12-16-2025, 01:33 PM
PREVIOUSLY…OFF CAMERA
(Shaun had considered all his options on the flight home, knowing that whichever way he turns, the likelihood was his marriage was about to blow up in front of him. Angyalka was someone who wouldn’t ever take something like this lightly and rightfully so, and although Shaun felt sorry, he wasn’t sure if that was sorry for what he’d done, or sorry for being caught. He’d always known there was a risk, and he also knew what he was doing was wrong, and thus he was cursing himself for ever entertaining the idea. He’d been weak, and he knew it. More than anything, he knew he should be filled with regret. But he wasn’t, and that was the concerning thing. When he had arrived home, Angyalka wasn’t there, but that had made the silence in the house even more overbearing. He preferred that however to the pain of his heart almost bursting out of his chest when he heard the front door open… Angyalka walking into the room unknowing what was about to happen. She sees him, and immediately flings her arms around her husband, Shaun returning the favor, though he felt guilty, feeling that this comfort was not something he deserved. Angyalka seems to sense this, keeping her arms around him, but looking into his eyes.)
Angyalka: What is wrong with you, my love?
(Shaun pulls away and takes a seat, patting the space on the sofa next to him. She sits, a scowl forming on her face.)
Angyalka: I’m confused. You won, I thought you would return happy.
(Shaun sighs, knowing there was no point dragging this out.)
Shaun: I need to tell you something…
Angyalka: What? You’re scaring me, Shaun.
(He closes his eyes, hesitating before finally finding the words.)
Shaun: I’m having an affair
(There is silence, not a word is spoken, Shaun sitting there, his eyes still closed, almost expecting to be hit with something. He opens his eyes, turning to Angyalka who hasn’t moved, her eyes seemingly staring into the distance. Shock in its purest form. He reaches out to her, attempting to hold her hand but at the last moment she pulls it away, coming out of her trancelike state, before turning and looking directly at him.)
Angyalka: Do I know her?
Shaun: No… it’s just, ‘someone’.
Angyalka: How long?
Shaun: A couple of months
Angyalka: And why are you telling me now?
(Every sinew in his body tells him to walk away now or at least tell a small lie to cover up the truth. But Shaun saw himself as a moralistic man, which was laughable in this moment. He’d come this far, so may as well not stop now.)
Shaun: There is video footage… I’m on camera and very soon, her husband is going to know the truth. I didn’t want you to find out from anyone but me.
Angyalka: That’s big of you
(The statement reeked of disdain and sarcasm. That didn’t sting as much as the next question, however.)
Angyalka: Why would you do this to me?
(It was a question he couldn’t answer, because the truth was, he didn’t know. Excitement, something new, boredom, all the above. It was a multitude of things that still didn’t explain why he’d gone behind her back and not done the decent thing and been honest before now.)
Angyalka: Answer me
Shaun: I can’t… I don’t know why I did it. It wasn’t…
Angyalka: Don’t say it wasn’t me; it was you, Shaun. I beg you. Show at least a little common decency and respect.
(Shaun gets to his feet, walking over and pouring himself a glass of Jack Daniels, the same for Angyalka. He then places hers in front of her, downing the contents of his glass in one.)
Angyalka: Do you love her?
Shaun: No. I love you.
Angyalka: No Shaun, you don’t get to say that to me. Not now.
Shaun: So, what do you want from me?
(She hesitates, her eyes narrowing as she stares directly at him.)
Angyalka: Right now, space. Because I can’t even stand to look at you.
Shaun: Angy?
Angyalka: Out
Shaun: Angyalka?
Angyalka: OUT!!!!
(Shaun lets a deep breath escape, before getting to his feet.)
Shaun: I’m sorry
Angyalka: Sorry you got caught.
(If there was hatred there, Shaun didn’t notice it, however there was no doubt disappointment, and a need to be on her own. And right now, Shaun was happy to give it, knowing that he didn’t need to be there once the anger of the situation kicked in. And anyway, it gave him time to inform someone else that her life was about to blow up in her face, her life also never the same again. The woman who had caused all of this by being in the right place, at the right time. Or as it now turned out, the wrong time.)
RECORDING…ON CAMERA
“Preferential treatment…”
(Shaun Cruze appears on screen, a white tee shirt and blue jeans his choice of attire.)
