Owen Lee vs. Derek Adonis

[Owen]

12th November 2021

Hiroshima, Japan

Owen climbs up the turnbuckle and lifts the JPWL Championship belt aloft to a somewhat muted reception. Blood still spills from a deep laceration above his right eye, and the steel tacks that are still embedded into his shoulder glisten from the arena lights shining on them. With his free hand he wipes away the blood that was partially blinding him, before jumping back down, walking over and checking on his opponent, former SCW superstar Akira Kimura, kicking a baseball bat wrapped in barbed wire to the side of the ring. One of the medical staff turns to him and nods his head, signifying that Akira is ok, and satisfied that is the case, Owen drops to his knees, holding the belt tight. This was the culmination of a journey, through the Slaughterhouse, onto Mexico and ending right here in a No Holds Barred match for the JPWL Massacre Championship, a match he’d earned in a three-day tournament. All that blood sweat and tears, all the heartache he had endured in Mexico, the defeats he had to take. All of it in this moment felt like it was worth it, and with the noise of the fans ringing in his ears, for the first time in SCW, he felt like he really wanted this. No matter what his last name was, this business coursed through his veins, just as much as the blood fell from his wounds. In this moment he knew, he wanted more. He needed more. Finally, he was ready to fight, for his redemption.

TEN MINUTES LATER

Owen sits in the locker room, holding the belt in front of him, blood still seeping from his head and dripping onto the gold plate. Still, he couldn’t believe he was here, winning championships again, and in Japan, nonetheless. This truly did seem like a million miles away from where he was only months ago, a lost soul lashing out at anyone and everyone who dared have a different opinion to him. He wipes the blood off the nameplate, it smears the gold, Owen leaving it at that, as if the blood signified something else, something special. A slight grin forms on his face, until he becomes aware of someone stood in the doorway. That someone being Daisy Lee. She walks over and takes a seat next to him, Owen turning his attention away from the belt and to her, before then handing her the title.

Owen: This is as much yours as it is mine Daisy. How can I ever thank you?

Daisy takes one look at the belt, and then back to Owen.

Daisy: You already did. Leaving it all out there and winning this belt is the greatest thanks I could get. I saw that look in your eyes out there Owen, the look that’s been missing since you lost the SCW World Championship. It all clicked into place out there didn’t it?

Owen doesn’t say a word and simply nods, Daisy placing a hand on his shoulder.

Daisy: I’m proud of you Owen. And whether it means anything to you or not right now, Orlando would be proud of you too.

Owen wasn’t sure what he thought about that comment, so he leaves it hanging in the air, as Daisy passes him a towel to hold against the wound. He holds it there, the thumping pain relieved somewhat.

Daisy: I’ve got to be honest with you Owen, when I first saw you in the slaughterhouse, I wasn’t certain you’d get to this point.

Owen chuckles to himself

Owen: Thanks…

Daisy: I mean, getting you to care about anything, never mind wrestling. It was like you’d given up on life. And I’m not being melodramatic and saying you wanted to take your own life or anything, but you were as low as I’d seen you.

Owen: Somedays it felt like that.

Daisy: But now, I look at you fawning over that belt and dare I say it… looking like you’ve got your love back for wrestling?

Owen: Maybe, it certainly felt good out there. Perhaps Adam Lucas could get me a spot in EAW.

Daisy immediately shakes her head.

Daisy: No.

Owen: What?

Daisy: No, it can’t be in EAW. 

Owen: Why not?

Daisy places the championship belt on the bench.

Daisy: Owen, if you want people to believe in your again, you MUST face those that you feel like you let down. If you really do have your love for wrestling back, and you are ready to compete in the big leagues again, then you’ll have no problem swallowing your pride and going cap in hand back to SCW. Because we both know, if you are going to complete this comeback, it won’t feel nowhere near the same unless it’s there. This feels great, I can see it in your eyes, but just imagine being back on top in SCW, with those that now doubt you chanting your name. 

