03-30-2023, 06:35 PM
+++ 27th March 2023 – New York +++
Shaun being in New York had made for a happy coincidence. He was in the city putting together the final pieces of the premier of Battlefield Earth 2, and thankfully once that was all done, he still had a little bit of time before he had to fly back to Los Angeles. What Owen wanted to discuss, only Jennifer was already aware of. And although she had her misgivings, she certainly understood and supported where Owen was coming from. Owen only thought it right that Shaun was next to know, and thus now served as the perfect opportunity. So, sat in a café in New York, just a couple of blocks from the School, they had both ordered their drinks, a flat white for Shaun and a cappuccino for Owen, and were enjoying each other’s company, this get together something that didn’t happen as often as both wished it should.
Shaun: So, you got your head around everything now. Can’t be easy with this whole Trios stipulation hanging over you.
Owen nods his head, he’s gone over that stipulation many times, and always arrived at one conclusion.
Owen: When Kim said she was going to ‘shake things up’ a little, she certainly wasn’t joking.
Shaun: How do you feel? I mean you could lose both titles and end up with none.
Owen: Well, there is the failsafe of the rematch clause so there is that. But yeah, gotta admit, seeing a title reign end this way is going to sting a little, then again, I’m kinda used to that.
It was a reference to the Elimination Chamber at Under Attack, his first ever where he had lost his first World Champion after being too immature to handle it. Something he had since exorcised last year.
Owen: I mean, the best situation would be I win the match, and reclaim the World Championship, but if I don’t it could mean me defending a title should I win one, and then a rematch for the two I lost… all on one night.
Shaun: You did say you wanted to be a fighting champion.
Owen: I know right, but this is ridiculous.
Shaun: All you can do Owen is do the best you can this Breakdown and see how the cards fall. Pointless worrying about it now, the best thing you can do is go all out for the victory.
Owen: Just like everyone else will be you mean?
Shaun: True, but you have something they don’t
Owen: And what’s that?
Shaun: You are the current SCW Champion and wildly regarded as one of the most talented wrestlers in the world right now. You heard Josh Hudson, that’s the only reason he wants to face you again, to prove that he is better. Look at it a different way… if you DO lose the World and Underground Championships, but claim a different title on Breakdown, then by the time the next PPV rolls around, you could be a THREE-time champion, and I’m not even sure that’s ever been done. You’ve said yourself, one of your greatest attributes right now is to keep going under extreme circumstances. Well Owen, they don’t get any more extreme than this.
Owen: Very true… I guess if I come through this it will only serve to solidify my legacy, right?
Shaun: Exactly… don’t worry about shit that ain’t happened yet. There will be plenty of time to put things right.
Owen: That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about.
Shaun: Oh?
Shaun takes a sip of his coffee, never taking his eyes off of his nephew who takes a drink from his own cup.
Shaun: OK then shoot… what’s on your mind?
Owen pauses for a brief moment to gather his thoughts, before he then starts to speak.
Owen: Do you know what one of my most vivid memories is of my childhood.
Shaun shakes his head; he literally didn’t have a clue.
Owen: I got lots and lots of amazing memories, and honestly, I feel so lucky to have lived the life I have, but the one thing I always come back to is Dad hardly ever being around. Things weren’t like they are, and companies didn’t look after the talent in the way they do now, so Dad was always on the road, whether it be the house shows, or the marquee events, it always seemed like it was just Mom, Ruby and me. Don’t get me wrong, I loved having a famous Father, even if it did get me a few beatings, but we never really did the usual stuff like kicking a ball around or playing computer games. That always seemed to be you when you came into our life.
Shaun: I’m not sure your Dad knew how to kick a ball
Owen: Yeah, I know, but you know what I mean don’t you?
Shaun: Yeah, I do… I thought about it a lot when Dorothea was born.
Owen: Precisely, I don’t want my kid growing up in that same way, whereby I never go to nursery to pick them up, or I’m not around if they are in the school production. I don’t want to be that Father who makes excuses, and leaves all that kind of stuff up to Jennifer. I want to visible, I want to be a huge part of their life and when they need me, I don’t want to have to make time for them. I should be there, naturally. For Jennifer as well. There’s so many things about him I admire, so many attributes I wish I had, but that one… treated the business with more importance than anything else, I’m not going to make that mistake. I WON’T make that mistake.
Shaun could see the emotion in his eyes, and hear it in his voice. Owen had obviously given this a lot of thought, and Shaun felt quite honored that he was having this discussion with him.
Shaun: So, what are you saying? I mean, you’ve got wrestling, you’ve got Next Level New York, the new place in Miami. How are you going to juggle all of that while still being there?
Owen: I’m not going to.
Shaun: What do you mean?
Owen: I’m not going to juggle it all… I’m going to let things go.
He nods his head, certain he is doing the right thing.
Owen: I’m going to quit wrestling.
Shaun cannot help but feel taken aback. Owen had worked so hard to get back to where he was, it seemed unthinkable that he could let it all go, but that didn’t mean that he wasn’t willing to listen.
Shaun: You’re serious?
Owen: Deadly. I’ve already handed over ‘Next Level New York’ to Finch, and he’s going to be working with my Mom and handling things on that score. The new place in Miami is just down the road, I’ll only be a couple of minutes from work, and heck, I’m the boss. If I need to I’ll bring them with me. It’s wrestling that takes up all my time, whether that’s media work, or competing, it seems like a never ending cycle. My contract is up for renewal soon, and when they want to get me round a table, I’m only going to sign a short term deal if I am still champion. If I’m not, then I’ll walk away.
Shaun: After everything, you could do that? At twenty-three years old?
Owen smiles, he’d thought about this a lot.
Owen: I only came back Shaun, because of the way it all ended. I didn’t want people to remember me like that, and now they won’t. The people have given me my redemption. I never thought for one second that I’d become World Champion again, so the only thing left to achieve is Supreme Champion, and honestly, I can live without that. Plus, my age is a bonus. Say the kid starts going to school and I’m sat twiddling my thumbs most of the time because the businesses are running themselves, in five or six years I could return, and I’d still only be twenty-nine. It’s doesn’t have to be over for good… just for right now.
Shaun: And Jennifer is OK with this?
Owen: Actually, no she wasn’t. She tried to persuade me to change my mind and said she could ‘cope’ but she shouldn’t have to. Mom had to, and she sacrificed so much of her life to bring me up.
Shaun: But you’re only doing the same, sacrificing your career.