“Come on now Sutter, that’s lazy even for you. Do you think that when I sat at home and decided I was going to come back, I didn’t know that was going to be the allegation when it came to every little thing. I thought you guys were supposed to have ‘Vision’? I mean, there are a million and one more creative things you could have focused on, because let’s face it, I’ve got a raft of history for you to look back on. But no, you have to throw these ridiculous things at me because someone in SCW thought it would be a good idea to take me to a show to go through the final little bits of pieces as to what was going to happen next. Did arriving in a limo really piss you off that much? If it did Sutter, I think it’s about time you pulled up your big boy pants and stopped being sensitive because things are about to get a whole lot worse for you and your little gang of hangers on. Let’s make something clear, something that needs to be said right off the bat. If these allegations were true, and I’m being fast tracked to the top over those that are far more deserving right now, why would I be making my debut against you Clyde? Someone who talks, looks and acts like nothing more than a poor mans Blake Mason. If I was here for some kind of nostalgia trip, why wouldn’t my opening gambit be against someone who I have a little history with, and a match that would capture the imagination against someone like Syren say? No Clyde, I’m starting at the bottom, and I fully intend on making my way through the ranks and back to a World Championship I haven’t held in over a decade, and there is no conspiracy theory here, no matter how much you’d like to present one. The bottom Clyde, and someone in SCW has decided that it is you sunshine. And let’s face it… that’s the root of the all the jealousy in place right here, isn’t it? Why you decided to focus on me arriving late at the show was to try and draw less attention to me being there, until you opened your big mouth. But of course, you’ll double down on your logic, I wouldn’t expect anything less. I fully expect your reply to be full of the bitterness borne from you never scaling to the heights you believe should be yours by right. But it is this kind of behavior, this kind of ‘reach’ that I fully expected to have to deal with before I got some kind of foothold back in this company. And when I knew it was going to be you who I faced first, it was clear that I wasn’t going to receive a whole lot of sense.
I’m going to let you into a little secret Sutter.
There are two wheels in motion here, two ideologies in play. Let me speak to you about SCW’s ideas on my return, shall we? I mentioned the word ‘nostalgia’, and there is no question that the company is going to try and tap into it. After all, there are people in the offices of whom that kind of stuff is expected. When you like it or not Clyde, my family name is one that is synonymous with this company amongst others, my nephew left this company a US and World Champion. To a company like SCW, the Cruze name markets itself. Put our name on a poster, and immediately the ticket sales pop. You heard that reaction when I entered that arena right? Believe it or not, something like that is rare. I’m not blind to that, I know full well that the company is going to make money this weekend, and that if our match is a big deal on the card, it’s because my name is attached, and unlike some, I’m ok with that. I don’t see it as the company taking advantage, I see it as the company doing what it takes to keep themselves on top. So, if they give me a limo, then it is purely a drop in the ocean compared to the ticket sales and the stream rates. SCW is a multi-billion-dollar corporation Sutter, each one of us is here to make the company money. Bringing me back was a no brainer for this company, and I’m not saying that with even a shred of arrogance. Though of course you’ll tie yourself in knots trying to claim otherwise. Right now, Clyde, do you know what I am? I’m not a World Championship Contender like you would have everyone believe. I’m not a contender for any of the titles, and nor should I be. What I AM to this company is a feel-good story that straight away you have tried to dismiss. A more ‘aware’ individual would recognize that, he is lucky to be involved.
So, what is the second ideology I hear you ask?
