07-23-2024, 05:59 AM
Two days after Taking Hold of the Flame
(And so, it was done. Shaun had competed in the Battle Royal and finished a very respectable seventh. Josh Hudson had won, and deservedly so, but Shaun hadn’t had to face his biggest fear and embarrassing himself in front of the eyes of the world. Truthfully, there were moments when he thought he could have gone all the way, but all things considered, he had not only surpassed his own expectations, but also the expectations of those around him. But not only that, he had gotten the clarity he had needed. That being that Supreme Championship Wrestling was now looking towards the future, and Shaun was a relic from times past. He knew that he had competed in his last match and would never feel the compulsion to compete again. He had gotten everything he had wanted out of Taking Hold of the Flame and more. He hadn’t spoken much about it to Angyalka, their schedules having kept them apart and in different countries. Now however, sat at Breakfast, Dorothea still fast asleep, he and Angyalka were having a nice catch up, though it was clear that Angyalka was looking for answers as to his future.)
Angyalka: I have to admit, it was nice catching up with people at Taking Hold of the Flame. How did you find it?
Shaun: Me? It was like I’d never been away.
Angyalka: And that noise when you stepped into the arena. Must have been nice to hear that?
Shaun: Yeah, well it’s been a while. Good to know that I’ve not been forgotten.
(Angyalka hesitates, a grin forming on Shaun’s face as he takes a sip from his coffee.)
Shaun: You can ask the question you know… I won’t blame you.
Angyalka: What question?
Shaun: Come on Angy, I’m not stupid. You want to know if that was it for me, or if I plan on signing the contract that SCW offered me.
(No sooner had Taking Hold of the Flame gone off air, Shaun had received an email offering a two-year contract to compete once again. The email still sat in his inbox, although Shaun already knew how he was going to reply. He didn’t want anyone to think that he hadn’t given his situation the right amount of thought, especially Angyalka. After all, if he accepted, it was her and Dorothea who would suffer.)
Angyalka: I forgot that you can always read me. Can’t get away with anything can I?
Shaun: It’s not rocket science Angy. If it was you going back, I’d be asking the same questions.
(Angyalka pauses, for a moment believing she can hear Dorothea stirring, when in fact it is their dog, dreaming of chasing rabbits or a big juicy bone all to himself. Satisfied, she turns back to Shaun, and holds out her hand taking his in hers.)
Angyalka: I just saw the look on your face Shaun when you stepped out into that arena. You looked so happy… and if it’s what you want, then I will support you, whether I agree or not. I know that you still believe you can become World Champion, and that performance showed that. I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted more.
Shaun: More than what?
Angyalka: More than your current life.
(Hearing her say that troubles Shaun, her thinking that she and Dorothea wouldn’t be enough like a dagger to his heart. He squeezes her hand and brushes his thumb over the top, giving her goosebumps. He then looks into her eyes, capturing her attention like he always could.)
Shaun: I don’t need anything else Angyalka. In fact, I think it’s time for me to step away… from everything.
(Angyalka scowls, not quite understanding)
Angyalka: What do you mean édesem?
Shaun: I mean, I want what Owen has. I want to step away from everything else and concentrate on my family.
(Truth was, it was probably Angyalka’s biggest dream, the three of them stepping away from their busy lives to concentrate only on each other. Owen had left the business and never looked back, relying on his managers to run his wrestling schools. Jennifer now only modelled part-time if asked, they and Ethan spending most of their time together. Owen had broken the pattern of the Cruze boys being unable to let go of the business, and Shaun was claiming to want the same. Angyalka however couldn’t be sure, after all he had said all of this before and gone back for Taking Hold of the Flame.)
Angyalka: Hearing you say that is all I ever wanted…
Shaun: But?
Angyalka: It’s just really hard to believe Shaun. I’ve often thought you have ADHD or something the way you always have to be doing something. Could you really step away from everything and basically become a stay-at-home Dad?
Shaun: Yes, I do. The Cruze family have blazed a trail for over two decades now, it’s time to take a back seat and just be a fan. I needed Taking of the Flame to close the chapter, and I did that. Now it’s time to look forwards to the future. Yours, Mine and Dorothea’s.
(Shaun had always been persuasive, but by the same token he had always been impulsive, and that impulsiveness causing him to make some rash decisions. Although she would be more than happy if this was the truth, she didn’t want Shaun to make a mistake he would come to regret in the future.)
Angyalka: Shaun, I’m ecstatic if you truly believe that. I’ve got to admit I have had some sleepless nights worrying about what I would do if you went back on the road. But, more than me, I want YOU to be happy. I want you to be certain. Don’t do something if you can’t see it through.
(If there was something Shaun had always admired about his wife, it was her honesty. And here again, he appreciated her telling it how it was. He’d had those same thoughts when Owen said he was going to walk away, that he wouldn’t be able to, and here Owen was, not missing it a single bit.)