Owen: No, I’m sacrificing ‘a’ career, I’ll still be a part of the business I love, in fact I’ll be even more involved in shaping its future with the talent like Reed James that I’ll be bringing through. I know what you are thinking Shaun, and if it was the other way around, I’d probably be thinking this too. But I’m clear in my mind, and I’m satisfied with what I have achieved. If I lose the World title and then don’t get it back, then I’m done. And I’m happy with that. The Last Hurrah if you will.
Shaun looks at Owen and can see very little doubt in his mind. He was about to give up wrestling, and he seemed at peace with that, so who was Shaun to argue. Shaun had promised Owen that he would be allowed to make his own decisions, and right now, this was one decision that Owen knew was the right one, and that was good enough for Shaun.
Shaun: You really are OK with this aren’t you?
Owen: Shaun, I’ll fight tooth and nail to keep those titles, truly I will. But once those reigns are conclusively over, then I’ll be perfectly fine for these last sixteen months to be my last as a wrestler. If I never return, so be it.
Shaun: Alright then…
Shaun holds up his coffee, and the two of them clink the mugs together.
Shaun: To the future
Owen: To the future.
They both take another sip of their drinks, Shaun giving Owen a wink of approval, a symbol that everything was going to be OK.
Owen: Can I be cheeky and just ask one more favor?
Shaun: You got it Kid.
Owen: It’s a big one… everything we’ve just spoken of could rest on it
Shaun: Now you have got me intrigued.
Owen leans forwards and starts to speak quieter, his words inaudible… as the scene fades.
+++ 28th March 2023 – New York +++
Owen looks up at the clock once again, which seems to be ticking along ominously slow, though of course it isn’t. Truth was, Owen wished that time went by in a flash, because then all of this would be over, one way or another. The door opens, and Owen immediately looks over, swallowing hard as Eric walks through the door with his two associates. He wears the smug grin of someone who firmly believes he has won and has gotten everything that he wanted. Again. He walks over and offers his hand which Owen doesn’t take. Owen does get to his feet however, standing from the weight bench.
Eric: Good evening, Owen, and what a fine evening it is.
Owen: Depends on your point of view.
Eric nods towards one of his associates, who pulls something from out of his pocket, passing it to his boss. Eric unfurls it, and hands it to Owen, Owen glancing down at the papers and realizing that this was an official contract.
Eric: You’ll find that everything is in order… at the price that we agreed. All you have to do is sign and the money will be in your account within the hour.
Owen: That simple huh? And then what?
Eric: You’ll be a very wealthy man.
Eric had no idea that this had never been about the money. Not at any point was it even a part of the discussion from his point of view.
Owen: That’s not what I mean. Who’s to say that once I sign this, that will be the end of it.
Eric: You have my word, and anyway, you have nothing more that I need.
Owen: So, I have your assurances that if I sign this contract, you will leave me, and my family and friends alone.
Eric: You may not like me Owen, but believe it or not, I am an honorable man. Once this is over, I doubt you will ever see me again. And I assure you, this place will thrive with the resources I have at my disposal. Think about your residents Owen… I’m giving them a future.
Owen turns and places the contract on the weight bench, it landing closed. Eric’s eyes flicker just a little, for the first time showing a little emotion. Owen feels his heart almost pumping from his chest, and the adrenaline surging through his body as he takes out his mobile phone and opens his file manager.
Eric: What’s going on Owen? I hope you’re not going to be a problem.
Owen: No problem, Eric. Just an unfortunate accident.
Eric: I’m a very busy man Owen, please just sign the contract.
Owen: You know what… NO.
Eric’s eyes widen, and one of the associates takes a step forwards, planning to make Owen pay for his disrespect. Eric though places a hand on the man’s chest, and shakes his head, the man backing off a couple of steps.
Eric: I’m not someone who you should be playing games with Owen.
Owen: No games Eric… just listen.
Owen presses the play button on his phone, the recording starting to play.
“And if you don’t sell to me Owen, then I will have to revert to Plan B. Because Owen, I would hate for someone you love ending up like Mr. Norton. You’d be surprised how easy it is to make something look like an overdose these days, especially one of the poor unfortunates who reside on New York’s streets.” Eric’s eyes widen, as he recognizes his own voice.
Eric: You recorded me?
Owen holds up his hand at the conversation continues.
“You killed Tyler?” Owen smiles, knowing exactly what came next.
“Don’t tell me that the thought didn’t cross your mind, Owen. Tyler was a nobody, an afterthought, hence why the law’s investigation was, inadequate at best. But to you, Tyler was the perfect example to show you what could happen should you choose to cross me. Yes, Owen… I killed Tyler, and if you don’t give me what I want, he most certainly won’t be the last. And next time, it will be someone a LOT closer to you”
“OK, you win.”
“Excuse me, I’m not sure I heard you correctly.”
“I’ll sell… I’ll accept your offer.”
“I have your word? And your acceptance of what happens should you renege on this deal?”
There was a momentary pause, Owen remembering it well as the point he had to shake Eric’s hand to at least give him time.
“Excellent, I knew you would see sense. I would instruct my lawyers to draw up the documentation. It should be with you in the next couple of days.”
Owen stops the recording, Eric looking on in total disbelief.
Eric: How dare you?
Owen: Like I said, it was a total accident. I just happened to be recording myself at the time.
Eric: And you expect me to believe that?
Owen: Honestly bro, I don’t care either way. See, this is how it is going to go. You ARE going to leave me alone, and there won’t be any repercussions. You do that, I don’t release this recording to the cops and you’ll go down for murder.
Eric: That’s your plan, to threaten me?
Owen: Pretty much
Eric: Well, let me tell you how it’s really going to go. I’m going to take that phone and smash it to pieces. Then, my associates here are going to do the same to your knees, so that you never wrestle again. THEN Owen, I’m going to take this place from you anyway, and you won’t receive a single cent.
Owen: Thought as much
Eric motions to his guys, who start to walk forwards, Owen however holding up a hand, which just for a second causes them to hesitate.
Owen: That’s exactly what I thought you’d say… so I brought a little insurance, just in case.
From the office, unseen to Eric and the two guys prior, steps six men. As they get closer, we see that it is Shaun, Chris Clay, Jason King, Jacob Laymon, Dante and Reed James, all either friends of his Father, or indeed Shaun. They walk up behind Owen, the two guys looking at Eric, who recognizes that they are outnumbered.
Owen: Because, as it happens, I’m not an honorable man in this case, and I’d already released the recording to the cops.
Even as he says the words, outside in the street is filled with the flickering blue lights of Police officers arriving on the scene.
Owen: I knew that someone like you would never be able to walk away, knowing that you were beaten.
