02-03-2026, 07:04 PM
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(No family, no business and no identity, Shaun had found himself lurching from one city to the next, trying to make sense of everything. Of course, he was more than aware that there wasn’t any sense to be made, and that his whole situation was one of his own doings, but right now he wasn’t willing to admit that. His family had been torn apart by his infidelity. He had sold a thriving business because ironically, he had wanted to spend more time with a family he had now decided he didn’t want. And his careers, all of them, were non-existent. And thus, he had nothing to throw himself into. So, as with his brother before him, each day consisted of him trying to get through it by means of a bottle. So, when he received the text from his Lawyer, he knew exactly why he wanted to see him, this had only made him feel even worse. So, even though the appointment was at eleven o’clock in the morning, his breath already smelt of the same familiar scent of Jack Daniels. Thankfully there was distance enough from him and the receptionist, but that didn’t stop her from occasionally casting him a glance. What was once have been a smart suit, Shaun’s choice of attire today was a grubby tee-shirt, tracksuit bottoms and trainers.)
Receptionist: Mr. Cruze?
Shaun: Yeah, that’s me
Receptionist: Mr. Quinn will see you now
(Shaun gets to his feet and makes for the door, forgetting his manners and just walking in. The man who we can assume is Mr. Quinn offers his hand which Shaun takes, before taking a seat.)
Mr. Quinn: Wow, you don’t look great Shaun.
Shaun: Not the first to say that, Andrew.
(Much like the private investigator, Andrew Quinn has been a Lawyer Shaun had inherited from Orlando. Truth was, he’d not had need to use him much over the years, certainly not as much as Chris, but had always kept him on a retainer which Quinn was happy to accept.)
Mr. Quinn: I’m sorry to hear about you and Angyalka. I thought the two of you were made for each other.
Shaun: No need to say sorry Andrew… all my fault. And yeah… my guess is Angyalka felt the same.
(There was no mocking as he said that. He knew how Angyalka had felt about him, all the way up to finding out about his infidelity. Even now, if Shaun promised to change, he was almost certain she would take him back and at least try. But he couldn’t do that to her, he just couldn’t. He had hurt her and Dorothea too much already. It was about the kindest thing he had done of late, letting them go.)
Mr. Quinn: So, I’m guessing you are wondering why I called you here?
Shaun: Angyalka filed for divorce?
Mr. Quinn: Well, yes… she has. You don’t seem surprised.
(Shaun chuckles to himself. He wasn’t surprised, not in the slightest. She was a strong woman, and Shaun having laid it out bare could only have brought out a singular response. He’d made it clear, so now she was pushing for the break, and Shaun didn’t blame her. He deserved to suffer; in the same vein he had made her. This was his penance for his actions, actions that even though he hated himself for hurting her, he still couldn’t bring himself to regret.)
Shaun: Look mate, I don’t want to negotiate a good deal for me or any of that bullshit. Tell me what she wants, and I’ll sign off on it, as long as she’s not stopping me from seeing Dorothea.
Mr. Quinn: No, she specifically states that the two of you are to have joint custody of Dorothea. For her, that is non-negotiable.
Shaun: Then that’s fine… do you need to draw up documents or something for me to sign?
Mr. Quinn: For my own piece of mind Shaun, I need you to know what she is asking for before you sign. But yes, the documents are ready.
Shaun: OK, if it makes you feel better. Before you do though, do you have anything stronger than water?
(He didn’t want to add to Shaun’s condition, but he had been a client for a long time and had given him a lot of money to simply be on hand. He pulls a bottle of scotch out of the cabinet and passes Shaun a glass.)
Mr. Quinn: Ready?
(Shaun holds up a single finger while he pours a double, maybe triple measure into the class. Replacing the lid, he lowers his finger.)
Mr. Quinn: Angyalka would like the marital home deeds changed so that they are just in her name, giving her and Dorothea security.
(Shaun had bought that house with his own money but didn’t care.)
Shaun: OK, next.
Mr. Quinn: She wants to keep the beach house in Florida, as well as the Range Rover and the Porsche. You keep your Motorbikes, and the Nissan Skyline.
Shaun: Golden…
Mr. Quinn: Her final demand is that you both keep the monies in your own accounts, however the joint account is shared 50 / 50.
