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+--- Thread: Shaun Cruze vs. Alistaire Allocco (/showthread.php?tid=4955)
Shaun Cruze vs. Alistaire Allocco - Kemal Yilmaz - 08-04-2026
2 RP Limit for singles
3500 Word Per RP
Deadline: 11:59:59 pm ET Saturday, August 8, 2026
RE: Shaun Cruze vs. Alistaire Allocco - Shaun2025 - 08-06-2026
INNER THOUGHTS – OFF CAMERA
If there is one question that Alistaire Allocco should be asking himself, it is ‘why are we here?’ By that, I don’t mean something deep and meaningful, like the point of life or anything like that. What I mean is why are Alistaire and I facing off at Rise to Greatness? I mean, let’s face it, this is the biggest wrestling event on this and any calendar. The eyes of the World will be watching as some of the greatest talent in our industry compete. We have all the titles on the line, titles that both Alistaire and I are worthy of, and we could be writing our names into those belts’ history. But there is nothing like that on the line, in fact two months ago this would have been called a pointless feud. So why do we find ourselves going at it on the grandest of stages? It’s a simple question, and there is a simple answer. We are here because of one word… a word that defines not just Alistaire but the entire Allocco family. That word is relevance. The Allocco family crave the attention… and are jealous of the attention the Cruze family has wherever they go. You can look through as much history as you like, the Allocco’s only exist because of the Cruze’s. Whether it was Orlando, Owen, or me… our names have always been intertwined. Alistaire can deny that all he wants, it doesn’t discount it as truth. And thus, the circle continues.
Alistaire went for me, for relevancy, because he knew I could give it him.
Allocco’s allege that we have achieved nothing without a helping hand, and yet our legacy is assured at the top table of the greatest families to shape this business. The Allocco’s, however talented, are known for underhand tactics and bullshittery. When Owen beat Alistaire, it was claimed that the two families had a respect, Owen and Alistaire were different. Funny how all that is forgotten… just when the Allocco’s were about to suffer that exact fate. Bekah had a point, people do line up to shit on the family name, it’s been happening all season thus far. Perhaps it is time for people to not just ‘know’ but remember our name. And that’s why unlike other matches without titles on the line, this match matters. That is why winning this match means everything to me. It’s not to once again put an Allocco in their place, we stopped needing that nigh on a decade ago. This match matters because it is the line in the sand. This match matters, because winning it will be proof positive that where the Cruze family is concerned, our story, MY story is far from over. Whatever the match, for a title or not, winning at Rise to Greatness matters. And what better way to end my season, that by proving once again that the ‘Greatest Wrestling Family in the World’ are nothing more than a fraudulent attempt at legitimacy. And that all the wrestling ability in the world doesn’t mean shit when you come up against heart, courage and someone who believes in what they do. You can be great, but when you face a Cruze it still may not be enough.
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(Chris Clay was obviously feeling quite smug with himself. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing more satisfying than finding someone that obviously didn’t want to be found. Drew Bryant had gone to great lengths to cover his tracks and stay under the radar, but within the space of a few days, Chris had gotten photographic evidence of exactly where he was. Of course, he was happy that he would get paid, but that was only secondary to doing something that was believed to be impossible. He’d gotten many photographs, not just of Drew, but also of this elusive Kai that the police didn’t believe existed. Now, they would have enough to go on and bring the two of them to justice. As it happened, Shaun didn’t know of any of this, but Chris was sure he’d be ok with it all, once Drew was safely behind bars at least… and of course the fact he would be over twenty million dollars richer. Now, sat in the precinct waiting for Chief Wilson, Chris was already spending his reward, and smiling to himself, knowing that once again he had bailed the Cruze family out of trouble. Getting in with them had been the best decision of his career, and although some would say he had benefited from their troubles, he knew the Cruze family regarded him as a friend.)
“Mr. Clay, the Chief will see you now.”
Chris: Thank you
(Chris picks up the manilla folder and clutches it as tightly as if it was the reward money itself and ends in the direction of what he knew was the chief’s office. He knocks on the door, waiting to be invited in, stepping through and then closing the door behind him once he is.)