Eric: Are you stupid Owen… the Police Chief just like everyone else in in my back pocket, I’ll be out within the hour, and then you’d better watch your back.
Owen: Oh, haven’t you heard, the chief got ‘released’ from his duties this morning. Seems someone anonymously handed in a dossier containing over a hundred instances of corruption and payments to turn a blind eye to people just like you. Seems that it may have spread to the justice system as well
Chris Clay grins, that was his handiwork. The door opens, and several officers swarm inside, Eric Morris for possibly the first time in his life stunned into silence, as an officer reads him his rights.
Eric: You won’t get away with this Owen… mark my words, I’ll find you.
The officer leads him away, Owen shouting after him.
Owen: Nice doing business with you Eric.
He’s led out the door which slams shut, Shaun stepping forwards and placing a hand on his shoulder.
Shaun: That took guts kid, I’m proud of you.
Owen: Thank you guys. Seriously how will I ever pay you back?
Jacob Laymon: You don’t have to Owen; consider it a debt we owed your Father.
Jason King: He helped us all at one point or another.
Reed James: I owe you everything Owen… I’ll always have your back. Whatever you need.
Owen nods his head, overcome with the moment. This really seemed like a moment when all had come full circle, everything his father had ever done coming to its conclusion right here, right now. The most apt of finales. No matter what came next, he knew that he could with clarity. A recognition of what was important, and if he was to lose the World Championship in the coming days, so be it. He was ready. He was ready, because he knew that no matter what happened, he would be alright. And that was all Orlando Cruze would have ever wanted.
+++ 29th March 2023 – Edmonton +++
Owen sits on a stool, his foot lifting and placed on the rest. Around him, there is nothing else, purposely done so that the camera focused on only him. He shifts in his seat, trying not to show the twinge in his knee that was still there, but not quite a substantial. With a nod towards the camera, he starts to speak.
“Scratch number three… “
Owen affords himself a smile, a smile that shows his pride at three title defenses.
“I guess I should thank you Adam, for giving me the opportunity to once again wrestle you under the highest of stakes. As I told you prior, taking on someone regarded as one of the greatest technical wrestlers was quite the incentive. I knew, after beating Penguin and Kim, this was potentially the most challenging defense of them all. Add to that the obvious animosity that we have for each other, there was never a question of whether we would blow the roof off or not. It was always going to happen. And so, it did, and Adam, once again you came unstuck. Finally, you HAVE to admit, you were beaten by the better man. Because there was no fluke to this, no coming in last in a Chamber to furnish you with excuses. I took you on, pound for pound, and it was I who crossed the finish line. Yeah, you got your shots in. Yes, my knee isn’t going to be at one hundred percent when I walk into Breakdown this week. But unlike you, I’m not going to try and make excuses. You won’t admit the truth, of course you won’t. We’ve been through this song and dance now way too many times for anything to ever be different between us. And yet, even now. Having been beaten and your Trios Contract going to waste, you’ve been given YET ANOTHER shot at the biggest prize of all. Thanks to Kim, you come into this Breakdown having weakened me, and I’m sure you will try and pass it off as some elaborate plan. Because no matter how you look at it Adam, there is no one that has been screwed over by the upcoming festivities than I have. I could have taken it as a personal shot from Kim, knowing how she has been obsessed with this opportunity ever since I took the Underground title from her. But you know what, there is only one thing that her ‘spite’ has achieved. It has only served to make me fight even harder than I ever have before. Because although I know full well, leaving Breakdown with the World title is now determined by how many pinfalls a person can get, and it’s no longer all about the talent of the individual. Although I know that no matter what happens, I cannot leave Breakdown with both reigns intact. Although I am fully aware that should I lose both titles and claim say, the Tag Team Championship, I will have to undertake two rematches and one title defense in ONE night, I sure as hell ain’t going to go down without a fight. Nineteen years old Owen would have buckled under the pressure like he did at Under Attack. Owen Circa 2023 has already shown that he is made of MUCH sterner stuff.
See, what I understand, whereas I can assure you that there will be many who don’t. I know that this is one heck of an opportunity for perhaps ninety percent of this roster who don’t consider themselves even close to the World Championship picture. Of course, there will be those that don’t aim that high, but I believe it’s a given that most want to one day be World Champion, so that will surely be the target for most. You’re going to have your strategists, who will look to seek out the weaker talent to pick up the pinfalls as quickly as they can. You’re going to have the egotists, who will see a pinfall over the current champions as a statement, not matter where they may finish. You’re going to see those who will embrace the warfare, in much the same way as Taking Hold of the Flame, a chance to take out as many as possible. Ultimately, EVERYONE will want to leave that evening with a title, a title that before Kimberley’s cash-in, they probably didn’t believe possible.
And that’s the thing, isn’t it?
Kim can pass it off as wanting to ‘shake it up’ as much as she likes. She can try and tie this all up in a little bow and claim this is anything but her selfishness getting the better of her. The FACT of the matter is this is a shot at EVERY current champion in this company who are currently held in higher esteem that she is. What she has done is make it so that the Champions in this company, people who have fought hard for their place, are the ones who have everything to lose, even with a rematch clause that when it takes place is almost as ridiculous as the stipulation itself. What you did Kim, is show that with a Trios Contract, that was achieved with you nothing more than a bit part player, you can undermine those that truly understand what Supreme Championship Wrestling is all about.
You may well think this is genius, I’m certain that you had a good laugh when the board accepted your request, which let’s face it they had no choice. Me, I just hope that you don’t get what you want from this, even though you have stacked the Underground title in your favor, funny that. I’m just happy that the whole world has finally seen that you are nothing more than an humorous distraction, that can’t even stand atop your own domain, and bring home a World Championship when fighting under your rules. You may well win that Underground Title, you’ll look like quite the idiot if you don’t to be honest, considering you’ve made it almost impossible for you to NOT succeed. But rest assured, you won’t be keeping it."
Owen shifts his leg again, stretching it out so that it now rests firmly on the floor.
“Because if the worst does happen, and I’m addressing anyone who can be bothered to listen right now. Anyone who knows that this means to me. If I do lose the World Championship, and the Underground Championship, and worse still, I don’t claim any of the other prizes on offer, or even worse still, end up being tag team Champion with Josh Hudson. You’re looking at one of the very few people on this roster who CAN wrestle three high profile matches in one night and believe that he can come away with victories in all of them. That’s not me getting above my level, that’s not me guaranteeing that by the time the next PPV comes around, everything will be right in the world. That’s me saying that no matter the circumstances, I believe that I can always find a way. That hasn’t happened by accident, it has come about by confidence. It’s come about by beating two names who will go down in history as legendary figures, to first win the title in the first place, and then go on to defend it for the third time. I’m not stupid, by the time May comes around, I may not have a single belt in my possession bar the one that holds up my jeans. But you can rest assured that I will bust a gut to ensure that doesn’t happen. Because if you haven’t figured it out by now, that is who I am.”
