The air felt different in England. The Roulette Champion’s plane had landed in London a day ago, and Eddie along with Coach Kaiser had been taking in some sights and enjoying their time in The Queens Country. He had never been to the UK before. SCW was allowing him to see the world, he got to see Mexico, China, Rome and now got to spend time in the UK.

The two had found a quaint little diner and ordered the same thing. Fish and Chips. As they enjoyed their lunch, it was also time for business.

“So, Serena Riot, that’s our girl.” said Coach Kaiser, “What do we know about her?”

“Not much” said Eddie as he swallowed a bite of deep fried deliciousness, “Introduced myself on Twitter…X….whatever, anyway she said she was ready to “get after it.”. I guess she runs a company called FCW as well. She's second generation like me. Haven’t heard much of her other than that. I guess it really remains to be seen.”

“I guess so.” replied Coach Kaiser, “And Coredlia Clarke. I guess she was a big deal in the old SCU. May have to do some research into her there. As for you, I mean you really should probably just focus on Justin Smith."

“Who I’ve beaten time and time again.” said Eddie. “It feels a bit arrogant to say it, but I’m really not concerned about Justin at all. I have his number and he knows it. This one will really come down to the ladies, and I just hope Serena is able to keep up on her end of the bargain and isn’t too focused on running her own company. Maybe I can get us past Justin but I can’t carry this tournament on my own.”

“You have your Roulette Championship too.” Kaiser reminded Eddie.

“Exactly. I have a pretty full plate this summer, so I’m really gonna need my teammate on this one.” said Eddie.

“Damn I wish it was Kallie Reznik.” said Kaiser, “I know Aaron and I would have the two of you dominating every team in that bitch.. But alas, the cards did not fall that way. Still, maybe this Serena Riot will pull her weight and help get us to the finals.”

“Maybe, either way my plan is to just do what I always do. Put up the best fight I can and show why I am the SCW Roulette Champion and one of SCW’s fastest rising stars.” said Eddie

“Of course.” said Coach Kaiser, as he munched on some fri…chips, “That’s all anyone can ask. I know you’ll give it all you can.”

“It’s what we do at The Lyons Den.” said Eddie, “We give it our all, show no surrender. Like Cobra Kai, but not assholes.”

“So Eagle Fang?” Kaiser smirked.

“Nerd. But yeah that works.” said Eddie with an eyeroll.

“Hey, you brought up Cobra Kai.” replied Coach Kaiser

“Fair.” Eddie nodded.

“Anyway, where’s our waiter?” asked Kaiser, “We need more vinegar.”

“I’ll flag them down if i see them.” said Eddie

The two continued their chatter, eventually finding their waiter so Coach Kaiser could have his extra vinegar. They both knew it was going to be a hell of a summer for Eddie Lyons as they approached Eddie’s first full year in the company. Already a champion, he still had nowhere to go but up.

__________

The Tower of London looms behind Eddie Lyons as the cameras open. He observes the scenery around him with an air of calmness and confidence, after a few moments he turns his attention to the cameras.

“Gonna be a helluva tour.” said Eddie Lyons, Roulette Championship displayed proudly on his shoulder, “This will be a first for me you know. My first tag team match, so I get to learn a new aspect of our business over this tour as well. I get to see how Eddie Lyons performs as a tag team wrestler. After all I do want to win every championship I can in this company, so I’ll need to find a partner at some point to achieve that goal.”

Eddie sighs, with a confident smile.

“That’s something you’ll learn about me Serena.” he said, “I always have goals for myself. I had a goal to win this Roulette Championship, and I did it.  I beat the best Roulette Champion this company had to do it. Now I intend to prove myself as a champion. If I win this tournament, I have a chance to become a double champion. For someone just under a year into their SCW career I’d say I’m doing pretty well for myself.”

Eddie shrugs.

“But pleased to meet you Serena, I’m Eddie.” he continued, “I know we linked up on X. But we haven’t really gotten to know each other. I know you run your own company and have heard positive things about you. I hope they’re true, because I want to win this. Ask anyone in SCW about Eddie Lyons and they’ll tell you that you drew maybe not the best, but you drew a pretty damn good card. I may not be the best, but I desire to be. You’ll hear about my drive, and how I always pick myself up from a loss and look to be better. I EARNED the respect of Peter Vaughn by getting back on my feet each and EVERY time I was knocked down. Maybe I lack in personality, but I assure you I make up for it in that ring because its all I know. It’s all I’ve ever known as a second generation superstar. That ring is my life, and I give it  my all when I’m in there. If you can bring the same energy as I intend to, we’ll be a shoe-in for the finals. But if you don’t want to hear it from me, ask one half of our opponents Justin Smith what he thinks of me.”

Eddie gives a confident, and slightly cocky smirk at the camera.

“How we doing Justin?” grinned Eddie, “What excuse will you make this time? I’m honestly running out of words to say about you. I’ve defeated you what, three or four times now? Each time we face off, you seem to change nothing and learn nothing. So you end up losing, time and time again. Why would this time be any different? I hate sounding cocky but I mean it’s sort of hard not to be when you keep beating the same person who never learns form their mistakes. I’m not perfect either Justin but I do what I can to learn from my losses and my mistakes, and you know what it made me? A CHAMPION.”

Eddie motions at the SCW Roulette Championship on his shoulder.

“But you know that don’t you Justin?” Eddie continued, “You are one of the men I had to beat to earn this championship.  But hey, perhaps your partner can pull it off for you. I don’t know much about this Cordelia Clark. I’m told she was  breakout star in the old SCU, but I haven’t done much research on what SCU was even all about. I suppose she’s more of my partners problem to handle but I feel I should address her as she is still considered my opponent.”

Eddie takes another short pause.

“What I can tell you Cordelia, is you are going to really need to step it up.” Eddie said, “Because your partner just doesn’t have what it takes to stand up to me, he hasn’t beaten me yet and nothing will change this time, unless you manage to defeat my partner. But I’d be careful because while I don’t know much about Serena Riot, apparently she is “that bitch.”. I have a good friend named Cleo who feels she is ‘that bitch” so I know what it means when you call yourself that. If Serena really is “that bitch” as she claims to be, then your chances of beating us are slim to none.”

Eddie keeps his usual confident gaze on the cameras

“Serena, just know that I have your back throughout all this.” Eddie continued, “Everyone around SCW knows I consider myself an honorable man.I hold honor and respect in high regard. We have been selected to be a team. That means we’re in this together. Your fight is my fight, and we are one. We got some good teams mixed up in this, Calaway and Raven, Melissa and Aiden. Bobbie and Peter could surprise. But you know what I think? I think Eddie Lyons and Serena Riot just might be the darkhorse team to win it all. I say we make a statement in the first round. Let’s go out there and show why Eddie Lyons and Serena Riot are going to win the whole fucking thing. Lets get it.”


Eddie smirks confidently,and adjusts his championship.

“Whatever happens, I can promise it’s going to be one helluva summer for Eddie Lyons” he continued, “Win or lose this tournament, I’ll still get to call myself a champion. But like those who faced me before know, it won’t be such an easy road. If Justin doesn’t step his game up, you’re going to lose this match Cordelia. It really is that simple. Maybe you can wake him up or something, I don’t know. He’s not my responsibility, he’s my opponent. One that as stated, I’ve beaten time and time again. I know little about Serena true, but I’m getting vibes we’ll be alright. I’m not even worried about her criminal record. I know she was charged with arson, and did some time. That doesn’t bother me. My best friend Cleo Phillips did time too, mostly armed robbery and things like that. I’ve heard her stories of things she had to do to survive on the inside, and even when she ran the streets on the outside. It makes you tough and it gives you a different sor of grit. The fact she’s also second generation like myself means she knows the business inside and out. The other teams better be cautious because even though we haven’t been formally introduced yet, on paper we have all the makings of a team that can win this whole thing if we put the effort into it. I know I will, and I hope you will too Serena. In the end, that’s all I ask if you try.  If you don’t try and you don’t turn up and ghost on me, that is something that will upset me but I’ll likely not be able to do much about it other than just continue on in SCW as it’s Roulette Champion. Whatever happens just know Eddie Lyons will always continue on, with HONOR BEFORE GLORY.[/color]

When Eddie Lyons walked into the Lyons Den holding the Roulette Championship he was met with a rousing applause from the other students. Cleo Phillips was at the forefront with a big smile on her face, showing how proud she was of her friend and colleague.

It was a great feeling, like all his hard work had paid off. He never took any shortcuts, and always found a way to bounce back even when faced with defeat. He was just as proud of himself as his colleagues were of him.

A new chapter had begun in the career of “Unbreakable” Eddie Lyons, one of a champion. A champion that is ready for all comers knowing he didn’t fight this hard to become champion just to let it be taken from him so easily. He had proved he can win a championship, now it was time to become a champion.

“Yo, look at the shine on that. SCW spares no expense I see” said Cleo, looking over Eddie’s championship.

“It still doesn’t feel real.” said Eddie,looking at his championship, “I keep thinking I’m gonna wake up and find out Vaughn knocked me senseless again.”

“Well, I know I ain’t sleep.” said Cleo, “So this ain’t no dream. You earned that. You outsmarted both guys, and took home the gold.”

