Gavin Taylor vs. Shaun Cruze

[Kemal Yilmaz]

2 RP Limit for singles

3500 Word Per RP

Deadline: 11:59:59 pm ET FRIDAY, February 27, 2026 (Show will act as if taking place on Saturday, February 28)

[Shaun2025]

PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA

(As far as Shaun was concerned, that was it. It was all over. The moment he had picked up the envelope from the mailbox in the hotel that had become his home, he knew what it contained. As he opened it, there was no surprise as he read the words that confirmed that his marriage was over. He could have felt guilty. He should have felt guilty, but somehow, he had put any remorse to the back of his mind, and all he felt was relief. Not relief that he was out of marriage. No, relief that he couldn’t hold back Angyalka or Dorothea any longer and they were free of him. With financial stability that would make sure they could only grow. That was it, Shaun had now severed ties with all that had ever loved him. He was on his own, exactly the way he had wanted it. On his own, where he couldn’t hurt anyone else any longer. Now, stood on the edge of a cliff face, he could have been staring into his own oblivion. He could just take one more step, and it would all be over. But for him, that would be too easy. He didn’t deserve to go out like that. He had to feel the pain he had caused, that he had earned, ten times over. And he’s made sure that for the rest of his life, that pain stabbed at his heart like the sharpest knife. It was the very least he could do.)

THREE MONTHS LATER – OFF CAMERA

(It would have been wrong to suggest that Shaun had been at his lowest ebb since the divorce. The truth was he felt like a burden had been lifted. If he did anything, the only impact it had was on him. He could be the only one that would suffer. Of course, he was only kidding himself, because as he travelled the world, taking in the sights without care in the world, back home in Los Angeles, a daughter had been left without a father, and nobody that knew Shaun could comprehend why. Angyalka had only had single word replies to her texts. Owen didn’t want to speak to Shaun again until in his opinion he got his act together. No one, not a single person, understood why he had changed in this way, no one at least but Shaun, who was now acting with crystal clearness. He’d seen Dubai, he’d seen Thailand, he’d even spent a long time in both Australia and New Zealand, the world had truly been his oyster. And he hardly had any thought about what he had left behind. To others, he was the asshole who has left behind his daughter for no reason. To him, Shaun was a hero who had literally saved their life, and nothing, no one was going to change that. In one of his ‘unsure’ times, he had made his way back to Miami, looking to make amends with his nephew, but he had never made it to the front door. Now, that uncertainty had gone, and he lived his life as carefree as he possibly could. Whether he would have been as carefree if he had known someone was looking for him, that was doubtful. If he’d also known that it was Chris Clay, his own private investigator that was looking for him, then perhaps he would have had even more anxiety about being able to keep this up. Most definitely, if he had known exactly WHO had employed Chris, he would have felt that guilt bubbling to the surface, seeing as he had done his very best to avoid her, whether it be by call, email or text. Sat in a bar in Melbourne, looking out over the ocean, he could be forgiven for believing he was living his best life. He most certainly wouldn’t be… especially after the next ten seconds had passed.)

“Shaun…”

(He recognizes the voice immediately, her soft tones recognizable in an instant. He turns, unsurprisingly, to face Kelcey Wallace.)

Shaun: Kels…

Kelcey: Guessing by the look on your face, I’m the last person you expected to see, especially has you haven’t had the good grace to answer my calls.

Shaun: It’s been a rough…

Kelcey: Spare the monologue, I know exactly what has been going on.

(She takes a seat, raising her hand and pointing at Shaun’s beer and requesting one of the same from the barman. She then places her bag at her feet, fully aware that Shaun hadn’t taken his eyes of her. By her tone, he was already aware that this wasn’t a social visit, and no doubt the last throw of the dice by those who thought he could be ‘saved’. Everyone in the industry was fully aware that Shaun and Kelcey were close. In fact, there were those that would argue that the two of them had been involved in a romantic capacity although that certainly wasn’t the case. The two of them had been inseparable during their careers in SCW, even wining the Tag Team titles as ‘Perfect Impact’. Through the good times and the bad, they had always been there for each other, and that was why it was surprising to Kelcey that Shaun hadn’t been in touch. But by the same token it had been understandable, because if anyone could have spoken sense to Shaun it would have been her. They don’t say a word until Kelcey has taken a sip of her drink.)

