02-27-2026, 02:40 PM
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(It was never going to be easy, walking up the driveway to the house he once shared with Angyalka. Shaun wasn’t going to lie, that right now he was probably even more nervous than the night he won the SCW World Championship. Predictably, nothing had changed, and why should it have seen as Angyalka was always the one that dealt with the home décor. It wouldn’t have been a huge surprise if everything had changed as she attempted to forget about him, but it didn’t seem like that was the case. As requested, Shaun had called Angyalka, and surprisingly there had been no animosity, only a relief that it seemed like Shaun had come to his senses. In fact, they had spoken at length about how this was going to work, and how visits would turn into weekend stays once Shaun’s new house in Los Angeles had gone through. That didn’t stop the butterflies from going crazy in his stomach as he knocked on the door, which then opened with his former wife in the doorway.)
Angyalka: Hey
Shaun: Hey
(It was awkward, of course it was. This was the first time they had seen each other in months, and the last time it hadn’t exactly ended well, Shaun bolting out the house when talking to Dorothea. She takes a step back, and motions him through the house and to the kitchen, where Shaun can see Dorothea playing out in the garden. On the kitchen wall there used to be a picture of the three of them in happier times, but this had been replaced by just the two of them, something that Shaun couldn’t blame Angyalka for.)
Angyalka: Can I get you a drink? Beer, Jack Daniels?
Shaun: Coffee would be fine… trying to cut down on the alcohol.
Angyalka: I see you got rid of the beard?
(She had obviously spoken to Kelcey but again, Shaun couldn’t begrudge her that.)
Shaun: Yeah, it made me look older apparently
Angyalka: It did.
(As Angyalka pours the coffee, adding milk, Shaun just watches Dorothea, who is blissfully unaware of his presence, or even that he is looking at her. She had grown so much, even in those months he hadn’t seen her.)
Shaun: She’s getting so big
Angyalka: I know, and to think you were willing to miss all of that…
(She pauses.)
Angyalka: Sorry, force of habit
Shaun: No, I deserve it… you’re right, I must have been crazy.
(She brings the coffee over in front of him and he takes a sip, exactly the way he liked it.)
Shaun: Does she know I’m coming
Angyalka: No, I thought it might be nice if you gave her the surprise
Shaun: What if she doesn’t want to see me?
Angyalka: Shaun, she asks about you every single day. It’s nauseating.
Shaun: What did you tell her? I mean, I wouldn’t blame you if you had told her the truth.
Angyalka: I told her Daddy had gone away for work and would be back soon. It was risky I know, but I always thought you’d see sense. I mean, I didn’t think I would have to get Kelcey involved, but you’re here now.
Shaun: Yeah, Kelcey has always been my kryptonite.
Angyalka: Well, I’m glad she got through to you, because when Owen knocked you off the boat, I thought that might have been our last chance.
(Shaun takes a sip of his coffee, never taking his eyes away from Angyalka. Then saying words, he never thought he would have to.)
Shaun: I’m sorry I did what I did. You didn’t deserve that.
Angyalka: No, I didn’t, but I can move on from it as long as you can. Dorothea is our priority now, and if we can be good co-parents, that’s ok with me.
Shaun: I’d like that
Angyalka: Then go on, go and say hello to your daughter. We’ll talk more about how all this is going to work afterwards.
Shaun: Alright… wish me luck
Angyalka: I promise you, you don’t need it.
(Angyalka could have told Dorothea anything that would have turned her again Shaun, but she hadn’t. She had obviously never lost faith in him, even if he had. He opens the patio doors into the garden, Dorothea turning her head and as she does, seeing her father standing on the patio step.)
Dorothea: DAAAAAADDDDDDDYYYYY!!!!
(In that moment, all Shaun’s fears melt away as his daughter crashes into his arms. She would be eight this year, and it didn’t seem like a moment since she was born. In this moment, everything that Kelcey had said rang louder than the biggest bell. They stay like that for a moment, Shaun looking over his shoulder at Angyalka who is smiling, before she mouths ‘told you’. Angyalka then turns and walks out of the kitchen, giving Shaun and Dorothea the time they needed. Dorothea leads him over to the swing set, and sits, ready to be pushed, Shaun obliging.)