Chief Wilson: Ah Chris, please take a seat
(Chris does as asked, placing the folder on the desk in front of him.)
Chief Wilson: And can I assume that your return means that you have located Mr. Bryant?
Chris: I did better than that.
(The chief looks at him inquisitively, as Chris opens the folder and takes out the photographs. He then gets one that clearly shows Drew’s face, turning it around and sliding it across the desk.)
Chris: That’s him, right?
Chief Wilson: It certainly is… I guess congratulations are in order.
Chris: Honestly, he wasn’t as clever as he thought he was. After all, if you had just come into an obscene amount of money, a holiday island with plenty of sun is going to be one of the first on the agenda. Especially for someone with an ego like Bryant.
Chief Wilson: So where is this?
Chris: Predictably it’s the Maldives, and the woman with him is apparently someone called Caroline Lawton… comes from money, so has no doubt latched onto Bryant now that he’s suddenly flush.
Chief Wilson: This is excellent… I’ll contact our colleagues and get him brought in straight away.
Chris: That’s not all Chief…
(He sorts through the photos again, finding the one he is looking for and once again sliding it across the desk.)
Chief Wilson: What am I looking at?
Chris: Well, I can’t be certain, and I haven’t been able to confirm…
Chief Wilson: Go on
Chris: But I think that is the mysterious ‘Kai’ that Shaun was talking about, and if he is right, the brains behind the whole operation to fleece Shaun of his money. I reckon if you move quickly, you’ll be able to kill two birds with one stone and hopefully get Shaun his money back.
Chief Wilson: And get the two of them in jail
Chris: Well, yeah.
(The Chief looks at all the evidence in front of him, and although he was annoyed that his own officers hadn’t been able to piece it together, he was at the same time happy that it was all close to being resolved. He reaches inside a drawer, and pulls out an envelope, passing it to Chris.)
Chief Wilson: It’s all there and worth every dime. But please, until we have them, don’t say anything to Shaun, ok? I don’t want him worrying about anything until we are certain?
Chris. Absolutely… glad to be of service.
(The chief nods, Chris getting to his feet to leave.)
Chief Wilson: One more thing…
Chris: Sure, what’s up?
Chief Wilson: My guys spent hours on this, trying to find Bryant and yet you managed to do it in a few days. I could really do with a detective like you in the force so how do you feel about taking a job?
Chris: A detective?
Chief Wilson: Yeah, why not?
(Chris laughs and then shakes his head.)
Chris: Thanks for the offer, but I think I’ll pass.
Chief Wilson: But why… imagine all the resources at your disposal, and a solid wage, pension, the works.
Chris: No disrespect Chief, but all the resources in the world, and you guys still didn’t find him before I did. And let’s just say, I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere close to him if I’d have had to play by the same rules you do.
(The chief suspected that Chris’ methods weren’t necessarily legal but chose to ignore that fact.)
Chris: Plus, you know what’s in this envelope… I will probably earn more than you do in a year, so thanks, but no thanks. I think I’d stick with what I do.
Chief Wilson: Fair enough
Chris: But if you do ever need me, and are willing to pay the big bucks, you know where I am.
(The chief nods, Chris smiling as he leaves the office. In an adjacent office, the camera finds an officer, just in the process of removing his headset, wearing a smug grin of his own. He picks up his cellphone and dials a number, waiting a few moments until someone answers, lowering his voice as he speaks.)
Officer: Kai, you’ve gotta get Drew out of there… Wilson is onto you. He’s just been speaking with Chris Clay.
(We hear a muffled response, and then the line goes dead the camera then going back to Wilson’s office, panning underneath the desk… and the bug that had allowed the officer to hear everything.)