“Oh I know.” said Eddie, “I knew Peter Vaughn was going to get a little too caught up in teaching Justin Smith a lesson. He simply forgot to think that the other man in the match had learned those lessons and was ready to graduate. And he did.”

“Yeah I feel it.” nodded Cleo, “Felt like a dream when I defeated Alexandra Calaway to become the PWS World Champion. You know the road only gets tougher from here.”

“I’m ready. I came this far, and I won’t be stopped anytime soon.” Eddie said, “I achieved my goal of becoming a champion in SCW. My next goal is to do whatever I can to hold this longer than Peter Vaughn did.”

“That’s a tall order.” said Cleo.

“I know, but you gotta set goals for yourself, and I intend to reach for the sky.” said Eddie

“Absolutely.” agreed Cleo as her eye shifted past Eddie, “Heads up, here come your cousins.”

Eddie exhaled, and turned to be greeted by his three cousins, led by Victoria Lyons and clapping their hands Somehow their clapping didn’t feel as welcome as everyone else's did.

“Well well well, you actually did it.”  said Victoria.”Gotta say, I’m impressed.You finally did something right. Of course Vincent or Alex would have defeated Peter on the first try, but hey good on you, huh?”

“Victoria, why don’t you get your hater ass out of here before I…” Cleo started, before Eddie stopped her.

“It’s okay, I got this.” he told her, before turning back to Victoria, “She’s just worried I’ll be a better champion than her.”

Victoria scowled, and her eyebrows furrowed.

“Scowl at me all you want, it’s the truth.” Eddie continued, “Vincent, he was a champion way back in HWL, and he fought and defended it. Alex fought and defended the PWS tag titles.  I take nothing away from them. But you? You held a stupid emblem in a company that you knew was never going anywhere. Then you won the PWE Victory championship, but never defended it.”

“That wasn’t my fault.” Victoria protested. “They closed the company before I got a chance. Technically I’m STILL the PWE Victory champion.”

“Yeah, well tell it to Aaron then.” said Eddie, “See how she feels about that. Point is, at least the two of them next to you have proved themselves as champions. You’ve proven nothing. Nothing except your ability to brainwash and exert control over others. You are the unproven one in this family, and that’s why you keep those two around you. Because you want to take credit for whatever success comes their way in the future, since you really can’t find it properly on your own.”

“Oh snap!” said Cleo

“So it’s like that?” Victoria taunted, “I try to be nice. But I guess that championship has already made you arrogant.”

“Think whatever you want Victoria.” said Eddie, "But this is my time right now and you won’t ruin it. Like it or not, you’re just going to have to stick to being background characters in MY story. C’mon Cleo, let’s find Coach and get the hell out of here.”

Not waiting for a reply, Eddie walked away from Victoria and her boys, Cleo followed shortly after making sure to smirk at Victoria as she passed her knowing the Lioness of the Lyons family was more roar than bite.
__________


The cameras open on a closeup of the Roulette Championship, as we hear the voice of Eddie Lyons.

“Take a good luck Justin, because this is the closest you’ll ever get to this championship.” said Eddie, as the cameras pulled out, revealing the champ in full form, out in front of his family owned training school, The Lyons Den.


“Do you truly think you can actually take this from me?” asked Eddie, it was of course rhetorical,“No. You can’t and you won’t. I’m not so arrogant as to say nobody ever will because everything comes to an end sometime, just ask Peter Vaughn. However, the person who does take this from me won’t ever be YOU.”

Eddies eyes tell the world how serious he is. He doesn’t see Justin Smith as a threat, given his success over him in their previous two encounters.

“Why would it be you?” said Eddie, “You couldn’t beat me on your own once already, you couldn’t get the job done when Peter was also in the mix, and you won’t get it done for the third time either. Eddie Lyons is getting the three-peat on Justin Smith, and there is nothing he can do about it.”

He looks at the championship on his shoulder, a symbol of everything he’s worked for since he arrived in Sin City.

“So what are you gonna tell me this time Justin?” Eddie asked, again rhetorical. “Is it gonna be different? You gonna make me the shortest reigning champion ever? Gonna inflict pain and punishment upon me? Show no mercy? I mean that’s what you told me the last two times we met. Yet now, I stand here as the NEW Roulette champion. As the man who ended the arguably the greatest reign of all time. And you? You’re just the guy who can’t seem to beat anybody. A guy who barely beat The Troll. Justin, it’s really you who needs to be concerned about what I might have to do to you.”

Eddie smirks with confidence

“Because, I don’t care who you are.” said Eddie, “If you’re my opponent then I’m going to give you everything I can. I don’t care if it’s Justin Smith, Peter Vaughn, Alexander Raven, J2H or even the World Champion Finn Whelan. Whomever it may be, will get Eddie Lyons giving you the best he can possibly give you.”

Eddie exhales, taking a moment before he continues.

“You still need a huge wakeup call Justin.” Eddie continued, “You’re so delusional, it’s almost kind of sad. There is a reason I’m a champion and you’re not. Because you show no growth, and give minimal effort. I may have some off weeks, all of us do. But I always try to give something. You just make the same idle threats each and every time we see you. No growth, nothing.”

Eddie shakes his head, showing his disappointment.

“I don’t agree with all of his tactics, but I have a ton of respect for Peter Vaughn.” said Eddie, “And I need to honor his reign by making sure I step up and be a proper champion. Losing this championship so quickly, especially to the likes of you, would be disrespectful to everything Peter did for this championship.”

He makes a motion, and pats the Roulette Championship.

“So go ahead, bring all the pain and punishment you can Justin.” said Eddie, “Because I’ve felt it all before and came out on top twice. Doing it a third time is going to be a walk in the park. Prove me wrong if you can Justin. But something tells me you won’t. All you’re going to be is the first victim in the reign of Eddie Lyons. The reign of honor, before glory.”

Eddie raise the championship high above his head, and glares daggers into the camera, as it fades to black.

__________

Being a champion is a lot of work. Eddie Lyons was ready for whomever came his way. Not letting the new target on his back get to him, he in fact welcomed it as he welcomed all competition. But being a champion isn’t just about competition and Eddie had to start getting used to the other part of being a champion.

Promotional work.

That’s how he found himself as a guest on a podcast, to discuss all things Eddie Lyons and SCW. He brought Coach Kaiser along, since Kaiser had done plenty of this sort of thing in his day.

Once everyone had their headsets and mics on, ready checked and raring to go the host began his intro.

“Hello and welcome again to Top Rope Throwdown. I’m your host Jordan McCrady and I’m here today with SCW’s newest champion No I’m not talking about Finn Whelan, I’m talking about “Unbreakable” Eddie Lyons. Welcome to the show Eddie.”  began Jordan the host.

“Thank you Jordan. Happy to be here” said Eddie.

“Of course, Coach Kaiser is here as well.” said Jordan, “How are you doing?”

“I’m doing great. I’m real proud of Eddie.” said Coach Kaiser, “I’m just here for some moral support. This is Eddies interview.”

“Of course” said Jordan, “So Eddie. “You won the first championship of your career at My Bloody Valentine.Must be quite the feeling.”

“It is.” said Eddie, “I still think it’s a dream sometimes, but it’s not. Eddie Lyons is the new SCW Roulette Champion and I’m ready to prove myself at the next level.”

“Of course.” said Jordan, “So, what I’ve been told from some of the listeners in preparation for having you on the show is they want to know more about you. It’s known how much you respect the business and how much competition means to you, but not a lot is known about the man himself. What sort of things do you do for fun? Any TV shows you enjoy? Music?”

“Well, truth be told. Wrestling is in my blood.” said Eddie, “It’s always been my main focus. But I did enjoy Breaking Bad, and saw a couple seasons of Game of Thrones before I sort of fell off. Heard it ended bad, so I really never tried watching again. As far as music. I mostly listen to older rock music, and some I guess they call it conscious rap.”

“Any favorite artists?” asked Jordan

“Well, I chose NF as my theme song, I think Nate is a great artist and very well written. His song Clouds I feel fits me perfectly and it helps pump me up when it plays on my way to the ring.” Eddie replied.

“Let’s talk about SCW. So we’re on the road to Blaze of Glory XII.” said Jordan, “Any idea who you might be defending against? Or maybe who you might want to?”

“Well, I don’t know who I’ll be facing there yet, and if I did I wouldn’t say until it became public knowledge.” replied Eddie, “It doesn’t matter to me who it is.  Maybe get my win back against Barnhart or Mercer. I’m sure SCW has someone lined up for me but we’ll have to wait to find out who.”

“Fair enough.” said Jordan,”Is there anything you can tell us about your personal life? Is there a lady in your life?”

“Not at the moment no.” said Eddie, “Like I mentioned I’m pretty career focused so I’m not looking to get into any relationships or anything. Right now I just want to focus on being the best champion I can be. A relationship would only get in the way and complicate things. One day I’ll find a Miss Lyons, but now isn’t that time.”

“Absolutely, it’s not a good idea to rush things.” Jordan agreed.

“I can attest to that.” Coach Kaiser chimed in, “Had my share of bad relationships because I rushed into them. One in particular was really awful and corrupted me into a horrible person.”

“Wasn’t her name Kat?” asked Jordan.