Dorothea: Where have you been Daddy?
(Shaun wasn’t about to break the façade, not now at least. Maybe one day, he would tell her the truth, but that day wasn’t now.)
Shaun: I’ve been working hard Dorothea… keeping busy
Dorothea: Couldn’t you have come back to see me… just for five minutes
Shaun: I was on the other side of the world
Dorothea: Oh…
(Shaun can almost hear Dorothea’s brain turning over.)
Dorothea: So, why don’t you love Mummy anymore?
(Ouch)
Shaun: Now that is a long story, and one that perhaps I’ll tell you when you get older. All you need to know is that Mummy and Daddy love YOU so very much, and that isn’t going to change.
(Again, there is a momentary silence, as Dorothea ponders further.)
Dorothea: So, you won’t be living here then?
Shaun: No, but when I get my house, you’ll be able to come and stay with me. Would you like that?
Dorothea: Could Mummy come?
Shaun: Errmmm, no I don’t think so.
Dorothea: That’s OK… Mummy says I’ll get twice as many presents.
Shaun: Did she now?
Dorothea: Yes, and that Santa will deliver presents to both houses at Christmas
Shaun: I see.
Dorothea: I have a friend at school, and her Mummy and Daddy don’t love each other anymore and she says it’s the best.
Shaun: Well ok then, I’m glad you’re happy.
Dorothea: I still wish you were both together though. I miss you being here.
(Shaun stops pushing the swing and walks around to the front of Dorothea, kneeling in front of her.)
Shaun: I know this has been hard for you, but I promise I’m never going to be away from you that long again. Me and your Mummy are going to make sure you are the most loved little girl in the entire world.
Dorothea: All of it
Shaun: Yes, and all the way to the moon and back.
Dorothea: Wow, that’s a lot of love
Shaun: I know right. I’ll always be here, no matter what.
Dorothea: Pinky promise?
Shaun: Pinky promise
(The two pink pinkies, before Shaun pulls Dorothea into the biggest of hugs, a hug he didn’t ever want her to escape from. How could he have been so stupid? He didn’t think he would ever have the answers to that question. But the remit was still the same. He would move heaven and earth to make sure that Dorothea never suffered again, but now, it was with him firmly in her life. And watching from a bedroom window with a smile on her face, Angyalka couldn’t have been any happier that was the case. The way it should always have been.
RECORDING – ON CAMERA
(Shaun sits on the far left of a hotel sofa, a glass of something in his right hand. He raises the glass to acknowledge our presence, before he starts to speak.)
“First, newsflash, Shaun Cruze is going to lose matches. I lost them when I was at my pomp, I lost every other match when I was just starting out. Just because my surname is synonymous with professional wrestling, it doesn’t mean to say that I, and any of my relatives who engaged in our industry, haven’t suffered their fair share of defeats. Sometimes it was because we got cheated out of matches. Sometimes it was because the odds were too overwhelming. And on the odd occasion, the reason was much simpler. We just weren’t good enough. Last time out, against David Stryker… I just wasn’t good enough.”
(Shaun shrugs his shoulders, the statement no surprise to him.)
“See, what people seem to forget is that it was always going to be an adjustment coming back to SCW, the juggernaut of the wrestling industry. I didn’t decide to come back to an independent, I jumped right in with the biggest and the best. My second match, I faced the current World Champion. Couple of matches later, and I faced Stryker who for a time was the Underground Champion and who is destined for greatness. See, what Stryker possesses, unlike my opponent this week, is humility, and a work ethic that reminds me a lot of myself in my younger years. Yeah, the ‘guards’ had an impact, and I made my points clear on that, but Stryker was in control for a lot of the match and thus deserves credit. He didn’t take a short cut, because he didn’t need to. He won the match, because he deserved to, and I hope he gains the momentum to go as far as he can. But you know something else he did… he gave me respect. None of this ‘washed’ bullshit or talk of me getting handouts. No, he came into the match knowing what a victory over me could bring him. And he took the opportunity, so fair play.
