Ryan LeCavalier vs. Shaun Cruze

[Kemal Yilmaz]

2 RP Limit for singles

3500 Word Per RP

Deadline: 11:59:59 pm ET Tuesday, February 3, 2026**

[Shaun2025]

PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA

(Shaun must confess to being more than a little nervous as he drives up to what recently was the house he shared with his wife Angyalka. It had been a few weeks since he had seen her, the same as Dorothea, and not being sure of what reaction he was going to get was certainly stirring butterflies. Angyalka’s text had been short, stern even but there was hope as there didn’t seem any malice. Shaun knew that ultimately the only way he was going to get through this was by falling on his sword. All these things meant that intermingled with nerves was the feeling of fear. Fear of what Angyalka was going to say. He doesn’t get chance to knock at the door as it opens as he sets foot on the step, swinging open as Dorothea runs towards him.)

Dorothea: DDDDADDDDDY!!!!!

(She runs into his arms, totally oblivious to the situation. Shaun doing all he can to not catch Angyalka’s gaze. If he had, he would have known it was more of a glare, only softening for a moment as she sees her daughter’s reaction.)

Angyalka: You’d better come in.

(There it was, the malice he had feared more than anything else, intermingled with her beautiful Hungarian accent that got to him every single time. Only now does he look at her and he sees it, the hate in her eyes after what he had done to her. The door shutting behind him heightens his senses, like a fly trapped inside a spider’s web. That’s how he felt right now, trapped inside his own house. Dorothea hugging him helped, but he knew eventually he would have to let go. He didn’t know that the separation would come so soon as the Housekeeper and Nanny, Nancy appeared, her arms held out.)

Nancy: Let me take her Shaun…

(Even Nancy’s tone was off, and it was obvious Angyalka had shared all the gory details. He couldn’t fault her for that. Dorothea doesn’t want to part and does indeed protest, pacified by a juice box and the promise that she would be able to spend time with him once Mummy and Daddy had spoken. As they leave the hallway. He finds himself alone with her, not sure what would happen next.)

Angyalka: I think the Living room would be best… I’ll be a moment.

(She walks off in the direction of the kitchen, and Shaun makes his way into the living room, taking a seat in what was his chair. A chair that he and Angyalka had snuggled up in many of an evening. He looks up at the mantelpiece, immediately realizing that any pictures of him had been removed, recognizing straight away why this room had been chosen. Designed to hurt him, perhaps. But even now Shaun didn’t want to believe that. If that was true, then it seems Angyalka had made her mind up, but until she said the words, he still had hope. She walks in, a couple of glasses in her hands, making her way over to the drinks cabinet.)

Angyalka: Jack?

(Shaun nods, happy to receive a drink from her, perhaps there was hope. Unless she intended to throw it at him. Thankfully she doesn’t, and instead passes him the glass cordially, before taking a seat on the sofa. Shaun doesn’t speak, knowing that Angyalka had to be the one who drove the conversation. He owed her at the very least that. Finally, after sipping her drink she speaks.)

Angyalka: I’m sorry that I haven’t been in touch sooner.

Shaun: You don’t have to apologize

Angyalka: No, I kept you away from Dorothea and that was spiteful. No matter what was going on with us, it was wrong of me to keep her from you.

Shaun: It’s ok… honestly.

Angyalka: You’ve got to understand Shaun, you hurt me. I never thought in a million years you would do this to me. I never thought you would stray and choose another woman over me… over your family. But then, the explanation you gave… when you said that family wasn’t enough…

Shaun: That came out…

Angyalka: Let me speak Shaun.

(Shaun lowers his head like a scolded child and does what he is told.)

Angyalka: To be told that you are not enough for a person… how do you think that made me feel? Yeah, like shit. Never mind me though, to say Dorothea wasn’t enough as well… we’d spoken of having more children. Was that just something you thought I wanted to hear? Did you never have any intention?