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(It had been a tough time for Shaun, and Owen knew it. When Orlando had died, Shaun had stepped up to the plate, helping Kloe to bring him up. Owen had known that during that time, Shaun had never left his side, even when Owen was in danger of falling into the abyss. As such, Owen had wondered how he could help his uncle, whilst at the same time, no wanting to make his help seem like charity. As such, Owen believed he had come up with the perfect solution. A means to him Shaun get back on his feet. It wasn’t solely all for Shaun, Owen did have something to gain from it… he only hoped that Shaun saw it in the same way. As Owen was in Los Angeles anyway with his wife Jennifer and his son Ethan, it was the perfect opportunity for him to meet up with Shaun. So, with Jennifer and Ethan having gone on a shopping trip, Owen had met Shaun at a beachside café, Shaun already suspicious as to Owen’s intentions as their drinks arrived.)
Shaun: Thanks Owen… been a while since I’ve been here.
Owen: Busy?
Shaun: Nah, just not able to afford it. I try to save all the money I have for when I have Dorothea so it’s not an endless amount of beach days and not a lot else. Oh, how the mighty have fallen huh?
Owen: I’m sorry this happened to you.
(Shaun shrugs.)
Shaun: It’s my own fault Owen, and I don’t need your sympathy. My situation is all on me and I don’t have anyone else but myself to blame. I just feel so guilty that I dragged you into it as well, I sometimes forget that you lost money as well.
Owen: I wouldn’t have given it to you if I needed it back Shaun. And don’t worry about paying it back either, I knew the risks.
Shaun: That’s good of you.
Owen: I know it’s a shitty situation for you right now… but I want to help you. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Shaun: If I want to keep my family safe it does.
(Shaun had misunderstood, thinking that Owen was referring to the fact Shaun had dropped the case and thus given up the money without a fight.)
Owen: No… I get that. I can’t say I’d do anything different if it was Jennifer or Ethan being threatened. What I mean is you don’t have to worry about money. I can help you.
Shaun: I’m not accepting charity Owen… I’m not that far gone yet, and something will come up.
Owen: And I’m not offering charity Shaun… I’m offering a solution.
Shaun: What do you mean?
(Owen pauses but then looks over Shaun’s shoulder.)
Owen: Can you see that building over there? The one with the blue Porsche parked outside?
(Shaun turns and scans the area before nodding his head.)
Shaun: Yeah, I see it
Owen: That building is the reason Jen and I are out here, and the reason I wanted to meet up with you today.
(Shaun scowls, not understanding.)
Shaun: I don’t understand.
Owen: When I opened Next Level Miami, it was always with the intention of building a franchise in as many states as possible, before then I ventured across the pond and into Europe. Adam has got New York purring now; I’ve got Miami covered… my next location was always going to be Los Angeles.
Shaun: What’s that got to do with me?
Owen: This morning I bought that building… it is the perfect beachfront location for Next Level Los Angeles. And I want YOU to run it for me. Think about it for a minute… you’d have a job, you wouldn’t have to leave LA, and you’d be with Dorothea all the time. And bonus… there is a separate building which could house the shelter piece, the upstairs of the main building is already kitting out as an apartment. No more staying in hotels Shaun, and you would be just five minutes away from your little girl.
(Immediately Shaun’s defenses are up as he takes it in the way Owen feared… as charity.)
Shaun: I don’t need…
(Owen cuts him off.)
Owen: Charity… I know you don’t Shaun, but this isn’t charity. Same as with Adam, I want to have someone running the place I can trust, and right now it’s not like you are doing anything else, is it? It’s the perfect solution for me, and the perfect opportunity for you to get back on your feet, without having to leave your family behind.
(Shaun sips his drink and sighs.)
Owen: Come on, what do you have to lose?
(Shaun finds a wry smile, though nothing was humorous about this.)
Shaun: Me? I’ve got nothing to lose Owen because let’s face it, I’ve almost lost everything. Fucked up my career, fucked up my marriage, and almost fucked up the relationship with my daughter which is pretty much all I have left. Face facts, I’ve messed up everything, and now you want me to look after people that are down on their luck and have nothing else but shelter, as well as help from the future generation of wrestler’s career? I’m sorry Owen, but I can’t do that to them. Next Level has built itself one heck of a reputation… I’m sure as hell not going to come in and ruin that for you.
Owen: You’re being too narrow-minded
(The statement surprises Shaun in his delivery.)
Shaun: Am I? Enlighten me then.
Owen: When I started Miami, do you know the first thing I taught the students?
