Josh Hudson vs. Owen Lee

[Owen]

3rd Jan 2022

Miami

 

With the End of Year Special over, Owen had immediately flown back to Miami to welcome back the builders to the house and go over a couple of changes that he wanted to make to the design. Thankfully, it was nothing too difficult, and nothing that mess up what they had already done, so they were more than happy to oblige. Over the course of Christmas and New Year, Owen had thought of nothing other than the kiss he and Charlotte had shared, trying to work out if it had meant something, or if it was just because of the festivities and seasonal joy. Not one now for standing on ceremony, the moment he arrived back in Miami, he had dropped his bags off at the apartment and then made his way to his local. Owen walks into Charlotte’s and immediately makes a beeline for the bar. Scott the Bar Manager is stood there cleaning glasses, and immediately he greets Owen with a smile.

 

Scott: Hey Owen, good Christmas and New Year?

 

Owen: A lot quieter than I’m used to in all honesty. But it was the peace and quiet I think I needed

 

He decides not to mention the altercation with Scott in case it got back to Charlotte.

 

Scott: Good, good. What can I get you?

 

Owen: Err, nothing thanks. Just wondered if Charlotte was about.

 

Scott grins, and nods his head.

 

Scott: Yeah, she’s upstairs. Do you want me to get her?

 

Owen: If it’s not too much trouble.

 

Scott: For you Owen, nothing is too much trouble.

 

He says it with a sarcastic grin, a knowing smile that made it seem like Charlotte had been talking.

 

Scott: Two minutes, I’ll go fetch her. Can you watch the bar?

 

Owen looks around… he was the only person in.

 

Owen: Sure, how hard can it be?

 

Scott: Won’t be long.

 

He makes his way through a door, Owen turning around, willing the door to stay shut and no one walk in. Thankfully no one does, and before he knows it, Scott returns with Charlotte in tow.

 

Charlotte: Hey

 

Owen: Hey

 

Scott starts to smirk, which makes the moment even more awkward, and then he even chuckles to himself.

 

Scott: Oh, you two are so cute.

 

Charlotte: Come on now Scott, behave yourself. Make yourself useful and bring us both a whiskey. Owen, you want to take a booth.

 

Owen: Sure, why not?

 

Owen walks towards the booths, all of them vacant, as Charlotte pulls a face at Scott which makes him laugh even more. Owen then sits, Charlotte joining him.

 

Owen: Can I ask you a question?

 

Charlotte: Of course.

 

Owen: Did there used to be something between you and Scott? Romantically I mean?

 

Charlotte laughs out loud, a laugh that even catches Scott by surprise

 

Owen: What’s so funny? Was only a question.

 

Charlotte: Owen, Scott is more likely to take an interest in you than he is me.

 

For a moment Owen doesn’t catch on, but eventually he catches up, a smirk snaking onto his face

 

Owen: Ahhh...

 

Charlotte: Yep, plus he has a partner and is about to adopt a child, so I reckon you’re safe as well.

 

Owen: I didn’t mean… I’m not homophobic or anything.

 

Charlotte: Just having a laugh with you Owen. I saw you on television the other night.

 

Owen: You watched my match?

 

Charlotte: Yeah, never watched wrestling in my laugh. But it was fun. And it seems like your pretty good. Well, everyone seemed to be saying so anyway

 

Owen: I try… still a way to go yet, but it’s a start. Was nice to get back to doing what I know though, just hope I made a good impression.

 

Charlotte: Well, I thought you looked cute in your little wrestling outfit.

 

Owen: That’s not the intention, but thanks.

 

There is another momentary silence, Charlotte looking at Owen almost questionably.

 

Owen: What?

 

Charlotte: You wanted to see me Owen… not the other way around.

 

They both laugh, Owen having lost his train of thought.

 

Owen: Oh… yes. I…

 

Charlotte: You want to talk about the kiss on Christmas Day?

 

Owen: Wow, a mind reader as well?

 

Charlotte: Just another of my many talents. You want to know if it meant anything right?

 

Owen: Well, yes.

 

Right on cue, Scott comes over with the drinks and places one in front of them both before doing a sarcastic curtsey.

 

Scott: Anything else Ma’am

 

Charlotte: How about you fuck off cheeky… go mop the floors or something.