“Yeah, but she’s a ghost now. Haven't heard from her in years.” said Coach Kaiser.

“Perhaps for the best.” Jordan went on, “So Eddie, in closing is there anything you want to say to your fans?”

“I just want to thank them for sticking with me.” said Eddie, “Always believing in me. Their support helped give me the motivation I needed to become Roulette Champion. Now it’s time for me to be the best champion I can be. That means taking on all comers and never backing down from anyon. Peter Vaughn never ran, and neither will I. I will live and die on my sword but I won’t run. Anybody who underestimates me will find out why I was the one that was able to dethrone Peter Vaughn when nobody else could.”

“Very good” said Jordan, “I’m afraid that’s all the time we have. We have a few more guests to get to. I’d like to thank Eddie Lyons and Coach Kaiser for stopping by today, and best of luck to you in your SCW future Eddie.”

“Thanks Jordan.” Eddie replied, “Everyone out there, be sure to order Blaze of Glory in a few weeks, and tune into Climax Control every Sunday.”

“Thanks again Eddie.” said Jordan.

As the interview ends, a musical jingle plays and the host prepares for his next guest as Eddie and Coach Kaiser head out to prepare for Eddie’s first title defense against Justin Smith.

Eddie Lyons entered 2024 with a new attitude. Three major PPV losses have caused  some cracks to form in the Unbreakable one. Eddie has shown frustration with his Lyons Den comrades, Coach Kaiser and even himself. He’s made it known that 2024 will be the Year Of The Lyon and he will be more aggressive and dangerous than what we saw in 2023. He promises to become a champion before the years end, all while keeping true to himself, and his mantra of honor before glory.
[/i]

__________


The Colorado air was crisp and cool but Eddie liked it that way, it felt more relaxing and helped to calm him down. He thought about his actions the past few weeks. Dodging phone calls from Coach Kaiser, and being snippy to his friends at The Lyons Den. He knew that wasn’t him, and was lucky Cleo didn’t put a foot up his ass when he mouthed off to her a few weeks ago.

His friends and supporters understood his frustrations which helped him deal with them. Even when he didn’t act like himself he had people like Coach Kaiser and Cleo Phillips who supported him. His cousins also showed him their true colors, as Victoria only wanted to use Eddies frustrations to further her own power game that she already pulled on Vincent and Alex.

He was still his own person, and he was still going to do this his way. A victory over The Troll started his 2024 off on the winning side, of course everyone beats The Troll. Speaking of someone who everyone beats…

“Bill Barnhart.” said Eddie, as he turned to his coach. “They really have pushed me to the bottom of the barrel haven’t they?”


Coach Kaiser shrugged in his response, “Does it matter? Just go out there and pick up another victory, and get some momentum behind you.”

“You’re probably right.” Eddie sighed, “But it would be nice to go against someone who can actually pick up a victory, and be at least a decent challenge. I get Bill used to be a bigger deal, but his past year just didn’t go in his favor, and it seems like perhaps he might be past his prime.”

“Well Bill is who we got, so that’s what we need to roll with.” said Coach Kaiser.

“Fair enough.” said Eddie, “At least Bill seemed credible at one point. But you are right, it doesn’t matter. They want me to go against Bill, then I’m going to make an example out of Bill.”

“Of course you are, because you’re Eddie Fucking Lyons, and you’re unbreakable.” Coach Kaiser said in a motivating tone,  "Three losses can’t break you. Remember this is wrestling, not baseball. There is no striking out. All there is, is picking yourself up by your bootstraps and pushing yourself to fight even harder.”

“Damn right.” said Eddie. “Look, sorry about the past few weeks. I’ve been trying to get my mind right. Those championship losses won’t break me, but they damn sure tried.”


“I’ve lost countless championship matches in my career.” said Coach Kaiser, “More than I’ve won. But really this business is about connecting with the fans, and getting them to care about you. A championship is just a sort of added bonus. Many go through their entire careers never winning a championship, but the respect they gained from the fans made them a champion anyway.”

“Still, it would be nice.” said Eddie

“Yes, it would.” said Coach Kaiser, “But once again I tell you. It’s been less than a year since you arrived in SCW. You’ve got all the time in the world to become a champion. It’ll happen when the time is right, because you WILL be a champion one day…which reminds me.  I did sign you up for a mixed tag tournament that SCW is running in April.”

“Oh?” said Eddie.

“Yeah, you get paired with a random member of the women's roster, and if you in you both get respective world championship matches.” said Coach Kaiser

“Well, I guess I have something to look forward too in April.” Eddie said with a smile.


“Yeah, and Aaron has a student entered in it too, could you imagine if you got paired with Kallie?” Coach Kaiser said

“Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, but I think you’d enjoy that more than I would.” said Eddie, “Aaron is your friend, and my former boss. I don’t know Kallie at all. Whomever they pair me with doesn’t matter.”

“Even Alexandra Calaway?” said Coach Kaiser. “She’s signed up to take part in it.”

“Even her. She’s talented and isn’t keen on losing so I know we can work together.” said Eddie, “Plus, it would piss Alex off and there wouldn’t be anything he could do about it.”

Coach Kaiser laughed, “Well, we can worry about that in April. Let’s focus on Barnhart for now.”

“Sounds good.” said Eddie

They would spend the next few hours running, and doing various exercises to keep Eddie in fighting form, and for now it seemed Eddie was back on track and pushing past whatever negative effects his championship losses put on his mind.

__________

Eddie Lyons, wearing a hoodie, SCW T-shirt, a pair of blue jeans, with some holes for style and sneakers sits atop a large rock overlooking the Colorado scenery, as the scene opens, the camera pan around him before coming to a stop on his face, one of determination and grit.

“Bill Barnhart.” Eddie begins “Quite the year you had isn’t it? Loss after loss after loss. But hey, you set a record for most losses in a year, that’s something right? I know those losses must eat way at your soul Bill, I know mine do and you’ve been doing this a lot longer than I have. I had  some upsetting losses in 2023 as well. But not as bad as you, and the people who beat me, Peter Vauhgn, Miles Kasey, Austin James Mercer are all considered among the best in the company, and I STILL came within a hair of victory against them. But you? You just couldn’t get it together in 2023 at all could you?”

Eddie shrugs, and exhales some. It’s pretty chilly out given we can see Eddies breath upon the exhale.

“So what is it? You gonna bounce back in 2024? The whole “new year, new me” mantra we all  like to press on about when January comes around. You already picked up one victory this year, and wouldn’t you know it? So did I. But who did we beat really? The Troll? Justin Smith? I think we both know we can do better than that right? SCW basically handed those victories to us. Now it’s time to make sure one of our records becomes tainted. Only one of us will be able to go 2-0 this year, and it’s going to be me Bill.” Eddie said

Eddies eyebrows furrow some, giving him an even more determined look.

“You can overpower me, that’s clear to anyone who isn’t completely blind.” said Eddie, “But you won’t be strong enough to break me.  I’m younger, faster smarter and a whole lot hungrier. Your best days are behind you Bill, and mine are still in front of me. You have have the years of experience over me, but at my school The Lyons Den, we have a sort of saying…"

Eddie pauses for a moment, blinking a few times and letting out another exhale visible in the cool air.

“We’re all rookies being played with a Veterans tool.” he said, “We’re all well talented beyond our years, in large to to the training and guidance we get from Coach Kaiser. A true veteran in his own right, and the man that’s going to help guide me to my first championship. You are about to find out why I am the rookie standard around SCW. I need to claw my wy back into championship contention, and that means mauling anyone in my path. I know it’s early into my career, and I shouldn’t be so championship focused, but SCW dangled it in front of me three times. I never asked for them. I earned them. SCW simply saw me as someone they wanted to get behind. So I can’t help but make it my goal to finally capture a championship. Now it seems the company is putting me through some sort of test.”

Eddie smiles, and even laughs slightly to himself.

“Putting me against The Troll.” said Eddie, “They were testing me. They wanted to see if I would break being put up against SCW’s resident court jester. Now they want to see how I fare against the man who had the worst year of his career. You can poke at me about my losses, call me a choke artist all you want. But my year was still better than yours. I’m still being looked at as destined for great things and you have a more of a  does he even still have it? thing going on.”

Eddie shrugs.

“Maybe I’m wrong.” Eddie said, “Maybe you look at your record in 2023 and are so embarrassed that you just can’t let it happen again. Maybe that will cause The Bulldog to tear me limb from limb. Then again, who would really win in a fight? A bulldog or a lion? Maybe I should take you more seriously. But if I was coming off 2023 with the same record as you, what would you think? You’d probably think a lot of the same things. It’s hard not to. I mean I fully expect the choke artist chatter to come from you in reference to me, and hey I get it. Shoe on the other foot, I’d call me a choke artist too.”

Eddie takes a moment to pause, and looks around at the natural scenery some more.

“SCW got a taste of what I can do in 2023, but I came into this in the latter half of the year.” Eddie continued on, “2024 is when Eddie Lyons is truly let loose. I will make SCW my hunting grounds, and EVERYONE is seen as prey. Everyone is an obstacle that stands in MY WAY of getting what I WANT. Your size doesn’t scare me Bill. Much like BRADDOCK learned, you are going need more than strength and power to put me away. I’ve lost four matches in this company and only one of them was by pinfall. “

Eddie pauses for a moment, he doesn’t say anything but the eyes tell a story and his eyes tell the story that those losses affect him more than he’s letting on.

