The scene opens inside Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, in Bullhead City, on the morning of Monday 18th January. Feeling a bit worse for wear, after a night of drinking tequila with the SCW World Bombshell Champion, Simon Jones has made the short trip from Laughlin, across the state border into Arizona, in search of a hearty breakfast with which to combat his hangover.

Simon - who is wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a sky blue long sleeve t-shirt - is sat alone at a table. Having ordered a sizeable breakfast for himself, he has devoured most of it, with only a smoked sausage, a fried egg, and a buttered slice of toast now remaining on his plate; he also has half a cup of tea left.

Just as Simon begins to consume his surviving egg, a feminine hand places a bottle of water on the table, beside his plate. Looking up from his meal, Simon sees the person whose hand it is: Natalie McKinley; she is wearing a pair of dark grey leggings, and a cyan sleeveless t-shirt.

Natalie: 'I think that will probably do a better job of relieving your hangover than a cup of tea will.'

Simon: 'Maybe so - but I can't have breakfast without having a cup of tea, can I?'

Natalie: 'I suppose not.'

Natalie takes a seat at the table, opposite Simon.

Natalie: 'And how is your breakfast?'

Simon swallows a piece of egg white, before replying.

Simon: 'It's good. I mean, it could do with some black pudding, and some baked beans - but it's good, nonetheless.'

Natalie reaches over to pick up the sausage that is on Simon's plate, which draws a glare from Simon.

Natalie: 'What? I brought you water - can't I have something in return?'

Relenting, Simon lets out a sigh.

Simon: 'Fine. You can have it.'

Natalie smiles at Simon, before taking a bite of the sausage.

Natalie: 'So, did you really attend Climax Control last night just to look for me?'

Natalie bites off another piece of the sausage, as she awaits Simon's answer.

Simon: 'Yes, I did. So thanks for coming to meet me here, before I have to head home.'

Natalie: 'No problem. I wouldn't want you to have had a wasted journey.'

Simon: 'I'm not sure that it would have been a complete waste of a journey - although I didn't find you yesterday, I did have a good night.'

Simon smiles at Natalie; he then eats some more of his egg white.

Natalie: 'That much is clear, given the state that you're in now.'

Simon: 'I'm alright. I just need to finish off this meal, drink the water that you brought, and I'll be fine.'

While Natalie takes another bite of the sausage, Simon picks up his slice of toast, which he then dips in the egg yolk, before eating part of it.

Natalie: 'Anyway, so why were you looking for me last night?'

Simon: 'Because, I haven't seen you for a week and a half, not since you flew out to participate at last Sunday's show in that battle royal - well, game of musical chairs as it turned out to be. Where have you been since last weekend?'

Natalie: 'Las Vegas, mostly.'

Natalie ingests what remains of her sausage; she then picks up a paper napkin, and wipes her mouth and fingers.

Simon: 'Vegas? So that's it then, is it - now that you're free again to set foot in SCW, you're relocating to Las Vegas?'

Natalie: 'Well, either Vegas, or somewhere nearby - certainly somewhere nearer to SCW's home turf than Cardiff; I can't afford to travel from Cardiff each week to Vegas, California, or wherever else SCW chooses to stage their shows.'

Natalie scrunches up her napkin, and then drops it onto the table.

Natalie: 'Besides, there's not really any reason for me to stay in Cardiff - it's been a few months now since Jack and I broke up, so it's not like I've got a boyfriend there to go back to, just a Mam who it's impossible for me to please, no matter what I do.'

Simon: 'What about your Dad?'

Now it is Natalie's turn to sigh.

Natalie: 'I admit, I'll miss my Dad. But it's not as if I'm never going to go back to Cardiff - I'll see him again, eventually.'

Simon dips his toast in the egg yolk again, and then takes another bite of it.

Simon: 'I'll miss having you around to assist me in the gym.'

Natalie: 'You started working out long before you ever met me - I'm sure you'll manage just fine.'

Simon nods; he then drinks some of his tea.

Simon: 'Are you sure you'll be alright, though?'

Natalie: 'As I told you on Twitter, Simon, you don't need to worry about me.'

Simon has another sip of tea.

Simon: 'I suppose one of the things that I'm most concerned about, is your newfound choice of company.'

Natalie: 'As I told you the other week, Simon, I have other friends in wrestling besides you. What's the matter - don't you like Celeste?'

Simon: 'I don't know - I haven't formed an opinion on her yet. The thing I'm most curious about, is why you're now consorting with Crystal Millar. I mean, the two of you have spent most of the past year at each other's throats.'

Natalie scoffs at Simon's remark.

Natalie: 'You're in no position to be passing comment on who I associate myself with.'

Simon frowns.

Simon: 'What do you mean?'

Natalie: 'You've been getting pally with Mikah, of all people. She's the biggest single problem with the bombshell division - and Celeste, Crystal and myself are going to be the ones to remedy that.'

Simon: 'I don't think Mikah's that bad, Natalie - she...'

Before Simon can say any more, Natalie interrupts him.

Natalie: 'You see, that's your problem, Simon: you like everyone, and you want everyone to like you - you want to be friends with everyone; it's no wonder that you get on so well with Roxi Johnson.'

Simon: 'I wouldn't go so far as to say that I like everyone - I'm not exactly fond of Casey Williams and Sean Jackson.'

Natalie responds in a dismissive tone.

Natalie: 'They're just the exceptions to the rule.'

Simon: 'Well, what's wrong with me wanting to be affable to people?'

Natalie: 'Some people aren't deserving of your friendship, Simon, that's what's wrong; Mikah is one such person.'

Simon stares at Natalie for a few seconds, before he speaks again.

Simon: 'What has gotten into you?'

Natalie: 'Nothing - I've just had my eyes opened, is all.'

Simon: 'By who - Celeste?'

Something then dawns on Simon.

Simon: 'She's the friend you told me you had been speaking to about entering yourself into the battle royal, isn't she?'

Natalie nods.

Simon: 'I had thought that you and Celeste working together to target Mikah when you were playing musical chairs was just a spur of the moment thing, but the two of you had that planned all along, didn't you?'

Natalie: 'What can I say? Guilty as charged.'

Natalie shrugs her shoulders, uncaringly.

Natalie: 'With how unfriendly she is, why are you making an effort to be friendly to Mikah, anyway? She's so cold, I bet she has her periods in cubes.'

Simon is clearly shocked by that comment from Natalie.

Simon: 'Natalie! That's so unkind.'

Simon leans forward, towards Natalie.

Simon: 'What's going on, Natalie? This isn't like you.'

Natalie: 'How do you know it isn't like me - how well do you really know me, Simon?'

Simon: 'I don't know - perhaps not as well as I thought I did.'

Natalie nods her head again. She then glances around the restaurant, before looking back to Simon.

Natalie: 'Well, I don't want to outstay my welcome.'

Natalie stands up.

Simon: 'No, Natalie - wait.'

Natalie ignores Simon's appeal for her to stay.

Natalie: 'Good luck against the Surf Boys, Simon.'

She then turns and heads for the exit. Simon shakes his head forlornly, before returning his attention to the remnants of his breakfast. We leave Simon to finish his breakfast alone, in peace, and switch to a scene from later in the week, with Simon now seen standing on Penarth beach, around five miles away from his adopted hometown of Cardiff, looking out at the Severn Estuary; he is now wearing a wetsuit, and is clutching a surfboard under his right arm.

Simon turns to face the camera, and begins to speak.

Simon: 'I apologise in advance if this video ends up being shorter than usual. Despite the thermal insulation that this wetsuit provides, it is still quite cold out here, and so I would like to get back indoors, into the warmth, as quickly as I can.'

Simon glances down at his bare feet, before looking back up at the camera.

Simon: 'I've only got myself to blame for me being cold, having been the one to pick this location, and decide upon this choice of attire; it seemed like a smart choice at the time, given that this Sunday I will be in a match against the Surf Boys, but now...not so much.'

Simon sighs.

Simon: 'Oh well.'

He then drops the surfboard, letting it fall to the sand below.

Simon: 'It has been three weeks since I was last inside the six-sided ring, on a night when I defeated J2H, to make up for a loss that I had suffered to him two months previously. Does the result of that match mean that J2H isn't quite as good as he thinks he is? Does it mean that I'm not yet past my sell-by date?'

Simon shrugs his shoulders.

Simon: 'Who's to say? It could be the former, but I very much hope that it's the latter that is true - it's now up to me to demonstrate that is indeed the case, starting this Sunday, by gaining another win, this time against the Surf Boys.'

Simon rubs his chin.

Simon: 'Since my last outing, and after a wait of what has felt like forever - although in reality, it was closer to four months - it appears that I finally have someone who wants to help me achieve my aspiration of winning the SCW tag team titles.'

Simon smiles.

Simon: 'To say that I'm pleased to have Ben Jordan as my tag team partner might be an understatement. I could give any number of reasons as to why I'm glad to have him as my partner, but for now, I'll just give two: one, he's a mate; two, he's a damn good wrestler.'

Simon nods his head.

Simon: 'Speaking from experience, I would much rather have Ben as a partner, than an opponent. I never explicitly stated that I hoped I would wind up having Ben as my partner, but I have hinted at it: go back to last August, when I was preparing for my first match following my return to SCW - at the time, my sights were still set on the World Heavyweight Championship, but find the video of me discussing my return match, and you can hear me speculate about where I might be able to find myself a regular tag team partner, if I was to need one.'

Simon smiles again.

Simon: 'Alright, so he might be spending most of his time in Cuba these days, but he's still an East London boy at heart.'

His smile broadens ever so slightly.

Simon: 'Ben has already taken the step of challenging the current Tag Team Champions to a match for the titles at the next supercard - although they might not be the champions for much longer, depending on the outcome of Sunday's main event. I will certainly be keeping a keen eye on that match, but regardless of who leaves Stockton with the gold - whether it's The Nobodies, or The Monstimals - Ben and I need to show people why we should be given a shot a the titles; a win against The Surf Boys - who themselves are former champions - ought to do it.'

Simon nods, confidently.

Simon: 'The last time that Ben and I were partners in a tag team match, we defeated the team of R.O.A.R. - the team that would go on to end the brief reign of The Surf Boys as Tag Team Champions. However, eighteen months have passed since that match against the uncle and nephew duo. Ben and I now need to remind everyone of why were successful on each of the two occasions that we teamed together in the past, and why we can be successful again in the future - I believe that there's a lot more to come from the pair of us, and a win against The Surf Boys is part of that.'

Simon casts a quick glance at the discarded surfboard, before looking back to the camera.

Simon: 'I don't want anyone to think that I'm mocking The Surf Boys by being where I am, and dressed the way that I am - if anything, this should be considered an homage to them. As I've already alluded to, The Surf Boys have shown in the past that they can be more than a match for any opponents, and they have the ability to put a dent in our aim of winning the tag team titles, but I don't plan on letting that happen - I respect the capabilities of The Surf Boys, but I still expect Ben and I to beat them.'

Simon turns to look out at the Severn Estuary again.

Simon: 'I'm sure The Surf Boys are used to better weather than we get here in the UK.'

He then quickly turns back to the camera.

Simon: 'How typically British of me, to talk about the weather. But on that note, and with my feet freezing, I'm going to bring this to an end.'

Simon bends down to pick up the surfboard.

Simon: 'Narly, Radical...and I guess Melody, too - I'm sure we'll have some fun at Climax Control, and entertain the fans; I just hope you won't be too downbeat after the match.'

Simon takes a step towards the camera.

Simon: 'See you on Sunday, lads and lasses...errrr, lass.'

He then gives a quick wave to the camera with his free hand, before striding away, and as Simon leaves the beach, heading for somewhere warmer, the scene fades to black.

 The video opens with a blank, black screen; the first sound to be heard is the voice of Simon Jones' wife, Jacqueline.

Jacqueline: 'Hello?'

The next voice to be heard is that of Natalie McKinley.

Natalie: 'Hi Jacqui - it's Natalie.'

Jacqueline: 'Oh hi, Natalie; Simon's not here at the moment.'

Natalie: 'Actually, Jacqui, it was you that I wanted to talk to - not Simon.'

Jacqueline: 'Oh, okay. So what is it that you want to talk to me about?'

Unsure of how to broach the subject, there is a marked pause from Natalie, before she eventually replies.

Natalie: 'I'm concerned about Simon.'

Jacqueline's surprise at Natalie's anxiety about her husband is evident in her tone of voice.

Jacqueline: 'You're concerned about Simon? Why?'

Natalie: 'Because, in the past two weeks or so, every morning when I've seen him in the gym, I've smelled alcohol on his breath; I know Simon likes a drink, but that's a bit early even for him, isn't it? I'm worried about him, Jacqui - being a recovering gambling addict myself, I don't want to see a friend of mine fall victim to any type of addiction.'

This time there is a pause from Jacqueline, as she contemplates how best to respond.

Jacqueline: 'I understand your concern, Natalie, and I know that Simon has begun to have more to drink as of late, but I don't think that you need to worry about his drinking habits just yet.'

Despite the reassurance from Jacqueline, Natalie still sounds concerned about Simon.

Natalie: 'What has brought about this sudden change in him, then?'

Another brief pause follows, as Jacqueline decides against explaining to Natalie the reason(s) for Simon's recent change in behaviour.

Jacqueline: 'I think it would be best for you to hear it from Simon, rather than me.'

The scene fades in to show Simon Jones sat, legs crossed, on the floor of the attic of his home in Cardiff. Simon - who is wearing a pair of pale blue jeans and a grey t-shirt - is sat staring at the object currently being held in his hands: the ACW world title that he unified with the SCW heavyweight title by defeating Sean Jackson in the main event of Chaos In Cape Town, in May of last year.

Simon's concentration is broken by the sound of someone making their way up the stairs to the attic, and he raises his head to see that he has been joined by Natalie McKinley, who is wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a green moleskin coat; it is Natalie that is the first of the two to speak.

Natalie: 'What are you doing up here?'

Simon replies sarcastically.

Simon: 'Jogging.'

Natalie simply responds to Simon's retort by smiling.

Simon: 'I'm being nostalgic.'

Natalie sits down on the floor, with her legs crossed, opposite Simon.

Natalie: 'Oh yeah? And what is it that you're reminiscing about?'

Simon places the ACW world title on the floor in between himself and Natalie, with it facing towards her; Natalie peers down at the belt, as Simon taps the ACW logo with his right index finger.

Natalie: 'ACW?'

She then looks back up at Simon.

Natalie: 'I thought you said that you were unconvinced about the merits of Drake Green's attempt to resurrect ACW.'

Simon: 'I am - my opinion on that matter hasn't changed. But even so, I have some fond memories of my time in ACW - ACW was where I made my return to wrestling, after nine years away from the sport. And knowing that December 2 Dismember is going to be taking place in Canada - on ACW's home turf - that's what has led to me feeling nostalgic about my time there.'

Simon picks up the ACW world title, and looks down at it again.

Simon: 'This is the one material possession that I have to remind me of ACW. Of course, it wasn't until eight months after the demise of ACW that I acquired this - in the six-sided ring of SCW. I remember saying at the time, that I wanted ACW to be put to rest; I managed to accomplish that - I just wish that Drake had allowed things to remain that way.'

Simon places the belt on the floor again, but this time, to the right-hand side of him; he then turns his attention back to Natalie.

Simon: 'Whatever Drake has in mind for his ACW revival, I can promise you one thing: you won't see the ACW world title on an SCW screen again - not unless he has a replica made.'

Natalie: 'Are you looking forward to December 2 Dismember? I'm assuming this will be the first time that you've wrestled in Canada since ACW closed its doors - I can't remember SCW having staged a show in Canada before now.'

