---

It was crazy how some people reacted to good news in the wrestling business. Most people would’ve been thrilled about having their first win in a major promotion. As well as being excited about moving on in a tournament, but that wasn’t the case for Jayden. He wasn’t pleased at all. Tossing his gearbag in the corner when he finally made it back to the hotel for the night. Reaching into his pocket to grab his iPhone and put it down on the desk.

As he scrolled through his phone for a brief moment. He clicked on the facetime icon right there next to his father’s name. The time difference was something to keep in mind. Not something that the young man was used to. After all, the only wrestling he had done was in the states. Only a few rings took place before the call was picked up on the other end. However, answering on the other end wasn’t his father, but instead it was step mother. The woman that helped raise him since he was two.

CARMEN: Hey you!

JAYDEN: Hi mom. Where’s the old man?

CARMEN: Wow! You’d think you’d be a little more excited to talk to me? I haven’t seen you in weeks. Haven’t heard your voice. Not a text message, nothing.

JAYDEN: To the extreme much?

CARMEN: Not at all young man.

This was met with an immediate roll of the young man’s eyes. To him he didn’t see what was the big deal. But then again he was raised by a man that showed very little emotion for a long time. No surprise it was a quality he picked up on.

CARMEN: However, your father isn’t here right now. He left his phone behind. I have told him more and more with his old age. If it wasn’t for me. He’d be put in a home already with how much he forgets things.

JAYDEN: Well, did he even watch the show? Or at least the match? I made sure he had a live stream for it.

CARMEN: No, unfortunately he didn’t. He had to run out right before the match started.

JAYDEN: Great, just fucking great.

CARMEN: I don’t know what the big deal is. I watched it. I thought you did just fine. You carried yourself well. Although, I don’t think your father would have approved of pulling your phone out. But other than that it was fine. You looked impressive.

JAYDEN: Yet, I can’t get the man that brought me into this world. The man that trained me to take ten minutes out of his day to watch the match. Couldn’t be around when I needed him the most when I was younger. Now can’t be around just for the sake of being around. Father of the year material right there. If you ask me.

CARMEN: Excuse you sir?!

By the tone of her voice, it really made Jayden come back to reality. From being annoyed with how the match had gone, to being tied, and to this moment. He realized that maybe he said more than he should have. It was years of suppressed rage and what not spilling out. But now it was out there. Might as well commit instead of retract.

JAYDEN: I didn’t stutter mom. It was bad enough that my biological mother didn’t stick around in my life. You were great. You did amazing with us. But where was he? Off chasing this dream? Off saying he was out there trying to make our lives better? Off claiming to make sure none of us would ever struggle? But is that what he was doing? Or was he just such a glory hound that he was out there doing it for himself. Being the egotistical prick he’s always been.

CARMEN: Jayden...

JAYDEN: No, I need to say this. I need to get it off my chest please.

CARMEN: Okay. Go ahead...

JAYDEN: He wasn’t there to send me off to school. He wasn’t there to teach me how to ride a bike. He wasn’t there to help with any of my homework. He never came to any of my basketball or football games. He was never home when I had school dances to give me advice. He taught me nothing about how to be a man. Glory and his own self satisfaction always outweighed me. And even when he decided to train me. He wasn’t doing it out of love or anything like that. He did it because he didn’t want me ruining his name or his legacy.

There was a small tint of red color filling the young man’s face. He was more than annoyed. This may have been the most emotion he had ever let out.

JAYDEN: Then to make matters worse. I have a reputation around here because of something he asked me to do last year. I did it, because that’s my father. That’s the man who brought me into the world. That’s the man I’m meant to have nothing but respect for. It also doesn’t help that no one likes him, so I’m catching all the flack for what he asked me to do and all the shit he did. I got a target on my back and it isn’t going away anytime soon!

With his phone in hand now. He found himself pacing back and forth across the hotel room. That was a ‘Harris’ trademark when the men were frustrated, annoyed, and just fed up. They’d pace a floor until they wore the carpet thin.

JAYDEN: I’m taking all of that on the chin. No problem, but I ask him one thing. I ask him to watch this one match. To give his thoughts on what is meant to be my starting point to this business. And he couldn’t make himself available. Once again he had something more important to do? I’m just tired of it. I’m tired of him letting me down.