 

Scott: Oh, when will Cinderella go to the ball? No guessing who the ugly sister is in this particular story.

 

As Scott walks away, Charlotte throws a beer mat at him which narrowly misses his head. Scott with a chuckle makes his way back to the bar, and then once again goes through the door to the back, leaving Charlotte and Owen alone. Charlotte holds her glass up to Owen, Owen doing the same and they both take a sip of their drinks. Charlotte holds hers in front of her, rattling the ice in the glass, her eyes returning to Owen.

 

Charlotte: For me Owen, yes it did mean something. Maybe I got caught up in the fact it was Christmas, maybe the festivities and egg nog had given me Dutch courage, but after it had happened, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I know a relationship isn’t on the cards right now, I know you’ve got a whole lot on your mind to process so I’m not going to turn into some weird stalker, so don’t worry about that. But I can’t lie Owen, I like you. You’re a good guy, and I don’t have a lot of those in my life…

 

Scott comes back out the door and gives them both a sarcastic wave

 

Charlotte: Well, at least straight ones. So there, you have your answer. Yes, it did mean something to me. I don’t tend to go around kissing randoms.

 

Owen nods, digesting the information.

 

Charlotte: So, what about you?

 

Almost immediately, Owen starts to feel a little flustered. He knew on asking the question it was more than likely Charlotte would want to know where she stood. But even expecting it, the question brings a heat to his cheeks as they visibly redden. He says the only thing that comes to his mind.

 

Owen: What?

 

Charlotte chuckles, knowing that he understood the question, but was struggling to find the words to answer. She asks him again, determined to receive an answer.

 

Charlotte: Did the kiss mean anything to you?

 

The point-blank question which he knew he had to answer this time or look even more foolish than he did already.

 

Owen: Yes.

 

Even saying the word makes him feel guilty and he lowers his head.

 

Owen: But it can’t ever be anything, can it?

 

Charlotte tries to keep her emotions hidden but cannot help but look disappointed.

 

Charlotte: Jennifer, right?

 

Owen doesn’t say a word but nods his confirmation. Charlotte takes another sip of whiskey as Owen tries to explain.

 

Owen: This past six months, all I have thought about is being a better person so that I could get Jennifer back. For a while she wouldn’t even talk to me, but we are back in contact now and I really think that she still has feelings for me. Everything I went through, it wasn’t just to be able to return to wrestling, it was to get my head straight and now I’m here, I can’t jeopardize any hope I have.

 

Charlotte: I get it

 

Owen: I’m sorry… I promised myself that there would be no more lies in my life, no more secrets. If I tried to ignore it, then I’d only be kidding myself and not being true to you. I do like you; you’ve been amazing since I moved to Miami…

 

Charlotte: And I like you too Owen. But I know what it’s like to lose the love of your life, and if you still have a chance then of course you must go for it. Don’t give it anymore thought Owen, truly. It’s all good.

 

Owen: And we’re all good?

 

Charlotte: Of course. I won’t go all ‘bunny boiler’ on you.

 

Owen: I never thought you would. You’re amazing Charlotte, and you deserve someone who’s ‘all-in’ and I guarantee you’ll find him.

 

Charlotte: Maybe you’re right… so when will I get to meet her?

 

Owen: You’d want to meet her?

 

Charlotte: Yes, why not. It sounds like we could be friends.

 

Owen: Well, she’s coming to Miami in a couple of weeks to see the house… as a friend obviously.

 

Charlotte: Good, then maybe I’ll get the chance to put a good word in for you, tell her what a nice guy you are.

 

Owen: If you’re sure?

 

Charlotte: Of course, bring her to the bar and I’ll tell her all about my new best friend Owen Lee.

 

Owen: OK, I’ll make sure we do that.

 

Charlotte: Nice one, now, unless you have any more reasons to break my heart?

 

At first, she keeps a straight face, but then she grins, Owen relaxing.

 

Owen: What is it with women wanting to tease me?

 

Charlotte finishes off her whiskey and gets to her feet.

 

Charlotte: Honestly bro, you’re just so damn easy.

 

She leans over and this time kisses him on the cheek, winking at him as she pulls away.

 

Charlotte: Take it easy Owen, and I hope I get to meet Jennifer soon.

