but I made the mistake that I thought he was finished, and he caught me with a schoolboy.”
He lowers his head for a moment, letting out a sigh.
“And it pissed me off that I fell for it.”
Owen shakes his head, confirming the fact.
“After everything I had said about focus, I let my guard down to the very simplest of counters. I was so annoyed, so apologies to anyone if the first thought on my mind wasn’t shaking the guy’s hand. I’m still annoyed now, as you can probably tell, that once again, when given the opportunity to face a true Hall of Famer and make a statement, I failed to get it done. Oh yeah, I performed alright, many will say that I had the better of the match and had Cid on the ropes, but when all is said and done, who scored the pin? Who’s fighting for the World Title at Retribution. And who has been pushed to the midcard, in a throwaway match that no one else will care about, barring the competitors. That will be me people, so yeah… sorry if I’m not walking around with a shit eating grin on my face, when of late it seems my career is heading down the shitter, and the only person I can beat right now is an arrogant dumbass like Gavin Taylor.”
He takes a breath and calms himself before continuing.
“Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not mad at people for thinking these things. People pays their money, and they are entitled to their opinions. No guys, I get it… you’ve every right to worry what is going on in my head and be concerned when it looks like I don’t care. When I heard what had happened to Peyton, it sickened me, but it didn’t surprise me. And this is my point, and why the Perfect Pack had to go. We weren’t going to change a damn thing in a wrestling ring. We couldn’t stop the likes of Sienna, Gio and now Minerva, when they are willing to go into a person’s house and ‘assault’ an individual. That’s not wrestling, nothing like it. But for me the critical part wasn’t what happened to Pey Pey, it was the consequences. Peyton had her career stolen from her, multiple injuries that required surgery. But was Minerva fired on the spot? No. Was Minerva arrested, when she openly admitted what she had done? Not a chance. The consequences of Minerva’s actions? She’s escorted off the premises like some kind of celebrity.
Did you see the smug grin on her face as she left? Did she look like she gave a flying fuck? So how can I, or anyone else fight that bullshit, when the management of this company doesn’t have the balls to do it themselves? ‘But you asked me not to fire Gio’… Screw you Sasha. You’re the head honcho of a multi-million-pound company, and you listen to a then twenty year old? No Sasha, this is ALL on you, and I’m just a convenient excuse for you to fall back on. It’s a joke, and to be honest a betrayal after I gave you the keys to the kingdom, that you use ME as a reason for your obvious incompetence. You have turned the most prominent wrestling company in the world into a haven for degenerates and assholes. And that IS my fault, for believing that you could do better if given the chance. You’re not your Father Sasha, not even close, and you never will be.
But I’m supposed to keep quiet, aren’t I? Because I’m a good guy… and must keep toeing that company line. You give these people the spotlight Sasha, YOU enable them… what did you think they were going to do with it A song and dance? And yet I’m the one to blame? It’s apparently all MY fault that Giovanni and Minerva get away with their bullshit? EVERY SINGLE TIME. But I put a foot out of line, or defend my friends… I get arrested, without a single word from you? After all I have sacrificed for this company. No, all that my FAMILY has sacrificed. Fuck that Sasha… you’re to blame for the SCW’s situation right now, and you’re to blame for this ‘apparent’ newfound attitude of mine, which in itself is bullshit. There’s no change, just a realization. SCW made the same mistake with AJ Helms, and now you are doing the same thing with me. Pathetic.”
Owen shakes his head, not quite believing that he was having to say these things about a company he truly loved. A company he STILL loved, after everything.
“So, is it really any surprise if I come off a little bitter with my current situation? Look at the Retribution card, and you’ll see quite clearly more of what I mean, the way SCW rewards those that refuse to play by the rules. Holly Adams, her greatest achievement being a full-time social media troll… given the chance to be the number one contender for the Adrenaline Championship. Shilo Valiant, after all the stunts he pulled with Aaron, an Adrenaline title shot. Gavin Taylor, somehow allowed, after everything his A.S.S have been up to, and having been handed his ass by me, the chance to become United States Champion. The US champion himself, not twelve-eighteen months ago, injuring fans who had paid good money to watch WRESTLING. And the big one, the Scaffold Scramble… chance to become the number one contender to the most prestigious championship in the world… and Ricky James, who has outright insulted SCW at every single turn could win that shot. It’s a joke, it must be. Whilst at the same time I’m shunted away from prestigious matches, away from matches that means something, into ANOTHER match with someone else who has a grudge against me and my friends. Kandis. You’re telling me that any sane person cannot see that all the above isn’t seriously messed up? The only saving grace on the card… the main event, and the fact that Aaron is finally getting his opportunity. However belated that may be.”