Simon nods his head.

Simon: 'Yeah, it will be my first time appearing in a ring in Canada since then. In fact, it will be first time that I have set foot in Canada at all since January last year, shortly after Matty was born.'

Natalie: 'Okay, but you didn't answer my question.'

Simon frowns.

Simon: 'What question?'

Natalie: 'I asked you if you are looking forward to December 2 Dismember.'

Simon lets out a long sigh, before giving a monosyllabic response.

Simon: 'No.'

Now it is Natalie's turn to frown.

Natalie: 'Why not?'

Simon: 'Have you seen the line-up for December 2 Dismember?'

Natalie: 'Of course I have - you're going to be competing in a one-on-one match against Brother Grimm.'

Simon: 'Exactly - and that's the problem.'

Natalie: 'What's the matter - you're not scared of him, are you?'

Simon scoffs at the suggestion.

Simon: 'Don't be daft - of course I'm not scared of him. I live in the real world, where vampires, wendigos, skin-walkers and other supernatural creatures are no more than myths. Some people might find Brother Grimm to be a haunting presence, but not me - he can be made to feel pain, just like any other person.'

Natalie: 'So what's the problem, then?'

Simon: 'To understand why I'm feeling underwhelmed, you need to take a look at the line-up in greater detail - I'll talk you through it.'

Simon leans forward slightly, towards Natalie.

Simon: 'There will be fifteen matches on the show; in seven of those matches, there will be titles at stake; there is also the "king for a day" and the "queen for a day" matches, plus five contests that could be deemed grudge matches; that leaves one match...'

Simon holds up his right index finger, for emphasis.

Simon: '...one match that doesn't fit in with the other fourteen - a match in which there's no title to be fought for, and no grudge to be settled; one of the biggest shows of the year, and I'm in a match that at best could be described as filler - that's why I'm so disinterested, Natalie.'

Natalie: 'There's always pride at stake.'

Simon shoots down Natalie's argument.

Simon: 'That's not enough. Matches on a show of the magnitude of December 2 Dismember should mean something, but this match has no meaning to it - it's as if the powers that be felt that they had to shoehorn me into the show somehow; I would rather have been left off the show, than be put in a match just for the sake of me having a match. Normally I would want to win any match that I compete in, but I couldn't care less whether or not I win or lose this match - I am severely struggling to get myself motivated for it.'

Natalie: 'But the match that you were in two months ago, at High Stakes, was similar in nature.'

Simon: 'It was, but on that occasion, I was motivated by a desire to send Desmond Knight packing from SCW - which I accomplished. This time, though...'

Simon's voice trails off; he then shrugs his shoulders, before continuing.

Simon: 'I feel no ill will towards Brother Grimm; with him being a former Roulette Champion and Tag Team Champion, I respect the bloke, and I know that he would be a tough opponent for anyone. And once I'm in the ring with him, then I'll try my hardest to defeat him - but should I fail...'

Simon shrugs his shoulders again.

Simon: '...I won't lose any sleep over it.'

Simon gazes down at the floor; he then sits up straight again, and laughs, when something enters his mind.

Simon: 'Did you hear Goth call me "delusional"?'

Natalie nods her head, as Simon laughs again.

Simon: 'I'm not sure about me being delusional - although he may have a point about not knowing where my head's at.'

Natalie: 'I don't know about that; you know what it is that you want in SCW - you just haven't gotten it yet.'

Simon: 'Yeah, I suppose you're right. And despite apparently being the only person that cares about said thing that I want - according to Tim Staggs - I seem incapable of getting it.'

Simon lets out another sigh.

Simon: 'Thinking back to my time in ACW, my final match there - or it may have been my penultimate match, I'm not entirely certain which - was for the ACW tag team titles: I found myself thrown into a match against the champions - Ben Jordan and Mickey Carroll - with Steve Ramone as my partner; as the then-SCW Heavyweight Champion, I didn't particularly care about winning the ACW tag team titles, so it probably wasn't surprising that Ramone and I lost.'

Natalie: 'You did once have a shot at the tag team titles in SCW, didn't you?'

Simon nods.

Simon: 'Yeah, just over two years ago, against Despayre and Rage, with - of all people - Casey Williams as my partner; given how Casey and I feel about one another, it was no surprise that I was on the losing side in that match, either.'

Simon laughs to himself, as another thought crosses his mind.

Simon: 'I find it ironic that, in the past, when I had very little interest in being a Tag Team Champion, I was given a shot at the titles in both ACW and SCW, and yet now, when I actually do want to win SCW tag team titles, I can't get a shot at them for love nor money.'

He then sighs again.

Simon: 'Maybe Andrew Watts is right: maybe I am "a washed up has-been" - maybe that's why I'm being kept away from the tag team titles; maybe I should just jack it in - maybe I should quit wrestling for good, and spend all of my time with my family.'

Natalie: 'Don't listen to Watts - you still have plenty left in the tank, and you'll show it on Sunday against Brother Grimm, no matter how unmotivated or unprepared you are.'

Simon smiles weakly.

Natalie: 'You're still more than capable of teaching youngsters like me a lesson in the ring - as your sparring partner, I can tell you that for a fact.'

Simon: 'Thanks for the vote of confidence, Natalie.'

Natalie: 'You're welcome.'

Natalie then fidgets, anxiously, as she changes the subject.

Natalie: 'Simon, there's something that I want to ask you about.'

Simon: 'Go for it.'

Natalie: 'Okay, well, what I wanted to ask you, is...'

Natalie's sentence trails off, and she bites her bottom lip.

Simon: 'Come on, Natalie - what do you want to ask me?'

There is a small sigh from Natalie, before she replies.

Natalie: 'Okay; fine. I'm just curious is all, as to why you've started having a drink in the morning before you come to the gym.'

There is a few seconds of silence, as Simon debates with himself how to respond to Natalie; he decides not to lie to her.

Simon: 'How could you tell?'

Natalie: 'Because I've been able to smell the alcohol on your breath.'

Natalie edges herself forward, moving nearer to Simon.

Natalie: 'What's going on, Simon? I asked Jacqui, but she told me that I should ask you.'

Simon: 'You spoke to Jacqui about me?'

Natalie: 'I was concerned about you, and I thought, no-one knows you better than your wife does.'

Simon: 'Well, I appreciate your concern, Natalie, but it's not necessary, I can assure you.'

There is a momentary lull in the conversation, before Natalie asks another question.

Natalie: 'Is this about your friend - the one who died?'

Simon: 'Yes and no - there's more to it than that.'

Natalie: 'What then?'

Simon closes his eyes, as he has another debate with himself, this time over whether or not to tell Natalie the whole truth; after a few seconds have passed, he reopens his eyes, and speaks.

Simon: 'Okay, what I'm about to tell you is something that I haven't spoken to anyone outside of my family about; I haven't told any of my friends about it - until now - because I don't want people to make a fuss.'

Simon sighs, before continuing.

Simon: 'About two and a half months ago, my Mum was diagnosed with bowel cancer.'

Natalie: 'Oh, Simon; I...'

Simon raises his right index finger, to get Natalie to stop talking.

Natalie: 'Sorry.'

Simon then lowers his hand, and continues.

Simon: 'The main treatment for bowel cancer is surgery, and my Mum had an operation at the start of last month. However, because of how advanced the cancer is, the surgeon wasn't able to remove it, and so now, my Mum is left relying on chemotherapy to try to beat it; her first session of chemo is in about a week and a half, just a few days before Christmas.'

Simon lowers his gaze, breaking eye contact with Natalie.

Simon: 'So yeah, my Mum's illness has been affecting my state of mind for the last couple of months, and then Ian dying just tipped me over the edge.'

Natalie: 'I'm so sorry about you Mam, Simon.'

Simon looks back up at Natalie.

Simon: 'I know that drinking so often isn't good for my health, and I do intend to cut back, but it was the only way that I could cope with the situation, you know?'

Natalie nods her understanding.

Natalie: 'I had something else that I wanted to talk to you about - a personal issue of mine - but after hearing about your Mam, it can wait.'

Simon forces a smile, as he then attempts to lighten the mood.

Simon: 'Hey, where do you think Brother Grimm is really from?'

Natalie is taken aback by Simon's question.

Natalie: 'What?'

Simon: 'I mean, he's billed as being from "The Other Side of Darkness" - to me, that kind of sounds like a description of Wolverhampton.'

Natalie's expression changes, as she laughs.

Natalie: 'I would argue that it sounds more like a description of Swansea.'

Simon: 'Of course you would.'

Natalie: 'Judging by his pale complexion, though, perhaps he is of Scottish or Irish descent.'

Simon nods his head.

Simon: 'You could be onto something there - maybe he's from Albania.'

Natalie frowns.

Natalie: 'Why Albania?'

Simon: 'Well that's where Albinos are from, isn't it?'

Natalie laughs again, and as she and Simon continue their conversation, the scene fades to black.

 The video opens with a blank, black screen; the first sound to be heard is the voice of an unknown female, who speaks with a Cardiff accent.

'Good morning, Whitchurch Road Surgery.'

The next voice to be heard is an instantly recognisable one - the voice of Simon Jones.

Simon: 'Hi. I would like to make an appointment to see a doctor, please.'

The female to whom Simon is speaking is the receptionist at a doctor's surgery.

Receptionist: 'May I have you name, please?'

Simon: 'Simon Jones.'

Receptionist: 'Okay, Mr Jones, is there a certain doctor that you want to see?'

Simon: 'No, any doctor will be fine.'

There is then a pause in the conversation, and the sound of tapping on a keyboard can be heard; a couple of seconds later, the receptionist speaks again.

Receptionist: 'The earliest appointment we have available is at two o'clock; that is with Dr Nabi - is that okay for you?'

Simon: 'Yes, that will be fine, thank you.'

The scene fades in to show Simon sat on an examination table, in one of the examination rooms at the doctor's surgery; Simon is wearing a pair of navy blue jeans and a plain grey sweater. He is approached by Dr Nabi - a male British Asian of Pakistani descent, who is in his early fifties.

Dr Nabi: 'So, Mr Jones, what seems to be the problem?'

The doctor takes a seat on a chair opposite Simon.

Simon: 'I think I may be suffering from tinnitus - I can hear a constant buzzing sound; I thought that tinnitus was a ringing sound, but as I said, the sound that I can hear is a buzzing sound.'

Dr Nabi: 'While tinnitus is often described as a ringing sound, there are in fact several sounds that can be heard, such as humming, hissing, whistling - or buzzing.'

Simon: 'I also sometimes hear noises that seem to beat in time with my pulse - is that also a symptom of tinnitus, or something else?'

Dr Nabi: 'That particular condition is called pulsatile tinnitus.'

There is a brief pause, before the doctor begins his attempts to confirm a diagnosis of Simon's condition.

Dr Nabi: 'Okay, Mr Jones, I want to ask you some questions about your symptoms. Now, you said that the sound is continuous...'

Simon interrupts the doctor, to verify the statement.

Simon: 'Yes, that's right.'

Dr Nabi: 'Does the problem affect one ear, or both ears?'

Simon considers his answer for a moment, before replying.

Simon: 'Both ears, I guess.'

He then shrugs slightly.

Simon: 'The sound doesn't seem to come from one ear more so than the other.'

Dr Nabi 'Have you experienced any hearing loss, or vertigo?'

Simon's tone of voice conveys his surprise at this question.

Simon: 'Vertigo? Why vertigo?'

Dr Nabi: 'Vertigo can sometimes be another symptom of tinnitus.'

Simon: 'Oh; okay.'

Dr Nabi: 'Tinnitus can sometimes be caused by high doses of medication - are you taking any medication, such as antibiotics, or aspirin?'

Simon shakes his head.

Simon: 'No, nothing.'

Dr Nabi gets up from his chair.

Dr Nabi: 'Okay, Mr Jones, what I'm going to do now is examine your ears, to check for any obvious problems that can be easily treated, such as an earwax buildup, or an ear infection.'

Using an otoscope, the doctor examines both of Simon's ears - first his left ear, followed by the right ear; once the examination is complete, the doctor then retakes his seat.

Dr Nabi: 'I can't see any signs of any obvious problems, so I think that the best thing for me to do would be to refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist.'

Simon: 'Doctor, I think I read somewhere that tinnitus can be a symptom of a concussion - is that true?'

Dr Nabi: 'Tinnitus can sometimes be a symptom of post-concussion syndrome, but it is rare, though, for that to be the case. What made you ask about that - do you think that you might have suffered a concussion recently, Mr Jones?'

Simon shrugs again.

Simon: 'I don't know.'

Dr Nabi: 'What do you do for a living, Mr Jones?'

Realising the potential ramifications for his wrestling career, Simon takes advantage of the doctor's ignorance, and lies to him.

Simon: 'I work for a law firm, in the city centre.'

Dr Nabi: 'Not exactly a physically demanding job, then - not a job in which you are likely to suffer a head injury.'

Thinking back to his recent one-on-one match with Sean Jackson, when he was on the receiving end of Jackson's finisher - Game called Due to Darkness - Simon builds upon his lie.

Simon: 'No, but I was involved in a clash of heads, playing football.'

A hint of concern can be seen on the doctor's face.

Dr Nabi: 'How long ago was that, Mr Jones?'

Simon pauses to recall when the match with Sean Jackson took place.

Simon: 'It was about two months ago.'

Dr Nabi: 'Have you ever previously been diagnosed with a concussion, Mr Jones?'

Simon nods.

Simon: 'Yes, once.'

Dr Nabi: 'And how long ago was that?'

In his mind, Simon replays the incident that occurred in Puerto Rico, in January 2013, when he suffered a concussion at the hands of former ACW and SCW star Mickey Carroll, in a one-sided bar fight.

Simon: 'Nearly three years ago - it will be three years in another couple of months from now.'

Dr Nabi pauses for a moment, to consider what Simon has told him; he then speaks again.

Dr Nabi: 'Mr Jones, something that I didn't ask you earlier, is how long has the buzzing sound been affecting you?'

Another shrug from Simon follows that question.

Simon: 'I can't remember exactly how long it has been going on for, but it has been several weeks since it started.'

Dr Nabi: 'And may I ask, why have you not seen a doctor before now?'

Simon: 'Because I'm a typical man - I tried to ignore the problem, and hoped that it would just eventually go away.'

Dr Nabi: 'I don't think that this problem is going to resolve itself, Mr Jones - I think I might need to refer you for more than simply an appointment with an ear, nose and throat specialist.'

As Simon breaks eye contact with the doctor, gazing down at the floor, the scene fades to black.

---

The scene opens outside Whitchurch Fire Station, in the north of Cardiff. Stood by the adjacent road, a few yards from the station's entrance, is Simon Jones, who is wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a black coat.

Simon's attention is currently drawn to the mobile phone that he is holding in his right hand; after Simon puts the phone away, in the pocket of his jeans, he looks to the camera, and begins to speak.

Simon: 'It's Guy Fawkes Night, here in the UK - remember, remember the fifth of November, and all that. It's been a number of years since I last attended a fireworks display, but tonight, my wife and I are taking our young daughter to her first such event. So while I wait for the two of them to arrive, what better way for me to occupy myself, than by talking about SCW? And in particular, my forthcoming match this Sunday, against J2H.'

Simon lets out a sigh.

Simon: 'I feel as though I've been a bit quiet, as of late. I mean, I'm always more Silent Bob than Chatty Cathy - I'm not one of those people that feel the need to tweet their every thought - but in the past month or so, I feel like I've kept even more of a low profile than I usually do. Now sure, prior to last Sunday, I had participated in matches on three consecutive shows, but beyond those matches, I didn't really do much of anything else - my appearances on each of those
three shows was a blink-and-you'll-miss-it kind of thing. I feel like I've been shortchanging the people in SCW that matter the most to me: the fans - and that's something that I want to change, starting this week.'

