Chris Lawler vs. Clyde Sutter

[Konrad Raab]

SCW Television Championship

2 RP Limit for singles

3500 Word Limit Per RP

Deadline: 11:59:59 PM ET Thursday, April 10, 2025 **NOTE DEADLINE**

[The Assassin]

1 of 2
=====

==========
April 3rd, 2025
Nashville, Tennessee
Off Camera
==========

It was as brutal as advertised, all three competitors upped their game and endured all the violence that was dished out. Yet at the end of the day the competitor who walked away victorious was none other than “The Assassin” Clyde Sutter. Some might have viewed this as perhaps an upset, considering Adam Brock’s history with ladder matches, Ryan Lecavalier’s dominance since her arrival in SCW, and Sutter’s massive size perhaps making him awkward around ladders. Yet Sutter overcame the odds and he climbed the figurative and literal ladder of success to become the new SCW Television Champion. This ongoing rivalry between himself, Brock, and Lecavalier has now ended with The Assassin claiming his first piece of championship gold in SCW and he could not be happier. Now the hard begins; Sutter is the workhorse champion, which means he must defend it each and every week on each and every edition of Breakdown. His first title defense comes up in one week in Newark, New Jersey against a Chris Lawler determined and desperate to gain some momentum, something he has not had since his return to SCW. Sutter can empathize to a degree. Sutter returned to SCW and was desperate to get some momentum behind him. But he refuses to let Lawler get momentum at his expense. Lawler will have to endure more disappointment, this time at the hands of The Assassin.

Lawler is next week’s worry, though. Tonight Clyde Sutter wants to take a brief moment to celebrate his accomplishment with the woman he did everything, all of this, for; his beloved girlfriend Melinda Braddock. As soon as Breakdown concluded, Sutter got changed into his street clothes; a dark gray shirt that clung to his chest and arms like a second skin, the sleeves pushed up to reveal powerful forearms veined like a roadmap. Faded jeans hung low on his hips, sturdy boots thudding against the wood floor with each step. Over it all was a weathered leather jacket, broken in and clearly well-loved, adding to the quiet menace of his presence. His black hair was tousled in a way that looked accidental, but probably wasn’t. He enters a famous Nashville hotspot known as Puckett’s. Next to him is his girlfriend, Melinda Braddock. Her dress was a soft green that flirted with her curves, modest but undeniably feminine, cinched at the waist with a thin belt. A short cream-colored cardigan rested on her shoulders, and her heels clicked smartly on the floorboards. The setting inside Puckett’s is dimly lit, with a warm, golden glow provided by strings of exposed hanging bulbs crisscrossing overhead. The light reflects off the wooden tables and gives the whole place a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

The restaurant is packed. Nearly every table is filled with patrons deep in conversation or enjoying their meals, drinks in hand. A few people have their heads turned toward the stage, listening to the music, while others are engaged in laughter, leaning in close to talk over the ambient noise. The walls are made of dark wooden planks and decorated with vintage signs, framed pictures, and a few quirky Southern-themed elements like tin signs and Americana paraphernalia. The bar is off to the right side, partially obscured, but there’s a sense of movement; servers weaving through the tables, a steady rhythm of clinking glasses, murmurs, and the distant hum of music blending seamlessly into the background.

“Puckett’s?” Melinda asks curiously. She looks up at Clyde, smiling. He nods his head. “Our celebration?”

“I read some good reviews about this place. It supposedly has good food and besides, why not take in some entertaining music while we celebrate OUR championship victory?”

“Your victory, babe.” Melinda grins.

“No, ours.” Clyde corrects her as he kisses her on her forehead. “Everything I do is for you, my love. This championship I won today…I won it for you. This championship is every bit yours as it is mine. Tonight, my love, is our celebration.”

“Sounds good to me.”

As they wove through the crowd toward their reserved table near the stage, a few patrons turned to look, some out of curiosity, some with quiet admiration. Clyde’s large hand rested gently at the small of Melinda’s back, protective but respectful. She smiled up at him with affection, the kind of smile that said she didn’t mind the attention. Let them look, it said. He’s mine. They slid into their seats just as the band began a slow, bluesy tune. Clyde sat with his back to the wall, instinctively choosing a spot where he could see the room, while Melinda folded her hands on the table and leaned in, already glowing in the warmth of the music.

