11 hours ago
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(Drew was ecstatic at the news that Shaun was back on board, even more so when he was willing to put up all the money without any shortfall. As such, it meant it was full steam ahead on not only the building, but starting to consider who would form a roster when EMERGE finally launched. With that in mind, Shaun had wanted one final look around the building, making sure that if there was something he wanted a say on, he made it clear now.)
Drew: So, if we make those small amendments, you think we can make the place look convincing on launch.
Shaun: Yeah, I reckon with the right lighting effects we can cover up any discrepancies and fix those once the money starts coming in.
Drew: And Owen is still happy to provide some of his students for launch?
Shaun: Yep, and I’ve called in a few favors as well… might be able to pull in a few surprise guests from EMERGE past.
Drew: Oh, who?
Shaun: Don’t want to get your hopes up, but a former EMERGE champion may well be on the cards if she can be persuaded
Drew: It can’t be… surely not… no way will we have…
Shaun: I’m saying nothing until we have a few more details. Like for instance, when do you think the place will be ready to go?
Drew: I’ve given it some thought, and I reckon we could launch the week before SCW’s Rise to Greatness and try to use some of their momentum. Let them know we are here.
Shaun: And you don’t think we’ll get lost in the noise?
Drew: Not at all… have a bit more confidence bro, people are crying out for something different, and we are going to give it to them. I reckon if we can steal some of their thunder, it will give us a footing to build off.
Shaun: Fair enough… now, you were talking about contracts?
Drew: Yes, thank you for reminding me. It’s just a standard contract, highlighting the terms of our agreement and the split on any profits. I’ve also put in there an equal say in the creative side, with a note that you being the General Manager is an on-screen persona in reality… just to cover my back I’m sure you understand. I’m assuming you have a lawyer…
Shaun: I do
Drew: Well, if you give me the email address, I’ll get the draft sent across to them to look it over, just so we both know everything is above board.
Shaun: I appreciate that.
Drew: I know we go way back, but I’m mindful how much money you’re putting up.
Shaun: Don’t worry… I had a chat with Angyalka who reminded me why I do things… money isn’t everything
Drew: I wish I thought that way
‘Ah, so this much be the Shaun Cruze I’ve heard so much about’
(They both turn to face a man in a business suit walking towards them. He was probably around his late thirties and gave the impression of a man who probably drove a flash car.)
Drew: Shaun, this is Kai… he owns the building.
(Kai holds out his hand to Shaun and they shake.)
Shaun: It’s good of you to do this, very generous.
Kai: Not really… it would be just stood here doing nothing otherwise. Had every intention of building property on the land, but the district wouldn’t give me planning permission so I kind of lost interest. At least if you fella’s use it, the value of it might go up when you move out and into a bigger space, and I may just turn a profit.
Shaun: Still, we appreciate the gesture.
Kai: As I appreciate Drew giving me a stake in the project. I may well profit twice if you guys know what you are doing.
Drew: Oh, we do… and Shaun is one of the biggest names in the business.
Kai: Is that so? Afraid I’ve never been a wrestling fan… Mom, Dad and my siblings tended to be football fans. Thought wrestling was just grown men prancing around in spandex to be honest… no offence.
(Both Drew and Shaun laugh.)
Shaun: Not the first time I’ve heard that. But you should try it someday, you might be surprised just how highly skilled athletes’ wrestlers can be.
Kai: I reckon I’ll give it a miss… I get more than my share of headaches from my line of work without letting some greased-up gorilla drop a chair on my noggin. Thanks for the invitation though.
(Shaun grins, Kai’s opinion of wrestling obviously coming from a place three decades ago.)
Kai: Anyhow, I got a meeting to attend, and I need a flat white inside me before I be dealing with those clowns. Good to meet you Shaun and can’t wait to see what you guys do with the place.
Shaun: Likewise
(Drew and Shaun watch as he walks off, Drew then turning to Shaun.)
Drew: So, anymore questions…
Shaun: None, get the contracts over and I’ll get them to take a look asap. Barring anything out of the ordinary I’ll get them signed. Then it’s just where to send the money.
Drew: I’m just in the process of getting the EMERGE business account set up… once I have those details, I’ll text them over.
Shaun: That’s it then, seems like we are almost all set. I’ll get in touch with Owen and see who he will have available for the first show.
Drew: Great. This is going to be amazing Shaun, I know it is. And I just want to say… thank you. Bringing EMERGE back was always a dream of mine, and without you, I’m not sure I could have made it happen.