Simon looks down towards the ground for a couple of seconds, before looking back up at the camera, and continuing.

Simon: 'Something that I don't want to change, however, is my current run of form; the three matches that I just mentioned yielded three wins, and so my aim for this Sunday is to pick up a fourth successive victory. But that's not my only aim for Climax Control, as I also want to try to put on the best match possible for the fans - especially after the somewhat blasé attitude that I've had recently; another in-ring success for me, and an entertaining match for the fans - that sounds like a win-win situation for everyone. Well, unless your name is James Huntington-Hawkes, that is.'

Simon smirks.

Simon: 'Myself and the man that now wishes to be known as simply "J2H" have been opponents in SCW once before, two and a half years ago, in what was my debut in the six-sided ring. I was actually one of the men that was responsible for eliminating J2H from that match - a gauntlet battle royal - together with Matthew Kennedy, Brother Grimm, and Goth. I, of course, went on to win the battle royal, and this Sunday, when J2H and I step inside the ring again, I'm confident that I'll be able to get the better of him for a second time, en route to another win - and I won't need anyone else's assistance, either.'

Simon shakes his head.

Simon: 'I'm aware that in the past, J2H has been ridiculed by plenty of people in SCW - derided as a joke, even. By the time that I arrived in SCW, though, people had begun to take him a bit more seriously. Regardless of whatever other people may think of J2H, I, for one, respect what he has accomplished during his time in SCW. I've seen our forthcoming match be referred to as the biggest match yet for J2H, from which I infer that I'm the one that is expected to be victorious. And while I'm upbeat about my chances of defeating J2H on Sunday, I certainly won't be underestimating him.'

Simon rubs his chin.

Simon: 'Ahead of his match with Brother Grimm at High Stakes, I heard J2H state that he is "not afraid of anything any more," which is quite a bold thing to say. Now, as one of the smallest men on the SCW roster, I wouldn't expect the sight of me to strike fear into the heart of any of my opponents, but I do believe that my ability in the ring should give opposing wrestlers reason to be wary of me - it is no fluke that I have twice been the SCW World Heavyweight Champion, and on Sunday, I hope to put in the sort of performance that serves as a reminder of that fact, on my way to getting a win against J2H.'

Simon puts his hands in his pockets.

Simon: 'I'm not going to stand here and claim that I'm not afraid of anything, but I will reiterate something that I've said before, on the subject of things that I'm not afraid of: I'm not afraid to lose - I'm not afraid to fail. I'm always willing to take risks in the ring, to aid my prospects of being successful...'

Simon lowers his eyes slightly.

Simon: '...although only ones that are necessary - I'm not completely reckless.'

Simon then takes his hands out of his pockets, as he goes back to looking directly at the camera.

Simon: 'What about you, James? I don't buy this claim that you're no longer afraid of anything - there must still be something, or someone that you're afraid of, even if that fear is only something such as a fear of a defeat; perhaps that will be something for you to ponder after our match on Sunday, while you are licking your wounds.'

Simon quickly glances behind him, over his shoulder, before looking back to the camera.

Simon: 'James Huntington-Hawkes the third versus Simon Jones the first; there's no shame in being second best to me, James - you could ask your friend Casey Williams how that feels, although you'll only have to wait three more days to find out for yourself.'

Simon looks away from the camera, as he pulls back the sleeve of his coat, to check his watch; he then returns his attention to the camera.

Simon: 'I think it's time for me to wrap this up - my wife and daughter should be here any minute now. And so to finish off, I'm going to try something different - following on from Steve Ramone's rap, I'm going to try my hand at poetry; here goes.'

Simon clears his throat, before beginning his rhyme.

Simon: 'Remember, remember December 2 Dismember, the final supercard draws near. I see no reason, this holiday season, for me to have anything to fear.'

Simon takes a breath, before continuing.

Simon: 'Simon Jones, me, it's my intent, to leave others feeling discontent. Through the opposition I'll mow, whenever I'm booked on a show.'

Another pause for breath follows.

Simon: 'I won't take it easy in any match, because there's a prize that I want to catch. I'll give it my all, in the six-sided ring, until I hear the bell, go ding, ding, ding.'

Having finished his rhyme, Simon then grins.

Simon: 'And what is the prize I want? You should know that by now: the tag team titles - or half of them, at least.'

With both hands, Simon motions towards his waist, gesturing for a championship belt.

Simon: 'But first, I want a win, this Sunday, against J2H; see you at Climax Control.'

As Simon smiles at the camera, the scene fades to black.

 The scene opens outside a terraced house in Maidstone, Kent, early in the evening of Tuesday 29th September. Walking towards the front door of the house, pulling a black trolley case behind him, is Simon Jones; he is wearing a pair of navy blue jeans, and a royal blue Birmingham City F.C. jersey.

Simon takes his hand off the handle of the case, and reaches out to press the doorbell; he then waits, as several seconds pass before the door is opened. The person that opens the door is Sylvia Jones - Simon's [younger] sister; upon seeing her brother, the expression on the face of Sylvia - who is wearing a pair of black trousers, and a black and white hooped t-shirt - is a mixture of surprise and happiness.

Sylvia: 'Simon? What are you doing here?'

Sylvia holds out her arms towards Simon, and the two siblings hug.

Simon: 'Hi, Syl.'

After breaking the hug, Simon smiles warmly at his sister, who smiles back at him.

Sylvia: 'Come in, come in.'

Simon picks up his trolley case, and steps inside his sister's home.

Sylvia: 'You can leave your case there.'

Simon does as instructed. He then shuts the door behind him, before following Sylvia, who leads the way, into the living room.

Sylvia: Would you like a drink?'

Simon: 'A cup of tea would be great, thanks.'

As Sylvia makes her way to the kitchen, disappearing from view, Simon takes a seat on an armchair. A couple of moments later, the sound of a kettle being boiled can be heard. Sylvia then calls out to her brother.

Sylvia: 'So, what are you doing here, Simon?'

Simon: 'What - can't I pay my sister a surprise visit?'

Sylvia: 'It's good to see you - it is a nice surprise - I just wasn't expecting it, is all.'

Simon: 'Well, if you had been expecting me, then it wouldn't have been a surprise, would it?'

Sylvia chuckles at her brother's retort.

Sylvia: 'You know what I meant.'

Simon: 'Yeah, I know.'

Simon gazes around the room.

Simon: 'Seriously though, Syl, it's been a while since we saw one another, so I thought that I would stop off to see you, on my way home from Paraguay.'

Sylvia: 'This is a bit of a diversion for you though, isn't it? Maidstone isn't exactly on the way to Cardiff from London - I assume you flew to one of the London airports.'

Simon: 'Heathrow.'

There is a brief moment of silence, before Simon speaks again.

Simon: 'Like I said, Syl, I thought it was about time that I paid you a visit - especially after the bombshell that was dropped on me last week. And by "bombshell," I don't mean a female member of the SCW roster.'

A few seconds later, Sylvia reappears, carrying two mugs; she walks towards Simon, and hands one of them to him.

Simon: 'Thanks, Syl.'

Sylvia: 'You're welcome.'

As Simon takes a drink from the mug, Sylvia sits down on an adjacent sofa.

Sylvia: 'How did you take the news about Mum, then?'

Simon: 'I think I'm still in shock. I...'

Simon's voice trails off; Sylvia takes a sip from her mug, while she waits for Simon to continue his thought.

Simon: 'I had seen Mum - and Dad - a week and a half before, when I went to watch Blues play Bristol City, and I didn't say anything at the time, but Mum looked pale then...'

Sylvia interrupts Simon, to chip in with an observation.

Sylvia: 'That'll have been the anaemia.'

Simon: 'Yeah, I realise that now. But still - cancer? I didn't see that coming.'

Simon lowers his gaze, looking down at the floor.

Sylvia: 'Mum called me last Saturday to tell me the news; I was just as shocked as you. She said that she and Dad wanted to wait until they saw you on the Tuesday, to tell you face-to-face, rather than over the phone.'

Simon looks back up at Sylvia, as he responds to her.

Simon: 'Dad sent me a text last weekend, saying the same thing - that there was something important they needed to tell me, but that they would wait until the Tuesday; I didn't think it was going to be anything good, but I never would've guessed that the news would be as bad as it was.'

Sylvia takes another sip from her mug.

Simon: 'It was sixteen years ago that Mum had to have a breast lump removed.'

Simon then drinks some more of his tea.

Sylvia: 'I remember going to visit Mum, after she'd had the surgery; I hated seeing her there, lying in a hospital bed, with surgical drains in her.'

Simon: 'I know what you mean - I felt the same way.'

Simon sighs.

Simon: 'And now she's got another form of cancer.'

Sylvia: 'Mum was undergoing more tests yesterday, wasn't she - to see if she can have surgery?'

Simon: 'That's right; I received a text from Dad earlier, to say that Mum had received a letter from the hospital this morning, asking her to attend an appointment next Monday - Dad assumes that's when the doctor will share their plans.'

Sylvia: 'Hopefully it will be good news.'

Simon: 'Dad seems to think it will be good news - well, as good as can be hoped for, in the circumstances; when I spoke to him last week, he was confident that Mum's heart and lungs will be strong enough for her to have the surgery.'

Sylvia: 'Fingers crossed.'

Simon nods his head in agreement, before he and his sister both take a drink from their respective mugs. Attempting to lighten the mood, Sylvia then changes the subject.

Sylvia: 'So, you're going after the tag team titles.'

Simon: 'You watched Climax Control, then.'

Sylvia: 'It's part of my job to watch Climax Control - not just as your sister, but as a wrestling journalist.'

Simon leans forward, to place his mug on the floor, by the side of the chair; he then looks back at Sylvia.

Simon: 'Like I've said a couple of times now, the one glaring hole on my list of accomplishments, is a Tag Team Championship - this match that's coming up on the horizon, at High Stakes V, will give me the chance to rectify that.'

Sylvia: 'Some people will probably think that you're just going after the tag titles because you failed to win the heavyweight title at Summer XXXTreme - that you couldn't win the big one, so now you're settling for what many people will see as a lesser prize.'

Simon: 'I expect you're right about that - but you know what? I don't care what other people think about me turning my focus from the heavyweight title to the tag titles - they can think whatever they want to think; the reason I've stated for wanting to win the tag team titles is genuine.'

Sylvia: 'Do you have any idea what kind of match it's going to be at High Stakes?'

Simon shakes his head.

Simon: 'Not a clue. I don't know if it's going to be some form of a tag team match, or whether it's going to be something along the lines of the match that took place back at December 2 Dismember II.'

Sylvia: 'That was a double ladder match, when the titles were also vacant, right?'

Now Simon nods his head.

Simon: 'Correct.'

He then rubs his chin, thinking about what may be in store at High Stakes V.

Simon: 'Perhaps a match such as that could be more favourable towards me - although if I'm going to win the tag team titles, I would probably prefer to do so in an actual tag team match, rather than a singles match; the question then would be whether I would get to pick my partner, or whether my partner would be chosen for me by the lethal lottery.'

Sylvia: 'If you could choose anyone in SCW to be your tag team partner, who would you choose?'

Simon replies almost immediately.

Simon: 'Despayre.'

Sylvia: 'Wow - you didn't need any time to think about that one.'

Simon shrugs his shoulders.

Simon: 'What's there to think about? Despayre has won the SCW Tag Team Championships three times, with a different partner each time - not to mention what else he has achieved. He won't be competing for the tag titles at High Stakes, of course, as he's the Internet Champion now - but he's my answer to your question.'

Sylvia: 'What about Ben Jordan?'

Simon: 'He's a mate - and a talented wrestler; I would gladly team with him at any time. But again, as far as High Stakes is concerned, he's already occupied.'

As Sylvia takes another drink from her mug, Simon picks up his own mug, to drink some more of his tea; he then places the mug back down on the floor, before continuing.

Simon: 'If the match at High Stakes is to be a tag team match, and if my partner will be chosen for me by the lethal lottery, then I won't complain, no matter who I get paired with.'

Sylvia: 'What if it's J2H?'

Simon gives another shrug.

Simon: 'His attitude might rub some people the wrong way, but he's held the tag team titles, and the roulette title - he could be a good tag team partner.'

Sylvia: 'What about Brother Grimm?'

Simon: 'He's a mysterious individual, but like J2H, he's a former Tag Team Champion, and a former Roulette Champion - again, he could be a good partner to have.'

Sylvia: 'How about...'

Simon interrupts his sister.

Simon: 'How about you stop trying to guess who could be a potential tag team partner for me? It could be anyone - it could even be Joshua Acquin; we could go from being opponents next Sunday, to being tag team partners two weeks later.'

Sylvia: 'Well, it couldn't be anyone - it won't be, say, Sean Jackson.'

Simon: 'No, you're right about that - although he wouldn't be the worst partner for me to have.'

Sylvia looks shocked at this comment from Simon.

Sylvia: 'Are you serious? After everything that he has said about you - about Matilda?'

Simon: 'Sean Jackson and I may not particularly like one another, but I think he likes losing even less. Besides, we've teamed successfully once in the past, in SCW.'

Sylvia fidgets anxiously, before asking another question.

Sylvia: 'The things that Sean Jackson has said in regards to Matilda - have those things bothered you at all?'

Simon: 'No.'

Simon shakes his head, for emphasis.

Simon: 'And I told Jacqui not to let his statements bother her, either; I told her that it's just Sean Jackson being Sean Jackson - it's just him playing the role of "The Mental Rapist."'

Simon lets out a sigh.

Simon: 'The only thing Sean Jackson said that really struck home with me, was when he said that he was going to end my wrestling career.'

Sylvia: 'Why did that claim in particular affect you?'

Simon: 'Because it got me wondering about how and when my career will end. I mean, I'm thirty-six now - how many more years do I have left in me? This could well be my last run. But will my career come to an end because I decide that enough is enough, or will my career come to an end because I suffer an injury that leaves me unable to wrestle any more?'

Simon silently ponders his question for a moment; he then shrugs his shoulders, before speaking again.

Simon: 'Sean Jackson isn't the first person in SCW to say that he's going to end my career, you know.'

Sylvia: 'Who else has?'

Simon: 'Kain; he didn't say it ahead of the match we were involved in at Summer XXXTreme - it was eighteen months ago or more, when there was a bit more animosity between the two of us.'

Sylvia sips some more of her drink, while Simon continues his train of thought.

Simon: 'I'm only ever one move away from suffering a serious injury, but I'm still waiting for Kain, or Sean Jackson, or whoever else, to inflict it upon me.'

Sylvia: 'It almost sounds as if you want someone to end your career.'

Simon chuckles.

Simon: 'Don't be daft - I've still got things left that I want to accomplish in my career.'

Sylvia: 'Like winning the SCW Tag Team Championships.'

Simon: 'Exactly.'

Simon gives his sister a thumbs up.

Simon: 'But before I can concentrate on that goal, first I need to defeat Joshua Acquin next Sunday.'

Simon then reaches down to pick his mug up off the floor.

Sylvia: 'Speaking not as your sister, but as an impartial journalist, I would be surprised if you didn't win that match.'

Simon: 'Thanks for the vote of confidence, Syl.'

Sylvia smiles at her brother.

Sylvia: 'You're welcome.'

Simons sips some of his tea, before speaking again.

