Owen Lee vs. Alexis Quinne

[Owen]

27th November 2021

Los Angeles

It was weird being back in Los Angeles for Owen. It felt like he was constantly looking over his shoulder, hoping that he didn’t see anyone he knew. By the time he reached Daisy’s house, his anxiety had raised to a point that was off the chart, and he was glad when she answered the door almost immediately. 

Daisy: Oh, hi Owen.

Owen rudely pushes past her and into the house, Daisy laughing and shutting the door behind him. 

Daisy: Come in…

Owen doesn’t hear her, and makes his way to the kitchen area, where finally he takes a seat, and with it a huge breath. Daisy opens the refrigerator, and passes him a carton of juice, the slides a glass along the counter, Owen quickly pouring himself a drink, and downing it in one go. Finally, he seems to calm down enough, Daisy taking a seat next to him at the Breakfast table.

Daisy: You ok? You seem a bit wired.

Owen pauses for a moment, before puffing out his cheeks and exhaling, before nodding not too reassuringly.

Daisy: Something happened I should know about?

Owen shakes his head

Owen: No, it’s just being back in this place. It’s got the anxiety going into overdrive.

Daisy: Ah, I see.

Owen reaches into his pocket and pulls out a piece of paper, a letter he had received before he left Miami. He passes it to Daisy who opens it up and starts to read.

Owen: Return date has been set… first scheduled match will be at the End of the Year Special.

Daisy: Brilliant, thought they might drag their heels. This is good news.

Owen: Is it?

Owen pours himself another drink, this time only sipping at the contents. Daisy, having read the letter places it back on the table.

Daisy: Is that was this is all about? You barging in here like you are going to crap yourself at any time?

Owen: Yeah, I mean no… it’s a part of it.

Owen now takes out his phone, and pulls up a message, placing the phone on the counter so Daisy can read.

‘Yeah, we can talk. I’m in LA on the 28th. Give me a call.’

Daisy smirks, it all is becoming clear.

Daisy: Oh, is that all?

Owen: Is that all? You do realize this is from Jenni, right? She agreed to meet me.

Daisy: I told you see would, no real surprise there.

Owen: Yeah, but I didn’t think I’d have to come back to LA to do it. Thought we might meet in London or something, out of the way of prying eyes. But no, I have to come here and run the risk of running into AJ, or Dave… or even worse Regan. And now SCW have scheduled my return. It’s too much and too fast I can’t cope.

Daisy laughs, she hadn’t seen Owen this worked up for a long time. 

Daisy: You can cope Owen, and you will cope, because this is all that you have been working to for the last six months. This is it Owen, this is when you take your life back.

Owen: That simple huh?

Daisy: Yeah, that simple. 

She tries to be as reassuring as possible but by the look on Owen’s face it certainly isn’t working so she employs a different tact.

Daisy: Look at it this way Owen. Before you were a World Championship contender, and when you return you are starting right at the very bottom. Success will come, your primary goal is to get people back on your side, and for you, that will probably be a lot easier than you think. You burned a lot of bridges no doubt, but the moment you reappear, and the fans realize that they have the old Owen back, those bridges will start to rebuild. You may have annoyed a lot of people, but not many hate you in the way they despised me.

Owen: OK, so come back with me then?

Daisy: What?

Owen: I’m going back to face my demons. You’ve got plenty of those as well so why don’t you stand by my side?

Daisy: SCW wouldn’t allow that

Owen: As a competitor maybe not, but as my Manager. Perhaps you could show that you’ve changed as well?

Daisy: But how is that standing on your own feet Owen?

She says it very matter of fact, obviously believing she has him.

Owen: I’m not asking you to fight my battles, I’m just saying watch my back. If I go after the Jackals…

Daisy: The Jackals huh? 

Owen: Seems like the flavor of the month, if I’m going to get back in the fan’s good graces, they are the ones they seem to hate. But if I do that, I know I can’t do it alone. With you by my side, perhaps I stand a chance.

Daisy: I’ll think about it. No promises though and on one condition?

Owen: OK…

Daisy: You stop worrying what other people are going to say, should you get back with Jennifer. The two of you are what’s important, anyone can see how much you care about each other. If anyone wants to get in your way, and that includes Regan, you let me know. Rachel and I know what you’ve been through to be in a place where you can give Jennifer what she needs. We’ll make sure Regan knows that too. 

Owen: It’s a deal.

Daisy: Good… now stop panicking, you’ve got this. Remember that first day in the Slaughterhouse. The meat hooks, punching that ice till your knuckles were bloody?

