OWEN # 38 THOTF 1

22nd April 2019 – New York

For Owen, being here brought back a lot of memories he would have rather forgotten. He hadn’t wanted to put himself in this situation, but the moment his Mother asked him to be there, he knew he couldn’t let her down, and had to sacrifice his own feelings for hers.

It would have helped if the Law Office wasn’t so drab and uninteresting, but the only décor it had was the award certificates that adorned most offices of these. It would also help if the Lawyer didn’t have the most monotone voice, as he explained the procedure to the three people in the room, Which again was different to his Father’s will reading, which had nearly twenty people fighting over the spoils, some were still fighting.

Kloe had had to be persuaded to turn up in the first place, and had actually declined in the first instance, until the Executor had explained that she needed to be there in person. Even now, she seemed disinterested, which was the direct opposite too Scott, Simon’s son, who was listening intently to every word, knowing that his life was about to change.

Of course, he was the son of a successful Fashion Designer, and so therefore he had lived a pampered life since the day he was born. This was different though, because now he was about to inherit his Father’s fortune, and already had plans to sell off the business to the highest bidder and make millions off the back of it.

Lawyer: So, with all that said, the reason we are here, the estate itself.

Scott: About time right Klo…

Kloe doesn’t even hear him, but Owen does and glares at him

Lawyer: Firstly, the sum of one million dollars, I leave to the American Cancer Society who’s care of my wife when she was diagnosed, and all the way to her final days, helped lessen the pain. I hope this helps them to help others.

Scott: Yadda, yadda… can you just get to the best bit?

Kloe just looks at Owen, obviously biting her lips and not wanting to say anything. Owen isn’t so subtle, and shakes his head disapprovingly.

Lawyer: To Scott, my only son… I leave him also the sum of one million dollars, the house in Paris, and the apartment in New York. I hope he uses the money to find a career path that makes him happy, and I hope he realizes just how much I did love him.

Owen looks over at Scott, having expected a cocky remark, or a line… knowing that their relationship had been ‘fraught’ or at least from Scott’s perspective. But he doesn’t say a word, and actually scowls, looking more than a little confused.

Lawyer: My fleet of cars, the business, and the sum of…

The figure that comes out of the Lawyers mouth stuns Owen. He knew Simon was wealthy but not to that extent

Lawyer: I leave to Kloe Masters, who has brought joy back into my life when I thought it was long gone. I know that the business will thrive under her and go onto much greater things. And that’s it…

Scott: What the actual fuck?

Lawyer: There are a few personal effects but…

Scott: She gets everything? Really, this must be some kind of sick fucking joke.

Lawyer: I’m sorry Scott, but the amendments Simon made…

Scott: Amendments?

Lawyer: Yes, Simon changed his will about four weeks ago

Kloe: Scott, I…

Scott: You, shut the fuck up… this is what you planned all along didn’t you?

Lawyer: Scott please… I don’t want to call security but if you continue I will have no choice

Scott however is relentless, Kloe slowly getting to her feet

Kloe: Scott, I know you’re upset, let’s talk

Scott: Talk… you’ve just screwed me out of my inheritance bitch. Give it back

The Lawyer picks up the phone, and tells his receptionist to call Security.

Kloe goes to put her hand on his shoulder to try and calm it down, but he bats it away, which causes Kloe to lose her balance and fall into the chair. Owen jumps to his feet, and pushes Scott backwards, balling his fists.

Owen: Back the fuck off Scott, I’m warning you.

Security enters the room, just as Scott is about to lunge at Owen, two guards grabbing each arm

Lawyer: Get him out of here.

Scott: This isn’t the end of this bullshit, I contest it… you won’t get a dime you gold digging bitch

Scott is dragged out the room, and as the door shuts, Owen turns to his Mom

Owen: You OK Mom?

Kloe nods, but doesn’t say a word, Owen turning back to the lawyer.

Owen: I’m sorry

Lawyer: You have nothing to be sorry for young man… if you’d not been in here who knows what would have happened.

He then turns back to Kloe.

Lawyer: Don’t worry about any contest, Simon was very clear in his instructions when he made the amendment, I’d not seen him this taken with someone since his dearly departed wife.

Kloe: You’re a friend of the family?

The lawyer nods

Lawyer: His wife, Louise… was my Sister.

