Owen Lee vs. Samuel Davis

[Owen]

3rd August 2022 - Los Angeles

 

Rise to Greatness was now in the record books, and in Owen’s rear-view mirror. It seemed like since he had returned to the company, this was all he had built towards, and now he was looking forward to the new season with a lot of anticipation even if the events at Rise to Greatness hadn’t gone as well as he intended. He’d lost, and for that he was gutted, but in defeat he’d sent a message via one of the most technically proficient wrestlers in the world. That message being, that Owen wouldn’t just sit back and be pushed around by anyone and would walk into the hornet’s nest and play anyone at their own game, at any time. He wasn’t the United States Champion, a title he wasn’t finished chasing, not yet anyways, but even though he’d been defeated, his stock was still as high as it had ever been. This season would be his, armed with all the experience he had accumulated since he returned.

 

But right now, it was all about the break that followed the biggest show of the year, a chance for the entire roster to recharge, spend time with family and generally forget about wrestling even for just a little while. Although it wasn’t about letting yourself go, Owen had still found himself in the gym most days, he had found time to relax. But more importantly, with him came good news, good news he was currently telling his Mom Kloe.

 

Kloe: That’s amazing, I knew the two of you would work it out.

 

She throws her arms around Jennifer, who accepts the hug gratefully.

 

Jennifer: Glad you were certain; we weren’t so sure.

 

Owen: Yeah, I’m a lucky guy.

 

Owen turns to Jennifer and smiles, his now fiancée returning the favor.

 

Kloe: I hate to dampen the mood some, but how did your mom and dad take it Jennifer?

 

Jennifer: Through gritted teeth, I think. But they have accepted that Owen is the one I want to spend my life with, and they haven’t said that they won’t be at the wedding, so I guess that’s progress. Dad seems ok with it all, he gave his permission and everything, but you know how stubborn Mom can be?

 

Kloe: Yeah, Regan is indeed one in a million.

 

Jennifer: But she says she wants me to be happy, and Owen makes me happy so…

 

Owen: I just need to make sure I’m on my best behavior from here on in. I’ll grind her down eventually.

 

Jennifer: You won’t have to; she’ll see it eventually. It’s not like she’s always been the model human being or hasn’t made any mistakes. Deep down she knows that.

 

Owen: I have a lot to thank Rachel for that’s for sure.

 

Kloe: Rachel?

 

Owen: Tatum Lee… she spoke to Regan on my behalf. She’s one of the people other than Dave that Regan will listen to.

 

Kloe: Well, I for one am glad she did. I’ve always believed the two of you should be together. You’re made for each other just like Orlando and I were…

 

Kloe seems to check herself, realizing that she had mentioned his name, Owen picking up on it immediately.

 

Owen: Don’t worry Mom, I’m over that stuff now. Had a good long talk with myself and realized that he was only trying to do what was best for me. Still think you should have both told me, but I can see the reasons why. I’m not in the same place I was a year ago.

 

Kloe: Soooo, can we call you Owen Cruze again?

 

Owen laughs, Jennifer taking his hand.

 

Owen: I’ve always been a Cruze Mom, that never changed not really. How’s about we just call ‘Lee’ a stage name huh and leave it at that? Then in the future, who knows maybe I’ll be bigger than both Shaun and Orlando and I won’t consider myself forever in their shadow and won’t have this massive legacy to have to live up to every single day.

 

Jennifer: But I will be taking the Cruze name Kloe, don’t worry. Owen and I have already discussed that.

 

Kloe: Good, and I’m glad you’re back on track Owen, there were a lot of people worried about you. Me included.

 

Owen: I know Mom, and I’m sorry. But I’ve learned from it I promise, and I’ve grown up. I’ve no regrets going through all that because of where I am right now. Life’s amazing, and I wouldn’t have been able to say that only six months ago.

 

There was no doubt that before Daisy had taken him aside and away from the world, Owen had been hurtling towards and oblivion from which he may not have ever recovered. Even when she had intervened, it was by no means a certainty that he would come back to a place where he was stronger than he ever was before. He knew that he owed Daisy his life, and that was a debt that he would never be able to repay.

 

Kloe: So, when’s the wedding then? Give me some details.