(Angyalka was asking a lot of questions, but Shaun knew that she wasn’t really interested in listening to the answers. And even if she did want to listen, the truth was Shaun wouldn’t be able to fully explain any of his actions. Worst still, he didn’t want to take them back either, because the way he had been feeling for a while, there was an inevitability that this was always going to happen. It seemed like the Cruze DNA ran deep. Orlando being the same as him. Owen had spoken many times about Orlando not being there in the early years, a father in name only. Ironically, Owen had admitted Shaun had been more of a Father than Orlando ever was. The difference was, Owen was never really his responsibility and Dorothea was in full. That responsibility, that fear had been the precursor to everything.)

Angyalka: I had to get away, out of the country and back with my mother and father. I knew they would have the right words, but do you know what they told me?

(Shaun only shakes his head.)

Angyalka: They told me that all marriages need work, and that both parties need to want to be in that partnership to make it work. So that’s why I asked you to come here Shaun. I’m not interested in what you have done, or the mistakes you have made. I don’t want to hurt you just for spite. I want to ask you one question, and one question alone. Do you want to be in this partnership… do you want to make this work?

(It was a question he had asked himself hundreds of times over the past few weeks. What did he want? He obviously got bored, he’d strayed looking for something else, could he promise himself that he wouldn’t do it again. If Sarah hadn’t kicked him to the curb so quickly, would that have ended even when they were found out? He didn’t have the answers to those questions, just like he didn’t have the answer to Angyalka’s question right now in full. His hesitation hadn’t helped matters, her ire obviously rising. He knew he had to at least say something or risk an escalation he didn’t want.)

Shaun: I don’t know Angyalka.

(The look in her eyes tells him she needs more… much more.)

Shaun: Angy, I love you. I love you with all my heart. I’m still thankful that you were the one on social media who accepted my invitation to Kelcey’s Halloween party, because in that moment you changed my life forever. The support you have given me throughout our marriage, I’m ashamed that I have thrown it back in my face. Any my daughter… you could both never not be enough, and I’m so sorry it came across that way. I love you both, more than I could ever love myself…”

Angyalka: But?

(He lowers his head again, knowing he was now backed into the corner he had feared. When all his failings as a person, as a husband were going to be laid bare. The truth was the only thing he had… but the truth could be about to put the final nail in the coffin that is their marriage.)

Shaun: If we worked on this, and you forgave me. If we played happy families despite everything… I cannot promise I wouldn’t do the exact same thing again. That my weakness wouldn’t lead me down the exact same path. I want to work on it Angy, I really do, but I don’t want to let you down again even more.

(He’d not come to this meeting expecting it to go this way. He had expected Angyalka to shout at him, throw a few things at him and then throw him out the house, but she hadn’t raised her voice not once. That was what he had wanted, her anger, and he was realizing that now. Because he hadn’t got it, it was exposing him for who he was. Weak, feeble, and a cheater just like his brother.)

Angyalka: So, what are you saying Shaun?

Shaun: You’re amazing Angyalka, you really are. If this gets out, I can imagine that man around the world would say I’ve got a screw loose or something. But I can’t give you what I thought I could. A loving father and husband who will stay true for the rest of his life. I thought I could… but talking to you now, and you openly asking me the question I can’t. It’s not me…

Angyalka: Don’t you dare say it’s not me it’s you or so help me.

Shaun: OK, I won’t. But you are not the problem, and not the reason I did what I did. But if I can’t promise you what you deserve then…

Angyalka: What’s the point?

Shaun: I wouldn’t put it so bluntly but yeah. I don’t want to hurt you Angyalka, and I don’t want to hurt Dorothea. But I will… it might be months, years, but I know I will. It’s who I am.

(Feelings laid bare, Shaun takes a long sip of his drink, his eyes now never leaving Angyalka’s. A sudden tear travels down her cheek which she quickly wipes away, the two of them knowing they had reached an impasse. Neither of them had believed this was the way it was going to go, Angyalka resolving while she was in Hungary that Shaun could be forgiven for his mistakes, and Shaun expecting to fall on his sword. Angyalka hadn’t forgiven him, but she could, Shaun however was speaking that forgiveness wasn’t what he wanted, leaving Angyalka with a further question, perhaps the most consequential of them all.)