Owen: How could I forget?

Daisy: You took that, and for here on in, you can take anything. End of the day Owen, people won’t believe in you, if you can’t believe in yourself. 

Owen: So basically, stop being a bitch?

Daisy laughs, pushing him with her hand

Daisy: Exactly… now, how’s about we have something a little stronger huh? I reckon I MAY have some Jack Daniels in the house.

Owen watches as she walks away, the panic from earlier now having dissipated, his nerves not as frayed. These were it, the last two steps, and he had to believe that now, he could achieve anything. This was that final moment, before his first fledgling steps. Towards his redemption.

28th November 2021

Los Angeles

Owen sits in the ‘Evolution’ bar, in the heart of Los Angeles. To say he is nervous would be an understand, nerves borne from the fact he knew he was entering the unknown. He had no idea how this was going to go, if Jennifer would even listen, or if it was going to end with him covered in his own drink. What he did know was that there wasn’t a chance in hell he was going to walk away. As he sits there, anxiously looking towards the door every time it opens, he half expects it to be Regan who storms in, before proceeding to throw him through the plate glass window having found out Jennifer’s plans. Thankfully it isn’t Regan who eventually enters, it is Jennifer, dressed in a cute top, a pair of blue jeans and flats. She looked amazing, but then again, she always did, and Owen is quick to get to his feet, Jennifer however refusing to let him hold her seat. Owen nods, not wanting to antagonize her right off the bat, but does still wait till she is seated before he sits down himself. 

Owen: Thank you for coming Jen, I know it couldn’t have been easy

Jennifer: Well, you can thank Daisy for that. 

There was a ‘edge’ in her voice that Owen couldn’t miss. An ‘edge’ that was more than understandable. 

Owen: Can I get you a drink? 

Jennifer: I’ll take a fruit juice

Owen: Cool…

He motions over to the barman who walks over.

Barman: What can I get you?

Owen: A Coke and a Double Jack Daniel please

Barman: Ice?

Owen notices the look Jennifer is giving him, and nods his head

Owen: Yeah, if it’s no trouble.

The barman goes off to pour the drinks, Owen shuffling uncomfortably at the look Jennifer is giving him.

Jennifer: Jack Daniels huh. That a regular thing nowadays now you’re no longer a wrestler or are you just an alcoholic.

Owen: Nah, just to settle the nerves really.

Owen believes he see’s a glimmer of a smile, but it is gone as quickly as it appears. The barman brings back the drinks and Owen pays with his card, taking a sip and placing the glass back on the bar. 

Jennifer: So, Daisy tells me that you’ve got your head right. That’s good.

Owen: I think so… got a way to go, but I think I’m getting there. 

Jennifer: But no plans to get back into wrestling?

Owen: Actually, I’ve just signed a new contract with SCW

Jennifer: Oh…

They pauses as she lifts her glass and takes a sip of the Coke.

Owen: You seem surprised

Jennifer: I am. When I spoke with Daisy, she seemed to imply you were done with it all.

Owen: I guess I was. Daisy changed that, refocused my mind. I’ve done a lot of that recently. 

Owen picks up his glass again and swirls the ice around.

Jennifer: So, why am I here Owen? Why did Daisy make it seem like it was so important that I speak with you?

Owen pauses, biting his bottom lip for comfort. 

Jennifer: Come on Owen, in some ways I understand why things went the way they did. 

Owen: It’s difficult to find the words. I’ve rehearsed this countless times and even now I’m still getting it wrong. 

Jennifer: Let me make it easy for you, have you come here expecting us to get back together?

Owen: I don’t know… 

Jennifer: Because you do know that isn’t going to happen, don’t you?

Owen’s face visibly drops, and Jennifer see’s that.

Jennifer: Oh Owen…

Owen senses her change in tone, almost turning to disappointment that he even considered it could happen.

Owen: I’m not going to lie to you Jen, one of the biggest regrets I have from everything that happened is losing you. If you said right now that we could get back together, of course I’d jump at the chance, but at the same time I’m not stupid. I guess, I came here just in the hope that you could forgive me, and we could be friends again. Anything else… that would be a bonus. The whole six months, putting myself back together, refocusing on everything that is important, that’s why I wanted to talk to you. All I want is for you to not hate me and be at least a part of my life, however small that might be.

Jennifer: I don’t hate you Owen.

Even those words were a comfort, something that made all that Daisy had put him through that little bit more worthwhile.