“How does it feel?” Melinda asks. “You needed help to even get your foot in the door at SCW. My mother tried to keep you out. Your rage and anger gave her the ammunition to keep you out of this company for so long. But you conquered your flaws and imperfections, you made your way back to SCW, you conquered everyone in your path, and now you have your very first championship in SCW. How does it feel to shut everyone’s mouth? How does it feel to make everyone eat crow?”

“It has nothing to do with making my critics eat crow.” Sutter shakes his head. “This was about proving to the critics that there is more to me than just a mindless beast. This was about proving to your mother that I am worthy of you. Most of all, this championship is about you…” his voice trails off. Melinda tilts her head and furrows her brow curiously.

“Me?”

“Ever since I lost you…after our breakup…I was in an abyss. My life spiralled out of control. I thought I was done. But I was rescued from the abyss and given a new purpose and a new goal; to win you back, to earn your trust. I have achieved that. Ever since then my goal and purpose has been to dedicate everything to you…my life, my career, all of it devoted to you, in order to atone for my past sins and transgressions against you.”

“You don’t need to do that, Clyde.” She shakes her head. “You’ve done enough. You’ve earned my trust long ago, you’ve proven you loved me.”

“I do need to do it.” He gently takes her hand and kisses it. “This Television Championship that I won tonight, it is yours. It is every bit yours as it is mine. And I swear to you that I will fiercely defend it to ensure that no one takes it from you.”

Before Melinda can say anything more, a server…a young woman with long brown hair pulled into a ponytail…approaches their table. She has a pleasant smile on her face. “Welcome to Puckett’s! What can I get you two to drink?”

“A Guinness.” Sutter answers.

“Water for me, thanks.” Melinda says. The server nods and walks off to fill the order. Clyde looks over at Melinda curiously.

“You aren’t going to celebrate?”

“If by ‘celebrate’ you mean am I going to drink alcohol? No.” She winks playfully. “I’m gonna let you do all the celebrating for the both of us. You’ve earned it, babe. I’ll be the sober one this evening.”

“I think we both have earned the right to celebrate.” Clyde remarks with a rare smile on his face. “So much has gone our way recently, my love. We have earned this night.”

“Oh you’re right, so much has gone our way, especially tonight with how you won the championship. But that was just one bright spot and there are other darker clouds coming up on the horizon.”

“If you are referring to Mr. Lawler then you are worrying yourself needlessly.” Clyde scoffs, shaking his head as he discusses his first challenger. “Mr. Lawler has proven to be nothing more than a disheartened, easily shaken, legend with lots of doubts about his relevancy. Next week I prove that his doubts about his relevancy are correct when I end him and crush is championship hopes.”

“I’m not talking about Chris Lawler.” Melinda remarks. “I am talking about other things…like your sister and Mason working together.”

Immediately that rare smile on Sutter’s face disappears at the mere mention of his sister Lilith and her new business partner Mason Van Stanton. He feels his anger start to boil over but he quickly works to keep it under control. Tonight is a night of celebration and he refuses to let his sister or his former agent ruin it. He shakes his head.

“I don’t want to talk about them.”

“You may not want to talk about it but we probably should talk about it.” Melinda says. “Look, you’ve been spoiling me a lot these past few days…”

“I have been spoiling you ever since we got back together, my love. And you deserve every bit of it. You deserve to be treated like royalty…no, no, like a goddess.”

“Thanks, babe,” Melinda grins “but I think you and I both know that’s not what I’m talking about. Yes, you have been spoiling me ever since we got back together. But over the past few days? Ever since you learned Mason and Lilith were working together; you have been spoiling me even more than usual. Hell, you even wanted to go to formally relinquish the Television Title to me.”

“You deserve it.” Clyde remarks, smiling warmly.

“You know damn well CHBK wouldn’t allow it.” She shakes her head. “Besides YOU won the match. The title is YOURS. I think you’re spoiling me out of guilt.”

Before he can answer the server returns. She sets the bottle of Guinness in front Clyde and the glass of water in front of Melinda. She smiles warmly at the two. “So, do you know what you want to eat?”

“Give us a moment please.” Melinda says.

“Sure. No problem.”