That statement. The ‘letting me down’ that struck a chord in his heart. It’s something he had wanted to say for a very long time, but it was something he had always kept to himself. That’s when he heard his mother clearing her throat. Forcing him to look down at the phone..

CARMEN: Are you finished now?

JAYDEN: Yeah, I guess...

CARMEN: I am not going to sit here and try to invalidate your feelings. You’re very much allowed to feel that way. I can see where you’re coming from. I can feel that frustration and it’s warranted, but let me tell you a couple things. First and foremost. Your father loves you more than life itself. I know that to be a fact.

JAYDEN: He sure has a funny way of showing it.

CARMEN: I get that, but things haven’t always been easy either. I was there in the early stages of your life. He beamed with pride with every small step you made as a young kid. Sure, he made mistakes. He made a lot of them. He should’ve sacrificed his career in some situations. But he really did want what was best for you, your siblings, and me. He never wanted us to ever worry about anything. Things just didn’t go the way they should have.

Hearing her words. It made Jayden roll his eyes a little more. It’s almost like she was trying to stick up for the man he called his father. Despite saying he was allowed to feel the way he did. Made no sense to him.

CARMEN: Combine that with the addiction issues. He failed in a lot of ways. I’m sorry for that. He’s sorry for that. But he’s trying.

JAYDEN: Trying...

CARMEN: Let me finish before you cut me off... He’s trying. He’s trying to be there for your younger siblings. He’s trying to be there for Mikhalia and Aiden. He’s trying to be there for me and Blair. And yes he’s trying to be there for you. He’s one man. He can’t be everywhere all the time. It sucks he didn’t see this match live. But I know he’ll watch it. He’ll give you the advice you need.

JAYDEN: ... It’s more than just that. Just you know what? Thanks for trying to understand. But I just need to get off here and go to bed. I have a long travel day tomorrow.

CARMEN: Alright darling. Just think about what I said. I know he’s trying.

JAYDEN: Yeah, I’ll think about it. Good night.

Within seconds he had hit the end call button. Before placing his phone back down on the desk and found himself pacing the floor of the hotel again. The conversation didn’t help. He still felt very negative about the whole thing, but what could he do? It had been this way his entire life. He shouldn’t have been surprised that his father once again failed to deliver and be there for him. It’s whatever, it was something Jayden would just have to forget about.

---

As far as Jayden was concerned it was far too early for this shit. He found himself sitting in this room with a bunch of his ‘co workers’ aka people he didn’t know, but didn’t like. All of them were sitting there in front of a bunch of French fans who had gathered for this special ‘Battleground Tour’ press conference. Truth be told the man was zoning out while snacking on a bag of hot cheetos. Not a care in the world on his end. Hearing someone addressing the ground.

JAKE: Ladies and gentlemen. I want to start off by thanking you for being at this presser this morning. We normally do these types of things for super card events, but with this tour. We felt it was appropriate to hold one for each city we visit.

An uproar of cheers coming from the fans.

JAKE: Now here in just a moment. I am going to open up the floor for you to ask any one of our SCW Superstars or Bombshells up here to ask a question. But please remain respectful and don’t ruin it for your fellow peers. Let's get this thing rolling.

As one would have expected there was another loud uproar of cheer with several hands going into the air. Everyone wanting a chance to be called on for their question.. The man conducting the interview spent a second or two looking around the room before pointing to someone.

JAKE: You there sir. Go ahead and ask anyone you want a question.

GABRIEL: Bonjour! My name is Gabriel and my question is for Jayden.

The man’s accent was annoying as could be. It already had Jayden rolling his eyes, as he kept snacking away. But that’s when he realized he was being called upon for a question. Jayden looked at him with a glare.

JAYDEN: Nah, I’m good.

JAKE: Jayden! That’s not how this works. Sir, please go ahead with your question.

GABRIEL: I have to ask since it’s noticeable. Out of everywhere here. You’re the one that looks the most unhappy to be here. Is there any particular reason why? Do you not enjoy this part of your job?

JAYDEN: In the words of the great Marshawn Lynch. I’m just here so I don’t get fined.

Following his words. Jayden picked up one of those hot fries and tossed it into his mouth in quite the nonchalant manner. As far as he was concerned nothing else needed to be said. But all of the sudden someone else stood up and started to address him.

BEATRICE: Excuse me. I hate to be rude and interrupt, but as someone that’s a big supporter of women’s wrestling with my wrestling blog Beatrice’s corner. I have to get this off my chest. I think the way you conducted yourself last week. The way you treated Diamond Steele. And the way you’ve spoken about her has been beyond disrespectful. What is your issue with her?!