Kloe: I’m sorry

Lawyer: Don’t be, it was a long time ago. As such, I think Simon knew what would happen if his son got the ‘keys to the kingdom’ so to speak.

Kloe: It does seems like Scott has a point

Lawyer: Other that you Kloe, the business was everything, and if Scott hadn’t been so pig headed, he would have realized that before you came along, everything he did was for his son. He had no doubt that the business would be sold, and that’s why he came to this decision. Plus, you were going to be his wife, so it made perfect sense.

It did make sense, but it didn’t stop Kloe from feeling guilty.

Lawyer: Anyway, unless there are any questions?

Kloe shakes her head

Lawyer: Excellent, then my secretary will be in touch.

He holds out his hand, which Kloe and then Owen shakes

Lawyer: I know a loved one can never be replaced, but hopefully this news helps.

Kloe: Thank you for everything

Lawyer: You’re welcome.

Kloe walks towards the door, Owen opening it for her and they both step out into the corridor and walk past the reception without saying a word. Only when they step out into the car park and are at the car does Owen finally speak

Owen: Seriously Mom, you ok? It must be a lot to take in.

Kloe: Yeah, it is… still can’t get over he changed the will. It doesn’t seem fair… to Scott I mean.

Owen: Seriously Mom, don’t worry about it. The guy is an absolute douche. He told me that selling the business once he got it was what he planned all along. It didn’t even seem like he gave a shit that his Dad died. He’ll probably take that money and piss it up the wall on drink and drugs… and it’s my bet Simon knew that.

Kloe: But still, that’s his son.

Owen: Sounds to me that was only when it suited… if he wanted a handout or something like that. Seriously, like the guy said, don’t worry about it. Concentrate on you now Mom… Simon would have wanted you too.

Kloe nods, and gets into the passenger side of the car, Owen starting the engine. She then pulls her phone out of her handbag, and dials a number. Owen puts the car into gear and then drives away from the building.

Kloe: Pixie… we really need to talk babe.

Pixie Denning was Shaun’s ex-wife, and Kloe’s partner. Kloe then goes on to explain what had just happened, and that they needed to talk in person as to what happened next. It was all pretty exciting and it brings a smile to Owen’s face, because after everything that had happened to her over the past three years, his Mom had deserved a break. After the initial shock she’d take this opportunity and run with it, Owen knew that, and so had Simon. This would change her life… and definitely for the better.

22nd April 2019 – Diary Entry

It’s funny how life can change in an instant. How one moment you can be in the depths of despair, but a single moment can change everything.

Over the past three years, Mom had lost the love of her life, had a life threatening illness, and then lost the person she believed would take the place of my Dad in her heart… and then, the will reading had changed everything.

There’s no doubt, if she had the choice, she’s take Simon back and lose every penny. But this opportunity, it gave her the chance to do something amazing, and do it in Simon’s memory, and that makes me incredibly happy.

To see her smile in amongst the sadness… it means everything to me.

27th April 2019 – Flight to Los Angeles

If there was one thing he had taken from the last half an hour since he was picked up at the arena and driven to a private airstrip where he had been met by William Mason, and boarded his private jet, it was that one day, he wanted himself a jet of his own. Of course, in his mind it was a pipedream, he’d never have that kind of money, nor did he really want to, but he was certainly enjoying this part of the Blake Mason Experience. William had excused himself immediately after takeoff, needing to take care of some business that needed his attention, but fifteen minutes later he appears, Owen peering out of the window at the United States below him, his lunch that William had provided half eaten in front of him

William: Enjoying the view Owen?

Owen: Yeah, this jet is awesome

Blake smiles

William: It certainly is that. I’m not a snob Owen, but you must see the benefits of not flying commercially. The food for instance is on another level I’m sure you’ll agree?

Owen: It is… couldn’t eat it all either. It certainly beats waiting to be boarded that’s for sure

William: Indeed.

William takes an adjacent seat, and for a few moments he too stares out the window. He’d gone through this moment a million and one times in his head, but now it was here he was lost for words, a situation he wasn’t used to.

William: Owen, about me and Taylor…

Owen turns to face him, and replies very matter of fact

Owen: You can call her my Mom, we’re all cool with that now.

William: OK, well, me and your Mother…

Owen: Dude, seriously… just chill out.

William: I’m not sure I follow.

