04-28-2025, 10:00 AM
2 of 2
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April 20th, 2025
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Off Camera
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The deep rumble of the crowd beyond the black curtains was pulsing in time with the flashing lights that painted the concrete walls backstage in wild, shifting colors. The PPG Paints Arena was alive tonight; every seat filled, every voice raised, every heart pounding in anticipation of the action to come for SCW Rebirth. The air itself seemed electric, thick with the mingled scents of sweat, leather, and the faint chemical tang of pyrotechnics lingering from the previous match. In this charged environment, Clyde Sutter isn’t scheduled to compete yet here he is backstage as a spectator, watching all of the action from his fellow SCW wrestlers. There was a time in his past when Sutter would never have attended one of these events unless he had been scheduled to compete or unless he had a job to do. But things change and people change and, in this case, The Assassin has changed. He was once driven by hate and rage but now he is driven by something greater. He has a legitimate support system that cares about him; his mother Autumn Van Stanton and step-father Henry Van Stanton, girlfriend Melinda Braddock, and more. Sutter is no longer involved in wrestling just simply to hurt people. He wants to be successful to make these people proud of him, especially Melinda Braddock, his beloved girlfriend. He recently got a second chance at making things work in Supreme Championship Wrestling and he has made the most of that second chance, winning the Television Championship in a brutal ladder match against Adam Brock and Ryan LeCavalier. Unfortunately he lost the title to Chris Lawler one week later. Now, at the fan’s choice edition of Breakdown, he potentially could get the opportunity to regain that championship. He is now here at Rebirth, despite not being schedule for the show, to demonstrate his commitment to the company and his commitment to keeping his success on an upward trajectory.
Standing near one of the heavy packing crates, Clyde seemed almost carved from stone. He was a tall man, broad-shouldered and barrel-chested, with the kind of presence that demanded attention even when he wasn’t trying to take it. His long black hair, sleek and shining under the backstage lights, hung loosely around his shoulders, brushing against the collar of his plain black T-shirt. Faded jeans clung to legs corded with muscle, and a worn leather jacket hung heavy across his frame. His fists were at ease, his gaze curious rather than confrontational. He wasn’t here to trade blows or test his strength; he was here simply to watch, to observe the night’s battles from the sidelines. Yet the fire in his dark eyes said it wasn’t easy for him. He was left off the card of Rebirth, which is frustrating to some extent, but what really bothers him is the fact that he lost his Television Title. He lost it to Lawler. Now he has to wait for Breakdown and hope that the fans gift him with his rematch, a rematch he feels he deserves, he feels he is entitled to. By his side stood Melinda Braddock, who was all polished brilliance and effortless style. She wore a soft, tailored jacket the color of ivory, cinched at the waist to emphasize her hourglass figure, with a shimmer of metallic gold along the lapels that caught the light when she moved. Her tight black pants and high-heeled boots only added to the sleek, commanding image she projected. Long blonde hair cascaded down her back, framing a face made up with flawless care. Tonight she was here, at Clyde’s side, perfectly at ease, flashing knowing smiles to those who recognized her and cold, dismissive glances to those she deemed beneath her notice. She clutched a small, glittering clutch purse in one hand, though she hardly needed it; Melinda Braddock herself was an accessory, a statement piece, enhancing the rugged glamor of the man she accompanied. All around them, wrestlers bustled, some stretching and pacing to shake off nerves, others slapping on last-minute layers of paint or adjusting their gear. Crew members barked into radios, hustling about with ladders, cables, while agents in cheap suits scurried like anxious ants, clutching clipboards and trying to herd chaos into some kind of order.
“I’m surprised you want to be here.” Melinda says, a hint of annoyance in her voice.
“I am on the SCW roster, am I not?” Sutter asked. “Rebirth is an event sponsored by SCW. I am expected to show up and support the company.”
“Since when did you become a company guy?” Melinda smirks. “I mean, seriously, babe, you were the Television Champion. You won a very competitive ladder match on Breakdown. You have had fiercely competitive matches since your return. Even your match against Lawler, even though you lost, was one of the most watched matches on Breakdown. CHBK should recognize your talent by now. He should have had you somewhere on tonight’s card.”