Shaun: My pleasure… happy to be able to give something back to the industry, and if we can rattle the cage of SCW at the same time… all the better.
(The two fist bump, Drew walking off but Shaun taking a moment just to look back into the arena. This was it, the new beginning that it was after, a new era. And if he had anything to do with it, a new Impact. Scene fades.)
RECORDING – ON CAMERA
(Shaun sits with his back to the camera, as it slowly pans around to face him. He nods an acknowledgment of us being there, before clearing his throat with a cough. Then, with a hint of a grin on his face, he starts to speak in his usual confident tone.)
“If I was to receive a grade for my results thus far since my return to SCW, how do you think I would score?
C- maybe?
One thing is for certain I wouldn’t be troubling a ‘A’ or indeed a distinction, because I have lost more matches than I have won. I’ve been on the back end of more defeats than I would like to admit. But do you know why that factual evidence doesn’t trouble me? It’s simple, my performances have been up there, touching those ‘A’ stars that the main eventers should have in their locker. In short, the performances have warranted more than I’ve been getting. Syren, the former World Champion had to put on one of the matches of the year to get past me at Fatal Fortunes. Just a couple of weeks back at Retribution, we saw someone put on a breakout performance to claim the number one contendership. The current World Champion, I’ve beaten him already, but please, don’t think I’m putting this down to a lack of luck. Nah, the reason I lost the matches I did was down to one of two things… either I’m not good enough to reach the top in this company again, or something is missing. I KNOW I’m good enough, because I’ve proven it in the short time, I’ve been back. What I don’t know, at least right now, is what I lack. And that Ladies and Gentlemen is the question I must answer, before I ever come anywhere close to a Championship shot again. I need to find out what it is that I’ve lost during my time aware from competitive action, because the excuse of ring rust is not longer relevant. Right now, I’m not the complete package, and I refuse to accept it’s due to my time away from this company… I just need to find out what it is.
It sure as hell isn’t hunger.
Because that is something that has been thrown at me more times than I care to mention. A ridiculous statement that cannot seriously or factually be stated by anyone on this or any roster. To say that, is to ignore everything I, or indeed my family did for this company and the others for which we were employed. Many people can say they are driven or indeed want it more than another. But one thing that the Cruze family has never lacked is drive… no matter what that ‘driver’ was. For Orlando, there is no question that he was driven by the financial aspect, and the status of being an Icon. For Owen, it was about being known as the greatest part of the Cruze legacy, and to do things that Orlando and I ever could. What drove me? The need to make this industry better, the love of the business. And yes, that sounds cringey, I know it does, but it is undeniably true. Is it that which drives me now? No, it isn’t. This business has taken from me more than anyone in this match could possibly imagine or understand. The reason I compete now is far simpler than it ever was. I have no choice. Without this business, this industry… I have nothing. I am no different, to those currently scratching their way to the top like our impressive number one contender who stunned a lot of people at Retribution but not me. Yes, I have tasted the sweet heights before, but it doesn’t diminish the need to gorge on them again. I have all the hunger in the world because without this company, I have nothing. I need to be the World Champion again, or else I achieved nothing.”
(There is an obvious emotion in his words, and those that didn’t know his story, and what he had been through while he was away would no doubt dismiss them out of turn. The fire that had burned before was perhaps even brighter than ever before because there was literally no back up plan.)
“That’s why, although on face value this tag match seems a little misplaced, I feel that I am teaming with perhaps the perfect partner this Breakdown. See, after much soul searching and analyzing the footage, I think I have an idea where I have been failing. I’ve stated before, I’ve never been the most accomplished wrestling in the world, but I made a name based on needing just the one opportunity. Look back over those matches I have lost, even at Retribution. You’ll see it as clearly as I do now. I had the chances to put all my opponents away, but I didn’t take them. A decade ago, I would have won ALL those matches, I know I would. What I believe I am lacking three months into my return, is the killer instinct that always served me so well.”
(He chuckles to himself.)