For a moment Jayden just looked at the woman and ignored her. Didn’t seem like it was worth the response on his end.

JAKE: Your response please.

JAYDEN: What the hell do you want me to say? I think the broad is a loser. She’s ass. A total piece of shit. Not anywhere as near as talented as she thinks she is. And that’s my issue... Sick of people think they’re talented when they’re straight garbage. I’m not going to kiss her ass just because people want me too. Mark my words Diamond will be the reason we lose and I’ll prove to be right again. Get over it.

BEATRICE: You’re a real piece if work. You know that?

JAYDEN: And you still paid to be at this presser to get your fifteen minutes of fame with me. Clearly, you’re a fan.

His lips were curled into a smirk.

JAKE: Alright. Let’s calm down for a second here folks. No need for anyone to be taking personal shots at each other. This is a professional setting. Let’s all keep it personal. Does anyone have a better question?

??: I do!

The voice was loud and booming compared to the others. As the man stood up out of the crowd and stepped forward to get attention.

PIERRE: I am Pierre. Own the wrestling website French Pro Wrestling Media. We cover all things wrestling. But I do have a compelling question. This one too is for you, Jayden. This week you got a big matchup in the tournament. Some would say the toughest one. Considering your against Eiley and Mark Cross. How do you feel about sharing the ring with Cross?

JAYDEN: Who?

PIERRE: Two time Blast from the Past tournament winner. Former Heavyweight Champion. Quite the impressive name for SCW. You know Mark Cross.

JAYDEN: Do I really know? Is this person supposed to mean something to me?

PIERRE: I mean I just highlighted his big moments. World renowned pro wrestler. Very much a step up from Lyle Kasey Jr. It’s going to be different being in there with a seasoned veteran versus a relatively newcomer to the pro wrestling world. This doesn’t concern you? It doesn’t make you feel anything?

JAYDEN: Nah fam. I’m not worried about this dude. Y’all out here acting like I’m meant to be struck with fear over someone named the Dragon. Like are you truly that desperate to try and make me look bad for your own satisfaction? Dragons are always slayed in fairytales. This will be no different. Other than this is reality and not a fairytale. I got no problem slaying the Dragon and it’ll come with ease.

He was finding himself becoming annoyed with all these questions. This was suddenly feeling like a press run against him. Rolling his eye once more.

JAYDEN: This shit is a waste of my time. I’m out of here.

Right away Jayden snatched his bag of hot cheetos off the table and stood up. Right away walking past his fellow co workers and exited the stage. Leaving everyone in a bit of shock, as they didn’t expect that kind of response. This was a pretty firm statement made on the Brat’s end.

---

Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!

The sound and the vibration of the iPhone in his pocket could be heard and felt. Jayden rolled his eyes as walked down one of the streets of France. Reaching into his pocket and turning the homescreen on.

CHRISTIAN UNDERWOOD
iMESSAGE:
This Is Your 4th Reminder! PLEASE send our team a promo.
It’s part of your contractual obligations!

Reading the message across his phone screen. It only made the young twenty one year old roll his eyes a little more. There was a reason he had blown it off this entire time. It’s just not something he was interested in, but clearly he wasn’t going to be left alone. Unlocking his phone and pulling up the cameras right away. Hitting the button.


“Last week I was prepared to be onto bigger and better things. More importantly, be prepared to put the focus on what brought me here in the first place. Didn’t see me making it out of the first round of this tournament. Considering I got saddled with dead weight, but of course it couldn’t be easy for me. Noooo... my dumb ass partner doesn’t know how to just embrace the fact she’s a loser at heart.”

The scowl on his expression said all it needed to in that moment.

“She just had to go out there last week and fight with all her little heart. It was pathetic to see. Honestly, it made me feel like I was going to throw up. You’re ass Diamond. Sooner you realize that the better, but I guess at the same time. I can’t be surprised. All you had to do was pin Harper’s shoulders to the mat. Not exactly like it’s a difficult thing to do. Harper serves no purpose other than being a punching bag with the occasional lucky victory every now and then.”

For a brief moment there was a smirk on his expression. For no other reason than he clearly enjoyed shading Harper. At this point the kid had been on the roster a few weeks and was doing everything he could to become public enemy number one.