“I feel honored and privileged to have someone as beautiful and gorgeous as you to be my defender.” He leans over and plants a kiss on her lips. “But I do have reasons to be here other than simply trying to impress Mr. Desoubrais.”
“Oh yeah?” Melinda arches a brow. “You can’t be scouting competition. Lawler isn’t competing tonight, neither are Brock or LeCavalier. Unless you know something I don’t…”
“I am not scouting future competition, my love.” Sutter says with a knowing grin. “But I do something you don’t.”
“Like what?”
“We are about to have a visitor.”
“Who? It better not be your creepy ass sister.” Melinda remarks. “I still can’t get over her stalking you…stalking us!”
“Believe me, I want nothing to do with my sister.” Clyde shakes his head. “But there is a certain someone I do want to get to know better and I invited him to join us tonight as a special guest.”
“Fair enough.” Melinda nods her head. “Just keep in mind what’s important…fan’s choice Breakdown is your opportunity to regain the Television Title.”
“Ah but that is where you are wrong, my sweet.” Clyde responds lovingly, to correct her. “It is in the hand of Fate to decide if it is my opportunity to regain the Television Title. Fate might gift me that opportunity or it might gift me the opportunity to put an end to Brock or LeCavalier once and for all.”
“Yeah, that’s the problem with fans choice…it’s up to the idiot fans.” Melinda sighs.
“Regardless, I will be doing the will of Fate come Breakdown, no matter who my opponent happens to be.”
The conversation stops suddenly when The Assassin notices something out of the corner of his eye. He turns to look and spots a familiar figure approaching from down the hall. He is tall and lanky, wearing a white button up shirt, tweed jacket, and black pants and shoes. This is Henry Van Stanton, his mother’s husband and thus his step-father. These two had hit a rough patch a long time ago but recently they have made it a point to try and repair their relationship. For Sutter it is about finding a father figure. His therapist, and Melinda, both agree that having a father figure would be of considerable help to his support system, and Clyde knows that he needs a strong support system in order to beat back the mind games generated by his sister, Lilith Sutter.
“Henry!” Melinda exclaims with a hint of excitement. She dated Henry’s late son, Archie Van Stanton, who was murdered in a drive by shooting. Melinda was involved as well but she survived. To this day no one knows who the real target was, Archie or Melinda. No one knows that Sutter has already put an old informant friend of his from his time on the mean streets of Birmingham, Joey, on the case to try and learn as much as possible about this case.
“It is so good to see you, Melinda!” Henry embraces her in a tight hug. Despite how things went, Henry has always viewed Melinda as a daughter. After breaking the embrace he shakes Clyde’s hand. “Clyde…thank you for inviting me.”
“Of course.” Sutter answers. “You grew up in the wrestling business just like my beloved. I thought you would appreciate taking some time to watch Rebirth.”
“I have always been impressed with SCW’s managerial structure and how they promote their events. Their wrestlers are some of the top notch, which makes the fact that you are a former champion in this company very impressive.”
“Thank you for the compliment, but I only held that title for week.” Sutter smirks. “If Fate is on my side, then I shall get my rematch soon and I shall reclaim it.”
“Ah yes, fans choice.” Henry chuckles. “Those sort of events are popular with the people but can be rather annoying to the talent. I’m sure you, Brock, and Ryan all believe you deserve that title match but only one of you will get it.”
“Only Clyde deserves the title match.” Melinda says boldly. The Assassin chuckles and kisses her on the lips again.
“Once again, my fiercest defender. I appreciate you, my love.”
“I am just grateful that you invited me, Clyde, and not just to watch the wrestling.” Henry says warmly. “I am so grateful to have BOTH of you back in my life.” He looks at Melinda and then back at Clyde. “I know we’ve had our ups and downs, but I sincerely want to make this work out.”
“Me too.” Melinda says. Sutter is about to interject when he feels his cell phone vibrating. He picks it up and looks at the caller ID…it’s Joey. He forces a pleasant smile on his face.
“Excuse me, but I must take this.”
“Is everything ok?” Melinda asks. Clyde nods his head and then kisses her on her forehead.