Shaun: You look well.

(Kelcey laughs.)

Kelcey: Wish I could say the same thing about you. You look like shit.

Shaun: Thanks

Kelcey: Well, come on, the beard… makes you look about fifty.

Shaun: I feel it

Kelcey: Ah, so that’s the stage you are at huh? Pity? Must admit, I thought you’d be on depression about now.

(Shaun doesn’t respond, instead he just looks at her. He hadn’t seen her in over a year now, a shame considering she was once his best friend.)

Shaun: So, how did you find me?

Kelcey: Chris Clay… he’s every bit as good as you said he was.

Shaun: Yeah, regular fucking bloodhound that one. And I’m guessing you’ve been speaking with Owen?

Kelcey: Owen? No, not spoke to him since the Perfect Pack disbanded. No, this is all me Shaun. I’m Kelcey Wallace Shaun, I hear things, especially about those who are supposed to be my best friend. Cheating Shaun… really? Was Angyalka not enough for you?

Shaun: It wasn’t that…

Kelcey: Then what was it Shaun? As far as I can see, your life was, pardon the pun, perfect. You had everything. So how did it go so badly wrong?

(Shaun sighs and takes a sip of his beer. He had been through this multitude of times, and yet this time it was different. This time he was talking to his one true confidante, and he didn’t have to use the usual smoke and mirrors.)

Shaun: I was weak Kels and I fucked up. I thought I had it all, and yet I was nothing without the bright lights and pyrotechnics. I saw how easily Owen walked away, and I got jealous, but more than that I got bored. So no, to answer your question, Angyalka and Dorothea, they weren’t enough. Sarah gave me excitement, she made me feel alive again. For the shortest time, I felt like the Impact Player. I didn’t deserve them, I never deserved them… and so I walked away, before I could hurt them any more.

(Kelcey listened intently. She had heard that more than ever, it was easy to antagonize Shaun, and had heard directly from Owen, though she had lied that she hadn’t, that he had sent him overboard with a punch after Shaun had taken things way to personally when Owen was trying to help. She didn’t want to give him an excuse to walk away, while at the same time wanting to pick him up and shake him for being such an idiot. She chooses her next words very carefully.)

Kelcey: And did Angyalka get a choice in the matter?

(Shaun thinks about that question for a moment, before shaking his head.)

Shaun: I did what was best for them Kels.

Kelcey: Stop and think about that for a moment. Do you believe that? Really?

(Shaun looks away from Kelcey and towards the harbor, now guzzling the contents of the bottle until it is finished. He then looks at her dead in the eyes, his voice emotionless as he replies.)

Shaun: I did what was right for me.

(Kelcey leans back in her chair. There it was the one thing that Shaun had failed to admit to anyone who had questioned him. Whether it had been Angyalka, or Owen, his mindset was what he had done, he had done for Angyalka and Dorothea so that they could have the best life possible and not be dragged down by him. When the overwhelming truth was that all of this was because he wanted to be alone. He didn’t want to carry the burdens of being a husband and a father. What he wanted, was to be a selfish son of a bitch who cared about nothing but himself. Free. Although sickened, to her credit Kelcey shows very little in the way of emotion. She had already got from him what others could not… the truth. She didn’t want to alienate him like others had before.)

Kelcey: Shaun, I love you… you know that right?

Shaun: Of course.

Kelcey: You and I have been to hell and back… the stuff with Silas Mason, you were the one who never turned away from me, and I’ve always appreciated that. But this, right here, this person I am talking to. This isn’t the Shaun Cruze who I saw get married to the love of his life. I can be honest with you, right?

(Shaun gives a shrug of the shoulders which Kelcey takes as a yes.)