 

Charlotte heads to the back, nudging Scott as she does who has been trying to lip-read the entire conversation whilst mopping the floors. Owen finishes his whiskey and then gets to his feet, waving to Scott as he leaves. As he exits the bar, and walks out into the sunshine, a huge smile forms on his face, his day thus far going well. Was this the beginning of a New Year, the BETTER year he had promised himself. As he turns and stares at the ocean, he certainly hoped so.

 

15th January 2022

Miami

 

When Jennifer had arrived this morning, Owen wasn’t sure how the day was going to go. They had agreed to be friends, and as such were acting like friends, but Owen was always aware of saying the wrong thing or implying that he still wanted more. After showing her the progress on the house, and the new plans he had, he had given her a tour of Miami, which she had obviously enjoyed. After lunch, they had then made their way to Charlotte’s bar, and predictably they had gotten on like a house on fire. After just enough to drink, they had said their goodbyes to Charlotte, after they had added each other on social media, and they had made their way back to Owen’s apartment. Once there, Owen had cracked open the Sherbet Lemon Gin he had been given as a Christmas present, and then they had settled down to watch Netflix. As the credits on the film roll, Owen had to admit to feeling a little drunk, and Jennifer the same. Jennifer rests her glass on the table in front of them and turns her head to face him.

 

Jennifer: I’ve had a really nice day Owen. I can see why you moved out here.

 

Owen: Yeah, I think it suits me, certainly more than LA.

 

Jennifer: And when the house is complete, it will be perfect.

 

Owen: True, I like this apartment, but I can’t wait to go to sleep and be able to hear the waves. Then when the house is done and I can live there I’m going to repeat the process, but this time rent it out until I’ve got a portfolio of properties all around Miami. Then, if my wrestling career bombs, I’ll always have something else to fall back on.

 

Jennifer: Really have got it all, together haven’t you?

 

Owen: I think so Jen. What I want to do more than anything is repay the faith that Daisy had in me when I was at my lowest. By the same token I want to be able to change people’s perceptions of me, and once again give them belief in what I stand for, and what I am trying to do. I let a LOT of people down, people that were really important to me, and I won’t rest until I make it up to them. ALL of them.

 

Jennifer looks forwards again, Owen though continues to look at her. If anything, he found her even more beautiful than he had when they were together. He’d always been punching above his weight; he’d certainly be told so countless times. But now, it seemed like someone like him should never have a chance with someone like Jennifer Helms.

 

Jennifer: Owen?

 

She looks back at him and he quickly looks away, not wanting to give the impression he’d been staring.

 

Owen: Yeah?

 

Jennifer: Why did you leave Los Angeles? Was it because of me?

 

The question was surprisingly direct, but fueled by the alcohol, Owen has no issue answering truthfully.

 

Owen: It wasn’t the only reason, but yes.

 

Jennifer: I’m sorry I made you feel like you had to do that.

 

Owen now turns back to look at her, and they find themselves almost nose to nose, only inches between them.

 

Owen: It wasn’t just you Jen. There was a lot of memories I wanted to get away from, and things that I wanted to forget. I needed my own space I guess to finally learn what it was like to stand on my own two feet without family or friends bailing me out whenever things went wrong. Taylor, Shaun, even Mom just couldn’t resist steering me in what they believed was the right direction and I needed to stop relying on that. The further I could get away from them, the better… so Miami was perfect.

 

Jennifer: And the further you could get away from me the better, I guess.

 

Owen: Honestly. Yes.

 

He reaches out and takes her hand, half expecting her to pull away, but she doesn’t.

 

Owen: After what I did Jen, to your Dad, disrespecting him like I did. After dismissing you and your feelings like they were nothing. I just couldn’t bare the possibility of bumping into you, or even Regan and Dave.

 

Jennifer: Mom certainly wanted to tear you apart.

 

Owen: And I don’t blame her. So, getting away, I thought it might allow you and your family to heal and to forget that I ever existed, so that you could all move on.

 

Now Jennifer does pull her hand away, as if bringing up that moment had triggered something in her.

 

Jennifer: You hurt us all Owen. It wasn’t just me, my parents believed in you as well.

 

Owen: I know. More reason for me to stay away.

 

Jennifer: So why did you get Daisy to contact me?