“And Kim, that is where you come in, because if anyone has that instinct in spades it is your good self. Strange isn’t it Kim, given our history, that it is you that is going to place me firmly back on the straight and narrow. If I’m going to make a success of this return, it’s that ‘bite’ that’s been lacking, and YOU Kim, can show me the way. Because let me tell you this right now, going back to that history, our opponents are relying on you and I not being able to co-exist. And I don’t blame them to be fair… when I was General Manager, you and I never saw eye to eye. As competitors in various companies, I can’t recall a time when we have even come close to being on the same page. Truthfully Kim, you’ve always gone rogue, looked out for number one, the security blanket you’ve used for years, so why would this match be any different. You’re hatred for our opponents and what they stand for. The need to embellish your enemies with pain. You know full well what I am all about Kim, I’m not someone known for their disloyalty. You know that I will hold up my end of the bargain, and do everything I can to claim victory, because I’m not an egotistical prick, no matter how much you joke about it. And ultimately Kim, I think you’d have to go a long way to find two individuals that, deep down, love this industry more than the two of us. Polly and Dawn are relying on us not to come together when it matters, because they know it’s the only chance they have of victory. They know that the sum of their parts doesn’t even come close to matching ours. You and I have had our differences, I doubt you’ve ever called me by my proper name, preferring to use all your aliases for me, but when all is said and done, you know just as much as I do, the two of them need to be put down. Like the rabid bitches that they are.”
(He pauses at that moment, allowing it to sink in with the one person that mattered. Kim. He then takes a breath before starting to speak again.)
“Polly, I’m sorry but you are never going to change, no matter how long you have been in this industry right now. The things you are saying now are literally no different to the stuff you were saying to Owen just a few years ago. You came in with this whole, jovial, fun gimmick, now you act like you are some kind of bad ass, threatening to ‘kick my ass again’ on Breakdown, in a failed attempt to get a rise out of me. The thing is, no matter how you speak or react, I’m still only going to look at you one way. Like a little yappy chihuahua that won’t shut the hell up. Six years ago, your bark was far worse than your bite. Back to present day, and it’s all still the same bullshit. Even your own biography speaks of the ‘glass ceiling’ you’ve been unable to break. You’ve never considered, not even once, that the reason that ceiling hasn’t been smashed could be you. OK, your ‘partner’ this week might have messed up your opportunity to finally put an accolade on the table by winning the Adrenaline Championship. But the reality is, and I’m not saying anything that anyone else isn’t thinking, no one believed you’d win… especially Dawn Lohan. Because Dawn, welcome back by the way, you chose that moment, just as Deanna was about to pick up the pinfall, simply because it was the most opportune moment for Dawn Lohan to pick up the spotlight. For as long as I can remember, the Lohan family has forever been about having the attention on them, so why was your return going to be any different? And as for this ‘clear the air’ statement towards Polly, if she believes that, then she’s not only writing cheques her abilities can’t cash, but she’s also one of the stupidest individuals on this roster. Look, girls, it’s as simple as this. Everyone on this roster has ability, because if they didn’t, they wouldn’t be here. SCW didn’t get to the top of the game by backing those that couldn’t cut the mustard. I’m not going to berate either of you about a lack of talent, though yes, I did say Polly wasn’t good enough to beat Deanna, and that is the truth. SCW superstars are born because they have MORE than just ability. The best competitors in this company can gauge a situation, and if Polly can’t see that Dawn Lohan is out for one person and one person alone, she only must listen to her words directed towards her. Lohan’s want the limelight to themselves… period. But Lohan’s also categorically can NEVER be trusted. So, Polly, if you are of the opinion that Kim and I are going to implode, I’d look a little closer to home. I’d be asking the question Why? I’ll tell you why… you’re of use to her. She’d rather you, be the Adrenaline Champion, because she believes SHE is better than you. But she isn’t better than Deanna Frost either… the two of you… two peas in a pod. Two Chihuahuas who shouldn’t be let off their leash.”
(Shaun pauses for a sip of water, his eyes however never leaving the camera. Once done, he places the glass down and continues.)
“Then again Polly, it seems you have decided you like the leash, selling out where I refused too. Allowing yourself to be Frank Delatosso’s pet. I get it though Polly, I know why you have done it. Outwardly, you have all the faith in the world in yourself, but behind closed doors it’s a different story. Six years you’ve done this, six years. You’re not a rookie anymore Polly. Frank doesn’t see ‘potential’… how can that be after how long you’ve been a pro. It’s that kind of statement that makes it clear, you’re confidence is shot, and getting involved with someone like Frank, is a last, desperate throw of the dice. Six years, and a serious athlete, is talking about mentorship. Six years, and someone who once had a following, sell out her soul. On Breakdown, I told you to keep getting back up, remember. Right there, I overtook Frank in the ‘mentor’ stakes by giving you decent advice. Here’s some more… you EVER try to blindside me with a Chick Kick again… I won’t just push you away. The only card you hold sunshine… is the Joker.
