Owen Lee vs. Samuel Davis

[Owen]

19th August 2022 - Miami

 

The post-season break was almost over, and once again it would all restart, chasing after those dreams once more. For Owen, the dream was simple, become World Champion, as simple as that. His ‘redemption’ tour as far as he was concerned was over. Those people that still didn’t believe in him welcome to their opinion. The reaction he had got at Rise to Greatness had told him all he needed to know. Regan and David were tolerating him, which was all he could really ask for. The ‘people’ had forgiven him for his indiscretions over a year ago. Jennifer had forgiven him, which was by far the most important and his life was once again on an even keel, his hatred now diluted to nothing. There was however one aspect of his life that bugged him, a nagging feeling that just wouldn’t go away. Peyton Rice. He and Peyton had been the best of friends, the same relationship as any brother and sister, and yet the two of them yet hadn’t reconciled. But just like with Jennifer, Owen feared that rejection, and so he hadn’t done anything about this. This time however, he didn’t have Rachel Tatum Lee to help him out. Just like he didn’t have anyone to help him out with the most important question of all… where he and Jennifer were going to get married. And sat on his porch overlooking the ocean behind, they were trying to find that elusive place… with very little success.

 

Owen: What about this one?

 

Owen opens a webpage, scrolling through a few pictures, Jennifer scrunching up her nose.

 

Owen: No?

 

Jennifer: It’s nice, but it’s not the one. I’ll know it when I see it, I know I will.

 

Owen: This one?

 

He shows her another picture, but this time she vigorously shakes her head, showing her total displeasure with the idea.

 

Jennifer: Ewww, no Owen.

 

Owen puffs out his cheeks, Jennifer playfully punching him on the leg

 

Jennifer: Am I boring you?

 

Owen: No, of course not… but how many places have we looked at now. It was hard enough agreeing on a date, but the venue…

 

They had agreed on June the 17th 2023, a Saturday and a date that had no relevance to anything else.

 

Jennifer: I’m only planning on getting married once Owen, and when I do, the venue MUST be perfect. You don’t want me to settle for anything less, do you?

 

It wasn’t a trick question, and Owen knew exactly how to answer.

 

Owen: No, of course not. We’ll keep looking.

 

Jennifer’s eyes widen, and she clicks through to a page on her laptop. She scrolls through a few of the images, her grin getting broader and wider with each one. Finally, she glances over the laptop, and towards Owen.

 

Jennifer: This is it… this is the one.

 

Owen gets out of his seat, and leans over Jennifer, resting his chin on her shoulder.

 

Owen: Clearwell Castle… sounds pricey.

 

Jennifer digs him in the ribs, scrolling through the images again this time for Owen’s benefit.

 

Jennifer: I can just see it Owen, pictures out in front of the Castle in the grounds, all our family and friends. Can we ring them… make sure they are available?

 

Owen: You don’t want to look at anymore?

 

Jennifer: No, I told you, once I saw it, I’d know. This is it, and in England as well, what could be more romantic than a Castle in the countryside?

 

Owen: You want to make the call now?

 

Jennifer nods her head, almost pleading with him to do so.

 

Owen: Alright then, what’s the number?

 

The call lasts no more than fifteen minutes, Owen asking a few questions before then asking the Castle’s availability. Thankfully for Jennifer’s sanity, the date they wanted was indeed available, and before they knew it, the venue was provisionally booked. Owen had arranged for them to both go and see the place firsthand in a few weeks’ time, and with that, the Castle had advised they would email confirmation. The very moment Owen hangs up, Jennifer throws her arms around him, as excitable as he had ever seen her.

 

Jennifer: Oh my God Owen… it’s really happening, isn’t it?

 

Owen: Yeah… unless you come to your senses and escape out the fire exit or something.

 

Jennifer’s eyes widen, not at the comment but more at the realization setting in.

 

Jennifer: There’s SOOO much to plan, what if Mom doesn’t want to help?

 

Owen: Of course, she will, it’s me she’s not sure of not you.

 

Jennifer: Caterers, Cars, Flights… this is going to cost so much.

 

Owen: Jen, take a breath.