Owen: You’re right, but who’s to say they’ll have me back?

Daisy shrugs her shoulders, as Owen brings down the towel, taking a moment to feel the edge of the cut, the bleeding now having slowed down.

Daisy: There’s no guarantees that’s for sure, but I reckon they would be happy to take on a fully focused and committed Owen Cru… sorry Lee. You might not get the same contract you once had, and you may have to give some assurances and promise to be on your best behavior, but I reckon they would have you back in a heartbeat. All you gotta do is make the first move. And let’s face it, it’s got nothing to do with the money has it?

Owen: Not at all.

Daisy: Then what do you have to lose from asking?

Owen: Nothing, I guess.

Daisy: Precisely. You make it clear that this is all about making things right. You show everyone how much you have grown up over these past six months… and before you know it, you’ll have your life, and your career back on track, and my job will be done. You’ll be ready to walk on your own two feet and I can rest easy knowing that I made good on my promise to Orlando. Again, no matter what you think about him right now. Heck, for those first few months, I’ll even stand beside you if you want, if SCW allow it that is. Just in case you lose sight of yourself.

Owen: OK…

Daisy leans forwards and kisses Owen on the cheek. Once Owen would have blushed, his teenage crush doing such a thing. But right now, she was his friend, his only friend in a world that he had turned his back on, without realizing how much he needed it. With, or without the surname.

Daisy: You’re strong enough for this now Owen, it’s time for the entire world to know that your back, and better than ever before. But that’s not the only thing you’re ready for.

Owen scowls, looking at her more than a little confused.

Owen: What do you mean?

Daisy: You’ve done as I asked, you’ve stayed out of the limelight and you’ve trusted the process. Now I think it’s time for you to get back the one thing that truly made you whole.

Owen: Huh?

Daisy: I’ve spoken with Jennifer Owen, and she is willing to talk to you. All you have to do is make the call.

Owen: Really?

Daisy: Yes really… I’m not saying that she’s ready to jump back into a relationship with you, but it’s a start, right?

Owen nods, the elation in his eyes obvious. 

Daisy: Don’t mess this up Owen. She adored you, and she can again, but only if you treat her right.

Owen: I will… I’m ready now.

Daisy: Yeah Owen, you know what? I honestly think you are.

Owen smiles gratefully, and goes in for a hug, Daisy holding up her hands.

Daisy: Shower first, then we get that cut seen to. THEN, we celebrate kiddo.

Owen laughs, and picks up a clean towel heading towards the showers. Before he turns the corner, he turns back to Daisy.

Owen: Thank you Daisy, for everything.

Daisy: You’re more than welcome.

As Owen disappears, Daisy looks up to the ceiling. Although she had given the impression, Owen’s journey was far from complete. He would only be whole again once he had gone full circle and made peace with his parents. Only when he could once again look in the mirror and call himself Owen Cruze would his journey truly be over.

23rd February 2022

RECORDING

“Now that was more like it.”

Owen Lee appears on screen, a simple location in a place we don’t recognize or know. 

“Facing Nate Chapel, I knew that already the vultures were starting to circle. ONE defeat to someone who is currently in the World Title picture, and Owen could never be the person he was before. Newsflash… I don’t WANT to be the person I was before. I want to be better. See, people got it all mixed up… the message I was sending got skewed. Polly Playtime didn’t get it, and I’m not sure Kandis got it either, even in victory. Whereas Polly WAS all about climbing the ladder, Kandis turned out to be beyond reach. This was a situation I was more than prepared for. I wanted to stop the Jackals in their tracks, but it turned out I wasn’t capable. And Kandis position in the rankings right now shows that there was no shame in that. People are focusing on the fact I was World Champion, and no doubt there are those that expected me to storm through the SCW like a whirlwind and be back on a perch before the first shoots of spring were seen. I was a little more realistic, and that’s why there was no comments, no excuses when Kandis handed me my ass by categorically pinning me for the three count. Right now, in this moment, she beat me, because she has evolved into something better than me RIGHT NOW. But believe me, it won’t be forever. 