Look, I know that I beat Konrad Raab in a one off and almost pulled off one of the most shocking Taking Hold of the Flame victories ever, but competing on a weekly schedule was always going to be difficult. Yeah, I’ve gotten rid of the ring rust, or else I wouldn’t have lasted if I did with Syren, but there are still going to be moments when I make a mistake, or don’t pull the trigger when I should have. And these are not excuses, these are the reality of my situation. A situation whereby even in my current state, I know with a fair wind I can beat anyone. But to get that moment, to carry victories forwards and get that ‘mojo’ back, that’s going to take time. And it’s going to need me to trust the process. Every match I compete in is about proving something, not necessarily to anyone else, but mainly to myself. This time, it is different, I don’t have a movie career, or a business to fall back on. This is me; it is all I have, so if you think I am going to high tail it because I lost to someone who some of you may think is beneath me, I’d say think again. The pool of talent in this company is incredible. If you want to be the very best, Supreme Championship Wrestling is the place to achieve it, and it really mean something. I promise to all those that have followed my return, and who hang out after the shows to get a selfie or an autograph. I promise you all, this run by the time I am through WILL mean something. Your patience and mine, WILL be rewarded. The Impact Player will evolve into… something else, something better. The change will be monumental, historical even. Change… is for the better.
(He laughs)
“But there is a saying isn’t there, the more things change, the more they stay the same, and for all the changes around here, whether it be in the management, or the roster, or the attitudes of the fans. No matter how much change occurs, there is always at least one constant. The constant I want to talk about now is my opponent on Breakdown. Gavin Taylor, the Man who will be King, the Real-World Jedi… or as I like to go him. The wrestling industries biggest fraud.”
(He pauses, allowing that statement to fester and manifest in Gavin’s puny little brain.)
“Let me make one thing clear, for the sake of the tape. Absolutely, you are one of the best exponents of our art. When it comes to wrestling, and being a true athlete, there are not many better. I remember back in the day, was it MCW you competed in? ULW? IWC…maybe even Uprising I’m not sure. Whichever company it was, I watched a man who had the world at his feet and had all the talent to become one of the best in the world. Until he decided that he was too good for the business, and all he had to do was turn up for matches and victory was assured. You know, I think if I could be bothered to go back through the archives and record every single match you have ever competed in, a high percentage of your losses would be either due to your own arrogance, or your need to take a short cut away from doing the hard miles. That’s why you have never reached the heights of some of your peers. And why your name is never mentioned as amongst the very best Supreme Championship Wrestling has ever had.
And that really annoys you, doesn’t it?
But instead of looking inwardly, and changing things within yourself, evolving, you prefer to blame other people, other organizations for your stagnation. Your move set has barely changed in the past decade. And that’s all and good if you’re winning, why change a winning formula, but you’ve never really gained the necessary momentum or consistency. But instead of making those changes, instead you double down and start the blame game. You plaster over the cracks with either excuses or comedy. Yes, you did beat Syren, and yes it was impressive, but how many times have we been here, expecting you to break through the glass ceiling… only for you to be squashed on it like a bug. But that’s never been the issue Gavin… there are loads of individuals that will never reach the heights they expect, and it always comes down to them not being good enough. Some, have a level… and that’s fine, they make a perfectly adequate career out of it. But you, you have all the tools necessary. All the ability in the world to be a World Champion. The only consistent thing with you, is your awful attitude. You don’t have the mind-set of a champion; you don’t want to work for your achievements. Instead, you’d prefer a shortcut. That’s the thing though, those individuals very rarely make a true name for themselves. Well, they do, but more as a clown than a competitor. And that is the bracket where you reside Gavin, not through my fault, or any of the companies you work for. The reason you haven’t hit the heights you claim to reside, is all down to YOU and you alone. Your bravado covers all of this up, but in the years to come, it’s going to be your biggest regret. And the worst part, it will be held against you forever, all because you didn’t have the work ethic to do something about it.”