“Yes, everything is fine.”
The Assassin walks off to the side, far enough away so that he knows Henry and Melinda will be unable to hear him, and far enough away from any other prying eyes and ears so that he is certain to have the privacy he needs. He gets to a dark corner and then looks from side to side, making sure he is alone. Then he answers his phone.
“Joseph…”
“I told ya, mate, don’t call me Joseph. It’s too bloody formal. Call me Joey.”
“Whatever.” The annoyance in Sutter’s voice is obvious. “What are you calling me for?”
Is that any way to treat your pal? Especially the pal you paid to work this dangerous…sorry, ‘complicated’...mission to get information for you? Thanks for the paid vacation Florida, though. It’s real nice over here!”
“Don’t mention it.” Clyde says dryly. “What did you learn?”
“Well first of all your instincts were right, mate. It wasn’t a random hit and run. It wasn’t some botched attack or shit like that. It was an organized hit.”
“I knew it.” Sutter answers angrily. That confirms his theory that this was an organized hit and the target was either Archie Van Stanton or Melinda Braddock. The question now is who was the target? Clyde’s current girlfriend or Clyde’s half-brother? “Tell me…who was the target?”
“I knew that was gonna be your next question. I should make you pay extra for that information.”
“And I could track you down and crack your skull open…” Clyde says threateningly.
“Chill, mate. I was just joking!”
“I am not in the mood for jokes. Tell me the information. Who was the target? Who was behind this?”
“Well I don’t know who was behind it. But I can tell you the target…you should be safe knowing that your lady, Melinda, was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. She was not the target, so whoever was behind it is unlikely to go after her again.”
“So Van Stanton was the target?” Sutter asks.
“Yeah. And it makes no sense. Archie was some no name, am I right? Not all that important, his family isn’t all that famous or wealthy. Why would they target him? It makes no sense.”
“Actually…it makes perfect sense.” Sutter answers stoically.
“Care to clue me in, mate? Cause I’m lost.”
“Later.” He answers back. “We will be in touch.”
He doesn’t even say goodbye. He just hangs up on Joey and quickly stuffs his phone back into his pocket. It all makes sense to Clyde Sutter, even though it doesn’t make sense to Joey. Archie Van Stanton’s mother is Autumn Van Stanton, which makes him Clyde’s half-brother. Everything is falling into place like a puzzle. Archie wasn’t targeted because he was a Van Stanton. He was targeted because of his Sutter bloodline. And who has had a vested interest in the Sutter bloodline more than Lilith Sutter?
Clyde’s sister was behind the attack. He is certain of it.
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April 30th, 2025
Kansas City, Missouri
On Camera
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The camera rolls. The backdrop for this scene being recorded is dark, moody, and illuminated by red lights, creating for a foreboding atmosphere. In the forefront stands the imposing figure of “The Assassin” Clyde Sutter along with his lovely and devious girlfriend Melinda Braddock. Sutter has a menacing and intense expression on his face, his long black hair hangs down past his shoulders and is wearing a black leather jacket. The lovely Melinda is wearing a tight, long sleeved, little black dress with a hemline that stops just at the knee. Her long blonde hair also cascades in waves to past the shoulders. She has an arrogant smirk etched across her beautiful face.
“Mr. Lawler, perhaps a congratulations are in order? After a very disappointing return to Supreme Championship Wrestling, you finally managed to succeed at something. You finally became the Television Champion. It is indeed something to be happy about, having championship gold is something to celebrate and to cherish. And do cherish it, Mr. Lawler, hug that title belt tight. Sleep with it. Take photographs of yourself with it so that the memories will last forever because success in this cutthroat, ruthless business will all become just that one day…mere memories…and that is assuming you have friends and family who care about you enough to remember your successes. But make no mistake about it, Mr. Lawler, your championship reign and success will become just a memory soon enough. Furthermore, do not delude yourself into believing that your victory over myself was merely your doing. As I have said time and again, we are all at the mercy of Fate. Fate gifted you that championship, Mr. Lawler. That is the reality and if you can accept that reality then the better off you will be, the less it will hurt when you lose that championship.”
