03-19-2026, 02:39 PM
PRESENT DAY INNER THOUGHTS – OFF CAMERA
Never for a second did I think it was going to be easy. Coming back into a company renowned for its talent, having just had a major refresh, was always going to be difficult. The pool was now hungrier and more desperate for success than every match was a test. I have already faced the World Champion, narrowly losing, and the number one contender, winning by disqualification, and right now I feel closer to my former self than I have ever felt. I felt ready to now push on, and instead of warmups, started contending for titles. I’m not stupid though, I know the World title is out of reach right now. I still had some dues to pay before I reached that level. But one of the so called ‘lesser titles’ something I had never subscribed to, those had to be my targets. Recent actions by some have shown me one thing at least. This whole sneak attack bullshit, I was more than accustomed to. I’m thankful that former enemies had shown up and made sure the damage wasn’t anymore serious. More than that though it showed me something else. These people’s words betrayed them, and ultimately, I was a threat to what they wanted to achieve. Ultimately, they knew that I was ready to get back on the ‘Impact’ trail and once again be the Impact Player. A man I lost so long ago.
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(Having made peace with Angyalka, and found his way back into Dorothea’s life, Shaun felt that finally he had stabilized a ship that was in danger of capsizing. He’d had intrusive thoughts, but never acted on them, the depth of his despair never reached breaking point, but he wasn’t stupid enough to recognize that he had come close. He knew the damage had been done to Angyalka, and a friendship was the best he could now hope for, her pride ensuring she could never go back. But now, for both, it was Dorothea that was the only important thing, and thus Shaun had thrown himself into that. They had rebuilt their relationship through visits, and trips to Dorothea’s favorite places, and slowly but surely everything had normalized. Thanks to Kelcey, Shaun had found his own peace and was now only looking forwards… with just one more bridge to rebuild. The last time he had seen his nephew Owen, it had ended with Owen punching him and sending him overboard, not his finest moment amongst a mountain of embarrassing situations in recent memory. Thankfully, this meeting had been arranged in the Miami branch of ‘Next Level’, which was closed to everyone now except the two of them. Shaun tries the door and it opens into the massive space, a couple of wrestling rings in the far corner. It is in one of these rings that Owen is adjusting the ropes in preparation for a class later. He stops what he is doing to turn to Shaun, sliding off the apron before approaching.)
Owen: Got to admit, I didn’t expect to see you walk through that door
Shaun: Well, sometimes you just got to suck it up. And anyway, prefer to stay dry thanks.
(There is a glimmer of a smile forming on Owen’s face which reassures Shaun a little.)
Owen: Drink?
Shaun: I’ll take a bottle of water if you’ve got one.
(Owen doesn’t say anything but pulls a couple of bottles out a cooler, throwing one over to Shaun. The two of them then walk over to the weights area, both taking a seat.)
Owen: So, would it be presumptuous of me to assume that you’re here to offer an apology? Because if not, I’d don’t think there is much more to say.
(Shaun unscrews the top, taking a sip from the bottle and immediately wishing it was something stronger.)
Shaun: Not presumptuous at all, that’s exactly why I am here.
Owen: I know… I’ve spoken with Angy and Kelcey. Good to know you are getting your shit together.
Shaun: The things I said to you…
(Owen holds up his hand.)
Owen: Look, let me save you the trouble Shaun. Apology accepted, I know you were going through a rough time.
Shaun: That doesn’t excuse it though
Owen: No, it doesn’t… but we wouldn’t be Cruze’s if we didn’t fuck up from time to time, and when I was being a dick, you never gave up on me. I’m just glad that you’ve repaired your relationship with Dorothea and are at least on speaking terms with Angyalka.
Shaun: Well, I gotta say it anyway. I’m sorry Owen.
(Owen now smirks.)
Owen: I’m not sorry for putting you in the ocean… that shit was funny.
(They both shared a laugh, the atmosphere now clear and back to normal they could both relax.)
Owen: So, sorry to ask, but there is no chance you get back with Angyalka?