Owen: If this is some kind of chat about how you love my Mom, and I need to get used to it, you’re about a million miles off course on this one. Fact is, you’re both adults, and you’re going to do this no matter what I think. And I’ve learned over the last couple of months, life’s too short to fret about stuff like who your parents fall in love with. And I’m guessing you do love her right?

William: I do.

Owen: Then, as far as you seeing my Mom, we don’t have a problem. Unless of course you hurt her… then I might have to revisit my opinion. Then again, she’s perfectly capable of taking care of herself. You’re brave I’ll give you that.

Owen gives William a grin, but Mason was well aware that he was only half-joking. There was something about Owen he had grown to admire, an admiration that he never really had with Orlando and Shaun. Owen made a big deal about wanting to be like his Father, but in William’s opinion he could aspire to a lot more and could be a much better man.

Owen: Nah seriously man, she’s a different person now, and if you’re the reason for that, the fair dues.

William: I think we are both different people.

Owen nods his head, William not sure what to say next.

Owen: So, have I burst your bubble bro? Are we going to sit through the rest of the journey in silence, because if so I hope you have an Xbox on board?

He laughs… not knowing that there actually was, William had made sure of it.

Owen: There must have been something else you wanted to say to go to all this trouble?

William: You’re quite perceptive aren’t you?

Owen: I learn about people pretty quickly

William: You certainly had Giovanni figured out soon enough.

Owen: True… didn’t figure you and Mom out though.

William nods

William: It wasn’t meant to be a secret, not really, and it certainly wasn’t our intention for you to find out on social media. Taylor and I just wanted to enjoy the moment before anyone else found out, plus we understood that it could be pretty awkward for you… considering my reputation. You’ve already experienced how narrow minded some can be.

Owen: That’s not a problem, when you had a Dad like mine, you get pretty tough skin.

William: That’s true, but I know a lot of people believe that this was some kind of obsession for me, but the truth is Tay and I have always had a ‘connection’ but the timing was never right. Now however we are both at a point where we both want the same thing.

Owen: Stability?

William: Yes, you could call it that. Scott was never the right person for Tay…

Owen: That’s something we CAN agree on.

William: Well, both of us are now in a place where we really don’t need the drama. I’m a calmer person, more considered… and I am a much better person when I am around her.

Owen: So you don’t need to drop teenagers on their head anymore?

William pauses for a moment, Owen then laughing

Owen: Dude, if you’re hanging around you are going to have to get used to my sense of humor. I wasn’t kidding before… you taught me a life lesson that day and gave me one of the biggest insights into this business I’ve ever had. It’s all good

From watching Owen on Twitter, it was clear that he was a lot more level headed than some on the SCW roster and wise way beyond his years. Some people with a decade of experience didn’t carry themselves the way Owen did, and was testament to that way he had been brought up, and training for the business that had gone way beyond the basics. Many people had commented that Owen was ‘destined’ to be someone special, and spending this time with him, William was starting to understand why.

William: Look Owen, I want to make something clear. I know what your Father meant to you, and I know that part of the reason you are doing this is to keep his memory alive. I just want you to know that if Taylor and I ever get married…

William pauses, looking for any kind of negative reaction in Owen’s face… though there isn’t one.

William: …I just want to say I don’t expect to become some kind of father-figure to you. I’m not expecting any special bond.

Owen: That’s fair enough

William: But I am in Taylor’s life for the long haul, so that means that as far as I’m concerned, you are family. And I know how important family is to you as it is me, so I promise you if you need me, I’ll be there.

A few years ago, Owen would have probably burst out laughing, and he would still have been laughing when he told Shaun about it. But Owen could see the sincerity in William’s eyes, the intent and the meaning behind every word. He knew William was telling him the truth.

Owen: I appreciate that… so how much allowance do I get?

If he was truthful with himself, getting deep and meaningful with William was making him feel a little awkward, the humor his way of changing the subject. William to his credit realizes this, and smiles.

William: Finish your chores, and maybe we’ll talk

William then holds out his hand towards Owen

William: Friends?

Owen responds by shaking Williams’s hand, never looking away

Owen: Yeah, I can do that.