Jennifer: In fact, I’ll admit… when Daisy told me you’d changed I didn’t believe it, but looking at you right now, I can see a difference in you. You can see it in your eyes, the hate that was there before has gone. So yes, I can be friends Owen, but you have to understand it’s too complicated for it to ever be anything more. I have to think about my family, and their reaction. It’s just not enough for you to have ‘changed’.

Owen: That’s fair. And I appreciate it.

Jennifer: I’m glad you got the help Owen, and I’m happy that you seem to be back on the right track with everything. You had me worried.

Jennifer seems to have relaxed a little, Owen the same. 

Owen: If it hadn’t had been for Daisy, I don’t know how far I would have gone. I was just so angry with everyone, including you. People that took my side, I shit on their feelings, and people who went against me, I trampled all over them. I’ve hurt a lot of people, but I’m going to make it up to them. Every single one. And I won’t stop until I do.

Jennifer: Does that include your Mom?

The comment surprises Owen, as it was totally unexpected. He sighs deeply, his reaction having been once of anger, more now a kind of sadness.

Owen: Maybe. One day. But not yet. She lied to me Jen.

Jennifer: She did, but only to protect you.

Owen: No, she lied to me to protect herself… and made my Dad lie too. 

He realizes he called Orlando Dad, but he doesn’t correct himself.

Jennifer: We’ve all made mistakes though right, and yeah… this was massive. But she’s still your Mom, and pretty much all you have. Would it hurt that much just to let that last bit of hate go?

Owen hesitates

Owen: I… I don’t know.

Jennifer: All I know Owen is that before all this your two’s relationship was what held you both together. I can’t imagine how she is feeling without you in her life.

Owen: Much like how I felt without you in mine I guess.

Jennifer: Exactly. If there is one thing you should know more than most it’s that life is short. Way too short to be consumed by hate.

She holds out her hand taking his in hers, and for just a moment Owen is back in that time when they were together. Did Jennifer feel it too? If she did, she wasn’t showing it.

Jennifer: Call her Owen… get it all out the open. It’s the only way you both move forward.

Owen takes his hand away.

Owen: Maybe you’re right.

Jennifer: Owen, if there is something you should know about me by now it’s that I am the daughter of Regan Street, and I am ALWAYS right.

She looks at him and smiles, a smile he could quite easily melt into.

Jennifer: Call her.

Owen nods his head, knowing what needed to be done, as the scene fades.

11th of March 2022

Kansas City

Owen Cruze appears on screen, a grin on his face. He wears a new Owen Lee tee-shirt, a pair of blue jeans, and white Nike trainers, and for the first time since he returned, he seems to be sat there without any trepidation of what was to come. He coughs to clear his throat and then starts to speak.

“Not going to lie, I’d hazard a guess that the ink hadn’t even dried on my contract before those self-same feelings of anxiety started too selfish. I’d had a good first run, I’d achieved what many my age never would, and here I was, after swearing that I would never compete for SCW again, once more stepping into the fray. Would I still be able to cut it on one of the most talented rosters in the world? Could I achieve success like I did before, and one more climb the ladder to the very top of this company? Could I persuade those that had once followed me to the ends of the earth, to once again believe in me after all that I had done. Yeah, it’s true… I had a few sleepless nights off the back of that one signature. I knew it was going to be tough to achieve my goals… what I wasn’t sure of was, was I tough enough to overcome the many obstacles that would be placed in my way. I’d had doubts before, many of them, but nothing like what I experienced towards the back end of last year. Standing behind that curtain, my music hitting over the speaker system and with those fans waiting for me, wanting to hear what I had to say… if I’m true to you all, and indeed myself, I nearly turned back around and went home. Wondering if I would have been best served just leaving it all alone.”

He brings his foot up and rests it on his knee, clasping his hands on his shin.

“But I overcame those fears, and I made my way to the ring, and the moment I heard that very first cheer, I knew that it was all going to be ok. I’d burned a lot of bridges, and although many even now will never forget, there were many that even in those first moments chose to forgive. I didn’t expect their forgiveness in those early moments, but they gave it anyway. Why? Because they refused to forget everything that I done prior to my, pardon the pun, breakdown. Before I lost my mind, and almost my career, the recalled all those moments that I put them, the SCW Universe first. The large majority chose to give me the benefit of the doubt, and I will always be eternally grateful for this second chance. What I still didn’t know as I walked back to the locker rooms, was if I’d still be able to compete after six months away. It didn’t take long till I was to find out.”

He nervously straight the tongue on one of his trainers, not taking his eyes from the camera.