Shaun: I know it’s difficult to believe Angy, but I promise you it’s the truth. I’m not going to deny that stepping out into that arena and those fans chanting my name wasn’t an amazing feeling, or that I have missed that feeling. I’ve tried to teach Owen to be a good person and put him on the right path whenever I could because I felt like I owed it to Orlando. And look at him Angy… Owen is living the dream and couldn’t be happier. I gave him that advice… without realizing that perhaps I should be following it myself. Orlando lost the love of his life thanks to this business… Owen walked away before he ended up the same. It’s common sense for me to follow his lead and get out before it drags me down like it did Orlando. Taking Hold of the Flame was the perfect ‘goodbye’ to anyone who ever supported me. I’ve done it all Angyalka… I don’t need any more.
(Again, Shaun was being very persuasive, but Angyalka couldn’t help but still have those self-same doubts.)
Angyalka: I want to believe you Shaun, I really do. But you’ve said all this before. Orlando said this all before.
Shaun: Yeah, he did… but he didn’t have Owen as an example.
(Angyalka seems surprised by this comment, that the young man that Shaun had eventually helped raise was now the person putting these thoughts in his head, thoughts Angyalka and Shaun both thought would never be possible.)
Shaun: He’s just a kid Angy… twenty-four years old and he walked away from the business like it was nothing. He could have gone on to win many more championships, and perhaps be known as the very best to ever step foot in the business, but he stepped away for a better life. A normal life. Truthfully, after Taking Hold of the Flame, I know I have a few more titles in me, and I know that if I signed that contract, I’d immediately be placed in amongst the number one contender… Christ that’s sounds arrogant, but its true. I want what Owen has Angyalka. I don’t want the pressures of competition, or even keeping a business afloat. I want all my commitments directed towards my family. I don’t just want Dorothea, I want a brother for her, and I want to be around for all that entails. That’s the only life I want.
(Although she still had her doubts, Angyalka found herself believing what Shaun had to say.)
Angyalka: Only if you are sure Shaun.
Shaun: I’m sure babe… in fact in a couple of weeks, Breakdown is taping in Miami. I’m going to go and reject the offer in person and say my final goodbyes to the guys and the staff. I’m going to make it clear that I have given this a lot of thought, and that Taking Hold of the Flame is the last time I will ever step foot in a ring.
Angyalka: There are going to be a lot of disappointed people there.
Shaun: Maybe. Maybe not. But the company is in good hands now, and there are a fair few younger guys more than ready to fill any void I might leave. The Cruze family played a major part in putting Supreme Championship Wrestling on the map, especially with the rivalry they had with ULW and IWC. We did all we could… it’s their turn now.
“MOMMY!!”
(Angyalka gets to her feet, hearing Dorothea calling for her. As she walks past him, she gives Shaun a kiss on the cheek, and places a hand there after.)
Angyalka: I love you… and if you are sure, you are ready to let the Impact Player go, then do it. As for a brother for Dorothea… let’s get on that right away huh?
(She smirks at Shaun, and then heads up the stairs, leaving Shaun at the table. A smile forms on his face as well, knowing that a decision had been made. In two weeks’ time, the industry would be nothing more than a memory. The Cruze family legacy, finally at its conclusion. And although he would never have believed it, he couldn’t have been any happier.)
Immediately following Breakdown in Miami
(He’d only supposed to have been there to deliver his decision on a new contract. He’d done that within ten minutes of arriving at Breakdown, but that wasn’t the end of his evening. He’d been saying his goodbye in the back, saying farewell to a few of the guys and staff, when Konrad Raab had appeared on the big screen, his words irritating Shaun to the point he had gone to the ring. He’d said a few words to Konrad, pulling him up on his obvious disrespect, and perhaps unsurprisingly, Raab had taken exception to them. What had happened next hadn’t been Shaun’s intention, but he certainly didn’t have any regrets. With the altercation broken up, and a final farewell with Lucas Knight, someone whose career has almost ran parallel with Shaun’s both in good times and bad, Shaun and Owen had left the arena, and made their way back to a bar near Owen’s house. Only when they had found a booth and both were seated, did it once again become a topic of conversation.)
Owen: Bro, you told me we were only going to say a few goodbyes. What the hell happened?
(Owen was only feigning anger. Truth was he has enjoyed watching Shaun fight, both tonight and at Taking Hold of the Flame.)
Shaun: We did say goodbye. In fact, I remember quite clearly saying it multiple times.
Owen: I wasn’t aware that you were going to pull Konrad up on his indiscretions.
Shaun: Neither was I. It just kind of happened. You know how it is.
Owen: You always were impulsive.
(Shaun laughs, knowing exactly what Owen meant.)
