02-12-2026, 12:56 PM
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(It was now three months since Shaun had sat in his Lawyers office and basically said, just get the divorce done. Of course, there were formalities, and it hadn’t been finalized yet, but in Shaun’s mind it had already been. He didn’t care what had been organized. He cared even less about himself. All he wanted now was to be done with it, so he could wallow in his own shitty life, where only he could pay for his actions. During those three months, Shaun had seen his daughter Dorothea once, for no more than half an hour, something that had angered Angyalka even more than at the ending of her marriage. As far as Shaun was concerned, they were both better off without him dragging them down. Of course, that simply wasn’t the case and even Angyalka had been willing for them to at least be civil for their daughter’s sake. But Shaun had blown that all out of the water. She thought he didn’t care anymore and that he’d abandoned them, but the truth was Shaun hadn’t felt hurt like this before, even when Orlando tragically died. He was suffering too but doing his best to push everyone away. That was why Angyalka had turned to Owen. Owen was probably the last person who could get through to him, and although Owen protested, not wanting to get involved, he promised Angyalka it would give it a go the next time he had the chance. That chance arose with the expansion of Next Level, and the need for a someone to help the kids out. At the top of his game, Shaun was one of the best in the world. His knowledge of the industry was unsurpassed. And luckily, out of everyone Shaun still wanted to be there for Owen, perhaps the only person in the world that he has not yet turned against. And so, a meeting was easy to arrange, Shaun flying out of Los Angeles almost the moment he got the call. Now, they were both sitting on what had been Orlando’s boat, restored by the two of them as a project in happier days. It was moored in the dock, but still the view from there was amazing.)
Shaun: Been a while since we did this… I’ve missed it
Owen: Yeah, well you’ve had some shit to deal with.
Shaun: Doesn’t excuse ignoring my favorite nephew.
Owen: You’re only nephew…
(They laugh, and Owen takes a moment to look at Shaun. He looked older somehow; his stubble now having turned into an untidy beard which didn’t suit him.)
Shaun: Doesn’t stop you being my favorite though. So, what’s going on then, why the need for me to get away from my hectic life and fly to Miami on a whim?
(Owen doesn’t miss the sarcasm but he certainly ignores it.)
Owen: Got a proposition for you… well I guess it’s more a favor to ask.
Shaun: Go on
Owen: I’ve been thinking about expanding ‘Next Level’ for a while. Adam takes care of New York and that thriving. Here in Miami, I get things covered, and it allows me to spend time with the family. I’m thinking of opening a place in Los Angeles and I thought…
Shaun: I’d run it for you.
Owen: Well yeah. I mean, they reckon there are 100,000 people living rough in LA and although it is improving, I’d like to take Next Level there and help do more. I thought… it keeps you close to Dorothea, and more importantly, it gets you out that head of yours. And let’s face it… there are not many who know this industry as well as you do. You’d be perfect.
(Shaun listens to Owen and doesn’t interrupt. For a moment, he looks thoughtful, considerate even. Then, however, even Owen is surprised and Shaun bursts out laughing almost uncontrollably.)
Owen: What’s so funny?
(Shaun immediately stops laughing.)
Shaun: Oh… your serious. Let me guess, you’ve been talking to Angyalka right?
Owen: We’ve spoken yeah.
(Shaun mood shifts, his demeanor also. The beer in his right hand is placed on the deck as he turns to face Owen.)
Shaun: Look Kid, I’m sure Angyalka has told you that I’m a shitty father, and that I haven’t been spending time with Dorothea. I’m also sure that she had to plead with you to try and get through to me and see sense. The thing is, I’ll tell you the same things I told my Lawyer. I’ve given them both financial stability and so, I don’t feel even the slightest pinch of guilt from walking away and letting them live their lives without me around to fuck it up for them. And you seriously think I’ve the right guy to mentor the next wave of wrestling talent and show them the way to hopefully be a success. Let me be brutally honest with you Kid, wrestling killed Lando. It would have killed you if you’d not managed to get out when you did. I’d not be here if I didn’t hate myself so fucking much that I want to experience the pain they are feeling tenfold. No Owen, I’m not going to run Next Level because I won’t do to them what I did to my family.