Angyalka: So… it’s over.

(The words resonate in the air, Shaun closing his eyes and taking the deepest of breaths.)

Shaun: For yours and Dorothea’s sake… yes. You don’t need this hurt Angyalka, you’re better than that. I think calling it quits is the best thing for you both.

(Angyalka hesitates. It didn’t feel like it was the best thing. She was a fighter and had come into this wanting to fight for their marriage. But hearing Shaun speak so candidly, laying out how he was feeling, she knew that there was no way she could ever trust him again. And to her, that trust was essential.)

Angyalka: I guess there is nothing more to say then. Where will you go?

Shaun: I don’t know, I’ve not really given it any thought.

Angyalka: You’re welcome to stay in the Summer House until you get sorted.

Shaun: No… I don’t think so

(Seeing her every day would hurt too much.)

Shaun: I’m staying in a hotel for now… I’ll look for somewhere more permanent in the morning.

(He gets to his feet, Angyalka does the same. For a moment it seems like they may hug, but even that is too much for Shaun to bear, Angyalka breaking the tension called.)

Angyalka: Do you want to spend time with Dorothea… I’m sure she’d love that.

Shaun: Can I?

Angyalka: Of course… you know where her room is

(He nods.)

Shaun: Thank you Angyalka, for everything. And if ever you need me…

Angyalka: Yes, I know.

(Shaun turns, squeezing his eyelids together to stop the tears forming, not wanting her to see, even though she knew. He makes his way up the stairs, stopping at the door before stepping in, Dorothea playing with one of her plush doggy toys. Dorothea sees him and hugs him again, passing Shaun the dog.)

Shaun: Who’s this guy?

Dorothea: Woofles.

Shaun: Woofles huh, cool name.

Dorothea: When are you coming home Daddy?

Shaun: Huh?

Dorothea: When are you coming home… Mommy is always sad?

Shaun: It’s…

Dorothea: Please Daddy… I miss you.

(It all becomes too much, Shaun almost breaking down in front of Dorothea but getting to his feet, making his way down the stairs and out the door. Angyalka shouts after him, and hears Dorothea crying at the top of the stairs. She runs to her, holding her in her arms.)

Dorothea: Why… is Daddy cross with me Mommy?

Angyalka: He’s not Baby… I promise he’s not.

THAT EVENING – OFF CAMERA

(He knew it wasn’t the best place for him. He knew that in the morning he would be full of regret. But right now, the only thing he wanted to do was get drunk and forget about how much of a failure he was. He hated himself for loving Angyalka so much yet not being able to be the man that she needed. And it felt like it was killing him inside. Not to mention Dorothea, who no matter how young she was, was obviously being affected by this, her words cutting through him far more than any SCW superstar had managed. Thus, Shaun was at his lowest ebb, and drink was the only solution… through he knew he was being a fool. He’d taken a booth to remain inconspicuous. The last thing he wanted was conversation right now. He’d been out of wrestling now for a while, and films were nothing more than a distant memory, and yet there were still those that recognized him. He catches the gaze of a particular man, and quickly looks away, cursing himself for noticing too late, the man stumbling his way across, Shaun cradling his whiskey glass for the comfort he was going to need.)

Man: These booths are for more than one person…

(‘Great’ Shaun mutters to himself, another drunk with a case of morality.)

Shaun: Yeah, well the place isn’t exactly packed, is it?

(The guy looked around, the bar wasn’t dead, but there were more than enough places to sit.)

Man: That’s not the point… me and my fellas want to sit together.

Shaun: OK fine… I’ll move.

(Shaun gets to his feet, the man’s eyes widening.)

Man: Hold on… you’re that actor, wrestler… let me think. Cruze, Orlando Cruze yeah?

Shaun: Close bro… very close.

Man: No, Shaun Cruze, that’s you. You were in that Battlefield: Earth film. It sucked.