Well, that is my reason for being here, and in truth the one that you should be focusing on, instead of something that is out of both our controls. See, although I recognized it was inevitable, I am not just here for a nice story to warm the fanbases hearts, only to step out into that ring and ruin any reputation I once had. I get it, but it doesn’t mean to say I like being a part of it, because it distracts me from my reality and the reasons why I had to come back. For now, a lot of that is going to remain my business, it’s got nothing to do with anyone else, so let’s just say I made mistakes. I’m back here, because at this stage in my life, it was exactly what I needed. To be a part of something that always made me feel whole. Make no bones about it Sutter, I know the risks of me being back in amongst it. I know that if you beat me, and I fail to get a foothold in this company, I’m going to be dragging my reputation down. But here was your biggest mistake, Clyde, the moment I knew that this was going to be far simpler than it could have been. You think I want a easy route to the top, you believe I’m going to be pushed to the stratosphere, and leave you in my slipstream based simply on who I am. That right there told me that you are believing what you want, totally forgetting what the mantra was for all my family. To always be the hardest worker in any room. You can say that I’m getting it easy. That I’m being given this ‘pomp and circumstance’ and that you intend to do something about it, but you haven’t tapped in, not in the slightest as to who the heck I am, and who I was. And yes, you might raise a valid point… I’ve not been in the ring for a while now. My last match with Konrad Raab was ages ago, and thus there must be an element of ring-rust. That’s right, isn’t it? But again Sutter, for someone who has the ‘Vision’ you’re failing to see what is right in front of you. I walked into Taking Hold of the Flame and almost won it while not an active competitor. I beat Konrad Raab AND all his goons while not an active competitor. Sure, I’ve not been in the ring in a while, but do you truly believe that one of the most prepared wrestlers in SCW’s history hasn’t made damn sure he is in the peak condition ahead of a return that will define how this is going to go? OK, fair enough, I’m thirty-six now, not old but certainly not a spring chicken like some of the wrestlers in SCW right now. Maybe, it’s going to take a while to get up to full speed, after all there is nothing like competition to get those juices flowing right? But, if you think that I’ve not spent hours in the ring with Owen, getting as close as I can to one hundred percent. If you believe I haven’t wrestled under an alias at some of the indies to get that mojo back ahead of time. Then I’m going to double down on something I said earlier. You don’t have the first clue what you are dealing with, and when you consider that I am one of the most high-profile competitors to EVER compete for this company, that is unforgivable.
Though not surprising. How can it be considering you call yourself an assassin.
So, let me get this straight. You’re whole schtick is that you made good on those who ‘fate’ has decided should be ‘finished’. You are the one that puts the things in place and does the deed… that about sum it up? In that case bro, I have a question. Nothing behind it but a personal interest. Name, names please… give me a list. Who has suffered that fate? Honestly, I’ve seen you. I’ve seen how you present yourself, so I’m not going to go back and look for myself when I can ask the man himself that very question. I guess what I am asking you is, how good are you at your job? Without all the context, I reckon I could hazard a guess. What you are Clyde, is one of those individuals who needs a ‘purpose’ to remain relevant. You are someone who needs a flashy little tagline that let’s face it, you are only the first three letters. ASSassin. I’m sure there is a more than capable wrestler, after all you did go to the Braddock Wrestling School so you must have something about you. What I’m seeing however is a huge individual with strength to spare, who instead made a point of being my own ‘welcome party’, when the reality is if I meant so little, I shouldn’t have even been a blip on your radar. What you are Clyde, is a ‘character’. All that ability thrown down the toilet, to play a part.
Pathetic,
Let me put another theory your way, shall I? And I think this is far more reliable than your random attempts at favoritism towards me. One thing I know you are is an intelligent man, someone who despite everything, understands how this business works, and how to get yourself noticed. I mean, that first night, you were the only one who stepped up to me, and if you were right in your allegations, I would have thought I would have had a whole raft of people sharing your opinion. But I didn’t. I think, and bear with me here, you saw an opportunity. An opportunity to better yourself off the back of someone who, even after being away for a long time, is still more prevalent that you will ever be. You decided to get yourself up in my business, so that people would notice you, off the back of my name. Because honestly, I cannot believe that a man like you would have such a fragile ego. I cannot see a world where someone like you would even be paying me the slightest bit of attention. After all, even if you do beat me… if true, that wouldn’t stop the favoritism would it… I’d probably get a rematch if you were right. That makes more sense, doesn’t it? No, you saw an opportunity all right, to step from the shadow of Melinda, and be seen as a threat in your own right.
Instead of SCW’s worst joke.