“But this week, this week. Oh this week is going to be something completely different. This week I’d like to say that you’re more than screwed, Diamond. That’s without me refusing to give a helping hand. Cause trust me when I tell you. Things aren’t going to be any different this week. I don’t intend to have your back. When you’re looking for a tag. I can guarantee I won’t be there. Better suck it up now buttercup. But the point I am trying to make is you’re going to have to deal with Eiley on the other side of the ring.

Now I’ve got far better things to do than to go out there and look up every little thing that Eiley has ever accomplished. Truth be told, I don’t give a shit enough to waste my time doing that. But what I do know is that she’s superior to you in every single way Diamond. Blonde? Tight body? Attractive? That’s a triple threat right there. Buries you six feet right off the rip. But before you say none of that matters because I already know your dumb ass kind, Diamond.”

Each word was filled with spite and venom. All of which was being aimed right at the woman that was his partner. This was going to paint a pretty clear picture to the fans. If last week wasn’t already clear enough with how he conducted himself..

“You’re going to bring up the wrestling aspect of things. And again, Eiley triumphs you there as well. She’s got the background. She’s got good training. She’s had someone show her the ropes. And even though the only thing she’s ever truly done around here is hold tag team championships. I’d still take her over you as a wrestler any day of the week. Now granted when Eiley’s ego gets crushes and she finds out she’s not as good as she thinks.

And when she finds herself with another L added to her name. We’re going to see Eiley running for the hills once again. After all her ego is the most fragile thing about her, but at this time. At this moment. Dealing with you, Diamond. She’s not going to have to worry about taking a L. As a matter of fact, if you haven’t caught on to what I am saying. Once Climax Control rolls around on Sunday. It’s you: Diamond, that’s going to be pinned by Eiley for this to come to an end.

Once that happens Diamond. Rest assured, I’m going to be the first one to point and laugh. I’m going tobe the first one to tell you. I told you so. I’m going to mock you every chance I get from that point forward. Because I knew from day one you weren’t worthy of being my tag partner. To not have to put up with the endless trolling. Probably a good idea for you to go crawl back under the rock you came out from. Either way though, you won’t be my issue anymore.”

That’s when a true smug smirk crossed his expression. Very much similar to his father.

“But of course there’s still the other half of the match. There’s still the man that I am going to be standing across when the time comes. The one they call Mark “The Dragon” Cross. Out of everyone in this tournament. You’re the man with the most experience. You’ve won two of these stupid things. Not only did you win two of them.  One of those wins you ever managed to carry someone to a victory with the last name Steele.I could only imagine that it’s a distant relative of the dumb twat I got saddled up with.

However, the thing about your two wins is this Marky-Mark. You’re the second person to ever win two of them, but more importantly than that. You’re the only person in history to win two of them back to back. No one can take that from you. Even if someone else manages to do it. You were the first. It’s something to take pride in. It’s something to brag about. It’s something to add to that accolade list. It’s impressive --- but it’s only impressive for someone like you, I guess.”

From the hint of sarcasm in his voice. He was going to have people wondering where that was going to go. Luckily for the people that would tune in for this promo. They wouldn’t have to wait too long for him to express how he truly felt.

“I say impressive for someone like you. Because you keep coming back to this shit hole tournament. It’s the only thing you seem to excel at here under the Sin City Wrestling banner. Sure, you can talk about your one reign as the SCW World Heavyweight Champion. At least on your second time winning you actually went on to capture the big one. But it took you a second try. That’s how you know your mid as fuck. Because if you were as good as you want people to believe.

You’d be a two-time Heavyweight Champion. You’d gone on to other divisions. Held other championships. You’d be a certified legend amongst these halls. And would likely even be a Hall of Famer here since this place seems to have the standards so low on what makes someone Hall of Fame worthy. But you aren’t that good. You found one thing you’re solid at. One little niche. You stuck to it and then when the praise wore off from it. You disappeared into the world of obscurity.”

The street lights from the sidewalk he walked down were really providing an aurora to him as he spoke those words. The clear lack of respect continues to ooze out with each word..

“But let me guess. That’s going to be triggering for you right? Are you going to be the type to spout off at the mouth about all the titles you won outside of this place? Because if so, cool story bro. It doesn’t mean shit. Well let me rephrase that. I’m sure you can tell all your twitter hoes your world title stories and they’re creaming themselves like it’s something impressive. You might be able to tell a few people in the SCW locker room and have them slobbering all over you.