(Shaun pauses for a moment, wanting to make sure he puts it in the right way.)
Shaun: Honestly Owen, I love Angyalka, truly I do. But even if she wanted something, and know how proud she is, I very much doubt it, I don’t think I can give her what she wants. I know I made a mistake with the affair, and I’ll forever own it, but a true husband wouldn’t have done that. I think it’s best for both of us if we focus on Dorothea, and make sure she has the life she deserves. And she will get that for sure.
Owen: That’s a shame, but I get it
Shaun: Yeah, it seems we are not all family types like you.
Owen: Well, if Dorothea doesn’t suffer, it sits a lot better with me. So, what have you been up to?
Shaun: In all honestly, not a lot more other than spending time with Dorothea. Not a lot more for me to do in all honesty.
Owen: The offer is still there for you to help run this place. We’ve got some proper talent here that you could really shape into something special.
Shaun: That’s really kind of you, but it would be one hell of an undertaking, and I’m not sure I can commit to it. I’d have to move out here, and so I’d be away from Dorothea, hence it doesn’t make any real sense.
Owen: Yeah, I get that. Part-time?
Shaun: You know me Owen, if I’m going to commit to something, I’m not going to do it half-arsed, and those kids deserve better. So, I’m going to stick to my original decision, but thanks anyway.
Owen: So, what do you reckon will be your next move. We both know you can’t just sit still.
Shaun: I’m sure something will come along… maybe I’ll buy back into Impact Media
(Again, they both chuckle, knowing that it was a nonstarter.)
Shaun: Or start a clothing brand… not like the Cruze’s have done that before right?
(Owen smirks, his own clothing brand he’d built with Kloe and then sold having made him a lot of money.)
Shaun: I don’t know, I’m sure something will come up. But right now, I’m happy just the way things are.
(Owen takes a sip of his drink and then places the bottle on the floor. His eyes never leave Shaun, giving Shuan the impression that Owen had something to say.)
Owen: I did hear something that you may be interested in. Something that you could have as little, or as much input as you wanted. I don’t know if it’s true or not, but it might be worth looking into.
Shaun: I’m open to suggestions… if it isn’t an acting part. I think I’ve embarrassed myself in that vocation enough.
Owen: I told you not to play the receptionist in Ghostbusters.
Shaun: Hey, I was the best part of that film I’ll have you know.
Owen: No, seriously though… I was talking to Taylor the other day, and she reckons that Drew is looking for investors.
Shaun: Drew… Bryant
Owen: The very same
Shaun: I’ve not heard that name for ages. What does he need investors for?
(Owen pauses dramatically, before continuing.)
Owen: He’s looking to bring back EMERGE.
(In the not-too-distant past, EMERGE has been a successful alternative to SCW. In fact, there had been many successful EMERGE wrestlers that have gone on to compete for the SCW brand. Shaun couldn’t lie; it was a prospect that excited him. An excitement that he hadn’t felt for the longest time.)
Shaun: That’s interesting.
Owen: Yeah, Taylor reckons that Drew believes he can topple SCW this time, but he doesn’t have the funds to put it all together. These investors are supposed to be silent, but she reckons if someone had experience of running a brand, he might give them some creative lead as well. It could be worth looking into, even if you don’t go for it, and the best part?
Shaun: Go on?
Owen: He’s looking at basing headquarters out of Los Angeles, building a purpose-built arena, just for these events. You could work and never be away from Dorothea… it’s a win / win.
Shaun: It certainly sounds intriguing.
Owen: Something I’ve just thought of. If you did decide to go for it, I’d give you an exclusivity deal. First pick of any of the ‘Next Level’ talent. I know Adam was looking at something similar with EAW, but he’d understand. He benefits either way.
Shaun: And you ‘just’ thought of that huh?
Owen: Hey, we’ve got some real talent here Shaun, but they would still be rookies and EMERGE in the beginning would be a much better learning curve than SCW where they would either sink or swim. EMERGE was always about bringing through talent, it could be that again.
(Shaun ponders on it for a second, going through the positives and negatives in his head. Positives, a job close to home and Dorothea. Huge positives. But it was a just as huge negative weighing on his mind more.)