(The way he speaks shocks Owen, taking him back so much that he must hesitate before he responds. Angyalka had told him Shaun was in a bad way, but this was something else. This wasn’t Shaun.)
Owen: You seriously think they are better off without you? You remember what it was like growing up without a dad right? It doesn’t matter what you did, Dorothea adores you. She asks for her Daddy all the time…
Shaun: She’ll get over it
(There was a disdain in that sentence that yet again shocks Owen to his core.)
Owen: You don’t mean that, you can’t.
Shaun: That’s my point Owen; I do mean it. And you want me to teach kids what is right or wrong. I cheated on Angyalka, the most beautiful woman in the world. I ditched them and didn’t even try to win her back. I haven’t seen my daughter for over two months… and you think I am the guy who can be a role model?
Owen: That isn’t you, you’re going through a rough time Shaun. I think this might even help; give you back some purpose.
Shaun: I’ve got purpose Owen. My purpose is to make sure I pay for all these indiscretions for the rest of my life. Stay alive long enough so that somehow, I feel like I paid some kind of penance for what I did to them. And hope, that after everything I have done… Angyalka gets a man who deserves her, and who can be a better father to Dorothea than I ever could.
Owen: So, basically be a sanctimonious asshole?
Shaun: That’s the thing Owen… I’m not you. I am an asshole.
Owen: What the hell is wrong with you?
(Shaun laughs again, now winding Owen up.)
Shaun: If I knew that Owen… I’d still be the owner of one of the biggest media companies in the world and husband and Father to an amazing family. Instead, my best friend is called Jack Daniels… and I know I won’t ever let him down.
Owen: So, this is it, one big pity party?
Shaun: Yeah, that about sums it up. What do you think to your dear old Uncle now huh?
Owen: I know what Dad would think
(For the first time, Owen seems to strike a nerve, that comment seemingly getting through to Shaun and softening his approach. The moment does last though as that facial expression is soon replaced by a sneer.)
Shaun: Me too Owen, because it takes an asshole, to know one. And your Dad, well he was one of the biggest assholes of them all.
Owen: Take that back
Shaun: Oh, come on Owen, you saw for yourself the shit he left in his wake. Becca, Kloe, Taylor… he fucked them all up. What about Adam Lucas huh? Fucked his Mum and then made her get rid of him. Yeah, the ‘Icon’ was a fucking saint alright. Those rose-tinted glasses you wear don’t change a thing, and his DNA, it runs through BOTH of us.
Owen: You’re wrong
Shaun: Am I? Or are you so far up his ass you can’t see the blindingly obvious.
(Shaun picks up his beer and gets to his feet, shaking his head dismissively. Owen stands too, Shaun turning to face him.)
Shaun: I’m sorry kid, but there was an inevitability about this. The Cruze’s are all flawed, we just don’t want to admit it. I’m just finally seeing that surname for what it is.
Owen: You’re a joke, do you know that?
(It seemed like Owen had finally had enough, his ire starting to get the better of him.)
Shaun: I do
Owen: You had everything, and you threw it all away like it was nothing.
Shaun: And you’re so perfect right? The model human being. The best Father and Husband.
Owen: I try to be…
Shaun: Yeah, you do… but you also know that niggling doubt within that says I’m right about us. And that no matter how long it takes… it won’t be too long until Jennifer is forgotten, and you are off fucking someone else. Yeah, I AM an asshole, but at least I own it. Just wait till you fuck up your family’s life…
(Owen has heard enough, and draws his fist back, punching Shaun square on the jaw. Whether it is the beer, or the slippery deck, Shaun falls backwards, plunging into the water. When he emerges, Owen is leading over the boat, looking Shaun dead in the eyes, nothing but disappointment etched in his eyes.)