Owen: Look, I don’t give a shit in all honesty. It made me chuckle seeing the look on Konrad’s face when you slapped the taste out of his mouth and stretched the wrinkles out the old bastard’s skin. But you have to know that he isn’t going to let that go. He’s about as far removed from the respectful guy that used to be my friend as he can be. He’s going to want answers from the company, and they are going to want answers as to why you thought you could enter an SCW ring and assault one of the ‘talent’. I use that word loosely by the way. I know you, and I know if he challenges you to a fight, you ain’t going to be able to back down. And after what you promised Angyalka, that’s going to be a difficult one to explain to her.
(It should have been a surprise to hear Owen speak so wisely on the situation Shaun had created, but it wasn’t. So much had happened in Owen’s life since Orlando died, that he had no choice but to grow up much more quickly than he should. These experiences had put an old head on young shoulders. And Shaun had no doubt those experiences were what had enabled Owen to pack up and walk away as the World and United States Champion. He’d been one title away from being a Supreme Champion, the highest accolade imaginable, but Owen hadn’t cared one bit. And if he did have remorse and regret, he certainly hadn’t shown it, and was more than happy being a doting Father to Ethan.)
Shaun: You’re right of course… perhaps delivering my answer in person wasn’t the best idea.
Owen: Do you even know how to use email old man?
Shaun: Watch it kid.
(Owen shrugs his shoulders, implying he meant every word, before bringing the conversation back on topic.)
Owen: So OK, let’s assume that Konrad hasn’t grown up since the time I was in SCW, and has now got a massive chip on his shoulder with regards to you. I think we both know that he’s going to want to get you in that ring and will probably dream up some kind of gimmick with which to serve as much punishment on you as he possibly can. You could always tell him to do one.
Shaun: And back down? I’ve not done that in my entire career.
Owen: So, you’d accept the challenge?
Shaun: I’ve not given myself any choice, have I?
Owen: I mean, I think I’d rather piss of Konrad than Angyalka.
Shaun: But you’ve seen him in action Owen. You know full well it wouldn’t be beyond that asshole than to come to LA and go after my family. Fuck… what have I done?
Owen: Way, I see it bro, is that if he does make the challenge, you make sure that Konrad Raab never messes with you again. You reckon you can make an ‘Impact’ one that time?
Shaun: I can deal with Raab.
Owen: Then when he comes, you finish it once and for all. You make him realize that when it comes to Supreme Championship Wrestling, there will always be someone just like you, ready to stand up to him out of respect for those three initials.
Shaun: And any sage words as to how I explain that to Angyalka?
Owen: On that score, I’m afraid you are on your own. You made that bed Shaun, and now you have to lie in it. All you can do is try and make her understand why you had to do this, and hope that she gets it. If she doesn’t, you might be facing a battle on both fronts.
(Shaun’s cellphone goes off, and he pulls it out his pocket, showing Owen that it is Angyalka who is calling.)
Owen: Reckon she saw the show?
Shaun: Definitely.
(Shaun gets to his feet, and scans for the exit.)
Shaun: I’m just going to take this, be back in a minute.
Owen: Good luck
Shaun: Reckon I’m going to need it.
(As Shaun walks off, Owen watching him go. Though he could never be that way, he understood why Shaun had gone to that ring tonight, and it was all because of his love for a business that he had helped go. A business that Konrad Raab disrespected every single time he spoke. To Owen, words had always been like water off a ducks back, but to Shaun, they were like a dagger to the heart, and he would never let disrespect go, no matter how much he tried. Konrad and Shaun were on a collision course, but Owen had no fear in the result. The result was inevitable, another Rise to Greatness win for Hall of Famer Shaun Cruze. But what was Shaun going to lose in the process… when wrestling was over, would there still be something waiting for him.)
A few days later, back at Impact Media, Los Angeles
(The telephone conversation that Shaun had with Angyalka had made him realize how lucky he was to be married to her. She wasn’t shouting from the rooftops of course, and she made a point of telling him that ‘she told him so’. But she also understood her husband, and what he stood for and that if this came to their door, he would have to fight back. As yet, nothing had been heard from Konrad, but Shaun had heard on the grapevine that he would be at Breakdown, and wanted to speak with CHBK, and that could only really mean one thing. Konrad would now be looking to do something that no one else could ever, and that’s make an example of the Impact Player. Shaun’s last match would be one of survival. Now, however, Shaun’s focus had turned to something else, and that was the business. But sitting in a corporate meeting, with three possible projects on the table, Shaun was finding it difficult to get excited about any of them. In fact, he was finding it difficult to get excited about being there at all. His PA Jessica picks up on it, and softly kicks his leg.)
Jessica: You ok, you seem a little distracted?
Shaun: Yeah, I’m good Jess, just a few things on my mind.
Jessica: Well, how’s about you answer Rich’s question?
(Shaun turns to Rich, who seems to be eagerly anticipating a response that Shaun doesn’t realize he is supposed to give.)