William turns back to the window, it wouldn’t be long till they would land, but he had said what he needed to, and was happy that the air was cleared. For Owen there hadn’t been a problem anyway, but he knew from his Mom’s earlier text that when William reported back, she would see it as a success. They would never be ‘best buddies’ but if they could be civil, it made everyone’s life that little bit easier, and right now ‘easier’ was exactly what Owen needed.

28th April 2019 – Diary Entry

I know Jaina didn’t like it, but I met with William and it actually went well.

Dad always said that there was always the potential for people to change, but they had to want to make that change happen. From meeting with William, I believed 100% that he wanted to, and that the catalyst for that was Mom.

If he had indeed changed for the better, William was a good ally to have

Plus, I can’t wait to see what I get for Christmas  A jet… please let it be a jet haha

29th April 2019 – New York

Owen had planned to stay in Los Angeles and catch up with family prior to the next round of shows, but the NYPD had decided they had different ideas. It didn’t matter that Owen had plans to catch up with his brother, and his second cousin, he had been told it would be ‘appreciated’ if Owen could be in New York sooner rather than later. Of course, usually it would have been more of a rush, but he supposed that was the benefits of having William Mason wanting to make a good impression on him. William had made sure via his private jet being available, that Owen had reached New York Monday morning, and with plenty of time to kill before he had to leave for Breakdown. Though now he had a moment to think, the intrigue was starting to sink in as to why his attendance was so important, and why the cops couldn’t tell him any new information over the phone. Flicking through a copy of GQ, grinning at the feature on Shaun, Avengers: Endgame having been released a few days ago, Owen looks up as he hears his name, immediately recognizing Detective Joyce.

Joyce: Owen, thank you for coming in. I hope it wasn’t too detrimental to your schedule.

Owen: I’m used to it Detective, don’t worry about it. Sure it will be worth it.

Joyce wasn’t a detective for nothing, and immediately recognizes what it was Owen was implying.

Joyce: Ah, I was afraid we might have implied that there was new information. I wish I could say that was the case Owen, but I’m afraid the truth is the exact opposite.

Owen: So there isn’t any news?

Joyce: Can you come through please so we can talk more freely?

Owen: Sure

Joyce heads through a door, where he is joined by Exposito, the other Detective on the case, who hands him a manila folder. The two of them then walk through an adjacent door, and into another room, the two of them taking a seat and offering Owen the one opposite them.

Owen: So, what’s this all about then Detective’s?

Joyce: I’m afraid that there is no easy way to say this Owen, so I’m just going to come out with it. None of the leads we had have led us anywhere, and the trail has gone cold. The fact is, we don’t know where your Uncle is, and he certainly had no intention of us finding out.

To be fair to Owen, he wasn’t particularly surprised by this news. Since all this began, it had seemed like Finn was always one step in front of everyone, his time inside prison teaching him how to work the system, and make use of any contacts you had made. There was no doubt that Finn had many people who could hide him, and it looked like someone was doing precisely that.

Owen: So why am I here? And why the secrecy?

Joyce hesitates, but Exposito picks it up.

Exposito: Can you answer us a question, honestly?

Owen: Of course

Exposito: To you think that there is anyone in your immediate family that would want to help Finn?

Owen: What? No of course not.

Exposito: Nobody that was potentially put out by your inheritance like he was?

Owen pauses, and the Detective’s pick up on that instantly.

Joyce: Owen?

Owen: No, not at all

Exposito: But you did hesitate Owen… is there something you’re not telling us?

Owen: No… I mean, Mom…

Exposito: Miss Masters?

Owen: No Taylor, she was annoyed in the beginning, but we are in a much better place now. She wouldn’t help Finn

Exposito: Are you one hundred percent sure of that?

Owen: Yes, definitely… she’s got more money than she knows what to do with, and she’s seeing a multi-billionaire.

Joyce: But it’s true, she did resent you?

Owen: Yes, she probably did but not anymore. She hates him as much as I do… no, it can’t be.

Exposito writes something down, as Joyce picks up the conversation again

Joyce: Sorry Owen, but we had to ask.

Exposito: Is there anyone else? Anybody you could think of what would want to work with him against you?

Finch’s name jumps in his head, but just for a second. He’d learned his lesson for sure.

Owen: No, no one comes to mind… just Finn.

Exposito sighs, and actually looks more than a little frustrated. Joyce however nods, looking through his notes as if looking for some kind of inspiration, but seeing nothing but a mish mash of words that didn’t seem to lead anywhere, or to anyone.

