Cid Turner vs. Owen Lee

[Owen]

27th June 2022

New York City

Owen looks up at the signage to the premises and couldn’t help but feeling a sense of pride in what he had achieved. Of course, he hadn’t done it alone, there were many that had helped along the way, Adam Lucas more than anyone. But considering where he had been just a year ago, being here now with something that he could be proud of, he wouldn’t have believed it back then. The ‘Level Up’ wrestling school, named after his partners finishing move over in EAW and not a play on David Helms and Tommy Valentines tag team name as some believed, had opened it does only a couple of hours ago, and already inside it was like a vibrant community. Of course, it was opening day and interest would dwindle, but this was a good start, and far better than he could have imagined. It made it even better that Jennifer could be here with him. He doesn’t even notice Adam walking up to him, and only realizes he is there when he is tapped on the shoulder

Owen: Oh, hey man…

Adam: Sorry, didn’t mean to distract you. Reveling in your success, I guess. 

Owen: Our success.

Adam: Maybe, but it’s not like I’ve ploughed the cash into the place, is it?

Owen: You’ve done your part bud; this place is just as much yours as it is mine. After all this is your hometown… I’m sure there are plenty of the subscriptions that are down to that very fact.

Adam is about to argue the fact that Owen spent a great deal of his younger life in this city but leaves the conversation there. Adam felt a little guilty not being able to put the funds in Owen had, but Owen’s words had made him feel better. 

Owen: So, how’s it looking in there?

Adam: Jennifer is quite the hit

Owen: Always helps having a pretty girl handing out flyers.

Adam: Well, we’ve had a lot of people sign up for the gym, not so many for the school yet. But there’s time. 

Owen: They’ll come. With a wrestling school just down the street, they just need a little more persuasion that’s all. The gym subs will keep us going for a while, no need to panic.

Adam: True, but it’s not like we can afford to pay Jason and Willow for doing nothing.

Owen was more than aware of Adams thoughts on the two, but just like he was putting back into the business, he was also trying to give Jason and Willow the same opportunity. The two were former World Champions and knew the business inside out. In Owen’s opinion they deserve the same second chances he had been afforded.

Owen: Still not over that huh?

Adam: Just don’t trust them Owen, but you are the one paying the wages until we start turning a profit.

Owen: It will be fine. They are here to work and develop those that sign up into bona fide superstars. Just imagine seeing one of our own claims a championship belt in EAW or SCW just like Amy did with Spencer Pryce

Adam: I won’t mention how that turned out.

Owen laughs, that situation hadn’t ended particularly well.

Owen: I know from experience how that kind of shit can derail you, Adam. Jason and Willow have been there, that kind of experience can’t be ignored. You’ll see, once they get going with the training you’ll understand, and then if you still can’t see it for yourself, I’ll show them the door… Deal?

Adam: OK.

Owen: Orlando saw a lot of good things in Jason, the same things he saw in you when he offered you the scholarship. They just need a chance

Adam: I guess I can understand a little about chances.

Owen: Exactly, just give them the benefit of the doubt. They screw up, then they are gone.

Adam knew that if Jason and Willow truly were the people he remembered, they could cause a lot of trouble if Owen tried to sack them. He puts it to the back of his mind though, trusting Owen and understanding why he was doing this. He also changes the subject.

Adam: Finch certainly knows how to put on an opening…

Owen: And again Adam, if I’d not given him a second chance, he wouldn’t have had the opportunity either…

Adam: OK, I get it.

Owen: Seriously though you’re right… wasn’t sure he could pull off something to this extent, but he certainly has. Business plan looks impressive as well, he’s got a lot of good ideas for separate classes to wrestling, getting all ages and genders involved. 

Adam: Makes sense

Owen: May as well use the space…

“Well, would you look at the big shot.”

Owen recognized the voice and turned to face Shaun and Taylor.

Owen: I didn’t know you two were coming.

Shaun: Couldn’t miss your opening day, could we? Special rates for family?

Owen: OAP rates for you maybe?