 

Owen sighs, bringing up old memories was hurting him too

 

Owen: I thought that by working with Daisy at the slaughterhouse, I’d be able to put all my focus into training and getting ready to return and make amends. But the more I worked, the more I realized that making amends to the company and its fans wasn’t as important as making amends to you. I guess your forgiveness became even more crucial to my development as I tried to be a better person, but I knew if I contacted you, you’d tell me where to go. Daisy can be quite persuasive.

 

Jennifer: That’s certainly true.

 

Owen: You, Peyton, Kelcey, even Aaron… I let you all down. And the more it became clear to me, the more I wanted to make sure that moments like this, sat with you guys watching films and just hanging out, weren’t a thing of the past. I’ll reach out to them of course, but you were the priority. I needed you back in my life more than anyone…

 

Jennifer: And here I am.

 

Owen: Yeah, here you are. And I couldn’t be happier.

 

They stare into each other’s eyes for a few moments, and for just milliseconds, Owen see’s the look that she used to give him when they were together. That look stirs up a million emotions, and with a mixture of alcohol, adrenaline and bravado the words leave Owen’s mouth before he can stop them.

 

Owen: I still love you Jen…

 

He leans forwards to kiss her, not knowing what to expect. He wouldn’t have dreamed of doing this if it wasn’t for the alcohol, but he still knew he was putting it all on the line, risking it all. His heart drops, as she immediately pulls away, Owen feeling like he had been hit with the ODE. He quickly moves into damage limitation; he couldn’t ruin this… he just couldn’t.

 

Owen: I’m sorry… it’s the alcohol… forget I said anything.

 

Before he can react, she leans forwards and cups his head in her hands, and they kiss, a long lingering kiss making up for months of being apart, both lost in the moment. As they part, Jennifer bites her bottom lip, and then says the words that Owen had been longing to hear since the day they had broken up.

 

Jennifer: I still love you too.

 

For a moment Owen is shocked and cannot react, finally he composes himself enough to speak

 

Owen: I thought it was just me

 

Jennifer: I’ve missed you Owen, every single day.

 

In the back of his mind, Owen knew that it was the alcohol talking, and although he didn’t know it, Jennifer felt the same, but neither of them cared. Jennifer gets to her feet, and holds out her hand, Owen taking it and getting to his feet as well. She leads him to the bedroom, and they stand at the bottom of the bed.

 

Owen: Jen, are you sure about this?

 

Jennifer gets to her feet and holds his hands in hers, and once again kisses him, this time perhaps even more passionately, before pulling away with a smirk.

 

Jennifer: Did that feel like I’m sure?

 

Owen nods, and turns, closing the curtains to the outside world, Jennifer laying down on the bed, as Owen joins her. Outside, on the pavement, Charlotte stands, Owen’s sunglasses in her hands that he’d left at the bar earlier. She smiles, happy for Owen that he has his girl, but unfortunately for her, her eyes give her away. She turns away, and heads down the road. She’d give him the sunglasses back tomorrow and listen to his excitement at having Jennifer back. And she would be happy for him. Because that’s what friends do. She takes the short walk back to the bar, Scott surprised as she walks through the door. He motions towards the sunglasses

 

Scott: Wasn’t he in?

 

Charlotte: Yeah, he was in.

 

Scott: Oh? So what happened then?

 

Charlotte: He was ‘busy’

 

Scott didn’t need further explanation, and he immediately turns, taking a double measure of Jack Daniels from the optic and sliding it towards Charlotte as she takes a seat.

 

Scott: You ok?

 

Charlotte: You know me Scott, I will be.

 

She lifts the glass and holds it up towards Scott, before downing the double in one.

 

Charlotte: I have to be.

 

16th January 2022

Miami

 

Owen runs down the beach, partially for training purposes, but also to get rid of the hangover that he had woken up with. Waking up with Jennifer by his side had been a situation that he thought he would never experience again, and he didn’t feel guilty about laying and just watching her for what had seemed for a long time. Leaving her there was difficult, but he’d already decided that once he got back to the apartment, he would make her breakfast in bed. He was on top of the world right now and with a spring in his step, and he wasn’t afraid to let everyone know it either with a cheerful ‘Good Morning’ to everyone that he passed. Stopping outside the apartment, he allows himself a moment to catch his breath, the smile still etched on his face. As he opens the door and steps into the apartment however, he is disappointed to see Jenni already in the kitchen, making them both coffee. Kicking off his running shoes he walk into the kitchen, Jennifer sliding a mug towards him. Owen leans in for a kiss, but she only offers her cheek which is more than a little strange considering what had happened last night, but Owen puts it down to her only just having woken up.