 

He puts his hands on her cheeks either side of her face.

 

Owen: You’re worth it, and it doesn’t matter how much it costs as long as you are happy. Anyway, Mom will want to contribute… Regan and Dave probably will, you know they love you. And even if they didn’t put in a dime, I can cover it, so stop worrying. I’m short of a few things Jen, but money isn’t one of them. I may not be Blake, but I’m doing OK.

 

Owen knew that his wealth was more by chance than any shrewd investments. Kloe had helped him build O-Cru and he made a fortune from that, that had just been sitting there till he’d set up the school and shelter. Add to that the two-house sales in both Newquay and Los Angeles and he was more than financially sound.

 

Jennifer: If, you’re sure.

 

Owen: I’m sure. As long as I have you, that’s all that matters. 

 

It was cringey no doubt, but it was also the truth. A year ago, he couldn’t have imagined himself in this position, and yet now it was his reality.

 

Jennifer: You’d better get thinking about who your Best Man is going to be. Shaun?

 

Owen: Good option but nah.

 

Jennifer: Adam Lucas… you’re his after all?

 

Owen: Again, good idea, but I want someone up there with me who’s been through everything with me. My best friend other than you.

 

Jennifer: Who?

 

Owen lowers his head, knowing how unlikely his first choice really was.

 

Owen: Peyton.

 

When Owen has turned his back on the SCW, Peyton had been one of the first to castigate him, and the first to promise Owen that she would never forgive him for what he did to his friends. Since then, they hadn’t spoken, even when Owen had wished her Happy Birthday.

 

Jennifer: You do realize that for that to happen, you’re going to need to talk to her.

 

Owen: I know, but the last time we spoke, she was so angry. What if she still is?

 

Jennifer: You won’t know unless you try, and if she’s the one you want by your side, it’s got to be worth the chance, right? Do you want me to call her?

 

Owen: No… I’ve got to be the one to do it. She’s the ONLY person I want by my side Jennifer when I marry you, I can’t keep relying on other people to do my dirty work for me.

 

Jennifer: No time like the present…

 

Jennifer looks towards his phone sat on the sofa, Owen rolling his eyes as he picks it up and dials, waiting for an answer. He mouths ‘voicemail’ to Jennifer, the relief on his face obvious.

 

Owen: ‘Err, hey. It’s been a while. Hope you’re, ok? I think we should talk; can you call me back? If you don’t, I’ll understand. Take care… miss you.’

 

He hangs up the phone, placing it back on the sofa.

 

Jennifer: There, wasn’t that difficult, was it?

 

Owen: Yeah actually, it was. She didn’t answer though, did she?

 

Jennifer: Might be busy, don’t be so paranoid.

 

Owen: She’s every right to hate me, Jen.

 

Jennifer: Perhaps, but she also loves you.

 

Owen: Past tense…

 

On the sofa the phone starts to ring, Owen looking down at it and Peyton’s name glaring at him. Jennifer smiles, again motioning towards the phone which Owen picks up, biting his bottom lip. With a deep breath, he answers the call.

 

Owen: Peyton…

 

Scene fades.

 

RECORDING

 

“The Rolling Stones once sang, you can't always get what you want.”

 

Owen appears on screen, his demeanor one of obvious disappointment even though many weeks had now passed since Rise to Greatness. He hadn’t even been on SCW television since he returned, and already the rumor mill had started to churn, people asking if Owen had ‘ran away’ once again. Truth was, that wasn’t the case at all, a few personal issues the only reason he had been given the time off, and nothing as major as anyone wanted to make it. But he had also used that time to reflect and get his head straight. So that he would be ready to come again.

 

“Make no bones about it, I wanted the United States Championship. It was meant to be a symbol of my redemption, the moment where I got back to where I once was, a major player in this company. I knew full well that Josh Hudson would be a difficult nut to crack, I knew I was basically walking into his back yard and playing the game by his rules. A submission match was no doubt his domain, and thus, in his mind at least the outcome was assured. I didn’t agree of course, it would be remiss of me to do so. But Josh Hudson was right. Now don’t get me wrong, I look back at my performance that night and I have very little complaints. I’ve looked over that match, and barring a few minor details, I really do not believe that I could have done any more than I did. Josh Hudson was the better competitor on that night. Josh Hudson deserves to still wear that United States Championship. Josh Hudson is every bit the man he said he was and won the match within the boundaries of the rules. So, to move on, I only have one thing to say to you Josh.”