Shaun: That’s going to take a heck of a lot of funding Owen. The deal I did with Angyalka over the divorce was more beneficial to her than it was me. Dependent on how many investors he has, I could probably cover it, but it would be pretty much everything I have.
Owen: I know… there are no guarantees of success. But there were no guarantees when you very first went into acting, and somehow you became a star. When you wrote and directed Battleground: Earth, there was every chance that it could bomb. Your wrestling career, you were an MMA fighter, you couldn’t have thought you would become World Champion. Impact Media… you won awards for some of the shows and films you produced. I know you have been down on yourself recently, but everything you have ever put your mind to has been a success
Shaun: Except my marriage…
Owen: Well yeah, except that. There’s no harm in going and having a chat with him is there, and who knows, maybe he doesn’t need an investment that’s going to stretch you.
Shaun: Nothing to lose from a conversation
Owen: Exactly. And anyway, did you and Drew used to be good friends? When was the last time you saw him?
Shaun: I think it was when EMERGE closed.
Owen: So maybe the catch up will do you both good.
Shaun: Yeah OK, I’ll get in touch. Nothing to lose.
Owen: Nice one… nothing like hard work to get you back on your feet.
Shaun: Says the guy who has everyone do the hard work for him.
Owen: And they get paid well for doing it as well. Holidays with my family, rest and relaxation, except for the occasional maintenance works on a ring… I can cope with that. I did the hard miles at a young age and now I’m happy to reap the benefits. Twenty-six years old Shaun…
Shaun: I’m jealous
Owen: Don’t blame you, I would be as well. But you can be happy again, I know you can, even if the ‘family life’ isn’t for you, you can still be an amazing Father. And hey, maybe you can be the guy that finally toppled SCW as the behemoth of wrestling.
Shaun: We’ll see
Owen: You’re the Impact Player right… making impacts is what you do.
(Shaun raises his bottle, Owen picks his up and they touch them together.)
Shaun: Oh… don’t suppose you have Drew’s number, do you?
Owen: It just so happens that I do.
(Shaun smirks, knowing that this was exactly what Owen had looked to achieve. Giving Shaun another purpose other than his daughter, a reason to belong. That was exactly what he needed, and maybe bringing back EMERGE was the way. He knew it, everyone knew it. There could never be anything more important in his life than wrestling. Yes, Dorothea was AS important, that went without saying. But since his debut in the Independent Wrestling Cartel, he had lived and breathed the sport. He thought he could walk away from it on many occasions, but each time it had dragged me back. And now, it looks like it was going to do the same again, once again giving him that purpose he needed. He wasn’t stupid, he knew it was almost an illness. He didn’t know why it continued to dominate his mind so. All he knew is that the moment Owen had mentioned the possibilities, his adrenaline had started to pump in a way it hadn’t since almost winning Taking Hold of the Flame and beating Konrad Raab. He was an alcoholic, that was certain, but wrestling was the drug to which he was addicted. The roar of the crowd, the chants, all of it. If he has a chance to be amongst that again, surely, he had to take it. The conversation with Drew would define that, was it a risk that he was willing to take. Already, he thought he knew the answer.
RECORDING – ON CAMERA
(Shaun sits on a simple stool, addressing the camera as it begins to film. There we no bells and whistles to his intro, he was ready to jump straight in. And in his usual confident tone, that is exactly what he does.)