Shaun: Nah, amend that…
(Quinn smiles, happy to see he would have at least a little negotiation to do. He liked to earn his money after all.)
Shaun: …she can keep the lot
Mr. Quinn: What?
Shaun: Her and Dorothea need it more than I do
Mr. Quinn: But Shaun, that’s millions of…
Shaun: I know what it is Andrew. But I can’t make this right, so at least I can keep them both secure. Is that it?
Mr. Quinn: A few trickets…
Shaun: She can have them… I’ll take what is mine, and mine solely. Nothing more. Can you get that in the documents?
Mr. Quinn: Of course, if you are sure.
Shaun: Great… ping them over to me once done and she’s signed them and I’ll get them back to you.
(Shaun gets to his feet.)
Mr. Quinn: Shaun, you are ok right?
(Shaun chuckles again and turns his gaze to the skyline and the city below.)
Shaun: I’ll be alright mate… just make sure she is taken care of yeah?
Mr. Quinn: Of course…
(Shaun forces a smile, but then heads to the door without another word, only nodding towards the receptionist as he leaves. He’d finally done right by Angyalka and made sure she and Dorothea would always be OK. They would never want for anything again. But Shaun would always know, she would deny it all if she could have him back. But now, that could never happen.)
ON CAMERA
RECORDING…
“Do you know, I had to smile when I stepped down that ramp at Fatal Fortunes, knowing who my opponent would be. I mean, I’ve never been a believer in luck and to be honest in recent years I’ve not had a great deal, but that night, I must have been one of the unluckiest sons of a bitches alive. I mean, I could have got anyone, literally anyone. I could have gotten a title shot or tagged with someone I’d never met. But nooo… I had to draw an absolute legend, and the currently Number One Contender to the World title. And not only that, I faced someone who my win / loss record against isn’t really one to be admired. But do you know something, I couldn’t be happier with my opponent, because not only did it demonstrate that I can still hang with the very best in this company even after years away from the ring. It also showed that every single one of those fans that were in attendance never forgot my name. Taking Syren to her limits like I did, shows that I’m not just here to pick up a paycheck, and rise the ranks of the back of my name. It shows that I’m not in the twilight of my career or taking the spot of a younger wrestler. It showed that no matter how good I was when I became World Champion many moons ago, I have so much in my locker to be able to be even better than I was then. That’s something that certain individuals need to recognize. And they need to recognize it very quickly. I knew that once Sutter started flapping his gums, there would be others that follow. These bodyguards following me, it’s not helping, it an hinderance. There is no surprise to me that people are claiming I’m getting preferential treatment. But, to me it’s nothing more than white noise. What matters is what happens within those strands and well the bell rings. There is no one helping me out inside that ring. I’ve had people throw allegations at me my entire career, this really isn’t anything new to me. All it does is cause people to be distracted from the true threat. And that threat certainly isn’t going to come from those limpets that follow me around.
So yeah, although I fully expected it from Clyde Sutter, imagine my surprise when Ryan Lecavalier stepped up to me and took the same tact. The same Ryan in fact that up and left for many moons and thought it apt that she should converse with me with regards to her ‘apprehension’, and my reason for being back in Supreme Championship Wrestling. As I said, I’ve been out the loop for a while, and didn’t really watch a lot of wrestling while I was away other than a few occasions when I watched Adam Lucas in Elite Answers Wrestling. No disrespect, but Ryan was lucky that I even knew who she was. And I’m not trying to get a rise out of her by saying that I don’t mean you are angry Ryan or lose your shit. You’ll find, that’s not the way I do things, I tend to respect all my opponents. But come on, let’s be straight with each other right off the bat. If it had been anyone else, anyone, that those bodyguards had been following, they wouldn’t have heard a single peep. No, the only reason you and Sutter take this tact is the only reason you both are in this company in the first place. To make a name. And regardless of how long I have been away, no matter that the likes of CID, Glory Braddock, James Evans and so many more still rule this roost, you thought you could make a name off the guy just coming back. The guy who must have some kind of ring rust to still work off. A win over that guy, well it could propel you to the places you believe you belong of right. The thing is Ryan, just like Sutter found out, I am not normal, never have been. My name came because I was related to the Icon, and yet I emerged from the shadow, and I achieved much more than he ever did. Of course, it will be a few matches before I find my full rhythm, I can’t deny that, but you are talking to the man who came back after two years out and nearly won Taking Hold of the Flame. I know that hasn’t registered with you yet, just like it hadn’t Sutter, because if it had, you’d know I don’t need someone to hold my hand. I can just rock up, and kick your pretty head off your shoulders, because that is what I have done my entire career. I say I was unlucky at Fatal Fortunes… the same could be said for you at ‘A Taste of things to Come’. Rather an apt name for an event when I can truly show the world, I am back by not just having to deal with an egotistical clown like Clyde Sutter. By dealing with someone who calls herself a Monarch. By beating someone with claims to being a Sovereign. By being able to step back into these hallowed halls and take down someone who many believed was the ‘Star of Tomorrow’ and former Television Champion. Well, that sounds to me like an opportunity. An opportunity to show all watching at that marquee event that it’s foolish to focus on the bodyguards, or how I arrive at shows and who with. Focus on me… and only me. Or fall by the wayside, as the reevaluation of Shaun Cruze continues.”