Owen: You really don’t have any ideas do you?

Joyce: As we said before Owen, people like this always made a mistake eventually. Always. But…

Owen: Who’s to say what he might do before that… right?

Neither Joyce nor Exposito answer, but Owen quickly figures out that is exactly what they are thinking.

Joyce: I don’t want you to think we’ve stopped looking Owen, because we haven’t. But I wanted to be honest with you, he’s out there somewhere… but we don’t know where.

Owen: It’s ok… I get it. Be vigilant?

Joyce: Sorry we couldn’t give you better news.

Owen nods his appreciation, and is about to head to the door when Exposito speaks up.

Exposito: We do have another option…

Joyce gives her a look, and then a shake of his head, but Exposito looks at Owen, looking for any indication he should continue.

Owen: Which is?

Exposito gives Joyce a victorious grin.

Exposito: If there is one thing we have learned about your Uncle, it’s that he is driven by money. He’s controlled by it, and will do anything to acquire as much as he can.

Owen: That’s true, that’s all he’s ever wanted from me.

Exposito: So if he thought he was going to get it that would probably draw him out of hiding, right?

Owen: Yeah… but I don’t get where you are going with this.

Joyce: What my colleague is suggesting Owen is that we use you as bait. Tell him you have the money, agree to meet him… and we will do the rest

Owen: He’s not stupid, he wouldn’t fall for that

Exposito laughs, in fact it’s more a scoff. Owen looks at her, wondering why he is laughing, Exposito holding up his hand.

Exposito: I’m sorry… but this is three million we are talking about… I reckon he’ll take the chance. Lay it on thick about how you’re sick of living in fear, get him to a meeting place and then we’ll bag him. Simple…

Joyce: …and extremely dangerous. If he realizes that you’ve not got the money and it’s a trap…

Exposito: Then, we’ll move in and nab him anyway.

Owen leans back on his chair, his hands clasped in front of him and resting on the table

Owen: It sounds like it’s our best plan

Exposito brings his fist down on the table, his way of expressing his delight, Joyce however is a bit more subdued

Joyce: Owen, you should think about this very carefully. This could go wrong very quickly.

Owen: I understand that, but he could also hurt my family and friends whilst he is still out there. I don’t see how there is a choice

Joyce: There is always a choice Owen

Exposito: This will work, I know Finn’s kind. He won’t be able to help himself.

Owen: OK, I’ll do it

Exposito: Great stuff… we’ll get things sorted.

She looks over to Joyce who still seems unsure

Joyce: No… we’ll be in touch Owen. And thanks again for coming in. I’ll show you out.

Owen shakes Exposito’s hand and then heads to the door, Joyce walking with him out into the corridor, and they talk as they walk.

Joyce: You do understand the risk here right?

Owen: Of course I do.

Joyce: There’s a chance we’ll find him before it comes to this. Be careful kid ok?

Owen: Always am Detective.

Owen walks out of the station and into the New York air, which somehow tasted a little sweeter than usual. He was more than aware of the risk that he was about to take, but something told him that this would work and that all this would finally be over. Yes it was a risk, but for him it was a risk worth taking to ensure that no one else got hurt. Not even considering that doing this, the one that was most likely to get hurt was him.

3rd May 2019 – Diary

The text had been sent, and within five minutes Finn replied

Apparently he was glad I’d come to my senses, and couldn’t wait for the end to this mess… not having the first clue what he was walking into.

In an attempted final dig at my Dad, we would meet on Monday, at Dad’s memorial where I would give him the money, and his final text promised that this would be the last I heard from him.

He’d got the last part right at least

PLEASE NOTE DATE OF SHOOT. IT TAKES PLACE AFTER THE NEXT CD

30th May 2019 – Montreal

If Owen was honest with himself, there were times over the last two weeks when he wasn’t sure if he’d sit in front of a SCW camera. The things that had happened to him, the things he had seen would have a profound effect on him for the rest of his life. Owen knew that Sasha had her misgivings about him being here, and that she wasn’t sure how this would pan out, and if truth be told, neither was Owen. She’d thought it best that it wasn’t mentioned, why he had been off shows for the last three Breakdown, and she was probably right. But all Owen knew was that right now, in this moment, all he wanted to do was step back into the ring and do exactly what he was born to do. He needed this distraction, a step away from the realities of his world. Right now, he needed the support of all those SCW fans that were heading to Montreal to witness one of the greatest shows on Earth. He needed the support of his extended family more than ever. And that’s why he had chosen Taking Hold of the Flame as the moment to make his return, because it was the PPV where he had realized last year and with 100% certainty, the power the fans of the SCW possessed. He takes his cue from the crew, and with one leg on the floor, the other up on the foot rest of the chair, he starts to speak.