“Ok, let’s all just calm down a little, shall we? Does the Supreme Championship Wrestling universe really believe that I wasn’t expecting to be jumped at some point of proceedings. For weeks now, I have been accused of favoritism because I had a couple of idiots following me around. When they were over-zealous and got into my business, they ‘sorted’ it out, rightly or wrongly. This was the reason that management thought I needed them, because it was obvious the moment I made my return this was going to happen. The biggest problem was that someone, I won’t name names, thought I needed help sorting it out. Of course, the cavalry came to my help a couple of weeks ago. Yes, if they hadn’t the situation could have gotten a lot worse for me and so I was glad of the help. But what people have forgotten is the adage that I have used throughout my entire career, and that is if you don’t kill me, then somewhere down the line you are going to receive the receipt. Gavin Taylor thought he was clever… I call it something else. Gavin Taylor was once again the coward, not capable of getting it done so had to resort to a shot to the Generals. Just focus on that for a second… the number one contender had to kick me in the balls, because he was getting outclassed by someone who isn’t even close to the World title picture…YET. The fact he had to resort to that, and then the extra-curricular showed me in glorious technicolor that he knew he couldn’t beat me, never in a month of Sundays. In the same way he isn’t good enough to beat Syren at Retribution. Like I said, he’s stolen a living now for over a decade, he’s never going to change. So, nothing that happened there surprised me… the only surprise in reality was who came out to make the save. But thinking about it, I should really be surprised, because those that came to the ring may have faults, but they understand respect. Game, knows Game. The Goon Squad should have finished me, but they didn’t. They will pay the piper for those actions… I’ll be the one who delivers, pardon the pun, Retribution.
But I digress.
Because I can hear the ‘bells a ringing’ already.
Shaun Cruze, barely a couple of months since his return, is granted a match in which I could become the next number one contender. Now, let me say it now before someone else does, this is just as much a surprise to me as it is anyone else. I didn’t ask for a chance at a World Title opportunity, I sure as hell haven’t earned one, So why I am in this match considering the wealth of talent on show that lets face it, has earned it far more. I lost to David Stryker a few weeks back, he’d be a decent shout. I could go on and on, but what would be the point? My guess, my three opponents at Retribution have already made their minds up, but I’ll address them directly in my next offering. I got this shot, in certain individuals eyes, because of favoritism, right?
Wrong.
Let’s just back it up for a second, shall we? Point one, this isn’t a shot at the World Championship, I haven’t just been fast tracked to the party of the back of a flawed victory against Gavin Taylor. This is a four way match, thus all our odds are lengthened, I’ve got to do exactly what the three of them must. Point two, there are no guarantees that, like previous weeks, I’m not going to get jumped by the peanut gallery who seem intent on my blood. Point three, well that’s the most obvious one of all Ladies and Gentlemen, and the reason for my inclusion. I may not like it, but heck, it is what it is. I’m in this match, because whether I am competing at the top of my game or not, my name IS Shaun Cruze. When it comes to these corridors, just like Glory Braddock, I’m someone who has seen and done it all. Have I reached the heights required to be World Champion… absolutely not. But like it or not, Shaun Cruze on the nameplate of the SCW World Championship would be a heck of a draw for this company. You think the management is showing me favoritism… I’d argue that they are looking on me like I am a gigantic dollar sign.
And no, that isn’t the way things should be, and I’m sorry, but that is the way it is. My name generates a reaction, and that’s not arrogance, it the cold hard facts behind what my career has been when it comes to this company and it’s immediate rivals. I’m probably going into this match with the least momentum out of all of us, am I favorite to win? Probably not. But that’s not going to stop the board from doing what they are paid to do and make the big bucks.
And no matter what you all think, none of the negativity is going to stop me from doing my job either. There’s a lesson for you all in this one, you NEVER look a gift horse in the mouth. Whatever you think, whatever you believe, opportunities like this are only there to be won. I’ve got my thoughts on my opponents which I will share later, but regardless of what I have said before, for varying reasons, this match IS winnable. So just think about that for a second, because we all know Syren will deal with Gavin. Think of the hype behind Syren versus Shaun Cruze for the World Championship. THAT is why I am here. And no matter what you think, no matter what you believe, my name HAS been earned. I’m not some fly by night or got a career of the back of my brothers name. Orlando did a lot, Owen the same… but one Cruze surpassed them both by winning more. That, is what my opponents must contend with. Win or lose, I’m giving it my all. Win or lose, no one is having this easy when I step into that ring. I’m here, I’m willing and eager to see if my best is now enough. You might not like me here… but you have no other choice than to deal with it.”