Kelcey: You’ve always thought of others to the detriment of yourself. You’ve always looked to help whenever you can and never mind the consequences. I loved that about you, but now all I see, and I’m sorry I have to say this. But all I see is a selfish bastard who cannot understand just how lucky he was. Because I’m telling you now Shaun, if the boot had been on the other foot, Angyalka would never have just walked away, she would have fought. Shaun Cruze ALWAYS fought for what was right. But this person you have become… it’s so very wrong.

(Shaun motions towards the waiter who comes over, Shaun ordering a Jack and Coke, the need for something stronger growing due to the home truth he was receiving hitting home. With Angy, with Owen… it had been easy to shrug their feelings off, even though that wasn’t right either. With Kelcey… someone who he considered a sister, her aim was perfect. Her words targeted, bending his emotions. For the first time in forever, he was seeing a different side. An opinion that wasn’t his. And that whole inner turmoil was in danger of spilling out. Kelcey places her hand on top of his that is rested on the table, and she looks deep into his eyes, a look that would give that same familiar opinion that they were lovers, something that both found hilarious.)

Kelcey: I’ve got you Shaun… what’s going on?

(Shaun gives the deepest of sighs, the façade of everything being ok abruptly broken and shattered into a million piece. A carefully constructed shield no better than one made of feathers.)

Shaun: I’m not enough…

(The words almost trickle out of his mouth. Words that were never supposed to be spoken out loud.)

Shaun: I’m nobody…

(His eyes do glisten, but a tear never falls though it threatens.)

Shaun: Worthless.

(For years, the Cruze family had been known for their confidence, a confidence that many saw as arrogance. Orlando had it, Shaun had it, and even Owen had it to some extent. What people didn’t see however that most of that confidence was nothing to do with ability or strength and instead a means to cover up a whole raft of insecurities.)

Kelcey: Go on Shaun…

(Kelcey pulls the chair around so that she is closer, still holding his hand.)

Shaun: When I first started in MMA, I was the same. I didn’t believe that I could ever amount to something that people remembered. Moving into SCW, people started to adore me, I was loved and cheered around the World. When I became the Impact Player, I couldn’t walk down the street without someone stopping me and wanting to chat. I never minded; in fact, I loved it. Then, I went into movies, and surely, I wasn’t the biggest star in the world, but the films were a success, everyone knew who I was. Impact Media was born, and even that went well… allowing me to sell it for millions of dollars and set myself up for life. Whenever I went back to SCW, the fans hadn’t forgotten me, I was still the Impact Player, and that carried on… until it didn’t. Suddenly, all I had was my family. And I know how that sounds Kelcey. I know it should have been enough for me, but it wasn’t. I missed the lights; I missed the competition but more than anything I missed the excitement. I knew I couldn’t be a wrestler anymore; I knew that Rise to Greatness was going to be the last hurrah and so suddenly from being the Impact Player and the man on everyone’s lips, I became quite simply Shaun Cruze. Nothing more than any man you could pick off the street… and I got so fucking bored. So fed up in my own skin. And so, I started hating myself. I hated what I had become and so went looking for that which could excite me again. A stupid fucking affair that cost me everything. I saw the look on Angyalka’s face, how much I had hurt her… I couldn’t bear it. I couldn’t bear the way she looked at me… and so I had to walk away. She looked at me like I was nothing… and so it was. I became nothing. Not a businessman, not a wrestler, not a husband and certainly not deserving of being a father to a beautiful little girl. I became the person I deserved to be. NOTHING.

(The waiter arrives with the Jack and Coke, Shaun not even allowing him to put it on the table before he takes it from him and downs it in one.)

Shaun: Another please

(The waiter rolls his eyes and walks away to do as asked. During this action, Kelcey had composed her thoughts, inwardly rehearsing what she was going to say. They sit in silence for a short while, Kelcey allowing the waiter to return with another drink which thankfully Shaun doesn’t down before it touches the table.)

Kelcey: Can I be honest with you Shaun? I ask that, because I don’t want this to turn into a shouting match, or me end up in the ocean like Shaun did.