(He takes another sip of his drink, preparing his next statement wisely.)
“But hey, what do I know right? I’m sure that already you are preparing one of your ‘legendary’ ripostes, where Shaun Cruze couldn’t possibly know what he is talking about, or that the Cruze family is one of the most overrated wrestling families in the World. I’m sure your reply will be full of sneers, and dismissals, after all that is the Gavin Taylor way. But looking back at the history, Orlando kicked your ass, I’ve kicked your ass, and Owen kicked your ass more times that he cares to remember. Each one of us had more success than you could possibly dream of. And you are potentially the better exponent of the art…
What does that tell you bro?
It tells you that you are doing something wrong, and don’t have the cranial power to admit it. You surround yourself with people that tell you what you want to hear, and when you want to hear it, anything else is just white noise. For nigh on two decades it’s been the same old actions, rinse and repeat, and it’s gotten you nowhere. I’m sorry Gavin, but even you must be able to see that. Or are you blinded that much by your own arrogance, by your own hubris, that you are working on the certainty that eventually everything will fall into place? That’s dangerous logic Gavin, because there are no certainties in this industry. None. Your reputation is worse, because you have never made good on your promises.
Over promised… under delivered.
And yet, my preparation for this match is on point. The reason for that being I have prepared for the competitor you could be, rather than the competitor you are. I’ve scoured the archives for weaknesses, and I have noted your many strengths, even knowing that ultimately none of that knowledge may be required. I’ve prepared for this in a way that is no different than it would be if I was facing the World Champion. I’ve prepared for the All-Star, the Franchise Player... the History Maker, and I’ve done that knowing how dangerous this could be. Ultimately, the stages in our career we are at, victory is more important for you than it is me. Categorically, a loss for me would be less defining than it would be for you. You want Syren… how likely do you think that would be if you lose to the man who Syren defeated only a few weeks ago?”
(Shaun gets to his feet.)
“So, in closing Gavin, if you are looking to ‘Make Gavin Great Again’ by becoming World Champion, I’d argue that you were never great in the first place. Good? Yes. Capable? Yes. But great is a word I could use for very few people and none of them are you. I’m sure there are loads of companies who took a punt on you but just got the same sanctimonious prick as all the others.
How old are you now?
The website says thirty and was updated last year… I’d say your real age is 37, 38 maybe. Certainly not old, and to say so would be hypocritical, but let’s face it… you’ve never actually grown up, so I think it’s a fair assumption that ship has sailed. Everything placed in your hands, the Goon Squad, all the opportunities, and still… well, I don’t want to be rude. There is a difference here though Gavin, between you and me. I don’t have to just talk. I’m more than happy to come to the ring and prove it to you, just like I have done it hundreds of times before. So no, I don’t see you making Gavin great soon. In fact, what I do see in ten years’ time is the same old song and dance we’ve heard for nigh on two decades. Gavin Taylor tells the world that he is and will always be an All-Star and then falls short. Gavin Taylor, the man who took all that obvious wrestling ability, and wasted it for cheap laughs. Gavin Taylor Ladies and Gentlemen… SCW’s version of Sideshow Bob. A watered-down version of Trump but not quite as orange. Gavin Taylor, a man who just like Konrad Raab, needs to know his place. You win the World title, it will be a dark day for SCW, so… I’m going to make sure it doesn’t happen. And hey, what better way to get my own title shot, than to beat the self-proclaimed Greatest in the universe. But you’re not the greatest are you, Gavin. You’re not even close. So I’ll end by putting all this in its simplest terms. You can’t polish a turd. And your shit, my God it stinks.
Time for a clean-up on Aisle One. Courtesy of the Impact Player.”