Shaun: Sorry Rich, heads all over the place today. Give it to me again.
(Rich covers up his irritation, not wanting to piss of the boss.)
Rich: OK, so we’ve got two television pilots that we could look into, both zombie apocalypse themed, but we reckon that’s gotten a little too cliché.
Shaun: Agreed. What else?
Rich: We’ve been approached with a draft idea for a spin off for Battle…
Shaun: No, we’re not ‘spinning off’ anywhere, that franchise is dead. Next.
Rich: Well, and I’m not sure how you would feel about this Shaun, but there have been plans mooted for a wrestling documentary… we’ve always seemed to get high ratings for those.
Shaun: Oh… and who would be the subject?
Rich: Not a singular person… but a family
Shaun: OK, so who are we talking about? The Todds, The Streets. Or perhaps the Helms?
Rich: Well actually… we were talking about the Cruze’s.
(Shaun looks a little taken aback but gathers his thoughts quickly.)
Shaun: And who out of all of you came up with that?
“I did.”
(Shaun turns, though he recognizes the voice, and faces none other than his partner at Impact Media, Blake Mason. Shaun gets to his feet, and shakes Blake hand, offering him a seat at the table which he gladly takes.)
Blake: You seem surprised Shaun, then again, your humility was always an annoying trait.
Shaun: I AM surprised. Surely there are more famous wrestling families around if we are going to do this, yours even.
Blake: Yes, the Mason’s have had their fair share of success, but the Cruze’s… Shaun yours, Orlando’s and Owen’s stories are like a modern-day soap opera. Happy endings, tragedy, two brothers with different Mothers, a docu-series would have it all. And what better way to put a full stop on it all with a telling of your stories?
(If Shaun hadn’t been interested in this meeting before, he was now. He had wondered why Blake wasn’t there initially, but he was no doubt planning this big entrance for the biggest, pardon the pun, impact. The more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea, and he was sure Owen would be up for it, considering his would be his father’s story as well. But it did seem like a ‘hubris’ project, and it was that which was holding him back.)
Shaun: I don’t know Blake; it all seems a little pretentious don’t you think? Guy with media company tells story about himself. These things are supposed to be ‘warts and all’, how do we know that people are going to buy into it?
Blake: You do yourself a disservice Shaun. You’re a stand-up guy and everyone knows it. Not going to lie, I firmly believe you’ll get more satisfaction out of this than anything else you have ever done. And it will put your family’s story on camera forever. I’ve already approached Anton…
(Anton was the director of several of the documentaries Impact Media has put out, including the story of the Russian tennis player who’s name escaped Shaun right now. He’d remember to ask Owen later as they had a relationship for a while.)
Blake: And he is on board and itching to get going. Literally, the only thing we need now, is yours and Owen’s blessing to get started on a draft. We also have a list of people that have already agreed to be interviewed for the project if required. David Helms, Taylor Chase… even Maisie Phillips offered to say a few words. She’s out of rehab by the way and says ‘Hi’.
Shaun: You’ve put a lot of work into this already Blake. It’s like you’re pretty certain I’m going to say yes.
Blake Mason: And why wouldn’t you Shaun? Since the days of Orlando when he was kicking ass, then you taking on the torch and doing the same, all the way through to Owen becoming the youngest two-time world champion of all time, all three of you have always spoken of building a legacy. Can’t you see Shaun, this IS that legacy. A way which you will all be remembered, forever.
(Blake spoke so passionately about it, it was difficult to disagree. Shaun looks around the table, at his trusted colleagues, and then to Jessica who wears a beaming smile, which resembles a certain pride. It is then that Shaun realizes that this is exactly the way he would love the Cruze family to be remembered. For their triumphs, and for their tragedies. This was the perfect way for the story to be told… and reach its final conclusion.)
Shaun: Leave us.
(Shaun looks around the room, making it clear that he was talking to his staff.)
Shaun: I want to have a private word with Blake… it won’t take long.
(Everyone barring Blake gets to their feet, not questioning the request in the slightest although more than a little confused. Once they have left, Shaun gets to his feet and walks over to a cabinet, pulling out two glasses and a bottle of Macallan 50-year-old single malt.)
Blake: What’s going on Shaun? That’s 100,000 dollars’ worth of whiskey you have there.
Shaun: 120, 000 dollars actually.
Blake: OK… but what do we have to celebrate?
Shaun: Nothing yet, but give it five minutes, and maybe we will?
Blake: I don’t understand.
Shaun: Well, allow me to explain…
(Shaun places the glasses on the boardroom table, the two glasses either side. He doesn’t pour, not yet, not when there may not be reason. He chuckles to himself, and then looks up at Blake, and he has to admit, he enjoys Blake’s confusion for longer than was needed. Finally, with another grin, he starts to speak.)