 

Owen: Steady on, we’ve not had chance to come up for air yet. We’re still in the process of telling people.

 

Kloe: You must have a date in mind surely?

 

Jennifer: No, seriously we haven’t. We’re just processing it.

 

Kloe: But you’re going to have a massive wedding, right? You’re not one of these couples that wants a private affair with only a few people?

 

Owen: Now that, we can answer.

 

Jennifer: Since I was a little girl I’ve always dreamed of my perfect wedding. A white wedding of course, with a horse drawn carriage and all my family and friends joining in with the celebration in a huge house, a stately home or something like you see on Bridgeton.

 

Kloe: It sounds very grand. Love it.

 

Owen: She deserves it after all she’s been through. I feel like I owe her that.

 

Jennifer: Which I’ve told him he owes me nothing and he’s being an idiot… but I’ll take the wedding anyways.

 

Kloe and Jennifer both laugh, Owen rolling his eyes.

 

Owen: It wouldn’t have mattered either way, private or not. I would still have made it the most special day of our lives. I wasted a year by being a prick, and I’m not going to waste another single second.

 

Kloe: So whatever Jennifer wants, Jennifer gets?

 

Now it is Owen’s turn to laugh.

 

Owen: Pretty much. Yes.

 

Jennifer gives him a kiss on the cheek, linking arms with him.

 

Kloe: We should go out and celebrate, somewhere flash… my treat.

 

Owen: You don’t have to do that.

 

Kloe: No, I do, it’s not every day you’re eldest gets engaged, is it? And if you haven’t already, make sure you tell Ruby. She’s a nightmare for knowing everything going on, she’ll kick off if she’s kept in the dark in this one.

 

Jennifer: We can ask her to be a bridesmaid at the same time Owen

 

Owen: Now that sounds like a plan. OK, we can go celebrate Mom, and I’ll ring her up on facetime. But I’m telling you now, I’m going to find the most expensive place that’s open. Only the best for Jennifer remember…

 

Owen laughs, Kloe doing the same. It was clear that Kloe was on board, as would Taylor be. By the time this day was through, thoughts could legitimately turn to when.

 

6th August 2022 - New York City

 

Everyone was now informed of the engagement, and almost everyone had congratulated them. Owen had expected a little cynicism but in the main everyone was happy for them and wished them well. The one overriding question was when, and it was a question that neither could truthfully answer, and something that they hadn’t discussed. Jennifer had mentioned wanting a white wedding, and so therefore with that they would need the weather to be at the very least warm. Owen had first thought of December the 8th. The date of Orlando’s birthday. The reason he had thought of this date was due to his mental state changing with regards to the man he once again had no problems calling his father. With that change, he’d now inherited a certain amount of guilt over how he had treated Orlando and the family name. He wanted to pay back that disrespect, but he wasn’t sure if Jennifer would go for it, especially as it would be Winter, so he’d let it go, her happiness more important. Now however he had left Jennifer in Los Angeles. The two of them deciding that if Jennifer involved Regan in the wedding preparations early doors, she would be on board with this a lot more quickly. Owen however didn’t want the post Rise to Greatness break to go by without him checking in on the Gym, which he’d heard great things about but wanted to see for himself. As he steps into the gym he is immediately greeted with that familiar smell. The smell of desire, hard work and determination that he knew Jason King and Willow Wilkes were instilling in all the students. No sooner as he stepped into the premises does Finch, who Owen had put in charge of the gym, step up to him, a look of worry on his face.

 

Finch: You heard then?

 

Owen: Huh?

 

Owen was immediately confused, and more than a little concerned that something was wrong.

 

Finch: You here about Reed yeah?

 

Owen: No, I’m here because I’ve got some time off and I wanted to check in.

 

Finch: Oh, err, forget I said anything then.

 

Owen tilts his head to one side, almost admonishing his friend.

 

Owen: Finch, what’s going on?

 

Finch obviously doesn’t want to say but realizes that he doesn’t have any choice.

 

Owen: Finch?

 

Finch: OK, OK. We had a little issue between Reed and a couple of the students. Brothers took exception to Reed and were taking the piss out of him. Ended up coming to blows, no biggie though, it’s sorted now.