Shaun: You have been speaking with Owen then?

Kelcey: Only because I was looking for you.

Shaun: Kelcey, you know you can say anything to me.

Kelcey: Good, because you’re not going to like what I have to say.

(Shaun takes his hand from underneath hers, but only to place his on top.

Shaun: Just be honest with me.

Kelcey: OK here goes. You’ve been an idiot Shaun, letting Angyalka go the way you have. She was your one, she adored you and would have done anything for you and letting her go will probably turn out to be the biggest mistakes of your life. That’s done though, there is no getting away from that and that’s just going to have to be something you’re going to have to live with. Angyalka will probably move on, she’s beautiful and will have little trouble finding someone else if she hasn’t already. But Dorothea… I’m sorry Shaun, but I won’t let you walk away from that little girl. She needs her Daddy in her life, and whether you think it or not right now, Shaun Cruze will never be a NOBODY. Whether you are inside a ring or not, Shuan Cruze will always be known as the Impact Player, media mogul and former SCW World Champion. Shaun Cruze will always be recognized whenever you walk down the street. Because whether you believe it or not, Shaun Cruze HAS made a difference to the lives of so many. That’s not a nobody… that’s a SOMEBODY, some one who has the reach to make lives better. And yes, I’ll agree, you need to sort yourself out. You’re a mess, I agree. But if you do that… if you get to rehab, cut the drinking and get rid of that awful beard…

(Even though she is being serious, the comment brings at least a smirk from them both.)

Kelcey: I PROMISE you that your daughter needs you, regardless of whether you are with Angyalka or not. A daughter needs a father… especially someone who is as good at it as you are.

(Those final words resonate with him. Had he forgotten that in amongst all his failings as a cheating husband. That he was a good father to Angyalka despite everything.)

Kelcey: Like I say, you may have burnt your bridges with most people… but the one you must rebuild is with Dorothea. There may be severe consequences when she gets older if you don’t.

(Shaun picks up the glass, rattling the ice around it, watching the whiskey swirl around, his mind doing the same.)

Shaun: I’m not even sure Angyalka will let me near Dorothea… never mind be a father.

Kelcey: She will… she told me so herself.

(In that instant it becomes clear. Although Kelcey cared for Shaun, she wasn’t there for herself. This was the very last throw of the dice, the final attempt to stop Shaun before he was lost forever. Kelcey had done what others could not, gotten past Shaun’s pride, and the barriers he had placed to protect himself, and had gotten to the most important subject of all. Dorothea. And try as he might, Shaun couldn’t produce a single reason to dispute why she wasn’t bang on the money with what needed to happen next.)

Kelcey: All you must do Shaun, is stop running away, pick up the phone and give Angyalka a call. Do that, and you can at least start making amends of one of your idiotic decisions. But there is one more thing I want you to do for me.

Shaun: You’re pushing it now Kels.

Kelcey: Come on, we both know you are going to do as I say. Talk to someone, someone professional. I’m not a doctor love, but even I can tell when someone is suffering from depression.

Shaun: I’ll think about it

Kelcey: Thank you… oh, and one more thing?

(Shaun eyes her with mock anger, but chuckles as she says the words.)

Kelcey: Shave that beard. PLEASE. You weren’t particularly handsome before, but now you look like a Hells Angel, and it doesn’t suit. Now, if we are going to drink, how’s about you and I do it properly huh?

(She motions for the waiter again, Shaun looking at her in a similar way to how he always did. There was a bond between the two of them that could never be broken, and as Angyalka had thought, she had been the only person that could have every gotten through to him. Yes, Shaun may have messed up by selling Impact Media. Yes, maybe he should have carried on wrestling. And certainly, he should never have cheated on Angyalka, no matter what the situation. But in contradiction to his belief, the one thing he was good at was being a dad. And now after this conversation, he had the opportunity to be a dad again, something he thought he’d never get the chance again. He wasn’t a anybody, Kelcey was right. He had a purpose. And that was to make sure that Dorothea NEVER turned out like him. Tomorrow was a new day. Tomorrow he will be better. But tonight… he would get mortally drunk with his best friend.)