Simon: 'I'm not going to deny it, though - I'm confident about my chances for Sunday; beat Steve Ramone, beat Joshua Acquin, and then hopefully go on to win the tag team titles - this could be a good few weeks for me.'

Sylvia nods her head in agreement, and as Simon drinks what remains of his mug of tea, the scene fades to black.

---

The scene opens inside a lounge in the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, in London, on the evening of Friday 2nd October. Stood facing the camera, wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a sky blue long sleeve t-shirt.

Simon sits down on a chair directly opposite the camera, and begins to speak.

Simon: 'This may end up being shorter than usual, as I am currently waiting to board a flight to Madrid, so I apologise in advance if I have to end this abruptly.'

Simon quickly glances upwards, before looking back to the camera, ready to continue.

Simon: 'From Madrid, I will be flying to Colombia, as I make my way to Santa Marta, and Climax Control, where this Sunday, I will be competing in a match against Joshua Acquin. It's a match that I'm looking forward to - especially as I'm heading into it on the back of a win in my last match, last weekend - against an opponent that I have never wrestled before; given that Joshua Aquin and I have both been in SCW for a couple of years now, some people might it find hard to believe, but the match this Sunday will be the first time that he and I have been in the ring together - and I intend for it to be a successful first meeting, as far as I'm concerned.'

Simon smiles confidently.

Simon: 'When I stood in the ring in Buenos Aires two weeks ago, I mentioned that my first ever appearance in front of the SCW cameras had been on the previous occasion that Climax Control had been staged in Buenos Aires. Coincidentally, that particular episode of Climax Control, two and a half years ago, also saw the SCW debut of Joshua Acquin - and it was a very impressive debut, as he beat Casper Grey in less than two minutes. I can, however, assure Joshua that he certainly won't have such an easy time of it this Sunday - this one won't be over in the blink of an eye. And if the match goes according to plan for me, Acquin won't be the one getting his hand raised at the end of it, either.'

Simon shakes his head.

Simon: 'I'm confident about my prospects of beating Joshua Acquin, but although he has struggled at times in the ring recently, I won't be underestimating him; if anyone needed a reminder of what Joshua Acquin is capable of, they got it two weeks ago, when he defeated Andrew Watts - who, until a few months ago, was one of the fastest rising wrestlers in SCW. Andrew Watts may have followed in my footsteps earlier this year, by winning the Blast from the Past tournament, but this weekend won't be my turn to follow in his footsteps - I'm not about to fall victim to Acquin's Nightmare; instead, I plan on sending Acquin on a trip, Into Oblivion.'

Simon smirks.

Simon: 'Speaking of the Blast from the Past tournament, this is the first time since last year's edition of the tournament, that I have found myself having to compete in the six-sided ring on consecutive Sundays. Back then, I was a victim of my own success, progressing through the rounds, going on to win the tournament, and in the midst of all that, still finding the time to regain the SCW heavyweight title. But now? I guess that maybe, after some indifferent performances, the powers that be want me to prove that I still have what it takes, before they go ahead and grant me the request that I have made for High Stakes V; if that is indeed the case, then on Sunday evening, I intend to show that my ability in the ring hasn't deserted me completed, by being victorious for the second time in eight days.'

Simon looks at his left wrist, and in particular at his Breitling watch - a gift given to him last year for his birthday, by Ben Jordan and Emma Rose; he then looks back at the camera, and continues.

Simon: 'Provided that I do indeed get past Joshua Acquin unscathed, it appears as though at High Stakes V, having declared my desire to win the SCW Tag Team Championships, I will be able to look forward to being in the match for the vacant titles. And I believe that a win over Joshua Acquin would be a boost for me, ahead of a potential crack at the tag team titles; having beaten one former SCW Tag Team Champion in my last match - Steve Ramone - another win this Sunday, against the man that Ramone held the titles with, would be a good step for me, on my path to the gold.'

Simon stands up.

Simon: 'So that's my intention: defeat Joshua Acquin, before then turning my attention towards claiming one half of the SCW tag team titles. Part one of that takes place this Sunday; see you in Santa Marta.'

As Simon stands staring towards the camera, the scene fades to black.

 Sunday 16th August, 10:45 p.m. local time.

The scene opens inside the Players Bar - a sports bar located on the Dolphin Deck of the Sun Princess. Sat on a stool, by the bar itself, is Simon Jones, who is wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a royal blue Birmingham City F.C. jersey; in front of Simon, on the bar, is a pint of a generic looking beer.

The Players Bar's overhead screens are airing the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal, which is currently scoreless. That changes within sixty seconds, however, when Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud combine to give Arsenal the lead. As a replay of Giroud's goal is shown, Simon looks away from the screen and reaches for his pint of beer - but before he has time to take a drink from his glass, a murmur from someone sat at one of the surrounding tables draws his attention.

Simon turns to look over his right shoulder, in the direction of an unidentified male, who is sat alone at a table for six. The man is wearing a stingy brim leather fedora, and with his head now lowered, his face is obscured; Simon is still able to recognise him, though.

Simon: 'I don't fuckin' believe it.'

Simon gets up from his seat. He then picks his pint up, and walks over to the man's table.

Simon: 'Were you planning to just sit here all evening, watching me?'

The man - who in addition to his hat, is wearing a pair of black jeans and a green t-shirt - looks up, and with his face now visible, he can be recognised as Simon Jones' long-time Irish friend, Jason O'Neil.

Jason: 'Actually, I came here to have a drink and to watch the football - the fact that you and I are in the same part of the ship is merely a coincidence.'

Jason smirks, before then picking up a drink of his own, and taking a sip of what is clearly Guinness, its characteristic colour making it easily discernible.

Jason: 'I had been wondering how long it would take you to notice me.'

Simon: 'And?'

Jason: 'You took longer than I expected.'

Simon drinks some of his beer, before placing the glass on the table; he then replies in a sarcastic tone.

Simon: 'Sorry to disappoint you.'

Jason: 'That's alright - as long as you don't disappoint me next Sunday evening.'

Simon takes a seat, sitting in the chair opposite Jason.

Simon: 'I'm guessing that's why you're here - to watch me compete for the heavyweight title.'

Jason: 'I haven't come to watch you compete for the heavyweight title - I've come to watch you win the heavyweight title.'

Simon: 'No pressure, then.'

There is a momentary silence, which is broken by a smiling Simon.

Simon: 'It's good to see you again, Jase; it's hard to believe that we haven't spoken in person since last July.'

Jason: 'Until now.'

Jason takes a sip of his Guinness.

Simon: 'How's Vegas?'

Jason shrugs his shoulders, noncommittally.

Jason: 'I can't complain.'

Simon: 'You're not missing the UK - or Ireland - at all?'

Jason: 'I do miss the odd thing about living there, occasionally, but it's never enough to make me want to go back.'

As Simon takes a drink from his glass, Jason asks the next question.

Jason: 'Are Jacqui and Matilda with you?'

After placing his drink back on the table, Simon nods his head.

Simon: 'They're in our cabin; Jacqui is putting Matty to bed, before then going off to sleep herself.'

Jason: 'Why are you in here then, rather than with your wife and daughter?'

Simon: 'Because my body is still on British Summer Time, and thinks that it's early afternoon, not late evening; I'm hoping that getting a few pints in me will help me to pass out.'

Jason: 'Now that's a plan that I can support.'

Jason raises his glass.

Jason: 'Cheers!'

Simon does likewise with his glass.

Simon: 'Cheers!'

The pair clink their glasses; they each then take a sip of their respective drinks, before putting their glasses back down on the table.

Simon: 'I hope it doesn't take too long for my body to get used to the time difference - it's not going to do my preparations for next Sunday much good, otherwise.'

Jason: 'I would back you to beat Kain and Sean Jackson even if you are only half-awake, or half-asleep, or...whatever.'

Simon: 'Yeah, well, hopefully I won't have to put that to the test.'

Simon quickly takes another sip of his beer.

Jason: 'Is Natalie on board the ship?'

Simon: 'She is; she also opted to go to bed, leaving me to drink my own - until, of course, I discovered that you were here.'

Jason: 'It's been a while since I saw her, too - seven months, I think. Is her other half here with her?'

Simon: 'Who, Jack?'

Jason shrugs again.

Jason: 'Sure - if that's her boyfriend's name.'

Simon: 'It is indeed his name. But to answer your question, no, he's not here - he couldn't get the week off work.'

Simon takes a long drink from his glass, and Jason soon does the same with his Guinness.

Simon: 'Something has just occurred to me.'

Jason: 'What's that?'

Simon: 'Well, you said that you've come to watch me win the heavyweight title, but the main event of Summer XXXTreme was only confirmed last Sunday, and I thought that tickets for the cruise had already sold out by then.'

Jason: 'They had, but, I found a way to get hold of one; you know me, Simon.'

Jason winks at Simon.

Jason: 'I was there on both of the previous occasions that you won the SCW heavyweight title, and I wasn't going to let anything prevent me from being present to see you win the title for a third time.'

Simon: 'Well, I'm glad to have you here, Jase - it wouldn't be the same without you.'

Simon leans back against his chair.

Simon: 'You know, I find it amazing how quickly this has all happened - it's only two weeks since I signed a contract to return to SCW, and yet in just seven days from now, I have the opportunity to become a three-time SCW World Heavyweight Champion.'

Jason: 'It's what you wanted, isn't it?'

Simon: 'It is, but I still didn't expect to get a shot at the title this soon - not after having only been in two matches inside the six-sided ring in the past twelve months.'

Jason rubs his chin.

Jason: 'I watched Climax Control last weekend, and despite the time that you have spent away from the ring, I didn't see much signs of ring rust - it was almost as if you had never been away.'

Simon: 'I guess I have Natalie to thank at least in part for that - having a qualified personal trainer for a friend certainly hasn't done me any harm.'

Jason: 'I don't suppose it has. But then, you always kept yourself in good shape, anyway.'

Simon: 'That is true. But even so, Natalie has gotten me working harder in the gym than I had been used to - especially since she suffered her injury; it's as though, while she's been unable to do a complete workout, she's chosen to make up for that by pushing me harder.'

Simon sits up straight.

Simon: 'One of the first things that Natalie did after we boarded the ship, was go to examine the fitness center; she wasn't very impressed with the limited equipment there.'

Jason: 'I guess we'll just have to improvise, then. Besides, Kain and Sean Jackson will both be in the same boat, if you'll pardon the pun; you're all going to have to use the same facilities.'

Simon raises his eyebrows.

Simon: '"We'll have to improvise"?'

Jason: 'Yes, we. What, you didn't think that I had come all this way just to sit around the pool, drinking alcohol, did you?'

Now it is Simon's turn to shrug his shoulders.

Simon: 'I didn't want to make any assumptions.'

Jason: 'Well, let me clarify the situation for you, then: I have come on this cruise in the hope of seeing my friend...'

Jason points across the table.

Jason: '...that's you, Simon...'

Simon responds sarcastically.

Simon: 'Thanks - I never would have guessed.'

Jason: '...win the SCW heavyweight title. And I want to help my friend prepare for his big match, so as to try to give him the best possible chance of winning. Okay?'

Simon nods.

Simon: 'Okay.'

Jason: 'I might leave most of the gym work to Natalie, seeing as that is her area of expertise, but I definitely intend to assist you in devising a strategy to overcome Kain and Sean Jackson.'

Simon: 'Great - it'll be just like old times!'

Jason: 'No - once you're the SCW World Heavyweight Champion again, then it'll be just like old times.'

Simon: 'Here's hoping.'

As Jason raises his glass, to toast the champion-elect, the scene fades to black.

---

Tuesday 18th August, 3:30 p.m. local time.

The scene opens inside Simon Jones' cabin on the Sun Princess. While his wife and daughter are elsewhere on the ship, Simon - who is wearing a pair of white shorts and a light grey t-shirt - is lying awake on the queen size bed, trying to get some rest, amidst his preparations for Summer XXXTreme. However, it is not long before Simon is disturbed, by a knock at the door; seconds later, a familiar voice is heard - that of Natalie McKinley.

Natalie: 'Simon? Are you awake?'

Simon responds sluggishly.

Simon: 'No.'

Simon then clambers off the bed, and walks over to the cabin door; when Simon opens the door, Natalie can be stood in the corridor outside, wearing a pair of dark grey shorts and a cyan crop top.

Natalie: 'Sorry, Simon. Did I wake you?'

Simon: 'No, you're okay, Natalie - I had been awake for a few minutes.'

Simon steps to one side to allow Natalie to enter the cabin, before shutting the door behind her; Simon then goes to sit down on the bed, and Natalie pulls up a chair to take a seat opposite him.

Natalie: 'Did you have a nice nap?'

Simon: 'Yes, thanks - I feel suitably refreshed.'

Natalie: 'You're not still adapting to the change in time zone, are you?'

Simon: 'No, I've gotten past that. I just needed a lie down for a bit, that's all.'

Simon scratches the back of his head.

Simon: 'So, what has brought you in here, out of the sun?'

Natalie: 'I've been thinking - about your match on Sunday, I mean.'

Simon smiles wryly.

Simon: 'You're not alone, there; I've been doing plenty of thinking about my match this Sunday, too - in fact, I've spent most of the past week and a half thinking about it.'

Natalie smiles back at him.

Natalie: 'I'm well aware of that. No, what I meant is, there's something in particular that I've been thinking about, regarding the match.'

Simon: 'Which is?'

Natalie: 'Well, Kain will be accompanied to the ring by his wife, won't he?'

Simon nods his head.

Simon: 'He usually has Ariel with him, yes.'

Natalie: 'And Sean Jackson will have his entourage at ringside.'

Simon: 'Yes...'

Simon can sense what Natalie is getting at, but he waits for her to say it.

Natalie: 'So I was thinking, how about I accompany you on Sunday? You know - to even things up.'

There is a small sigh from Simon.

Simon: 'Natalie, I...'

Simon then pauses for a moment, to consider how to respond.

Simon: 'In all of my time as a professional wrestler, I've never once had someone accompany me to the ring for a match - and I don't really want to change things now, given what is at stake on Sunday; this isn't just any other match, Natalie - we're talking about a match in which the world heavyweight title is on line.'

Natalie: 'I know that, Simon. And it's because of how important this match is, that I want to be there at ringside, to do my part by ensuring that your chance to regain the title isn't scuppered by outside interference.'

Simon does not say anything, but he does not need to - his facial expression shows that he remains unconvinced.

Natalie: 'Ariel seems like an honourable enough woman - I expect that she would only get involved if she was provoked - but I'm not sure I can say the same about the two women that Sean Jackson will have with him.'

Simon: 'I seem to recall that on the one previous occasion Sean Jackson and I were opponents in a singles match, I didn't fare too badly out there on my own.'

Natalie: 'Yes, but that time, Jackson only had Vanessa with him - on Sunday, he'll also have his wife at ringside, and his attorney.'

Simon reluctantly admits that Natalie is correct.

Simon: 'True.'

Natalie: 'Suppose Marshall distracts the referee, while either Pamela or Vanessa does something to draw Ariel's attention - that would then leave the other one free to interfere, unpunished.'

Simon shrugs.

Simon: 'And? There are no disqualifications in triple threat matches, anyway.'

Natalie: 'Yes, but if the referee catches someone interfering in the match, they might get ordered to leave ringside - but that won't happen if the referee is distracted, and doesn't see the interference.'

Again, Simon is reluctant to admit that what Natalie is saying is correct.

Simon: 'I suppose that's true.'

Natalie: 'If I was at ringside, then between Ariel and I, we could prevent Pamela and Vanessa from doing any harm.'

Simon: 'And what about Marshall?

Natalie shrugs her shoulders.