Shaun: Thanks for the review, but if you don’t mind, I’ll get out your hair.

Man: Nah man, take a seat. Fellas come and meet a proper celebrity.

(Shaun sighs but didn’t have the strength to argue. And anyway, the company may just keep himself from drinking all the way to oblivion. The rest of his friends amble over, four of them in total, Shaun finding himself trapped in the booth with his new friends. Who don’t seem anywhere near as interested in him as the original man who holds out his hand.)

Man: The names Frank… this is Jake, Spence, Willy and Dave.

Shaun: I’m Shaun…

Man: We know who you are… can I buy you a drink?

Shaun: Nah, I’m good thanks

Man: Suit yourself… so what’s a celebrity like you doing drinking alone. Haven’t you got some kind of fancy party to attend?

Shaun: You’d be surprised.

Frank: So, tell me… for reals. Is wrestling fake?

(Frank’s friends laugh at him, obviously having made their own minds up.)

Frank: Come on guys… I’ve seen the blood

Willy: They have blades in their costumes… isn’t that right Shaun? And little capsules of blood that burst on impact. It’s not real.

Frank: I know that… but getting hit with a chair, that’s going to hurt right Shaun?

Shaun: Yeah…

(The one-word answer doesn’t seem to satisfy him.)

Frank: But you can fight yeah?

(Part of him wanted to mention his MMA background, what he was doing before Orlando brought him to the bright lights of America. Yes, Shaun could fight, but he certainly didn’t want to antagonize the situation any further.)

Shaun: I suppose.

Willy: Bet he can’t. I bet if you swung for him Frank, you could knock him out.

(Willy nudges his friends, the comment obviously being a wind up, but Frank was too drunk to realize.)

Frank: Yeah, I reckon I could you know. What do you reckon Shaun, you think you could take me?

(Shaun puffs out his cheeks, knowing exactly where this was going. And a bar room brawl wasn’t on his hymn sheet for tonight.)

Shaun: Nah, I reckon you’d have me Frank

(To start with, Frank seems smug with this answer, taking it at face value. But when his friends start sniggering, he reacts in what to Shaun was a predictable manner.)

Frank: Are you making fun of me Shaun? Here we are, having a nice little chat, offering to buy you a drink and being all civil like, and you decide to take the piss in front of my friends.

Shaun: I wasn’t making fun of Frank. Look, how’s about I buy you a drink? In fact, how’s about I buy you all a drink and then I’ll be on my way.

Frank: No… how’s about we both go outside and I show you what happens to anyone who takes the piss out of Frank Newman.

(His friends are laughing hysterically now, and this just serves to make the situation even worse. Shaun can see him getting increasingly wound up as time goes on.)

Shaun: You don’t want to do that Frank… let’s just all calm down. Stop laughing at him please fellas and I’ll get you whatever you want… drinks for the rest of the night if it helps.

Jake: Don’t tell us to calm down

Shaun: Look…

Frank: No, you look. Outside. NOW.

(All the men get to there feet and gather in front of the table, Shaun remaining seated. One of them makes a grab for Shaun’s arm but he shrugs it off. This seems to frustrate them still further, and the rest of the bar are now looking, realizing what is going on.)

Frank: Only one way out of this Shaun…

???: No… no there isn’t.

(All eyes turn, including Shaun’s, to the woman who is stood behind them, telephone in her hand.)

???: I got 911 ready to go… and I reckon you don’t need to be arrested again Frank.

Frank: Lucy… this guy disrespected me

Lucy: No Frank, he was having a quiet drink until you came along. Now I suggest you all run along and leave him alone.

(For a moment, there is a tense stare down, until finally Frank relents.)

Frank: Whatever, it’s a shitty bar anyway

Lucy: In that case, you won’t care if I bar you indefinitely then, will you?

(Franks friends groan, one of them punching him on the arm in annoyance. They all trudge out, Frank however turning back to Shaun)

Frank: Watch your back

Shaun: I make sure to do that

(They leave, Lucy now turning to Shaun.)

Lucy: Sorry about that, what can I get you? On the house.