(He pauses momentarily to gather his thoughts. He then continues in the exact same confident tone.)
“I’m going to ask you a question now, and I’d like you to be honest with me. I’ve been clear with you, spoken of my situation and my dislikes about it so now be clear with me. Like I said, I didn’t know a lot about you when you stepped up to me on Breakdown, but I promise you that I’ve gotten all I need to know right now. How is someone like yourself, who is prone to taking risks, or indeed losing focus, going to defeat someone who is known for only needing one opportunity to finish the match. You know me, of course you do. You know my style, my strengths, and yes, my weaknesses. But literally, the one thing you cannot do when facing any of the Cruze boys, Orlando before he died, and my nephew Owen who is a lot better at the retirement lark. You cannot, EVER lose your focus. Now I get it, your style is very high risk, high reward… Owen takes the same tact. You’re a charismatic technical competitor who pleased the crowd with your skillset. But I am going to irritate you, Ryan. And I sure as hell am going to frustrate you when you can’t catch me in your web. I’ve seen the archives… it doesn’t take a lot does it, and then BAM. You find out why I am called the ‘Impact Player’. I’ll control matches, but I don’t need to. All I need is for you to go to the wall once and mess it up and it’s over. I don’t give second chances. I’m going to make a prediction now, and it might come across as cocky but just bear with. I can guarantee you’ve never faced someone like me. A true Hybrid of our industry. Someone that cannot be compartmentalized into a singular box. The website calls me a technician, a submissions expert, and yet I am far, FAR more than that. I’m a Cruze, and that deserves respect. You showed me none. Now, you’ve got to come to the ring, knowing that whatever you do, you are going to let yourself down at the most critical of times. Anger doesn’t belong in this company, Ryan. The angry, very rarely succeed, look at Konrad Raab. The calculated, almost boring… they thrive. Why? Because they very rarely make mistakes.
I’ll accept, during your little hiatus, maybe you have got a handle on this lack of focus, but have you made a total turn from what you once were. OK, you don’t lose your focus, but you start to showboat, so I take your head off your shoulders. I mean, I’m not a powerhouse, but I’m certainly strong, so it looks like I’m going to slow you down. Predictability… wow Ryan, what is it you do well? Ah yes, you fly with the greatest of ease, and your technical skills are unmatched. Really? You thrill the audience… well that doesn’t win matches. And are you versatile? No Ryan, you’re good at suplexes… there is a difference. Tell me, what good is any of that if you are losing your shit? Those aerial moves hit only mat. I can’t believe your technical skills are matched. And if Showmanship was a true attribute, well that idiot that used to dress like Deadpool would have been a shoo-in for World Champion. None of this is telling me that you have what it takes to beat me.
And that sounds a little dismissive, doesn’t it?
Thing is Ryan, like I said, I AM different. I don’t judge my opponent by a website, and instead, I watch hours of footage. I don’t allow other people’s opinions to sway me like you did Sutters, I take it in for myself and draw my own conclusions. You want to know what they are? You, Ryan, will be a heck of a tough nut to crack, and even harder to catch. This is the perfect situation for me after facing someone like Syren, having to face someone who wants to make their way in this company and will have unlimited hunger and desire to use me to make that point. If everything I have said thus far gave you a sense of security, or a belief that I was looking past you to the next competition… think again love. Think again. You are not the only one looking to make it in this company or climbing the ladder. You are not the only one looking to make their mark. OK, I’m Shaun Cruze, and that means something to the stats guys. OK, I’m won most of what there is to win, in multiple federations around the world. You beat me, your name is going to be on everyone’s lips, and of course that’s what you want. But it’s the same for me Ryan… come Breakdown, I need it to be me that has put on a show, because if I lose to you, then what right do I have at become World Champion yet again? Yes, you want to climb that hypothetical ladder, and I get that. But THIS is everything I have. It’s all that I have. And YOU are not going to be the one to take it from me.