“I would listen to the man, Lawler.” Melinda says smugly. “That championship you hold is the workhorse title. It is defended each and every week. Currently it is held by yourself, a man whose record in SCW up until recently has been spotty at best. So how long do you really expect to hold that championship? How many challengers do you think you can survive until someone figures you out? Breakdown is coming up and you don’t even know who you are defending your title against. You just know it will be one of three people…Adam Brock, Ryan LeCavalier, or my man, The Assassin. Now I cannot speak for Ryan or Brock, but if I recall, Sutter had you dead to rights until you had to resort to a low blow.” She snickers. “And people call out Clyde for cheating? You were about to be choked out, Lawler. You were done for. And if you face him again on Breakdown, then I guarantee you that your reign as champion, for what it’s worth, will be over.” Braddock remarks. Sutter nods his head.
“Quite right, my love. Although I would be remiss if I did not point out to Mr. Desoubrais that his name for this upcoming edition of Breakdown is false advertisement. Fans Choice may sound nice, it may play to the heartstrings of the sheep who tune in and the fools who attend the weekly events, but this is not their choice. The fans never had the power and they never will have the power. Fate makes the choices, Fate makes the decisions, and Fate has all the power. Fate will decide the destiny of myself, Mr.. Brock, Ms. LeCavalier, and you too, Mr. Lawler. And if Fate is once again gracious enough to gift its most lethal Assassin and enforcer of its will a Television Title match, then yes, I will choke you out and rip that championship out of your cold dead hands! I will right the wrong from Breakdown and reclaim what is mine!” A cold, evil laugh escapes his lips. “Fate’s will be done…and unlike my opposition, I am perfectly at ease and content with doing the will of Fate. If it is Fate’s will that someone else get that title shot, so be it. That doesn’t mean I have fallen out favor with Fate. It just means that Fate has decided that someone’s time is up.”
Melinda Braddock nods her head. “Adam Brock, here we go again…the fool whose sole mission is to fight against bullying. Yet you are directing your rage against the wrong person because Clyde is no bully. He just does the will of Fate. If you have a problem with him, take it up with Fate.”
“He would be a fool to challenge Fate itself, my love.” The Assassin sneers. “Then again, he is indeed very foolish to think that he can stop me. We have fought in Dusseldorf, we fought in a ladder match on Breakdown, and I am STILL here! Every single action you have taken to rid SCW of the supposed ‘bully’ has been in vain because I am STILL standing! Despite your actions I still became SCW Television Champion! If that doesn’t equate to a failure then I do not know what does. Perhaps that is why you have pissed off Fate so much? You have become a failure and Fate no longer sees a reason to keep you around. You have been a worthy opponent, Mr. Brock, and it would be an honor to do the will of Fate and get rid of you.” The Assassin chuckles.
“And that brings me to my final potential opponent of Fans Choice…excuse me, FATE’s Choice.” He points a finger at the camera. “That would be you, Ms. LeCavalier. Welcome back. I dearly missed you. What I missed the most was your unwarranted overinflated opinion of yourself. I missed that arrogance and oozes from every pore of your body. Your words have not gone unnoticed. You look down on me, you speak of me as if I were no true threat. But when you had the chance to fight me one on one you could not pin or make me submit. You had your chance to definitively end this in the ladder match and again you failed. Not only did you fail but you lost your championship. Like Brock you are but a failure and that is why Fate has you marked for your end.” He sneers.
“If this were truly Fans Choice then a failure like Brock or another failure like LeCavalier would be the chosen challenger for the Television Title. But I have my trust in Fate and that this is truly Fate’s Choice. Fate will see that there is but one true worthy challenger to the Television Title, the one man who destroyed Chris Lawler and would have choked him out had he not resorted to a low blow to gain an unfair advantage. Fate will look kindly on its worthy and loyal servant and grant me the rematch I deserve and when it does, I will tear Mr. Lawler apart and take back what is mine.” He chuckles. “Mr. Brock, Ms. LeCavalier, you both should pray that Fate will grant me my Television Title rematch, because if I end up facing either of you on Breakdown, it will be the end of you.”