Natalie: 'I don't know; I kinda get the feeling that he would be too cowardly to try anything on his own.'

A moment of silence follows, as Simon contemplates what Natalie is suggesting.

Simon: 'I'm still not sure, Natalie.'

Natalie: 'Okay, well, there is also another reason why I want to accompany you for the main event on Sunday.'

Natalie edges her chair a bit nearer to Simon.

Natalie: 'Thanks to my injury, it has been two and half months since my last match. And Simon, you know how much I'm missing being able to compete - especially when it comes to supercards; being at ringside for your match still wouldn't be the same as getting to set foot inside the ring for myself, but it would at least be the next best thing.'

Natalie then leans forward, towards Simon.

Natalie: 'Plus, I came here to assist you with your training, to help get you ready for Sunday. And on Sunday evening, when you win the heavyweight title, rather than being sat watching backstage, I want to be out there at ringside, so that I can be the first person to congratulate you.'

Simon: 'That's if I win.'

Simon glances around the cabin, before looking back to Natalie.

Simon: 'Okay, Natalie. Ask Mark and Christian about it, and if it's fine with both of them, then I'll allow you to play the role of my valet on Sunday evening.'

Natalie breaks into a big smile.

Natalie: 'Thank you so much, Simon!'

Simon: 'Yeah, well...you're welcome. I just hope that you will be congratulating me on Sunday, and not commiserating with me.'

Natalie: 'I'm sure you'll win - you're going to do Jacqui and Matilda proud.'

Simon smiles, at the thought of his wife and daughter.

Simon: 'I hope so.'

Natalie: 'I know so.'

And as Simon and Natalie continue their conversation, the scene fades to black.

---

Friday 21st August, 5:00 p.m. local time.

The scene again opens with the interior of Simon Jones' cabin visible, but this time from a different viewpoint. In the background of the shot - beyond the bed, and through the open balcony doors - Simon can be seen outside on the balcony. Simon - who is wearing a pair of navy blue shorts and a white Warwickshire C.C.C. shirt - is sat on a chair, looking towards the camera.

The camera zooms in on Simon, who then begins to speak.

Simon: 'After five days aboard the Sun Princess, the reason why we are all here is almost upon us: after all of the build up, and after all of the hype, we are now just two days away from Summer XXXTreme III - a night where I will look to make history, as I aim to become the first ever three-time SCW World Heavyweight Champion. And after only having rejoined the roster at the start of this month, what a way that would be for me to mark my return to SCW.'

Simon nods his head.

Simon: 'Of course, I'm not the only participant in Sunday's main event to have the goal of becoming a three-time SCW World Heavyweight Champion - Sean Jackson has his sights set on that achievement as well. As for the current title-holder, Kain's aim is simply to not have his reign as champion come to an end after only four weeks. And at first glance, there's not much to choose between the three of us - we all seem to have around about the same chance of walking away with the title. But if you examine the recent history of each of us in greater detail, then all of a sudden, out of the three of us, I appear to be the one with the smallest chance of winning.'

Simon lets out a slight sigh.

Simon: 'My appearance in the main event of Climax Control, twelve days ago, doubled the number of matches that I have competed in inside the six-sided ring, in the past thirteen months. Now, Despayre and I managed to win that match - against a duo that included Sean Jackson - so I am at least heading into Summer XXXTreme on the back of a positive result - unlike both of my opponents - but it's a big ask to expect me to be able to overcome two opponents of the calibre of Kain and Sean Jackson, when I'm so short of match practice.'

Simon looks up at the sky for a moment; he then looks back to the camera, and continues.

Simon: 'To find my most recent singles match in SCW, you have to go back to the middle of last June, when my second reign as SCW Heavyweight Champion was ended. Since then, I have been in four matches in the six-sided ring, all of them tag team matches, and while I was on the winning side in each of those matches, that doesn't compare favourably when contrasted with what Sean Jackson and Kain have each accomplished in the past year or so. While Sean Jackson and Kain - together with Gabriel - have been trading the heavyweight title, the only prize that I've won this year, is half a dozen bottles of Foster's, for being named "Team Player of the Month" by my colleagues; after twelve months of working in an office, what chance do I really have of regaining the heavyweight title, in what is only my second match since returning to SCW?'

Simon shrugs his shoulders.

Simon: 'It might sound like I'm being pessimistic - I would argue that I'm just being realistic. To some people, it might even sound as though I have an inferiority complex, but I can assure you that is not the case: I know how talented a wrestler I am - or rather, I know how talented I was. However, whether I can still compete successfully at the top end of SCW remains to be seen; my performance on Sunday will give an indication of whether or not I still have what it takes to be the man in SCW, and while I of course want Summer XXXTreme to conclude with me as the new SCW World Heavyweight Champion, if I don't manage to win, I at least want to do myself justice.'

Simon rubs his chin.

Simon: 'Again, to some people it might sound like I'm getting my excuses in early, in case I lose on Sunday, but in reality, I'm not afraid to lose - I'm not afraid to lose, and I'm not afraid to take risks. If I didn't take risks, then two years ago, I wouldn't have entered myself into the open invitational gauntlet battle royal - but after doing so, at the eleventh hour, look where that gamble got me: four weeks later, I became the SCW Heavyweight Champion for the first time. And it was a gamble for me to return to SCW, thirteen months after I was last a full-time wrestler. But if I win on Sunday, then it will be another gamble that has well and truly paid off - and this time round, it will only have taken me three weeks to become the champion.'

Simon gets up from his chair, to stand on the balcony.

Simon: 'So while there may be some factors that aren't in my favour, it's not all doom and gloom - I still have other reasons to give me hope.'

Simon steps inside the cabin; he stops by the edge of the bed.

Simon: 'My last match on an SCW supercard took place thirteen months ago yesterday, at Into The Void III. This Sunday will be the ninth time that I have competed at an SCW supercard, and of those eight previous matches, only once did I fail to win. My sole loss at a supercard came two years ago - coincidentally enough, at the last Summer XXXTreme. To win any match is great, but to do it at a supercard, when the spotlight is intensified, that's where it really matters. And during my first stint with this company, I put together a win/loss record at supercards that not many people in SCW history can better; now that I'm back in SCW, and back at a supercard, I'm planning to carry on where I left off, by chalking up another win at a big event - and capturing the heavyweight title in the process.'

Simon sits down on the end of the bed.

Simon: 'Twice before, I've gone into a match as a challenger for the SCW heavyweight title, and twice before, I've exited the ring as the new champion - on Sunday, with the title at stake, I aim to improve that record to three out of three. Now sure, on both of the previous occasions that I challenged for the title, I did so in one-on-one matches, whereas this Sunday, I'll be in a triple threat match - but whether I have one opponent, two opponents, or even more, it doesn't bother me; to be the SCW World Heavyweight Champion, I'm willing to take on all comers - I'll take on as many opponents as I have to. I mean, two years ago, I had to outlast ten other men, just to earn a shot at the title. So whether it's two opponents or ten, I can overcome any obstacles in order to win the SCW heavyweight title - and that includes Kain and Sean Jackson.'

Simon runs his right hand through his hair.

Simon: 'The heavyweight title having been elevated to world championship status is something else that is different from when I was last a challenger for it. And while I now get referred to as a former World Heavyweight Champion, when I held the title previously, I was simply the SCW Heavyweight Champion; if I win the title on Sunday, for the first time since it was given world championship status, then me being a World Heavyweight Champion will begin to feel more real.'

Simon smiles.

Simon: 'Simon Jones: SCW World Heavyweight Champion - I like the sound of that!'

As Simon's smile broadens, he gazes upwards.

Simon: 'But if that is to come to pass, I'm going to have to defeat two of SCW's finest: Sean Jackson, and the current champion, Kain.'

Simon then looks back to the camera.

Simon: 'Kain and I haven't always seen eye to eye - we're not likely to be exchanging Christmas cards - but I do respect what he has achieved, and when he reached the top of the SCW mountain last month, after having seen all of the effort that he has put in to get to where he is now, I was genuinely pleased for him. Three weeks ago, as the new World Heavyweight Champion, Kain had the honour of opening Climax Control, and watching from backstage, it was plain to see how much he enjoyed that moment. I have a good idea of how Kain must have felt, stood in the ring, with the title over his shoulder, because I too have had that privilege - twice. And now, I want to experience it a third time. To do that, I'm going to have to make Kain's first defence of the heavyweight title also be his last defence of the title.'

Simon sighs again.

Simon: 'Having held other titles in the past, Kain will already be aware that winning a title is one thing, but keeping hold of it is harder still. To quote former Bombshell Roulette Champion Nessa Wall, "first defences are the worst" - which is something that I know all too well. I mentioned earlier the loss that I suffered at Summer XXXTreme II - that was a loss that brought to an end my first reign as Heavyweight Champion in my first defence of the title. And here I am now, two years later, aiming to inflict the same fate upon Kain. After how hard Kain has worked, it would be a shame for him to lose the title so soon after winning it, but if I do dethrone him on Sunday, and become the new champion, I won't be making any apologies - not that I think Kain would expect me to; Kain knows that he has a target on him, and on Sunday evening, I'll be trying to hit the bullseye...'

With his right hand, Simon picks an imaginary dart up off the bed.

Simon: '...to prise the title away from him, and become the new SCW World Heavyweight Champion.'

Simon then makes a dart-throwing motion.

Simon: 'In spite of our differences, there are a couple of things that Kain and I have in common: we are both accomplished wrestlers, but we're also both family men, and we have both taken hiatuses from SCW to spend more time with our families - although my hiatus lasted considerably longer than Kain's did. My family is here with me on the Sun Princess, and I believe that Kain has his family here with him too. Kain's children are a little older than my daughter, and so they probably have a better grasp of what their father does for a living. I'm sure they're proud of him, and rightfully so. And that's what is driving me on in my efforts to try to win on Sunday: when my daughter is old enough to understand my chosen vocation, I want her to be able to look upon what I've done in my career, and be proud of who her father is - that's why I want to take the SCW heavyweight title from Kain, and have it back in my possession.'

Simon crosses his left leg over his right leg.

Simon: 'Kain and I do have some history in the ring. Actually, the first time we crossed paths wasn't in a ring - it was in a graveyard, of all places; there were two other men in that match - Giani Di Luca and my namesake, Nick Jones - and neither Kain nor myself were involved in the pinfall that decided the match. Our second contest was a far more normal one-on-one match, which Kain won, but only by disqualification, after I struck him with a chair. The third time that we were opponents was in a tag team match, and while I picked up the win for my team, it wasn't Kain that I pinned. So three times in the past we have been opponents, but there has never been a decisive winner out of the two of us. That may not change on Sunday, but whatever happens at Summer XXXTreme, even if I do walk away as the new champion, I know that I won't have seen the last of Kain.'

Simon shakes his head.

Simon: 'There is one other occasion on which Kain and I have shared a ring: a match last April, that saw us paired up as a tag team. And on that night, we triumphed - coincidentally, against a team containing Sean Jackson.'

Simon turns his head to the left, towards the balcony. He then cups his left ear with his hand.

Simon: 'I think I can hear Sean Jackson already, attempting to convince anyone who will listen, that on Sunday, Kain and I are going to work together again, to do everything we can to make sure that he doesn't leave with the title.'

Simon takes his hand away from his ear, and turns back to face the camera.

Simon: 'That's the story that Sean will try to spin - especially if he subsequently fails to capture the title. Kain asked, how will I react if he beats me on Sunday? Well, Kain, I can assure you that, if I do lose, I will not make any excuses. As for Sean Jackson, though, I'm sure he's got plenty of excuses prepared, in case things don't go his way.'

Simon uncrosses his legs.

Simon: 'That's one of many differences between me and Sean Jackson. The main event of Summer XXXTreme II, in which I lost the Heavyweight Championship, was a six pack challenge. But while other people made comments such as the odds were unfair for the defending champion, not once I have I used the number of opponents I had in that match as an excuse - I accepted that, on that particular night, I didn't deserve to win. However, had Sean Jackson been in my situation, I'm sure we would all still be hearing him complain about it now, two years later. So, Sean, if either Kain or I win on Sunday - hopefully me - please, just accept that you didn't deserve to win.'

Simon turns his head slightly to the right, and stares off into the distance.

Simon: 'I mentioned earlier that I've not competed in a singles match inside the six-sided ring since last June. But for the last time that I won a singles match in SCW, you have to go back another month, to the main event of Chaos In Cape Town. And who was it that I defeated in that match?'

Simon pauses, and look towards the camera, as if he expects an answer.

Simon: 'If you said "Sean Jackson," then well done - that is the correct answer.'

Simon claps quietly.

Simon: 'Last week, Sean said something about me being jealous; I would love to know who or what it is that I am supposedly jealous of. You know, as I see it, the only jealous individual in Sunday's main event is Sean Jackson: he's jealous of Kain - because right now, Kain is the one that has the heavyweight title; and as far as I'm concerned, I reckon he's still bitter about what happened fifteen months ago, in Cape Town. Well, Sean, this Sunday, I plan to give you another reason to be bitter, by being the one that becomes the first ever three-time SCW World Heavyweight Champion; at best, you will be the second man to achieve the feat - then who will be an "afterthought"?'

Simon smirks.

Simon: 'When heading into a triple threat championship match as one of the challengers, I think the standard etiquette is to say that - given the choice of who would I want to pin, to win the match - I would prefer to pin the defending champion. And while winning the title by pinning Kain might give me more pride, I would undoubtedly gain more pleasure from pinning Sean Jackson.'

Simon gets up from the bed.

Simon: 'How about you, Sean? Which loss do you have a greater desire to atone for - Cape Town or Osaka? Whatever your answer, the way I see things, after Sunday, you'll still be seeking redemption.'

Simon turns away from the camera, as he walks out onto the balcony again; he then turns back to face the camera.

Simon: 'This weekend, I aim to atone for a defeat of my own: the loss that I suffered two years ago, at the last Summer XXXTreme event. Whether or not I manage that, and no matter what anyone else thinks, I do believe that my decision to resume my career as a professional wrestler was not misguided. And what better way for me to prove that to everyone else, than by regaining the SCW World Heavyweight Championship? I just have two more days to wait.'

Simon smiles at the camera.

Simon: 'See you on Sunday.'

Simon then turns away from the camera, to look out over the side of the balcony; a few seconds later, the scene fades to black.

 OOC: This is a scene that I have had in mind for over four months, but only finally typed within the last week; it is set five days after Into The Void III - the event at which Simon competed in his last match (for the time being) in SCW - and is supposed to show, well, what happened next, as Simon began to look for employment outside of wrestling.

---

The scene opens to show the entrance to Brewhouse - a bar situated on St Mary Street, in Cardiff - on Friday 25th July. Stood outside in the early evening sunshine, holding hands, are Simon Jones and his wife, Jacqueline; Simon is wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a black button-up shirt, while Jacqueline is wearing a yellow sleeveless lace shift dress.

The camera follows the couple as they make their way into Brewhouse. They walk through the entrance to the building, followed by another set of doors, and then there on the left-hand side, is the bar; visible just beyond the bar area, is the dance floor. As it is the last Friday of the month, which is pay day for many, it is no surprise to see that it is a busy night at Brewhouse, with a lot of people stood at the bar, waiting to be served, as well as there being plenty of people occupying the dance floor.

Jacqueline: 'Shall we get a drink here, first?'

Simon: 'There's no need: Morgan told me that the room they have reserved upstairs has its own private bar.'

"Morgan" is a former work colleague of Simon's - one of many that is currently upstairs in Brewhouse.