“I’m going to be the first guy to give you a loss in 2024 Billy Boy.” Eddie continued, “Hopefully for you it’s doesn’t lead to another year of losses. But I guess that’s for you to worry about. I’m going to continue on doing what I do, and when the time is right, I will reap the rewards for all my hard work. If you thought Eddie Lyons had given up,then you were mistaken. I’ve only just begun.  I will show Bill Barnhart, and everyone else why I am GOING to be a champion by the end of the year and it will of course be done with HONOR BEFORE GLORY.”

Eddie furrows his brow again, and gives a confident smile to the camera, as it slowly fades to black.

—-------

When was Eddie going to break the cycle? Twice now he’s won matches on Climax Control, earned a championship match only to come up short, and now once again Eddie finds himself lined up for yet another championship opportunity, once again getting the chance to dethrone the dominant reign of Peter Vaughn. Will the third time be the charm for Eddie Lyons, or will he step a third time only to strike out?

Before he has his championship opportunity, he has another obstacle to overcome in one of SCW’s top wrestlers, a man who has been with the company for several years and even earned the right to call himself World Champion at one point in Austin James Mercer.

A win over Mercer would indeed provide a boost to Eddie's confidence going into his match with Peter Vaughn, and would certainly help continue his momentum coming off Eddie's previous victory over Rodrigo Afonso.[/i]

—-------
3:24  PM on  a Monday
Local Tempe Gym
Tempe, Arizona
Off-Camera
—-------

Another city, another local gym. While it wasn’t as high end as The Lyons Den, it did the job well enough. Eddie wished it had some wrestling rings, but that was a bit much to ask, this was a regular everyman's gym, they weren’t training wrestlers or other fighters here.

Eddie sat on a bench, wiping some sweat off his chest after finishing a session with Coach Kaiser on the weight benches, taking the time for a short break between sessions. After taking a large swig of water from his water bottle.


“Hey, you ever wonder why me?” asked Eddie.

“What do you mean?” asked Kaiser in reply as he took a seat next to Eddie, a water bottle of his own, “Why you what?”

“I mean, I don’t want to sound like I’m complaining..” Eddie started, “But SCW keeps allowing me these championship opportunities, even though I’ve failed to bring home the gold twice, they’ve allowed me to try once again. I know I’ve been winning my Climax Control matches, but at what point do they decide to stop giving me these chances?”

“When you stop earning them.” said Kaiser, patting Eddie on the shoulder,“I mean if you ask me maybe they WANT you as a champion, because they believe you are someone who can properly represent their company. You’re still undefeated on Climax Control, and technically you’ve never been pinned in SCW. Management notices things like that, plus you have a good attitude and that will always play into your favor.”

“Maybe you’re right.” said Eddie,some doubt still lingering in his voice, “Just when I keep getting close, and just missing the mark,it makes one question themselves. Am I just a choke artist?”

“That sort of mindset is what will keep you from becoming the champion I know you can be.. " said Kaiser, “I know you have it in you, you need to shake that doubt out of your mind, because you are good enough, and you are in no way a choke artist.”

“I should probably tell you..I’ve been getting some weird visions.” said Eddie with a sigh

Kaiser raised an eyebrow and listened as Eddie explained

“It’s usually when I’m alone, and just thinking about the trajectory of my career.” Eddie explained, “It’s as though I’m talking to this..shadow of myself and it tries to push me to become a more darker version of myself I guess would be the easiest way to explain it.

Kaiser sighed and nodded slightly, he knew this was going t come up sooner or later.

“It’s because you’re a Lyons” he said, “Your uncles, your father…they all dealt with it too. Your uncle Vincent even had a name for his.

“...Syth” Eddie said, he had heard stories of when his eldest uncle and his penchant for violence at one point.

“Exactly.” said Kaiser “I think he originated the name as some Star wars thing, but it’s something that now resides in all of your family. Your father and Uncle Zachary never named their darker side, but they dealt with it too. Your father, he seemed to have a decent handle on his, which is probably why you have a strong hold over your own. Your cousins, well they seem to be embracing theirs more each day, especially with their new contracts.”

“How come I was never told about this?” said Eddie.

“It was hoped maybe you would be the one to be clear of it” said Kaiser, “But I believe you can still fight it. Look what happened to Victoria, to Vincent and even to Alex now. That’s not you. I can’t really help you much with that fight, but I know you can do it. Just remember, that it’s all just a figment of your own insecurities, and it’s not really you.”

“I have no intentions of giving in.” said Eddie, “I know who I am, and I will always fight with honor and respect. It’s what my father taught me. If I have to be the one to break the cycle, I will.”

“Absolutely. That’s the right attitude! .” said Coach Kaiser, “Hey you still want to come to my place for Thanksgiving right?”

“Yeah.” said Eddie, “My mom and dad want to do something just the two of them, Cleo’s doing some volunteer thing up in Brooklyn, and I REALLY don't want to spend it with my cousins.”

“I don’t blame you.” said Coach Kaiser, “Victoria would just ramble on about celebrating Native casualties or something, and call us sheeple or something. But yeah, we got an extra seat for you., Marissa won’t mind.”

“Sounds good then.” Eddie said as the two shared a fist bump.

“C’mon, lets get back to it, get some more sets in.” said Kaiser, as he led Eddie back to another round of workout.

—-------
7:24  PM on  a Tuesday
Nonspecific Location
Tempe, Arizona
On-Camera
—-------

The cameras open on Eddie Lyons, with Coach Kaiser standing just behind him, in their usual fashion. Eddie in his jean jacket, t-shirt and jeans combo. Today choosing to wear a simple Sin City Wrestling t-shirt, and Kaiser in his 49ers jersey.  After the camera lingers for just a moment Eddie begins to address his opponent for the week, one Austin James Mercer.

“You know Austin, we’re sort of in the same boat here are we not?” asked Eddie, “We’re both sort of questioning ourselves aren’t we? You wonder if you are good enough anymore, and me wondering if I am really good enough to keep up with the top talent as I try to make my own career here. Both of us have recently come up short in championship matches in recent memory as well. So honestly, I sort of understand where your mind is at right now Austin.”

Eddie smirks, chuckles to himself raising up one finger.

“Oh of course, we haven’t properly met have we?” said Eddie, “My name is Eddie Lyons, maybe you’ve heard of me? The new guy that’s been turning heads and catching the eyes of management, and will likely be one of SCW’s very best going into it’s next few years. I might be a new face around here, not even around for a year yet but by no means should you underestimate me. I have all the respect for what you’ve accomplished here in SCW but you have to understand there’s some new faces coming in, and at the forefront of them all is Eddie Lyons."

He raps a finger on his own chest twice, for effect.

“I’m not even sure what you think of me, but I guess I’ll find out soon enough.” Eddie continued, “But I see you as an obstacle, I beat a former SCU Underground Champion in Helluva Bottom Carter already, and now it’s time I defeat a former SCW World Champion in Austin James Mercer. I’m not some cocky, arrogant young kid with an overinflated ego. I know what it means to defeat a superstar of your standard and I take that very seriously. You might see yourself as someone who’s plateaued or is perhaps in the twilight of their career, but for me you’re  an established name. With all due respect to Rodrigo, a victory over you would mean more for my career than both my victories over him because of what you’ve done in this company already. You are a benchmark talent for someone like me, and I will do whatever it takes to put you down.”


Eddie takes a short pause, to take in a quick breath.

“Wherever you think your career is headed is your own business, and for you to deal with.” Eddie continued, “Maybe when I’m five to six years into my SCW career, it’s something I’ll understand a bit more, but right now I’m just focused on my own rise, and making sure I have one helluva rookie year here in SCW. The fact I get to compete with talent like yourself, HBC and even Peter Vaughn tells me that I am someone that SCW sees as a cornerstone of their future. It proves to me in my mind that I am the rookie standard in SCW. I get better each and every week and it’s only a matter of time before I win a championship of my own. The Roulette Championship is within my grasp, just as the Internet Championship is within yours. We could both be champions in a few weeks time, or one of us could be, or none of us could be. What I do know is, we have to deal with each other right now and you will NOT be the one to break me. If you want to play rough, then I can get with that. But my drive, my spirit is something like you’ve never faced before in your career Austin, that I can promise you.”

Another short pause and a breath.

“I’m not a man who makes excuses.” said Eddie, “I know exactly how I look to some around here. I win a few matches, but when it comes to bringing home the championship, I’ve failed to get the job done…twice. But instead of letting that break me, I let it drive me, I let it push me to get better, because I know deep down one day I will win, I will bring home a championship. All I can do is keep doing the best I can, and I’ll admit some weeks are better than others. But I always show up and I always give it my best shot. When I’m five years into my career here I want people to look at Eddie Lyons the way I’m looking at talent like yourself, like HBC or J2H. I want to be the one people wish to beat because it makes them challenge themselves. You better knuckle up, because you have a helluva fight coming your way.”

Eddie’s eyes seem to light up as he speaks with fire and determination.