/RECORDING

“I’m sorry.”

It might seem a strange way for him to begin a promo, but for Owen it was the only way.

“On the 15th of May 2019 I was scheduled to face Alistair Allocco in Minneapolis, and although I’m just a cog in the gigantic SCW wheel, I know that there were people that paid good money to come and see that match. Thankfully, on that night Selena Frost faced Giovanni Aries, in a Scaffold match that was probably worth the entrance fee alone… but no matter how much I gloss it up, there would have been a fair few people who came to see me, a fair few people that I had to let down.”

He lowers his head, already starting to show a great deal more emotion than usual. This wasn’t the usual jovial nature we had come to expect, and his eyes bore the marks of a young man doing his absolute best to hold it all together.

“See, I’ve no doubt whatsoever that there out there right now referring to me as an hypocrite, and that at the first sign of trouble, I bailed on the SCW. I’ve seen reports that I refused to work in Minneapolis,  I’ve read the trolls claiming I was scared that Allocco was going to put another ‘L’ in the loss column making it three in a row… and the most ridiculous one that I’d failed a random drug test and had been suspended.

But I want to make it clear right now, I wanted to be in Minneapolis and every Breakdown up until this point. I wanted to give those amazing fans who have stuck with me through everything precisely what they came to see, win, lose or draw. But I just wasn’t able to compete at the levels I set myself, my mind wasn’t in the game like it has to be when you are facing the very best in our industry. I had to step away, to clear and focus my brain before I did irreparable damage to myself. I HAD to let down the people I love, that are so kind to me at arena’s all around America and indeed the world…

It’s to you all that I sit here right now and humbly apologize, in the hope that you can forgive me.”

There was only a select few that knew exactly the reason why Owen had been absent. An injunction by Broderick Chase, Owen’s Grandfather, had made sure that details of what had happened on that fateful night had not leaked into the media, and Taylor was determined to make sure it stayed that way. Owen didn’t want people to feel sorry for him, all he wanted to do was his job, and he wouldn’t have allowed to do that if the media started to harass him, which they inevitably would. Maybe one day the world could know, but by then Taylor hoped Owen would have moved on, though even that was in doubt.

“Of course, there are those that probably wouldn’t say sorry, and claim that the fans don’t matter. That unfortunately is how this business is right now, where too many people have forgotten what brought them to the game in the first place, the reaction that they could get from the people that pack the arenas. The likes of Xander, or Syren, they will wax lyrical about how only their talent got them to where they are today, and to some extent they are right, they are both extremely talented. These same people however will claim that the fans have nothing to do with it, a fan doesn’t pin shoulders to mats, or make someone submit, and of course that’s true as well.

But I can only speak for myself, when I say that I couldn’t have gone for over an hour in last year’s Taking Hold of the Flame if it wasn’t for them. I couldn’t have kept that adrenaline pumping if I didn’t feel that they weren’t willing me to carry on not matter what. I believe 100% that I have built a bond with those fans by hard work and determination, and that’s why I apologize, because for the past three weeks, and probably even before that… I’ve let them down, even if I didn’t mean to.”

He bites his bottom lip. Over those three weeks, he had struggled on more than one occasion, not just with what had happened, but also the fact that his career had stalled over the past couple of months. Losing to Sienna he’d made a lot of mistakes in the build-up, and he knew in his heart that if Aaron hadn’t intervened, Chris would have beaten him and possibly put him out of commission. Aaron had probably overtaken him in the pecking order now and was getting the plaudits that Owen had received only a few months ago, and although he was pleased for Aaron, who deserved it a lot more than most, this enforced break hadn’t helped him regain the momentum he had going into Tabula Rasa, which had become another of those ‘moments’ that in years to come Owen would see as one of those defining actions.