(Shaun shrugs.)
Owen: I educated them on the things I got wrong, so that they didn’t make the same mistakes. The guys that came off the streets, I let them know that no matter how far you fall, if you have a support network, there is always someone who can bring you back. Think back to when that asshole was fucking with my mind, the things you did to ensure I didn’t crumble. You brought me back from the brink where other friends turned their back on me. Can’t you see Shaun, you have all the attributes to succeed in a job like this… that is why I want you on board… not for some bullshit charity.
(Owen pauses, sensing he was getting through to his uncle.)
Owen: Look, life has dealt you a crappy hand this past year, but the way I see it, others can benefit from your experiences, making sure they don’t fall into the same traps. Remember how pissed off you were when you couldn’t sort out SCW’s problems… these are problems you will have some control over. I’m not handing this to you on a platter; I’m doing this because you’ll be good at it. How many times did I get pissed off at your constant advice… these will be people that need it. And I’ll say it again… you stay in Los Angeles, and once again you’ll be able to do the things you want with Dorothea. You’re not just giving these people a life… you’re claiming back your own.
(Owen talked a good game and made a lot of sense. Perhaps this could once again give him a purpose.)
Owen: What do you say Shaun? Don’t let your stubbornness stop you from taking a huge opportunity to be Shaun Cruze again and make a legitimate impact.
(Shaun ponders on it, Owen never taking his eyes off him.)
Owen: Shaun?
(Shaun smirks.)
Shaun: I guess you’d best show me what I’ll be working with.
(Shaun downs his drink and stands, looking off in the direction of the building. Perhaps this was indeed the start of a new chapter.)
Owen: That is the right choice
(The two of them walk down the beach, Shaun never taking his eyes off the building. Was this his chance? The chance of a new life? He hoped so.)
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(Drew Bryant swims in the pool of his apartment, enjoying the trappings of a life that he had always felt like he deserved. He was so at ease with life right now, he felt indestructible, and like nothing could possibly go wrong. Kai’s share of the money had now been deposited into Kai’s account, the rest was split over several banks so it was nigh on impossible to trace and the apartment, was literally somewhere he could see himself spending the rest of his life with Caroline… her father happy that he now had the funds to keep her in the manner she was used to. As he swims underwater, blissfully unaware of everything, he sees a figure standing on the edge of the pool and rises to the surface. There, he sees Kai, who didn’t seem to be matching Drew’s mood. Drew walks up the ladder out the water, and grabs a towel, Kai walking over to join him.)
Drew: Kai, good to see you… I thought you would be on the way back to Los Angeles now with your money safely in your account. I’m assuming nothing is missing there because I assure you it was arranged.
Kai: No, the money was there… and I was at the airport when I got a call
Drew: Oh?
Kai: Yeah, Dex at the precinct got in touch. It’s not good news I’m afraid.
(Drew rubs his hair with the towel, listening intently and ever so slightly worried.)
Drew: I’m sure it’s nothing that can’t be sorted.
Kai: Wilson has photographs… you and me, here on the island. I’d say by now Wilson will have made a few calls and the cops will be on their way.
Drew: WHAT!!! How?
Kai: Chris Clay…
Drew: The private investigator? That means…
Kai: No… it wasn’t Cruze’s doing, apparently, he doesn’t know anything about this. Wilson went behind his back according to Dex.
Drew: Even so, I warned him what would happen
Kai: I think we have more pressing problems, like getting you out of here. What you do with Cruze, that can wait. I’m not letting you get caught and you drag this whole thing down with you. Don’t forget, this is bigger than both of us.
(Drew hadn’t forgotten… there was far more to this than anyone would ever understand. Not getting caught was what was important right now.)
Kai: The helicopter is ready; we can have you and Caroline off the island in under five minutes. I’ll have someone make sure nothing leads back to you back at the apartment then I’ll join you. We must disappear… then we can consider what we do with Cruze. OK?
Drew: OK, but we make that fucker pay… clear?
Kai: Absolutely
(Drew leaves the poolside area to prepare to leave, as Kai takes his phone out his jacket and dials a number.)