He rolls his eyes in apparent disappointment.
“See Kandis, and I’m speaking to you directly now, I know what I’m supposed to say. I listened as you tried to drive a wedge between me and Aaron when you faced him. I heard you claim that I’d turned my back on him and Peyton, the kind of reaching comments I expected from someone like you. And how did that pan out for you Kandis? Fell on deaf ears right? That’s what bullshit does. I know I’m supposed to sit here and tell you how I’m going to make you pay for what you have done to Peyton over the years, and that it was sickening to see you openly applaud and condone what Minerva did, but in all honesty what’s that going to achieve? It’s not like you are going to slap yourself on the wrists, call yourself a bad girl, and promise never to do it again is it? Anyway, you got Tommy to do that for you. I know you’d probably like to talk about the tag division, and how much you achieved over the past two years by comparison, and I’m sure you’d love me to refer to all the times the Connection beat me and whoever my partner was at the time. But you see Kandis, none of that will be relevant here. You and Tommy had a cohesion rarely ever seen in SCW. You two were a ‘team’ in every single sense of the word, so it was no surprise that you were successful, and may well be again soon. But Kandis. I’m going to level with you, I’m gonna be honest… this whole match, I’m a bit none-plussed with the whole thing, because once again all it does is give you the spotlight that you crave so badly. A spotlight it seems you cannot live without and will desperately do ANYTHING to keep it on you. Because in a company of ego driven attention seekers Kandis, you are the biggest one of them all. I must give you credit, sharing it with Tommy for so long, it must have burned you up inside. Then again, there were always going to be a couple of ‘attributes’ that Tommy could never compete with, right? Once again, absolutely nothing to do with this industry.”
He leans forwards on the sofa, clasping his hands in front of him.
“I’m going to tell you something now Kandis that I don’t think you have realized, or it doesn’t seem so. From the first time I witnessed you do your ‘thing’ in EMERGE, all the way up to present day. This company, that you work for… it’s called Supreme Championship WRESTLING. I grant you; it might not seem like it with Sasha at the helm, but that is who we are, a wrestling company. We aren’t Pornhub, or Rudetube. The videos we see on Supremecw.com don’t have titles like ‘Stepsis blackmails stepbro with awesome handjob’ or ‘If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a dogging surprise’. Yeah, we have some beautiful girls on our roster, some of them yes, they look like supermodels. But every single one of them are wrestlers first, anything else second, and there is no way in hell that you possibly expect me to believe that you feel the same with the way you act. We get countless pictures of your over-inflated backside and Thirsty Thursday. Shameless sexting with Tommy in front of the world that really should be kept to yourself. These are not the actions of someone who gives a shit about wrestling, or the company that they work for. But I know these are not idiotic actions, you’re not stupid, far from it. I know that behind the selfies is actually a very intelligent woman that knows EXACTLY what she is doing. You parade around on social media, giving, at least a proportion, of the fans exactly what they want… but without an 18+ rating. And you do it to keep all eyes on you, and to hide your faults. That being that you have no class, no shame… and very little substance. And when you get called out on it, you have the audacity to protest about it, whilst posting a provocative picture of you ‘training’.”
Owen shrugs his shoulders dismissively.