[Shaun2025]

PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA

(It was never going to be easy, walking up the driveway to the house he once shared with Angyalka. Shaun wasn’t going to lie, that right now he was probably even more nervous than the night he won the SCW World Championship. Predictably, nothing had changed, and why should it have seen as Angyalka was always the one that dealt with the home décor. It wouldn’t have been a huge surprise if everything had changed as she attempted to forget about him, but it didn’t seem like that was the case. As requested, Shaun had called Angyalka, and surprisingly there had been no animosity, only a relief that it seemed like Shaun had come to his senses. In fact, they had spoken at length about how this was going to work, and how visits would turn into weekend stays once Shaun’s new house in Los Angeles had gone through. That didn’t stop the butterflies from going crazy in his stomach as he knocked on the door, which then opened with his former wife in the doorway.)

Angyalka: Hey

Shaun: Hey

(It was awkward, of course it was. This was the first time they had seen each other in months, and the last time it hadn’t exactly ended well, Shaun bolting out the house when talking to Dorothea. She takes a step back, and motions him through the house and to the kitchen, where Shaun can see Dorothea playing out in the garden. On the kitchen wall there used to be a picture of the three of them in happier times, but this had been replaced by just the two of them, something that Shaun couldn’t blame Angyalka for.)

Angyalka: Can I get you a drink? Beer, Jack Daniels?

Shaun: Coffee would be fine… trying to cut down on the alcohol.

Angyalka: I see you got rid of the beard?

(She had obviously spoken to Kelcey but again, Shaun couldn’t begrudge her that.)

Shaun: Yeah, it made me look older apparently

Angyalka: It did.

(As Angyalka pours the coffee, adding milk, Shaun just watches Dorothea, who is blissfully unaware of his presence, or even that he is looking at her. She had grown so much, even in those months he hadn’t seen her.)

Shaun: She’s getting so big

Angyalka: I know, and to think you were willing to miss all of that…

(She pauses.)

Angyalka: Sorry, force of habit

Shaun: No, I deserve it… you’re right, I must have been crazy.

(She brings the coffee over in front of him and he takes a sip, exactly the way he liked it.)

Shaun: Does she know I’m coming

Angyalka: No, I thought it might be nice if you gave her the surprise

Shaun: What if she doesn’t want to see me?

Angyalka: Shaun, she asks about you every single day. It’s nauseating.

Shaun: What did you tell her? I mean, I wouldn’t blame you if you had told her the truth.

Angyalka: I told her Daddy had gone away for work and would be back soon. It was risky I know, but I always thought you’d see sense. I mean, I didn’t think I would have to get Kelcey involved, but you’re here now.

Shaun: Yeah, Kelcey has always been my kryptonite.

Angyalka: Well, I’m glad she got through to you, because when Owen knocked you off the boat, I thought that might have been our last chance.

(Shaun takes a sip of his coffee, never taking his eyes away from Angyalka. Then saying words, he never thought he would have to.)

Shaun: I’m sorry I did what I did. You didn’t deserve that.

Angyalka: No, I didn’t, but I can move on from it as long as you can. Dorothea is our priority now, and if we can be good co-parents, that’s ok with me.

Shaun: I’d like that

Angyalka: Then go on, go and say hello to your daughter. We’ll talk more about how all this is going to work afterwards.

Shaun: Alright… wish me luck

Angyalka: I promise you, you don’t need it.

(Angyalka could have told Dorothea anything that would have turned her again Shaun, but she hadn’t. She had obviously never lost faith in him, even if he had. He opens the patio doors into the garden, Dorothea turning her head and as she does, seeing her father standing on the patio step.)

Dorothea: DAAAAAADDDDDDDYYYYY!!!!