Owen gets to his feet, and walks forwards, a slight limp still evident which he does his best to hide. The camera pans out a little, as he continues with the narrative.
“But that’s the thing, isn’t it? You won’t hear that kind of rhetoric from everyone. You will hear people darn near guarantee their success, in the same way as Adam did at Retribution. Every year at the Taking Hold of the Flame event, it brings out the same individuals, who claim that their victory is their ‘destiny’, it’s laughable really. Just like at Taking Hold of the Flame, this Breakdown holds no guarantees. In fact, ‘Playing the Wildcard’ will probably be the more defining night. Because THAT is when Kimberley Williams actions, and the fall out from them, will be set in stone. When the dust settles, will Kimberley Williams have found out if her selfish game gave her the satisfactory conclusion? Only then, will the outlook of SCW be known heading towards Rise to Greatness. I’ve worked too hard for this to be taken away from me on a whim. I’ve proven myself many times, and it will my pleasure to prove myself yet again. Because I don’t care who you are. I don’t care if you being here a decade, a year, or just a few months. I look over the competitors, and those that may sign up for this opportunity, and although some of the biggest names on the planet are in there, it truly doesn’t matter to me. I respect everyone and anyone who has a Supreme Championship Wrestling contract. I like to think I know what every single one of you brings to the table, current champion or not. But in a circumstance like this, it simply doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a list of accolades as long as your arm, it had literally no bearing. Even experience, an attribute thrown at me as being lacking more times than I can remember, it means nothing here, because this match is so unique. ALL that matters, is making sure that you score more pinfalls than anyone else. The rest is as irrelevant as it is unimportant.
Owen points towards the camera, his stare as intense as it has been throughout.
“So, you… you right there believing that this is going to be your moment in the sun, rest assured that every other person in this match is thinking the exact same. If right now you are looking at me and thinking, ‘I’m going to make sure I pin that son of a bitch at some point’, you my friend are going about this all the wrong way, and ultimately, you’ll be wasting your time.
Me?
It’s quite simple. I’m going to pin or make submit, whoever, or whomever it is that gets in my way over the course of that evening. I’ll superkick, or curb stomp any unfortunate soul who thought it best that I be another ‘one’ to their total, whatever it may be at the end of the night. And make sure that it is MY score that is higher than anyone else’s. In these situations, it is easy to focus on the negatives. It’s human nature to focus on the fact that you are the one being screwed over in this story. Like I say, I could quiver at the thought of what could be coming in the fallout of what will be one of the most unique Breakdown’s in SCW’s prestigious history. And some might say I would be forgiven for thinking, what’s the point? Lose, and I get a rematch anyway, right? But there’s the thing, that ISN’T the way I think, and it never will be, not anymore. Now I have matured, this is a match I must win, the permutations of such can come after. And just imagine the furor… if the ‘whiny little kid’ stormed through a match like this with all the odds against him, and STILL remained the World Champion. I’m all about my legacy… winning and defending in a match like this will DEFINE my legacy as one of the greatest fighting champions to EVER compete. It could be one of the biggest nights of my life. THAT is the way a Champion looks at things. THAT is the way Josh, Bree, Selena, Deanna and Glory will be looking at this. It’s a huge opportunity for them, but its career defining for US. And when I come through this, just like I did with Adam, I’ll make sure to thank the person who came up with all this, you can be certain of that. Because no one will ever doubt me or say that I don’t belong WHEN I pull this off. At least not without looking like the biggest fool in our industry. And believe me, in this environment, with some of the biggest jokers on the planet, that is quite a claim.”
Owen hesitates for a second, coming towards the end of his offering. More than every before, words were going to cut it, not really. This was a week for action. The cards had been dealt, now he had to play his hand, knowing that only his best would be good enough. He did this, he would go down in history, and he knew it. It was up to him to make it happen.
“And so, I guess you’ve figured out, I’m a firm believer these days that life is what you make it, and thus, I see my career as the same. I remember being nineteen, heading into Under Attack and believing I was already beaten. What happened? I WAS beaten, and from that the spiral I lost a good portion of my career and wasted time focusing on something that I should have simply learned from. And learned from a lot earlier than I eventually did. It’s not naivety to say I can do this. I’m not being unrealistic to think that I can outdo pretty much the entire roster on one given night. It’s me, finally, recognizing just how good I am, no longer bound by the stigma of my surname, but driven to succeed by it. My quickness, my agility, and my stamina will NEVER be tested like it will at Breakdown, but you know what, I embrace that. I said this was my time, my moment, and I’m sorry, but the sands in the hourglass haven’t quite passed through.
Not yet.
I am Owen Cruze, SCW World and Underground Champion, and on Breakdown this week, only one of those statements will change…
… spoiler, I won’t be Underground Champion anymore. Unfortunately, that cannot happen. But that situation will only be temporary, and Kim, I pray that you claim your precious once more with all those odds stacked in your favor. Taking it from you once was fun. Beating you in your own domain twice… that’s no accident. People will then start to realize that thanks to YOUR actions, even with all the ability you obviously have, you should be looked upon not as a women scorned, but as a gimmick. A Social Media troll that acts like a child, kicking and screaming when they don’t get their own way. Imagine, using a Trios and it meaning nothing. Imagine, that is the fate that awaits you. I hope you enjoy the fruits of your ‘labor Kim, I really do.’”
He grins at the camera, giving it his customary wink.
“Because when I somehow pull this off, you can rest assured I will. Oh, and Selena, remember when I told you that you needed to make an enemy to exist? And you denied it with all your being? And yet here we are, you needing to make me the villain? This being MY fault?"
He shakes his head dismissively.
"No Selena, it's not my fault. And you, like the last time we faced, have once again pulled back that mask and revealed you're just as much a santinmonious prick as Adam Allocco has ever been. Craving the spotlight just as much as everyone else so that you can be the savior once more. Nah, not this time Selena.
Fuck.
That.
Noise.
I'm NOT your enemy, but keep with that narrative, and you'll be changing that scenario. And Selena, be warned. I ain't that 'kid' anymore."