Owen: I’ll never be like you or Dad. Ever. So, you want to fuck your life up, go ahead. I’ll take care of your family, seeing as you can’t be bothered, and I’ll make damn sure Dorothea knows just how big a cunt you were.
(Shaun wipes the ocean from his face, staring Owen down, a smile on his face.)
Shaun: Thank you
(Owen shakes his head and heads off the boat, Shaun making his way for dry land. As he finds it, he gets out of the water, his clothes sodden. He sees Owen disappear into his house and for the first time in this interaction, he shows remorse.)
Shaun: I’m sorry…
(Scene fades)
RECORDING – ON CAMERA
(Shaun sits on a singular stool, peering into the lens of an official SCW camera crew, another of the ‘benefits’ he had received since his return. He should have been happy, but his face isn’t telling the story. No, his face displays a certain irritation with the way things had gone thus far. Not with wrestling, that was going as expected, but this whole notion that he needed to be protected was starting to irk. With all that in his mind, he nods a greeting and then starts to speak.)
“I should be opening this monologue by saying how happy I have been with my return. Clyde Sutter was put in his place, Ryan was the test I required from one of the newer guards, and one that I managed to get through. My sole defeat, well that came narrowly against Syren, who has just climbed her record breaking eighth World title. So, nothing to be ashamed of there, losing to the best in the business and one of the best of all time. Instead, I find myself having to come on here and say sorry. Sorry to Ryan and any distraction that may have been caused by those two knuckleheads getting involved in my business. See, I understand how this business works, and I know exactly how it looks. I know I could come out here a million and one times and say I don’t want them there and I haven’t asked for the ‘protection’ but it won’t make a single bit of difference. People are going to draw their own conclusions about my situation, and nothing that has happened of late is going to help my cause. All I can do is point to who I am, and what I have been. The Impact Player didn’t need help all those years ago, and I don’t need help now, even if some prick in a suit thinks he needs to protect his investment. I’m going to keep doing what I am doing, making my way back to the top, ignoring the white noise that has tainted my return. Because yes, Syren is the SCW World Champion, and rightfully so… but I want my hands on that prize, and I will get there. And I’ll get there by making sure every challenge that comes from those that are new to me, people like Clyde and Ryan, are put in my rear-view mirror as I take their place on the totem pole.
Which brings me to you David Striker.
Before we go into it, let me give you an idea of what I was up to while I was away. I won’t go into details, that is for me and for me alone, but let’s just say I didn’t really keep up with the day to day of our industry. You might claim that we should eat, sleep, breathe wrestling, but I had a few things going on, thus I didn’t really have the time to keep up to date. Yeah, of course I knew a few things, my algorithm on social media gave me some bits and pieces, but in the main I scrolled past, and got to more lighthearted topics that ultimately were there to make me laugh. So, when I came back, I had a lot of homework to do. Of course, I know Selena and Syren. James and Xander. Household names who rolls off the tongue. But and I say this with no disrespect meant, I didn’t have the first clue who Ryan was. Or this Enigma fella who was making waves. The archives I went through David, so that when I came back, I was prepared to deal with some of the most exciting new talents on the planet.
I didn’t have to do that with you.