(Scene fades)
(It was never going to be easy, walking up the driveway to the house he once shared with Angyalka. Shaun wasn’t going to lie, that right now he was probably even more nervous than the night he won the SCW World Championship. Predictably, nothing had changed, and why should it have seen as Angyalka was always the one that dealt with the home décor. It wouldn’t have been a huge surprise if everything had changed as she attempted to forget about him, but it didn’t seem like that was the case. As requested, Shaun had called Angyalka, and surprisingly there had been no animosity, only a relief that it seemed like Shaun had come to his senses. In fact, they had spoken at length about how this was going to work, and how visits would turn into weekend stays once Shaun’s new house in Los Angeles had gone through. That didn’t stop the butterflies from going crazy in his stomach as he knocked on the door, which then opened with his former wife in the doorway.)
Angyalka: Hey
Shaun: Hey
(It was awkward, of course it was. This was the first time they had seen each other in months, and the last time it hadn’t exactly ended well, Shaun bolting out the house when talking to Dorothea. She takes a step back, and motions him through the house and to the kitchen, where Shaun can see Dorothea playing out in the garden. On the kitchen wall there used to be a picture of the three of them in happier times, but this had been replaced by just the two of them, something that Shaun couldn’t blame Angyalka for.)
Angyalka: Can I get you a drink? Beer, Jack Daniels?
Shaun: Coffee would be fine… trying to cut down on the alcohol.
Angyalka: I see you got rid of the beard?
(She had obviously spoken to Kelcey but again, Shaun couldn’t begrudge her that.)
Shaun: Yeah, it made me look older apparently
Angyalka: It did.
(As Angyalka pours the coffee, adding milk, Shaun just watches Dorothea, who is blissfully unaware of his presence, or even that he is looking at her. She had grown so much, even in those months he hadn’t seen her.)
Shaun: She’s getting so big
Angyalka: I know, and to think you were willing to miss all of that…
(She pauses.)
Angyalka: Sorry, force of habit
Shaun: No, I deserve it… you’re right, I must have been crazy.
(She brings the coffee over in front of him and he takes a sip, exactly the way he liked it.)
Shaun: Does she know I’m coming
Angyalka: No, I thought it might be nice if you gave her the surprise
Shaun: What if she doesn’t want to see me?
Angyalka: Shaun, she asks about you every single day. It’s nauseating.
Shaun: What did you tell her? I mean, I wouldn’t blame you if you had told her the truth.
Angyalka: I told her Daddy had gone away for work and would be back soon. It was risky I know, but I always thought you’d see sense. I mean, I didn’t think I would have to get Kelcey involved, but you’re here now.
Shaun: Yeah, Kelcey has always been my kryptonite.
Angyalka: Well, I’m glad she got through to you, because when Owen knocked you off the boat, I thought that might have been our last chance.
(Shaun takes a sip of his coffee, never taking his eyes away from Angyalka. Then saying words, he never thought he would have to.)
Shaun: I’m sorry I did what I did. You didn’t deserve that.
Angyalka: No, I didn’t, but I can move on from it as long as you can. Dorothea is our priority now, and if we can be good co-parents, that’s ok with me.
Shaun: I’d like that
Angyalka: Then go on, go and say hello to your daughter. We’ll talk more about how all this is going to work afterwards.
Shaun: Alright… wish me luck
Angyalka: I promise you, you don’t need it.
(Angyalka could have told Dorothea anything that would have turned her again Shaun, but she hadn’t. She had obviously never lost faith in him, even if he had. He opens the patio doors into the garden, Dorothea turning her head and as she does, seeing her father standing on the patio step.)
Dorothea: DAAAAAADDDDDDDYYYYY!!!!
(In that moment, all Shaun’s fears melt away as his daughter crashes into his arms. She would be eight this year, and it didn’t seem like a moment since she was born. In this moment, everything that Kelcey had said rang louder than the biggest bell. They stay like that for a moment, Shaun looking over his shoulder at Angyalka who is smiling, before she mouths ‘told you’. Angyalka then turns and walks out of the kitchen, giving Shaun and Dorothea the time they needed. Dorothea leads him over to the swing set, and sits, ready to be pushed, Shaun obliging.)