Owen salutes the camera and walks off screen, as the scene slowly fades
Shaun being in New York had made for a happy coincidence. He was in the city putting together the final pieces of the premier of Battlefield Earth 2, and thankfully once that was all done, he still had a little bit of time before he had to fly back to Los Angeles. What Owen wanted to discuss, only Jennifer was already aware of. And although she had her misgivings, she certainly understood and supported where Owen was coming from. Owen only thought it right that Shaun was next to know, and thus now served as the perfect opportunity. So, sat in a café in New York, just a couple of blocks from the School, they had both ordered their drinks, a flat white for Shaun and a cappuccino for Owen, and were enjoying each other’s company, this get together something that didn’t happen as often as both wished it should.
Shaun: So, you got your head around everything now. Can’t be easy with this whole Trios stipulation hanging over you.
Owen nods his head, he’s gone over that stipulation many times, and always arrived at one conclusion.
Owen: When Kim said she was going to ‘shake things up’ a little, she certainly wasn’t joking.
Shaun: How do you feel? I mean you could lose both titles and end up with none.
Owen: Well, there is the failsafe of the rematch clause so there is that. But yeah, gotta admit, seeing a title reign end this way is going to sting a little, then again, I’m kinda used to that.
It was a reference to the Elimination Chamber at Under Attack, his first ever where he had lost his first World Champion after being too immature to handle it. Something he had since exorcised last year.
Owen: I mean, the best situation would be I win the match, and reclaim the World Championship, but if I don’t it could mean me defending a title should I win one, and then a rematch for the two I lost… all on one night.
Shaun: You did say you wanted to be a fighting champion.
Owen: I know right, but this is ridiculous.
Shaun: All you can do Owen is do the best you can this Breakdown and see how the cards fall. Pointless worrying about it now, the best thing you can do is go all out for the victory.
Owen: Just like everyone else will be you mean?
Shaun: True, but you have something they don’t
Owen: And what’s that?
Shaun: You are the current SCW Champion and wildly regarded as one of the most talented wrestlers in the world right now. You heard Josh Hudson, that’s the only reason he wants to face you again, to prove that he is better. Look at it a different way… if you DO lose the World and Underground Championships, but claim a different title on Breakdown, then by the time the next PPV rolls around, you could be a THREE-time champion, and I’m not even sure that’s ever been done. You’ve said yourself, one of your greatest attributes right now is to keep going under extreme circumstances. Well Owen, they don’t get any more extreme than this.
Owen: Very true… I guess if I come through this it will only serve to solidify my legacy, right?
Shaun: Exactly… don’t worry about shit that ain’t happened yet. There will be plenty of time to put things right.
Owen: That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about.
Shaun: Oh?
Shaun takes a sip of his coffee, never taking his eyes off of his nephew who takes a drink from his own cup.
Shaun: OK then shoot… what’s on your mind?
Owen pauses for a brief moment to gather his thoughts, before he then starts to speak.
Owen: Do you know what one of my most vivid memories is of my childhood.
Shaun shakes his head; he literally didn’t have a clue.
Owen: I got lots and lots of amazing memories, and honestly, I feel so lucky to have lived the life I have, but the one thing I always come back to is Dad hardly ever being around. Things weren’t like they are, and companies didn’t look after the talent in the way they do now, so Dad was always on the road, whether it be the house shows, or the marquee events, it always seemed like it was just Mom, Ruby and me. Don’t get me wrong, I loved having a famous Father, even if it did get me a few beatings, but we never really did the usual stuff like kicking a ball around or playing computer games. That always seemed to be you when you came into our life.
Shaun: I’m not sure your Dad knew how to kick a ball
Owen: Yeah, I know, but you know what I mean don’t you?
Shaun: Yeah, I do… I thought about it a lot when Dorothea was born.
Owen: Precisely, I don’t want my kid growing up in that same way, whereby I never go to nursery to pick them up, or I’m not around if they are in the school production. I don’t want to be that Father who makes excuses, and leaves all that kind of stuff up to Jennifer. I want to visible, I want to be a huge part of their life and when they need me, I don’t want to have to make time for them. I should be there, naturally. For Jennifer as well. There’s so many things about him I admire, so many attributes I wish I had, but that one… treated the business with more importance than anything else, I’m not going to make that mistake. I WON’T make that mistake.
Shaun could see the emotion in his eyes, and hear it in his voice. Owen had obviously given this a lot of thought, and Shaun felt quite honored that he was having this discussion with him.
Shaun: So, what are you saying? I mean, you’ve got wrestling, you’ve got Next Level New York, the new place in Miami. How are you going to juggle all of that while still being there?
Owen: I’m not going to.
Shaun: What do you mean?
Owen: I’m not going to juggle it all… I’m going to let things go.
He nods his head, certain he is doing the right thing.
Owen: I’m going to quit wrestling.
Shaun cannot help but feel taken aback. Owen had worked so hard to get back to where he was, it seemed unthinkable that he could let it all go, but that didn’t mean that he wasn’t willing to listen.
Shaun: You’re serious?
Owen: Deadly. I’ve already handed over ‘Next Level New York’ to Finch, and he’s going to be working with my Mom and handling things on that score. The new place in Miami is just down the road, I’ll only be a couple of minutes from work, and heck, I’m the boss. If I need to I’ll bring them with me. It’s wrestling that takes up all my time, whether that’s media work, or competing, it seems like a never ending cycle. My contract is up for renewal soon, and when they want to get me round a table, I’m only going to sign a short term deal if I am still champion. If I’m not, then I’ll walk away.
Shaun: After everything, you could do that? At twenty-three years old?
Owen smiles, he’d thought about this a lot.
Owen: I only came back Shaun, because of the way it all ended. I didn’t want people to remember me like that, and now they won’t. The people have given me my redemption. I never thought for one second that I’d become World Champion again, so the only thing left to achieve is Supreme Champion, and honestly, I can live without that. Plus, my age is a bonus. Say the kid starts going to school and I’m sat twiddling my thumbs most of the time because the businesses are running themselves, in five or six years I could return, and I’d still only be twenty-nine. It’s doesn’t have to be over for good… just for right now.
Shaun: And Jennifer is OK with this?
Owen: Actually, no she wasn’t. She tried to persuade me to change my mind and said she could ‘cope’ but she shouldn’t have to. Mom had to, and she sacrificed so much of her life to bring me up.
Shaun: But you’re only doing the same, sacrificing your career.
Owen: No, I’m sacrificing ‘a’ career, I’ll still be a part of the business I love, in fact I’ll be even more involved in shaping its future with the talent like Reed James that I’ll be bringing through. I know what you are thinking Shaun, and if it was the other way around, I’d probably be thinking this too. But I’m clear in my mind, and I’m satisfied with what I have achieved. If I lose the World title and then don’t get it back, then I’m done. And I’m happy with that. The Last Hurrah if you will.