“Right now, looking back over Tabula Rasa, I realize what it must have been like for Sienna Swann, watching the fanfare that built behind me from the roster heading into that PPV. I had good luck messages from far and wide from some of the biggest names, and rather just be grateful and take these comments for what they are, I started to get overconfident, and I bought into that. My bad, I felt relaxed, too relaxed, knowing that these people believed in me, and believed that I could beat potentially the best wrestler in the business right now, by simply riding that wave.

Safe to say, I messed up guys, quite a few times in fact, but now I realize that the biggest cock up of them all, was me giving Sienna an ‘incentive’ that she didn’t really need. She was good enough already, as you don’t get to being world champion without being skilled, She could have coped and prevailed without me giving her even more ammunition to finish the job. I lost, because for the first time I bought into the hype that the last twelve months had generated. Where people were merely wishing me luck… I started to see it as my time, and inevitably what followed was one of those defeats I’ll always remember.”

Usually, right there he might have afforded himself a grin, but instead his hand come up, and for a moment this thumb and his index finger squeeze his temples, obviously stressed. The camera man looks from behind his camera, and one of the crew speaks to him, before then looking back at Owen

Crew member: Owen, you ok?

Owen nods, squeezing the bridge of his nose and composing himself. His eyes meet the crew member, who once again mouths the words “You sure?” Owen again nodding and once again finding his voice.

“What happened at Tabula Rasa showed one thing, and that is at nineteen years of age, I need to get back to enjoying this for what it is. An amazing opportunity for someone who is living the dream of millions of others who wish they could take my place. It’s not an excuse, but it’s certainly a reason, but reacting to situations correctly, and never putting my foot in my mouth when speaking to people, that is something that will only come with age. And I’m not going to pretend it won’t happen again either, what teenager really can?

Chris Cannon made reference to it, that I say the wrong things and I should keep my mouth shut… well I’m nineteen, with barely eighteen months experience in the biggest wrestling company in the world, so what’s your excuse for that pack of lies you spoke huh Chris? The big difference is, you’re an asshole, and for all your words you proved exactly that when you looked to end my career. Yeah, perhaps I should hold my tongue more… but that doesn’t take away the fact of the matter, and that’s that I only spoke the truth. A truth you didn’t like

But I digress, another failing apparently, I did lose against Sienna, and lost again against Chris, and I’m not going to pretend that those defeats didn’t hurt, because they did. But this is an opportunity to put things right, to step into that ring in Montreal and win Taking Hold of the Flame would be huge, and a chance to main event Rise to Greatness, something not even my Father achieved.

So in short, yeah I’m nineteen with a big mouth, I don’t reckon that’s gonna be changing soon. I’ll show respect like I always have, but I’ll never hide from my words, I’ll own them. And just like with Regan, Sienna and Chris, I’ll take any lumps and bumps that come my way because of them. And yes… at Taking Hold of the Flame, I may well come up short again, the odds as always are against everyone in that match, even those ‘super men’ who spout that they can’t be stopped…”

He shrugs his shoulders

“But the thing is, people like Chris, they have this whole situation backwards, they believe that failure is the opposite of success, a common mistake for those with their heads up their arse. In fact it’s a part of the process, and you don’t achieve one without going through the other many times. It’s funny how I realize that, but at least three quarters of the field at Taking Hold of the Flame won’t, and will guarantee victory, even though this is THE hardest match in this company to win. Because it’s not ‘just’ about talent, it’s about heart and determination, and a whole shit ton of luck.

Last year, I walked into the Flame as an unknown quantity, people only knew of me because of my last name and who my Father was, and I accepted that. If you look back over any of the promo’s at that time, you’ll see that I was barely mentioned as someone that could actually win the thing, and quite rightly too. The usual suspects were at the front of the queue of course, and many of them reached the final ten. I didn’t, but the whole experience was a million miles away from being a failure.

In fact, I can imagine when my music hit, there were still those that didn’t have the first clue who I was, the wide eyed youngster heading to the ring first and with the worst number you can possibly draw. Right there, in that moment as I squared off against James Evans, I can bet that a huge proportion of those fans in St Louis were just waiting for me to be deposited to the arena floor. Well guess what, they had to wait a heck of a long time…and it took two people to do it.