“I just hope you bring me the best Austin James Mercer.” Eddie continued, “Whatever it is you need to do, bring me the best Austin James Mercer you can because that’s who I want, no that’s who I NEED to beat. My hand will be raised when the smoke settles, and I’ will go on to finally capture a championship when I put an end to Peter Vaughn, and I will do it all with HONOR BEFORE GLORY.”

Eddie keeps his determined gaze on the camera, as Coach Kaiser rests a hand on his shoulder, saying nothing but also giving his own look of confidence and pride in his student, as the scene fades out.

—-------

Opportunity knocks once again for Eddie Lyons. In his second Supercard appearance, he’s found himself blessed once again with a championship match, this time for the Internet Championship, which he felt was really more his speed since he could rely more on his own skillset and not have to worry about the random aspect of the Roulette Championship.

He also wouldn’t be coming alone. With the recent arrival of “Dragonborn” Keevee Kaiser, he now has his coach in his corner to support and guide him as he continues his SCW journey. It remains to be seen if Kaiser will be a blessing or a curse but he does have Eddies best interests at heart, and he arrived just in time to guide The Unbreakable One so this time he’ll be ready when he challenges for a championship.[/i]

____________
7:00 AM on a Tuesday
The Fitness Oasis
Las Vegas, NV
Off-Camera
____________

Coach Kaiser had made sure to get Eddie up early, and take him to one of the local gyms in Las Vegas. It was going to be a different change of pace from The Lyons Den, but traveling back to North Carolina every week just wasn’t feasible. The Lyons Den would be fine, they had plenty of trainers and staff to make sure it always ran smooth. Eddies uncle wasn;t the nicest person to be around, but he was smart enough to keep the family’s cash cow operating successfully.

Kaiser clapped in motivation as Eddie closed in for another lap.

“C’mon Eddie! Faster! Let’s Go!” he cheered as Eddie passed him, slowing down to a stop, “One Minute, fifty three seconds.”

Eddie took a moment to catch his breath.

“We’re pushing for a minute thirty.” Kaiser continued, “You’re gonna need that quickness against BRADDOCK.”

“I know..” said Eddie, “I just need a second to catch my breath.”

“I get it.” said Kaiser, “But BRADDOCK isn’t going to be letting you take any breaks in your match. He’s the type of guy whose sole goal is to destroy, and to cause that destruction by any means necessary.”

“I’ll be ready for BRADDOCK.” Eddie replied.

“I know you will.” said Kaiser, “But I want you to be more than ready. I want you to make an example out of BRADDOCK. I want you to turn the big scary monster into a cute little puppy. BRADDOCK is the type to rely on being big and intimidating, you need to take that away. Show him you’re not scared, be quicker and outmaneuver him and you’ll take him down no problem.”

Eddie took in a breath, followed by a gulp of water from his water bottle.

“Right.” Eddie agreed, “But he’s also going to be more dangerous I think, because he already lost one chance at the Internet Championship, he’s not going to want to fail again.”

“All that will work in your favor.” said Kaiser, “He’ll be too concerned about getting some sort of redemption, you’ll be able to catch him off guard. Remember this is going to gain you momentum going into the triple threat. You want that Internet Championship right?”

“Of course.” said Eddie.

“Then let’s go.” said Kaiser, “Another lap. Lets try for that minute and a half this time.”

Eddie was feeling the strain, they had been out here since five in the morning doing workouts, but he knew it was for the best. The Internet Championship was within his grasp, he could feel it, but first he had a monster to deal with. A monster that would have to deal with a hungry lion.

Taking in another breath, Eddie took off for another lap, as Coach Kaiser started the timer, their morning workout far from over.

____________
7:37 PM on a Thursday
Exact Location Unknown.
Las Vegas, NV
On-Camera
____________

As the cameras flicker on, we see Eddie wearing his game face, his coach standing behind him wearing a game face of his own. Behind them is a brick wall, and the air is thick and foggy.

“So, the next in line in the conquest of Eddie Lyons is the man called BRADDOCK.” Eddie begins, “I hear he’s not even a man, but a monster. One who thrives on delivering pain and punishment to feed their very being.”

Eddie smirks slightly, with a short light laugh to himself.

“I’ve never been afraid of monsters.” said Eddie, “Instead I wanted to be the hero. The one who stood up and defeated the monsters. To me they represented bravery and honor. They were who the people turned to in times of need, and most importantly they had respect.”

Eddie shows no fear in his eyes, as he continues to deliver his words.

“I have no reason to be afraid of you BRADDOCK.” Eddie continued, “My trajectory since my arrival has been more successful than yours. We both failed to capture championships sure, but since then I’ve rebounded, and even got a win over one of the top guys around here in Helluva Bottom Carter. Tell me, how did your match with HBC go?”

Eddie smirks again as he makes his last comment, Kaiser stands behind him nodding his approval.

“It’s because you're all piss and vinegar.” Eddie went on, “You put too much focus on strength, and don’t even realize you’re only strong in the physical sense. True strength lies in a True strength lies in a balance of physical power and mental agility. You may be able to overpower me, but you won’t be able to break my spirit. I will continue to come back again and again and AGAIN AND AGAIN! Until it drives you so crazy that you lose what little focus you had to begin with, and find yourself as the one being mauled by the Lion of SCW.”

Eddie pauses for a moment, glancing back at Kaiser who says nothing for a moment before taking his own moment to speak on behalf of his client.

“Are you listening to my student Mr. BRADDOCK?” Kaiser says, “Because you need to. See I’ve been a part of this business for a long time. I’ve seen guys like you before, they’re a dime a dozen. They’re big, they’re mean, they’re ugly and have a penchant for violence. But they have no substance, making them all come off as the stereotypical big dumb oaf. I’m not saying that’s what you are BRADDOCK, but in my opinion you have yet to really prove otherwise. Like Eddie said, you didn’t even beat Helluva Bottom Carter. Eddie did, and HBC is man who recently beat the WORLD CHAMPION, or former champion I guess it would be now with the whole championship being vacated deal. Point is, Eddie is the one with the better SCW resume between you two, so really it’s you who needs to be worried  because you’re stepping into the Lions Den at Climax Control, and you’re abut to find out why Eddie Lyons is the best new arrival in SCW. Not you, not Rodrigo, not The Rat Den, not Alexandra Calaway. Not anybody else who has made their SCW debut in the past few months. Eddie is the best of the SCW rookies and he’s proven it week after week since his arrival here, and now we”re going to cap it off by gaining momentum into his championship match, one that this time..he’ll be ready for.”

Eddie takes in a breath, nodding in agreement, feeling and even looking more confident as he listened to his coach put him over.

“I haven’t forgotten about Harris, or Kasey either.” said Eddie, “They both need to understand that when we get to High Stakes the Internet Championship will be coming home with me. I will be watching gentlemen, and I wish good luck to both of you. You two settle whatever you need to, I’ll worry about BRADDOCK for now, but come Supercard time…I’ll see you. Well..one of you.”

Eddie pauses again for a moment, Kaiser continues to allow his student to continue on.

“As for you BRADDOCK…” Eddie continues on, “What we’re trying to say is, you’ll need more than power to put me down. I am the rookie standard in SCW, you will be tested to see if you’re more than just muscles and a penchant for violence. Maybe that’s where your advantage is, in your violent nature. I personally never understand the whole deathmatch deal. I mean why would anyone want to do that to themselves? Why turn yourself into a bloody mess and make the ring look like a crime scene? It’s almost an insult to what I fight for inside the ring. The ring should be a place where grapplers showcase their grappling ability, but people like you have created this little circus side act. However it’s also all you will remain. A side act, catering to a niche audience.”

Eddie takes a moment again to catch his breath.

“You’re about to have a rough few weeks” said Eddie,”Because when we meet again after our upcoming encounter, you’ll have to suffer another loss to me when I capture the Internet Championship. I won’t need brute strength to get me there. I have honor, and a fighting spirit unlike any other on my side,and of course it’s always honor before glory.”


“See you soon big man.” said Kaiser with a slightly cocky tone.

____________
1:13 PM on a Saturday
Cheyenne High School
Las Vegas, NV
Off-Camera
____________

Eddie looked at the High School with curiosity, wondering why his coach had brought him here, any curiosity would quickly be squelched as Coach Kaiser motioned to the school as he explained.

“This is it. This is where it all started for me. My old High School” Kaiser explained.

“I thought you were from The San Francisco Bay Area?” Eddie questioned.

“I am, but I spent my High School years here, before moving back.” Kaiser continued, “The Bay Area will always be my home, but Las Vegas holds a special place in my heart too. I mean I got family out here as well, aunties, a brother, my only living grandparents, which at my age is amazing I still have a pair of living grandparents in generally good health for their age…I should probably visit them while I’m here…”

“You won a contest right?” asked Eddie.

“Yeah, your uncle Vincent ran some IWF takes over your school competition, which I won and later fandangoed myself into a full on contract with your uncles IWF.” Kaiser said with a laugh, “It doesn’t make much sense, but not much did back then, we were all still learning. From that whole crew it’s only really Aaron Asphyxia  and myself who continued on doing this, and even we sort of went down different roads, while still keeping in touch.”

“I didn’t get to know her well in PWE, but Aaron was a pretty cool boss.” nodded Eddie. “Sucks that her ex-husband is a douchebag.”