(In that moment, all Shaun’s fears melt away as his daughter crashes into his arms. She would be eight this year, and it didn’t seem like a moment since she was born. In this moment, everything that Kelcey had said rang louder than the biggest bell. They stay like that for a moment, Shaun looking over his shoulder at Angyalka who is smiling, before she mouths ‘told you’. Angyalka then turns and walks out of the kitchen, giving Shaun and Dorothea the time they needed. Dorothea leads him over to the swing set, and sits, ready to be pushed, Shaun obliging.)

Dorothea: Where have you been Daddy?

(Shaun wasn’t about to break the façade, not now at least. Maybe one day, he would tell her the truth, but that day wasn’t now.)

Shaun: I’ve been working hard Dorothea… keeping busy

Dorothea: Couldn’t you have come back to see me… just for five minutes

Shaun: I was on the other side of the world

Dorothea: Oh…

(Shaun can almost hear Dorothea’s brain turning over.)

Dorothea: So, why don’t you love Mummy anymore?

(Ouch)

Shaun: Now that is a long story, and one that perhaps I’ll tell you when you get older. All you need to know is that Mummy and Daddy love YOU so very much, and that isn’t going to change.

(Again, there is a momentary silence, as Dorothea ponders further.)

Dorothea: So, you won’t be living here then?

Shaun: No, but when I get my house, you’ll be able to come and stay with me. Would you like that?

Dorothea: Could Mummy come?

Shaun: Errmmm, no I don’t think so.

Dorothea: That’s OK… Mummy says I’ll get twice as many presents.

Shaun: Did she now?

Dorothea: Yes, and that Santa will deliver presents to both houses at Christmas

Shaun: I see.

Dorothea: I have a friend at school, and her Mummy and Daddy don’t love each other anymore and she says it’s the best.

Shaun: Well ok then, I’m glad you’re happy.

Dorothea: I still wish you were both together though. I miss you being here.

(Shaun stops pushing the swing and walks around to the front of Dorothea, kneeling in front of her.)

Shaun: I know this has been hard for you, but I promise I’m never going to be away from you that long again. Me and your Mummy are going to make sure you are the most loved little girl in the entire world.

Dorothea: All of it

Shaun: Yes, and all the way to the moon and back.

Dorothea: Wow, that’s a lot of love

Shaun: I know right. I’ll always be here, no matter what.

Dorothea: Pinky promise?

Shaun: Pinky promise

(The two pink pinkies, before Shaun pulls Dorothea into the biggest of hugs, a hug he didn’t ever want her to escape from. How could he have been so stupid? He didn’t think he would ever have the answers to that question. But the remit was still the same. He would move heaven and earth to make sure that Dorothea never suffered again, but now, it was with him firmly in her life. And watching from a bedroom window with a smile on her face, Angyalka couldn’t have been any happier that was the case. The way it should always have been.

RECORDING – ON CAMERA

(Shaun sits on the far left of a hotel sofa, a glass of something in his right hand. He raises the glass to acknowledge our presence, before he starts to speak.)

“First, newsflash, Shaun Cruze is going to lose matches. I lost them when I was at my pomp, I lost every other match when I was just starting out. Just because my surname is synonymous with professional wrestling, it doesn’t mean to say that I, and any of my relatives who engaged in our industry, haven’t suffered their fair share of defeats. Sometimes it was because we got cheated out of matches. Sometimes it was because the odds were too overwhelming. And on the odd occasion, the reason was much simpler. We just weren’t good enough. Last time out, against David Stryker… I just wasn’t good enough.”

(Shaun shrugs his shoulders, the statement no surprise to him.)

“See, what people seem to forget is that it was always going to be an adjustment coming back to SCW, the juggernaut of the wrestling industry. I didn’t decide to come back to an independent, I jumped right in with the biggest and the best. My second match, I faced the current World Champion. Couple of matches later, and I faced Stryker who for a time was the Underground Champion and who is destined for greatness. See, what Stryker possesses, unlike my opponent this week, is humility, and a work ethic that reminds me a lot of myself in my younger years. Yeah, the ‘guards’ had an impact, and I made my points clear on that, but Stryker was in control for a lot of the match and thus deserves credit. He didn’t take a short cut, because he didn’t need to. He won the match, because he deserved to, and I hope he gains the momentum to go as far as he can. But you know something else he did… he gave me respect. None of this ‘washed’ bullshit or talk of me getting handouts. No, he came into the match knowing what a victory over me could bring him. And he took the opportunity, so fair play.