Shaun: Adam, good to see you again. See it’s going well in EAW.

Adam: Could be better… next season will be better.

Shaun: That’s the spirit… can’t keep a good man down, right?

Adam is about to reference the fact it was Shaun that kicked him out of Icon, but he bites his tongue. 

Adam: Right. Owen, I’m gonna go back inside see if I can drum up any students. I’ll leave you guys to catch up. 

Owen: Cheers Adam.

Adam walks away from them, Taylor throwing her arms around Owen.

Taylor: I don’t say this enough Owen, but I’m proud of you.

They part, Taylor holding him by his shoulders.

Owen: Thanks

Taylor: And Orlando would be proud of you as well, building this only a few blocks from the memorial. It certainly suits you more than selling clothes that’s for sure.

Owen: If it wasn’t for the Icon brand, I wouldn’t be here… and Mom’s business sense to sell when we did.

Taylor: How is Kloe by the way, not seen her in ages?

Owen: She’s hardly ever in the country, enjoying her early retirement, I guess.

Taylor: It’s alright for some.

Owen looks at Shaun who is taking in the building.

Shaun: So, what’s the deal here then? Is it a gym, or a wrestling school?

Owen: Both, we’ll train the new breed of wrestlers here, but anyone is welcome to use the facilities. Then upstairs is the shelter, separate from the gym. No one living there yet, but it won’t be long. 

Shaun: Really growing into a pillar for the community, aren’t you?

Owen: Just giving back that’s all. My way of showing I’ve changed and want to do what’s right. 

Shaun: I’m not knocking it. In fact, I applaud you. Any trouble from down the road?

Owen finds himself looking towards Ante Up, whilst shaking his head at the same time.

Owen: None. You know how competitive Tommy and Kandis are though. I’m sure it won’t be long until they react, or maybe they will realize there is room for us both. 

Shaun: I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Owen: Me neither… but we can live in hope. 

Taylor: So, do we get the grand tour?

Owen: You go ahead, Adam can show you around. Now he’s here I just want a quick word with Shaun.

Taylor: No problem

Taylor walks away, Owen turning to Shaun

Shaun: Let me guess… Maisie?

Owen: it would be one less thing on my mind.

Shaun: It’s sorted

Owen: It is?

Shaun: Like I said, I know how to talk to her. She’ll leave you alone now

Owen scowls, mostly in disbelief.

Owen: How?

Shaun: Simple, I told her to leave you alone and gave her ten grand.

Owen: Huh?

Shaun: People like that believe in the dollar signs Owen. A small price to pay for my nephew’s happiness. 

Owen: And that’s it? 

Shaun: That’s it. But if I was you, I’d resolve this stuff with Regan. I’d rather face Maisie than Regan every day of the week.

Owen: I will. Or at least I’ll try

Shaun: Good, now will you stop worrying and show me around the place?

Owen: Yeah sure… follow me. 

Owen and Shaun walk into the school, Owen not sure what to think of the latest developments. Could Maisie really be bought off so easy? Owen really doubted it. But right now, it was about the school and its success. Everything else would have to wait. 

19th July 2022

Phoenix

Owen sits by the hotel pool, a tee shirt, shorts and a red baseball cap his clothing of choice. He sits on the edge of the pool, his feet dangling in the water, and he salutes as he starts to speak.

“If ever there was evidence of just how much Josh Hudson has lost it over the last few months it was last week’s Breakdown. The guy is so self-absorbed, so much up his own ass that he just cannot see the damage he is causing… far more than I ever did. He ‘thinks’ he is doing the right thing, he ‘believes’ his cause is a righteous one. But each week, his reputation takes another dive. And everything he ever did for this company goes further and further in the backs of everyone’s minds. He hopes, no he prays that I crack under this incessant pressure, and yet I continue to laugh in his face. And why? Because I understand our circumstance far more than he ever could in his current mindset. This obsession he has with me sending him closer to the inevitable demise of his once stellar career. Josh, I’ve told you once and I’ll tell you again. You picked the wrong person to obsess over. The unfortunate thing for you… it seems that you’ll only realize it when it’s too late.”