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April 20th, 2025
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Off Camera
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The deep rumble of the crowd beyond the black curtains was pulsing in time with the flashing lights that painted the concrete walls backstage in wild, shifting colors. The PPG Paints Arena was alive tonight; every seat filled, every voice raised, every heart pounding in anticipation of the action to come for SCW Rebirth. The air itself seemed electric, thick with the mingled scents of sweat, leather, and the faint chemical tang of pyrotechnics lingering from the previous match. In this charged environment, Clyde Sutter isn’t scheduled to compete yet here he is backstage as a spectator, watching all of the action from his fellow SCW wrestlers. There was a time in his past when Sutter would never have attended one of these events unless he had been scheduled to compete or unless he had a job to do. But things change and people change and, in this case, The Assassin has changed. He was once driven by hate and rage but now he is driven by something greater. He has a legitimate support system that cares about him; his mother Autumn Van Stanton and step-father Henry Van Stanton, girlfriend Melinda Braddock, and more. Sutter is no longer involved in wrestling just simply to hurt people. He wants to be successful to make these people proud of him, especially Melinda Braddock, his beloved girlfriend. He recently got a second chance at making things work in Supreme Championship Wrestling and he has made the most of that second chance, winning the Television Championship in a brutal ladder match against Adam Brock and Ryan LeCavalier. Unfortunately he lost the title to Chris Lawler one week later. Now, at the fan’s choice edition of Breakdown, he potentially could get the opportunity to regain that championship. He is now here at Rebirth, despite not being schedule for the show, to demonstrate his commitment to the company and his commitment to keeping his success on an upward trajectory.
Standing near one of the heavy packing crates, Clyde seemed almost carved from stone. He was a tall man, broad-shouldered and barrel-chested, with the kind of presence that demanded attention even when he wasn’t trying to take it. His long black hair, sleek and shining under the backstage lights, hung loosely around his shoulders, brushing against the collar of his plain black T-shirt. Faded jeans clung to legs corded with muscle, and a worn leather jacket hung heavy across his frame. His fists were at ease, his gaze curious rather than confrontational. He wasn’t here to trade blows or test his strength; he was here simply to watch, to observe the night’s battles from the sidelines. Yet the fire in his dark eyes said it wasn’t easy for him. He was left off the card of Rebirth, which is frustrating to some extent, but what really bothers him is the fact that he lost his Television Title. He lost it to Lawler. Now he has to wait for Breakdown and hope that the fans gift him with his rematch, a rematch he feels he deserves, he feels he is entitled to. By his side stood Melinda Braddock, who was all polished brilliance and effortless style. She wore a soft, tailored jacket the color of ivory, cinched at the waist to emphasize her hourglass figure, with a shimmer of metallic gold along the lapels that caught the light when she moved. Her tight black pants and high-heeled boots only added to the sleek, commanding image she projected. Long blonde hair cascaded down her back, framing a face made up with flawless care. Tonight she was here, at Clyde’s side, perfectly at ease, flashing knowing smiles to those who recognized her and cold, dismissive glances to those she deemed beneath her notice. She clutched a small, glittering clutch purse in one hand, though she hardly needed it; Melinda Braddock herself was an accessory, a statement piece, enhancing the rugged glamor of the man she accompanied. All around them, wrestlers bustled, some stretching and pacing to shake off nerves, others slapping on last-minute layers of paint or adjusting their gear. Crew members barked into radios, hustling about with ladders, cables, while agents in cheap suits scurried like anxious ants, clutching clipboards and trying to herd chaos into some kind of order.
“I’m surprised you want to be here.” Melinda says, a hint of annoyance in her voice.
“I am on the SCW roster, am I not?” Sutter asked. “Rebirth is an event sponsored by SCW. I am expected to show up and support the company.”
“Since when did you become a company guy?” Melinda smirks. “I mean, seriously, babe, you were the Television Champion. You won a very competitive ladder match on Breakdown. You have had fiercely competitive matches since your return. Even your match against Lawler, even though you lost, was one of the most watched matches on Breakdown. CHBK should recognize your talent by now. He should have had you somewhere on tonight’s card.”
“I feel honored and privileged to have someone as beautiful and gorgeous as you to be my defender.” He leans over and plants a kiss on her lips. “But I do have reasons to be here other than simply trying to impress Mr. Desoubrais.”