The camera again follows Simon and Jacqueline, as they walk across the dance floor; at the far end of the dance floor is a stage, on which there is a live band, who can currently be heard playing a cover of "Sex on Fire" by Kings of Leon. Also at that end of the dance floor, on the left-hand side, is a small flight of stairs; Jacqueline walks up the stairs, and then turns to look at her husband, who is following close behind.

Jacqueline: 'Where now?'

To the right of where Simon and Jacqueline are now stood, another bar can be seen, by which there are some tables and chairs; Simon raises his left arm, pointing ahead of them, in the direction of another flight of stairs.

Simon: 'I think that's it, at the top of those stairs.'

The camera follows Simon and Jacqueline - with Jacqueline again leading the way - as they climb the second, larger flight of stairs. At the top of the stairs is a doorway, above which is a sign that has the word "Brewdoir" on it. Through the doorway, to the right there is a table, sat around which are six females of varying ages - the youngest being in her mid twenties, whereas the oldest is in her early forties; to the left is a longer table, with a dozen or so young men and women - whose ages range from early to late twenties - sat at that table. There are a few plates of partially eaten pizzas on both of the tables; each of the people sat at the tables - who are all dressed appropriately for a night out in the Welsh capital - have a drink either in their hand, or in front of them on their respective table.

Stood talking to one another, in the space between the two tables, is a group of four men. It is one of these four that is the first to react to the arrival of Simon and Jacqueline, as a slightly chubby man in his late twenties, who has dark brown hair, walks towards the couple, with a grin on his face - this is the aforementioned Morgan.

Morgan: 'Simon - you made it!'

Holding a pint glass in his left hand, Morgan extends his free right hand towards Simon, who shakes it.

Simon: 'I told you we would be here.'

Morgan: 'And Jacqui, it's good to see you, too.'

Jacqueline: 'Thanks, Morgan. How are you - how is Rhiannon?'

Morgan: 'Good, thanks; she is out somewhere else tonight, with some of her other friends.'

Simon looks past Morgan, peering at the bar that can be seen in the background; he then looks back to his friend.

Simon: 'Am I right in thinking that you told me we've got a free bar tonight?'

Morgan: 'Yes, but there's a limit on the tab - and I think we're almost at the limit, so if you want a drink, you should get one now.'

Simon: 'Is it still two for one on bottles of Foster's?'

Morgan: 'Yup.'

Simon turns to his wife.

Simon: 'What do you want to drink?'

Jacqueline: 'I'll come with you to the bar, and save you from having to carry my drink as well.'

While Simon and Jacqueline walk towards the bar, Morgan returns to the trio that he had been chatting with; as Simon and Jacqueline walk past, they exchange nods of acknowledgement with the three men stood alongside Morgan. Once the couple are at the bar, with no-one else there waiting to be served, a bartender is quick to attend to them.

Bartender: 'Hi. What can I get you?'

Simon gestures towards Jacqueline.

Jacqueline: 'A glass of rosé, please.'

Bartender: 'What size glass do you want - small, medium, or large?'

Jacqueline: 'Is it two for one on wine, as well?'

Bartender: 'Yes.'

Jacqueline: 'I'll have two medium glasses then, please.'

As the bartender sets about pouring the two glasses of rosé, Simon chips in with his order.

Simon: 'And two bottles of Foster's of for me, please.'

Simon and Jacqueline look on patiently, awaiting their drinks. After her two glasses of rosé have been poured, Jacqueline picks up the glasses, and turns to her husband.

Jacqueline: 'I'm going to go and say hi to the girls; I'll leave you alone to talk to Morgan, Sam, Matthew and JT.'

Simon: 'Okay, love.'

Jacqueline walks over to the smaller of the two tables, and takes a seat with the women sat around it. Simon does not have long to wait, before the bartender places two bottles of Foster's on the bar.

Simon: 'Thanks.'

Bartender: 'You're welcome.'

As the bartender wanders off, Simon picks up one of the the bottles with his right hand, and takes a gulp of lager; he then picks up the other bottle with his left hand, and saunters over to Morgan and the other three men - Sam, Matthew and JT; Sam is in his late twenties, and has a shaved head; Matthew, who is in his early thirties, has dark brown hair; and JT - whose full name is Joshua Thomas, but is known more commonly to his friends and colleagues by his initials - is in his late forties, and has salt and pepper hair.

Simon: 'Alright?'

JT: 'Hi, Simon.'

Sam: 'So you really have quit wrestling to return to Cardiff, then.'

Matthew: 'What happened - did you get sick of living in Las Vegas?'

A dry smile crosses Simon's face.

Simon: 'I wouldn't quite go that far - in a few months' time, I might find myself pining for the Vegas weather. The reason why I left Vegas is that, well...'

Simon pauses momentarily, before continuing.

Simon: 'I know it's been the better part of two years since I last saw any of you - prior to when I moved to Canada, to resume my wrestling career - but I assume you're all aware that Jacqui gave birth to our first child earlier this year, in January.'

Morgan, Sam, Matthew and JT, all nod their heads.

Morgan: 'Congratulations, by the way.'

Simon: 'Thank you.'

Simon takes a sip from the bottle of Foster's in his right hand.

Simon: 'JT; Sam - you've both got children. So you both know from experience, the impact that a newborn baby can have on a family. But as first-time parents, Jacqui and I weren't fully prepared for how our lives would change, once our daughter arrived. And having a child has made us miss our own parents, as well as our siblings, and our friends.'

Simon takes another sip of his drink.

Simon: 'So that's why I left the wrestling promotion that I was working for in Vegas: so that Jacqui and I could return home, to raise our daughter here in the UK - and so that we could be much closer to our family and our friends.'

Simon smiles to himself.

Simon: 'I know I just mentioned when I left Cardiff to move Canada, two years ago, and I guess it's kind of ironic, but that was the start of the chain of events that has led to me returning to Cardiff.'

Matthew: 'How so?'

Simon quickly glances in the direction of his wife, who is sat, chatting happily with her friends.

Simon: 'It's our sixth wedding anniversary tomorrow. Now, I know that some of our friends and family wondered why we waited so long to start a family; there was no specific reason, though, why we waited - we were just putting it off until it felt like the right time. And early last year, when we were settled in Canada, feeling more content with life than we had in years, we finally decided that it was time.'

Sam: 'If you had stayed in Cardiff, would you have had a child by now?'

Simon: 'Maybe - maybe not; I can't say for certain.'

Simon shrugs his shoulders.

Simon: 'But we left Cardiff to move to North America, so that I could resume my wrestling career; my return to wrestling then contributed to me being more content with life - which in turn contributed to us deciding to have a child. And yet, now that we have Matilda, we've left North America to return to Cardiff; it's a sequence of events that I definitely would not have foreseen, this time two years ago.'

Simon then drinks some more of his lager.

JT: 'I remember talking to you previously - long before you went off to Canada - about the first part of your wrestling career; if I remember correctly, you told me that you took a break from wrestling because you had become disillusioned with the sport.'

Simon nods.

Simon: 'Whereas in the past two years - and in the past twelve months, in particular - I've been as happy in wrestling as I've ever been. But - and JT and Sam, I'll know you'll both understand this; and Morgan and Matthew, although neither of you has any children yet, I'm sure that you'll both be able to understand this too: as much as I enjoyed being back in the ring, in Canada, and then in Vegas, my family will always come first.'

Morgan, Sam, Matthew and JT signal their understanding of Simon's comment, by again all nodding their heads.

Simon: 'It's a shame that I had to leave Vegas, but I had to do what was right for my family - which meant that I had to return home.'

Simon takes another gulp of Foster's, while Sam asks him a question.

Sam: 'So is that it, then - are you done with wrestling?'

Simon: 'Permanently, you mean?'

Sam nods.

Simon: 'No - I do intend to wrestle again, at some point; I couldn't tell you when that will be, though.'

Morgan: 'What about wrestling here, in the UK?'

Simon: 'That's a possibility. I actually competed in a one-off match for a British wrestling promotion - Pro-Wrestling FRONTIER - earlier this year, so...'

Matthew interrupts Simon.

Matthew: 'Did you win?'

Simon responds by grinning.

Morgan: 'Of course he won!'

Still smiling, Simon picks up where he left off.

Simon: 'So, as I was saying, there's a chance that I might participate in some more matches for Pro-Wrestling FRONTIER. But other than that, I don't know what the future is going to hold for me, wrestling-wise.'

Simon then finishes off the contents of the bottle in his right hand.

Morgan: 'Right, I'm going to go outside, to have a smoke.'

Sam: 'I'll come with you, to cool off for a bit.'

Simon: 'I know what you mean - it is quite warm in here; I think I may have made a mistake by choosing to wear a black shirt.'

Matthew: 'I'll come with you, too.'

As Morgan, Sam and Matthew walk off, disappearing from view, Simon looks in the direction of the group of people that are sat around the larger tables.

Simon: 'I don't think I recognise most of the people at that table.'

JT: 'Most of them are temps, who have only started within the past few months.'

Simon: 'That would explain it.'

JT: 'So, Simon, what are you going to do with yourself then, if you're no longer going to be wrestling full-time?'

Simon turns to face JT.

Simon: 'Well, this is why I'm glad that you're here this evening, JT. You see, I haven't made enough money from wrestling that I can just sit back and watch the grass grow - I need to get myself another job, doing something. So I was wondering, is there any chance of me being able to have my old job back?'

JT: 'I'm not sure; I know that Nic would be delighted to have you back on her team - she was gutted when you left.'

JT rubs his chin.

JT: 'I tell you what - if you give me your phone number, first thing on Monday I'll see if there's room in the budget to rehire you, and then I'll give you a call to let you know.'

Simon: 'Thanks.'

JT reaches into the pocket of the jeans that he is wearing, to pull out his mobile phone.

JT: 'So, how about the Bulls' season so far?'

Simon groans, at the plight of Bradford Bulls, and as the conversation moves onto the topic of Rugby League, the scene fades to black.

 The scene opens to show the interior of Terminal 3 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, on the morning of Monday 7th July. While numerous travelling passengers can be seen milling around, the camera is focused on one man in particular: sat on a bench, holding a phone to his ear, is Simon Jones; he is wearing dark blue jeans, and a black shirt.

Simon is already partway through a conversation; only his side of the conversation can be heard.

Simon: 'Just make sure that you book the 21st July off work, so that you can be at Into The Void - in fact, thinking about it, you should probably book the 22nd off as well, whilst you're at it...good...well, I had better go, before this call ends up costing me a fortune...if I don't speak to you beforehand, I'll see you in two weeks...thanks, you too...okay, bye.'

Simon takes the phone away from his ear, and taps the screen, to end the call; after putting the phone into the pocket of his jeans, he then leans back against the bench, and gazes towards the ceiling. However, Simon is soon approached, tentatively, by a man that looks to be in his late twenties, who has fair hair; he is wearing black jeans, and a black Drake Green, "Man Of The People" t-shirt.

Man: 'Excuse me, Mr Jones?'

Simon lowers his head, to look in the direction of the voice.

Simon: 'Yes?'

Man: 'I'm sorry to bother you, it's just that, well, as I'm sure you can see, I'm an SCW fan, so I was wondering if you could get a picture with you.'

Simon: 'Yeah, no problem.'

Simon gets up from the bench. As Simon rises to his feet, the yet-to-be-identified man pulls out a phone of his own; Simon stands next to him, and smiles, as the man takes a selfie of the two of them. Having taken the picture, the man then examines his phone; satisfied with the picture, he puts the phone away.

Man: 'Thank you, Mr Jones.'

Simon: 'You're welcome...err...'

Man: 'Kyle.'

The man now identified as Kyle extends his right hand towards Simon, who shakes it.

Simon: 'Okay; you're welcome, Kyle.'

A smile crosses Kyle's face.

Simon: 'And please, call me Simon.'

Kyle: 'Okay.'

Kyle nods his head in acknowledgement.

Kyle: 'So, I'm guessing that you're on your way back to Vegas, then.'

Simon: 'That's right: I'm going back home, firstly to see my wife and daughter, and then to start preparing for Into The Void. How about you - where are you off to?'

Kyle: 'I'm from Vegas, so that's where I'm going, too.'

Simon: 'Did you travel from Vegas to Tempe, so that you could attend Climax Control?'

Again, Kyle nods his head.

Kyle: 'Yup; I wouldn't normally make such an effort, just to attend an episode of Climax Control. But I had to be there last night, to see Drake Green's return to the ring.'

Simon: 'Well, at least you won't have so far to travel for Into The Void, to see Drake try to regain the heavyweight title.'

Kyle replies in an enthusiastic tone.

Kyle: 'I know; I'm looking forward to it already - I'm sure that Drake is going to recapture the title.'

Simon: 'You seem quite certain that Drake is going to win.'

Kyle frowns.

Kyle: 'What's wrong with that? Don't you think that he will win the match - do you think that Gene Banton Junior is going to retain the title?'

Simon shakes his head.

Simon: 'No, I'm just saying it's not a foregone conclusion that Drake is going to win. Junior is slippery - like a greased pig. And annoying as he can be, he's also talented - he's the reason my luggage is now a little lighter than it was a month ago.'

Simon sighs.

Simon: 'But as for Drake, well, he's made more comebacks than Lazarus - and usually, he's done so successfully. So yes, I would make him the favourite to win at Into The Void.'

Hearing this brings another smile to Kyle's face.

Kyle: 'And what about your match at Into The Void, Simon - is this really going to be your last match in SCW?'

Simon: 'Yes, I really am leaving SCW after Into The Void. I won't close the door on a possible return to SCW - but it's not like in two months' time, you're suddenly going to see me wrestling at Summer XXXTreme.'

Kyle: 'I thought you were being genuine, when you made your announcement the other week, it's just that I then heard rumors of you being included in an SCW calendar for next year, which made me have some doubts.'

Simon: 'I can confirm that I am indeed one of twelve men to feature in an SCW calendar for next year; I guess my inclusion in the calendar is simply a reflection of the success that I have had in SCW this year - but it's nothing more than that. Plus, the royalties will come in handy, when I'm no longer wrestling, so I was happy to pose for it.'

Simon scratches the back of his head.'

Simon: 'I think I am right in saying that I'm Mr August. So to justify my place in the calendar, I suppose that I may have to make an appearance in the six-sided ring, at least before the end of next August.'

Kyle: 'Well, I understand that you have non-wrestling related reasons for wanting to leave SCW - but I still think that it will be a shame to see you go; I definitely hope to see you back in an SCW ring by next August, if not sooner.'

Simon smiles.

Simon: 'Thanks.'

Within seconds, the muffled sound of the intro of "I Need a Dollar" by Aloe Blacc can be heard; Simon reaches into the pocket of his jeans.

Simon: 'Sorry - I've got to answer this.'

Kyle: 'No, of course; I'll leave you to it.'

As Simon answers his phone, he holds out his free hand, which Kyle shakes again, before walking off, to give Simon some privacy.

Simon: 'Hello?'

Simon retakes his seat on the bench, and as he begins another conversation on his phone, the scene fades to black.

---

The scene opens a few days later, to show the shining marble floors, in the lobby of the Riviera - a hotel and casino on the Las Vegas strip - the front desk of which can be seen in the background. In the foreground of the shot, is Simon Jones, who is dressed in clothes that are very different to his normal apparel: he is wearing a pair of dark blue crushed velvet effect trousers, a matching velvet look jacket with white cuffs, a white cravat with a lace trim, and a pair of glasses that have a black frame.

Simon is stood looking at the camera; he has a glance over his left shoulder, in the direction of the front desk, before turning back to the camera, and beginning to speak.

Simon: 'Please excuse my appearance - the reason for my unusual choice of attire will become apparent later on.'