Newsflash though Sutter, for that to happen, you’d have needed to face someone only in this for the pay packet, someone intent on stealing a living. You would have needed someone to come in, not understand, nor see you for who you truly are. You got unlucky Sutter, because you are stepping into the ring with someone not here to make up the numbers, or bring some star quality, or even for the obvious nostalgia trip. You are looking at the man who will move and heaven and high water to once again climb to the top and be the SCW World Champion. I look at the names on this roster, people who I recognize from before and others who have stepped up to the fray and I recognize that it is going to be far from easy. I know that there are pitfalls to be had along the way, and maybe you will be the first. But I doubt it. Everything you have told me leads me to believe you don’t have the first clue what is heading your way, and that this will be a cakewalk for you. I’m here to tell you, categorically, that won’t be the case. You’ve got me and my situation all wrong Clyde… maybe one day I’ll feel like talking about it, but today isn’t that day. You have made countless assumptions and when we are done, it is those assumptions that will cost you. According to what I know about you, you might not even be concerned with the victory and just want to hurt me. To that I say, give it your best shot Sutter, I’ll be waiting. I’m going to make sure you understand why I was called the ‘Impact Player’ and why that was a name given to me by my peers… and not an attempt at looking tougher than I really am.
So, in closing Sutter, I’m going to leave you with this. You’ve said a lot of things about me on camera, some true, some false, one thing that you have never acknowledged is what I need from this match. Understanding everything I have said before, what do I need to take away from our match. See, I understand that there will be people in the back, looking at me just like you are, believing that I am nothing more than cannon fodder. I’m certain, there are those already lining up to take a shot, believing that my name is the springboard they need to break through the glass ceiling they seem to be hindered by. People, just like you, will have their own opinions, without taking to account want I need. What I need Clyde… is the live up to that name I was given. And make an IMPACT. That impact will be made, not just by beating you Clyde, but by also taking all of your disrespectful words and shoving them back down your throat. That impact would be made, by taking one of the most powerful men on this roster and making him look like an amateur. That impact will be made by stepping into Boston, at Shattered Reality Night One, and not just defeating you, but by being the performance that everyone remembers when Night Two kicks off. You’ll say I won’t do that. You’ll puff your chest out and try to intimidate me, and I actively encourage that. When I do the unexpected Clyde, that makes the impact. This impact is one that will send ripples throughout this company and ensure that every single person on this roster is made aware… Shaun Cruze is BACK. I need this, I want this… and I’m going to take this opportunity like it’s my last. And I’m going to do it with the SCW fans by my side. For THEM. And for ME!!”
(Scene fades.)
(Shaun had considered all his options on the flight home, knowing that whichever way he turns, the likelihood was his marriage was about to blow up in front of him. Angyalka was someone who wouldn’t ever take something like this lightly and rightfully so, and although Shaun felt sorry, he wasn’t sure if that was sorry for what he’d done, or sorry for being caught. He’d always known there was a risk, and he also knew what he was doing was wrong, and thus he was cursing himself for ever entertaining the idea. He’d been weak, and he knew it. More than anything, he knew he should be filled with regret. But he wasn’t, and that was the concerning thing. When he had arrived home, Angyalka wasn’t there, but that had made the silence in the house even more overbearing. He preferred that however to the pain of his heart almost bursting out of his chest when he heard the front door open… Angyalka walking into the room unknowing what was about to happen. She sees him, and immediately flings her arms around her husband, Shaun returning the favor, though he felt guilty, feeling that this comfort was not something he deserved. Angyalka seems to sense this, keeping her arms around him, but looking into his eyes.)
Angyalka: What is wrong with you, my love?
(Shaun pulls away and takes a seat, patting the space on the sofa next to him. She sits, a scowl forming on her face.)
Angyalka: I’m confused. You won, I thought you would return happy.
(Shaun sighs, knowing there was no point dragging this out.)
Shaun: I need to tell you something…
Angyalka: What? You’re scaring me, Shaun.
(He closes his eyes, hesitating before finally finding the words.)
Shaun: I’m having an affair
(There is silence, not a word is spoken, Shaun sitting there, his eyes still closed, almost expecting to be hit with something. He opens his eyes, turning to Angyalka who hasn’t moved, her eyes seemingly staring into the distance. Shock in its purest form. He reaches out to her, attempting to hold her hand but at the last moment she pulls it away, coming out of her trancelike state, before turning and looking directly at him.)
Angyalka: Do I know her?
Shaun: No… it’s just, ‘someone’.
Angyalka: How long?
Shaun: A couple of months
Angyalka: And why are you telling me now?