Shaun looks at Owen and can see very little doubt in his mind. He was about to give up wrestling, and he seemed at peace with that, so who was Shaun to argue. Shaun had promised Owen that he would be allowed to make his own decisions, and right now, this was one decision that Owen knew was the right one, and that was good enough for Shaun.
Shaun: You really are OK with this aren’t you?
Owen: Shaun, I’ll fight tooth and nail to keep those titles, truly I will. But once those reigns are conclusively over, then I’ll be perfectly fine for these last sixteen months to be my last as a wrestler. If I never return, so be it.
Shaun: Alright then…
Shaun holds up his coffee, and the two of them clink the mugs together.
Shaun: To the future
Owen: To the future.
They both take another sip of their drinks, Shaun giving Owen a wink of approval, a symbol that everything was going to be OK.
Owen: Can I be cheeky and just ask one more favor?
Shaun: You got it Kid.
Owen: It’s a big one… everything we’ve just spoken of could rest on it
Shaun: Now you have got me intrigued.
Owen leans forwards and starts to speak quieter, his words inaudible… as the scene fades.
+++ 28th March 2023 – New York +++
Owen looks up at the clock once again, which seems to be ticking along ominously slow, though of course it isn’t. Truth was, Owen wished that time went by in a flash, because then all of this would be over, one way or another. The door opens, and Owen immediately looks over, swallowing hard as Eric walks through the door with his two associates. He wears the smug grin of someone who firmly believes he has won and has gotten everything that he wanted. Again. He walks over and offers his hand which Owen doesn’t take. Owen does get to his feet however, standing from the weight bench.
Eric: Good evening, Owen, and what a fine evening it is.
Owen: Depends on your point of view.
Eric nods towards one of his associates, who pulls something from out of his pocket, passing it to his boss. Eric unfurls it, and hands it to Owen, Owen glancing down at the papers and realizing that this was an official contract.
Eric: You’ll find that everything is in order… at the price that we agreed. All you have to do is sign and the money will be in your account within the hour.
Owen: That simple huh? And then what?
Eric: You’ll be a very wealthy man.
Eric had no idea that this had never been about the money. Not at any point was it even a part of the discussion from his point of view.
Owen: That’s not what I mean. Who’s to say that once I sign this, that will be the end of it.
Eric: You have my word, and anyway, you have nothing more that I need.
Owen: So, I have your assurances that if I sign this contract, you will leave me, and my family and friends alone.
Eric: You may not like me Owen, but believe it or not, I am an honorable man. Once this is over, I doubt you will ever see me again. And I assure you, this place will thrive with the resources I have at my disposal. Think about your residents Owen… I’m giving them a future.
Owen turns and places the contract on the weight bench, it landing closed. Eric’s eyes flicker just a little, for the first time showing a little emotion. Owen feels his heart almost pumping from his chest, and the adrenaline surging through his body as he takes out his mobile phone and opens his file manager.
Eric: What’s going on Owen? I hope you’re not going to be a problem.
Owen: No problem, Eric. Just an unfortunate accident.
Eric: I’m a very busy man Owen, please just sign the contract.
Owen: You know what… NO.
Eric’s eyes widen, and one of the associates takes a step forwards, planning to make Owen pay for his disrespect. Eric though places a hand on the man’s chest, and shakes his head, the man backing off a couple of steps.
Eric: I’m not someone who you should be playing games with Owen.
Owen: No games Eric… just listen.
Owen presses the play button on his phone, the recording starting to play.
“And if you don’t sell to me Owen, then I will have to revert to Plan B. Because Owen, I would hate for someone you love ending up like Mr. Norton. You’d be surprised how easy it is to make something look like an overdose these days, especially one of the poor unfortunates who reside on New York’s streets.” Eric’s eyes widen, as he recognizes his own voice.
Eric: You recorded me?
Owen holds up his hand at the conversation continues.
“You killed Tyler?” Owen smiles, knowing exactly what came next.
“Don’t tell me that the thought didn’t cross your mind, Owen. Tyler was a nobody, an afterthought, hence why the law’s investigation was, inadequate at best. But to you, Tyler was the perfect example to show you what could happen should you choose to cross me. Yes, Owen… I killed Tyler, and if you don’t give me what I want, he most certainly won’t be the last. And next time, it will be someone a LOT closer to you”
“OK, you win.”
“Excuse me, I’m not sure I heard you correctly.”
“I’ll sell… I’ll accept your offer.”
“I have your word? And your acceptance of what happens should you renege on this deal?”
There was a momentary pause, Owen remembering it well as the point he had to shake Eric’s hand to at least give him time.
“Excellent, I knew you would see sense. I would instruct my lawyers to draw up the documentation. It should be with you in the next couple of days.”
Owen stops the recording, Eric looking on in total disbelief.
Eric: How dare you?
Owen: Like I said, it was a total accident. I just happened to be recording myself at the time.
Eric: And you expect me to believe that?
Owen: Honestly bro, I don’t care either way. See, this is how it is going to go. You ARE going to leave me alone, and there won’t be any repercussions. You do that, I don’t release this recording to the cops and you’ll go down for murder.
Eric: That’s your plan, to threaten me?
Owen: Pretty much
Eric: Well, let me tell you how it’s really going to go. I’m going to take that phone and smash it to pieces. Then, my associates here are going to do the same to your knees, so that you never wrestle again. THEN Owen, I’m going to take this place from you anyway, and you won’t receive a single cent.
Owen: Thought as much
Eric motions to his guys, who start to walk forwards, Owen however holding up a hand, which just for a second causes them to hesitate.
Owen: That’s exactly what I thought you’d say… so I brought a little insurance, just in case.
From the office, unseen to Eric and the two guys prior, steps six men. As they get closer, we see that it is Shaun, Chris Clay, Jason King, Jacob Laymon, Dante and Reed James, all either friends of his Father, or indeed Shaun. They walk up behind Owen, the two guys looking at Eric, who recognizes that they are outnumbered.
Owen: Because, as it happens, I’m not an honorable man in this case, and I’d already released the recording to the cops.
Even as he says the words, outside in the street is filled with the flickering blue lights of Police officers arriving on the scene.
Owen: I knew that someone like you would never be able to walk away, knowing that you were beaten.
Eric: Are you stupid Owen… the Police Chief just like everyone else in in my back pocket, I’ll be out within the hour, and then you’d better watch your back.