Shaun: You run this place?

Lucy: No, I own it. Another whiskey?

Shaun: Err sure… one more won’t hurt.

Lucy: Yeah, give them time to calm down. They are probably waiting for you outside.

Shaun: I’m not worried about them

Lucy: Maybe not… but you’re not the one who would have to scrub their blood off the pavement. Names Lucy…

Shaun: And I’m…

Lucy: Shaun Cruze, I know who you are handsome. How’s about I get you that drink?

Shaun: OK

(Lucy heads off towards the bar, Shaun catching himself watching her go. She was an attractive woman, early thirties, any man would be lucky to be with her. As he even thinks that he curses himself, getting to his feet, walking to the door and stepping out into the cold air, making sure Frank and his friends weren’t around. Only a couple of hours his marriage had disintegrated, and already he was thinking with his dick.)

Shaun: What the hell is wrong with me?

(He trudges off into the night and towards his hotel as the scene fades)

[Shaun2025]

PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA

(No family, no business and no identity, Shaun had found himself lurching from one city to the next, trying to make sense of everything. Of course, he was more than aware that there wasn’t any sense to be made, and that his whole situation was one of his own doings, but right now he wasn’t willing to admit that. His family had been torn apart by his infidelity. He had sold a thriving business because ironically, he had wanted to spend more time with a family he had now decided he didn’t want. And his careers, all of them, were non-existent. And thus, he had nothing to throw himself into. So, as with his brother before him, each day consisted of him trying to get through it by means of a bottle. So, when he received the text from his Lawyer, he knew exactly why he wanted to see him, this had only made him feel even worse. So, even though the appointment was at eleven o’clock in the morning, his breath already smelt of the same familiar scent of Jack Daniels. Thankfully there was distance enough from him and the receptionist, but that didn’t stop her from occasionally casting him a glance. What was once have been a smart suit, Shaun’s choice of attire today was a grubby tee-shirt, tracksuit bottoms and trainers.)

Receptionist: Mr. Cruze?

Shaun: Yeah, that’s me

Receptionist: Mr. Quinn will see you now

(Shaun gets to his feet and makes for the door, forgetting his manners and just walking in. The man who we can assume is Mr. Quinn offers his hand which Shaun takes, before taking a seat.)

Mr. Quinn: Wow, you don’t look great Shaun.

Shaun: Not the first to say that, Andrew.

(Much like the private investigator, Andrew Quinn has been a Lawyer Shaun had inherited from Orlando. Truth was, he’d not had need to use him much over the years, certainly not as much as Chris, but had always kept him on a retainer which Quinn was happy to accept.)

Mr. Quinn: I’m sorry to hear about you and Angyalka. I thought the two of you were made for each other.

Shaun: No need to say sorry Andrew… all my fault. And yeah… my guess is Angyalka felt the same.

(There was no mocking as he said that. He knew how Angyalka had felt about him, all the way up to finding out about his infidelity. Even now, if Shaun promised to change, he was almost certain she would take him back and at least try. But he couldn’t do that to her, he just couldn’t. He had hurt her and Dorothea too much already. It was about the kindest thing he had done of late, letting them go.)

Mr. Quinn: So, I’m guessing you are wondering why I called you here?

Shaun: Angyalka filed for divorce?

Mr. Quinn: Well, yes… she has. You don’t seem surprised.

(Shaun chuckles to himself. He wasn’t surprised, not in the slightest. She was a strong woman, and Shaun having laid it out bare could only have brought out a singular response. He’d made it clear, so now she was pushing for the break, and Shaun didn’t blame her. He deserved to suffer; in the same vein he had made her. This was his penance for his actions, actions that even though he hated himself for hurting her, he still couldn’t bring himself to regret.)

Shaun: Look mate, I don’t want to negotiate a good deal for me or any of that bullshit. Tell me what she wants, and I’ll sign off on it, as long as she’s not stopping me from seeing Dorothea.

Mr. Quinn: No, she specifically states that the two of you are to have joint custody of Dorothea. For her, that is non-negotiable.