Shaun: So…
(Scene fades)
(And so, it was done. Shaun had competed in the Battle Royal and finished a very respectable seventh. Josh Hudson had won, and deservedly so, but Shaun hadn’t had to face his biggest fear and embarrassing himself in front of the eyes of the world. Truthfully, there were moments when he thought he could have gone all the way, but all things considered, he had not only surpassed his own expectations, but also the expectations of those around him. But not only that, he had gotten the clarity he had needed. That being that Supreme Championship Wrestling was now looking towards the future, and Shaun was a relic from times past. He knew that he had competed in his last match and would never feel the compulsion to compete again. He had gotten everything he had wanted out of Taking Hold of the Flame and more. He hadn’t spoken much about it to Angyalka, their schedules having kept them apart and in different countries. Now however, sat at Breakfast, Dorothea still fast asleep, he and Angyalka were having a nice catch up, though it was clear that Angyalka was looking for answers as to his future.)
Angyalka: I have to admit, it was nice catching up with people at Taking Hold of the Flame. How did you find it?
Shaun: Me? It was like I’d never been away.
Angyalka: And that noise when you stepped into the arena. Must have been nice to hear that?
Shaun: Yeah, well it’s been a while. Good to know that I’ve not been forgotten.
(Angyalka hesitates, a grin forming on Shaun’s face as he takes a sip from his coffee.)
Shaun: You can ask the question you know… I won’t blame you.
Angyalka: What question?
Shaun: Come on Angy, I’m not stupid. You want to know if that was it for me, or if I plan on signing the contract that SCW offered me.
(No sooner had Taking Hold of the Flame gone off air, Shaun had received an email offering a two-year contract to compete once again. The email still sat in his inbox, although Shaun already knew how he was going to reply. He didn’t want anyone to think that he hadn’t given his situation the right amount of thought, especially Angyalka. After all, if he accepted, it was her and Dorothea who would suffer.)
Angyalka: I forgot that you can always read me. Can’t get away with anything can I?
Shaun: It’s not rocket science Angy. If it was you going back, I’d be asking the same questions.
(Angyalka pauses, for a moment believing she can hear Dorothea stirring, when in fact it is their dog, dreaming of chasing rabbits or a big juicy bone all to himself. Satisfied, she turns back to Shaun, and holds out her hand taking his in hers.)
Angyalka: I just saw the look on your face Shaun when you stepped out into that arena. You looked so happy… and if it’s what you want, then I will support you, whether I agree or not. I know that you still believe you can become World Champion, and that performance showed that. I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted more.
Shaun: More than what?
Angyalka: More than your current life.
(Hearing her say that troubles Shaun, her thinking that she and Dorothea wouldn’t be enough like a dagger to his heart. He squeezes her hand and brushes his thumb over the top, giving her goosebumps. He then looks into her eyes, capturing her attention like he always could.)
Shaun: I don’t need anything else Angyalka. In fact, I think it’s time for me to step away… from everything.
(Angyalka scowls, not quite understanding)
Angyalka: What do you mean édesem?
Shaun: I mean, I want what Owen has. I want to step away from everything else and concentrate on my family.
(Truth was, it was probably Angyalka’s biggest dream, the three of them stepping away from their busy lives to concentrate only on each other. Owen had left the business and never looked back, relying on his managers to run his wrestling schools. Jennifer now only modelled part-time if asked, they and Ethan spending most of their time together. Owen had broken the pattern of the Cruze boys being unable to let go of the business, and Shaun was claiming to want the same. Angyalka however couldn’t be sure, after all he had said all of this before and gone back for Taking Hold of the Flame.)
Angyalka: Hearing you say that is all I ever wanted…
Shaun: But?
Angyalka: It’s just really hard to believe Shaun. I’ve often thought you have ADHD or something the way you always have to be doing something. Could you really step away from everything and basically become a stay-at-home Dad?
Shaun: Yes, I do. The Cruze family have blazed a trail for over two decades now, it’s time to take a back seat and just be a fan. I needed Taking of the Flame to close the chapter, and I did that. Now it’s time to look forwards to the future. Yours, Mine and Dorothea’s.
(Shaun had always been persuasive, but by the same token he had always been impulsive, and that impulsiveness causing him to make some rash decisions. Although she would be more than happy if this was the truth, she didn’t want Shaun to make a mistake he would come to regret in the future.)
Angyalka: Shaun, I’m ecstatic if you truly believe that. I’ve got to admit I have had some sleepless nights worrying about what I would do if you went back on the road. But, more than me, I want YOU to be happy. I want you to be certain. Don’t do something if you can’t see it through.
(If there was something Shaun had always admired about his wife, it was her honesty. And here again, he appreciated her telling it how it was. He’d had those same thoughts when Owen said he was going to walk away, that he wouldn’t be able to, and here Owen was, not missing it a single bit.)