“It started with Drake Hemingway, as in my very first match, I went after the Jackals, the group that had been terrorizing the company whilst I’d been away. Drake put up the challenge I expected, but I persevered, and came through. Next up was Polly Playtime, who took exception for some reason to me wanting my spot back, seeing it as a slight on all that she had achieved whilst I’d been away. What she’d learned during that time however seemingly not enough. Next up it was Kandis, looking to teach me a lesson, and a lesson she did indeed give me, my first loss since my return. Then Nate Chapel, another bright young thing, and a former Champion in Derek Adonis, left by the wayside as my momentum started to pick up speed. Four wins out of five, are there many more with that kind of record right now? Four wins against people that are in or around where I realize my standing is in this company right now, and one defeat to someone who will be in the World title picture at Retribution and could leave that event with the SCW World Championship. Some might say that is quite the comeback. If I had the arrogance of some in this company, I might say that it’s like I’ve never been away. Even in defeat, Kandis herself would say that the match could have gone either way. Perhaps the killer instinct borne during the six months hiatus I was on was enough to get her over the finish line and capitalize on what would be my only mistake. Maybe, right now… the simple fact is Kandis is just better, I can’t deny that there is every chance that is indeed the case. But I didn’t come out of that match down hearted. It didn’t derail what I came back to Supreme Championship Wrestling to do. But five matches in, I’m also more than aware that the honeymoon period is over, and it’s time to step it up. That’s why I am EXTREMELY excited to be facing you… Alexis Quinne.”

His eyes tell the story, and he shows no sign of anger, or hate for his next opponent. Just like his last PPV opponent Kandis, this was the perfect opportunity to find out where he was, a measurement for how far he still had to go.

“Because Alexis, if there is anything that cannot be denied, it is that you and I are very similar in the way that we have gone about things in our careers. Both of us step into this match with the honor of being a former World Champion, in a company where achieving that goal is notoriously difficult. Both of us achieved that goal, knowing that we were both punching above our weight, taking on opponents that sometimes were twice our size. We both have the End of Year Battle Royal on our resume, perhaps one of the hardest matches of its kind other than Taking Hold of the Flame to win. We both decided at almost the same time to make our returns to the company, both of us on the exact same path back to the top. I’ve seen you on Breakdown repeats, watching my matches carefully, trying to understand what I do well, and things I could do better. There was a certain sense of inevitability that this match would come to pass, and to us, this match is perhaps even more important than a title opportunity. Because we are so similar, and because we want the same things, a victory here would show that one of us is well on their way, the other still has some ways to go. Honestly, I’m sure you would agree, it’s all about the knowing isn’t it? You want to know if you can match me for speed. You want to know if you can use the self-same high-risk offence I employ to great effect. But if you think that is what I’m about nowadays Alexis, you have already made your first mistake. Yes, I’m quick… probably the quickest on this roster. And yes, I can mount an offence from literally anywhere, I have that in my locker too. But the difference nowadays, just like Nate Chapel found out. I can mix it up and wrestle any match I please, even throwing hands, if that’s the way you want to do things. And with the ODE I can end a match in a heartbeat, pardon the pun once more. But I think, correct me if I’m wrong, you haven’t made that mistake. You know exactly who I am, and that’s why we are here, at this point. We BOTH need this victory, and that’s what make this match a potential show stealer. And show stealing, entertaining… that’s what we do. Together in the ring, the SCW Management know equals fireworks. Imagine that, Alexis few months into our collective returns and we show the main event how WE do things. That’s incentive all on its own.”

Owen shrugs his shoulders; incentive wasn’t really a problem for him these days.

“That’s why, even when you came to the ring on Breakdown, the atmosphere in the arena was electric. You could literally feel it in the air, the excitement obvious to anyone in attendance. I felt it too, and I’ve no doubt you did… and I must stand here right now and tell you that a lot of what you said made perfect sense. For BOTH of us, this is the perfect opportunity to show that we have returned to this company without having missed a beat. For BOTH of us, a match such is these means that both of us will have the opportunity to showcase our talents, without having to worry about any of the crap that tends to come with any confrontation in this wonderful company of ours. It was nice Alexis, after having to listen to Polly, and to a lesser extent Kandis, hearing you speak only truth, without any requirement for arrogance, or indeed ego.”

He holds up a single finger.

“However,…”

He chuckles to himself, just for a moment, until he can continue.