But not me. I’m someone that lives in the now. Someone that lives in the moment. If you aint doing shit here, then fuck off homie. I’m not impressed and I don’t care about your boring ass stories. That are most likely just made up in your head and never actually happened to begin with. But maybe that’s where I’m looking at it all wrong. Maybe I’m the idiot for thinking that in-the-now matters. Maybe I’m the moron that thinks that you’re only as good as you claim if you’re proving right this second.

And maybe just maybe, I’m the dumbest person on earth for thinking that since this is a professional wrestling company and we’re in a pro wrestling match that it should be the focal point. Instead I should be quaking in my boots and I should be seeing you as the biggest threat I’ve ever had in any situation. Because after all I’m going to be in the ring with a former NFL running back for Oakland or should I say the new Las Vegas Raiders. Oh Em Gee! Greatness is upon us.”

He made himself sound like a fool there. With the over exaggerated facial expressions with his words.

“I hope you caught on to the sarcasm, Mark. I don’t give a flying fuck that you played in the NFL. Clearly, you weren’t very good to be turning to this sport. Like so many of you CTE fucks have done in the past. Once that NFL money runs out. Since none of you know how to make proper good investments. Even though you all crossover. None of you are ever any good either. So, can’t say I’m surprised that you’re mediocre at best. And why the hell would you claim that accolade? Dawg, it’s the Raiders. When was the last time they were ever good?

At this point the only thing they’re known for is being the team that California didn’t want.  Vegas got settled with. Those poor saps. Oh and the other thing they’re known for is being the 49ers personal bitches. You know it’s true. I know it’s true. The entire NFL fan base knows it's true. But you know what Mark? Let me put it into the simplest of terms. It’s a shame for you that it has to go this way, but by the time I’m done embarrassing you. Your wrestling career is going to be dead, just like that NFL career. It’ll be so dead that people are going to call me O.J. The Juice Is Loose, again!”

While looking right at the little lens on his iPhone. Jayden made sure there was a little wink that left him. Knowing fully that the comment was more than out of pocket. But this is what Christian wanted, right? A promo that hyped the match. They didn’t send him guidelines, so fuck it if it crossed a line.

“I get it though man. I truly get it. You probably never had someone talk to you this way. Hard pill to swallow and all. Considering you’re known as the Dragon right? You’re meant to strike fear into people. You’re meant to be fierce, known for going to battle, and being difficult to overcome in the end. Like a final boss so to speak. You burn everything down in your path just to succeed. Your reputation is meant to speak for itself.  But clearly, I don’t see any of that in you. Instead all I see is me DRAG-ON my nuts all across your face like the bitch you truly are! But honestly at the end of the day Mark...

You should consider yourself lucky. Sure, once we’re in the ring with each. I’m going to slap you around to the point people are going to think you owe me money. Cause you know pimpin’ aint easy. However at the end of the day. You get a win. You get to move on. You get to be one step closer to being a three time Blast from the Past winner. All because of who your partner is. Another little feather to stick in your cap. As long as you remember you just weren’t actually good enough to beat me in a setting where it matters.”

That’s when Jayden found himself stopping at the end of the street he was on. Letting his eyes narrow just a little bit. Before those final words began to part from his lips.

“At the end of the day. I held up my end of the bargain. I used this tournament to get my foot in the door. I showed up every week I was booked. And when I had to get in the ring. I showed I was the real deal. That’s all I ever had to do. But it’s been real. I know it’s over. I’m at peace with it. Because that’s what I want. Just understand one thing: Sin City Wrestling.

I said I came here for a reason. I’ve got an agenda. Got a couple things I need to do. Couple of people to get even with. And some of you from this tournament will have no choice but to see me again and when you do. It won’t be with me having a useless sack of shit tied to my back weighing me down. Nah, instead it’ll just be me choking you out and sending you into the light where you belong.”

His lips remained in that arrogant like smirk of his. Knowing that he once again had made himself an enemy amongst his peers. Knowing that he likely would have a major target on his back, but deep down inside that’s what he wanted.


Once again he had tapped his thumb against the button. The recording came to an end and the video instantly saved in his camera reel. The mindset now being he did his job, he fulfilled those “obligations”, and now the powers that be could get off his nuts. However they were just going to have to wait a little longer based on his spiteful nature. His journey down the street resumed.