(Scene fades)
Never for a second did I think it was going to be easy. Coming back into a company renowned for its talent, having just had a major refresh, was always going to be difficult. The pool was now hungrier and more desperate for success than every match was a test. I have already faced the World Champion, narrowly losing, and the number one contender, winning by disqualification, and right now I feel closer to my former self than I have ever felt. I felt ready to now push on, and instead of warmups, started contending for titles. I’m not stupid though, I know the World title is out of reach right now. I still had some dues to pay before I reached that level. But one of the so called ‘lesser titles’ something I had never subscribed to, those had to be my targets. Recent actions by some have shown me one thing at least. This whole sneak attack bullshit, I was more than accustomed to. I’m thankful that former enemies had shown up and made sure the damage wasn’t anymore serious. More than that though it showed me something else. These people’s words betrayed them, and ultimately, I was a threat to what they wanted to achieve. Ultimately, they knew that I was ready to get back on the ‘Impact’ trail and once again be the Impact Player. A man I lost so long ago.
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(Having made peace with Angyalka, and found his way back into Dorothea’s life, Shaun felt that finally he had stabilized a ship that was in danger of capsizing. He’d had intrusive thoughts, but never acted on them, the depth of his despair never reached breaking point, but he wasn’t stupid enough to recognize that he had come close. He knew the damage had been done to Angyalka, and a friendship was the best he could now hope for, her pride ensuring she could never go back. But now, for both, it was Dorothea that was the only important thing, and thus Shaun had thrown himself into that. They had rebuilt their relationship through visits, and trips to Dorothea’s favorite places, and slowly but surely everything had normalized. Thanks to Kelcey, Shaun had found his own peace and was now only looking forwards… with just one more bridge to rebuild. The last time he had seen his nephew Owen, it had ended with Owen punching him and sending him overboard, not his finest moment amongst a mountain of embarrassing situations in recent memory. Thankfully, this meeting had been arranged in the Miami branch of ‘Next Level’, which was closed to everyone now except the two of them. Shaun tries the door and it opens into the massive space, a couple of wrestling rings in the far corner. It is in one of these rings that Owen is adjusting the ropes in preparation for a class later. He stops what he is doing to turn to Shaun, sliding off the apron before approaching.)
Owen: Got to admit, I didn’t expect to see you walk through that door
Shaun: Well, sometimes you just got to suck it up. And anyway, prefer to stay dry thanks.
(There is a glimmer of a smile forming on Owen’s face which reassures Shaun a little.)
Owen: Drink?
Shaun: I’ll take a bottle of water if you’ve got one.
(Owen doesn’t say anything but pulls a couple of bottles out a cooler, throwing one over to Shaun. The two of them then walk over to the weights area, both taking a seat.)
Owen: So, would it be presumptuous of me to assume that you’re here to offer an apology? Because if not, I’d don’t think there is much more to say.
(Shaun unscrews the top, taking a sip from the bottle and immediately wishing it was something stronger.)
Shaun: Not presumptuous at all, that’s exactly why I am here.
Owen: I know… I’ve spoken with Angy and Kelcey. Good to know you are getting your shit together.
Shaun: The things I said to you…
(Owen holds up his hand.)
Owen: Look, let me save you the trouble Shaun. Apology accepted, I know you were going through a rough time.
Shaun: That doesn’t excuse it though
Owen: No, it doesn’t… but we wouldn’t be Cruze’s if we didn’t fuck up from time to time, and when I was being a dick, you never gave up on me. I’m just glad that you’ve repaired your relationship with Dorothea and are at least on speaking terms with Angyalka.
Shaun: Well, I gotta say it anyway. I’m sorry Owen.
(Owen now smirks.)
Owen: I’m not sorry for putting you in the ocean… that shit was funny.
(They both shared a laugh, the atmosphere now clear and back to normal they could both relax.)
Owen: So, sorry to ask, but there is no chance you get back with Angyalka?
(Shaun pauses for a moment, wanting to make sure he puts it in the right way.)