“That is none of your business.” said Kaiser. “Or mine for that matter. Our business is the Internet Championship.”

“Finn said he’s going to be watching the Internet Championship closely on X”. Eddie replied.

“Indeed he did.” said Kaiser, “And if it comes to it, we’ll have to handle it. But now is not the time to rile up a man like Finn Whelan.”

“Yeah okay….I get it.” said Eddie unconvincingly.

Kaiser knew it, but he let it go for now. Hopefully this wouldn’t be too much of a problem. The issue with Finn happened over a year ago in a different company, and it had folded before Eddie got a chance at redemption. So he did understand where Eddie was coming from, but at the same time knew he had to let it go.

“Anyway…tomorrow. BRADDOCK.” said Kaiser in a ill attempt to change the subject, “You’re ready for this right?”

“I hit my minute thirty goal the other day didn’t I?” Eddie replied

“With about seven seconds to spare.” nodded Kaiser.

“BRADDOCK doesn’t worry me. He wants me to be afraid, he NEEDS me to be afraid.” said Eddie, “We covered this. He’s big, he’s mean and he’s ugly but that about covers it. He won’t be able to do much past his power game and I’m sure he thinks that’s all he needs, but it already proved wrong against HBC, and it’s going to prove wrong against me as well. I’m the rookie standard around here, I’m what SCW looks for in it’s new talent.”

“Well, you’ve done The Lyons Den proud so far.” said Kaiser, “Your next goal, is to bring home a championship. No more of that it’s too early in your SCW career nonsense. You deserve it, and if you didn’t then SCW wouldn’t have granted you this opportunity.”

“And BRADDOCK will find out why I call myself Unbreakable.” Eddie nodded. “You’re right, it’s time for the next chapter in the story of Eddie Lyons, and this is the one where he wins his first ever championship.”

“And as always, he’ll have a dragon watching his back.” Kaiser nodded back.

“People ever get confused with the name?” asked Eddie, “Think you’re German or something, and not just referencing mythical beasts from stuff like Final Fantasy, Breath of Fire or Yu Gi Oh?

“Story of my life. Sometimes it's bread. ” Kaiser laughed, “Speaking of bread, c’mon lets get out of here. I’m getting hungry and Vegas has the best buffets.”

“Can’t argue that.” agreed Eddie.

And so the newly aligned duo in SCW would have their lunch, and later train some more. As confident as he was, Eddie DID have a monster to take down and he knew it wouldn’t be as easy as he was letting on, but it was all about building his own confidence, and hoping his words maybe get into the head of BRADDOCK somewhat.  He wanted to gain that momentum going into the championship match and wasn’t about to let even a monster like BRADDOCK stand in his way.

__________

Violent Conduct did not turn out well for Eddie Lyons, not only did he fail to capture the Roulette Championship, but he had been knocked out cold by a sledgehammer that he introduced, per the rules of course but it had backfired. He questioned himself about the use of weapons going in and admitted it wasn’t his style and didn’t feel comfortable using them. At Violent Conduct he found himself with no choice, he had to go against his own beliefs and in the end it cost him the match. He still stood his own ground but it wasn’t enough and all that told Eddie was that he wasn’t ready…….yet.

What was important now, was how he bounced back from this and how he handled himself going forward, the loss against Peter Vaughn didn’t need to define him, but he could learn from it so that the next time he finds himself face to face with one of SCW’s champions, he can achieve a better result, standing in his way of redemption is another seeking to rebound after losing a championship match, Helluva Bottom Carter.[/i]

_____
1:30 PM On A Tuesday
The Lyons Den Wrestling Academy
Charlotte, North Carolina
Off-Camera
__________

#Unbelievable, yes, yes, inconceivable
See myself as fairly reasonable
But at times I can be stubborn, so
If I have to, I will rock the boat
I don't tend to take the easy road
That's just not the way I like to roll#

Eddie sat alone, on the apron of one of the rings located around his family school, he sat with his hoodie up, airpods in listening to his own theme song, as he kept to himself thinking about his future in SCW, where his path takes him next and how he’s going to rebound from his first loss in the company. He was so lost in thought, and looking for the motivation form the music he didn’t notice his friend Cleo Phillips approach him with some purpose.

“Ey, I heard you’re over here feeling sorry for yourself” she said, “Actin’ all gloomy and shit.”

She got no response,  Eddie still had his head down,so she spoke again, louder this time.

“EY EDDIE!” she bellowed, finally getting his attention, his eyes widened as he quickly pulled the airpods out and returned them to their case in his hoodie pocket.

“Hey Cleo.” he said.

“What’s this I hear about you being all mopey about your loss?” Cleo said, she was always one to get straight to the point.

Eddie sighed, and shrugged, “I mean I lost matches when I was in PWE but not like that. I mean…”

“First time you got knocked out?” Cleo interrupted.

“...Something like that.” Eddie said with a solemn tone.

“Look, it happens.” said Cleo, “Back when I was still bangin’ and runnin’ the streets I got myself knocked out more than a few times, bricks, rocks, sometimes just a good kick to the head. Then when you get your senses back you realize the motherfuckers robbed you. But I always came back, and so will you. C’mon you’re better than this. You’re smarter than this.”

“I should have never introduced that sledgehammer…” Eddie said with a sigh.

“So you made a decision, and it backfired.” Cleo shrugged, “It happens to the best of us. What you can’t lose sight of is the fight.  Stand back up, remind them that you are still here and that this is just the beginning of Eddie Lyons. You can’t give up yet,”

Eddie hopped down off the apron, and stood closer to Cleo.

“I know…It’s just a hard one to shake off. I forgot where I was for a moment there.” said Eddie. “But I never said anything about giving up. I don’t give up, and I will bounce back from this.”

“Hey, I meant no offense.” said Cleo, “You’re  my boy, and I just wanna make sure you’re good. You know me, always lookin’ out for my people.”

“Oh don’t worry, we’re good.” said Eddie, “But you don’t gotta worry about me. I need to do this myself anyway. You know what I mean. You went from felon to champion, and are now on your way to becoming a social worker and college graduate. Nobody did that for you. You did that all yourself.”

‘Yeah Yeah.” said Cleo “But this is your story. Not mine, remember that.”

Eddie nodded, “Yeah I get it. I just want the stories that inspire me to be known. I will continue my story. I don’t know where it’s going to lead me but I’ll continue it the only way I know how, with honor before glory."

“That’s the Eddie I know.” smiled Cleo, “Just stay in the fight man, as long as you keep pushing yourself to get better, you’ll find yourself at the top of the mountain before you know it."

“It will, I know it will” agreed Eddie, “But I’m not taking any shortcuts, I’ll make it to the top when I’ve earned it, it’ll happen when I’m ready. I honestly wasn’t ready for a championship match so soon, but I tried my best, and I can make excuses about not being comfortable with weapons, but the bottom line is Peter Vaughn was the better man at Violent Conduct, and that’s why he’s still champion.”

“You can’t win them all. Just remember, even getting an opportunity this early is telling of how SCW views you. They see your talent, they know how good you are and how much potential you’re showing. Who’d they give you this time?” asked Cleo

“Helluva Bottom Carter” replied Eddie

“He lost a title opportunity too recently didn’t he? Against the champion J2H?” Cleo replied

“Yeah.., he had a lot of success in SCU, one of the former brand in SCW, now he’s trying to make his mark on the SCW roster.” Eddie replied, "And J2H is the former champ now actually."

“Well, unfortunately for Mr. Carter, he’s got another with the same mission.” Cleo said, putting a finger on Eddies chest.

“Yeah..he does.” Eddie said, as the two shared a laugh together.

“Anyway, yo, I gotta go. Got class tonight.” said Cleo, “Like I said, just wanted to make sure you were good.”

“Appreciate it Cleo. I really am trying to get better each week.” Eddie replied.

“I know, and so long as you keep that attitude, you’ll be alright.” Cleo replied, “Anyway, see you around yeah?"

“For sure.” Eddie replied, as the two shared a handshake, followed by an friendly embrace, before Cleo left for her class and Eddie went back to trying to find his zen within his music.

_____
3:23 PM On A Tuesday
The Lyons Den Wrestling Academy
Charlotte, North Carolina
Off-Camera
__________

Eddie was seated on a bench, nearby some equipment after doing a quick workout, lifting some weights, using the speed bag and some basic exercises, push-ups, crunches and the like. He had been taking a quick breather and noticed his three cousins approaching him as he finished off a water bottle, something told him this encounter wouldn’t be as friendly as the one he had with Cleo earlier in the day.

“Well, if it isn’t the loser of the day.” the female, Victoria said upon approach, as the two males Alex and Vincent smirked.

“C’mon can’t you just leave me alone.” said Eddie with an annoyed tone.

“You know, Vincent or Alex would have won that match.” Victoria replied, “But instead you had to go out there an embarrass the family by getting knocked out.”

Eddie rolled his eyes, he really didn’t want to deal with these three. He knew they were just jealous that he had a contract with a company and they didn’t. It was all they had currently to annoy and mock him.

“Well be that as it may. Neither of them were in that ring that night. I was.” Eddie replied,  “Maybe the should get themselves a contract and try for themselves.”