Dorothea: Where have you been Daddy?
(Shaun wasn’t about to break the façade, not now at least. Maybe one day, he would tell her the truth, but that day wasn’t now.)
Shaun: I’ve been working hard Dorothea… keeping busy
Dorothea: Couldn’t you have come back to see me… just for five minutes
Shaun: I was on the other side of the world
Dorothea: Oh…
(Shaun can almost hear Dorothea’s brain turning over.)
Dorothea: So, why don’t you love Mummy anymore?
(Ouch)
Shaun: Now that is a long story, and one that perhaps I’ll tell you when you get older. All you need to know is that Mummy and Daddy love YOU so very much, and that isn’t going to change.
(Again, there is a momentary silence, as Dorothea ponders further.)
Dorothea: So, you won’t be living here then?
Shaun: No, but when I get my house, you’ll be able to come and stay with me. Would you like that?
Dorothea: Could Mummy come?
Shaun: Errmmm, no I don’t think so.
Dorothea: That’s OK… Mummy says I’ll get twice as many presents.
Shaun: Did she now?
Dorothea: Yes, and that Santa will deliver presents to both houses at Christmas
Shaun: I see.
Dorothea: I have a friend at school, and her Mummy and Daddy don’t love each other anymore and she says it’s the best.
Shaun: Well ok then, I’m glad you’re happy.
Dorothea: I still wish you were both together though. I miss you being here.
(Shaun stops pushing the swing and walks around to the front of Dorothea, kneeling in front of her.)
Shaun: I know this has been hard for you, but I promise I’m never going to be away from you that long again. Me and your Mummy are going to make sure you are the most loved little girl in the entire world.
Dorothea: All of it
Shaun: Yes, and all the way to the moon and back.
Dorothea: Wow, that’s a lot of love
Shaun: I know right. I’ll always be here, no matter what.
Dorothea: Pinky promise?
Shaun: Pinky promise
(The two pink pinkies, before Shaun pulls Dorothea into the biggest of hugs, a hug he didn’t ever want her to escape from. How could he have been so stupid? He didn’t think he would ever have the answers to that question. But the remit was still the same. He would move heaven and earth to make sure that Dorothea never suffered again, but now, it was with him firmly in her life. And watching from a bedroom window with a smile on her face, Angyalka couldn’t have been any happier that was the case. The way it should always have been.
RECORDING – ON CAMERA
(Shaun sits on the far left of a hotel sofa, a glass of something in his right hand. He raises the glass to acknowledge our presence, before he starts to speak.)
“First, newsflash, Shaun Cruze is going to lose matches. I lost them when I was at my pomp, I lost every other match when I was just starting out. Just because my surname is synonymous with professional wrestling, it doesn’t mean to say that I, and any of my relatives who engaged in our industry, haven’t suffered their fair share of defeats. Sometimes it was because we got cheated out of matches. Sometimes it was because the odds were too overwhelming. And on the odd occasion, the reason was much simpler. We just weren’t good enough. Last time out, against David Stryker… I just wasn’t good enough.”
(Shaun shrugs his shoulders, the statement no surprise to him.)
“See, what people seem to forget is that it was always going to be an adjustment coming back to SCW, the juggernaut of the wrestling industry. I didn’t decide to come back to an independent, I jumped right in with the biggest and the best. My second match, I faced the current World Champion. Couple of matches later, and I faced Stryker who for a time was the Underground Champion and who is destined for greatness. See, what Stryker possesses, unlike my opponent this week, is humility, and a work ethic that reminds me a lot of myself in my younger years. Yeah, the ‘guards’ had an impact, and I made my points clear on that, but Stryker was in control for a lot of the match and thus deserves credit. He didn’t take a short cut, because he didn’t need to. He won the match, because he deserved to, and I hope he gains the momentum to go as far as he can. But you know something else he did… he gave me respect. None of this ‘washed’ bullshit or talk of me getting handouts. No, he came into the match knowing what a victory over me could bring him. And he took the opportunity, so fair play.