Kai: Torch the place, I want nothing left when the cops arrive you hear me. Nothing.
(With a sigh he brings up another number, the name of the person only referred to as ‘Boss’. Again, he waits until the line connects.)
Kai: It’s sorted… the plan is back on track
(He hangs up abruptly, acutely aware that someone could be listening, while deciding that he would deal with Chris Clay himself. And then… Drew Bryant would be next.)
RE: Shaun Cruze vs. Alistaire Allocco - Shaun2025 - 08-08-2026
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(Accepting the job at Next Level meant that for the first time in forever, Shaun didn’t have to worry about money when taking Dorothea out. Thus, again for the first time in forever, he had spoiled her rotten with a trip to the theme park, and although the tickets were extortionate, he didn’t care. Afterwards, they went to Dorothea’s favorite place for Ice Cream and Shaun had taken her shopping and now had probably the happiest daughter in the world, a fact not lost on Angyalka when he takes her home.)
Angyalka: Looks like you had fun?
Shaun: Don’t worry, this was a one off… thought she deserved it you know, after everything.
Angyalka: I don’t mind honestly… it’s nice to see a smile on both your faces.
Shaun: I can thank Owen for that
Angyalka: He’s just looking out for you like you did him.
Shaun: I know… it’s nice to feel normal again.
Dorothea: Mommy?
Angyalka: Yeah…
Dorothea: Where’s Molly?
(Molly was Dorothea’s cat, bought for her just a couple of weeks prior.)
Angyalka: She went out not long ago… probably still in the garden
(Dorothea goes off to find her cat, leaving Angyalka and Shaun alone, something both would have dreaded not too long ago.)
Angyalka: So how are things with… Grace wasn’t it?
(Shaun laughs)
Shaun: There is no ‘thing’ she’s just a friend
Angyalka: That’s how we started if I remember correctly.
Shaun: Guess so… But got enough on my plate without getting into that. Anyway…
(Recently, Shaun had been feeling many pangs of regret for how it had all finished with Angyalka. If he started something with Grace, that meant he would be burning any chance of a reconciliation with Angyalka.)
Angyalka: What is it, Shaun?
Shaun: Nothing… heads a shed now. Ignore me. Am ok to say bye to Thea?
Angyalka: Sure…
(Shaun heads out the kitchen and into the garden, looking left and right and then spotting Molly the cat, but no Dorothea.)
Shaun: Dorothea… where are you?
(He walks around the corner, his eyes widening as he notices the back gate wide open. He runs to it, and looks left and right down the street, before running back into the house, grabbing his keys.)
Angyalka: What’s wrong Shaun?
Shaun: Dorothea, she’s gone.
Angyalka: What… no she’ll just be hiding. Let’s…
Shaun: I’m telling you she’s been taken Angy… phone Chief Wilson. NOW.
(Stunned Angyalka picks up her phone, Shaun is already in his car and guns the engine before the precinct answers.)
Angyalka: Chief Wilson please… it’s Angyalka Cruze, my daughters been taken.
(Angyalka watches as Shaun speeds out the driveway and down the road, not concentrating as fear fills his mind, talking to himself.)
Shaun: You hurt her Drew and I swear… I’ll kill you.
(He runs a red light, driving aimlessly to a place he didn’t know. Not even realizing that however scared he was now, the biggest shock of all was still to come.)
RECORDING – ON CAMERA
(Rise to Greatness had always been the biggest wrestling event on the calendar, but this year it held even greater importance for Shaun. Somehow, he had found himself dragged once more into the ‘turf wars’ that had blighted the company for years, handling business that he didn’t necessarily believe was his. Over that time however, and with the words of Bekah ringing in his ears, he had come to realize that it was absolutely his business. And not just his business, but possibly the legacy his family would leave. His attitude had shifted slightly, and it wasn’t now just about accolades. It was about finally, after all these years, doing what was right. Starting with Rise to Greatness XXIII. He takes a breath for composure, before he starts to speak.)