And I’ll end this particular narrative with you Dawn, because no matter what I, or indeed the SCW Universe thinks about you, there is nothing to be gained by not taking you as seriously as your career demands. You’ve been the SCW World Champion, I remember looking on with a smile on my face when it happened. You ARE a dangerous individual whose threats should be considered by Deanna.
But…
Your wants and needs are currently nothing to do with me. It is not in your best interests, if what you say is true, to create a scenario whereby I become a part of your business. You’re not blindsided by ignorance like Polly, you know full well what Kim and I can do individually, never mind what could happen if we co-operate. What you are about to say next will be telling. It will also tell me if your return will be over before it even started. Thanks to the Lohan attribute number three… bad choices. You’ve already got Kim salivating at the thought of taking your down. I’m sure there are countless on this roster, enemies just waiting in the wings. You don’t need me as your enemy as well. And that isn’t a threat, I don’t make threats. You come for me Dawn or try to use me as a means to an end, and I will take you down. This is just a match… a chance for me to find that missing link. And prove to the world that the killer instinct that made me wasn’t missing, it was only dormant. Sleeping, until the most opportune moment. Because there is nothing that gets the juices going than a Cruze taking a stand against bullshit. Nothing that gets the adrenaline flowing, more than taking down those that think of themselves bigger than the company, or indeed the industry. Maybe Kimberley Williams and Shaun Cruze teaming up won’t be a one-time thing. What is it she says again? Ah yes… Revengers Assemble…”
(He grins.)
“I said I’d reach the top again. I said that I would once again be World Champion. I said I would reclaim my name, the Impact Player. I thought I’d do it simply by climbing the ladder, proving myself, re-inventing myself along the way, but perhaps, just maybe, there is an easier method. That method?”
(He nods his head, the grin turning into a more determined look.)
“Taking out the trash… starting April 16th, live from Los Angeles, California. My hometown. The Impact Player v2 arrives.”
(Scene fades.)
(Drew was ecstatic at the news that Shaun was back on board, even more so when he was willing to put up all the money without any shortfall. As such, it meant it was full steam ahead on not only the building, but starting to consider who would form a roster when EMERGE finally launched. With that in mind, Shaun had wanted one final look around the building, making sure that if there was something he wanted a say on, he made it clear now.)
Drew: So, if we make those small amendments, you think we can make the place look convincing on launch.
Shaun: Yeah, I reckon with the right lighting effects we can cover up any discrepancies and fix those once the money starts coming in.
Drew: And Owen is still happy to provide some of his students for launch?
Shaun: Yep, and I’ve called in a few favors as well… might be able to pull in a few surprise guests from EMERGE past.
Drew: Oh, who?
Shaun: Don’t want to get your hopes up, but a former EMERGE champion may well be on the cards if she can be persuaded
Drew: It can’t be… surely not… no way will we have…
Shaun: I’m saying nothing until we have a few more details. Like for instance, when do you think the place will be ready to go?
Drew: I’ve given it some thought, and I reckon we could launch the week before SCW’s Rise to Greatness and try to use some of their momentum. Let them know we are here.
Shaun: And you don’t think we’ll get lost in the noise?
Drew: Not at all… have a bit more confidence bro, people are crying out for something different, and we are going to give it to them. I reckon if we can steal some of their thunder, it will give us a footing to build off.
Shaun: Fair enough… now, you were talking about contracts?
Drew: Yes, thank you for reminding me. It’s just a standard contract, highlighting the terms of our agreement and the split on any profits. I’ve also put in there an equal say in the creative side, with a note that you being the General Manager is an on-screen persona in reality… just to cover my back I’m sure you understand. I’m assuming you have a lawyer…
Shaun: I do
Drew: Well, if you give me the email address, I’ll get the draft sent across to them to look it over, just so we both know everything is above board.
Shaun: I appreciate that.
Drew: I know we go way back, but I’m mindful how much money you’re putting up.
Shaun: Don’t worry… I had a chat with Angyalka who reminded me why I do things… money isn’t everything
Drew: I wish I thought that way
‘Ah, so this much be the Shaun Cruze I’ve heard so much about’
(They both turn to face a man in a business suit walking towards them. He was probably around his late thirties and gave the impression of a man who probably drove a flash car.)