He takes a drink from the juice sat by the poolside next to him. He then continues. 

“But, as in most situations, this isn’t about you Josh. This is about me and Cid, someone who I do still have a great deal of respect for. And that might seem a little weird considering who you were associating with until just a few weeks ago. Unlike Josh however, I’m not going to immediately throw you under the bus. I understand that people make mistakes and getting involved with them was certainly one of yours. Thing is, what you’ve done, or indeed haven’t done isn’t my concern. I don’t care if you bought into the Nirvana or not, it simply isn’t relevant to me. Fact is, it doesn’t matter who it was I faced in this ‘Go home’ show, if it was a big name like yourself or not. This match would have always been about one thing. Ensuring that momentum is maintained going into categorically the biggest show on the wrestling calendar. But listening to you of late Cid, I understand you want to halt this slide that you’ve been on, you sure as hell don’t want this season to end on a low considering the year you’ve had. You don’t want someone like me stepping into the ring and sending you yet further down the ladder, towards this obscurity you seem to think you are headed. 

You want your name back?

One thing that is for certain, I’m not going to fall for that logic, and I’ll treat you as a threat, a name, just like I do everyone else. I don’t see someone weakened by his experiences of late, I only see a wounded animal and history states how dangerous such an opponent can be especially as you’ve had my number so many times. In the past, you told me a lot of things that made sense, gave me a lot of food for thought. But through it all there was one statement that stayed with me. An undeniable fact that was made more telling by the result of that match. That being I wasn’t ready to bear the mantle I’d been given. It was a LOT of pressure Cid on young shoulders, and I openly admit, I buckled under the sheer weight, and sought enlightenment from Giovanni Aries of all people, one of the biggest mistakes of my life. You might say that makes us similar, but I call bullshit on that. 

I was young and impressionable. I’d still some growing to do… I didn’t know who I was, so how could anyone else? But what was your excuse Cid, why would you choose that path so willingly after all you had achieved? Desperation maybe? Perhaps you truly believed the meanderings they were peddling? Or was it because you believed he could help with your injuries? In all honestly, I don’t know for sure, and with even more honesty, I don’t care. It’s not like you were banging down the door when I was at my lowest, you were winning championships and were as happy as Larry, our handshake well and truly forgotten until now when it suits. One thing that is for certain though, I can say with 100% surety that I learned from the experience. I took stock, and now the person you face on Breakdown is nothing like the competitor you faced last time out, a more rounded wrestler AND person than ever before. I heard you telling Beard the same things, musing over whether he was the person on whom to ‘pass the torch’. Cid, with the greatest respect, I spent the formulative years of my career in the shadow of Orlando and Shaun, carrying their legacy with me wherever I went. I don’t want someone else’s legacy; I’m building my own. You must understand what that means to me?”

He places both hands on the edge of the pool, leaning back ever so slightly into an even more relaxed position.

“But it’s not just mentally I’m in a far better place, because physically I am stronger, and more durable than ever before. You want energy bud, I got that in spades. I can rebound from situations when all seems lost, and I can counter when seemingly beaten. How was it you beat me before? A roll up I believe. I’m not going to say that I won’t fall for it again Cid, but I promise you it is a lot less likely. More importantly, I react quicker… heck, I’m probably faster than I’ve ever been. Probably the quickest on this roster. For someone who’s mind is distracted, and who the years are catching up on whether you want to admit it or not, I’m probably the worst opponent imaginable. How old are you now Cid? 42? You’ve got twenty years’ experience on me… granted. That’s of benefit to you, no question. That know how, can be irreplaceable if it is used in the right way. But your body bears the scars of a lifetime of wars, and whether you care to admit it or not, that will be a factor against someone who has become as relentless as I have. You’re not going to get a moments peace; I can promise you that bro, I’m going to be all over you like a rash, waiting for that one slip-up that has become a pattern in your matches recently as that desperation has kicked in. That moment that I can take advantage of and end the match in a heartbeat. That’s not me discounting you either, I know what you can do… that’s me recognizing that ultimately, I could be too much for you to handle, whilst understanding that I must hold back on at least ‘some’ of the risks I took against Selena, knowing it could cost me.”