Owen: Oh, haven’t you heard, the chief got ‘released’ from his duties this morning. Seems someone anonymously handed in a dossier containing over a hundred instances of corruption and payments to turn a blind eye to people just like you. Seems that it may have spread to the justice system as well
Chris Clay grins, that was his handiwork. The door opens, and several officers swarm inside, Eric Morris for possibly the first time in his life stunned into silence, as an officer reads him his rights.
Eric: You won’t get away with this Owen… mark my words, I’ll find you.
The officer leads him away, Owen shouting after him.
Owen: Nice doing business with you Eric.
He’s led out the door which slams shut, Shaun stepping forwards and placing a hand on his shoulder.
Shaun: That took guts kid, I’m proud of you.
Owen: Thank you guys. Seriously how will I ever pay you back?
Jacob Laymon: You don’t have to Owen; consider it a debt we owed your Father.
Jason King: He helped us all at one point or another.
Reed James: I owe you everything Owen… I’ll always have your back. Whatever you need.
Owen nods his head, overcome with the moment. This really seemed like a moment when all had come full circle, everything his father had ever done coming to its conclusion right here, right now. The most apt of finales. No matter what came next, he knew that he could with clarity. A recognition of what was important, and if he was to lose the World Championship in the coming days, so be it. He was ready. He was ready, because he knew that no matter what happened, he would be alright. And that was all Orlando Cruze would have ever wanted.
+++ 29th March 2023 – Edmonton +++
Owen sits on a stool, his foot lifting and placed on the rest. Around him, there is nothing else, purposely done so that the camera focused on only him. He shifts in his seat, trying not to show the twinge in his knee that was still there, but not quite a substantial. With a nod towards the camera, he starts to speak.
“Scratch number three… “
Owen affords himself a smile, a smile that shows his pride at three title defenses.
“I guess I should thank you Adam, for giving me the opportunity to once again wrestle you under the highest of stakes. As I told you prior, taking on someone regarded as one of the greatest technical wrestlers was quite the incentive. I knew, after beating Penguin and Kim, this was potentially the most challenging defense of them all. Add to that the obvious animosity that we have for each other, there was never a question of whether we would blow the roof off or not. It was always going to happen. And so, it did, and Adam, once again you came unstuck. Finally, you HAVE to admit, you were beaten by the better man. Because there was no fluke to this, no coming in last in a Chamber to furnish you with excuses. I took you on, pound for pound, and it was I who crossed the finish line. Yeah, you got your shots in. Yes, my knee isn’t going to be at one hundred percent when I walk into Breakdown this week. But unlike you, I’m not going to try and make excuses. You won’t admit the truth, of course you won’t. We’ve been through this song and dance now way too many times for anything to ever be different between us. And yet, even now. Having been beaten and your Trios Contract going to waste, you’ve been given YET ANOTHER shot at the biggest prize of all. Thanks to Kim, you come into this Breakdown having weakened me, and I’m sure you will try and pass it off as some elaborate plan. Because no matter how you look at it Adam, there is no one that has been screwed over by the upcoming festivities than I have. I could have taken it as a personal shot from Kim, knowing how she has been obsessed with this opportunity ever since I took the Underground title from her. But you know what, there is only one thing that her ‘spite’ has achieved. It has only served to make me fight even harder than I ever have before. Because although I know full well, leaving Breakdown with the World title is now determined by how many pinfalls a person can get, and it’s no longer all about the talent of the individual. Although I know that no matter what happens, I cannot leave Breakdown with both reigns intact. Although I am fully aware that should I lose both titles and claim say, the Tag Team Championship, I will have to undertake two rematches and one title defense in ONE night, I sure as hell ain’t going to go down without a fight. Nineteen years old Owen would have buckled under the pressure like he did at Under Attack. Owen Circa 2023 has already shown that he is made of MUCH sterner stuff.
See, what I understand, whereas I can assure you that there will be many who don’t. I know that this is one heck of an opportunity for perhaps ninety percent of this roster who don’t consider themselves even close to the World Championship picture. Of course, there will be those that don’t aim that high, but I believe it’s a given that most want to one day be World Champion, so that will surely be the target for most. You’re going to have your strategists, who will look to seek out the weaker talent to pick up the pinfalls as quickly as they can. You’re going to have the egotists, who will see a pinfall over the current champions as a statement, not matter where they may finish. You’re going to see those who will embrace the warfare, in much the same way as Taking Hold of the Flame, a chance to take out as many as possible. Ultimately, EVERYONE will want to leave that evening with a title, a title that before Kimberley’s cash-in, they probably didn’t believe possible.
And that’s the thing, isn’t it?
Kim can pass it off as wanting to ‘shake it up’ as much as she likes. She can try and tie this all up in a little bow and claim this is anything but her selfishness getting the better of her. The FACT of the matter is this is a shot at EVERY current champion in this company who are currently held in higher esteem that she is. What she has done is make it so that the Champions in this company, people who have fought hard for their place, are the ones who have everything to lose, even with a rematch clause that when it takes place is almost as ridiculous as the stipulation itself. What you did Kim, is show that with a Trios Contract, that was achieved with you nothing more than a bit part player, you can undermine those that truly understand what Supreme Championship Wrestling is all about.
You may well think this is genius, I’m certain that you had a good laugh when the board accepted your request, which let’s face it they had no choice. Me, I just hope that you don’t get what you want from this, even though you have stacked the Underground title in your favor, funny that. I’m just happy that the whole world has finally seen that you are nothing more than an humorous distraction, that can’t even stand atop your own domain, and bring home a World Championship when fighting under your rules. You may well win that Underground Title, you’ll look like quite the idiot if you don’t to be honest, considering you’ve made it almost impossible for you to NOT succeed. But rest assured, you won’t be keeping it."
Owen shifts his leg again, stretching it out so that it now rests firmly on the floor.
“Because if the worst does happen, and I’m addressing anyone who can be bothered to listen right now. Anyone who knows that this means to me. If I do lose the World Championship, and the Underground Championship, and worse still, I don’t claim any of the other prizes on offer, or even worse still, end up being tag team Champion with Josh Hudson. You’re looking at one of the very few people on this roster who CAN wrestle three high profile matches in one night and believe that he can come away with victories in all of them. That’s not me getting above my level, that’s not me guaranteeing that by the time the next PPV comes around, everything will be right in the world. That’s me saying that no matter the circumstances, I believe that I can always find a way. That hasn’t happened by accident, it has come about by confidence. It’s come about by beating two names who will go down in history as legendary figures, to first win the title in the first place, and then go on to defend it for the third time. I’m not stupid, by the time May comes around, I may not have a single belt in my possession bar the one that holds up my jeans. But you can rest assured that I will bust a gut to ensure that doesn’t happen. Because if you haven’t figured it out by now, that is who I am.”
