OOC Note - Promo only as per agreement. Thanks again bro and good luck
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Owen appears on screen, casually dressed in a SCW branded tee-shirt, a pair of jogging bottoms and Adidas trainers. He acknowledges the camera with a nod before he starts to speak.
“Selena Frost…”
A smirk forms on Owen’s face, as he shifts position in his seat.
“I don’t think that there is any dispute that right now, you ARE the very best this company has to offer. Over the course of the last few years, you have established yourself as someone who is nigh on impossible to stop. Someone who is about as determined as they come, and willing to take on whoever steps up to the plate. Anyone who wants to become a wrestler, you are the role model for others to look up to. The ‘FACE’ of the company bar none.”
Nodding his head, he continues.
“Every challenge you faced; you have never backed away from. Whether it was up against it professionally, or through threats to your personal life, you have made those sacrifices. And have placed yourself as a nailed on, future entry into the SCW Hall of Fame. Furthermore, you have done it with a smile on your face, and never lost the morals that put you on that pedestal in the first place. Or at least that’s the way the SCW Media Machine would have you believe.”
The smirk gets wider, Owen licking his lips with anticipation.
“See Selena, I don’t know if you noticed, but over the course of the last eighteen months I kinda lost the plot a little. Things got a little ‘fraught’ for me, and I lost my way. Don’t worry, it’s all good, I reckon I’m back on track now. So much so Josh Hudson has a real bug up his ass about me, but that’s by the by. But where were you when I was going through all that bullshit. You knew me quite well. You and I had stood shoulder to shoulder on more than one occasions as we tried to fight the good fight. I’d come out at risk to myself when you endured the many cheap attacks that you were subjected to. Where were you when I was literally on the verge of oblivion…”
He takes a deep breath, not wanting to lose his cool.
“No need to answer Selena, it was a rhetorical question. I know what you were doing, you were looking out for you. Chris Cannon offered an ear. There were many others not considered as the ‘good guys’ around here, that at the very least checked in on me, and offered their advice. You? Radio silence. My guess, you condemned me like many others who I considered as allies. Even though it was obvious that I wasn’t in my right mind, you turned your back on me, and I can only think of one reason why. The last time we faced off, we all saw a different side to Selena Frost, a side very rarely seen. A side that it seems to go to great lengths to hide.”
Owen shrugs his shoulders, sticking out his bottom lip.
“Do you remember Selena? I’m sure you do. You weren’t the World Champion at the time, and although your career certainly wasn’t ‘floundering’, you were embroiled in some of the biggest feuds of the year. As I said earlier, fighting the good fight. If you don’t remember what I said exactly, I’ll remind you ad verbatim. I told you that you are nowhere near as effective when you have nothing to fight for. I told you that without a ‘purpose’ the ‘belief’ isn’t anywhere near as strong. You denied it, of course you did, woe betide anyone who dare identify a weakness. And over the course of time, I’ll agree that may not be the case any longer, as you have evolved into a true superstar, off the back of some huge victories. But how do I know that I was right back then? That’s simple. The moment I mentioned it and brought it to the table, it wasn’t ignored as bullshit. You didn’t just pour scorn on it; say I was wrong and then move on. No, what you did Selena, and I invite you to go back and check the archives to see it for yourself if you don’t believe me. Was embark on a character assassination, pulling me up for quite literally everything you could think of. One of your biggest allies, fighting for the same course as you, and you stabbed me in the back, INVENTING an issue, that wasn’t even there because I said ONE negative thing about you. ONE. The ‘Face’ of the company wouldn’t have entertained such a thing. The ‘face’ of the company would have dealt with the situation a whole lot better. Do you know why I think you reacted in that way Selena? Because underneath, that ‘frosty’ determination was just a front. Your ego was just as fragile as anyone else’s, and you refused to be seen in a bad light by anyone. Maybe you have grown now, and the same isn’t the case. But what it showed was that you were more than capable of the EXACT same putdowns you would berate Bree Lancaster for. Or even Sienna Swann. That’s a lofty high horse you sit on Selena, and in that moment, you fell off. You lost focus. And consequentially lost the match…
…My point?
As I’m sure you have figured out, it kinda left a bitter taste in my mouth back then, and because I have a good memory, that taste remains. Don’t get me wrong, it’s like water off a ducks back to me nowadays, I’ve been called far, FAR worse in the last seven days. For me personally, it’s a shift change in that the people I care about, they are the ones that matter to me. Anyone else, well there is a reason that they are excluded from that bubble. If it had been NOW let you have said these things, I would have shrugged my shoulders and moved on. And even then, I wasn’t angry, more disappointed in someone I obviously held in high regard. The point of all this Selena is simple. As a wrestler you are exemplary, the guiding light for us all and I’ll always except that to be true. But the squeaky-clean persona, I just ain’t buying. Because that kind of person wouldn’t have needed to go to the depths you did to save face. ‘FACE’ of the company Selena? Nah, not for me. Good person for sure, one of the best people to be World Champion right now… but not a person with the moral high ground you claim to command.”