“You do seem to have gotten yourself into a little muddle when it came to the crux of why you want to face me at Retribution. What was it you said again? Ah yes, you wanted to see what all the fuss was about, the noise that was following this ‘Kid’ around. I see it only fair that I put you right on that, because this ‘Kid’ you talk of is now nothing more than a myth. That ‘Kid’ ceased to exist many months ago.”

Owen pauses for a moment, hesitating to ensure that he could say what he needed to say, without causing undue disrespect.

“See Alexis, whilst you were away, that ‘kid’ had to cope with the world of expectation on his shoulders. He had to grow up almost instantaneous in the ring, without having a singular moment to breathe. Not only was he hindered by his surname, but also expected to be at least AS good as those that went before him. Held down by a legacy that in truth, was never his to sustain. That ‘kid’ went from being just another wannabe, his surname thrown at him at every corner, to winning the End of Year Battle Royal, just like yourself, and then went on to become the second youngest SCW World Champion of all time, the youngest in recent memory. Add to that a Tag Title reign, and yes, there is no doubt that wherever you were in the world, and whatever you were doing, that noise would reach you. For a while back there, that ‘kid’ was kinda a big deal. But then the cracks began to show, the pressure on his shoulders too much for him to endure. Professionally, and personally he began to falter, until he could literally take no more and he snapped. Why am I telling you this story? Simple. The guy you speak of, was merely the structure on which this current incarnation was to be built. A shell, raw materials that needed to be sculpted into the version that speaks to you right now. I don’t know… maybe it is this version that appealed to you when you were looking for that match, but only recently have I started to familiarize myself with the new tools I possess so I doubt it. Imagine this, if I tell you that the ‘kid’ who did so much was probably 20% of the person, of the competitor I am today. A man, whose only expectation is that placed on himself. A man solely determined, to just do BETTER. So, if you are talking about Owen CRUZE Alexis, you are making a crucial mistake. You’re preparing for a battle against someone who couldn’t stand the pressure, and the tests that came with Supreme Championship Wrestling every single day. Why am I telling you this, instead of keeping it to myself? Because I want your best Alexis, I want you with all the tools, and all the knowledge to get it done, because that will make the victory that much more satisfying. And if I’m preaching to the converted, and you already knew that Owen LEE is a far different proposition then that’s even better in my mind. And proof positive that you are the most prepared opponent I’ve had since my return. It’s all about standing isn’t it Alexis? Can I, in this moment, hang with a former World Champion who’s been on a tear since her return. I believe the answer is Yes, but I don’t know for sure. The fun part is going to be finding out. And I reckon that if questioned, you’d say exactly the same thing.”

Owen plants both feet on the floor, and then leans forwards, clasping his hands in front of him.

“What I intend on doing this weekend Alexis, is present precisely what I was doing for the last six months, showing that contrary to popular belief, I was doing anything but sit on my backside whilst I decided what to do. I knew that if I came back, it couldn’t be with the same toolset. I had to experience what life was like away from SCW. So, I went to Mexico, and had my ass kicked by the Luchadores there. From there I competed in Japan, against styles that I didn’t know existed, whilst picking up a few tricks along the way. Oh yeah, I had my fair few defeats, I took my fair share of knocks, and experienced brutality on an entirely different level to those we are allowed on these shores. The result? A man who knows who he is, and the limitations he has, but more importantly, an aware of how high I could potentially fly without the weights of my past. I intend on flourishing here Alexis. I am 100% confident that I can be the man that the SCW Universe thought I was before. And I can only do that by continuing to pick up the victories, no matter how high the standard may get. And right now, Alexis, you are the bar. So, seeing as we are being honest with each other, just like Drake, Polly, Nate and Derek, I NEED this victory to take the next step towards where I want to be. Kandis may have been too much for me at the last PPV, but by beating you I need to make clear that my momentum is building, and very soon I’ll be ready to take her on once more on an equal footing. I’m going to make you a promise, and I hope you do the same. I’m leaving nothing in the locker room, you are going to get the whole enchilada. And when all is said and done, I assure you that there will be no excuses, you will have gotten everything you wanted and more. You’ll know precisely what all the noise surrounding this ‘guy’ is all about, and I’ll have my answers too… as to whether I can be a champion once again. A Supreme Champion maybe, but regardless, a champion that this company, those fans, and all I let down can be proud of, and trust.”

He lowers his head, closing his eyes and staying in that position for a few moments. He then brings his gaze back to the camera.

“Alexis let’s tear the whole damn house down and steal the show. Just like we both know we can.”

He simply nods, as the scene fades.