(Every sinew in his body tells him to walk away now or at least tell a small lie to cover up the truth. But Shaun saw himself as a moralistic man, which was laughable in this moment. He’d come this far, so may as well not stop now.)
Shaun: There is video footage… I’m on camera and very soon, her husband is going to know the truth. I didn’t want you to find out from anyone but me.
Angyalka: That’s big of you
(The statement reeked of disdain and sarcasm. That didn’t sting as much as the next question, however.)
Angyalka: Why would you do this to me?
(It was a question he couldn’t answer, because the truth was, he didn’t know. Excitement, something new, boredom, all the above. It was a multitude of things that still didn’t explain why he’d gone behind her back and not done the decent thing and been honest before now.)
Angyalka: Answer me
Shaun: I can’t… I don’t know why I did it. It wasn’t…
Angyalka: Don’t say it wasn’t me; it was you, Shaun. I beg you. Show at least a little common decency and respect.
(Shaun gets to his feet, walking over and pouring himself a glass of Jack Daniels, the same for Angyalka. He then places hers in front of her, downing the contents of his glass in one.)
Angyalka: Do you love her?
Shaun: No. I love you.
Angyalka: No Shaun, you don’t get to say that to me. Not now.
Shaun: So, what do you want from me?
(She hesitates, her eyes narrowing as she stares directly at him.)
Angyalka: Right now, space. Because I can’t even stand to look at you.
Shaun: Angy?
Angyalka: Out
Shaun: Angyalka?
Angyalka: OUT!!!!
(Shaun lets a deep breath escape, before getting to his feet.)
Shaun: I’m sorry
Angyalka: Sorry you got caught.
(If there was hatred there, Shaun didn’t notice it, however there was no doubt disappointment, and a need to be on her own. And right now, Shaun was happy to give it, knowing that he didn’t need to be there once the anger of the situation kicked in. And anyway, it gave him time to inform someone else that her life was about to blow up in her face, her life also never the same again. The woman who had caused all of this by being in the right place, at the right time. Or as it now turned out, the wrong time.)
RECORDING…ON CAMERA
“Preferential treatment…”
(Shaun Cruze appears on screen, a white tee shirt and blue jeans his choice of attire.)
“Come on now Sutter, that’s lazy even for you. Do you think that when I sat at home and decided I was going to come back, I didn’t know that was going to be the allegation when it came to every little thing. I thought you guys were supposed to have ‘Vision’? I mean, there are a million and one more creative things you could have focused on, because let’s face it, I’ve got a raft of history for you to look back on. But no, you have to throw these ridiculous things at me because someone in SCW thought it would be a good idea to take me to a show to go through the final little bits of pieces as to what was going to happen next. Did arriving in a limo really piss you off that much? If it did Sutter, I think it’s about time you pulled up your big boy pants and stopped being sensitive because things are about to get a whole lot worse for you and your little gang of hangers on. Let’s make something clear, something that needs to be said right off the bat. If these allegations were true, and I’m being fast tracked to the top over those that are far more deserving right now, why would I be making my debut against you Clyde? Someone who talks, looks and acts like nothing more than a poor mans Blake Mason. If I was here for some kind of nostalgia trip, why wouldn’t my opening gambit be against someone who I have a little history with, and a match that would capture the imagination against someone like Syren say? No Clyde, I’m starting at the bottom, and I fully intend on making my way through the ranks and back to a World Championship I haven’t held in over a decade, and there is no conspiracy theory here, no matter how much you’d like to present one. The bottom Clyde, and someone in SCW has decided that it is you sunshine. And let’s face it… that’s the root of the all the jealousy in place right here, isn’t it? Why you decided to focus on me arriving late at the show was to try and draw less attention to me being there, until you opened your big mouth. But of course, you’ll double down on your logic, I wouldn’t expect anything less. I fully expect your reply to be full of the bitterness borne from you never scaling to the heights you believe should be yours by right. But it is this kind of behavior, this kind of ‘reach’ that I fully expected to have to deal with before I got some kind of foothold back in this company. And when I knew it was going to be you who I faced first, it was clear that I wasn’t going to receive a whole lot of sense.
I’m going to let you into a little secret Sutter.