So, I want you to do me one more favor. If my words mean nothing to you, you’ve not been listening or you don’t care. I have literally no problem with that. If you truly believe I’m being favored after everything I have taken the time to say to you, then that’s ok too. If, you’re walking into this match with this washed out SCW competitor, and you believe your victory is guaranteed, then you do you sweetheart, because it is none of my concern. What I do want you to pay attention to, is what happened when ‘You know my name’ hits over the speaker system, and I step out onto that ramp. At that point, one of two things is going to happen. Either you will soil yourself in front of the eyes of the world and we are going to need a clean-up on aisle one. Or alternatively you are going to have an epiphany. In that moment, as I confidently stride down to that ramp, with the fans chanting my name, you are going to realize why, rightly or wrong, the CEO of this company feels he needs to protect his investment. I don’t need protection, far from it. I’ve stepped into the ring with individuals bigger and badder than most in this company. And then when that bell rings, you’ll receive the second epiphany of three, that being that regardless of my time out, the Impact Player is back, and better than ever. Then, all that will be left is epiphany number three… the kicker. And this one isn’t about me, it’s about you. You are going to come to realize exactly what it is going to take to make good on those lofty claims of being the star of tomorrow. You’re going to understand how being the Television champion is nothing more than baby steps. You don’t want to hear this, of course you don’t. It’s never nice to hear your situation laid bare, I should know that more than anyone. THIS is who I am Ryan. THIS and what I do here and now shapes my future. THIS is where I belong.”
(He nods towards the camera.)
“And no one is taking this away from me again. NO ONE.”
(The scene slowly fades.)
(No family, no business and no identity, Shaun had found himself lurching from one city to the next, trying to make sense of everything. Of course, he was more than aware that there wasn’t any sense to be made, and that his whole situation was one of his own doings, but right now he wasn’t willing to admit that. His family had been torn apart by his infidelity. He had sold a thriving business because ironically, he had wanted to spend more time with a family he had now decided he didn’t want. And his careers, all of them, were non-existent. And thus, he had nothing to throw himself into. So, as with his brother before him, each day consisted of him trying to get through it by means of a bottle. So, when he received the text from his Lawyer, he knew exactly why he wanted to see him, this had only made him feel even worse. So, even though the appointment was at eleven o’clock in the morning, his breath already smelt of the same familiar scent of Jack Daniels. Thankfully there was distance enough from him and the receptionist, but that didn’t stop her from occasionally casting him a glance. What was once have been a smart suit, Shaun’s choice of attire today was a grubby tee-shirt, tracksuit bottoms and trainers.)
Receptionist: Mr. Cruze?
Shaun: Yeah, that’s me
Receptionist: Mr. Quinn will see you now
(Shaun gets to his feet and makes for the door, forgetting his manners and just walking in. The man who we can assume is Mr. Quinn offers his hand which Shaun takes, before taking a seat.)
Mr. Quinn: Wow, you don’t look great Shaun.
Shaun: Not the first to say that, Andrew.
(Much like the private investigator, Andrew Quinn has been a Lawyer Shaun had inherited from Orlando. Truth was, he’d not had need to use him much over the years, certainly not as much as Chris, but had always kept him on a retainer which Quinn was happy to accept.)
Mr. Quinn: I’m sorry to hear about you and Angyalka. I thought the two of you were made for each other.
Shaun: No need to say sorry Andrew… all my fault. And yeah… my guess is Angyalka felt the same.
(There was no mocking as he said that. He knew how Angyalka had felt about him, all the way up to finding out about his infidelity. Even now, if Shaun promised to change, he was almost certain she would take him back and at least try. But he couldn’t do that to her, he just couldn’t. He had hurt her and Dorothea too much already. It was about the kindest thing he had done of late, letting them go.)
Mr. Quinn: So, I’m guessing you are wondering why I called you here?