Look, I know that I beat Konrad Raab in a one off and almost pulled off one of the most shocking Taking Hold of the Flame victories ever, but competing on a weekly schedule was always going to be difficult. Yeah, I’ve gotten rid of the ring rust, or else I wouldn’t have lasted if I did with Syren, but there are still going to be moments when I make a mistake, or don’t pull the trigger when I should have. And these are not excuses, these are the reality of my situation. A situation whereby even in my current state, I know with a fair wind I can beat anyone. But to get that moment, to carry victories forwards and get that ‘mojo’ back, that’s going to take time. And it’s going to need me to trust the process. Every match I compete in is about proving something, not necessarily to anyone else, but mainly to myself. This time, it is different, I don’t have a movie career, or a business to fall back on. This is me; it is all I have, so if you think I am going to high tail it because I lost to someone who some of you may think is beneath me, I’d say think again. The pool of talent in this company is incredible. If you want to be the very best, Supreme Championship Wrestling is the place to achieve it, and it really mean something. I promise to all those that have followed my return, and who hang out after the shows to get a selfie or an autograph. I promise you all, this run by the time I am through WILL mean something. Your patience and mine, WILL be rewarded. The Impact Player will evolve into… something else, something better. The change will be monumental, historical even. Change… is for the better.
(He laughs)
“But there is a saying isn’t there, the more things change, the more they stay the same, and for all the changes around here, whether it be in the management, or the roster, or the attitudes of the fans. No matter how much change occurs, there is always at least one constant. The constant I want to talk about now is my opponent on Breakdown. Gavin Taylor, the Man who will be King, the Real-World Jedi… or as I like to go him. The wrestling industries biggest fraud.”
(He pauses, allowing that statement to fester and manifest in Gavin’s puny little brain.)
“Let me make one thing clear, for the sake of the tape. Absolutely, you are one of the best exponents of our art. When it comes to wrestling, and being a true athlete, there are not many better. I remember back in the day, was it MCW you competed in? ULW? IWC…maybe even Uprising I’m not sure. Whichever company it was, I watched a man who had the world at his feet and had all the talent to become one of the best in the world. Until he decided that he was too good for the business, and all he had to do was turn up for matches and victory was assured. You know, I think if I could be bothered to go back through the archives and record every single match you have ever competed in, a high percentage of your losses would be either due to your own arrogance, or your need to take a short cut away from doing the hard miles. That’s why you have never reached the heights of some of your peers. And why your name is never mentioned as amongst the very best Supreme Championship Wrestling has ever had.
And that really annoys you, doesn’t it?
But instead of looking inwardly, and changing things within yourself, evolving, you prefer to blame other people, other organizations for your stagnation. Your move set has barely changed in the past decade. And that’s all and good if you’re winning, why change a winning formula, but you’ve never really gained the necessary momentum or consistency. But instead of making those changes, instead you double down and start the blame game. You plaster over the cracks with either excuses or comedy. Yes, you did beat Syren, and yes it was impressive, but how many times have we been here, expecting you to break through the glass ceiling… only for you to be squashed on it like a bug. But that’s never been the issue Gavin… there are loads of individuals that will never reach the heights they expect, and it always comes down to them not being good enough. Some, have a level… and that’s fine, they make a perfectly adequate career out of it. But you, you have all the tools necessary. All the ability in the world to be a World Champion. The only consistent thing with you, is your awful attitude. You don’t have the mind-set of a champion; you don’t want to work for your achievements. Instead, you’d prefer a shortcut. That’s the thing though, those individuals very rarely make a true name for themselves. Well, they do, but more as a clown than a competitor. And that is the bracket where you reside Gavin, not through my fault, or any of the companies you work for. The reason you haven’t hit the heights you claim to reside, is all down to YOU and you alone. Your bravado covers all of this up, but in the years to come, it’s going to be your biggest regret. And the worst part, it will be held against you forever, all because you didn’t have the work ethic to do something about it.”