“Oh we SHOULD have contracts” the darker haired male, Alex snapped, “But Keevee is on his stupid “one contract at a time” fix. “I guess he doesn’t have time for us anymore.”

“All I know is he says he wants to establish The Lyons Den as a dynasty of different talents, similar to Wolfslair.” Eddie replied, “You have all had your chances, and even excelled at them. But he can’t keep dipping into the same pot if he’s trying to establish a brand. It’s not about me, it’s not about the three of you, it’s not even about Cleo. It’s about establishing The Lyons Den as a whole. He wants success for us ALL.”

“That’s crap and you know it!.” Alex snapped, as Victoria raised a finger.

“It’s okay Alex.” said Victoria as Alex nodded and stepped back, Eddie noticed the sly grin on her face.

“She got to you too didn’t she?” said Eddie shaking his head, “Probably gave you some spiel about Sanders abandoning you after PWS closed? About Dio abandoning you? Is that why you’re so eager to link back up with Alexandra? Because ANTITHESIS was all you ever knew from day one in PWS, and now that it’s gone, you’re just…nothing.”

Alex scowled but said nothing.

“So now you’re with Victoria?” said Eddie, “Gonna try some trios thing?”

“No.” said Victoria, “If we can convince Keevee to put in the extra work and find us a job, these two are my new tag team. The Pride.”

“Well, good luck to you I guess.” said Eddie, “Did you need something from me? Because I’d like to get back to my workout.”

“We just wanted to remind you, that the offer still stands.” said Victoria, “You can join us, join your real family. Join a group of winners, proven champions. You need us Eddie, we’re…”

“Stronger Together.” Eddie said shaking his head. “I know…I know. But my answer is still no. I won’t let you turn me into them. Mindless peons who you bend you your own will. I know the mind games you play. Vincent hardly even speaks anymore. You won’t break me. Someone in this family has to be the good one, the honorable one.”

“Honor will always be your downfall.”said Victoria, “Even Cleo isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Sometimes you just need to do what you need to do in order to win.”

“Well, with all due respect that isn’t my style.” Eddie replied

“Is it not?” Victoria replied, “You sure looked natural with those weapons at Violent Conduct.”

“I was playing by the rules of the match.” Eddie explained.

“But you liked it didn’t you?” said Victoria, “Admit it. You liked bashing Peters head with that trashcan. You wish you had cracked his skull with that sledgehammer don’t you?”

“I was just trying to win the match.” said Eddie.

“Exactly, and you did whatever you needed to do to try and secure that victory.” Victoria said, that never wavering smirk still on her face.

“I played by the rules.” said Eddie.

“Of course you did.” Victoria smiled arrogantly, “But it still felt good.”

“I’m not like you okay?” said Eddie, “I’m going to do this MY way and I’m sorry if that’s too hard for you to comprehend, so wicked queen or whatever you’re calling yourself these days, how about you take tweedle dee, and tweedle dum here and go try to get yourselves the one thing I have, and you don’t.”

Victoria raised an eyebrow.

“A job.” said Eddie, before pushing past the three, Alex made a move to strike but backed down after a signal from Victoria to just let him go. They wouldn’t get through to him, he was set on his path of honor and nothing was going to change that. Hopefully Keevee Kaiser could find the time and a company for those three, but at the moment that didn’t seem likely. They would have to get used to being supporting characters, if antagonistic ones in the continuing story of Eddie Lyons.

_____
4:00 PM On A Tuesday
The Lyons Den Wrestling Academy
Charlotte, North Carolina
On-Camera
__________

He had to get out of there, this jealous act of his cousins was getting old and he just didn’t want to deal with them, he had more important things to worry about, like his upcoming match with Helluva Bottom Carter who was sure to be looking for the same redemption as Eddie was. Eddie had gathered some of the camera crew from The Lyons Den as he readied his promo to be packaged and sent off to SCW management.

He was outside the school, leaned up against one of the walls in his usual jeans, hoodie and t-shirt combination as the scene opened, after a few moments of silence, he began speaking.

“You know, I actually have a lot of respect for you HBC.” he began. “I could just go off and belittle you for your sexuality, and take you like some sort of joke. But that’s not the type of person I am, and I’m sure you’ve heard it all before. I see you as someone who’s broken down barriers and fought through adversity to get where you’re at today and I think that’s great. You can consider Eddie Lyons an ally, you can pee next to me and all that.”

He gives the camera a firm nod, and pounds his chest once to affirm his comments.

“But, once that bell rings I’m going to treat you like any other opponent.” Eddie continued, “I’m going to fight, and keep fighting till one of us has our hand raised in victory. I understand you being the favorite here, with all your success in SCU. I wasn’t around when SCU was still a thing but my understanding is you made a name for yourself and won multiple championships there, and are now trying your luck in SCW.”

Eddie pauses again, taking in a breath and rubbing his hands together as he continued.

“Wouldn’t you know it Carter?” Eddie continued, “We’re both in the same boat, we want, no we NEED the same thing. You were mere seconds from becoming the World Champion, but J2H proved to be a step ahead of you that night. I stayed in the fight as long as I could with Vaughn but in the end, his experience got me on the wrong end of a sledgehammer. I’m still seeing some stars from that one. But I’m back on my feet now, as are you and we seek the same thing…redemption.”

He starts to get his more serious look on, as he rolls on addressing HBC and their upcoming match.

“I’ll tell you this HBC, your mind games won’t work on me.” Eddie continued, “As I said, I respect the fight you have to go through every single day of your life. It’s a fight I can’t even imagine, but I also know how strong it makes you. You’re a real fighter and tougher than anybody who would disparage you for being yourself.  So I know this won’t be easy. Hopefully you have the same respect for me and we can go out there and just have one..helluva match, if you will.”

Eddie smiled to himself, Cleo told him once he needed to lighten up some, and not be afraid to be a little goofy or make some jokes. That was sort of a joke, right?

“We both had championships within our grasps recently” Eddie continued, “We both want to get there again. However there is one difference, one that makes me just a little bit hungrier. See you have been a champion, multiple times in SCU. But me? I haven’t yet felt that rush you get from winning a championship, and let me tell you I want it and I want it bad. I know it’s not appropriate to push yourself into a championship path when you’ve only been with the company for around two months. Be that as it may, I never asked for that chance, but it was given to me and I did the best I could with it.”

Eddie takes a moment to re-posture against the wall as he continues

“Now, I want to get there again, be it the World, Internet or Roulette, I want to get there again.” Eddie went on, “Maybe I’ll find myself a partner and go after one of the tag team championships. Whatever it is, I want to get there again and I will. I know SCW sees something in me, that’s why  I was given a chance against Vauhgn so early. Now they want to test me against one of SCU’s best, and the man who ALMOST became World Heavyweight Champion.”

Eddies eyes stay sternly on the camera, he wants his words to sink in, and he wants to be sure that Helluva Bottom Carter knows that he’s no pushover.

“We’re both seeking redemption from our recent failure to become a champion.” said Eddie, “But only one of us will climb that next run, the other will have to try again later. But for me, it’s also about proving myself against you. I don’t know about the biggest name, but Helluva Bottom Carter is a known name around here, you are someone to beat in this company, and that is exactly what I am going to do. What better way to rebound from my own loss, than by beating one of the very best to come out of SCU? I may be the new guy around here but I’m rising fast and I’m doing it the right way. The rise of Eddie Lyons will continue, and it will always be Honor before Glory.”

Eddie nods slightly to the camera, keeping his gaze on it, as it slowly fades to black.

_____
Unknown Time
Unknown Location
Off-Camera
_________

He was alone with his thoughts, when the visage appeared before him. It bore his image, but the eyes were red and there was a dark aura about it. He had been wondering if his cousins were right, maybe he wasn’t ready for this yet. Maybe he needed more training. Of course Cleo felt he was ready, perhaps she was right. He just wanted to do his best, and now he felt like he might be going crazy as the visage spoke to him.

“Hello Eddie.” the visage spoke with a slithering tone.

“What is this?” Eddie said.. “Who the hell are you?”

The visage chuckled to itself.

“Why I’m you.” it said with a smile, “The you that you ignore, the one that you keep in the darkness. I am the dark side of Eddie Lyons manifested.”

“I don’t have a dark side.” Eddie insisted

“Oh, but you do” the visage spoke back, “Everyone does. You just need to learn to tap into yours. You want to be a champion then you should listen to me. Give into your dark desires, cast aside your worthless honor and embrace what you can really be.”


Eddie shook his head

“NO!” I won’t!” he insisted. “That’s not who I am!”

“But it can be!” the visage replied back, “You wanted to use that sledgehammer. You wanted to bash Peter Vaughns brains in. You wanted to take Vaughn out by any means necessary. You wanted to HURT him.”

“No, it’s not true.” Eddie replied, “I was only trying to win by rules of the match.”

“Of course you were.” he visage replied back, “Had you hit him with the sledgehammer, ou;d probably be a champion. But you need more guidance. You need to listen to me, your real inner most desires. I can lead you to championship gold. All you need to do is cast the honor aside, and learn to get your hands dirty.”

“Why should I listen to you?” Eddie questioned.