 

Owen: I was going to make you breakfast

 

Jennifer: It’s OK, I’m not hungry.

 

Owen: I am… starving in fact.

 

He walks over to the refrigerator, and starts taking out eggs, bacon and a few other items as Jennifer looks on.

 

Owen: You sure, it’s no trouble. I mean, we worked up quite the appetite last night.

 

Jennifer: Yeah…

 

Owen bends down towards the freezer portion and pulls out some sausages.

 

Owen: I thought we’d have breakfast, and then take in some more sights. You know, really give us the opportunity to talk about where we go from here.  Perhaps some lunch at a restaurant I’ve become quite partial too.

 

His excitement is obvious, Jennifer’s lack of even more so, even though Owen still wasn’t picking up on it. Owen shuts the door on the freezer and then turns back to Jennifer, a bag of hash browns hanging from his teeth. He places them on the counter and then smiles.

 

Owen: I don’t have any mushrooms. Do you want me to nip to the store? Will only take five minutes.

 

Jennifer sighs, there was no way of getting away from this. She pulls out a chair, and motions towards it.

 

Jennifer: Sit down Owen

 

Owen: I need to make…

 

Jennifer: Please Owen…

 

There is a seriousness in her voice that finally Owen picks up on, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.

 

Owen: What’s wrong?

 

Jennifer: We need to talk.

 

Owen: Yeah, I know… that’s what I said. But we gotta eat.

 

Jennifer: Oh Owen

 

The tone in her voice leaves no question to the seriousness of what she had to say. So rather than protest anymore he sits himself down.

 

Owen: Why do I get the feeling that this is bad news?

 

Jennifer plays with one of the rings on her fingers, twisting it around as she tries to find the words to as not hurt Owen.

 

Jennifer: Owen, last night was amazing

 

Owen: It was. Thank you.

 

Jennifer closes her eyes, that was the last thing she wanted to hear him say.

 

Jennifer: Don’t say that Owen.

 

Owen: Why not? I never thought I’d get a second chance, and yet here you are.

 

Jennifer: Yes, here I am. In exactly the place I shouldn’t be.

 

Owen scowls suddenly confused.

 

Owen: What do you mean?

 

Jennifer: I mean… last night was a mistake. It shouldn’t have happened.

 

Owen: What? I don’t understand.

 

Owen’s expression changes from confusion to hurt, as the realization of what Jennifer has said starts to sink in.

 

Jennifer: I mean, we had a nice day, we got drunk and things happened. It doesn’t change our situation. It can’t change our situation.

 

Owen: I don’t get it, you said you still loved me.

 

Jennifer: And I do Owen. In fact, I probably always will. But we can’t be together, it’s just too complicated. Last night was wonderful, it really was, but it can’t happen again.

 

Owen bites his bottom lip to contain his emotions.

 

Owen: What did I do wrong?

 

Jennifer: Don’t blame yourself Owen

 

Owen: For God’s sake Jen… don’t give me the ‘it’s not you it’s me’ routine.

 

Jennifer: That’s not what I was going to say.

 

Owen: Then what Jen?

 

Owen hears the anger in his voice, but that’s precisely what he was. Angry.

 

Jennifer: My Mom and Dad… it’s not fair on them.

 

Owen doesn’t reply straight away. Every part of him wanted to say that it had nothing to do with them, but he knew how highly Jennifer held their opinion, and why she wouldn’t do anything to upset them. He takes a couple of breaths, knowing that getting angry wouldn’t solve anything, and he softens his voice before he replies.

 

Owen: OK, so it’s not fair on them Jen, and I get that. But what about what’s fair for us?

 

Jennifer doesn’t look away, and their gaze doesn’t break. She DID love him, and more than anything wanted to be with him. But what Owen had done to Dave, and indirectly Regan, that scar was still red raw, and she couldn’t do that to them. No matter how strong her feelings were for him right now.

 

Jennifer: I can’t think like that Owen. Mom despises you; it took everything to persuade her to not come after you when we split up and you took it out on Dad. If she found out that we’d even been together last night, never mind if we were back together, she’d kill you. And probably me as well.