The server walks away. Melinda then turns her attention back to Clyde and waits for him to speak. The Assassin sighs.

“You are wrong, my love. What do I have to feel guilty about?”

“Well maybe guilty is the wrong word…perhaps it should be fear?” Melinda asks. “You are angry, angry at your sister and angry at Mason and you are afraid of what that anger might cause you to do.” There is a long pause, some tension between the two. “Tell me I’m wrong, Clyde.”

“You…are right.” Clyde finally admits with a nod of his head. “A few days ago in Charlotte, when we learned that my sister and Mason were working together, you saw what happened. You saw what I did. But you had no idea how I felt.” The Assassin shakes his head. Despite his intimidating presence he appears to be somewhat frightened. “I felt an anger and rage that I had not felt in a very long time.” A tear forms in his eye. “The last time I felt that kind of rage was when we first dated and I lost control and I…I hurt you…”

“Oh…” Melinda realizes why Clyde was so reluctant to talk about this “...I see.”

“I am afraid of myself, Melinda. I am afraid because this is precisely what my sister wants. She wants to get me angry, she wants me to lose control and, for a brief moment in Charlotte, I did lose control. I nearly broke Mason in half. My sister wants my rage to take over because she knows if I lose control again then I lose you…I lose my mother…I lose every POSITIVE connection I have made, every single human connection that has helped me overcome my past, I will lose it all. I will be isolated and all I will have left is my sister to turn to.” He wipes the tear from his eyes. “This is what she wants. She wants me.”

“Well that bitch won’t get you.” Melinda says. “I won’t let her.”

“She’s stubborn, my love, and she won’t give up so easily. I thought I had gotten rid of her but I was wrong. She persists in trying to get me to lose control and if I do…” he fights back tears “...I just couldn’t live with myself if I hurt you again…”

“That won’t happen.” Melinda says insistently.

“That’s not all.” Clyde admits. “I am also depressed. I let my guard down and allowed myself to think that maybe Mason actually cared. Once again he lied to me, once again he manipulated me. He just used me.”

“I thought Lilith used him?” Melinda asks. “She paid his bills, got his agency back on its feet, all to get to you.”

“Van Stanton is a scum and a con artist.” Clyde snarls. “They all are. I cannot trust him. I can only truly trust you.”

“And your family…” Melinda says “...well, except your crazy sister. But you do have a family now, a REAL family. Not just me but the Braddock family that you are intertwined with thanks to me.”

“My sister says your mother and your family will never accept me due to my past.” Clyde says. “What if she is right?”

“She’s wrong. She’s dead wrong.” Melinda snaps back. “My mom is a lot of things, most of which I disagree with, but one thing she firmly believes in is second chances. She will give you another chance, and as a part of the family she will fiercely defend you. Trust me, the Braddock family has your back. And speaking of family, have you considered what the therapist suggested?”

“A father figure?” Clyde asks. Melinda nods her head. Sutter shrugs his shoulders. “Yes, perhaps a supportive father figure is what I need. I never had one growing up. But who?”

“You have options. My step-dad, Kurt, is a good guy. Of course you have the obvious choice of your mother’s husband Henry.”

“Henry Van Stanton?” Clyde arches his brow. He shakes his head. “I am not sure that would work.”

“I thought you two were on good terms?”

“We are on good terms, me and my mother are on good terms. Still, he is a Van Stanton, and he has shown similar personality traits as his brother Mason in the past. How can I be certain that I can trust him?”

“Henry has made his fair share of mistakes, I’ll grant you that much, but I think I can speak to his character at least a little bit.” Melinda says, grinning knowingly.

“Oh? How so?”

“Before you and I reconciled, I dated Henry’s son, Archie Van Stanton.” Melinda starts to get emotional as she returns back to that time, a happy time in her life but also a painful one when she and Archie were victims of a shooting. She survived but Archie did not. “The Van Stanton family and the Braddock family were like the the Capulets and Montagues, or the Hatfields and McCoys, our families hated each other and no one could really remember why. The idea of a Braddock dating a Van Stanton was unthinkable and, yes, members of both families tried to convince us to break up. But the first person to reach out with an olive branch and offer to make peace, to end this long and bitter family feud, was Henry.”

“Henry worked for peace?” Clyde seems genuinely surprised. Melinda nods her head.