Shaun: Honestly Owen, I love Angyalka, truly I do. But even if she wanted something, and know how proud she is, I very much doubt it, I don’t think I can give her what she wants. I know I made a mistake with the affair, and I’ll forever own it, but a true husband wouldn’t have done that. I think it’s best for both of us if we focus on Dorothea, and make sure she has the life she deserves. And she will get that for sure.
Owen: That’s a shame, but I get it
Shaun: Yeah, it seems we are not all family types like you.
Owen: Well, if Dorothea doesn’t suffer, it sits a lot better with me. So, what have you been up to?
Shaun: In all honestly, not a lot more other than spending time with Dorothea. Not a lot more for me to do in all honesty.
Owen: The offer is still there for you to help run this place. We’ve got some proper talent here that you could really shape into something special.
Shaun: That’s really kind of you, but it would be one hell of an undertaking, and I’m not sure I can commit to it. I’d have to move out here, and so I’d be away from Dorothea, hence it doesn’t make any real sense.
Owen: Yeah, I get that. Part-time?
Shaun: You know me Owen, if I’m going to commit to something, I’m not going to do it half-arsed, and those kids deserve better. So, I’m going to stick to my original decision, but thanks anyway.
Owen: So, what do you reckon will be your next move. We both know you can’t just sit still.
Shaun: I’m sure something will come along… maybe I’ll buy back into Impact Media
(Again, they both chuckle, knowing that it was a nonstarter.)
Shaun: Or start a clothing brand… not like the Cruze’s have done that before right?
(Owen smirks, his own clothing brand he’d built with Kloe and then sold having made him a lot of money.)
Shaun: I don’t know, I’m sure something will come up. But right now, I’m happy just the way things are.
(Owen takes a sip of his drink and then places the bottle on the floor. His eyes never leave Shaun, giving Shuan the impression that Owen had something to say.)
Owen: I did hear something that you may be interested in. Something that you could have as little, or as much input as you wanted. I don’t know if it’s true or not, but it might be worth looking into.
Shaun: I’m open to suggestions… if it isn’t an acting part. I think I’ve embarrassed myself in that vocation enough.
Owen: I told you not to play the receptionist in Ghostbusters.
Shaun: Hey, I was the best part of that film I’ll have you know.
Owen: No, seriously though… I was talking to Taylor the other day, and she reckons that Drew is looking for investors.
Shaun: Drew… Bryant
Owen: The very same
Shaun: I’ve not heard that name for ages. What does he need investors for?
(Owen pauses dramatically, before continuing.)
Owen: He’s looking to bring back EMERGE.
(In the not-too-distant past, EMERGE has been a successful alternative to SCW. In fact, there had been many successful EMERGE wrestlers that have gone on to compete for the SCW brand. Shaun couldn’t lie; it was a prospect that excited him. An excitement that he hadn’t felt for the longest time.)
Shaun: That’s interesting.
Owen: Yeah, Taylor reckons that Drew believes he can topple SCW this time, but he doesn’t have the funds to put it all together. These investors are supposed to be silent, but she reckons if someone had experience of running a brand, he might give them some creative lead as well. It could be worth looking into, even if you don’t go for it, and the best part?
Shaun: Go on?
Owen: He’s looking at basing headquarters out of Los Angeles, building a purpose-built arena, just for these events. You could work and never be away from Dorothea… it’s a win / win.
Shaun: It certainly sounds intriguing.
Owen: Something I’ve just thought of. If you did decide to go for it, I’d give you an exclusivity deal. First pick of any of the ‘Next Level’ talent. I know Adam was looking at something similar with EAW, but he’d understand. He benefits either way.
Shaun: And you ‘just’ thought of that huh?
Owen: Hey, we’ve got some real talent here Shaun, but they would still be rookies and EMERGE in the beginning would be a much better learning curve than SCW where they would either sink or swim. EMERGE was always about bringing through talent, it could be that again.
(Shaun ponders on it for a second, going through the positives and negatives in his head. Positives, a job close to home and Dorothea. Huge positives. But it was a just as huge negative weighing on his mind more.)