“Oh yeah?” Melinda arches a brow. “You can’t be scouting competition. Lawler isn’t competing tonight, neither are Brock or LeCavalier. Unless you know something I don’t…”
“I am not scouting future competition, my love.” Sutter says with a knowing grin. “But I do something you don’t.”
“Like what?”
“We are about to have a visitor.”
“Who? It better not be your creepy ass sister.” Melinda remarks. “I still can’t get over her stalking you…stalking us!”
“Believe me, I want nothing to do with my sister.” Clyde shakes his head. “But there is a certain someone I do want to get to know better and I invited him to join us tonight as a special guest.”
“Fair enough.” Melinda nods her head. “Just keep in mind what’s important…fan’s choice Breakdown is your opportunity to regain the Television Title.”
“Ah but that is where you are wrong, my sweet.” Clyde responds lovingly, to correct her. “It is in the hand of Fate to decide if it is my opportunity to regain the Television Title. Fate might gift me that opportunity or it might gift me the opportunity to put an end to Brock or LeCavalier once and for all.”
“Yeah, that’s the problem with fans choice…it’s up to the idiot fans.” Melinda sighs.
“Regardless, I will be doing the will of Fate come Breakdown, no matter who my opponent happens to be.”
The conversation stops suddenly when The Assassin notices something out of the corner of his eye. He turns to look and spots a familiar figure approaching from down the hall. He is tall and lanky, wearing a white button up shirt, tweed jacket, and black pants and shoes. This is Henry Van Stanton, his mother’s husband and thus his step-father. These two had hit a rough patch a long time ago but recently they have made it a point to try and repair their relationship. For Sutter it is about finding a father figure. His therapist, and Melinda, both agree that having a father figure would be of considerable help to his support system, and Clyde knows that he needs a strong support system in order to beat back the mind games generated by his sister, Lilith Sutter.
“Henry!” Melinda exclaims with a hint of excitement. She dated Henry’s late son, Archie Van Stanton, who was murdered in a drive by shooting. Melinda was involved as well but she survived. To this day no one knows who the real target was, Archie or Melinda. No one knows that Sutter has already put an old informant friend of his from his time on the mean streets of Birmingham, Joey, on the case to try and learn as much as possible about this case.
“It is so good to see you, Melinda!” Henry embraces her in a tight hug. Despite how things went, Henry has always viewed Melinda as a daughter. After breaking the embrace he shakes Clyde’s hand. “Clyde…thank you for inviting me.”
“Of course.” Sutter answers. “You grew up in the wrestling business just like my beloved. I thought you would appreciate taking some time to watch Rebirth.”
“I have always been impressed with SCW’s managerial structure and how they promote their events. Their wrestlers are some of the top notch, which makes the fact that you are a former champion in this company very impressive.”
“Thank you for the compliment, but I only held that title for week.” Sutter smirks. “If Fate is on my side, then I shall get my rematch soon and I shall reclaim it.”
“Ah yes, fans choice.” Henry chuckles. “Those sort of events are popular with the people but can be rather annoying to the talent. I’m sure you, Brock, and Ryan all believe you deserve that title match but only one of you will get it.”
“Only Clyde deserves the title match.” Melinda says boldly. The Assassin chuckles and kisses her on the lips again.
“Once again, my fiercest defender. I appreciate you, my love.”
“I am just grateful that you invited me, Clyde, and not just to watch the wrestling.” Henry says warmly. “I am so grateful to have BOTH of you back in my life.” He looks at Melinda and then back at Clyde. “I know we’ve had our ups and downs, but I sincerely want to make this work out.”
“Me too.” Melinda says. Sutter is about to interject when he feels his cell phone vibrating. He picks it up and looks at the caller ID…it’s Joey. He forces a pleasant smile on his face.
“Excuse me, but I must take this.”
“Is everything ok?” Melinda asks. Clyde nods his head and then kisses her on her forehead.
“Yes, everything is fine.”