Shaun: I know it’s difficult to believe Angy, but I promise you it’s the truth. I’m not going to deny that stepping out into that arena and those fans chanting my name wasn’t an amazing feeling, or that I have missed that feeling. I’ve tried to teach Owen to be a good person and put him on the right path whenever I could because I felt like I owed it to Orlando. And look at him Angy… Owen is living the dream and couldn’t be happier. I gave him that advice… without realizing that perhaps I should be following it myself. Orlando lost the love of his life thanks to this business… Owen walked away before he ended up the same. It’s common sense for me to follow his lead and get out before it drags me down like it did Orlando. Taking Hold of the Flame was the perfect ‘goodbye’ to anyone who ever supported me. I’ve done it all Angyalka… I don’t need any more.
(Again, Shaun was being very persuasive, but Angyalka couldn’t help but still have those self-same doubts.)
Angyalka: I want to believe you Shaun, I really do. But you’ve said all this before. Orlando said this all before.
Shaun: Yeah, he did… but he didn’t have Owen as an example.
(Angyalka seems surprised by this comment, that the young man that Shaun had eventually helped raise was now the person putting these thoughts in his head, thoughts Angyalka and Shaun both thought would never be possible.)
Shaun: He’s just a kid Angy… twenty-four years old and he walked away from the business like it was nothing. He could have gone on to win many more championships, and perhaps be known as the very best to ever step foot in the business, but he stepped away for a better life. A normal life. Truthfully, after Taking Hold of the Flame, I know I have a few more titles in me, and I know that if I signed that contract, I’d immediately be placed in amongst the number one contender… Christ that’s sounds arrogant, but its true. I want what Owen has Angyalka. I don’t want the pressures of competition, or even keeping a business afloat. I want all my commitments directed towards my family. I don’t just want Dorothea, I want a brother for her, and I want to be around for all that entails. That’s the only life I want.
(Although she still had her doubts, Angyalka found herself believing what Shaun had to say.)
Angyalka: Only if you are sure Shaun.
Shaun: I’m sure babe… in fact in a couple of weeks, Breakdown is taping in Miami. I’m going to go and reject the offer in person and say my final goodbyes to the guys and the staff. I’m going to make it clear that I have given this a lot of thought, and that Taking Hold of the Flame is the last time I will ever step foot in a ring.
Angyalka: There are going to be a lot of disappointed people there.
Shaun: Maybe. Maybe not. But the company is in good hands now, and there are a fair few younger guys more than ready to fill any void I might leave. The Cruze family played a major part in putting Supreme Championship Wrestling on the map, especially with the rivalry they had with ULW and IWC. We did all we could… it’s their turn now.
“MOMMY!!”
(Angyalka gets to her feet, hearing Dorothea calling for her. As she walks past him, she gives Shaun a kiss on the cheek, and places a hand there after.)
Angyalka: I love you… and if you are sure, you are ready to let the Impact Player go, then do it. As for a brother for Dorothea… let’s get on that right away huh?
(She smirks at Shaun, and then heads up the stairs, leaving Shaun at the table. A smile forms on his face as well, knowing that a decision had been made. In two weeks’ time, the industry would be nothing more than a memory. The Cruze family legacy, finally at its conclusion. And although he would never have believed it, he couldn’t have been any happier.)
Immediately following Breakdown in Miami
(He’d only supposed to have been there to deliver his decision on a new contract. He’d done that within ten minutes of arriving at Breakdown, but that wasn’t the end of his evening. He’d been saying his goodbye in the back, saying farewell to a few of the guys and staff, when Konrad Raab had appeared on the big screen, his words irritating Shaun to the point he had gone to the ring. He’d said a few words to Konrad, pulling him up on his obvious disrespect, and perhaps unsurprisingly, Raab had taken exception to them. What had happened next hadn’t been Shaun’s intention, but he certainly didn’t have any regrets. With the altercation broken up, and a final farewell with Lucas Knight, someone whose career has almost ran parallel with Shaun’s both in good times and bad, Shaun and Owen had left the arena, and made their way back to a bar near Owen’s house. Only when they had found a booth and both were seated, did it once again become a topic of conversation.)
Owen: Bro, you told me we were only going to say a few goodbyes. What the hell happened?
(Owen was only feigning anger. Truth was he has enjoyed watching Shaun fight, both tonight and at Taking Hold of the Flame.)
Shaun: We did say goodbye. In fact, I remember quite clearly saying it multiple times.
Owen: I wasn’t aware that you were going to pull Konrad up on his indiscretions.
Shaun: Neither was I. It just kind of happened. You know how it is.
Owen: You always were impulsive.
(Shaun laughs, knowing exactly what Owen meant.)