During my time dealing with ‘stuff’ there was one name that I heard time and time again. A guy that was making waves in the company and making a real name for himself. Every time logged onto a website, it screamed at me the ‘Dark House’ or it’s variation, the ‘Work Horse’. Here was someone who had literally taken over the independent scene with his brother Jacob. Someone who, in his early twenties, had all the hallmarks of a superstar. Man, where have I heard that before. See, if there is someone who can understand what it’s like to have to bear the scars of a brother, it is me. If there is someone who was thrust into the SCW limelight, it is Shaun Cruze the Impact Player. And you know what, at the time I debuted, I brought an innovative offense to the table and was deemed one of the Hybrid wrestlers of the time. Love it or hate it… your introduction and mine, you must admit that they are more than a little similar. That is why I can say with almost one hundred percent confidence, I know what is going on in that head of yours right now. The same kind of things that Ryan and Clyde brought to the table, but didn’t seem to have the ability to express, instead focusing on this ‘bias’ towards me. See, I know what it’s like to look up at people and think that you want what they have. I’ve known what it’s like to walk into a company after tearing it up in another company and see people like Syren making this all look so easy. You’ll have heard of the Cruze name, of course you will have… unless you lived under a rock. You’ve not been in the ring for a while, beating me would be a heck of a statement. But this is where you need to be different to Clyde, and Ryan, and understand that unlike some, I’m not here to be handed a damn thing. If I was, then Fatal Fortunes would have delivered a title match, instead of having to face THE most decorated SCW superstar this company has ever seen. If I am getting all the privilege… then someone’s doing a damn shitty job right?”
(A shrug of his shoulders bears the truth on his thoughts as he continues.)
“Here’s the main thing you need to recognize though David, and I don’t want to come across as ‘preachy’ but here it is. When I was in your shoes, I saw the way these ‘legends’ that are no longer in this company looked at me. The disdain they had towards me. They had made their name, and for them that was enough to beat me alone. They thought they were in for an easy ride. Right up to the point they were left staring up at the arena lights. What you are going to learn, David, is that I don’t just learn from my own mistakes, I also learn from the mistakes of others. I see where individuals went wrong, and I do my utmost to ensure I don’t make the same errors. I’m not looking at you with disdain, in fact it’s the exact opposite. I see you as a man who needs this just as much as I do. All this combined, do you know what they make you? It’s makes you a threat. It makes you an obstacle. It turns you into someone who can stop me from getting to the place I need. And so, I’m not going to take you lightly like others may have done. I’m not going to talk to you as if you are beneath me. I’m not even going to mention your brother Jacob to get under your skin because after all what is the point? What I am going to do is simple. I’m going to come to that ring, and I’m going to compete. I’m going to have all those nicknames you have in the back of my mind, and the column I have read on you at the forefront. I’m going to make it clear, I don’t need preferential treatment, I never did. My ability means that one day, I will once again wear the SCW World Championship, and this time with more pride than I carried it the first time. I know, you are going to come at me full bore as if you life depends on it. I am certain there are going to be circumstances where you believe you have me, and that victory is assured. But therein lies the biggest lesson of all… that being when you face Shaun Cruze, victory is NEVER assured. And that all I need is one mistake, one time when you go against your ‘limitations’, and the match will be over. I don’t know if you have spoken to anyone else about me, the truth is, I don’t care. One thing is for certain, however, and that is that this IS the challenge that you have been wanting for a couple of years now. There are some BIG names in this company. Kim Williams, Glory Braddock, and Syren, who I have mentioned, Selena and James Evans as well. CID, Gavin Taylor, Chris Lawler, Xander Valentine. I’ll have missed some, again no disrespect… because the list goes on and on. My name belongs amongst them; I SHOULD be spoken of in the same breath. And that might sound like arrogance, but it isn’t. It’s simply a fact; I don’t have to prove myself to anyone. What I DO need to prove however, is that my best days are not behind me. What I DO need to prove is that I can still go. Can Shaun Cruze become World Champion? That’s a question only I can answer, and the only way I answer it, is by beating someone destined to one day claim that title for himself. Does that sound like a man ‘washed’? No, what you are hearing is determination. Determination to succeed once again. Can you stop me? We’ll see. Maybe, you are as good as everyone else says you are. But that is not the true question here. You shouldn’t have to ask if you are good. What you should be asking, is are you good enough you take down the Impact Player?”
(He winks at the camera.)
“And for that, I can’t verbalize it. For that, I must show you. And THAT David Striker is EXACTLY what I am going to do.
Simply put… I’m not here to survive. I’m here to thrive.”
(Scene fades.)