The Assassin walks off to the side, far enough away so that he knows Henry and Melinda will be unable to hear him, and far enough away from any other prying eyes and ears so that he is certain to have the privacy he needs. He gets to a dark corner and then looks from side to side, making sure he is alone. Then he answers his phone.
“Joseph…”
“I told ya, mate, don’t call me Joseph. It’s too bloody formal. Call me Joey.”
“Whatever.” The annoyance in Sutter’s voice is obvious. “What are you calling me for?”
Is that any way to treat your pal? Especially the pal you paid to work this dangerous…sorry, ‘complicated’...mission to get information for you? Thanks for the paid vacation Florida, though. It’s real nice over here!”
“Don’t mention it.” Clyde says dryly. “What did you learn?”
“Well first of all your instincts were right, mate. It wasn’t a random hit and run. It wasn’t some botched attack or shit like that. It was an organized hit.”
“I knew it.” Sutter answers angrily. That confirms his theory that this was an organized hit and the target was either Archie Van Stanton or Melinda Braddock. The question now is who was the target? Clyde’s current girlfriend or Clyde’s half-brother? “Tell me…who was the target?”
“I knew that was gonna be your next question. I should make you pay extra for that information.”
“And I could track you down and crack your skull open…” Clyde says threateningly.
“Chill, mate. I was just joking!”
“I am not in the mood for jokes. Tell me the information. Who was the target? Who was behind this?”
“Well I don’t know who was behind it. But I can tell you the target…you should be safe knowing that your lady, Melinda, was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. She was not the target, so whoever was behind it is unlikely to go after her again.”
“So Van Stanton was the target?” Sutter asks.
“Yeah. And it makes no sense. Archie was some no name, am I right? Not all that important, his family isn’t all that famous or wealthy. Why would they target him? It makes no sense.”
“Actually…it makes perfect sense.” Sutter answers stoically.
“Care to clue me in, mate? Cause I’m lost.”
“Later.” He answers back. “We will be in touch.”
He doesn’t even say goodbye. He just hangs up on Joey and quickly stuffs his phone back into his pocket. It all makes sense to Clyde Sutter, even though it doesn’t make sense to Joey. Archie Van Stanton’s mother is Autumn Van Stanton, which makes him Clyde’s half-brother. Everything is falling into place like a puzzle. Archie wasn’t targeted because he was a Van Stanton. He was targeted because of his Sutter bloodline. And who has had a vested interest in the Sutter bloodline more than Lilith Sutter?
Clyde’s sister was behind the attack. He is certain of it.
==========
April 30th, 2025
Kansas City, Missouri
On Camera
==========
The camera rolls. The backdrop for this scene being recorded is dark, moody, and illuminated by red lights, creating for a foreboding atmosphere. In the forefront stands the imposing figure of “The Assassin” Clyde Sutter along with his lovely and devious girlfriend Melinda Braddock. Sutter has a menacing and intense expression on his face, his long black hair hangs down past his shoulders and is wearing a black leather jacket. The lovely Melinda is wearing a tight, long sleeved, little black dress with a hemline that stops just at the knee. Her long blonde hair also cascades in waves to past the shoulders. She has an arrogant smirk etched across her beautiful face.
“Mr. Lawler, perhaps a congratulations are in order? After a very disappointing return to Supreme Championship Wrestling, you finally managed to succeed at something. You finally became the Television Champion. It is indeed something to be happy about, having championship gold is something to celebrate and to cherish. And do cherish it, Mr. Lawler, hug that title belt tight. Sleep with it. Take photographs of yourself with it so that the memories will last forever because success in this cutthroat, ruthless business will all become just that one day…mere memories…and that is assuming you have friends and family who care about you enough to remember your successes. But make no mistake about it, Mr. Lawler, your championship reign and success will become just a memory soon enough. Furthermore, do not delude yourself into believing that your victory over myself was merely your doing. As I have said time and again, we are all at the mercy of Fate. Fate gifted you that championship, Mr. Lawler. That is the reality and if you can accept that reality then the better off you will be, the less it will hurt when you lose that championship.”