“I’m not going to dwell on the go-home show, I think that all speaks for itself. Syren and I walked in, did what we do, and walked out… just like we said we would. There was nothing new to be learned, no surprises to be gleaned. Alistaire and Bree worked well together, Syren and I worked better. That’s the thing you see when you truly believe in something, and that you are on the right path. See, I know what the allegations are, how Syren and I are only here to relive past glories and that we are no longer the force we once were. I won’t speak too much on Syren, that’s not my place, instead I will concentrate only on myself. As such, before I come to you Alistaire, you can wait your turn, I’m going to clarify why I am back in Supreme Championship Wrestling after all these years. Yes, I do once again want to hold that World Championship in my hands. Yes, I do want to make sure that people like Frank and his motley crew don’t run this company into the ground. But the main reason I’m here is a lot simpler than all of that. It’s a reason that all of you with your multi-million-pound contracts couldn’t even understand. I’m back in SCW because I had no other choice, competing is literally all I have left. The film contracts. Gone. The media company. Gone. The money from those endeavors. Gone. The beautiful wife. Gone. ONE mistake cost me everything.”
(He lowers his head with a sigh, going over everything in his head.)
“Now, I know what most will say. Everyone has their problems, right? Very few lead the perfect life, that’s just not the way it works. I’m not telling you all this as some kind of pity party, or for anyone to feel sorry for me, I did enough of that on my own. And I’m also not going to go into the details of how I lost it all, because that is no-one’s business but mine. I’m only going to say this once, as clear as I possibly can. I came back, because there was nothing left. But now I am here, I can’t help thinking that all of that, me fucking up and ending up back in this industry that made me, where literally my life started is some kind of plan. A reboot if you would. To come back and not only write my wrongs, but the wrongs of an industry that gives people like Frank Delatosso and his band of merry idiots some sense of entitlement. Which brings me to you Alistaire Allocco… pull up a chair kiddo and listen up.”
(He hesitates, as if allowing that action to happen.)
“I’m going to be honest with you, the minute I knew this match was signed off, I went to the very best source of reference I had. Owen. Owen has battled both with, and against you, the two of you shared one of the moment memorable matches of all time for the World Championship, so if anyone knew you, it would be my nephew. I know what I expected to hear, after all I had already formed some sort of opinion from your actions. But what I got from him was totally contradictory to my opinion. Owen did, and still does consider you a friend, and one of the most talented wrestlers in the world. Truthfully, I didn’t think someone like you could be friends with anyone, how can anyone as self-centered as you achieve something like friendship? But then he explained further, and it became clearer, the penny kind of dropped for me. All this acting out you have been doing isn’t a direct reflection on you, it’s a direct reflection on your father. You once said you would never become him, and Owen Cruze believed you. But now Alistaire, you ARE him. The same sanctimonious prick he was, hiding behind some kind of fucking ‘mission’ to justify your bullshit. Now doesn’t that sound familiar. You tried Alistaire, you gave it a go, but then your DNA consumed you, the turn as obvious as your alliance with Frank became. Because that is the crux isn’t it Alistaire, your family has always used others to achieve success. I spoke about it last week, about how the Allocco’s have always had an obsession with the Cruze’s, and what better way to end that obsession than to destroy us with a readily compiled army. I mean the lure to use them is undeniable, and I must concede that Frank brought success to the perennial failure Gavin Taylor. But when it comes to it, where are they going to be when Rise to Greatness comes around?
They will be looking after themselves
Thing is Alistaire, according to Owen, I’m not telling you anything that you don’t already know. One thing I’ve never said is that your family has the stupid gene someone like Polly regularly presents. You’re big on history, and the story tells, so tell me, how many ‘supergroups’ such as yours last longer than a hit minute. Gavin becoming champion was never going to last, and that’s why Frank did a pivot. No one saw it as Frank claiming power, and nothing more than a temporary blip. You know as well as I do, this WILL all implode in time. So why don’t you come out and just tell the truth? When it does all implode, your concern isn’t for Bree, or Gavin, or our current World Champion Amelia Navado. The only thing you need is for when it does all turn to ash; it is Alistaire Allocco standing on top of the pile. All ‘this’ is nothing more than a means to an end.