 

He instinctively moves closer to the camera

 

“Thank you. Thank you for the lesson you promised me. Thank you for the opportunity to compete for the United States Championship. And thank you for showing me what path I must take next. A path I should have chosen a long time ago.”

 

He lowers his head for a moment, contemplating his next words.

 

“It’s kinda funny, the way things turn out. My Dad, Orlando, he entered the business with a bang and made one of the biggest impacts ever in ULW. He became a World Champion in just a few short months, his power was recognized worldwide. But after a while he ran into Russell Nash-Blade, Desolation… and everything changed for him. Desolation made it his goal to take Dad apart piece by piece and show him his limitations. Desolation showed him that the tools his had at his disposal, no matter how impressive, weren’t enough for him to forge the career he wanted. Desolation beat Orlando, time and time again… really had his number…”

 

Owen gives a wry smile

 

“Sound familiar?”

 

Owen pauses for a few short moments to allow the suggestion to sink in, before then continuing.

 

“There is no question, Josh Hudson at Rise to Greatness had my number. Looking back over my time in SCW, he always has. It’s why he could go into this match so confidently, knowing that I was walking into his domain. Rest assured, he knew how that match was going to go before the bell even rang. For someone like me, a competitor first, it’s frustrated to know that someone is better than you, and so I understand how Dad felt back then. I don’t know the exact number, but Orlando lost many times to Desolation, until finally Desolation made him an offer. Either they carried on like they were, or Orlando would let Desolation retrain him. Either Orlando would be stuck pressed against that glass ceiling, or Desolation would help him smash through it. Dad chose the latter, he swallowed his pride, and he looked forwards. Desolation turned him into the Icon, the man who would win seven World titles over the course of his career. And if Dad was alive now, he would tell you quite simply, Desolation saved him. Just the same as Josh Hudson saved me. So, Josh, don’t worry I’m not going to come to you for help, as I’m certain what you would say to me. You don’t like me, you don’t like what I did, and from watching you on Breakdown these past couple of weeks, I can see how pleased you are with the way it went down. If the offer is there, we can talk, but aside from that you promised to teach me something, and that you did. I may have grown up during my time away and be a more faceted wrestler than I ever was, but I still even now haven’t learned how to stand on my own two feet when faced with the very best there is. For me to be successful that must change. And instead of others changing it for me… this evolution must be kicked started by me. And me alone.

 

In the beginning, it was Orlando who was a constant safety net, followed by Shaun, Taylor, and countless others I could mention. When I felt something was missing, I turned to Giovanni Aries of all people, and was almost sucked down that rabbit hole, as he attempted to warp my mind against everything, I held dear. When I returned, I didn’t come alone. I came with Daisy by my side… just in case things started to go sideways. I came back, claiming that the boy had gone, replaced by a man. And yet, still I had someone there to hold my hand. Josh never needed it. Selena Frost never needed it. Syren, Xander Valentine… Bree Lancaster. These are all names that forged their careers by one method, coming to the ring and consistently proving themselves the best. Not with people sat in their corner, or advising them, or getting involved when things got tough. Even in the Perfect Pack, I always had back up… what does that message send to Supreme Championship Wrestling? It says I am incapable of doing things by myself. I always need someone to hold my hand. That message HAS to stop. It must stop… RIGHT NOW.”

 

He sighs deeply, for him this was the beginning of the season, a season that had started without him. There was a lot of work to do, but finally he seemed to have the direction he needed.