With his left hand, Simon touches the frame of the glasses.

Simon: 'In a little over a week from now, at Into The Void III, I will participate in my final match before I leave SCW, and take a break from wrestling. If I had been able to choose where I would have my final match in SCW, I probably would have chosen San Diego - a city that has played host to multiple memorable moments during my time in SCW. But if not San Diego, then my next choice would have to have been Las Vegas - the city that is of course the home of Sin City Wrestling, as well as being the city that I have called home for most of this year. And so it is that, a week on Sunday, my final match in SCW will take place on SCW's home turf, at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino.'

Simon quickly glances either side of him, before looking back at the camera.

Simon: 'The Gold Coast Hotel and Casino is a couple of miles away from where from I am now, at the Riviera - or the "the Riv," as it is known colloquially. The last time that I appeared on camera in a setting of this type, was four months ago, when I was about a mile and a half down the strip from here, at Caesars Palace; on that occasion, I had chosen to use the lobby of Caesars Palace as a striking backdrop for me to stand in front of, while I discussed my semi-final in the Blast from the Past tournament. As for why I have now chosen to situate myself here, well, like the clothes that I am wearing, that will be explained shortly.'

Simon turns slightly to his right, to look at one of the pillars that supports the ceiling.

Simon: 'The Riv isn't quite as luxurious as Caesars Palace - but it will do for me.'

Simon turns back to face the camera.

Simon: 'While the location for my final match in SCW may not be my ideal one, what has been scheduled for the match itself is more along the lines of what I would have chosen - had the decision been mine to make. Admittedly, I would have preferred to be in the main event at Into The Void, defending the heavyweight title - but after the events of a few weeks ago, that ceased to be a possibility. What I have been left with instead though, for my final match, is definitely more than adequate, as I get to once again team with a good friend of mine: The Cockney King, Ben Jordan; Emma Rose reacted to news of the match by stating that it was like her prayers had finally been answered - which is not too dissimilar to how I felt, when I saw the line-up for Into The Void.'

Simon grins.

Simon: 'You see, if I couldn't see out my final few weeks in SCW as the Heavyweight Champion, then I just wanted to be able to enjoy myself. And what better way for me to enjoy myself, than to be put in two matches, in which I get to compete side-by-side with my friends? The first of those two matches came last Sunday, when Roxi Johnson and I paired up once more, to defeat the duo of Jericho Hill and Zuri Justice. Roxi subsequently downplayed her role in the victory - but I couldn't have done it without her; good luck against Delia, Roxi.'

As he continues, Simon's smile remains.

Simon: 'So, from my final match on an episode of Climax Control, it's now on to Into The Void, and what will be my final mach in SCW for the foreseeable future. And having gotten to reprise one tag team last Sunday, I get to reprise another a week on Sunday, when I team with Ben Jordan - hopefully our reunion will be as successful as the one that I had with Roxi. I've previously discussed the effect that, intentional or not, Ben has had on parts of own wrestling career - in particular, from our time in ACW - so I'm going to try to avoid repeating things that I've said in the past. However, I do have something that I would like to thank Ben for - something that I've not previously talked about: I want to thank him for helping me to get a better appreciation for tag team wrestling.'

Simon looks down at the floor momentarily; he then looks back to the camera, and continues.

Simon: 'In the first phase of my wrestling career - the pre-ACW days - I never had much of an interest in tag team matches. Perhaps it was the arrogance of youth, but back then, I was of the opinion that tag team wrestling was for people that weren't good enough to be a success on their own; I guess it was February last year, when my opinion started to change, as that month saw ACW stage a tag team gauntlet match, for the purpose of crowning their first tag team champions. Prior to that match, Ben commented on the ambivalence that some people have for tag team wrestling, stating that he thinks being in a tag team is a great way to win things with your friends. I entered myself into the tag team gauntlet match - although I only did so because I wasn't scheduled to be in any other match on the show; Ben and Mickey Carroll went on to win the match, and five months later, Steve Ramone and I would unsuccessfully challenge them for the titles.'

Simon sighs.

Simon: 'While it could be argued that I was competing in tag team matches in ACW because I was treading water, in the six-sided ring of SCW there's no doubt that I've really learned to enjoy being involved in tag team wrestling; I've obviously enjoyed the opportunities that I've had to team with Ben, and Roxi - and I have to mention Brandi Shotze, too - but I've even been able to get some satisfaction from teaming with the likes of Kain, and Sean Jackson. Now, I will admit that, those feelings of enjoyment and satisfaction have been aided by what, for me, is a previously unprecedented level of success in tag team wrestling: by my reckoning, I've been on the winning side in each of the last seven tag team matches that I've been involved in - hopefully that number will be extended to eight, with a win at Into the Void against Jeremiah Hardin and his partner. However, the fact that I found myself hoping that my final two matches in SCW would be tag team matches, so that I could share the spotlight in those matches with two of my friends, should show how much my view on tag team wrestling has changed - and how, appropriately enough, it has come to mirror the view of the man that will be my partner at Into The Void: Ben Jordan.'

Simon nods his head.

Simon: 'Just as an aside, a few moments ago I mentioned that the last time I appeared on camera in somewhere like this, was when I was at Caesars Palace, four months ago; while my forthcoming match will see me have Ben Jordan as my tag team partner, on that occasion, I was discussing a match in which the two of us would be opponents. Having had him as both a partner, and an opponent, it's safe to say that I prefer to have Ben on my side, rather than against me. And not just because he is a mate, but because he is also a bloody good wrestler; whoever it is that Jeremiah Hardin has as his partner at Into The Void, the pair of them are going to have their work cut out, if they're going to stand any chance of being victorious.'

Simon rubs his chin.

Simon: 'The presence of Jeremiah Hardin, means that there will be three ACW alumni in our match at Into The Void. As he was only there for the final months, some people might forget that Hardin was even in ACW - but he still managed to make something of a positive impression in his brief time there, getting the better of a series of matches that he had with Cyrus King. From what I recall though, while he was in ACW, Hardin never had an opponent of the calibre of, say, an ACW triple crown winner, or a two-time SCW Heavyweight Champion; at Into The Void, he'll find out that beating guys like Cyrus King is one thing, but trying to defeat Ben Jordan and myself is an altogether more difficult challenge.'

Simon smirks slightly.

Simon: 'To be fair to Hardin, and to give him the credit that he deserves, once he arrived in SCW, he did have almost instant success, winning the Roulette Championship - but again, he was only competing against the likes of Cyrus King. If you look at the bombshells, there is little difference in quality between those that are chasing the Bombshell Championship, and those that compete in the roulette division. However, as far as the men are concerned, there is a definite gap in quality between those in the roulette division, and those that are at the top, competing for the Heavyweight Championship - and Jeremiah Hardin is yet to show that he belongs in the latter category. Five months ago, he had the best possible chance to do so, when he was placed in the main event of My Bloody Valentine, with the Heavyweight Championship up for grabs - but instead of flourishing in that scenario, he wilted; Jeremiah, at Into The Void, you'll be up against two men that thrive when the stakes are high - you're about to find yourself facing another uphill task.'

Simon rubs his forehead.

Simon: 'Talking about Jeremiah Hardin, has gotten me thinking about one of the other men that was in the main event of My Bloody Valentine: Max Burke. Like Hardin, Burke is another man who, at the beginning of the year, appeared to have a big twelve months ahead of him - and yet, so far this year, both men have failed to live up to the hype. What a catalogue of disappointment this year has been for Jeremiah Hardin: it began with him losing the Roulette Championship; I've already touched upon what happened at My Bloody Valentine; he was knocked out of the Blast from the Past tournament in the first round; and most recently, he was seen being made to tap out, by none other than Ben Jordan. The only positive that I can point to for Hardin, out of all of that, is that at least he will know how to cope with being on the receiving end of another loss, come Into The Void; whilst winning has been a routine for me this year, Hardin has certainly made losing a habit - I'm hoping that both of those trends will continue, a week on Sunday.'

Simon frowns, as he ponders what is coming next.

Simon: 'And now for the subject of Jeremiah Hardin's "mystery partner." Talking about someone whose identity you don't know, isn't the easiest thing to do - but I'll give it a shot.'

Simon removes the pair of glasses from his face, but holds them so that they are still visible to the camera.

Simon: 'After looking at the line-up for Into The Void III, and seeing the match that I had been placed in, I then studied the schedule for the rest of the show again, to see if there was any indication of whom this mystery man might be; one of the men on the SCW roster that is not already scheduled to compete at Into The Void, perhaps - someone such as Deavon Justice, or Connor Murphy? Could it be a former SCW wrestler, making their return? Or is it someone that we've not seen in the six-sided ring before? Whatever the case, while talking about a mystery opponent, it seemed appropriate for me to don this costume.'

Simon puts his glasses into the pocket of his trousers.

Simon: 'If you can't already tell who it is that I'm supposed to be, let me help you out: I am, of course, dressed as Austin Powers - the International Man of Mystery. And this building, is where part of the first Austin Powers movie was filmed.'

Simon removes the white cravat, revealing the collar of a navy blue t-shirt beneath his jacket; he drops the cravat onto the floor.

Simon: 'In all seriousness, the identity of Jeremiah Hardin's "mystery partner" may no longer be such a mystery, as from what I understand, Jeremiah's uncle - Sebastian - has recently signed a contract with SCW. Now, whether is that solely for him to be Jeremiah's manager, or whether it extends to him setting foot in the ring, isn't entirely clear yet. But in this city, that is home to SCW, and which is a resort known primarily for gambling, it now appears that Sebastian Hardin, is the odds on favourite to be his nephew's partner at Into the Void.'

Simon takes off his jacket, and then bends down, to place it on the floor, with the cravat; as Simon stands up straight, it can be seen that he is wearing his navy blue "I Know What I Am" t-shirt.

Simon: 'Sebastian Hardin, or whoever Jeremiah Hardin's partner is, I may not yet be able to be certain of your identity, but there are some things that I am absolutely certain of.'

Simon clenches his right hand, forming a fist, and then thumps his chest.

Simon: 'I know what I am - I know who I am. And I will not allow my tenure in SCW to come to an end with a defeat.'

As Simon stands staring at the camera, the scene fades to black.

 Monday 9th June

The scene opens to show the hallway of the home of Simon Jones, in Las Vegas. It is a day and a half since Simon returned to Vegas for the first time since early April - having based himself in the UK for the duration of the tour of Africa - and barely twelve hours since he appeared at Climax Control. Simon - who is wearing a grey t-shirt and navy blue shorts - can be seen slowly pacing around the hallway, from side to side; this continues for a few more seconds, until the sound of a doorbell is heard, bringing Simon to a halt.

Simon: 'Finally.'

The camera pans to the left, as Simon walks towards the front door of the house; just away from the door, on the floor, by one of the walls, a black gym bag can be seen. Simon opens the door, and stood outside - wearing a green t-shirt and black tracksuit bottoms - is Jason O'Neil.

Simon: 'What took you so long?'

Simon gestures to Jason, to step inside.

Jason: 'Nice to see you, too.'

Jason enters the house; Simon shuts the door behind Jason, and then turns to face him.

Jason: 'And what do you mean, what took me so long? I didn't even let you know that I would be paying you a visit.'

Simon: 'True. But with you being aware that I was back in Vegas, I knew that it would only be a matter of time until you showed up here - in fact, I was surprised not to see you yesterday, before I left for Climax Control.'

Jason: 'Well, I assumed that you and Jacqui would be tired, after all of the travelling that you did on Saturday, so I thought that I would leave you alone yesterday, and let you rest.'

Simon replies in a slightly sarcastic tone.

Simon: 'How considerate of you.'

Simon then smirks.

Simon: 'I knew that you would show your face this morning though, for certain.'

Jason: 'Why were you so sure?'

Simon: 'Because I have a match in six days' time, which I need to get ready for. And not just any match, but a defence of my title - I knew that you wouldn't want to let me prepare for that match on my own.'

Jason: 'I don't know - I'm not sure that you need my help any more.'

Simon raises his eyebrows.

Simon: 'Oh yeah? And why's that?'

Jason: 'Well, you didn't too badly on your own, the past couple of months. While you were away from Vegas, you had four matches - three in SCW, one elsewhere - each of which you won; you showed that you don't need my help, for you to be successful at the top of SCW.'

Simon: 'Yeah, but the fact that you chose to remain in Vegas - rather than go back to the UK, with Jacqui and I - prevented me from being able to utilise your help, whether I wanted to or not.'

Jason: 'As I said, Simon - four matches, four wins; you're fully capable of being successful, preparing for matches on your own.'

Simon: 'Maybe - but given the option, I would still prefer to have your assistance. And besides, I didn't train entirely on my own, while I was in Cardiff; I didn't go looking for a training partner - but I ended up with one.'

Jason: 'Are you referring to that girl from the gym I've heard about - the one that Jacqui thought you were having an affair with? Natalie, I believe her name is.'

Simon nods his head.

Simon: 'Yes, that's her.'

Simon puts his hands on his hips, and shakes his head in disbelief.

Simon: 'Nothing gets past you, does it? For the past two months, I've been several thousands of miles away, and yet you still know what I've been getting up to.'

Jason gives a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders.

Jason: 'What can I say - I keep my ear to the ground.'

Jason glances around the hallway, before looking back to Simon.

Jason: 'What's the story with you and this Natalie?'

Simon: 'What is there to say?'

Now it is Simon's turn to shrug his shoulders.

Simon: 'It's like I told Erik Staggs last night: she's an aspiring wrestler, and I vowed that I would try to help her find an opening with a promotion, somewhere - and where better than SCW?'

Jason: 'But there must be more to it than that; how did you go from befriending her at the gym, to being in Erik Staggs' office, acting on her behalf?'

Simon: 'That's another story, for another day. For now, can we try to focus on the match that I have this Sunday, against Gene Banton Junior, please?'

Jason: 'If you insist.'

Jason holds his hands up in surrender.

Jason: 'There is something else I need to ask you about: is it true that you've been wrestling hurt?'

Simon: 'You're referring to the rumour that Kenny Chisholm gave life to, aren't you?'

Jason nods his head.

Simon: 'No, it's not true; the last time that I had to compete whilst injured, was when I was recovering from the injury to my knee, that I sustained at the hands of Casey Williams.'

Simon reaches down, to pat his left knee.

Simon: 'I'll show you exactly how injury-free I am, once we get to the gym.'

Simon rubs his chin.

Simon: 'Kenny did get at least one thing right, though.'

Jason: 'What's that?'

Simon: 'That I haven't lost a match since before the turn of the year. And that is a statistic that, with your help, I intend to keep intact beyond next Sunday - beyond my match with Gene Banton Junior.'

Jason: 'I'm confident that you chalk up another victory in the win column.'

Simon: 'I'm glad to hear it.'

Jason: 'So what about the other rumour I've heard, which relates to you?'

Simon frowns.

Simon: 'What other rumour?'

Jason: 'The rumour that you're going to be leaving SCW, to return to the UK on a permanent basis.'

Simon: 'Don't believe everything that you hear, Jase - I would have thought you had learned that by now.'

Simon looks down at the floor for a brief moment, before looking back at Jason.

Simon: 'As you already know, when Jacqui and I moved to Vegas from Halifax, in January, we signed a lease to rent this house for an initial six months - my guess is, someone has gotten wind of the fact that we haven't yet extended the lease, and has started a rumour based on that. However, I can assure you that my sights are firmly set on retaining the title against Gene Banton Junior on Sunday, walking into Into The Void III next month, as the Heavyweight Champion, and then walking out of Into The Void, still the SCW Heavyweight Champion.'