(It was now three months since Shaun had sat in his Lawyers office and basically said, just get the divorce done. Of course, there were formalities, and it hadn’t been finalized yet, but in Shaun’s mind it had already been. He didn’t care what had been organized. He cared even less about himself. All he wanted now was to be done with it, so he could wallow in his own shitty life, where only he could pay for his actions. During those three months, Shaun had seen his daughter Dorothea once, for no more than half an hour, something that had angered Angyalka even more than at the ending of her marriage. As far as Shaun was concerned, they were both better off without him dragging them down. Of course, that simply wasn’t the case and even Angyalka had been willing for them to at least be civil for their daughter’s sake. But Shaun had blown that all out of the water. She thought he didn’t care anymore and that he’d abandoned them, but the truth was Shaun hadn’t felt hurt like this before, even when Orlando tragically died. He was suffering too but doing his best to push everyone away. That was why Angyalka had turned to Owen. Owen was probably the last person who could get through to him, and although Owen protested, not wanting to get involved, he promised Angyalka it would give it a go the next time he had the chance. That chance arose with the expansion of Next Level, and the need for a someone to help the kids out. At the top of his game, Shaun was one of the best in the world. His knowledge of the industry was unsurpassed. And luckily, out of everyone Shaun still wanted to be there for Owen, perhaps the only person in the world that he has not yet turned against. And so, a meeting was easy to arrange, Shaun flying out of Los Angeles almost the moment he got the call. Now, they were both sitting on what had been Orlando’s boat, restored by the two of them as a project in happier days. It was moored in the dock, but still the view from there was amazing.)
Shaun: Been a while since we did this… I’ve missed it
Owen: Yeah, well you’ve had some shit to deal with.
Shaun: Doesn’t excuse ignoring my favorite nephew.
Owen: You’re only nephew…
(They laugh, and Owen takes a moment to look at Shaun. He looked older somehow; his stubble now having turned into an untidy beard which didn’t suit him.)
Shaun: Doesn’t stop you being my favorite though. So, what’s going on then, why the need for me to get away from my hectic life and fly to Miami on a whim?
(Owen doesn’t miss the sarcasm but he certainly ignores it.)
Owen: Got a proposition for you… well I guess it’s more a favor to ask.
Shaun: Go on
Owen: I’ve been thinking about expanding ‘Next Level’ for a while. Adam takes care of New York and that thriving. Here in Miami, I get things covered, and it allows me to spend time with the family. I’m thinking of opening a place in Los Angeles and I thought…
Shaun: I’d run it for you.
Owen: Well yeah. I mean, they reckon there are 100,000 people living rough in LA and although it is improving, I’d like to take Next Level there and help do more. I thought… it keeps you close to Dorothea, and more importantly, it gets you out that head of yours. And let’s face it… there are not many who know this industry as well as you do. You’d be perfect.
(Shaun listens to Owen and doesn’t interrupt. For a moment, he looks thoughtful, considerate even. Then, however, even Owen is surprised and Shaun bursts out laughing almost uncontrollably.)
Owen: What’s so funny?
(Shaun immediately stops laughing.)
Shaun: Oh… your serious. Let me guess, you’ve been talking to Angyalka right?
Owen: We’ve spoken yeah.
(Shaun mood shifts, his demeanor also. The beer in his right hand is placed on the deck as he turns to face Owen.)
Shaun: Look Kid, I’m sure Angyalka has told you that I’m a shitty father, and that I haven’t been spending time with Dorothea. I’m also sure that she had to plead with you to try and get through to me and see sense. The thing is, I’ll tell you the same things I told my Lawyer. I’ve given them both financial stability and so, I don’t feel even the slightest pinch of guilt from walking away and letting them live their lives without me around to fuck it up for them. And you seriously think I’ve the right guy to mentor the next wave of wrestling talent and show them the way to hopefully be a success. Let me be brutally honest with you Kid, wrestling killed Lando. It would have killed you if you’d not managed to get out when you did. I’d not be here if I didn’t hate myself so fucking much that I want to experience the pain they are feeling tenfold. No Owen, I’m not going to run Next Level because I won’t do to them what I did to my family.