 

Owen: Shit.

 

Finch: Had a word with all three, reminded them of their responsibilities to this place and left it at that. It’s been all quiet since.

 

Owen: And is Reed ok?

 

Finch burst out laughing, which causes Owen to scowl.

 

Owen: Something funny?

 

Finch: Yeah, really funny actually.

 

Owen: OK I’m intrigued, how so?

 

Finch: Reed sparked the two of them out bro, Willow saw it all, Jason too… say they’ve never seen anything like it. The students never stood a chance.

 

Owen: I don’t understand.

 

Finch: Bro got some street fighting shit going on. Packs a real punch. You don’t believe me, speak to Jason or Willow, they’ll tell you. If you’re listening to me, I’d sign him up to the school and get him training. You could have a star on your hands.

 

Owen: Really?

 

Finch: Speak with the Kings bro, don’t take my word for it.

 

Owen: I’ll do that… any other news? Perhaps something a little positive perhaps.

 

Finch: We got six people off the streets now doing work around the place, got a couple of others we are expecting in over the next couple of days once their time at the hostel runs out. You’re doing good brother; you should be proud. We all should be.

 

Owen: Nice one…

 

Owen see’s Jason come from out of the washrooms, and so with a nod of thanks towards Finch, he makes his way over.

 

Owen: Jason…

 

Jason King turns and greets Owen with a fist bump that Owen reciprocates.

 

Jason: Hey boss, tough break at Rise to Greatness. Thought you had him.

 

Owen: Cheers man… well at least nothing did break and I’m still in one piece.

 

They both laugh, though Owen was only half-joking. Josh had no doubt wanted to finish Owen, but at least he’d not succeeded in that.

 

Jason: So, what’s next?

 

Owen: Who knows bro, that’s not up to me. But I learned a lot, and I hope I answered at least a few of Hudson’s doubts about me.

 

Jason: Sure, you did

 

Owen: Either way, tapping out at Rise to Greatness isn’t a good look. I’m not walking away now with that being my final act.

 

Jason nods, totally agreeing with Owen. It was a tough one to take no doubt, but this feeling he felt right now was one he would use in the future. Owen in this moment promises himself he would never feel this way again. He then moves to change the subject to what Finch had just told him.

 

Owen: I hear we had a little altercation the other day and you saw it all

 

Jason: Finch been flapping his gums again huh? We agreed to keep it under wraps, didn’t want to worry you.

 

Owen: I got what Finch says, thought I’d get it from the horse’s mouth so to speak.

 

Jason: Nothing much to say really. Willow and I were training a couple of the students, Zak, and Tyler, and they saw Reed carrying some of the laundry to the laundry room. Zak said something about washing his jock strap and Reed heard.

 

Owen: Never saw Reed as the violent type. But I guess he is from the streets.

 

Jason: This wasn’t a fit of rage, or the red mist coming down though. I don’t want you to think Reed lost it or anything. He just climbed in the ring, and I think he just wanted to have it out with them, talk it through. But then Tyler backed up Zak and the next thing both are flat out in the middle of the ring. They never knew what hit them. This is two of our best students and Reed sparked them out with what seemed like very little effort.

 

Owen doesn’t answer, the cogs in his brain already turning.

 

Jason: Something wrong bro… I mean if we didn’t handle it right tell me. I just thought having a word would be enough.

 

Owen: For sure mate, no issues there. It was just something Finch said.

 

Jason: Oh?

 

Owen: Finch reckons we should put him on a program, see what he can do.

 

Jason: To wrestle? He wouldn’t be able to afford the fees, would he?

 

Owen: My Dad used to give out a scholarship every year from ICON, maybe we could do the same. But do you think he could hack it?

 

Jason: Reed?

 

Owen: Yeah

 

Jason: I don’t know Owen. He’s got all the power in the world, but the punches, they came from a raw place, there was very little technique. A proper fully trained wrestler would have had no problem coming up with a counter… these are just kids.

 

Owen: Much like my dad when he started out hey?

 

Jason smirks, seeing where Owen was coming from.

 

Owen: And he turned out ok don’t you think?

 

Jason smirks some more, nodding his head in agreement.