“I would listen to the man, Lawler.” Melinda says smugly. “That championship you hold is the workhorse title. It is defended each and every week. Currently it is held by yourself, a man whose record in SCW up until recently has been spotty at best. So how long do you really expect to hold that championship? How many challengers do you think you can survive until someone figures you out? Breakdown is coming up and you don’t even know who you are defending your title against. You just know it will be one of three people…Adam Brock, Ryan LeCavalier, or my man, The Assassin. Now I cannot speak for Ryan or Brock, but if I recall, Sutter had you dead to rights until you had to resort to a low blow.” She snickers. “And people call out Clyde for cheating? You were about to be choked out, Lawler. You were done for. And if you face him again on Breakdown, then I guarantee you that your reign as champion, for what it’s worth, will be over.” Braddock remarks. Sutter nods his head.
“Quite right, my love. Although I would be remiss if I did not point out to Mr. Desoubrais that his name for this upcoming edition of Breakdown is false advertisement. Fans Choice may sound nice, it may play to the heartstrings of the sheep who tune in and the fools who attend the weekly events, but this is not their choice. The fans never had the power and they never will have the power. Fate makes the choices, Fate makes the decisions, and Fate has all the power. Fate will decide the destiny of myself, Mr.. Brock, Ms. LeCavalier, and you too, Mr. Lawler. And if Fate is once again gracious enough to gift its most lethal Assassin and enforcer of its will a Television Title match, then yes, I will choke you out and rip that championship out of your cold dead hands! I will right the wrong from Breakdown and reclaim what is mine!” A cold, evil laugh escapes his lips. “Fate’s will be done…and unlike my opposition, I am perfectly at ease and content with doing the will of Fate. If it is Fate’s will that someone else get that title shot, so be it. That doesn’t mean I have fallen out favor with Fate. It just means that Fate has decided that someone’s time is up.”
Melinda Braddock nods her head. “Adam Brock, here we go again…the fool whose sole mission is to fight against bullying. Yet you are directing your rage against the wrong person because Clyde is no bully. He just does the will of Fate. If you have a problem with him, take it up with Fate.”
“He would be a fool to challenge Fate itself, my love.” The Assassin sneers. “Then again, he is indeed very foolish to think that he can stop me. We have fought in Dusseldorf, we fought in a ladder match on Breakdown, and I am STILL here! Every single action you have taken to rid SCW of the supposed ‘bully’ has been in vain because I am STILL standing! Despite your actions I still became SCW Television Champion! If that doesn’t equate to a failure then I do not know what does. Perhaps that is why you have pissed off Fate so much? You have become a failure and Fate no longer sees a reason to keep you around. You have been a worthy opponent, Mr. Brock, and it would be an honor to do the will of Fate and get rid of you.” The Assassin chuckles.
“And that brings me to my final potential opponent of Fans Choice…excuse me, FATE’s Choice.” He points a finger at the camera. “That would be you, Ms. LeCavalier. Welcome back. I dearly missed you. What I missed the most was your unwarranted overinflated opinion of yourself. I missed that arrogance and oozes from every pore of your body. Your words have not gone unnoticed. You look down on me, you speak of me as if I were no true threat. But when you had the chance to fight me one on one you could not pin or make me submit. You had your chance to definitively end this in the ladder match and again you failed. Not only did you fail but you lost your championship. Like Brock you are but a failure and that is why Fate has you marked for your end.” He sneers.
“If this were truly Fans Choice then a failure like Brock or another failure like LeCavalier would be the chosen challenger for the Television Title. But I have my trust in Fate and that this is truly Fate’s Choice. Fate will see that there is but one true worthy challenger to the Television Title, the one man who destroyed Chris Lawler and would have choked him out had he not resorted to a low blow to gain an unfair advantage. Fate will look kindly on its worthy and loyal servant and grant me the rematch I deserve and when it does, I will tear Mr. Lawler apart and take back what is mine.” He chuckles. “Mr. Brock, Ms. LeCavalier, you both should pray that Fate will grant me my Television Title rematch, because if I end up facing either of you on Breakdown, it will be the end of you.”
![[Image: XJiTNy0.png]](https://i.imgur.com/XJiTNy0.png)
Career Achievements
MWE Television Champion 2x
MWE Riot Champion 1x
GCW World Tag Team Champion 1x
SCW Television Champion 1x