And that’s my point, one I started to make earlier. Every time I was in trouble or looked like I would be thrown to ringside, the fans noise made me fight that little bit harder. Every time I felt like I had nothing else to give, and exhaustion started to take a hold, it was those people in attendance and those cheering me on at home that gave me that little bit more energy. And when I did hit that floor and it was all over, it was those people, clapping me all the way up the ramp that made me realize that I was far from a failure and had proven something on that night. And that I hadn’t let them down

Last year, I lasted longer than any male competitor, in my very first Taking Hold of the Flame. Only Sienna Swann managed longer, and she is now our SCW Champion. I did that without any experience of how big a deal it was, and all the time knowing that my Father, and my Uncle excelled in these matches, and all the pressure that brought with it. My performance last year made me realize one thing. That being that it doesn’t matter if I enter at number one, or at number forty, I have what it takes to go far into this Battle Royal, and if I get to the final ten, literally anything can and will happen. Because this year although I won’t be an unknown quantity, from listening to people there are not many that believe I’ll perform to the same levels, and guess what guys, they are probably right. Because with the words of Chris Cannon and Sienna Swann still ringing in my ears, I’m determined to do even better. And prove just how wrong they were about me, and that no matter how many ‘beatings’ I take, I’ll always come back for more…

… It’s in the Cruze DNA.”

He brings his foot up so that both are on the rest, knowing that at least this time, he’d managed to get through the filming without it all getting a little too much. He’d make sure to call Shaun, and indeed Kelcey after he’d finished, as without their advice he wouldn’t have been able to do it. He’d sit in front of a camera again before the event, but Owen knew the true test would be when he stepped through those ropes, and things started to go wrong. He wouldn’t have Shaun and Kelcey then, so could he keep his composure like he would have before? He hoped so. But he definitely wasn’t sure.

“Two years ago, My Uncle Shaun spoke of incentives, and the reasons people will want to be the last person standing on Sunday. He spoke of the number one reason, the World Championship, the driving force for many, and the opportunity to jump the queue and be the number one contender to the most fiercely contested belt in the world. He spoke of people wanted to take back their careers, and put themselves back in the spotlight they believe they deserve. He also spoke of those that needed to remembered, and I’m sure many of you could put forwards those names, that got across the line and made that final ten… he was one of them.

Flash forward twelve months, and it was my turn to take on the mantle. People were buzzing that Shaun might make a return, but I knew he wouldn’t, because he was determined for this to be my moment. I talked about in great length, the unbelievable names that would compete. I spoke of people that were in a much better position than me to win it, and how they deserved that respect. I spoke of things happening, and how alliances can become such a big part of what could happen, when no one would align themselves with me. And I talked about no matter how much you try to justify it, you can’t guarantee a victory, no matter who you are.”

He very nearly chuckles, almost scoffing at his own words.

“I spoke like someone who hadn’t yet realized that he belonged.”

He nods his head, leaning forwards.

“Because folks, yes, there are some unbelievable names in this match… but now I believe I’m one of them. And people might be in a better position than me to win it at the moment, but I’ll reserve judgement until I see the order of entry as that can make a huge difference. As for alliances… I got my share of friends who will be there, looking out for my back. Friends that I CAN trust…can many say the same? And finally and probably most simply, no, I still can’t guarantee a victory, I cannot come out here and say ‘I’m going to win’, so I’ll leave that to the fools who make that claim every year, and yet predictably end up empty handed.

But with the fans on my side, a huge dose of luck, a fair wind, and with the heart and soul of a ‘Cruze’ coursing through my veins, I most certainly CAN win in Montreal. Not by making promises, but by giving all that I can, the way I always do, EVERY SINGLE TIME I step into a ring.

And maybe, just maybe, this year, my best will be enough. Speak soon guys… and once again, thank you for your support.”

/STOPRECORDING

He leans back in his chair, puffing out his cheeks and almost immediately one of the crew starts to remove the mic from his shirt, nodding when he is able to leave. With a final nod of thanks to the crew, he makes his way out the room, heading down the corridor, knowing that Taking Hold of the Flame was going to be the toughest PPV he’d experienced before.

And not just because of the match, but because he couldn’t eradicate the image that had haunted his dreams for the past three weeks, and invaded his thoughts every waking hour. An image that was there right now, burned onto his retinas and just wouldn’t go away. He leaves the studio, allowing the door to slam shut behind him, and not giving a care for the noise it creates.