There are two wheels in motion here, two ideologies in play. Let me speak to you about SCW’s ideas on my return, shall we? I mentioned the word ‘nostalgia’, and there is no question that the company is going to try and tap into it. After all, there are people in the offices of whom that kind of stuff is expected. When you like it or not Clyde, my family name is one that is synonymous with this company amongst others, my nephew left this company a US and World Champion. To a company like SCW, the Cruze name markets itself. Put our name on a poster, and immediately the ticket sales pop. You heard that reaction when I entered that arena right? Believe it or not, something like that is rare. I’m not blind to that, I know full well that the company is going to make money this weekend, and that if our match is a big deal on the card, it’s because my name is attached, and unlike some, I’m ok with that. I don’t see it as the company taking advantage, I see it as the company doing what it takes to keep themselves on top. So, if they give me a limo, then it is purely a drop in the ocean compared to the ticket sales and the stream rates. SCW is a multi-billion-dollar corporation Sutter, each one of us is here to make the company money. Bringing me back was a no brainer for this company, and I’m not saying that with even a shred of arrogance. Though of course you’ll tie yourself in knots trying to claim otherwise. Right now, Clyde, do you know what I am? I’m not a World Championship Contender like you would have everyone believe. I’m not a contender for any of the titles, and nor should I be. What I AM to this company is a feel-good story that straight away you have tried to dismiss. A more ‘aware’ individual would recognize that, he is lucky to be involved.
So, what is the second ideology I hear you ask?
Well, that is my reason for being here, and in truth the one that you should be focusing on, instead of something that is out of both our controls. See, although I recognized it was inevitable, I am not just here for a nice story to warm the fanbases hearts, only to step out into that ring and ruin any reputation I once had. I get it, but it doesn’t mean to say I like being a part of it, because it distracts me from my reality and the reasons why I had to come back. For now, a lot of that is going to remain my business, it’s got nothing to do with anyone else, so let’s just say I made mistakes. I’m back here, because at this stage in my life, it was exactly what I needed. To be a part of something that always made me feel whole. Make no bones about it Sutter, I know the risks of me being back in amongst it. I know that if you beat me, and I fail to get a foothold in this company, I’m going to be dragging my reputation down. But here was your biggest mistake, Clyde, the moment I knew that this was going to be far simpler than it could have been. You think I want a easy route to the top, you believe I’m going to be pushed to the stratosphere, and leave you in my slipstream based simply on who I am. That right there told me that you are believing what you want, totally forgetting what the mantra was for all my family. To always be the hardest worker in any room. You can say that I’m getting it easy. That I’m being given this ‘pomp and circumstance’ and that you intend to do something about it, but you haven’t tapped in, not in the slightest as to who the heck I am, and who I was. And yes, you might raise a valid point… I’ve not been in the ring for a while now. My last match with Konrad Raab was ages ago, and thus there must be an element of ring-rust. That’s right, isn’t it? But again Sutter, for someone who has the ‘Vision’ you’re failing to see what is right in front of you. I walked into Taking Hold of the Flame and almost won it while not an active competitor. I beat Konrad Raab AND all his goons while not an active competitor. Sure, I’ve not been in the ring in a while, but do you truly believe that one of the most prepared wrestlers in SCW’s history hasn’t made damn sure he is in the peak condition ahead of a return that will define how this is going to go? OK, fair enough, I’m thirty-six now, not old but certainly not a spring chicken like some of the wrestlers in SCW right now. Maybe, it’s going to take a while to get up to full speed, after all there is nothing like competition to get those juices flowing right? But, if you think that I’ve not spent hours in the ring with Owen, getting as close as I can to one hundred percent. If you believe I haven’t wrestled under an alias at some of the indies to get that mojo back ahead of time. Then I’m going to double down on something I said earlier. You don’t have the first clue what you are dealing with, and when you consider that I am one of the most high-profile competitors to EVER compete for this company, that is unforgivable.
Though not surprising. How can it be considering you call yourself an assassin.