Owen: Look, I don’t give a shit in all honesty. It made me chuckle seeing the look on Konrad’s face when you slapped the taste out of his mouth and stretched the wrinkles out the old bastard’s skin. But you have to know that he isn’t going to let that go. He’s about as far removed from the respectful guy that used to be my friend as he can be. He’s going to want answers from the company, and they are going to want answers as to why you thought you could enter an SCW ring and assault one of the ‘talent’. I use that word loosely by the way. I know you, and I know if he challenges you to a fight, you ain’t going to be able to back down. And after what you promised Angyalka, that’s going to be a difficult one to explain to her.
(It should have been a surprise to hear Owen speak so wisely on the situation Shaun had created, but it wasn’t. So much had happened in Owen’s life since Orlando died, that he had no choice but to grow up much more quickly than he should. These experiences had put an old head on young shoulders. And Shaun had no doubt those experiences were what had enabled Owen to pack up and walk away as the World and United States Champion. He’d been one title away from being a Supreme Champion, the highest accolade imaginable, but Owen hadn’t cared one bit. And if he did have remorse and regret, he certainly hadn’t shown it, and was more than happy being a doting Father to Ethan.)
Shaun: You’re right of course… perhaps delivering my answer in person wasn’t the best idea.
Owen: Do you even know how to use email old man?
Shaun: Watch it kid.
(Owen shrugs his shoulders, implying he meant every word, before bringing the conversation back on topic.)
Owen: So OK, let’s assume that Konrad hasn’t grown up since the time I was in SCW, and has now got a massive chip on his shoulder with regards to you. I think we both know that he’s going to want to get you in that ring and will probably dream up some kind of gimmick with which to serve as much punishment on you as he possibly can. You could always tell him to do one.
Shaun: And back down? I’ve not done that in my entire career.
Owen: So, you’d accept the challenge?
Shaun: I’ve not given myself any choice, have I?
Owen: I mean, I think I’d rather piss of Konrad than Angyalka.
Shaun: But you’ve seen him in action Owen. You know full well it wouldn’t be beyond that asshole than to come to LA and go after my family. Fuck… what have I done?
Owen: Way, I see it bro, is that if he does make the challenge, you make sure that Konrad Raab never messes with you again. You reckon you can make an ‘Impact’ one that time?
Shaun: I can deal with Raab.
Owen: Then when he comes, you finish it once and for all. You make him realize that when it comes to Supreme Championship Wrestling, there will always be someone just like you, ready to stand up to him out of respect for those three initials.
Shaun: And any sage words as to how I explain that to Angyalka?
Owen: On that score, I’m afraid you are on your own. You made that bed Shaun, and now you have to lie in it. All you can do is try and make her understand why you had to do this, and hope that she gets it. If she doesn’t, you might be facing a battle on both fronts.
(Shaun’s cellphone goes off, and he pulls it out his pocket, showing Owen that it is Angyalka who is calling.)
Owen: Reckon she saw the show?
Shaun: Definitely.
(Shaun gets to his feet, and scans for the exit.)
Shaun: I’m just going to take this, be back in a minute.
Owen: Good luck
Shaun: Reckon I’m going to need it.
(As Shaun walks off, Owen watching him go. Though he could never be that way, he understood why Shaun had gone to that ring tonight, and it was all because of his love for a business that he had helped go. A business that Konrad Raab disrespected every single time he spoke. To Owen, words had always been like water off a ducks back, but to Shaun, they were like a dagger to the heart, and he would never let disrespect go, no matter how much he tried. Konrad and Shaun were on a collision course, but Owen had no fear in the result. The result was inevitable, another Rise to Greatness win for Hall of Famer Shaun Cruze. But what was Shaun going to lose in the process… when wrestling was over, would there still be something waiting for him.)
A few days later, back at Impact Media, Los Angeles
(The telephone conversation that Shaun had with Angyalka had made him realize how lucky he was to be married to her. She wasn’t shouting from the rooftops of course, and she made a point of telling him that ‘she told him so’. But she also understood her husband, and what he stood for and that if this came to their door, he would have to fight back. As yet, nothing had been heard from Konrad, but Shaun had heard on the grapevine that he would be at Breakdown, and wanted to speak with CHBK, and that could only really mean one thing. Konrad would now be looking to do something that no one else could ever, and that’s make an example of the Impact Player. Shaun’s last match would be one of survival. Now, however, Shaun’s focus had turned to something else, and that was the business. But sitting in a corporate meeting, with three possible projects on the table, Shaun was finding it difficult to get excited about any of them. In fact, he was finding it difficult to get excited about being there at all. His PA Jessica picks up on it, and softly kicks his leg.)
Jessica: You ok, you seem a little distracted?
Shaun: Yeah, I’m good Jess, just a few things on my mind.
Jessica: Well, how’s about you answer Rich’s question?
(Shaun turns to Rich, who seems to be eagerly anticipating a response that Shaun doesn’t realize he is supposed to give.)