Shaun: Angyalka filed for divorce?
Mr. Quinn: Well, yes… she has. You don’t seem surprised.
(Shaun chuckles to himself. He wasn’t surprised, not in the slightest. She was a strong woman, and Shaun having laid it out bare could only have brought out a singular response. He’d made it clear, so now she was pushing for the break, and Shaun didn’t blame her. He deserved to suffer; in the same vein he had made her. This was his penance for his actions, actions that even though he hated himself for hurting her, he still couldn’t bring himself to regret.)
Shaun: Look mate, I don’t want to negotiate a good deal for me or any of that bullshit. Tell me what she wants, and I’ll sign off on it, as long as she’s not stopping me from seeing Dorothea.
Mr. Quinn: No, she specifically states that the two of you are to have joint custody of Dorothea. For her, that is non-negotiable.
Shaun: Then that’s fine… do you need to draw up documents or something for me to sign?
Mr. Quinn: For my own piece of mind Shaun, I need you to know what she is asking for before you sign. But yes, the documents are ready.
Shaun: OK, if it makes you feel better. Before you do though, do you have anything stronger than water?
(He didn’t want to add to Shaun’s condition, but he had been a client for a long time and had given him a lot of money to simply be on hand. He pulls a bottle of scotch out of the cabinet and passes Shaun a glass.)
Mr. Quinn: Ready?
(Shaun holds up a single finger while he pours a double, maybe triple measure into the class. Replacing the lid, he lowers his finger.)
Mr. Quinn: Angyalka would like the marital home deeds changed so that they are just in her name, giving her and Dorothea security.
(Shaun had bought that house with his own money but didn’t care.)
Shaun: OK, next.
Mr. Quinn: She wants to keep the beach house in Florida, as well as the Range Rover and the Porsche. You keep your Motorbikes, and the Nissan Skyline.
Shaun: Golden…
Mr. Quinn: Her final demand is that you both keep the monies in your own accounts, however the joint account is shared 50 / 50.
Shaun: Nah, amend that…
(Quinn smiles, happy to see he would have at least a little negotiation to do. He liked to earn his money after all.)
Shaun: …she can keep the lot
Mr. Quinn: What?
Shaun: Her and Dorothea need it more than I do
Mr. Quinn: But Shaun, that’s millions of…
Shaun: I know what it is Andrew. But I can’t make this right, so at least I can keep them both secure. Is that it?
Mr. Quinn: A few trickets…
Shaun: She can have them… I’ll take what is mine, and mine solely. Nothing more. Can you get that in the documents?
Mr. Quinn: Of course, if you are sure.
Shaun: Great… ping them over to me once done and she’s signed them and I’ll get them back to you.
(Shaun gets to his feet.)
Mr. Quinn: Shaun, you are ok right?
(Shaun chuckles again and turns his gaze to the skyline and the city below.)
Shaun: I’ll be alright mate… just make sure she is taken care of yeah?
Mr. Quinn: Of course…
(Shaun forces a smile, but then heads to the door without another word, only nodding towards the receptionist as he leaves. He’d finally done right by Angyalka and made sure she and Dorothea would always be OK. They would never want for anything again. But Shaun would always know, she would deny it all if she could have him back. But now, that could never happen.)
ON CAMERA
RECORDING…
“Do you know, I had to smile when I stepped down that ramp at Fatal Fortunes, knowing who my opponent would be. I mean, I’ve never been a believer in luck and to be honest in recent years I’ve not had a great deal, but that night, I must have been one of the unluckiest sons of a bitches alive. I mean, I could have got anyone, literally anyone. I could have gotten a title shot or tagged with someone I’d never met. But nooo… I had to draw an absolute legend, and the currently Number One Contender to the World title. And not only that, I faced someone who my win / loss record against isn’t really one to be admired. But do you know something, I couldn’t be happier with my opponent, because not only did it demonstrate that I can still hang with the very best in this company even after years away from the ring. It also showed that every single one of those fans that were in attendance never forgot my name. Taking Syren to her limits like I did, shows that I’m not just here to pick up a paycheck, and rise the ranks of the back of my name. It shows that I’m not in the twilight of my career or taking the spot of a younger wrestler. It showed that no matter how good I was when I became World Champion many moons ago, I have so much in my locker to be able to be even better than I was then. That’s something that certain individuals need to recognize. And they need to recognize it very quickly. I knew that once Sutter started flapping his gums, there would be others that follow. These bodyguards following me, it’s not helping, it an hinderance. There is no surprise to me that people are claiming I’m getting preferential treatment. But, to me it’s nothing more than white noise. What matters is what happens within those strands and well the bell rings. There is no one helping me out inside that ring. I’ve had people throw allegations at me my entire career, this really isn’t anything new to me. All it does is cause people to be distracted from the true threat. And that threat certainly isn’t going to come from those limpets that follow me around.