Shaun: That’s going to take a heck of a lot of funding Owen. The deal I did with Angyalka over the divorce was more beneficial to her than it was me. Dependent on how many investors he has, I could probably cover it, but it would be pretty much everything I have.
Owen: I know… there are no guarantees of success. But there were no guarantees when you very first went into acting, and somehow you became a star. When you wrote and directed Battleground: Earth, there was every chance that it could bomb. Your wrestling career, you were an MMA fighter, you couldn’t have thought you would become World Champion. Impact Media… you won awards for some of the shows and films you produced. I know you have been down on yourself recently, but everything you have ever put your mind to has been a success
Shaun: Except my marriage…
Owen: Well yeah, except that. There’s no harm in going and having a chat with him is there, and who knows, maybe he doesn’t need an investment that’s going to stretch you.
Shaun: Nothing to lose from a conversation
Owen: Exactly. And anyway, did you and Drew used to be good friends? When was the last time you saw him?
Shaun: I think it was when EMERGE closed.
Owen: So maybe the catch up will do you both good.
Shaun: Yeah OK, I’ll get in touch. Nothing to lose.
Owen: Nice one… nothing like hard work to get you back on your feet.
Shaun: Says the guy who has everyone do the hard work for him.
Owen: And they get paid well for doing it as well. Holidays with my family, rest and relaxation, except for the occasional maintenance works on a ring… I can cope with that. I did the hard miles at a young age and now I’m happy to reap the benefits. Twenty-six years old Shaun…
Shaun: I’m jealous
Owen: Don’t blame you, I would be as well. But you can be happy again, I know you can, even if the ‘family life’ isn’t for you, you can still be an amazing Father. And hey, maybe you can be the guy that finally toppled SCW as the behemoth of wrestling.
Shaun: We’ll see
Owen: You’re the Impact Player right… making impacts is what you do.
(Shaun raises his bottle, Owen picks his up and they touch them together.)
Shaun: Oh… don’t suppose you have Drew’s number, do you?
Owen: It just so happens that I do.
(Shaun smirks, knowing that this was exactly what Owen had looked to achieve. Giving Shaun another purpose other than his daughter, a reason to belong. That was exactly what he needed, and maybe bringing back EMERGE was the way. He knew it, everyone knew it. There could never be anything more important in his life than wrestling. Yes, Dorothea was AS important, that went without saying. But since his debut in the Independent Wrestling Cartel, he had lived and breathed the sport. He thought he could walk away from it on many occasions, but each time it had dragged me back. And now, it looks like it was going to do the same again, once again giving him that purpose he needed. He wasn’t stupid, he knew it was almost an illness. He didn’t know why it continued to dominate his mind so. All he knew is that the moment Owen had mentioned the possibilities, his adrenaline had started to pump in a way it hadn’t since almost winning Taking Hold of the Flame and beating Konrad Raab. He was an alcoholic, that was certain, but wrestling was the drug to which he was addicted. The roar of the crowd, the chants, all of it. If he has a chance to be amongst that again, surely, he had to take it. The conversation with Drew would define that, was it a risk that he was willing to take. Already, he thought he knew the answer.
RECORDING – ON CAMERA
(Shaun sits on a simple stool, addressing the camera as it begins to film. There we no bells and whistles to his intro, he was ready to jump straight in. And in his usual confident tone, that is exactly what he does.)