Enter Shaun Cruze
You know as well as I do that our match at Rise to Greatness has nothing to do with Frank’s little quest to rid the world of those that made this industry what it is, and more to do with you trying to claim back superiority over me, and my family. We both know that this is nothing more than an attempt to defeat one of the biggest names in wrestling history, in front of the millions of people that will be watching all around the globe. But more than anything, it’s an attempt, just like Bree is doing with Syren, to prove categorically that YOU are the one who should be getting all of Frank’s attention. And you know what Alistaire, I don’t have to be a psychologist to tell you what is going on here. It’s Daddy issues all over again. You want to be the one that ‘Daddy’ is proud of. Thing is Alistaire, and I’m going to speak for parents all around the world now. Owen thinks you are a great guy, and I know friendships can exist outside of this sport, even if you do sit both sides of the fence within it. But being a parent demands one thing, NOT giving in to the actions of a petulant little child. You believe you are the top man, and yet Amelia is light years ahead of you.
Why?
Although her choices are flawed, ultimately, she believes in what she is doing, and hasn’t lost sight of the fact that she is a generational wrestler. I can already see the buzzards circling her, waiting for her to slip. Remember what Syren said, your group isn’t unified, it’s all about competition. And your intention is the same as your father’s; the statement he lived his career by. Make the impact and win at ANY cost. Your statement is taking down the man who made ‘impacts’ his bread and butter. Just so ‘Daddy’ can pat you on the tushie and tell you that you did good.”
(He allows himself the slightest of smiles before continuing.)
“See, the one thing I don’t think you have thought of here Alistaire is the ‘how’ you are going to achieve your wishes. I agree with you wholeheartedly, beating me in Detroit will be a statement victory that to be fair looking at the card can only be surpassed by Bree defeating Syren. You win, and when Frank tucks you into bed that night, maybe, just maybe he’ll allow you some milk and cookies for being a ‘good boy’, before reading you ‘We’re going on a bear hunt’, which Owen tells me is your favorite. Can I go out on a limb here and say that I think you will look to wrestle me and use your superior technical ability? That’s got to be the most likely surely? You’ll look to that, because when it comes to every other attribute, whether you care to admit it or not, you are inferior. Now, I’m sure over the course of this week, you are going to regale me with your claims of being the best wrestler in the world, and you know what, I won’t deny it. It’s a lofty statement, which many claim, but who am I to argue? How would I counteract that? That’s simple. I was never the best wrestler in the world and I did alright, the ‘Icon’ Orlando Cruze, the same. Owen? Probably the better wrestler out of all of us, but the best? Probably not. Yet still, my family won more than most. It’s not rocket science; we have claimed it on many occasions. We have admitted more times than I can remember that when it comes to the technicalities of this sport, the Cruze family are far from mugs, but by the same token cannot compare to Braddock’s, or the Street’s when it comes to pure wrestling talent. And yet more times than not, we came out the other side. For a million and one reasons that I won’t bore you with, I’ll just refer to the two most obvious. Heart is ingrained in our DNA. Courage a fundamental part of our set up. We don’t give up. We scrap, we fight, we hang in there and we take our chances when they present themselves. Remember how I started this promo… I was at my lowest ebb and yet here I am, at Rise to Greatness once again. You only see this as a chance for you to claim superiority in your little group, but this match has given me a chance as well. This season, my comeback was all about finding my feet again, making my daughter proud of me once more. Rise to Greatness won’t be your message to Frank, well it will, but not the one you want. It will be my message to the world.
I’m ready. To rise.
To rise above all the bullshit and give the fan base someone that champion or not, they can get behind without worrying about being disappointed should someone like Frank come along and try to turn my head. Ready to not have to be a movie star, or a businessman, and give all my intention to the two loves of my life. This industry, and my daughter Dorothea. That was my problem before Alistaire, I spread myself too thin and yet achieved it all. Just imagine if you will, what I can do with this industry as my primary focus once again.