 

Owen: And I get that, but if she gave me the opportunity to explain, I’m sure she’d see sense.

 

Jennifer shakes her head dismissively.

 

Jennifer: Come on now Owen, you know Mom better than that. When she’s got a grudge with someone it’s difficult to shake, especially when it involves family. It’s just not worth it…

 

Owen: Thanks

 

Jennifer: I didn’t mean it like that. I just don’t see a way that it ends in anyway well, for any of us. It’s better just to let it lie.

 

Owen: And you’d be happy with that, considering how we feel about each other?

 

Jennifer: We don’t have any choice Owen. I’m sorry.

 

Owen: Yeah. Me too.

 

By now, Owen is far past hiding his feelings. Just when he thought everything had come together, now he felt like the rug had been pulled from underneath him and not only did he feel like he was back at square one, but he also now felt like he had very little hope. Owen knew how much Jennifer felt like she owed her parents, the annoying thing for him was that he was that she wasn’t even giving them a chance.

 

Jennifer: I know you’re hurt Owen, but it’s for the best

 

Owen: For who? You, Me? The only people I can see benefitting are Dave and Regan, and although I know I’ve wronged them both as well, I can’t see how this has anything to do with them. Surely, they want you to be happy.

 

Jennifer: Of course, they do

 

Owen: Then give me the chance, to show them that I’ve changed and I’m not that person anymore. I’ve persuaded them once, and I’ll do it again.

 

Jennifer: I don’t think this will be as simple as singing a song Owen.

 

Owen: OK, so don’t mention last night, tell them that you are thinking about talking to me. Tell them that you miss me and see how they react. Don’t just dismiss us Jen, that can’t be right. I know if we give it another chance, we can make it. I can’t let the last six months be in vain, I just can’t. It must mean something.

 

Jennifer places a hand on his cheek, and for just a moment it seems like she may be relenting. She leans forwards and kisses Owen on the cheek, Owen placing a hand on hers.

 

Jennifer: I’m so sorry Owen. I just can’t. I can’t do that to them.

 

She pulls her hand away, but still doesn’t look away from Owen. In fact, it is Owen who is first to break away.

 

Owen: OK fair enough. I don’t like it, but I do understand where you are coming from. I wish things were different, but I know how important Dave and Regan are to you. Like you say, it is how it is.

 

Jennifer: Thank you. Do you want me to leave?

 

The slightest hint of a smile forms on Owen’s face as he shakes his head.

 

Owen: No, of course not. We can still be friends, can’t we?

 

Jennifer: You think we can?

 

Owen: Yes, that’s the way we started after all. I need you in my life Jen, and if it’s just as friends then that’s gonna have to do.

 

Jennifer: As long as you are sure Owen, I don’t want to hurt you anymore than I already have.

 

Owen: It’s cool Jen, we’re good.

 

Owen turns back to the food that had been left on the side and reaches in the cupboard pulling out a frying pan.

 

Jennifer: Owen?

 

Owen turns, Jennifer pausing, changing her mind at the last second as to what she was going to say. She was going to confirm that she did love him. She was going to say how she wished things were different but knows neither would help. Instead, she says the first thing that comes into her head.

 

Jennifer: … I’m gonna get a shower

 

Owen forces a smile

 

Owen: No worries, breakfast will be almost ready when you’re done.

 

With that, and before it gets awkward, Jennifer turns and closes the bathroom door behind her, switching on the shower and letting the water flow, the sound ensuring Owen doesn’t hear her crying.

******************

 

28th April 2022

Miami

 

Owen sits in his living room, the television switched off and no noise to distract him. He wanted to make sure this promo was delivered with the utmost respect whilst also getting the point across. He clears his voice, and then starts to speak.

 

“Josh, I’m going to kick off by levelling with you. I’m not going to sit here and be lectured on morals by someone like you, not a chance. Legend or not, I have a choice, and it has been more than covered since I returned, so YOUR opinion, you should understand what you need to do, because I don’t have the time to deal with it. I know full well what I did bro, I know what I ‘pissed’ over and so do those fans, but how is it that you were granted a second, third even fourth chance and yet you think that I shouldn’t? Saying that I need to be taught humility, it’s bad comedy coming from someone like you. And I’m not even going to lower myself and dispute what Orlando would or wouldn’t have thought about what I did. Cheap shots about him Josh? I really thought you were above that.