“He valued his son’s happiness above all else.” Melinda sighs. “He was devastated when Archie was gunned down. And I…” tears form in her eyes “...I was left in a very dark place afterwards. I was nearly killed in the crossfire.”

“Was this some random act of violence?”

“Honestly I don’t know.” She shrugs her shoulders. “To this day no one really knows if it was random or if I was the target…or if Archie was the target…but none of that matters. What matters is that I did survive and that Henry was there to help me through it, as was you later on.” Melinda forces a smile on her face. “Henry is not the same person as his brother. You should at least consider giving him a chance.”

The Assassin leans back and sighs. He has always had a difficult time trusting people. One of the few people he believes he can firmly trust is Melinda Braddock. Now here she is insisting that he trust Henry Van Stanton, a man whom Clyde thought he could never trust. He has become friendlier with Henry, out of respect for the fact that Henry married Clyde’s mother Autumn. But can he really trust Henry? Melinda believes that he can. The Assassin has his doubts but he knows he should do something. Lilith Sutter, Clyde’s ruthless half-sister, seems insistent on trying to make him lose control, cause his rage to boil over to the point that he loses everything and everyone he loves. Clyde knows he needs some emotional support now more than ever. He may not trust Henry Van Stanton but Melinda does and he does trust Melinda. That is good enough for him.

“For you, my love, I will try…” he takes his bottle of Guinness gives a big swig. Melinda sighs with a hint of relief.

“That’s all I ask, babe.” She says. “Just try. And know that I will be with you no matter what. No one will tear us apart, especially not your deranged sister.”

[Chris Lawler]

Cracks in the Quiet

[Chris Lawler]

Peace Through the Ashes

[The Assassin]

2 of 2
======

==========
April 6th, 2025
Charlotte, NC
Off Camera
==========

This week Clyde Sutter is set to defend his newly won SCW Television Championship for the first time, and his first opponent will be Chris Lawler. Sutter sees the poetic irony in this match and truly feels that Fate itself has brought these two together. Both have had their fair share of ups and downs in SCW, despite one of them being an SCW veteran and the other being a relative newcomer. Both of them need to continue to gain momentum and that necessity makes them dangerous. The Assassin looks forward to this challenge, the first of what hopefully will be many challenges in the future, because Sutter does not want to lose this championship anytime soon. After all, he won it for his beloved. He won it for Melinda Braddock. He does not want to let her down. But before The Assassin makes the trip to Newark, New Jersey for Breakdown and his Television Title defense, he has one other very important challenge he feels that he must take care of first, and that brings him to Charlotte, North Carolina and the home of his mother, Autumn Van Stanton. The Assassin has never had much of a family life. He never knew his father except through wild stories and rumors of him and the crazy criminal acts he perpetrated. His mother, once infatuated with him, left his father and is responsible for Clyde escaping his father’s grip. It took a long time to find his mother, even longer to form a bond with her, but he is thankful that he does have her, at least one other person besides Melinda Braddock who he feels he can trust. But The Assassin has another family member that is causing problems; his sister, Lilith Sutter. She has seemingly followed in their father’s criminal footsteps and his hell bent on dragging Clyde with her. She wants to do this by manipulating him into losing control, losing his temper, and going on a full on rage. The Assassin knows full well what he is capable of when he loses control and it frightens him. He is afraid of losing everything he has worked hard to win back; his wrestling career and, more importantly, Melinda Braddock. Sutter’s therapist, however, suggests that he might need a father figure in his life in order to keep his anger and rage issues at bay. Melinda agrees and, for her sake, Clyde is willing to give it a shot. This is what brings Sutter here to Charlotte…hoping that Autumn’s husband, Henry, could potentially fill that role. He is married to Clyde’s mother, after all. The only problem for Sutter is that he has had a bad experience with the Van Stanton family, specifically Henry’s brother Mason Van Stanton, the crooked con artist who once served as his agent.