“Ok, let’s all just calm down a little, shall we? Does the Supreme Championship Wrestling universe really believe that I wasn’t expecting to be jumped at some point of proceedings. For weeks now, I have been accused of favoritism because I had a couple of idiots following me around. When they were over-zealous and got into my business, they ‘sorted’ it out, rightly or wrongly. This was the reason that management thought I needed them, because it was obvious the moment I made my return this was going to happen. The biggest problem was that someone, I won’t name names, thought I needed help sorting it out. Of course, the cavalry came to my help a couple of weeks ago. Yes, if they hadn’t the situation could have gotten a lot worse for me and so I was glad of the help. But what people have forgotten is the adage that I have used throughout my entire career, and that is if you don’t kill me, then somewhere down the line you are going to receive the receipt. Gavin Taylor thought he was clever… I call it something else. Gavin Taylor was once again the coward, not capable of getting it done so had to resort to a shot to the Generals. Just focus on that for a second… the number one contender had to kick me in the balls, because he was getting outclassed by someone who isn’t even close to the World title picture…YET. The fact he had to resort to that, and then the extra-curricular showed me in glorious technicolor that he knew he couldn’t beat me, never in a month of Sundays. In the same way he isn’t good enough to beat Syren at Retribution. Like I said, he’s stolen a living now for over a decade, he’s never going to change. So, nothing that happened there surprised me… the only surprise in reality was who came out to make the save. But thinking about it, I should really be surprised, because those that came to the ring may have faults, but they understand respect. Game, knows Game. The Goon Squad should have finished me, but they didn’t. They will pay the piper for those actions… I’ll be the one who delivers, pardon the pun, Retribution.
But I digress.
Because I can hear the ‘bells a ringing’ already.
Shaun Cruze, barely a couple of months since his return, is granted a match in which I could become the next number one contender. Now, let me say it now before someone else does, this is just as much a surprise to me as it is anyone else. I didn’t ask for a chance at a World Title opportunity, I sure as hell haven’t earned one, So why I am in this match considering the wealth of talent on show that lets face it, has earned it far more. I lost to David Stryker a few weeks back, he’d be a decent shout. I could go on and on, but what would be the point? My guess, my three opponents at Retribution have already made their minds up, but I’ll address them directly in my next offering. I got this shot, in certain individuals eyes, because of favoritism, right?
Wrong.
Let’s just back it up for a second, shall we? Point one, this isn’t a shot at the World Championship, I haven’t just been fast tracked to the party of the back of a flawed victory against Gavin Taylor. This is a four way match, thus all our odds are lengthened, I’ve got to do exactly what the three of them must. Point two, there are no guarantees that, like previous weeks, I’m not going to get jumped by the peanut gallery who seem intent on my blood. Point three, well that’s the most obvious one of all Ladies and Gentlemen, and the reason for my inclusion. I may not like it, but heck, it is what it is. I’m in this match, because whether I am competing at the top of my game or not, my name IS Shaun Cruze. When it comes to these corridors, just like Glory Braddock, I’m someone who has seen and done it all. Have I reached the heights required to be World Champion… absolutely not. But like it or not, Shaun Cruze on the nameplate of the SCW World Championship would be a heck of a draw for this company. You think the management is showing me favoritism… I’d argue that they are looking on me like I am a gigantic dollar sign.
And no, that isn’t the way things should be, and I’m sorry, but that is the way it is. My name generates a reaction, and that’s not arrogance, it the cold hard facts behind what my career has been when it comes to this company and it’s immediate rivals. I’m probably going into this match with the least momentum out of all of us, am I favorite to win? Probably not. But that’s not going to stop the board from doing what they are paid to do and make the big bucks.
And no matter what you all think, none of the negativity is going to stop me from doing my job either. There’s a lesson for you all in this one, you NEVER look a gift horse in the mouth. Whatever you think, whatever you believe, opportunities like this are only there to be won. I’ve got my thoughts on my opponents which I will share later, but regardless of what I have said before, for varying reasons, this match IS winnable. So just think about that for a second, because we all know Syren will deal with Gavin. Think of the hype behind Syren versus Shaun Cruze for the World Championship. THAT is why I am here. And no matter what you think, no matter what you believe, my name HAS been earned. I’m not some fly by night or got a career of the back of my brothers name. Orlando did a lot, Owen the same… but one Cruze surpassed them both by winning more. That, is what my opponents must contend with. Win or lose, I’m giving it my all. Win or lose, no one is having this easy when I step into that ring. I’m here, I’m willing and eager to see if my best is now enough. You might not like me here… but you have no other choice than to deal with it.”
(Scene fades)
![[Image: Shaun-Cruze.jpg]](https://i.ibb.co/SX5Ng4rx/Shaun-Cruze.jpg)