Shaun: Then that’s fine… do you need to draw up documents or something for me to sign?

Mr. Quinn: For my own piece of mind Shaun, I need you to know what she is asking for before you sign. But yes, the documents are ready.

Shaun: OK, if it makes you feel better. Before you do though, do you have anything stronger than water?

(He didn’t want to add to Shaun’s condition, but he had been a client for a long time and had given him a lot of money to simply be on hand. He pulls a bottle of scotch out of the cabinet and passes Shaun a glass.)

Mr. Quinn: Ready?

(Shaun holds up a single finger while he pours a double, maybe triple measure into the class. Replacing the lid, he lowers his finger.)

Mr. Quinn: Angyalka would like the marital home deeds changed so that they are just in her name, giving her and Dorothea security.

(Shaun had bought that house with his own money but didn’t care.)

Shaun: OK, next.

Mr. Quinn: She wants to keep the beach house in Florida, as well as the Range Rover and the Porsche. You keep your Motorbikes, and the Nissan Skyline.

Shaun: Golden…

Mr. Quinn: Her final demand is that you both keep the monies in your own accounts, however the joint account is shared 50 / 50.

Shaun: Nah, amend that…

(Quinn smiles, happy to see he would have at least a little negotiation to do. He liked to earn his money after all.)

Shaun: …she can keep the lot

Mr. Quinn: What?

Shaun: Her and Dorothea need it more than I do

Mr. Quinn: But Shaun, that’s millions of…

Shaun: I know what it is Andrew. But I can’t make this right, so at least I can keep them both secure. Is that it?

Mr. Quinn: A few trickets…

Shaun: She can have them… I’ll take what is mine, and mine solely. Nothing more. Can you get that in the documents?

Mr. Quinn: Of course, if you are sure.

Shaun: Great… ping them over to me once done and she’s signed them and I’ll get them back to you.

(Shaun gets to his feet.)

Mr. Quinn: Shaun, you are ok right?

(Shaun chuckles again and turns his gaze to the skyline and the city below.)

Shaun: I’ll be alright mate… just make sure she is taken care of yeah?

Mr. Quinn: Of course…

(Shaun forces a smile, but then heads to the door without another word, only nodding towards the receptionist as he leaves. He’d finally done right by Angyalka and made sure she and Dorothea would always be OK. They would never want for anything again. But Shaun would always know, she would deny it all if she could have him back. But now, that could never happen.)

ON CAMERA
RECORDING…

“Do you know, I had to smile when I stepped down that ramp at Fatal Fortunes, knowing who my opponent would be. I mean, I’ve never been a believer in luck and to be honest in recent years I’ve not had a great deal, but that night, I must have been one of the unluckiest sons of a bitches alive. I mean, I could have got anyone, literally anyone. I could have gotten a title shot or tagged with someone I’d never met. But nooo… I had to draw an absolute legend, and the currently Number One Contender to the World title. And not only that, I faced someone who my win / loss record against isn’t really one to be admired. But do you know something, I couldn’t be happier with my opponent, because not only did it demonstrate that I can still hang with the very best in this company even after years away from the ring. It also showed that every single one of those fans that were in attendance never forgot my name. Taking Syren to her limits like I did, shows that I’m not just here to pick up a paycheck, and rise the ranks of the back of my name. It shows that I’m not in the twilight of my career or taking the spot of a younger wrestler. It showed that no matter how good I was when I became World Champion many moons ago, I have so much in my locker to be able to be even better than I was then. That’s something that certain individuals need to recognize. And they need to recognize it very quickly. I knew that once Sutter started flapping his gums, there would be others that follow. These bodyguards following me, it’s not helping, it an hinderance. There is no surprise to me that people are claiming I’m getting preferential treatment. But, to me it’s nothing more than white noise. What matters is what happens within those strands and well the bell rings. There is no one helping me out inside that ring. I’ve had people throw allegations at me my entire career, this really isn’t anything new to me. All it does is cause people to be distracted from the true threat. And that threat certainly isn’t going to come from those limpets that follow me around.