Drew: Shaun, this is Kai… he owns the building.
(Kai holds out his hand to Shaun and they shake.)
Shaun: It’s good of you to do this, very generous.
Kai: Not really… it would be just stood here doing nothing otherwise. Had every intention of building property on the land, but the district wouldn’t give me planning permission so I kind of lost interest. At least if you fella’s use it, the value of it might go up when you move out and into a bigger space, and I may just turn a profit.
Shaun: Still, we appreciate the gesture.
Kai: As I appreciate Drew giving me a stake in the project. I may well profit twice if you guys know what you are doing.
Drew: Oh, we do… and Shaun is one of the biggest names in the business.
Kai: Is that so? Afraid I’ve never been a wrestling fan… Mom, Dad and my siblings tended to be football fans. Thought wrestling was just grown men prancing around in spandex to be honest… no offence.
(Both Drew and Shaun laugh.)
Shaun: Not the first time I’ve heard that. But you should try it someday, you might be surprised just how highly skilled athletes’ wrestlers can be.
Kai: I reckon I’ll give it a miss… I get more than my share of headaches from my line of work without letting some greased-up gorilla drop a chair on my noggin. Thanks for the invitation though.
(Shaun grins, Kai’s opinion of wrestling obviously coming from a place three decades ago.)
Kai: Anyhow, I got a meeting to attend, and I need a flat white inside me before I be dealing with those clowns. Good to meet you Shaun and can’t wait to see what you guys do with the place.
Shaun: Likewise
(Drew and Shaun watch as he walks off, Drew then turning to Shaun.)
Drew: So, anymore questions…
Shaun: None, get the contracts over and I’ll get them to take a look asap. Barring anything out of the ordinary I’ll get them signed. Then it’s just where to send the money.
Drew: I’m just in the process of getting the EMERGE business account set up… once I have those details, I’ll text them over.
Shaun: That’s it then, seems like we are almost all set. I’ll get in touch with Owen and see who he will have available for the first show.
Drew: Great. This is going to be amazing Shaun, I know it is. And I just want to say… thank you. Bringing EMERGE back was always a dream of mine, and without you, I’m not sure I could have made it happen.
Shaun: My pleasure… happy to be able to give something back to the industry, and if we can rattle the cage of SCW at the same time… all the better.
(The two fist bump, Drew walking off but Shaun taking a moment just to look back into the arena. This was it, the new beginning that it was after, a new era. And if he had anything to do with it, a new Impact. Scene fades.)
RECORDING – ON CAMERA
(Shaun sits with his back to the camera, as it slowly pans around to face him. He nods an acknowledgment of us being there, before clearing his throat with a cough. Then, with a hint of a grin on his face, he starts to speak in his usual confident tone.)
“If I was to receive a grade for my results thus far since my return to SCW, how do you think I would score?
C- maybe?
One thing is for certain I wouldn’t be troubling a ‘A’ or indeed a distinction, because I have lost more matches than I have won. I’ve been on the back end of more defeats than I would like to admit. But do you know why that factual evidence doesn’t trouble me? It’s simple, my performances have been up there, touching those ‘A’ stars that the main eventers should have in their locker. In short, the performances have warranted more than I’ve been getting. Syren, the former World Champion had to put on one of the matches of the year to get past me at Fatal Fortunes. Just a couple of weeks back at Retribution, we saw someone put on a breakout performance to claim the number one contendership. The current World Champion, I’ve beaten him already, but please, don’t think I’m putting this down to a lack of luck. Nah, the reason I lost the matches I did was down to one of two things… either I’m not good enough to reach the top in this company again, or something is missing. I KNOW I’m good enough, because I’ve proven it in the short time, I’ve been back. What I don’t know, at least right now, is what I lack. And that Ladies and Gentlemen is the question I must answer, before I ever come anywhere close to a Championship shot again. I need to find out what it is that I’ve lost during my time aware from competitive action, because the excuse of ring rust is not longer relevant. Right now, I’m not the complete package, and I refuse to accept it’s due to my time away from this company… I just need to find out what it is.
It sure as hell isn’t hunger.