Owen pauses for a moment to allow those words to sink in, and after that momentary hesitation he continues.
“And that’s why truthfully, I would prefer to be facing Josh Hudson every single day of the week. As you probably saw last time out, he left me unconscious, could have done some really damage… where were you by the way looking to uphold truth and justice? Glory was there... how about that.”
He laughs
“No matter. Thing is, with Josh I know exactly what I’m going to get. There’s no question in my mind that you will move to explain yourself Selena, but the fact is you don’t need to explain yourself to me, or anyone else, nor do I ask you to. If your feelings last time out were true, then stand by them and have courage in your convictions, it makes very little difference to me. Perhaps you’re no better than Josh, maybe you were looking to ‘teach me a lesson’ as well. Either way, it’s time to move on, I guess. But there is one thing I do want to reiterate to you though, something I want you to understand. I’m not the guy who you faced what, eighteen months ago. In that space of time, I’ve done a fair amount of growing up. I had to or face my past destroying me. I know you knew Orlando; I know you probably respect him as well. Maybe you threw a few barbs at him for no reason, who knows? But with the truth no revealed, and knowing Orlando wasn’t my biological Father, it’s kinda ironic that nowadays I’m more like him than I have ever been. I see this business and this industry for what it is, a million miles away from the fairytale that some would suggest it is. No, more than ever before I can deal with the likes of Josh Hudson with a smile, marveling in the fact I could get under his skin so much with the simplest of smiles. That kid made you lose your shit Selena, he made you for just a second drop your guard. The person stood before you right now doesn’t pander to anyone… not even you. I look at you and I don’t see the World Champion you are; I see an opportunity. An opportunity to send Josh Hudson a message that states quite clearly that no matter how many times he renders me unconscious, I’m still going to keep on coming. A message to the self-same person that his ‘lessons’ have not fallen on deaf ears, and that I have learned from each one and become stronger. But Selena, more than anything… I’m going to send a message to the rest of the SCW roster. A message shouted from the rooftops, a message in big bold letters and highlighted. That being Owen Lee is ready to take back his career and be the man he was destined to be before fate took a hand. I’m good enough, and I’m strong enough to beat you, Selena. And beating you, the SCW World Champion, is just about the biggest, boldest message I can send right now, over three years since I was world champion.
World Champion… just hold onto that for a moment.
To achieve that greatness is special anyway, but at nineteen, that was a phenomenal achievement and not matched by many. And all this whilst at the same time knowing that I have so much more to give, so many more gears to go through. I was ready to quit Selena, happy to chuck it all in to escape from my realities. And yet still, I found a way to finish second in Taking Hold of the Flame 2021, even with everything going on. Josh says I quit, I left this company in the lurch, but he’s mistaken, I merely took a hiatus to come back stronger, just like so many before me, to ensure I didn’t damage the company any more than I already had. That’s something Josh is going to find out… I don’t quit. And never will. To know that I came so close to jacking it all in. To think that I would never hear that ‘Owen’ chant ever again. That’s all the incentive I need to ensure that I never find myself in that situation again. Realizing that I never want ‘this’ to be over. Not until I have accomplished all that I set out to do four years ago. That’s a strength of character you haven’t seen from me to this point. It’s a ‘belief’, sorry couldn’t resist, that I’m finally on a road that only I will walk and following the path of others before me. Josh says Orlando would be ashamed of me, but you know what, I think right now he would be at his proudest. Knowing that I walk into the ring with the SCW Heavyweight Champion with people so hyped for this match, knowing that I could beat you. Scrub that Selena, YOU know I could beat you and derail your momentum just a few weeks shy of the biggest show in the World. And the best bit… all the pressure is on you.
Isn’t it?
With you being on a tear for what now seems like an eternity, I think you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who would bet their house on me beating you. I could reel off a whole list of people you have beaten, some of the most talented individuals in this business, and you could compare it to my victories since I returned, and there would be no question your standard would be higher. Even at Taking Hold of the Flame just recently, I was coming fifth and being eliminated by a Hairless Penguin, whilst at the same event you were beating Aries and his ‘nirvana’. And even if I spoke about the two individual defeats, I’ve experienced this calendar year, and the fact I’ve just beaten the legendary Glory Braddock, it’s still a hard sell to explain how Owen Lee is going to shock the world on Breakdown. If you got a dollar for every person that thought I’d emerge victorious, then you wouldn’t be retiring on the proceeds, that’s for sure.”
Owen flicks his hair from out in front of his face and leans forwards so that he is closer to the camera.