 

Turns out I was wrong.

 

It may also surprise you, but I’m not even spend too much time pulling you up for the blatant disrespect you showed me a couple of weeks ago on Breakdown. Truth be told, I don’t know how far you would have gone, but I’m not going to bang on about it when it was obvious to anyone that was watching that you had once again let your jealousy get the better of you, a more frequent occurrence of late. Like I said, you ARE one of the best wrestlers in the world, I’m sure that there are moves and counters that you’ve forgotten to make space for more. Every time someone steps into the ring with you, they do so knowing that the match can be over in an instant and having someone on the back foot in that way, it’s quite an advantage to have. But I’m sure you’ve heard that many times, I’m certain that there are not many would disagree with me, you are the bar when it comes to the technicalities of our sport. And THAT Josh, is why you couldn’t allow Asher to choose me for his Tactical Warfare team over you, even though I’d not even accepted, it was just an option on the table. People speak highly of you, no question. You yourself are never shy of putting yourself on a pedestal, and you know what? Probably deservingly so. But with that praise comes ego, and therein lies the crux of the matter. You saw Asher’s decisions as disrespect, and that’s why half my face was left scraped on the concrete floor that evening, because YOU felt disrespected. Nothing to do with my apparent failings like you trying to present. It’s all about the fact that someone with your standing, and your status in this industry could be looked over for a ‘pissant’ like me.”

 

Owen shrugs his shoulders

 

“Sound about right?”

 

He nods his head, knowing it to be such.

 

“I’m not going to lie to you Josh, and I know you couldn’t care less either way, but that night and ever since, all you have done is made yourself look like a dick and given ammunition to all those people who claim that your time is over, and that you should now take solace in the fact that the company wants to keep you in gainful employment even if it wasn’t as one of the talents anymore. What you did was basically the wrestling equivalent of playground squabbles after someone doesn’t get picked first for the team. I’m sure Olek knows you can still go; I know for certain that at the PPV I’ve got my work cut out for me and like I said, this is the biggest challenge thus far. But this is the thing isn’t it? When you’ve been showered with praise for pretty much your entire career. When everyone has had very little choice but to accept that there are very few that can hang with you inside that ring. Taking criticism isn’t easy. Whereas for me it was the foundation of my rehabilitation, you’ve never really had to take it on board. And THAT was why you reacted in the way you did."

 

Owen holds up his hands

 

“Now before you get all antsy again, because let’s face it, you do have a hell of a temper over the smallest things, please give me the opportunity to explain. I’m not going all ‘Konrad’ and making threats that I so obviously cannot back up with action. I DO respect you and all you have done, but if at the PPV you DO lose, what will have been the point? In fact, beating me this weekend, what is it that you would have achieved, if it hadn’t had been for the landscape changing and the tournament entering play. Proving Asher was wrong? I doubt he’ll lose any sleep over that. No, what you have done Josh is taken your stellar reputation in this industry and gone ahead and made yourself look just as much a whiny little bitch as our esteemed Underground Champion. Imagine THAT for second Josh, compared with someone like HIM. That is the barrel you scraped when you decided, even with all your experience, that you couldn’t bring yourself to understand why Asher would want to pick someone who has been on a tear since he returned. Someone who took his first Tactical Warfare match, perhaps the most important one in history and smashed it? Does that mean your career on the decline when I was obviously a legitimate option? I respect you too much to say… but I will say that you’re doing nothing to dampen the noise.

 

Because Josh, although I understand your actions, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be without consequence. And again, don’t misunderstand me, that isn’t an idle threat. I can imagine the laughter if someone like me dared threaten you. But what I am saying, is if I didn’t feel the need to beat you before, that desire has now multiplied tenfold. Proving myself against a wrestler such as you would have meant everything on its own, and now beating you and advancing with the chance to become the US Champion, that’s kind of special. Dropping the guy who felt the need to scrape my face on the floor without any kind of remorse for his actions… well, I’m sure you get it... that’s now become kind of a big deal for me. I don’t need to resort to the same tactics. I don’t need to make you bleed or any of that ‘Raab Rhetoric’. All I need to do Josh is beat the, in many people’s opinion, best wrestler in the world, sorry Glory and Gavin but it’s true, and then stand up with my music blaring and smile at you. That’s it. Because that will hurt you more than a sledgehammer ever could, and you know it. Embarrassing you, out-wrestling you, defeating you… that is ALL the revenge I need.”