Clyde Sutter approaches the front door of the Van Stanton modern two story home in a quaint, friendly neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Assassin is dressed in a rugged, form-fitting ensemble that emphasizes his muscular physique. He wears a tight black tank top that clings to his broad chest and well-defined arms, showcasing his tattoos and heavily built upper body. His arms rest confidently on his hips, further highlighting his strength and assertive posture. He pairs the tank top with light blue, slim-fit jeans that hug his legs, tapering down toward his boots and enhancing the impression of a solid, powerful frame. His long hair is slicked back, and he sports dark sunglasses along with a prominent mustache, giving him a tough, no-nonsense look that suggests he’s ready for confrontation or action at any moment. But the only confrontation he is concerned with at the moment is the one he is about to have with Henry Van Stanton. Sutter pauses for a moment before finally knocking. He waits for what feels like an eternity to him but, in reality, is only just a few moments. He can hear shuffling from inside. He braces himself as he hears the door unlocking. The door opens up and who he is isn’t who he expected. He expected Henry. Clyde sees Autumn Van Stanton standing there before him; Clyde’s mother.

“Clyde?” Autumn says, confused at first but her look of confusion quickly gives way to a very bright and cheerful smile. She leans in and gives him a big hug. “I thought you would be in New Jersey! Don’t you have a match?”

“Against Mr. Lawler, yes.” Clyde nods his head. Love and affection are not exactly his strong suit but he does return the hug. “I will be traveling to New Jersey shortly, mother. But I wanted to stop by here first.”

“It is a surprise but I am never going to turn down time with my son.” Autumn says as she leads Clyde inside. “Come in.” They step inside and Autumn shuts the door behind her. “You know you are always welcome here. You could have called.”

“I know.” He smirks. “But I wanted to make sure Henry would be here.”

“Henry?” Autumn furrows her brow out of confusion. “What do you want to see him for?”

“Call it personal reasons.” Sutter remarks stoically. “Is he here?”

“Uh, yes, he’s downstairs in the basement working out.” She points down the hall. “Do you remember where it is?”

“I do.”

With that, Sutter strides through the hall of the Van Stanton home, his heavy boots thudding against the polished hardwood floor with each step. The hallway is bright, lit by recessed lighting and framed by clean white walls and minimalist décor, but Clyde cuts a stark contrast. He can feel his mother’s eyes on him, watching him closely. Clyde and Henry are on better, friendlier terms but even Autumn knows that Clyde isn’t fully ready to trust him just yet. She isn’t sure what this is about. Clyde alone knows and even he questions the logic behind this. He is doing this because his therapist, and his girlfriend, tell him its a good idea.

Reaching the staircase, he descends into the basement with the same steady, deliberate gait. The basement opens into a private workout area that’s all grit and discipline; concrete floors, exposed brick walls, and a wide array of weights, racks, and punching bags. A faint smell of iron and sweat lingers in the air. He notices a man wearing a white t-shirt and navy blue workout shorts attacking the punching bag ruthlessly.

“Henry…” Clyde calls out. This briefly startles Van Stanton. He turns to face Clyde and, much like Autumn, he is surprised to see The Assassin has stopped in for a visit.

“Oh…Clyde…” he chuckles softly, with a hint of nervousness contained in the laughter “...I wasn’t expecting you.”

“That was the idea.” Clyde remarks. “If I had announced my intention to stop in for a visit, I imagine you would have found a reason not to be here.”

“Now that’s not true.” Henry remarks as he walks over to a nearby bench and picks up a towel to wipe the sweat from his face. Sutter chuckles.

“Henry, I know that you and I are on more…positive terms now. But we can be on an even more positive level of understanding if we are honest with one another. So tell me, you would have tried to avoid me, wouldn’t you?”

“You do have a reputation, Clyde.” Henry points out.

“That’s fair.” The Assassin nods his head. “That reputation is one I am working on repairing.”

“Good on you. But just because you have a bad reputation doesn’t mean I will avoid you. I can have some reservations about you but that doesn’t mean I will avoid you.”

“Also fair.”

Henry tosses the towel to the side. He sits down on the bench and motions for Clyde to come over and sit down next to him. The Assassin walks over and sits down next to Van Stanton that same bench. Henry sighs deeply.

“I am also not ignorant.”

“I never said you were.” Sutter remarks.

“What I mean is that I know why you are here.” Henry states. “You’re here because of Mason.”

“So you heard?”

“I promise I had no idea he was working with your sister.” Henry shrugs his shoulders. “Unfortunately it doesn’t surprise me. Mason is not exactly good people. I apologize.”