Shaun: Sorry Rich, heads all over the place today. Give it to me again.
(Rich covers up his irritation, not wanting to piss of the boss.)
Rich: OK, so we’ve got two television pilots that we could look into, both zombie apocalypse themed, but we reckon that’s gotten a little too cliché.
Shaun: Agreed. What else?
Rich: We’ve been approached with a draft idea for a spin off for Battle…
Shaun: No, we’re not ‘spinning off’ anywhere, that franchise is dead. Next.
Rich: Well, and I’m not sure how you would feel about this Shaun, but there have been plans mooted for a wrestling documentary… we’ve always seemed to get high ratings for those.
Shaun: Oh… and who would be the subject?
Rich: Not a singular person… but a family
Shaun: OK, so who are we talking about? The Todds, The Streets. Or perhaps the Helms?
Rich: Well actually… we were talking about the Cruze’s.
(Shaun looks a little taken aback but gathers his thoughts quickly.)
Shaun: And who out of all of you came up with that?
“I did.”
(Shaun turns, though he recognizes the voice, and faces none other than his partner at Impact Media, Blake Mason. Shaun gets to his feet, and shakes Blake hand, offering him a seat at the table which he gladly takes.)
Blake: You seem surprised Shaun, then again, your humility was always an annoying trait.
Shaun: I AM surprised. Surely there are more famous wrestling families around if we are going to do this, yours even.
Blake: Yes, the Mason’s have had their fair share of success, but the Cruze’s… Shaun yours, Orlando’s and Owen’s stories are like a modern-day soap opera. Happy endings, tragedy, two brothers with different Mothers, a docu-series would have it all. And what better way to put a full stop on it all with a telling of your stories?
(If Shaun hadn’t been interested in this meeting before, he was now. He had wondered why Blake wasn’t there initially, but he was no doubt planning this big entrance for the biggest, pardon the pun, impact. The more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea, and he was sure Owen would be up for it, considering his would be his father’s story as well. But it did seem like a ‘hubris’ project, and it was that which was holding him back.)
Shaun: I don’t know Blake; it all seems a little pretentious don’t you think? Guy with media company tells story about himself. These things are supposed to be ‘warts and all’, how do we know that people are going to buy into it?
Blake: You do yourself a disservice Shaun. You’re a stand-up guy and everyone knows it. Not going to lie, I firmly believe you’ll get more satisfaction out of this than anything else you have ever done. And it will put your family’s story on camera forever. I’ve already approached Anton…
(Anton was the director of several of the documentaries Impact Media has put out, including the story of the Russian tennis player who’s name escaped Shaun right now. He’d remember to ask Owen later as they had a relationship for a while.)
Blake: And he is on board and itching to get going. Literally, the only thing we need now, is yours and Owen’s blessing to get started on a draft. We also have a list of people that have already agreed to be interviewed for the project if required. David Helms, Taylor Chase… even Maisie Phillips offered to say a few words. She’s out of rehab by the way and says ‘Hi’.
Shaun: You’ve put a lot of work into this already Blake. It’s like you’re pretty certain I’m going to say yes.
Blake Mason: And why wouldn’t you Shaun? Since the days of Orlando when he was kicking ass, then you taking on the torch and doing the same, all the way through to Owen becoming the youngest two-time world champion of all time, all three of you have always spoken of building a legacy. Can’t you see Shaun, this IS that legacy. A way which you will all be remembered, forever.
(Blake spoke so passionately about it, it was difficult to disagree. Shaun looks around the table, at his trusted colleagues, and then to Jessica who wears a beaming smile, which resembles a certain pride. It is then that Shaun realizes that this is exactly the way he would love the Cruze family to be remembered. For their triumphs, and for their tragedies. This was the perfect way for the story to be told… and reach its final conclusion.)
Shaun: Leave us.
(Shaun looks around the room, making it clear that he was talking to his staff.)
Shaun: I want to have a private word with Blake… it won’t take long.
(Everyone barring Blake gets to their feet, not questioning the request in the slightest although more than a little confused. Once they have left, Shaun gets to his feet and walks over to a cabinet, pulling out two glasses and a bottle of Macallan 50-year-old single malt.)
Blake: What’s going on Shaun? That’s 100,000 dollars’ worth of whiskey you have there.
Shaun: 120, 000 dollars actually.
Blake: OK… but what do we have to celebrate?
Shaun: Nothing yet, but give it five minutes, and maybe we will?
Blake: I don’t understand.
Shaun: Well, allow me to explain…
(Shaun places the glasses on the boardroom table, the two glasses either side. He doesn’t pour, not yet, not when there may not be reason. He chuckles to himself, and then looks up at Blake, and he has to admit, he enjoys Blake’s confusion for longer than was needed. Finally, with another grin, he starts to speak.)
Shaun: So…
(Scene fades)
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