Enter Nate Chapel.

Now, Nate, Polly, even Drake… these are far more useful indicators of where I am right now. People can’t forget the past and what I’ve done, and that’s fine. I wouldn’t expect them too. This is my level, facing people who just like me want to make an impact in this company and break through the glass ceiling and into the main event. Every single match, including Kandis, is all part of a RE-learning curve, and that’s why losing to Kandis was far from shameful, as it wouldn’t have been either if I’d succumbed to Drake, Polly, or Nate. What would have been shameful if I hadn’t taken those defeats on the chin and learned from them. 

Because that’s the thing.

Whereas people are having to get used to a new, and hopefully improved Owen, that same can be said for me. A lot has been made over the past couple of weeks, of my position as possibly the fastest wrestler in Supreme Championship Wrestling. It seems kinda inevitable that Alexis Quinne and I are going to be match together at possibly the next premium event, a match between two individuals where if you blink, then you’ll miss something. And perhaps that true, maybe I’m the quickest, maybe I’m not. But one thing is for certain, and it is a categorical fact that Nate found out for himself. Whereas perhaps before I WAS a one trick pony and relied on my speed to get myself into trouble, or rebound out of it if required, NOW I have many more strings to my bow. Strings that I know would serve me well in the Underground, for the Television title, or indeed the Adrenaline Belt. The commentators haven’t picked up on that, Nate certainly didn’t pick up on it. But Nate did, right after ONE ODE rendered him incapable of kicking out. A Heart Punch delivered with such pace, and precision, I believe it could put down ANYONE. Speed, Technical ability, Precision, Power and Courage… I consider all those my primary attributes. And when that comes together, just like it did in those closing stages against Nate Chapel, I know I can now not only be quick, but also be devastating. Anyone, including Alexis Quinne, who believes I’m ONLY a speed merchant better think again. And one day, very soon, with more experience of wrestling this way I’ll be one of the most complete wrestlers on this roster. A hybrid...”

Owen pauses with a grin on his face, a reference to Orlando stated as obviously as he possibly could. Orlando had once been a Power wrestler, Desolation persuading him he needed to be much more. That persuasion bringing forth the birth of the Icon.

“That’s the path I am currently taking. The journey I am on. A journey that has led me to you…”

He runs his fingers through his hair, tilting his head ever so slightly to one side.

“… Derek Adonis.”

He smiles, this was one of those moments that perhaps before would have garnered a certain reaction, but not anymore. 

“There was a time when just the mere mention of your name was treated as nothing more than comic relief. In fact, I think the last time we faced off it was a gimmick match including grease or gunk… gonna be honest it’s a match I’ve tried to forget. And you know something, back in the day my status was such I would have probably treated you as that comic relief you were known for. You would have gotten very long odds on you beating me, no question. Thing is though Derek, I don’t have that kinda status anymore, I’m in the exact same chasing pack as you are. In fact, I’ve no doubt many will say that you are higher up the food chain, and if I was honest with myself, I’d probably be inclined to agree. I can’t come out here and say you’re a joke, because you’re a former Champion, which means that just like Polly, Nate and Drake, you are someone that I NEED to beat. Because no matter whether I achieve my goals or not, the one thing I refuse to be is filler on this roster like you once were. I won’t give the SCW the excuse like I did towards the end of my first tenure in this company. I can guarantee you something Derek, that prior match I speak of, the one I’ve forgotten, I wouldn’t have been focused on you, far from it. How could I have been considering the ridiculous stipulations? All I would have wanted was to get it all over with and get out that arena as soon as possible. And therein lies something else I have learned since I have been away. A laser focus… an ability to remain undistracted whilst everything else transpires around me. Where nothing else matters but the process. Can you handle that Derek? Can you handle that level of intensity?”

Owen smirks again.

“We don’t have long till we find out right?”