So yeah, although I fully expected it from Clyde Sutter, imagine my surprise when Ryan Lecavalier stepped up to me and took the same tact. The same Ryan in fact that up and left for many moons and thought it apt that she should converse with me with regards to her ‘apprehension’, and my reason for being back in Supreme Championship Wrestling. As I said, I’ve been out the loop for a while, and didn’t really watch a lot of wrestling while I was away other than a few occasions when I watched Adam Lucas in Elite Answers Wrestling. No disrespect, but Ryan was lucky that I even knew who she was. And I’m not trying to get a rise out of her by saying that I don’t mean you are angry Ryan or lose your shit. You’ll find, that’s not the way I do things, I tend to respect all my opponents. But come on, let’s be straight with each other right off the bat. If it had been anyone else, anyone, that those bodyguards had been following, they wouldn’t have heard a single peep. No, the only reason you and Sutter take this tact is the only reason you both are in this company in the first place. To make a name. And regardless of how long I have been away, no matter that the likes of CID, Glory Braddock, James Evans and so many more still rule this roost, you thought you could make a name off the guy just coming back. The guy who must have some kind of ring rust to still work off. A win over that guy, well it could propel you to the places you believe you belong of right. The thing is Ryan, just like Sutter found out, I am not normal, never have been. My name came because I was related to the Icon, and yet I emerged from the shadow, and I achieved much more than he ever did. Of course, it will be a few matches before I find my full rhythm, I can’t deny that, but you are talking to the man who came back after two years out and nearly won Taking Hold of the Flame. I know that hasn’t registered with you yet, just like it hadn’t Sutter, because if it had, you’d know I don’t need someone to hold my hand. I can just rock up, and kick your pretty head off your shoulders, because that is what I have done my entire career. I say I was unlucky at Fatal Fortunes… the same could be said for you at ‘A Taste of things to Come’. Rather an apt name for an event when I can truly show the world, I am back by not just having to deal with an egotistical clown like Clyde Sutter. By dealing with someone who calls herself a Monarch. By beating someone with claims to being a Sovereign. By being able to step back into these hallowed halls and take down someone who many believed was the ‘Star of Tomorrow’ and former Television Champion. Well, that sounds to me like an opportunity. An opportunity to show all watching at that marquee event that it’s foolish to focus on the bodyguards, or how I arrive at shows and who with. Focus on me… and only me. Or fall by the wayside, as the reevaluation of Shaun Cruze continues.”
(He pauses momentarily to gather his thoughts. He then continues in the exact same confident tone.)
“I’m going to ask you a question now, and I’d like you to be honest with me. I’ve been clear with you, spoken of my situation and my dislikes about it so now be clear with me. Like I said, I didn’t know a lot about you when you stepped up to me on Breakdown, but I promise you that I’ve gotten all I need to know right now. How is someone like yourself, who is prone to taking risks, or indeed losing focus, going to defeat someone who is known for only needing one opportunity to finish the match. You know me, of course you do. You know my style, my strengths, and yes, my weaknesses. But literally, the one thing you cannot do when facing any of the Cruze boys, Orlando before he died, and my nephew Owen who is a lot better at the retirement lark. You cannot, EVER lose your focus. Now I get it, your style is very high risk, high reward… Owen takes the same tact. You’re a charismatic technical competitor who pleased the crowd with your skillset. But I am going to irritate you, Ryan. And I sure as hell am going to frustrate you when you can’t catch me in your web. I’ve seen the archives… it doesn’t take a lot does it, and then BAM. You find out why I am called the ‘Impact Player’. I’ll control matches, but I don’t need to. All I need is for you to go to the wall once and mess it up and it’s over. I don’t give second chances. I’m going to make a prediction now, and it might come across as cocky but just bear with. I can guarantee you’ve never faced someone like me. A true Hybrid of our industry. Someone that cannot be compartmentalized into a singular box. The website calls me a technician, a submissions expert, and yet I am far, FAR more than that. I’m a Cruze, and that deserves respect. You showed me none. Now, you’ve got to come to the ring, knowing that whatever you do, you are going to let yourself down at the most critical of times. Anger doesn’t belong in this company, Ryan. The angry, very rarely succeed, look at Konrad Raab. The calculated, almost boring… they thrive. Why? Because they very rarely make mistakes.