 

Owen: Until Dad was trained by Desolation, power was all he had too, but he still managed to win a World Championship. Yes, he evolved, but he didn’t have the benefits that Reed has, living above a wrestling school. You say he never showed any anger?

 

Jason: None, he was perfectly calm. Calmer than I would have been that’s for sure.

 

Owen: So, he’s got the mentality, and he’s got the power… technique we can teach him… especially when he would have such good teachers as you and Willow.

 

Jason: You’re really going to do this aren’t you?

 

Owen: I met a guy like Reed in London, down on his luck and without a purpose. I gave that guy a purpose and in doing so he found he way back to his family and now he’s doing well for himself. Reed’s been treading water now for so long, I firmly believe all he needs is something to aim for. If you think you can teach him, I’m more than willing to cover the costs. Dude could be our first success story, and what a story that would be. It's all on you and Willow Jason, do you think you can do something with him?

 

At that point Willow walks up and joins her husband.

 

Willow: Did I hear my name mentioned?

 

Jason: Owen was asking if we think we can turn Reed into a wrestler?

 

Willow: Reed? The kid with the iron fists?

 

Jason: One and the same.

 

Willow: Anyone that can hit like that, and the individual stays hit… yeah, we can train him. I mean, me and Jason are like the best trainers ever and could train a lump of cheese to be World Champion…

 

Jason: That’s a slight exaggeration love.

 

Willow: I know, but you get my point. Has anyone asked him if he wants to train though? I mean, the business isn’t for everyone.

 

Jason: No, but we could ask him, he’s just over there.

 

Owen see’s Reed and shouts him over, Reed immediately looking sheepish. When he arrives, Owen is the first to talk.

 

Owen: I hear you’ve been beating up my students.

 

Reed: I’m so sorry… I didn’t let people talk to me like that on the streets, I guess it’s still engrained in me.

 

Owen holds up his hand.

 

Owen: Right now, it doesn’t matter. Never look back right, always about looking forwards. Right Jason?

 

Jason: For sure.

 

Owen: These two have made their fair share of mistakes, and yet here they are training the future generation. Things don’t always work out the way you thought they would.

 

Reed: It won’t happen again.

 

Owen: Maybe, maybe not, but right now that isn’t my concern. What I want to know is how you feel about putting that power to good use?

 

Reed: Do you need me to move some of the weights around?

 

Owen: No, I want to know how you’d feel about becoming a student, on a scholarship that I’d provide. At no cost to you. You’d train with the rest of the students and be treated the same. Only difference is you’d live on site.

 

Reed: I don’t know what to say… I’m not a wrestler.

 

Owen: No, but you’re a fighter… and so was my dad. So was Adam Lucas. Way I see it, you’re halfway there, and we can give you the rest. So, what do you say?

 

Reed: I’m…

 

Owen: I know, it’s a big deal I get that. Give it some thought, and if you decide to go for it, turn up for training on Monday morning, seven o’clock sharp. We can get him some spare kit can’t we Jason?

 

Jason: Sure thing boss.

 

Owen places a hand on Reed’s shoulder, looking him right in the eyes.

 

Owen: But please, no more beating up the students, ok? It’s not a good look for the school unless it’s in that ring.

 

Willow: Well, strictly it was in the ring.

 

Owen: You’re not helping Willow

 

They both laugh, Jason too.

 

Owen: Just no more throwing hands unless your training bro… agreed?

 

Reed: For sure… and thank you.

 

Owen: You’re welcome, now off you go, the lockers won’t clean themselves.

 

Reed nods and heads off in the direction of the locker rooms, Owen turning to Jason.

 

Owen: Do me a favor though you two. Keep an eye on Zak and Tyler, they won’t like this decision. Any problems you refer them to me, not Finch. OK?

 

Jason: Got it.

 

Owen: Cool, I’m going back to Miami tomorrow but if you need me…

 

Willow: We’ll call you.

 

Owen nods and looks back at Reed as he enters the locker rooms. Could he really do this? He didn’t know. What he did know is that Wolfe hadn’t taken that chance on Orlando, there would never have been an ICON, or perhaps even an Owen. It was a chance no doubt, but a chance worth taking.