Because that is something that has been thrown at me more times than I care to mention. A ridiculous statement that cannot seriously or factually be stated by anyone on this or any roster. To say that, is to ignore everything I, or indeed my family did for this company and the others for which we were employed. Many people can say they are driven or indeed want it more than another. But one thing that the Cruze family has never lacked is drive… no matter what that ‘driver’ was. For Orlando, there is no question that he was driven by the financial aspect, and the status of being an Icon. For Owen, it was about being known as the greatest part of the Cruze legacy, and to do things that Orlando and I ever could. What drove me? The need to make this industry better, the love of the business. And yes, that sounds cringey, I know it does, but it is undeniably true. Is it that which drives me now? No, it isn’t. This business has taken from me more than anyone in this match could possibly imagine or understand. The reason I compete now is far simpler than it ever was. I have no choice. Without this business, this industry… I have nothing. I am no different, to those currently scratching their way to the top like our impressive number one contender who stunned a lot of people at Retribution but not me. Yes, I have tasted the sweet heights before, but it doesn’t diminish the need to gorge on them again. I have all the hunger in the world because without this company, I have nothing. I need to be the World Champion again, or else I achieved nothing.”
(There is an obvious emotion in his words, and those that didn’t know his story, and what he had been through while he was away would no doubt dismiss them out of turn. The fire that had burned before was perhaps even brighter than ever before because there was literally no back up plan.)
“That’s why, although on face value this tag match seems a little misplaced, I feel that I am teaming with perhaps the perfect partner this Breakdown. See, after much soul searching and analyzing the footage, I think I have an idea where I have been failing. I’ve stated before, I’ve never been the most accomplished wrestling in the world, but I made a name based on needing just the one opportunity. Look back over those matches I have lost, even at Retribution. You’ll see it as clearly as I do now. I had the chances to put all my opponents away, but I didn’t take them. A decade ago, I would have won ALL those matches, I know I would. What I believe I am lacking three months into my return, is the killer instinct that always served me so well.”
(He chuckles to himself.)
“And Kim, that is where you come in, because if anyone has that instinct in spades it is your good self. Strange isn’t it Kim, given our history, that it is you that is going to place me firmly back on the straight and narrow. If I’m going to make a success of this return, it’s that ‘bite’ that’s been lacking, and YOU Kim, can show me the way. Because let me tell you this right now, going back to that history, our opponents are relying on you and I not being able to co-exist. And I don’t blame them to be fair… when I was General Manager, you and I never saw eye to eye. As competitors in various companies, I can’t recall a time when we have even come close to being on the same page. Truthfully Kim, you’ve always gone rogue, looked out for number one, the security blanket you’ve used for years, so why would this match be any different. You’re hatred for our opponents and what they stand for. The need to embellish your enemies with pain. You know full well what I am all about Kim, I’m not someone known for their disloyalty. You know that I will hold up my end of the bargain, and do everything I can to claim victory, because I’m not an egotistical prick, no matter how much you joke about it. And ultimately Kim, I think you’d have to go a long way to find two individuals that, deep down, love this industry more than the two of us. Polly and Dawn are relying on us not to come together when it matters, because they know it’s the only chance they have of victory. They know that the sum of their parts doesn’t even come close to matching ours. You and I have had our differences, I doubt you’ve ever called me by my proper name, preferring to use all your aliases for me, but when all is said and done, you know just as much as I do, the two of them need to be put down. Like the rabid bitches that they are.”
(He pauses at that moment, allowing it to sink in with the one person that mattered. Kim. He then takes a breath before starting to speak again.)