“And I know what you’re thinking Kandis, you’re thinking why should I care? Why should I care what you do? And to a point, you’d be right, I don’t care… not about you anyway. You’ll retort with, how do you know the titles of porn clips, thinking you’re being witty… I’m twenty-one by the way Kandis, not fifteen. And you’ll say, why does it bother me, when it has no effect, other than those horrific images burned into my retinas? And it’s a perfectly logically question to ask, it is. The problem is Kandis, you’re taking up a spot for people far more talented, and who care ONLY about this business. YOU are stopping someone from coming to Breakdown and making themselves know, as a WRESTLER. Whilst you prepare for a career as an adult movie star, that must be what you are doing surely? There are girls waiting for the opportunity you’ve been given. Girls that COULD well be the next SCW World Champion, following in the footsteps of women who became successful in this industry off the back of a talent for the business. And NOT for showing their tits and ass on social media. But I can stop following you right? If I don’t like it, press the old unfollow button and get on with my life? And yes, I could do precisely that. But then I wouldn’t be able to follow just how far you will degrade yourself to be a superstar. What’s next Kandis? The Tommy and Kandis sex tape… it wouldn’t surprise me if it has already been done.”
Owen stands, and walks across the room, pouring himself a drink as he continues to talk, though we don’t see the bottle.
“So, I guess with all that said, Retribution is likely to be a cakewalk, right? That’s what I’ve made it sound like so far that’s for sure. But you see, that’s where you realize that all the above isn’t the saddest part of this little tale? Yes, Kandis might look like someone you see on a street corner in some of the undesirable part of any City and yes, it might look to most like she doesn’t care about the business one bit. But the thing is Kandis, I know more than most that all the ability is there. Oh, don’t get me wrong, you might not be able to wrestle as good as some in SCW, but when it comes to striking, or using your legs to dismantle an individual, there are very few women, and indeed men in the company that hit as hard as you do. It’s not like you were dragged along by Tommy in your tag team reigns… you were every bit a part of being champions as he was, and considering what he has done in this company, that cannot be called anything but impressive. I don’t like the way you act; I don’t like the way you speak, but as a fighter, I have no choice but to respect you, it would be idiotic if I didn’t. I know this match is a million miles away from a walkover, it’s gonna be tough, just as tough as Cid and we all know what happened there.
But…
To hit something Kandis, you need to catch it first. To strike something, your gonna need the opportunity. And Kandis, you are facing one of, if not THE fastest person on this roster, who can finish a match from anyplace, and anywhere, at anytime. Back foot, front foot, you’ll never be safe. You fire off one of those bombs, and I’ll be waiting for it, waiting to put you away. You see, I may not have liked it at the time, but Cid did me a favor. He made me realize that the Cruze Stomp, it has its limitations, and can be countered by someone skilled enough. He made me see that it was no good me evolving, if my finishers didn’t evolve with me. So, whilst you’ve been on social media, showing off the two orbiting planets, I’ve been working on something new. A surprise for you if you give me that one chance. Oh, the Cruze Stomp will still be there, there’s always a place for that, who can forget the double stomp at Rise to Greatness, but THIS Kandis, is going to be spectacular. And you’ll have the honour of being the first to be put away… and maybe I’ll stick that on social media huh? Give you that spotlight you will have certainly earned. After all, seems like your used to laying on your back.”
He winks before stepping away from the table, glass in hand and takes a sip, as the camera now see’s the bottle of Jack Daniels, his Father’s favorite drink. Owen’s eyes narrow, and he licks his lips.
“Kandis, not going to lie to you, not matter how ‘meh’ I might think this match is, however ill-thought out, or pointless it may be. Now that it is booked, I have to win it. Truth be told, I can’t let what happened with Cid become a common theme, mistakes like that must be a thing of the past. I’m twenty-one now, any excuses about being a kid are long gone, and it’s time for me to grow up, to stop shouting about it from the rafters, and just do. To say you are the start, that would be wrong, you are just a continuation of what has been coming. Owen Cruze not fighting wars or dealing with pathetic individuals on a weekly basis. Owen Cruze not putting others in danger because people are jealous of me, or want to put me down The ideology is simple, stop SCW from falling down the shitter by being what this company needs. Not a hero, nor a villain… just simply the best goddamn wrestler on the planet. You want, pardon the pun, Retribution for what you perceive Peyton and even Aaron have done to you, forget it. This isn’t about them, it’s about you and me and who’s better?”
He salutes the camera, a grin snaking across his face.
“And when the PPV ends, and the final bell is rung here in Dallas, I’m going to make damn sure that there is little doubt… that person…is, and always will be… me.”
/ENDRECORDING
SCENE FADES
Owen Cruze 