“But this is what I spoke of earlier. What people believe right now is irrelevant to me, it really is. The only person that can drive me forwards and allow me to achieve all that I know I can, is ME. Orlando couldn’t have done it for me. The thousands of fans in attendance at Breakdown can’t do it for me however much they cheer or boo, and you can bet your ass the millions at home cannot do it for me. Only I can make things happen. And that’s why there has been that step change. Why before I was facing Polly Playtime, and now I’ve just defeated Glory Braddock and am about to step into the ring with you. It was a process; I was never going to be welcomed back with open arms and straight into the title picture. I had to start again. Now that I have beaten contenders, climbing back up the ladder, surpassing them, now its time to start beating champions. And what better way to kick that off by beating the holder of the most prestigious championship in the world? If there’s anything better, then let me know.”
Owen gets to his feet and walks over to the window, opening it to allow the fresh air in. His location isn’t obvious, though trees can be seen, and the sounds of trickling water merge with bird song. He stands there for a few moments, enjoying both the view and the sounds, before once again speaking…
“And that’s the thing isn’t it, right now there isn’t anyone better, that’s fact. I’m not going to come out here and say that you are unworthy like some, but I’m not going for one second believe this narrative that you are some unbeatable colossus, that’s just not my style. You’re known for your lightning speed; the Glass Shard having claimed many a victim without them even realizing it is coming. And yet I am one of the rare breed in this company that match your pace. That feeling in the pit of your stomach you are feeling right now Selena, that’s not because of some dodgy croissant. That’s doubt. Knowing that it’s not very often you face someone that could be perhaps even quicker than you. Someone who can finish a match in a heartbeat, just like you at any time, any point in the contest. And simply put Selena, you rely on that speed, it’s got you out of more sticky situations than I could count with all my fingers and toes. Guess who doesn’t have that reliance anymore. That’s right… ME. I’m no longer the one trick pony that you succumbed to before. I have all the tools, and all the weapons to not just trouble you, but to also put you away. An equal at the very worst. Do you accept that Champ, or are you preparing to disrespect me again? Again, a rhetorical question… it matters not either way. Win or lose Selena, you’re going to know you’ve been in a match. And I HOPE you recognize that, because believe it or not, I would prefer it if you left Rise to Greatness with the World Championship. Even with Allocco’s resurgence and attitude. Because I’m not just looking at Josh, I’m looking at you, AND that belt. Because only when championship gold is achieved can I say with total surety that my comeback is complete. Redemption achieved.”
He lowers his head to look at the ground, bringing his eyes back to the camera slightly narrowed.
“So, Selena, I hope this time you have taken my words in the way they were intended in the first instance. I KNOW that you have something to fight for, a reason to exist, and that is your fanbase, and the shiny you carry so gracefully on your waist… and of course how could I forget Deanna? Forgive me for that indiscretion. I don’t know what goes on in your personal life, but professionally, your life couldn’t be any better. But I showed so succinctly, that can all change in a millisecond. You NEED to maintain your momentum heading into Rise to Greatness where you face quite possibly one of the most diligent technical exponents of our industry. I’m not saying you can’t lose to me and then not be able to rebound. You could. But I have no problem putting a spanner in the works and introducing just a little self-doubt, not because of who you are, but because of what it could do for me. And if I must outthink you, outrun you, or overpower you, I’m more than capable of doing so. I did it before, and I can do it again. And none of this should be news to you. If you are the CHAMPION, I believe you to be, you’ve probably done the homework and watched the footage. I know I certainly have. And ultimately that is why I feel no pressure, only excitement. Excitement born from the fact this match will most definitely steal the show.
Blink, and you just might miss it.
But know one thing Selena, I’ll take a hard-fought brawl any day of the week than a five-star classic if it means that I leave Breakdown with the victory. There is no question, I don’t HAVE to win this match. Hudson made sure that I was going to get a United States title match the moment he became champion with his unprovoked actions. But rest assured, I know I NEED to win… if I am going to get to where I want to be. Redemption is a funny old thing and comes in a variety of ways. By far the most important aspect is to reestablish people’s trust. And that trust doesn’t just mean in me as a person, but as a competitor as well. Winning high profile matches will rebuild that faith, beating Konrad Raab helps. But beating you and Hudson, that’s something else. I’ve a friend who works for another company… he calls himself the ‘Next Level’. I know, pretentious as hell. But that’s where I need to ascend to… that next level. Where all the big boys and girls play… the main event. Beating you Selena, will put me there. Back where I belong? I’ll let the fans decide on that. They will let me know."
He pauses for just a second, winking at the camera before he continues.
“Either way Selena, that time will most definitely arrive someday.”
He nods his head.
“Are you truly confident that time isn’t now?”
He salutes the camera, as the scene slowly fades.
![[Image: tetXUW1.gif]](https://i.imgur.com/tetXUW1.gif)