So, let me get this straight. You’re whole schtick is that you made good on those who ‘fate’ has decided should be ‘finished’. You are the one that puts the things in place and does the deed… that about sum it up? In that case bro, I have a question. Nothing behind it but a personal interest. Name, names please… give me a list. Who has suffered that fate? Honestly, I’ve seen you. I’ve seen how you present yourself, so I’m not going to go back and look for myself when I can ask the man himself that very question. I guess what I am asking you is, how good are you at your job? Without all the context, I reckon I could hazard a guess. What you are Clyde, is one of those individuals who needs a ‘purpose’ to remain relevant. You are someone who needs a flashy little tagline that let’s face it, you are only the first three letters. ASSassin. I’m sure there is a more than capable wrestler, after all you did go to the Braddock Wrestling School so you must have something about you. What I’m seeing however is a huge individual with strength to spare, who instead made a point of being my own ‘welcome party’, when the reality is if I meant so little, I shouldn’t have even been a blip on your radar. What you are Clyde, is a ‘character’. All that ability thrown down the toilet, to play a part.
Pathetic,
Let me put another theory your way, shall I? And I think this is far more reliable than your random attempts at favoritism towards me. One thing I know you are is an intelligent man, someone who despite everything, understands how this business works, and how to get yourself noticed. I mean, that first night, you were the only one who stepped up to me, and if you were right in your allegations, I would have thought I would have had a whole raft of people sharing your opinion. But I didn’t. I think, and bear with me here, you saw an opportunity. An opportunity to better yourself off the back of someone who, even after being away for a long time, is still more prevalent that you will ever be. You decided to get yourself up in my business, so that people would notice you, off the back of my name. Because honestly, I cannot believe that a man like you would have such a fragile ego. I cannot see a world where someone like you would even be paying me the slightest bit of attention. After all, even if you do beat me… if true, that wouldn’t stop the favoritism would it… I’d probably get a rematch if you were right. That makes more sense, doesn’t it? No, you saw an opportunity all right, to step from the shadow of Melinda, and be seen as a threat in your own right.
Instead of SCW’s worst joke.
Newsflash though Sutter, for that to happen, you’d have needed to face someone only in this for the pay packet, someone intent on stealing a living. You would have needed someone to come in, not understand, nor see you for who you truly are. You got unlucky Sutter, because you are stepping into the ring with someone not here to make up the numbers, or bring some star quality, or even for the obvious nostalgia trip. You are looking at the man who will move and heaven and high water to once again climb to the top and be the SCW World Champion. I look at the names on this roster, people who I recognize from before and others who have stepped up to the fray and I recognize that it is going to be far from easy. I know that there are pitfalls to be had along the way, and maybe you will be the first. But I doubt it. Everything you have told me leads me to believe you don’t have the first clue what is heading your way, and that this will be a cakewalk for you. I’m here to tell you, categorically, that won’t be the case. You’ve got me and my situation all wrong Clyde… maybe one day I’ll feel like talking about it, but today isn’t that day. You have made countless assumptions and when we are done, it is those assumptions that will cost you. According to what I know about you, you might not even be concerned with the victory and just want to hurt me. To that I say, give it your best shot Sutter, I’ll be waiting. I’m going to make sure you understand why I was called the ‘Impact Player’ and why that was a name given to me by my peers… and not an attempt at looking tougher than I really am.
So, in closing Sutter, I’m going to leave you with this. You’ve said a lot of things about me on camera, some true, some false, one thing that you have never acknowledged is what I need from this match. Understanding everything I have said before, what do I need to take away from our match. See, I understand that there will be people in the back, looking at me just like you are, believing that I am nothing more than cannon fodder. I’m certain, there are those already lining up to take a shot, believing that my name is the springboard they need to break through the glass ceiling they seem to be hindered by. People, just like you, will have their own opinions, without taking to account want I need. What I need Clyde… is the live up to that name I was given. And make an IMPACT. That impact will be made, not just by beating you Clyde, but by also taking all of your disrespectful words and shoving them back down your throat. That impact would be made, by taking one of the most powerful men on this roster and making him look like an amateur. That impact will be made by stepping into Boston, at Shattered Reality Night One, and not just defeating you, but by being the performance that everyone remembers when Night Two kicks off. You’ll say I won’t do that. You’ll puff your chest out and try to intimidate me, and I actively encourage that. When I do the unexpected Clyde, that makes the impact. This impact is one that will send ripples throughout this company and ensure that every single person on this roster is made aware… Shaun Cruze is BACK. I need this, I want this… and I’m going to take this opportunity like it’s my last. And I’m going to do it with the SCW fans by my side. For THEM. And for ME!!”
(Scene fades.)
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