Nodding his head, he gets to his feet, and walks around the back of the chair on which he was sat, placing both hands on the back.

“Because unlike some Derek, present company excluded, I’m not afraid of doing the hard miles to get what I want. What I’ve been through the last six months, seriously, all of this is nothing more than a tea party, and it isn’t a redemption story such as yours based off something as comparatively insignificant as losing a title. You won’t catch me jumping queues like some have suggested, and you won’t hear me making demands without backing them up with actions. If I beat you Derek, and make it four wins out of five, will that be enough to make people sit up and take notice? 

I don’t know. 

What I do know is that there are not many in this company with that kind of momentum right now. If I keep winning, if I keep climbing, then it will just make me harder and harder to ignore. Trusting the process, something I was too ignorant to do before, WILL bring me my rewards. And I’m not just talking about titles, or trophies. I apologize to Selena, but I’m sure she will understand… those rewards will bring back this companies BELIEF… in ME. Beating you Derek, no matter how little a step it might seem in the grand scheme of things, IS a step towards the one thing I want more than anything. 

Redemption.

Do YOU understand where others obviously couldn’t? Has your journey thus far given you the foresight to take on board that I am a far different person to the one that left SCW after taking Hold of the Flame? I hope so Derek, because ultimately, I cannot get to where I want to be without the competition that once I shunned, walking away from a company I once loved. Competition that I now crave.”

He squeezes the back of the chair, his knuckles whitening, as the adrenaline starts to take over.

“Shoe on the other foot bro, I understand who you are Derek. You’re a man who craves the Television Championship, it’s what has come to define you over the past few months. You’re a man who does his best work when people give him very little chance of success. It was that methodology that allowed you to become the ‘Champion of Television’ in the first place, and I’m guessing that it is the reasoning for you claiming several victories over the course of your career. You pride yourself on being the underdog, the story that everyone can get behind. You want your opponents to believe that you suck, because it makes your life a while lot easier. And this is where you come unstuck Derek, because I’m not going to allow you to do that. Not today, or any day for that matter. My preparation for you, is the same as it was for Kandis, I’ve done the homework and I know how to beat you; I know several ways to beat you in fact. But more importantly, and probably decisively, I haven’t for one second entertained the fact that you suck. Not once. And that’s why I believe that you will fail, because put quite simply, you’re reliant on that one trick. 

Smoke and mirrors. The Drunken Master

A one trick pony, just like I was before. I got found out Derek… and so have you. Only difference between us, I did something about it.”

He let’s go of the chair and places his hands in the pockets of his jacket.

“In closing Derek, know this. Know that when we step into the ring, no matter our history, I will treat you with the respect that a former champion, a champion in SCW’s recent history in fact, deserves. If you do manage to pull off a victory over me, however unlikely I may believe that to be, I sincerely hope you get another shot at your ‘precious’… seeing as it seems to be the only thing that you truly care about. I get your need, but believe me Derek, my need is greater. Your victory would be a piece of history yes, but my redemption will DEFINE the course of MY history. It will help erase the darkest period of my life and give me back who I am.”

Owen nods his head.

“So, you think can overcome that level of desire? Go ahead Derek, seriously… give it your best shot. In fact, that’s precisely what I ask of you, the very best Derek Adonis that you can be. Because only by beating the best, can I make my way through this minefield, and emerge from the other side. Not just the wrestler, but the person I was supposed to be. It’s not going to be easy; I know that. I know full well that there will be road humps and pitfalls along the way. But I’ll be busting a gut to ensure that you are nothing more than the latest obstacle that I overcome. More Polly than Kandis. Another indicator of where I stand. My status, my placement in the greatest wrestling organization in the world.”

Owen affords himself another smirk, before winking at the camera.

“Climbing that ladder, surpassing you, regardless of what you’ve achieved of late, and moving on to the next slab in the road, whoever that may be.”

He flicks his hair from in front of his eyes.

“See you soon bro. I’ve a feeling this is going to be a good one.”

He salutes the camera as the scene fades