I’ll accept, during your little hiatus, maybe you have got a handle on this lack of focus, but have you made a total turn from what you once were. OK, you don’t lose your focus, but you start to showboat, so I take your head off your shoulders. I mean, I’m not a powerhouse, but I’m certainly strong, so it looks like I’m going to slow you down. Predictability… wow Ryan, what is it you do well? Ah yes, you fly with the greatest of ease, and your technical skills are unmatched. Really? You thrill the audience… well that doesn’t win matches. And are you versatile? No Ryan, you’re good at suplexes… there is a difference. Tell me, what good is any of that if you are losing your shit? Those aerial moves hit only mat. I can’t believe your technical skills are matched. And if Showmanship was a true attribute, well that idiot that used to dress like Deadpool would have been a shoo-in for World Champion. None of this is telling me that you have what it takes to beat me.
And that sounds a little dismissive, doesn’t it?
Thing is Ryan, like I said, I AM different. I don’t judge my opponent by a website, and instead, I watch hours of footage. I don’t allow other people’s opinions to sway me like you did Sutters, I take it in for myself and draw my own conclusions. You want to know what they are? You, Ryan, will be a heck of a tough nut to crack, and even harder to catch. This is the perfect situation for me after facing someone like Syren, having to face someone who wants to make their way in this company and will have unlimited hunger and desire to use me to make that point. If everything I have said thus far gave you a sense of security, or a belief that I was looking past you to the next competition… think again love. Think again. You are not the only one looking to make it in this company or climbing the ladder. You are not the only one looking to make their mark. OK, I’m Shaun Cruze, and that means something to the stats guys. OK, I’m won most of what there is to win, in multiple federations around the world. You beat me, your name is going to be on everyone’s lips, and of course that’s what you want. But it’s the same for me Ryan… come Breakdown, I need it to be me that has put on a show, because if I lose to you, then what right do I have at become World Champion yet again? Yes, you want to climb that hypothetical ladder, and I get that. But THIS is everything I have. It’s all that I have. And YOU are not going to be the one to take it from me.
So, I want you to do me one more favor. If my words mean nothing to you, you’ve not been listening or you don’t care. I have literally no problem with that. If you truly believe I’m being favored after everything I have taken the time to say to you, then that’s ok too. If, you’re walking into this match with this washed out SCW competitor, and you believe your victory is guaranteed, then you do you sweetheart, because it is none of my concern. What I do want you to pay attention to, is what happened when ‘You know my name’ hits over the speaker system, and I step out onto that ramp. At that point, one of two things is going to happen. Either you will soil yourself in front of the eyes of the world and we are going to need a clean-up on aisle one. Or alternatively you are going to have an epiphany. In that moment, as I confidently stride down to that ramp, with the fans chanting my name, you are going to realize why, rightly or wrong, the CEO of this company feels he needs to protect his investment. I don’t need protection, far from it. I’ve stepped into the ring with individuals bigger and badder than most in this company. And then when that bell rings, you’ll receive the second epiphany of three, that being that regardless of my time out, the Impact Player is back, and better than ever. Then, all that will be left is epiphany number three… the kicker. And this one isn’t about me, it’s about you. You are going to come to realize exactly what it is going to take to make good on those lofty claims of being the star of tomorrow. You’re going to understand how being the Television champion is nothing more than baby steps. You don’t want to hear this, of course you don’t. It’s never nice to hear your situation laid bare, I should know that more than anyone. THIS is who I am Ryan. THIS and what I do here and now shapes my future. THIS is where I belong.”
(He nods towards the camera.)
“And no one is taking this away from me again. NO ONE.”
(The scene slowly fades.)
![[Image: Shaun-Cruze.jpg]](https://i.ibb.co/SX5Ng4rx/Shaun-Cruze.jpg)