 

He takes a moment to compose himself, not wanting his emotions to take over. He turns back to the camera, his voice even more determined as he continues

 

“And of course, I’m not stupid. I know full well I don’t just have to say it and ‘poof’ it will happen, as if sprinkled with fairy dust. I don’t need to pay $29.99 or whatever the price is these days for enlightenment because I’ve lived through it for the past year and believe me you can’t buy that shit with money. You obviously believe I’m beneath you, or else you wouldn’t have reacted in the way you did. So, knowing you are facing a former World Champion who, let’s face it, is MUCH more of a threat than when he won the title, it makes it even more puzzling that even now, you seem to be underestimating me, and not believing I am worthy of a place at Tactical Warfare. I firmly believe Josh, that you look at me in the same way Konrad did, as a child who has no place in this environment. Konrad found out a little too late that I am more than capable of playing by his set of rules. And Josh, it seems to me that we are heading towards the same conclusion, all because you are still of the belief that I’m a one trick pony with only speed in my locker and not a great deal else. ONE person has seen me for who I am Josh and prepared accordingly. That person being Kandis, the one individual to beat me since I returned. That isn’t coincidence Josh. That’s fact. A fact that it is transparent to me you haven’t even come close to recognizing. Allow me to ‘enlighten’ you, and best of all bro, you’re in luck… because I’ll do it for free.

 

Speed has always been the basis of both my offense and defense… no denying it. I’ve always taken pride in the fact that I could strike from literally anywhere and before an opponent realized, whilst at the same time having the reactions to get myself out of trouble if required. Speed is a great attribute to have, but the problem was during my first tenure in this company, I was reliant on it, and if it failed there was no Plan B for me to fall back on. I cannot deny it brought me success, but at the same time there was nowhere near the ‘evolution’ I was claiming at the time. I was gaining experience of course, but I wasn’t getting any more talented. That comes with mixing it up, changing tact, so that your opponent is on the back foot more often. That’s why when it became clear that I still wanted this… to be a part of this industry, I knew that this time, things HAD to be different. I still needed to be quick, of course I did, I’m only small in comparison to someone like Tsunami so I need to stay out the way. But there had to be other strings to my bow. That’s why when I started training in the slaughterhouse, I built a durability and a tolerance to pain I have never had before, so that when people tried to grind me down, I would be ready to take all that they had, before rebounding and striking back. I then developed the ODE, a move that even with my limited stature has still been able to take down individuals far bigger than myself, a move that can happen in a millisecond. Just like it did with Konrad. But more than anything, I started over. I learned how to wrestle again, but this time with a view to being a complete package. A hybrid of all styles, able to function in any situation.

 

A master of all? That’s what we are looking to find out.

 

Konrad brought the pain, and I prevailed. Alexis brought the pace, and I took it over and above the speed limit. Now Josh comes the litmus test, the final piece of the puzzle. Is Owen Lee able to go move for move, counter for counter, with the person seen as one of the greatest technical exponents in this industry EVER? I believe wholeheartedly that I can. But not only that, I believe that I can go all the way and become the United States Champion. Of course, there are seven others will say the exact same thing, you included, but as the famous movie once quoted, there can only be the one. That ONE Josh, I’m going to make damn sure it’s me. And I’m going to make damn sure you don’t stop me… with the bonus of showing you that ultimately, Asher was right, that I WAS the better option, and YOU are no longer the big deal that YOU believe you are. There is no question that Josh Hudson will always be a legendary name in SCW, but you believe yourself bigger that the company itself… when there simply isn’t a person alive who is. End of”

 

He delivers that last line in a very matter of fact way, making it clear that it was a belief he stood right behind. Josh’s reaction wasn’t all jealously, it was also a realization. A realization that it had become apparent he was unable to handle.

 

“So, digest this. You made this happen Josh. You made this bed, and now bro you will lie in it. The ‘kid’ grew up, and either you missed it, or in your elderly state forgot it happened. No matter. One thing I’ll guarantee, you’ll never forget losing to the next United States Champion.”

 

He salutes the camera, happy that his statement has been made.

 

“And that’s going to be something that will haunt you forever.”

 

Scene fades