“You have no need to apologize.” Clyde shakes his head. “You are not your brother’s keeper.”

“I’m almost afraid to ask but…do you plan to retaliate?”

“No, that pat of my life is long gone. I am a firm believer in second chances, especially now that I have received a second chance of my own…a second chance at a wrestling career, a second chance with Melinda, a second chance to be accepted by her family…” his voice trails off as he looks deep into Henry’s eyes “...and maybe even be accepted into my mother’s family.”

The meaning behind Sutter’s words begin to sink into Henry Van Stanton and his eyes grow wide with shock and surprise. This was definitely not what he was expecting. He takes some time to compose himself.

“What are you saying?”

“For a long time I had a problem with the Van Stanton family but it was my fault. I judged all of you based on my experience with Mason. But you are not your brother. You are a good man who has treated my mother well.”

“Well I…uh…” Henry is still surprised he is hearing this from Sutter “...I appreciate you saying those kind words.”

“I mean every word. My mother, even though I have not known her long, is special to me. You are her husband which makes you like a father figure to me,” those words, the same words the therapist used, are still difficult for Clyde “even though you are not my blood.”

“Sometimes our blood relatives are not always the best of people.” Henry says quietly. Clyde nods his head in agreement.

“I understand that now more than ever before. I already knew my father was an awful human being with how he treated people, how he used them and abused them. And now my own sister is proving that she isn’t much better than he was even though she has the gall to claim that she is.” The Assassin shakes his head to compose himself again. He turns to look back into the eyes of Van Stanton. “I wouldn’t…object to you filling that void.”

“Clyde…” Henry grins “...say no more. You are always welcome in this house and under this roof.”

Clyde Sutter accepts Henry’s extended hand. The handshake is symbolic of a new bond between these two. The Assassin still has his doubt but this was a positive step forward. He also has to acknowledge that this is necessary. Henry is married to Clyde’s mother, he will have to have some sort of relationship with Henry Van Stanton. And then there is always the looming threat of Lilith Sutter, Clyde’s sister who seems determined to tear him away from his support system, to isolate him so that she can have The Assassin all to herself. Having Henry Van Stanton as part of his support system will, hopefully, provide more protection against Lilith’s conniving plans.

==========
April 10th, 2025
Newark, New Jersey
On Camera
==========

The camera begins to roll. We open outside in Newark, New Jersey, the city that will play host to SCW Breakdown. Immediately we are met by the imposing and intimidating figure of “The Assassin” Clyde Sutter and his lovely girlfriend Melinda Braddock. Clyde stands confidently on the left, wearing a rugged black leather jacket that features red diamond patterns on the right sleeve, adding a touch of flair and menace. Underneath, he sports a white shirt that adds contrast to the dark outerwear, and he completes his look with dark pants and black boots. His long black hair flows freely to past the shoulders. His posture and smirk give him the air of someone who thrives on intensity and control. Beside him is his striking girlfriend, Melinda Braddock, exuding fierce glamour. She wears a black, high-shine latex bodysuit that hugs her form and emphasizes her commanding presence. The outfit features structured shoulder straps and garter-style attachments that run down her thighs, adding a provocative edge. Draped over her shoulders is a luxurious, bold red fur coat that flows dramatically, enhancing her aura of power and decadence. She is carrying the SCW Television Championship title belt.

“It’s funny, isn’t it? We told the entire world that Fate had destined for this to happen. Adam Brock laughed at us for being delusional. Ryan Lecavalier thought we were insane. CHBK even thought he was being sneaky and smart by putting obstacles in the way of fate, and obstacle in the form of a ladder match, hoping it would stop Clyde from achieving fate.” Melinda Braddock pats the Television Title belt that she proudly carries. “Yet here we stand with the championship in our possession. Adam Brock is no longer laughing. Ryan Lecavalier? She is probably laid up next to Brock in that same hospital bed my man Clyde put them both. And CHBK has egg on his face. He booked this match, he put both Brock AND Lecavalier in this situation. He should have known that Fate had plans for the SCW Television Title, he should have known that nothing he could do could stop Fate. His futile attempt to put an obstacle, the physical obstacle of a ladder, in the way of Clyde Sutter and the Television Title only served to damage two SCW stars while my man Clyde…” she gazes lovingly up at him and then turns back to face the camera, smirking “...Clyde ascended to greatness. It could have been easier, CHBK. Had you just given Clyde the one on one rematch he deserved, Brock and Ryan wouldn’t have been left in ruin and you wouldn’t have been humiliated. Yet you had to try and fight Fate. Now here we are.”