 

“And that’s why Samuel, for you it’s a shitty situation, no question. Let me make one thing abundantly clear before we kick this off. I couldn’t care less who you aligned with, or who you call ‘friends’ or enemies. It is not my concern what you aim to achieve within this company, or how you would like to change it in some false prophets’ image, or any other mindless meanderings you care to come up with. When I walk through that curtain, and the crowd pops. When I walk down that ramp, and slide into that ring, I’m not thinking about the next championship, or how far I fell down the pecking order off the back of the defeat at Rise to Greatness, because believe me. As far as I’m concerned, I’m still more likely to beat Josh Hudson than Glory Braddock is. I’m sorry Glory but it’s the truth. No, all I will be thinking about is kicking your ass, as well as helping my fans to rid the image of me tied up in those ropes at Rise to Greatness… defeated. But more important Sam, it’s all about getting back on the horse and kick starting my season. A Season in which I WILL become a Champion within these halls once again. Oh, I know you think you can turn my debut this season into an anticlimax, but you know what Samuel? The way I’m feeling right now, the intensity I have surging through my veins, I’m ready to blow you away.”

 

He shakes his head, his lips pursed together.

 

“That’s not to say that it’s going to be easy Samuel before you embark on that rebuttal. I know full well that you’ve learned a few tricks whilst you’ve been a part of the Haus of Nirvana, some of them that I wouldn’t necessarily use in my playbook. I also know that what was once a losing streak, and victories hard to come by, has turned into at least a respectable record, something I’m guessing GiGi loves to take credit for, sharing none of that achievement with yourself. Instead of being the ‘lovable loser’ your biography has you pegged as, written by GiGi perchance? You’re someone that these days HAS to be taken seriously.

 

However

 

Yes, I did lose to Josh Hudson, so it might sound quite arrogant for me to be preaching on abilities. But these is Josh Hudson, the guy who is probably one of the most technical proficient wrestlers that Supreme Championship Wrestling has ever seen. Over the course of the last few months, only Selena Frost and Josh Hudson can say that they defeated me clean, debatable with Selena considering Josh got involved, but that’s what the record books will say. So, two defeats, against probably two of the top three competitors in the World. I mentioned it earlier, some will probably claim I’ve fallen down the pecking order, but I call bullshit on that. You may well have improved, and I applaud you for that Samuel, but regardless of what happened at Rise to Greatness, I will ALWAYS be mentioned whenever the Championship conversations take place. And now, with the defeat to Josh well and truly digested, the whys and wherefores understood, I’m more equipped than I ever was. And certainly, too much for you to handle.

 

Because Samuel, I made one mistake against Josh Hudson, and it cost me. I had him Sam, I really did, but he managed to get away from me, which serves as my only regret. If he’d have done the same, made that crucial error, I would have capitalized, but sometimes when facing the best, that opportunity never comes. Against you, I don’t have those same pressures. You readily admit, you’re not as skilled as you could be. 19 years pro, you would have thought you would have mastered your craft right now, but the fact is, against you I won’t have to wait for those mistakes. And there won’t just be one, there will be plenty. You ‘could’ get lucky, it happens. You ‘could’ hit the unexpected and give me something else to think about, but that doesn’t mean I believe you will. You biggest problem Samuel is quite simply that this isn’t just the throwaway match it could have been. I need to win this; it matters to me but than you could possibly ever understand. So, although you may have benefitted from me being a little lacksadaiscal, I am positive that simply won’t happen. You are going to be facing Owen Cruze at his very best, yes Owen CRUZE. You are facing a person who will give you THE same intensity he gave Josh Hudson, a man who won’t allow losses to turn into a streak. But more importantly Samuel, you are going to step into that ring with someone who is now paddling these waters under his own steam. Someone who if a decision is to be made, he will be the one to make it. Honestly, I don’t know if that is the pathway to success. Maybe I’m not my Father, or Shaun, capable of steering my own career to the top. Maybe even now, making my own judgements, is a fool’s errand and I quite simply will never achieve the heights of my family. But Samuel, at least it will all be on me. Good, Bad, or indifferent. And even if the only thing I achieve is Supreme Championship Wrestling finally understanding who Owen Cruze really is, then it’s a task worth undertaking.”

 

He grins, for the first time in fact.

 

“Then, you will ALL know my name. Even if it did take me a while to figure it out.”

 

There is no wink, no grin, in fact not a single shred of emotion, except for pure determination. It is on that image, that the scene slowly fades.