Look, I know that I beat Konrad Raab in a one off and almost pulled off one of the most shocking Taking Hold of the Flame victories ever, but competing on a weekly schedule was always going to be difficult. Yeah, I’ve gotten rid of the ring rust, or else I wouldn’t have lasted if I did with Syren, but there are still going to be moments when I make a mistake, or don’t pull the trigger when I should have. And these are not excuses, these are the reality of my situation. A situation whereby even in my current state, I know with a fair wind I can beat anyone. But to get that moment, to carry victories forwards and get that ‘mojo’ back, that’s going to take time. And it’s going to need me to trust the process. Every match I compete in is about proving something, not necessarily to anyone else, but mainly to myself. This time, it is different, I don’t have a movie career, or a business to fall back on. This is me; it is all I have, so if you think I am going to high tail it because I lost to someone who some of you may think is beneath me, I’d say think again. The pool of talent in this company is incredible. If you want to be the very best, Supreme Championship Wrestling is the place to achieve it, and it really mean something. I promise to all those that have followed my return, and who hang out after the shows to get a selfie or an autograph. I promise you all, this run by the time I am through WILL mean something. Your patience and mine, WILL be rewarded. The Impact Player will evolve into… something else, something better. The change will be monumental, historical even. Change… is for the better.

(He laughs)

“But there is a saying isn’t there, the more things change, the more they stay the same, and for all the changes around here, whether it be in the management, or the roster, or the attitudes of the fans. No matter how much change occurs, there is always at least one constant. The constant I want to talk about now is my opponent on Breakdown. Gavin Taylor, the Man who will be King, the Real-World Jedi… or as I like to go him. The wrestling industries biggest fraud.”

(He pauses, allowing that statement to fester and manifest in Gavin’s puny little brain.)

“Let me make one thing clear, for the sake of the tape. Absolutely, you are one of the best exponents of our art. When it comes to wrestling, and being a true athlete, there are not many better. I remember back in the day, was it MCW you competed in? ULW? IWC…maybe even Uprising I’m not sure. Whichever company it was, I watched a man who had the world at his feet and had all the talent to become one of the best in the world. Until he decided that he was too good for the business, and all he had to do was turn up for matches and victory was assured. You know, I think if I could be bothered to go back through the archives and record every single match you have ever competed in, a high percentage of your losses would be either due to your own arrogance, or your need to take a short cut away from doing the hard miles. That’s why you have never reached the heights of some of your peers. And why your name is never mentioned as amongst the very best Supreme Championship Wrestling has ever had.

And that really annoys you, doesn’t it?

But instead of looking inwardly, and changing things within yourself, evolving, you prefer to blame other people, other organizations for your stagnation. Your move set has barely changed in the past decade. And that’s all and good if you’re winning, why change a winning formula, but you’ve never really gained the necessary momentum or consistency. But instead of making those changes, instead you double down and start the blame game. You plaster over the cracks with either excuses or comedy. Yes, you did beat Syren, and yes it was impressive, but how many times have we been here, expecting you to break through the glass ceiling… only for you to be squashed on it like a bug. But that’s never been the issue Gavin… there are loads of individuals that will never reach the heights they expect, and it always comes down to them not being good enough. Some, have a level… and that’s fine, they make a perfectly adequate career out of it. But you, you have all the tools necessary. All the ability in the world to be a World Champion. The only consistent thing with you, is your awful attitude. You don’t have the mind-set of a champion; you don’t want to work for your achievements. Instead, you’d prefer a shortcut. That’s the thing though, those individuals very rarely make a true name for themselves. Well, they do, but more as a clown than a competitor. And that is the bracket where you reside Gavin, not through my fault, or any of the companies you work for. The reason you haven’t hit the heights you claim to reside, is all down to YOU and you alone. Your bravado covers all of this up, but in the years to come, it’s going to be your biggest regret. And the worst part, it will be held against you forever, all because you didn’t have the work ethic to do something about it.”