(The way he speaks shocks Owen, taking him back so much that he must hesitate before he responds. Angyalka had told him Shaun was in a bad way, but this was something else. This wasn’t Shaun.)
Owen: You seriously think they are better off without you? You remember what it was like growing up without a dad right? It doesn’t matter what you did, Dorothea adores you. She asks for her Daddy all the time…
Shaun: She’ll get over it
(There was a disdain in that sentence that yet again shocks Owen to his core.)
Owen: You don’t mean that, you can’t.
Shaun: That’s my point Owen; I do mean it. And you want me to teach kids what is right or wrong. I cheated on Angyalka, the most beautiful woman in the world. I ditched them and didn’t even try to win her back. I haven’t seen my daughter for over two months… and you think I am the guy who can be a role model?
Owen: That isn’t you, you’re going through a rough time Shaun. I think this might even help; give you back some purpose.
Shaun: I’ve got purpose Owen. My purpose is to make sure I pay for all these indiscretions for the rest of my life. Stay alive long enough so that somehow, I feel like I paid some kind of penance for what I did to them. And hope, that after everything I have done… Angyalka gets a man who deserves her, and who can be a better father to Dorothea than I ever could.
Owen: So, basically be a sanctimonious asshole?
Shaun: That’s the thing Owen… I’m not you. I am an asshole.
Owen: What the hell is wrong with you?
(Shaun laughs again, now winding Owen up.)
Shaun: If I knew that Owen… I’d still be the owner of one of the biggest media companies in the world and husband and Father to an amazing family. Instead, my best friend is called Jack Daniels… and I know I won’t ever let him down.
Owen: So, this is it, one big pity party?
Shaun: Yeah, that about sums it up. What do you think to your dear old Uncle now huh?
Owen: I know what Dad would think
(For the first time, Owen seems to strike a nerve, that comment seemingly getting through to Shaun and softening his approach. The moment does last though as that facial expression is soon replaced by a sneer.)
Shaun: Me too Owen, because it takes an asshole, to know one. And your Dad, well he was one of the biggest assholes of them all.
Owen: Take that back
Shaun: Oh, come on Owen, you saw for yourself the shit he left in his wake. Becca, Kloe, Taylor… he fucked them all up. What about Adam Lucas huh? Fucked his Mum and then made her get rid of him. Yeah, the ‘Icon’ was a fucking saint alright. Those rose-tinted glasses you wear don’t change a thing, and his DNA, it runs through BOTH of us.
Owen: You’re wrong
Shaun: Am I? Or are you so far up his ass you can’t see the blindingly obvious.
(Shaun picks up his beer and gets to his feet, shaking his head dismissively. Owen stands too, Shaun turning to face him.)
Shaun: I’m sorry kid, but there was an inevitability about this. The Cruze’s are all flawed, we just don’t want to admit it. I’m just finally seeing that surname for what it is.
Owen: You’re a joke, do you know that?
(It seemed like Owen had finally had enough, his ire starting to get the better of him.)
Shaun: I do
Owen: You had everything, and you threw it all away like it was nothing.
Shaun: And you’re so perfect right? The model human being. The best Father and Husband.
Owen: I try to be…
Shaun: Yeah, you do… but you also know that niggling doubt within that says I’m right about us. And that no matter how long it takes… it won’t be too long until Jennifer is forgotten, and you are off fucking someone else. Yeah, I AM an asshole, but at least I own it. Just wait till you fuck up your family’s life…
(Owen has heard enough, and draws his fist back, punching Shaun square on the jaw. Whether it is the beer, or the slippery deck, Shaun falls backwards, plunging into the water. When he emerges, Owen is leading over the boat, looking Shaun dead in the eyes, nothing but disappointment etched in his eyes.)