So yeah, although I fully expected it from Clyde Sutter, imagine my surprise when Ryan Lecavalier stepped up to me and took the same tact. The same Ryan in fact that up and left for many moons and thought it apt that she should converse with me with regards to her ‘apprehension’, and my reason for being back in Supreme Championship Wrestling. As I said, I’ve been out the loop for a while, and didn’t really watch a lot of wrestling while I was away other than a few occasions when I watched Adam Lucas in Elite Answers Wrestling. No disrespect, but Ryan was lucky that I even knew who she was. And I’m not trying to get a rise out of her by saying that I don’t mean you are angry Ryan or lose your shit. You’ll find, that’s not the way I do things, I tend to respect all my opponents. But come on, let’s be straight with each other right off the bat. If it had been anyone else, anyone, that those bodyguards had been following, they wouldn’t have heard a single peep. No, the only reason you and Sutter take this tact is the only reason you both are in this company in the first place. To make a name. And regardless of how long I have been away, no matter that the likes of CID, Glory Braddock, James Evans and so many more still rule this roost, you thought you could make a name off the guy just coming back. The guy who must have some kind of ring rust to still work off. A win over that guy, well it could propel you to the places you believe you belong of right. The thing is Ryan, just like Sutter found out, I am not normal, never have been. My name came because I was related to the Icon, and yet I emerged from the shadow, and I achieved much more than he ever did. Of course, it will be a few matches before I find my full rhythm, I can’t deny that, but you are talking to the man who came back after two years out and nearly won Taking Hold of the Flame. I know that hasn’t registered with you yet, just like it hadn’t Sutter, because if it had, you’d know I don’t need someone to hold my hand. I can just rock up, and kick your pretty head off your shoulders, because that is what I have done my entire career. I say I was unlucky at Fatal Fortunes… the same could be said for you at ‘A Taste of things to Come’. Rather an apt name for an event when I can truly show the world, I am back by not just having to deal with an egotistical clown like Clyde Sutter. By dealing with someone who calls herself a Monarch. By beating someone with claims to being a Sovereign. By being able to step back into these hallowed halls and take down someone who many believed was the ‘Star of Tomorrow’ and former Television Champion. Well, that sounds to me like an opportunity. An opportunity to show all watching at that marquee event that it’s foolish to focus on the bodyguards, or how I arrive at shows and who with. Focus on me… and only me. Or fall by the wayside, as the reevaluation of Shaun Cruze continues.”

(He pauses momentarily to gather his thoughts. He then continues in the exact same confident tone.)

“I’m going to ask you a question now, and I’d like you to be honest with me. I’ve been clear with you, spoken of my situation and my dislikes about it so now be clear with me. Like I said, I didn’t know a lot about you when you stepped up to me on Breakdown, but I promise you that I’ve gotten all I need to know right now. How is someone like yourself, who is prone to taking risks, or indeed losing focus, going to defeat someone who is known for only needing one opportunity to finish the match. You know me, of course you do. You know my style, my strengths, and yes, my weaknesses. But literally, the one thing you cannot do when facing any of the Cruze boys, Orlando before he died, and my nephew Owen who is a lot better at the retirement lark. You cannot, EVER lose your focus. Now I get it, your style is very high risk, high reward… Owen takes the same tact. You’re a charismatic technical competitor who pleased the crowd with your skillset. But I am going to irritate you, Ryan. And I sure as hell am going to frustrate you when you can’t catch me in your web. I’ve seen the archives… it doesn’t take a lot does it, and then BAM. You find out why I am called the ‘Impact Player’. I’ll control matches, but I don’t need to. All I need is for you to go to the wall once and mess it up and it’s over. I don’t give second chances. I’m going to make a prediction now, and it might come across as cocky but just bear with. I can guarantee you’ve never faced someone like me. A true Hybrid of our industry. Someone that cannot be compartmentalized into a singular box. The website calls me a technician, a submissions expert, and yet I am far, FAR more than that. I’m a Cruze, and that deserves respect. You showed me none. Now, you’ve got to come to the ring, knowing that whatever you do, you are going to let yourself down at the most critical of times. Anger doesn’t belong in this company, Ryan. The angry, very rarely succeed, look at Konrad Raab. The calculated, almost boring… they thrive. Why? Because they very rarely make mistakes.