And therein lies the thing, although you may well subscribe to this feeling that I am aged, or past my best, it’s something I’ve never even thought to consider. Sure, I might not be as fast as I was a decade ago, but knowing yourself and what you can do, using that wealth of experience I have gained over those years, is not to be sniffed at. It’s a scientific fact that wrestlers reach their peak between thirty and forty, look around the industry and that will be confirmed for you. Those in their twenties are the ones forming these opinions. Bree Lancaster is thirty-six now. Glory Braddock nearly forty-three. Selena Frost thirty-six. Syren the same. You think there isn’t a place for these people, Alistaire. People who have done things that you can only currently dream of. It’s pathetic, and it’s only used because it forms a narrative. But do you know what most of those examples have, and I’m going to include Gavin because he’s been thirty for over a decade now…”
(Shaun sniggers… the wrinkles didn’t lie in Ultra HD for pure Gavin.)
“…They have all had recent successes and all added to their always growing legacy. What have you done of late Alistaire that is of true merit? Blind sided your way to a Rise to Greatness match of substance? Worked as one of Frank’s lapdogs? You didn’t bother speaking last week, such is your work ethic, another fatherly trait you unfortunately inherited. Thus, it’s difficult for me to know for sure, so I’m going to hazard a guess. My guess is that you believe you have all worked it out. You refused to fight me in the ring, using the weight of Rise of Greatness as the means to make your statement. You’ve refused to go face to face, all because you think your wrestling will do the talking when it matters. Well, I’ve got a newsflash for you dipshit, so listen up. You, just like your father know fuck all about me. You, just like Adam, believe everything I worked for, was handed to me on a plate. Don’t feel bad, you’re not alone, but you don’t know me at all, and you cannot comprehend how much I need this. How could you? With the entitlement spoon still firmly rammed up your ass, how could you ever know what it means to work for a living? And I was wrong before, it IS your fault, because you had a choice and you chose wrong. In Detroit, you will face those repercussions. Did you know that Allocco means Owl in Italian, and that the eyes of an owl were thought to signify gullibility? It all fits together that you would follow the sheep instead of forming your own opinion. YOUR demise, destined to follow that of your Fathers.”
(He pauses, his final words on the tip of his tongue, but the silence used to signify the huge ramifications for them both should they use. He then speaks, his tone still undeniably confident.)
“Alistaire, I’m going to call it right now. Your hubris, your belief system has taken you down a path that ends only in your defeat. Once again, we are faced with a situation where despite everything, and every dominance my family has had over yours, you are still walking in with an unwarranted superiority complex that will be your undoing. You believe the result is going to change, but what have you done any differently? The broken record banality of the Allocco family once again brought to the fore Once again, with all the talent in the world as perhaps the greatest exponent of such our industry possesses, you walk into a confrontation with a Cruze blindly with your eyes firmly closed. As such, it will never matter how good you are if you can’t comprehend the basics. It’s ironic that the closest an Allocco came was against Owen, way back when. When you were the best version of yourself and rightly deemed the future of this company. When you didn’t lower yourself as you do right now. Mirror Image of Adam Allocco… Frank Delatosso’s third choice puppet. After Rise to Greatness, you will have been given another lesson, but will you have taken anything from it, I doubt it. But I won’t care, you lost all my respect the moment you cheap shot me from behind and interjected yourself into my business. No, my only concern will be moving forwards, continuing to be a pain in Frank’s backside, while confirming what the educated knew all along.”
(He winks at the camera.)
“Legacy and how you should be remembered is everything. The Allocco family currently will be remembered for skill, yes, no question, but primarily for their antics. And that is something that you and your father have brought on the family name. You can change that, Alistaire; in fact, it looked like you would at one point. For me, the Cruze name is now in my hands, and although we will be remembered fondly, that’s not enough. We were part of a movement that changed this industry for the better. Now, I want to carry that legacy and build a future. Solidifying the Cruze name forever. Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? But to my family, impossible is nothing. Our legacy will be as the family that brought in the new era, an era where competition is everything and talent, not age, is what is deemed important. But it’s not all bad news for you Alistaire, because you will be known as the guy on which this new era began…”
(He salutes the camera.)
“The greatest impact of them all.
Forever, the wrestling industry WILL know our name
And yours will forever be… the running joke.”
(Shaun holds up his hands and slow hand claps as the scene fades.)