Owen: I’ll never be like you or Dad. Ever. So, you want to fuck your life up, go ahead. I’ll take care of your family, seeing as you can’t be bothered, and I’ll make damn sure Dorothea knows just how big a cunt you were.
(Shaun wipes the ocean from his face, staring Owen down, a smile on his face.)
Shaun: Thank you
(Owen shakes his head and heads off the boat, Shaun making his way for dry land. As he finds it, he gets out of the water, his clothes sodden. He sees Owen disappear into his house and for the first time in this interaction, he shows remorse.)
Shaun: I’m sorry…
(Scene fades)
RECORDING – ON CAMERA
(Shaun sits on a singular stool, peering into the lens of an official SCW camera crew, another of the ‘benefits’ he had received since his return. He should have been happy, but his face isn’t telling the story. No, his face displays a certain irritation with the way things had gone thus far. Not with wrestling, that was going as expected, but this whole notion that he needed to be protected was starting to irk. With all that in his mind, he nods a greeting and then starts to speak.)
“I should be opening this monologue by saying how happy I have been with my return. Clyde Sutter was put in his place, Ryan was the test I required from one of the newer guards, and one that I managed to get through. My sole defeat, well that came narrowly against Syren, who has just climbed her record breaking eighth World title. So, nothing to be ashamed of there, losing to the best in the business and one of the best of all time. Instead, I find myself having to come on here and say sorry. Sorry to Ryan and any distraction that may have been caused by those two knuckleheads getting involved in my business. See, I understand how this business works, and I know exactly how it looks. I know I could come out here a million and one times and say I don’t want them there and I haven’t asked for the ‘protection’ but it won’t make a single bit of difference. People are going to draw their own conclusions about my situation, and nothing that has happened of late is going to help my cause. All I can do is point to who I am, and what I have been. The Impact Player didn’t need help all those years ago, and I don’t need help now, even if some prick in a suit thinks he needs to protect his investment. I’m going to keep doing what I am doing, making my way back to the top, ignoring the white noise that has tainted my return. Because yes, Syren is the SCW World Champion, and rightfully so… but I want my hands on that prize, and I will get there. And I’ll get there by making sure every challenge that comes from those that are new to me, people like Clyde and Ryan, are put in my rear-view mirror as I take their place on the totem pole.
Which brings me to you David Striker.
Before we go into it, let me give you an idea of what I was up to while I was away. I won’t go into details, that is for me and for me alone, but let’s just say I didn’t really keep up with the day to day of our industry. You might claim that we should eat, sleep, breathe wrestling, but I had a few things going on, thus I didn’t really have the time to keep up to date. Yeah, of course I knew a few things, my algorithm on social media gave me some bits and pieces, but in the main I scrolled past, and got to more lighthearted topics that ultimately were there to make me laugh. So, when I came back, I had a lot of homework to do. Of course, I know Selena and Syren. James and Xander. Household names who rolls off the tongue. But and I say this with no disrespect meant, I didn’t have the first clue who Ryan was. Or this Enigma fella who was making waves. The archives I went through David, so that when I came back, I was prepared to deal with some of the most exciting new talents on the planet.
I didn’t have to do that with you.
During my time dealing with ‘stuff’ there was one name that I heard time and time again. A guy that was making waves in the company and making a real name for himself. Every time logged onto a website, it screamed at me the ‘Dark House’ or it’s variation, the ‘Work Horse’. Here was someone who had literally taken over the independent scene with his brother Jacob. Someone who, in his early twenties, had all the hallmarks of a superstar. Man, where have I heard that before. See, if there is someone who can understand what it’s like to have to bear the scars of a brother, it is me. If there is someone who was thrust into the SCW limelight, it is Shaun Cruze the Impact Player. And you know what, at the time I debuted, I brought an innovative offense to the table and was deemed one of the Hybrid wrestlers of the time. Love it or hate it… your introduction and mine, you must admit that they are more than a little similar. That is why I can say with almost one hundred percent confidence, I know what is going on in that head of yours right now. The same kind of things that Ryan and Clyde brought to the table, but didn’t seem to have the ability to express, instead focusing on this ‘bias’ towards me. See, I know what it’s like to look up at people and think that you want what they have. I’ve known what it’s like to walk into a company after tearing it up in another company and see people like Syren making this all look so easy. You’ll have heard of the Cruze name, of course you will have… unless you lived under a rock. You’ve not been in the ring for a while, beating me would be a heck of a statement. But this is where you need to be different to Clyde, and Ryan, and understand that unlike some, I’m not here to be handed a damn thing. If I was, then Fatal Fortunes would have delivered a title match, instead of having to face THE most decorated SCW superstar this company has ever seen. If I am getting all the privilege… then someone’s doing a damn shitty job right?”