Owen picks up his drink and pulls himself to his feet and starts to walk away from the pool and towards a seating area, sitting himself down. There, he continues, his tone still showing very little animosity towards his opponent.

“Since I returned at the turn of the year against Drake Hemingway, there have been very few people that understood what I went through, to get to this point. I can literally count on one hand the individuals that sat back, listened to me, and realized that I didn’t spend the eight months I was away from Supreme Championship Wrestling twiddling my thumbs, and spent that time bettering myself for my inevitable return… back to the scene of the crime. Preparing myself to finally be able to take on both my professional and personal challenges without the demons in my mind being able to control me. Finding out what I did, it would have destroyed many people my age. To find out your life was nothing but a lie, it’s a hell of a lot to process. Some people have told me that it was understandable that I lashed out, others like Josh Hudson have condemned me, and still do. But taking the rough with the smooth, that was the first thing I had to digest. Looking back, how easy it was to get into my head, it says a lot about the person I WAS. THAT is the person that even now Josh Hudson believes he is facing at Rise to Greatness, are you about to fall into the same trap? You shouldn’t of course, you’re a seasoned veteran after all. At forty years of age, you made the same mistake as I, trusting the ‘easy’ path that Aries offered. What does that say about you? It says that for all your experience, all that wealth of knowledge, you are still that person from years before who stumbled from show to show, blagging it and playing it by ear. Unable to tap into everything you had learned. No matter how much you color that up Cid, that FACT is very damning. It’s consistent with where your career is right now. It shows that like the saying goes, you most certainly can’t teach an old dog new tricks. So therefore, the question must be, are the tricks at your disposal enough?

And they could be Cid, they really could. Even with your confidence having taken a battering, you were still the World Champion not too long ago. Even with the years ticking on, you have still been a mainstay in the SCW Main Event for what seems like an eternity now. Although the losses have been racking up of late, there is no question that you still have five star matches in you, matches that in the future you are most definitely going to win a fair share of. Also, even if you don’t have the tools to take me down on Breakdown, you and I both know that Hudson is going to be chomping at the bit to get involved and ensure that the spotlight is on him as he looks to defend his ‘hard earned’ US title at Rise to Greatness. He's already cost me Taking Hold of the Flame, and a victory against Selena Frost. Who’s to say his obsession won’t lead him to make one last ‘statement’ however pointless, with just a week till the biggest Rise to Greatness ever? Cid, I’m going to level with you bro, I know I can beat you. I believe that even after everything you have done, I will surpass you and become the better competitor. 

In fact, I have very little doubt. 

You know what I also believe Cid… that moment where I surpass you isn’t a speck on the horizon, or something for the future. It’s right here, about to play out on Breakdown. I hope I have shown by my comments that my respect for you is undeniable and that I appreciate everything you have done, and all that you will do in the future as you no doubt use your experience to bring forward a new era of SCW talent. I’m not saying you are ready for the junkyard bro, or that it’s pipe and slippers time and a pat on the back for a career well done. What I am saying is whereas I couldn’t carry the mantle before, I most certainly can now. And there is no shame in that, there will be no shame in losing to me this time around. It’s not like you are facing the kid shackled by an overbearing expectation. You’re facing someone free. Someone in control of his destiny for the first time. And that Cid, is a concoction that breeds success. And with that success, my ultimate endgame… redemption. Can you stop that from happening? I have very little doubt that you could…”

He holds his gaze on the camera.

“…I just don’t think you will. Not this time bro. You’ve had my number in the past, but no more. These next two weeks are everything I have been building towards. These next two weeks belong to me.”

He holds up his glass to the camera and winks, as the scene slowly fades.