(He takes another sip of his drink, preparing his next statement wisely.)

“But hey, what do I know right? I’m sure that already you are preparing one of your ‘legendary’ ripostes, where Shaun Cruze couldn’t possibly know what he is talking about, or that the Cruze family is one of the most overrated wrestling families in the World. I’m sure your reply will be full of sneers, and dismissals, after all that is the Gavin Taylor way. But looking back at the history, Orlando kicked your ass, I’ve kicked your ass, and Owen kicked your ass more times that he cares to remember. Each one of us had more success than you could possibly dream of. And you are potentially the better exponent of the art…

What does that tell you bro?

It tells you that you are doing something wrong, and don’t have the cranial power to admit it. You surround yourself with people that tell you what you want to hear, and when you want to hear it, anything else is just white noise. For nigh on two decades it’s been the same old actions, rinse and repeat, and it’s gotten you nowhere. I’m sorry Gavin, but even you must be able to see that. Or are you blinded that much by your own arrogance, by your own hubris, that you are working on the certainty that eventually everything will fall into place? That’s dangerous logic Gavin, because there are no certainties in this industry. None. Your reputation is worse, because you have never made good on your promises.

Over promised… under delivered.

And yet, my preparation for this match is on point. The reason for that being I have prepared for the competitor you could be, rather than the competitor you are. I’ve scoured the archives for weaknesses, and I have noted your many strengths, even knowing that ultimately none of that knowledge may be required. I’ve prepared for this in a way that is no different than it would be if I was facing the World Champion. I’ve prepared for the All-Star, the Franchise Player... the History Maker, and I’ve done that knowing how dangerous this could be. Ultimately, the stages in our career we are at, victory is more important for you than it is me. Categorically, a loss for me would be less defining than it would be for you. You want Syren… how likely do you think that would be if you lose to the man who Syren defeated only a few weeks ago?”

(Shaun gets to his feet.)

“So, in closing Gavin, if you are looking to ‘Make Gavin Great Again’ by becoming World Champion, I’d argue that you were never great in the first place. Good? Yes. Capable? Yes. But great is a word I could use for very few people and none of them are you. I’m sure there are loads of companies who took a punt on you but just got the same sanctimonious prick as all the others.

How old are you now?

The website says thirty and was updated last year… I’d say your real age is 37, 38 maybe. Certainly not old, and to say so would be hypocritical, but let’s face it… you’ve never actually grown up, so I think it’s a fair assumption that ship has sailed. Everything placed in your hands, the Goon Squad, all the opportunities, and still… well, I don’t want to be rude. There is a difference here though Gavin, between you and me. I don’t have to just talk. I’m more than happy to come to the ring and prove it to you, just like I have done it hundreds of times before. So no, I don’t see you making Gavin great soon. In fact, what I do see in ten years’ time is the same old song and dance we’ve heard for nigh on two decades. Gavin Taylor tells the world that he is and will always be an All-Star and then falls short. Gavin Taylor, the man who took all that obvious wrestling ability, and wasted it for cheap laughs. Gavin Taylor Ladies and Gentlemen… SCW’s version of Sideshow Bob. A watered-down version of Trump but not quite as orange. Gavin Taylor, a man who just like Konrad Raab, needs to know his place. You win the World title, it will be a dark day for SCW, so… I’m going to make sure it doesn’t happen. And hey, what better way to get my own title shot, than to beat the self-proclaimed Greatest in the universe. But you’re not the greatest are you, Gavin. You’re not even close. So I’ll end by putting all this in its simplest terms. You can’t polish a turd. And your shit, my God it stinks.

Time for a clean-up on Aisle One. Courtesy of the Impact Player.”

(Scene fades)