(He takes another sip of his drink, preparing his next statement wisely.)
“But hey, what do I know right? I’m sure that already you are preparing one of your ‘legendary’ ripostes, where Shaun Cruze couldn’t possibly know what he is talking about, or that the Cruze family is one of the most overrated wrestling families in the World. I’m sure your reply will be full of sneers, and dismissals, after all that is the Gavin Taylor way. But looking back at the history, Orlando kicked your ass, I’ve kicked your ass, and Owen kicked your ass more times that he cares to remember. Each one of us had more success than you could possibly dream of. And you are potentially the better exponent of the art…
What does that tell you bro?
It tells you that you are doing something wrong, and don’t have the cranial power to admit it. You surround yourself with people that tell you what you want to hear, and when you want to hear it, anything else is just white noise. For nigh on two decades it’s been the same old actions, rinse and repeat, and it’s gotten you nowhere. I’m sorry Gavin, but even you must be able to see that. Or are you blinded that much by your own arrogance, by your own hubris, that you are working on the certainty that eventually everything will fall into place? That’s dangerous logic Gavin, because there are no certainties in this industry. None. Your reputation is worse, because you have never made good on your promises.
Over promised… under delivered.
And yet, my preparation for this match is on point. The reason for that being I have prepared for the competitor you could be, rather than the competitor you are. I’ve scoured the archives for weaknesses, and I have noted your many strengths, even knowing that ultimately none of that knowledge may be required. I’ve prepared for this in a way that is no different than it would be if I was facing the World Champion. I’ve prepared for the All-Star, the Franchise Player... the History Maker, and I’ve done that knowing how dangerous this could be. Ultimately, the stages in our career we are at, victory is more important for you than it is me. Categorically, a loss for me would be less defining than it would be for you. You want Syren… how likely do you think that would be if you lose to the man who Syren defeated only a few weeks ago?”
(Shaun gets to his feet.)
“So, in closing Gavin, if you are looking to ‘Make Gavin Great Again’ by becoming World Champion, I’d argue that you were never great in the first place. Good? Yes. Capable? Yes. But great is a word I could use for very few people and none of them are you. I’m sure there are loads of companies who took a punt on you but just got the same sanctimonious prick as all the others.
How old are you now?
The website says thirty and was updated last year… I’d say your real age is 37, 38 maybe. Certainly not old, and to say so would be hypocritical, but let’s face it… you’ve never actually grown up, so I think it’s a fair assumption that ship has sailed. Everything placed in your hands, the Goon Squad, all the opportunities, and still… well, I don’t want to be rude. There is a difference here though Gavin, between you and me. I don’t have to just talk. I’m more than happy to come to the ring and prove it to you, just like I have done it hundreds of times before. So no, I don’t see you making Gavin great soon. In fact, what I do see in ten years’ time is the same old song and dance we’ve heard for nigh on two decades. Gavin Taylor tells the world that he is and will always be an All-Star and then falls short. Gavin Taylor, the man who took all that obvious wrestling ability, and wasted it for cheap laughs. Gavin Taylor Ladies and Gentlemen… SCW’s version of Sideshow Bob. A watered-down version of Trump but not quite as orange. Gavin Taylor, a man who just like Konrad Raab, needs to know his place. You win the World title, it will be a dark day for SCW, so… I’m going to make sure it doesn’t happen. And hey, what better way to get my own title shot, than to beat the self-proclaimed Greatest in the universe. But you’re not the greatest are you, Gavin. You’re not even close. So I’ll end by putting all this in its simplest terms. You can’t polish a turd. And your shit, my God it stinks.
Time for a clean-up on Aisle One. Courtesy of the Impact Player.”
(Scene fades)
![[Image: Shaun-Cruze.jpg]](https://i.ibb.co/SX5Ng4rx/Shaun-Cruze.jpg)