Owen gets to his feet, and walks forwards, a slight limp still evident which he does his best to hide. The camera pans out a little, as he continues with the narrative.
“But that’s the thing, isn’t it? You won’t hear that kind of rhetoric from everyone. You will hear people darn near guarantee their success, in the same way as Adam did at Retribution. Every year at the Taking Hold of the Flame event, it brings out the same individuals, who claim that their victory is their ‘destiny’, it’s laughable really. Just like at Taking Hold of the Flame, this Breakdown holds no guarantees. In fact, ‘Playing the Wildcard’ will probably be the more defining night. Because THAT is when Kimberley Williams actions, and the fall out from them, will be set in stone. When the dust settles, will Kimberley Williams have found out if her selfish game gave her the satisfactory conclusion? Only then, will the outlook of SCW be known heading towards Rise to Greatness. I’ve worked too hard for this to be taken away from me on a whim. I’ve proven myself many times, and it will my pleasure to prove myself yet again. Because I don’t care who you are. I don’t care if you being here a decade, a year, or just a few months. I look over the competitors, and those that may sign up for this opportunity, and although some of the biggest names on the planet are in there, it truly doesn’t matter to me. I respect everyone and anyone who has a Supreme Championship Wrestling contract. I like to think I know what every single one of you brings to the table, current champion or not. But in a circumstance like this, it simply doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a list of accolades as long as your arm, it had literally no bearing. Even experience, an attribute thrown at me as being lacking more times than I can remember, it means nothing here, because this match is so unique. ALL that matters, is making sure that you score more pinfalls than anyone else. The rest is as irrelevant as it is unimportant.
Owen points towards the camera, his stare as intense as it has been throughout.
“So, you… you right there believing that this is going to be your moment in the sun, rest assured that every other person in this match is thinking the exact same. If right now you are looking at me and thinking, ‘I’m going to make sure I pin that son of a bitch at some point’, you my friend are going about this all the wrong way, and ultimately, you’ll be wasting your time.
Me?
It’s quite simple. I’m going to pin or make submit, whoever, or whomever it is that gets in my way over the course of that evening. I’ll superkick, or curb stomp any unfortunate soul who thought it best that I be another ‘one’ to their total, whatever it may be at the end of the night. And make sure that it is MY score that is higher than anyone else’s. In these situations, it is easy to focus on the negatives. It’s human nature to focus on the fact that you are the one being screwed over in this story. Like I say, I could quiver at the thought of what could be coming in the fallout of what will be one of the most unique Breakdown’s in SCW’s prestigious history. And some might say I would be forgiven for thinking, what’s the point? Lose, and I get a rematch anyway, right? But there’s the thing, that ISN’T the way I think, and it never will be, not anymore. Now I have matured, this is a match I must win, the permutations of such can come after. And just imagine the furor… if the ‘whiny little kid’ stormed through a match like this with all the odds against him, and STILL remained the World Champion. I’m all about my legacy… winning and defending in a match like this will DEFINE my legacy as one of the greatest fighting champions to EVER compete. It could be one of the biggest nights of my life. THAT is the way a Champion looks at things. THAT is the way Josh, Bree, Selena, Deanna and Glory will be looking at this. It’s a huge opportunity for them, but its career defining for US. And when I come through this, just like I did with Adam, I’ll make sure to thank the person who came up with all this, you can be certain of that. Because no one will ever doubt me or say that I don’t belong WHEN I pull this off. At least not without looking like the biggest fool in our industry. And believe me, in this environment, with some of the biggest jokers on the planet, that is quite a claim.”
Owen hesitates for a second, coming towards the end of his offering. More than every before, words were going to cut it, not really. This was a week for action. The cards had been dealt, now he had to play his hand, knowing that only his best would be good enough. He did this, he would go down in history, and he knew it. It was up to him to make it happen.
“And so, I guess you’ve figured out, I’m a firm believer these days that life is what you make it, and thus, I see my career as the same. I remember being nineteen, heading into Under Attack and believing I was already beaten. What happened? I WAS beaten, and from that the spiral I lost a good portion of my career and wasted time focusing on something that I should have simply learned from. And learned from a lot earlier than I eventually did. It’s not naivety to say I can do this. I’m not being unrealistic to think that I can outdo pretty much the entire roster on one given night. It’s me, finally, recognizing just how good I am, no longer bound by the stigma of my surname, but driven to succeed by it. My quickness, my agility, and my stamina will NEVER be tested like it will at Breakdown, but you know what, I embrace that. I said this was my time, my moment, and I’m sorry, but the sands in the hourglass haven’t quite passed through.
Not yet.
I am Owen Cruze, SCW World and Underground Champion, and on Breakdown this week, only one of those statements will change…
… spoiler, I won’t be Underground Champion anymore. Unfortunately, that cannot happen. But that situation will only be temporary, and Kim, I pray that you claim your precious once more with all those odds stacked in your favor. Taking it from you once was fun. Beating you in your own domain twice… that’s no accident. People will then start to realize that thanks to YOUR actions, even with all the ability you obviously have, you should be looked upon not as a women scorned, but as a gimmick. A Social Media troll that acts like a child, kicking and screaming when they don’t get their own way. Imagine, using a Trios and it meaning nothing. Imagine, that is the fate that awaits you. I hope you enjoy the fruits of your ‘labor Kim, I really do.’”
He grins at the camera, giving it his customary wink.
“Because when I somehow pull this off, you can rest assured I will. Oh, and Selena, remember when I told you that you needed to make an enemy to exist? And you denied it with all your being? And yet here we are, you needing to make me the villain? This being MY fault?"
He shakes his head dismissively.
"No Selena, it's not my fault. And you, like the last time we faced, have once again pulled back that mask and revealed you're just as much a santinmonious prick as Adam Allocco has ever been. Craving the spotlight just as much as everyone else so that you can be the savior once more. Nah, not this time Selena.
Fuck.
That.
Noise.
I'm NOT your enemy, but keep with that narrative, and you'll be changing that scenario. And Selena, be warned. I ain't that 'kid' anymore."
Owen salutes the camera and walks off screen, as the scene slowly fades
![[Image: 270041540-258425806375597-7033161467703002046-n.png]](https://i.ibb.co/8sQWMPt/270041540-258425806375597-7033161467703002046-n.png)