“Polly, I’m sorry but you are never going to change, no matter how long you have been in this industry right now. The things you are saying now are literally no different to the stuff you were saying to Owen just a few years ago. You came in with this whole, jovial, fun gimmick, now you act like you are some kind of bad ass, threatening to ‘kick my ass again’ on Breakdown, in a failed attempt to get a rise out of me. The thing is, no matter how you speak or react, I’m still only going to look at you one way. Like a little yappy chihuahua that won’t shut the hell up. Six years ago, your bark was far worse than your bite. Back to present day, and it’s all still the same bullshit. Even your own biography speaks of the ‘glass ceiling’ you’ve been unable to break. You’ve never considered, not even once, that the reason that ceiling hasn’t been smashed could be you. OK, your ‘partner’ this week might have messed up your opportunity to finally put an accolade on the table by winning the Adrenaline Championship. But the reality is, and I’m not saying anything that anyone else isn’t thinking, no one believed you’d win… especially Dawn Lohan. Because Dawn, welcome back by the way, you chose that moment, just as Deanna was about to pick up the pinfall, simply because it was the most opportune moment for Dawn Lohan to pick up the spotlight. For as long as I can remember, the Lohan family has forever been about having the attention on them, so why was your return going to be any different? And as for this ‘clear the air’ statement towards Polly, if she believes that, then she’s not only writing cheques her abilities can’t cash, but she’s also one of the stupidest individuals on this roster. Look, girls, it’s as simple as this. Everyone on this roster has ability, because if they didn’t, they wouldn’t be here. SCW didn’t get to the top of the game by backing those that couldn’t cut the mustard. I’m not going to berate either of you about a lack of talent, though yes, I did say Polly wasn’t good enough to beat Deanna, and that is the truth. SCW superstars are born because they have MORE than just ability. The best competitors in this company can gauge a situation, and if Polly can’t see that Dawn Lohan is out for one person and one person alone, she only must listen to her words directed towards her. Lohan’s want the limelight to themselves… period. But Lohan’s also categorically can NEVER be trusted. So, Polly, if you are of the opinion that Kim and I are going to implode, I’d look a little closer to home. I’d be asking the question Why? I’ll tell you why… you’re of use to her. She’d rather you, be the Adrenaline Champion, because she believes SHE is better than you. But she isn’t better than Deanna Frost either… the two of you… two peas in a pod. Two Chihuahuas who shouldn’t be let off their leash.”
(Shaun pauses for a sip of water, his eyes however never leaving the camera. Once done, he places the glass down and continues.)
“Then again Polly, it seems you have decided you like the leash, selling out where I refused too. Allowing yourself to be Frank Delatosso’s pet. I get it though Polly, I know why you have done it. Outwardly, you have all the faith in the world in yourself, but behind closed doors it’s a different story. Six years you’ve done this, six years. You’re not a rookie anymore Polly. Frank doesn’t see ‘potential’… how can that be after how long you’ve been a pro. It’s that kind of statement that makes it clear, you’re confidence is shot, and getting involved with someone like Frank, is a last, desperate throw of the dice. Six years, and a serious athlete, is talking about mentorship. Six years, and someone who once had a following, sell out her soul. On Breakdown, I told you to keep getting back up, remember. Right there, I overtook Frank in the ‘mentor’ stakes by giving you decent advice. Here’s some more… you EVER try to blindside me with a Chick Kick again… I won’t just push you away. The only card you hold sunshine… is the Joker.
And I’ll end this particular narrative with you Dawn, because no matter what I, or indeed the SCW Universe thinks about you, there is nothing to be gained by not taking you as seriously as your career demands. You’ve been the SCW World Champion, I remember looking on with a smile on my face when it happened. You ARE a dangerous individual whose threats should be considered by Deanna.
But…
Your wants and needs are currently nothing to do with me. It is not in your best interests, if what you say is true, to create a scenario whereby I become a part of your business. You’re not blindsided by ignorance like Polly, you know full well what Kim and I can do individually, never mind what could happen if we co-operate. What you are about to say next will be telling. It will also tell me if your return will be over before it even started. Thanks to the Lohan attribute number three… bad choices. You’ve already got Kim salivating at the thought of taking your down. I’m sure there are countless on this roster, enemies just waiting in the wings. You don’t need me as your enemy as well. And that isn’t a threat, I don’t make threats. You come for me Dawn or try to use me as a means to an end, and I will take you down. This is just a match… a chance for me to find that missing link. And prove to the world that the killer instinct that made me wasn’t missing, it was only dormant. Sleeping, until the most opportune moment. Because there is nothing that gets the juices going than a Cruze taking a stand against bullshit. Nothing that gets the adrenaline flowing, more than taking down those that think of themselves bigger than the company, or indeed the industry. Maybe Kimberley Williams and Shaun Cruze teaming up won’t be a one-time thing. What is it she says again? Ah yes… Revengers Assemble…”
(He grins.)
“I said I’d reach the top again. I said that I would once again be World Champion. I said I would reclaim my name, the Impact Player. I thought I’d do it simply by climbing the ladder, proving myself, re-inventing myself along the way, but perhaps, just maybe, there is an easier method. That method?”
(He nods his head, the grin turning into a more determined look.)
“Taking out the trash… starting April 16th, live from Los Angeles, California. My hometown. The Impact Player v2 arrives.”
(Scene fades.)
![[Image: Shaun-Cruze.jpg]](https://i.ibb.co/SX5Ng4rx/Shaun-Cruze.jpg)