(A shrug of his shoulders bears the truth on his thoughts as he continues.)
“Here’s the main thing you need to recognize though David, and I don’t want to come across as ‘preachy’ but here it is. When I was in your shoes, I saw the way these ‘legends’ that are no longer in this company looked at me. The disdain they had towards me. They had made their name, and for them that was enough to beat me alone. They thought they were in for an easy ride. Right up to the point they were left staring up at the arena lights. What you are going to learn, David, is that I don’t just learn from my own mistakes, I also learn from the mistakes of others. I see where individuals went wrong, and I do my utmost to ensure I don’t make the same errors. I’m not looking at you with disdain, in fact it’s the exact opposite. I see you as a man who needs this just as much as I do. All this combined, do you know what they make you? It’s makes you a threat. It makes you an obstacle. It turns you into someone who can stop me from getting to the place I need. And so, I’m not going to take you lightly like others may have done. I’m not going to talk to you as if you are beneath me. I’m not even going to mention your brother Jacob to get under your skin because after all what is the point? What I am going to do is simple. I’m going to come to that ring, and I’m going to compete. I’m going to have all those nicknames you have in the back of my mind, and the column I have read on you at the forefront. I’m going to make it clear, I don’t need preferential treatment, I never did. My ability means that one day, I will once again wear the SCW World Championship, and this time with more pride than I carried it the first time. I know, you are going to come at me full bore as if you life depends on it. I am certain there are going to be circumstances where you believe you have me, and that victory is assured. But therein lies the biggest lesson of all… that being when you face Shaun Cruze, victory is NEVER assured. And that all I need is one mistake, one time when you go against your ‘limitations’, and the match will be over. I don’t know if you have spoken to anyone else about me, the truth is, I don’t care. One thing is for certain, however, and that is that this IS the challenge that you have been wanting for a couple of years now. There are some BIG names in this company. Kim Williams, Glory Braddock, and Syren, who I have mentioned, Selena and James Evans as well. CID, Gavin Taylor, Chris Lawler, Xander Valentine. I’ll have missed some, again no disrespect… because the list goes on and on. My name belongs amongst them; I SHOULD be spoken of in the same breath. And that might sound like arrogance, but it isn’t. It’s simply a fact; I don’t have to prove myself to anyone. What I DO need to prove however, is that my best days are not behind me. What I DO need to prove is that I can still go. Can Shaun Cruze become World Champion? That’s a question only I can answer, and the only way I answer it, is by beating someone destined to one day claim that title for himself. Does that sound like a man ‘washed’? No, what you are hearing is determination. Determination to succeed once again. Can you stop me? We’ll see. Maybe, you are as good as everyone else says you are. But that is not the true question here. You shouldn’t have to ask if you are good. What you should be asking, is are you good enough you take down the Impact Player?”
(He winks at the camera.)
“And for that, I can’t verbalize it. For that, I must show you. And THAT David Striker is EXACTLY what I am going to do.
Simply put… I’m not here to survive. I’m here to thrive.”
(Scene fades.)
![[Image: Shaun-Cruze.jpg]](https://i.ibb.co/SX5Ng4rx/Shaun-Cruze.jpg)