“Because I am you Eddie.” the visage replied, “I am only comprised  of your own thoughts. You just need to learn to listen to the proper side of yourself. Look where it got Peter Vaughn. He was a lowly Janitor, and now he’s a champion because he chose to listen to the better side of himself.”

“I’m not Peter Vauhgn.” Eddie replied.

“And your also not a champion. He is. “ The visage continued, “You know I’m right, c’mon Eddie. Let me help you, together we can accomplish whatever we want. Accept me as your true self.”

Eddie looked back at the visage, and thought about what he was being told. Maybe playing dirty would be for the better, it worked out for his cousins. It would probably work out for him. But Cleo, she found her success when she put her dark past behind her. Eddie had to think about who he was, what he wanted to be and the legacy he wanted to leave. He looked back into the mirror once more and with a headshake he spoke.

“No.” he said. “You’re not me.”

He blinked a few times and now his reflection was his own, his normal self. He sighed and splashed some water on his face.

“You’re losing it Eddie, better get it together.” he said to himself.

__________

Eddie Lyons still wasn’t sure this was real life, The Lyons Den had chosen to take a chance on him as their representative. He was the youngest of his cousins, at only 22 years old and was the least experienced of all the Lyons Den students. His only credit being his short run in Pro Wrestling Excellence’s Conquest brand where he ran into his own problems with former SCW World Champion Finn Whelan. He never got to settle the score with Finn before the company shut it’s doors, but he did show no fear of standing up and bringing the fight to the former world champion, and he intends to bring that same desire and drive to SCW and put the current  SCW champions on notice.

The Lyons Den, which was now owned by his uncle Zachary had a proven track record of producing championship talent. His twin cousins Vincent and Victoria making a name for themselves a few years ago in World Wrestling Headquarters. More recently, his cousin Alex proved a dominant tag team champion, and was the final United Champion in PWS: Apex, the very same company Eddie’s training partner Cleo Phillips had won just about every championship in, including the PWS World Championship.

The pressure was felt on his shoulders, he didn’t want to be seen as the one that wasn’t successful. But he also wanted to do things right, all three of his cousins were known for their shady tactics or trickery and even Cleo as good natured as she was after turning her life around, still had some of that street thug mentality and had trouble with her short temper.

Eddie was good, and Eddie was honest. That was just who he was. The twins had their cult mentality, Alex had his rage issues and Cleo had her toughness. Eddie had his honor and his honor meant everything to him. His body, his bones may end up broken, but his honor and spirit will forever remain UNBREAKABLE.

—-------

The weather in Cusco was on the chillier side, Eddie Lyons sat with his gray hoodie up, among a cropping of large rocks, using one to sit on as he looked at the calm sky around him, taking in a breath of the fresh Peruvian air, he had never been this far from home, nor had he ever left the United States, save for that one time his family took a summer trip up to Canada, yet here he was ready to make his SCW debut, and with less than ten matches under his belt, it may as well have been his professional wrestling debut.

“SCW….” he begins as the cameras move in closer to him, “My name is Eddie Lyons and I come ready to make SCW my hunting grounds. I am ready to overcome whatever obstacles are thrown in my way. Do I want to be a champion? Absolutely.  Everyone in this business should want to be a champion.  But I also understand that I don’t just get to waltz in here and be granted an immediate opportunity. I have to prove myself and I have to earn it, and then and ONLY THEN will such an opportunity get sent my way, and you know what…that’s just how I like it."


Eddies demeanor comes off serious,and its clear he means what he says, and that the business itself means a lot to him.

“So, who am I?” Eddie says to the cameras, “Who is Eddie Lyons? Well, for those who are familiar with my last name, or any of my cousins I just ask you don’t lump me in with them. I am going to carve my own path and I intend to do it the right way. I am a man who believes in the motto that victory without honor is like an unseasoned dish. It’ll satisfy your hunger, but it won’t taste good.”

He takes in a deep breath, and exhales deeply before continuing.

“Now, I did grow up in this business.” He continued, “My father was the middle child of three wrestling brothers, and often the middle man in all their arguments, to the point he couldn’t take the two of them and left the business. Then my Uncle Vincent passed, and my other uncle Zachary took over the family business…it was a whole big mess, now it’s up to my cousins and I to  carry the Lyons mantle into a new generation, and this time it’s me who’s been chosen to step up and represent for The Lyons Den.”

He palms the chest area of his sweater, where he Lyons Den logo is stitched in on his sweater.

“Now I suppose one could say I have the upper hand against my debut opponent Rodrigo Afonso, and you might be right given I’m told this guy has no wrestling experience prior. But that doesn’t mean I should overlook him at all.” Eddie continued, keeping his eyes on the camera as it moved slightly around him. “He’s something of a daredevil I’m told, and really good at skateboarding. That alone tells me that he’s tough, and he’s someone that can put up with an impressive amount of pain. I can’t promise victory, but I can promise a fight and if my early assessment of Mr. Afonso is correct, we’re going to give everyone a debut match to remember.”

Eddie lowers his hoodie, letting the cameras get a better look at his shaggy brown hair.

“I just hope Rodrigo understands the importance of this match.” Eddie continues, “This is a match that could define our SCW careers. Two debuting talents, among several others that have been coming in. There are sure to be eyes on these new guys and when they look at me I want them to know that I am not the one to underestimate. I want them to look at Eddie Lyons and think to themselves, yeah I need to watch out for this guy. When that bell rings I intend to do everything I can to start getting those eyes to look at Eddie Lyons and when they do they need to see his hand raised in victory.”


Eddie looks to the sky for a few seconds, getting lost in thought about getting his first victory in SCW, a refreshing calm sensation flows through him.

“This is going to be one hell of a journey and I’m ready for the challenge.” continued Eddie, “I just hope that SCW is ready for Eddie Lyons. Whatever my future may bring me, it will always be honor before glory."

Eddie rests his eyes on the camera, before giving a slight nod, before the camera feed ends.

—-------


A few days before his flight to Peru, Eddie sat, bags packed at The Lyons Den with his trainer, retired wrestler and the first graduate of The Lyons Den Keevee Kaiser. One final pep talk before Eddie set off to truly start his wrestling career in SCW.


“Just remember, this isn’t PWE, you’re part of the main brand in SCW. This is where it really begins for you Eddie.” said Kaiser, looking his student in the eyes.

“I know.” said Eddie, “I’m ready though. I need to restore some honor to this family, The Twins and Alex have sullied our family name for long enough."

“Yeah, and now it seems Victoria has sunk her claws into Alex just as she did Vincent." said Kaiser "But I’ll deal with them. You just worry about Eddie. Your cousins may not like it, but you have the support of Cleo and myself. Victoria isn’t stupid, she won’t try Cleo, she knows better.  She’ll make her vague threats but that’s about it.”

“Yeah..yeah you’re right.” nodded Eddie, “It’s my turn, and you chose me because you believe in me, and I have no intention of letting you down. I am going to take this chance and try to be the best I can be.”

“Just remember, don’t get ahead of yourself. Take your time.” Kaiser told him.

“Right, slow and steady wins the race.” agreed Eddie, “It’s not in my nature to take shortcuts anyway. If I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it right.”

“That’s good.” Kaiser nodded again, “I know your honor is everything to you, and I hope you know, people are going to test it. You have a lawful good alignment and that can be hard to keep up in this business.”


“I can do it.” said Eddie, “My honor will remain unbreakable.”

“Well, you’re free to carve your own path of course.” Kaiser replied, "Free to do as you will, but even Cleo and myself sort of fall more into that Chaotic Good alignment, so if you do end up acting outside the box, we won’t think any less of you.”

Eddie furrowed his eyebrows, slightly annoyed at his trainers remarks.

“Well this isn’t dungeons and dragons.” said Eddie, “This is real life, and there won’t be any acting out of the box when it comes to my actions in and out of the ring.”

“I meant no offense Eddie.” said Kaiser raising both palms, “Just know the route you’re choosing isn’t an easy one to maintain, and in many ways can get in the way of success.”

“But when you do succeed, the victory tastes so much better.” Eddie replied, “When I reach my goal, I want the victory to taste as delicious as possible.”

“Already making goals.” Kaiser smiled, “That’s good.”

“I’m going to do the one thing my cousins haven’t, the one thing this new generation of Lyons hasn’t achieved yet, despite all my cousins success in the past.” Eddie said, a smile of his own.

“What’s that?” piqued Kaiser

“Follow in Cleo Phillips footsteps, and become World Champion.” replied Eddie, “Cleo did it, but i want to be the first Lyons of this generation to win the TOP championship.”

“Of course.” Kaiser nodded, he should have expected no less from Eddie.

“Maybe it’ll take a year, or longer.” Eddie said, “I may even win other championships along the way, but it will happen and when it does, nobody will be able to deny that I truly EARNED it.”


“Well, you have a long road ahead of you, and I wish you well my Padawan.” Kaiser said with a smile.

“Nerd.” Eddie replied with a laugh.

“You know it.” Kaiser laughed with him. “But really, good luck Eddie. It might be a rough start, but you’ll find your footing and continue to get better.”

“I won’t let you down…Sensei.” Eddie said with a sarcastic smile.

The two laughed together, and continued with some idle chatter before eventually going about their separate business, Kaiser to tend to the rest of his students and Eddie to prepare for his big debut.

__________