“We do not choose our fate, we can only choose if we accept it. Fate will take us where it will, whether we will it or not.” Clyde Sutter chuckles knowingly. “It was FATE that Ms. Lecavalier would lose the championship to me. Mr. Brock thought he could change his Fate but he learned the hard way that no one, and I mean NO ONE, can fight Fate. You can accept Fate, move along with Fate, or you will be dragged kicking and screaming into the grand design. Fate’s will be done. Mr. Brock and Ms. Lecavalier both learned that lesson last week. Fate had destined me to be Television Champion and now it has come to pass. Now Fate has gifted Mr. Lawler with what he perceives an opportunity to regain relevance by taking this championship away from us.” The Assassin shakes his head.

“Make no mistake about it, Mr. Lawler, I take pride in my work. And contrary to your views of me, my work has absolutely nothing to do with bragging rights or fame. I care not for those materialistic things. Do I want to be ‘the man’? No, that matters not to me. I am but merely an Assassin, enforcing the will of Fate. Fate has rewarded me for my work by giving me this Television Championship. And you speak of legacy, Mr. Lawler? You do not control your legacy, I do not control my legacy. Fate is in control of legacy. Those who accept this will have an easier, smoother, and more successful path simply by being on the right side of history, FATE’S side. But you, like so many others in Supreme Championship Wrestling, falsely believe that you can control your Fate. You believe that you can fight and claw your way through this cutthroat industry and change your legacy to fit your image. Mr. Brock thought like you did. Ms. Lecavalier thought like you did. Both are finished. Both are done for. Both fell at my feet.” He sneers nastily.

“You are no different from them. You have fooled yourself into believing in the false narrative that you can control your fate. But unlike the others you seem more fired up and determined than the rest to change your fate. I can hear it in your voice, I can hear the determination in your voice. You want to turn your career around and give your peers, your friends, your family something to be proud of. You want to be proud of what you have accomplished. Unfortunately, Mr. Lawler, Fate has other plans for you. I am not sure if you have been paying attention to your own career since returning to SCW, but I have and I have observed how it has been nothing but ups and downs, a roller coaster ride of a few small highs and many…oh so many…dips, with no climax.” Sutter snickers. Melinda grins and lets out a laugh.

“You have yet to reach that height you speak of, the championship victory, and yet you believe that your salvation will come in Newark, New Jersey at my expense? You believe that finally, after such a long suffering disappointment of a second SCW run, that you can win gold and that is to be your ‘great achievement’...”

“It’s sad, really.” Melinda says, shaking her head. “He has achieved so much in SCW. But now he is settling for the Television Title? He demeans my man’s achievement, speaks as if Clyde has done next to nothing of note, and yet you speak as if beating him will be your great comeback moment, your retribution, your Rise To Greatness moment.” Melinda laughs nastily.

“Listen to me and listen good, Mr. Lawler. I do know about loss and heartache. This isn’t my first run in SCW, either. I nearly squandered my career and my familial relationships due to mistakes I have made. But Fate led me to salvation. Fate rescued me from obscurity. Fate gave me the strength to fight back and get to where I am today…a champion in Supreme Championship Wrestling. You want to paint a picture of us being different but we are a lot more alike than you would ever want to believe. What does make us different is that I have accepted the fact that Fate is in control of my career and I know that Fate is on my side. But you, like so many others, believe that you control your own destiny, you control your own fate, that you control the direction of your own career. That kind of belief gives you false hope and that false hope leads to more disappointment and more regret. On Breakdown you will bring your false hope to the ring and I will throw it back at your face as I end your pathetic dreams. When you recover, when you wake up, will you be forced to bathe in your disappointment and regret. You will be forced to go back to the drawing board and try to figure out what went wrong…” The Assassin shakes his head “...I am telling you right now that your problem is that Fate is not on your side and that your Fate is sealed.”

Melinda Braddock kisses Sutter. The Assassin then takes her arm and walks with her, arm in arm, off screen as the camera fades to black.