I’ll accept, during your little hiatus, maybe you have got a handle on this lack of focus, but have you made a total turn from what you once were. OK, you don’t lose your focus, but you start to showboat, so I take your head off your shoulders. I mean, I’m not a powerhouse, but I’m certainly strong, so it looks like I’m going to slow you down. Predictability… wow Ryan, what is it you do well? Ah yes, you fly with the greatest of ease, and your technical skills are unmatched. Really? You thrill the audience… well that doesn’t win matches. And are you versatile? No Ryan, you’re good at suplexes… there is a difference. Tell me, what good is any of that if you are losing your shit? Those aerial moves hit only mat. I can’t believe your technical skills are matched. And if Showmanship was a true attribute, well that idiot that used to dress like Deadpool would have been a shoo-in for World Champion. None of this is telling me that you have what it takes to beat me.

And that sounds a little dismissive, doesn’t it?

Thing is Ryan, like I said, I AM different. I don’t judge my opponent by a website, and instead, I watch hours of footage. I don’t allow other people’s opinions to sway me like you did Sutters, I take it in for myself and draw my own conclusions. You want to know what they are? You, Ryan, will be a heck of a tough nut to crack, and even harder to catch. This is the perfect situation for me after facing someone like Syren, having to face someone who wants to make their way in this company and will have unlimited hunger and desire to use me to make that point. If everything I have said thus far gave you a sense of security, or a belief that I was looking past you to the next competition… think again love. Think again. You are not the only one looking to make it in this company or climbing the ladder. You are not the only one looking to make their mark. OK, I’m Shaun Cruze, and that means something to the stats guys. OK, I’m won most of what there is to win, in multiple federations around the world. You beat me, your name is going to be on everyone’s lips, and of course that’s what you want. But it’s the same for me Ryan… come Breakdown, I need it to be me that has put on a show, because if I lose to you, then what right do I have at become World Champion yet again? Yes, you want to climb that hypothetical ladder, and I get that. But THIS is everything I have. It’s all that I have. And YOU are not going to be the one to take it from me.

So, I want you to do me one more favor. If my words mean nothing to you, you’ve not been listening or you don’t care. I have literally no problem with that. If you truly believe I’m being favored after everything I have taken the time to say to you, then that’s ok too. If, you’re walking into this match with this washed out SCW competitor, and you believe your victory is guaranteed, then you do you sweetheart, because it is none of my concern. What I do want you to pay attention to, is what happened when ‘You know my name’ hits over the speaker system, and I step out onto that ramp. At that point, one of two things is going to happen. Either you will soil yourself in front of the eyes of the world and we are going to need a clean-up on aisle one. Or alternatively you are going to have an epiphany. In that moment, as I confidently stride down to that ramp, with the fans chanting my name, you are going to realize why, rightly or wrong, the CEO of this company feels he needs to protect his investment. I don’t need protection, far from it. I’ve stepped into the ring with individuals bigger and badder than most in this company. And then when that bell rings, you’ll receive the second epiphany of three, that being that regardless of my time out, the Impact Player is back, and better than ever. Then, all that will be left is epiphany number three… the kicker. And this one isn’t about me, it’s about you. You are going to come to realize exactly what it is going to take to make good on those lofty claims of being the star of tomorrow. You’re going to understand how being the Television champion is nothing more than baby steps. You don’t want to hear this, of course you don’t. It’s never nice to hear your situation laid bare, I should know that more than anyone. THIS is who I am Ryan. THIS and what I do here and now shapes my future. THIS is where I belong.”

(He nods towards the camera.)

“And no one is taking this away from me again. NO ONE.”

(The scene slowly fades.)