Jason: 'Okay, if that's your plan, well, I can get on board with that.'

Simon: 'Good. Because last year at Into The Void, I was the challenger for the Heavyweight Championship, who won the title - this year, I want to be the defending champion, who retains his title.'

Simon walks past Jason, to his gym bag, and bends down, to pick it up off the floor.

Simon: 'But for that to happen, I first need to overcome the challenge of Gene Banton Junior. So let's get down the gym, and start preparing for that match in earnest.'

Simon puts the shoulder strap of the bag over his right shoulder; he reaches for the door handle, but then turns back to look at Jason.

Simon: 'How have you occupied yourself for the past two months, without being able to put me through my paces?'

Jason: 'I found other ways to keep myself busy - my world doesn't revolve around you, just because you're the SCW Heavyweight Champion, you know.'

Simon: 'I know - I just hope that you kept your nose clean.'

Jason: 'I promise you that I did.'

Simon pulls open the door, but rather than stepping outside, he turns back to Jason again.

Simon: 'Did you see what Max Burke had to say a few weeks ago, about you and I?'

Jason: 'You mean, when he said that he was a fan of the pair of us?'

Simon nods his head.

Jason: 'I'll admit, after all of these years, it's nice to know that my name still means something to some people in wrestling.'

Jason takes a step forward, towards Simon.

Jason: 'You know, for what it's worth, I believe that you made the right decision, when you chose Sean Jackson to be your opponent at Chaos In Cape Town, rather than Burke, or anyone else; in my eyes, by beating Sean Jackson, you showed that you are the number one man in SCW at present - I'm not sure you would have gotten that from defeating any other opponent.'

Simon: 'And in the process, I got to win - and immediately retire - the ACW title; I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do that if I had selected Max Burke to be my opponent.'

Jason: 'If Burke was so eager to be given a match against you, he should have taken the opportunity to earn one, when he had it. But instead, he lost, and so Gene Banton Junior will be your opponent next Sunday, not Max Burke.'

Simon: 'Yeah, well, speaking of my match with Junior, I think we've stalled long enough - if we dilly-dally much longer, it will be to the detriment of my prospects of retaining the title. So come on, let's get going.'

With his head, Simon motions towards the open door.

Jason: 'Alright, champ; let's get to work.'

As Simon holds the door open, Jason steps outside the house; Simon then follows after Jason, and as he closes the door behind him, the scene fades to black.

---

Friday 13th June

The scene again opens to show part of Simon's home in Las Vegas - this time it is the living room, with a brown leather sofa visible opposite the camera. At first, the room is unoccupied - however, from the left-hand side, Simon soon walks into view, and takes up a position standing opposite the camera; he is wearing a long sleeve, red England football jersey - circa 1966 - and pale blue jeans.

Simon: 'Right, this will be probably be shorter than usual, as there's football to be watched.'

Simon takes a seat, on the sofa.

Simon: 'It may have escaped the attention of some of you, but yesterday in Sao Paulo, Brazil kicked off the World Cup against Croatia. Tomorrow, England get their campaign underway, against Italy, and so, with the match that I have scheduled for this Sunday, against Gene Banton Junior, I am hoping that this Friday the thirteenth will not be the prelude to an unlucky weekend for this Englishman.'

Simon gazes at the floor for a moment, before looking back to the camera.

Simon: 'Speaking of yesterday's match, just as it was about to kick off, my wife decided to test me, by standing next to the television, while wearing some particularly sexy lingerie; there was only ever going to be one winner in that scenario - and it wasn't Brazil.'

Simon shakes his head.

Simon: 'England are one of only eight countries to have ever won the World Cup; I am one of only eleven men to have won the SCW Heavyweight Championship. Unlike England, though, I am not still waiting to become champion for a second time. Now, admittedly, I would have preferred not to have had my first reign as champion come to an end, but, having lost the title and then subsequently regained it, I showed that me winning the title was no fluke. My second reign as champion has surpassed my first, both in terms of length, and number of successful title defences; it's also the third longest reign as Heavyweight Champion in SCW history, behind only Nick Jones and Spike Staggs - and I'm not done yet: I plan to defeat Gene Banton Junior on Sunday, and hold onto the title for a while longer yet.'

Simon rolls the sleeves of his jersey up, to just above his elbows.

Simon: 'Before I discuss the match that I have ahead of me this weekend, I guess that I ought to say something in response to the comments that were made by Sean Jackson last Sunday.'

Simon sighs.

Simon: 'I don't want to say too much about Sean Jackson - not when I should be focusing on the man that will be my opponent in two days' time, rather than the man that was my opponent nineteen days ago. What I will say for now, though, is that with Sean Jackson being so concerned about his version of the truth, the only truth that matters, is that I am the SCW Heavyweight Champion - not him.'

Simon leans back against the sofa.

Simon: 'You know, all of this talk from Sean Jackson about the truth, makes him sound like someone else that tried to become the SCW Heavyweight Champion - and failed: Damien Kingston. And preaching about what they believe to be the truth is not the only thing that Jackson and Kingston have in common: they can both count themselves among the group of opponents that I have beaten this year - as can Gene Banton Junior.'

Simon grins.

Simon: 'Yes, as I mentioned five days ago, during Climax Control, Junior and I have been opponents on one previous occasion, in the quarter-finals of the Blast from the Past tournament. That match was, of course, a mixed tag team match - but on Sunday, arrivederci, it's one on one. And while the type of match may be a different one to the match from three months ago, the crucial thing as far I am concerned, is to ensure that the outcome on Sunday is the same as it was three months ago - i.e. that I emerge victorious.'

Simon nods his head this time.

Simon: 'Gene Banton Junior is always accompanied at ringside by his father, Gene Banton Senior, and so I suppose if ever there was a day for him to win a title of some description, Sunday would be an appropriate day for him to do so - what with it being Father's Day. My father, on the other hand, will be several thousands of miles away, when Junior and I step into the six-sided ring on Sunday evening - in fact, by then it will be the early hours of Monday morning in the UK, rather than Father's Day, so I suppose that I will have to settle for giving my old man a belated reason to be proud of me this weekend.'

Simon glances around the room; he then looks back at the camera, and continues.

Simon: 'My career in wrestling can be divided into distinctive parts: there's the first part of my career, from 2001 to 2003, and the second part, which began when I joined ACW in November 2012, and continues to the present day. And while I think it's safe to say that I'm a better wrestler now than I was a dozen or so years ago, I also think that Junior is probably a better wrestler now than he was when we were opponents in March - I mean, he has to be, surely? At that time, he had only been in two matches in his wrestling career, and while that number has not increased greatly, he at least gained more experience since then.'

Simon leans forward, towards the camera, and rubs his chin.

Simon: 'Having said that, I've had more matches this year alone than Junior has had in his career, so the experience advantage is still well and truly lies with me - when something's good, it's never gone. And having won every match that I've had so far this year, I'm keen to keep that run going - and keep hold of the SCW heavyweight title. Will experience be a deciding factor on Sunday? We'll see.'

Simon shrugs his shoulders.

Simon: 'At Climax Control, when I go out to that ring, I'll be looking to express myself, and entertain the fans, as I always attempt to do. I know what I can do - I know that I can win, and even though things may not go my way at times, I won't give up the chase, which is how it should be. I'll try not to get caught out; I'll try to dictate the tempo of the match - slow or fast, at the right time.'

Simon smirks.

Simon: 'Junior, I don't have a master plan, per se; I'll hit you and hurt you - but I've got more than one way to beat you. On Sunday, I aim to let everyone see why I am the SCW Heavyweight Champion - and I don't plan to give the title away.'

Simon gets up from the sofa, rising to his feet.

Simon: 'So catch me if you can - cos I'm an England man.'

Simon pats the three lions crest on his jersey; he then walks out of view, in the direction from which he entered, and soon afterwards, the scene fades to black.

 Tuesday 27th May

The scene opens to show the living room of Simon Jones' house in Cardiff. Positioned directly opposite to the camera, is a black sofa. To the left of the sofa is a wooden side table, while to the right of the sofa - in the corner of the room - is an open door, through which part of an unlit hallway is visible; adjacent to the door, is a black armchair.

Sat on the sofa, is Simon Jones' wife, Jacqueline, who is wearing a pair of chocolate brown trousers, and a black appliqué lace collar top; in her arms, Jacqueline is cradling their daughter, Matilda, who is wearing a white bodysuit.

Other than some murmurs from Matilda, the room is currently silent. However, the sound of a door opening is soon heard, which prompts Jacqueline to look down at her daughter.

Jacqueline: 'Daddy's home.'

A figure enters the hallway of the house - although due to the darkness, all that can be seen is a partial silhouette. The sound of a door being closed is then heard, and seconds later, the individual steps into the doorway of the living room - being instantly recognisable, as Simon Jones; Simon is wearing a pair of dark blue jeans, and has on a zipped-up black coat.

Simon: 'Alright, love?'

Jacqueline: 'Yeah, I'm alright. How are you feeling, after over twenty-four hours of travelling?'

In his right hand, Simon is holding a black suitcase; he places the case by the living room door, before walking over to the sofa.

Simon: 'I'm cream crackered - although what happened on Sunday night made it worthwhile.'

Simon leans towards Jacqueline, and the couple kiss; Simon then looks down at their baby daughter.

Simon: 'And hello to you, too.'

Jacqueline: 'I held off putting her in her cot, as I thought that you would probably like to see her while she was still awake.'

Simon quickly exchanges a glance with his wife, before looking back at Matilda, and smiling.

Simon: 'You thought correctly.'

Simon turns to walk towards the armchair, unzipping his coat as he does so; he takes off his coat - revealing a plain grey t-shirt - and places it on the chair. Simon then walks back to the sofa, and sits down, next to his wife and daughter.

Jacqueline: 'Oh, I just remembered: while you were in South Africa, a letter came for you.'

Simon: 'Where is it?'

Jacqueline: 'Here, you take Matilda, and I'll go and get it.'

Jacqueline passes Matilda to Simon; Jacqueline then gets up from the sofa, and walks towards the left of the scene, disappearing from view.

Simon: 'I'm glad to be able to put that suitcase down, after carrying it back from the station - I'm sure it's heavier now than it was when I left last week.'

From off camera, Jacqueline responds, in a slightly sarcastic tone.

Jacqueline: 'I wonder why that is.'

Simon smirks. A moment or two later, Jacqueline reappears, holding a piece of paper in her right hand.

Simon: 'You opened the letter, then.'

Jacqueline: 'Just in case it was something important.'

Simon: 'And is it?'

Jacqueline sit backs down on the sofa, and looks at Simon.

Jacqueline: 'As you've got your hands full, I'll read it for you, shall I?'

Simon: 'Okay.'

Jacqueline turns her attention to the letter.

Jacqueline: 'It says, "Dear Simon, thank you for applying for the position of Football Secretary of Newport County AFC, and your interest in our club. Unfortunately on this occasion, your application has been unsuccessful. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you good luck with your future career." And it's signed, Dave Boddy, Chief Executive, Newport County AFC.'

Simon: 'Is there a date on the letter?'

Jacqueline: 'The twentieth of May.'

Simon: 'So, they finally sent me a letter - four weeks after the deadline for applications.'

Jacqueline places the letter on the table, by the side of the sofa; she then turns back to her husband.

Jacqueline: 'Simon, why did you apply for a job with Newport County? You already have a job - one in which you're fairly successful.'

Simon sighs.

Simon: 'Well, I promised Sylvia that I would talk to you about it once I got home - and I suppose there's no time like the present.'

Jacqueline: 'Talk to me about what?'

Simon lets out another sigh.

Simon: 'I've been giving serious thought to leaving SCW, so that we could move back here, permanently.'

Jacqueline: 'What?'

Jacqueline frowns.

Jacqueline: 'Why?'

Simon: 'It's because of how aware I've become - since we've been back at home - of what we've been missing out on, while we've been living on the other side of the Atlantic.'

Simon quickly glances down at Matilda, before looking back at his wife.

Simon: 'I know I've talked to you about that a couple of times in the past few weeks, and I know you told me that, as long as you're with Matty and I, you'll be happy - but I believe that you would be even happier if you were here, near to your friends and family, rather than in Vegas, over two thousand miles away from them.'

Jacqueline: 'And so you're willing to leave SCW to make that happen - even now, when you're the Heavyweight Champion?'

Simon: 'As I tweeted on Friday evening, you and Matty are more important to me than wrestling. So, if I have to leave SCW - which I would have to, if we were going to live here - then yes, I would be willing to do so.'

Simon's gaze turns to Matilda again.

Simon: 'And speaking of Matty, I would like to bring her up here, in the UK, rather than in the States

Simon then looks back to Jacqueline.

Simon: 'The US has given me so much, as far as my wrestling career is concerned, but I want my daughter to grow up feeling British, not American - I certainly don't want her to end up with an American accent.'

Jacqueline replies, sarcastically.

Jacqueline: 'Yeah, because a Brummie accent is so much better.'

Simon: 'Brummie, Cardiff, whatever, I don't mind - I just want Matty to have an accent that makes her sound like our daughter, and not some child that we adopted.'

Jacqueline glances at Matilda, before turning her attention back to her husband.

Jacqueline: 'So, for how long have you been thinking about this, then?'

Simon gives a slight shrug of his shoulders.

Simon: 'For about five weeks, I guess.'

Jacqueline: 'I see.'

Jacqueline turns her head away from Simon, to look towards the other side of the room for a moment. Jacqueline then turns back to face Simon, and as she speaks again, her voice now contains a hint of anger.

Jacqueline: 'This wanting to move back to the UK, it wouldn't happen to have anything to do with the girl from the gym that you've been seeing - would it?'

The expression on Simon's face changes to a look of bewilderment; it takes a few seconds for him to manage a verbal response.

Simon: 'What?'

The tone of Jacqueline's voice rises slightly.

Jacqueline: 'Oh, don't deny it, Simon. Karen told me that she has seen you being overly friendly with some pretty, musclebound girl from the gym - and not only has she seen the two of you together at the gym, Karen said that she has also seen you spending time with this girl, away from the gym.'

Simon: 'This is what I get for using the same gym as several of our friends.'

Simon shakes his head.

Simon: 'You know, I like Karen, but she is such a gossip.'

Jacqueline: 'Hey, don't blame Karen because you got caught.'

Simon: 'Caught? Caught doing what? There's nothing going on between myself and Natalie - nothing of that nature, anyway.'

Jacqueline: 'That's her name, is it - Natalie?'

Simon nods his head once; as the sense of anger in Jacqueline's voice continues to rise, Simon lowers his own voice, to attempt to avoid being drawn into an argument.

Simon: 'Yes. And we're just friends - nothing more.'

Jacqueline's voice grows louder again, her response laced with a mixture of anger and sarcasm.

Jacqueline: '"Just friends," are you? Well, I'm sure that every man that has ever use that defence was telling the truth.'

Having been awoken by her parents' heated conversation, Matilda starts to cry.

Jacqueline: 'Now look what you've done.'

Simon again struggles to respond, being almost at a loss for words.

Simon: 'What I've done?'

Jacqueline gets up from the sofa, and snatches Matilda from Simon's arms; as Jacqueline walks towards the door, to exit the living room, Simon rises from his seat, turning to look at his wife.

Jacqueline: 'Don't follow me.'

Without even so much as a glance in the direction of her husband, Jacqueline walks out of the room, and out of view. Simon puts both of his hands on his head, his mouth agape, as he is left standing alone in the living room, in shock; Simon then moves his hands, placing them on his hips, and can be seen to silently mouth the words, "What just happened?" As Simon tries to digest exactly what has just happened, the scene fades to black.

 Thursday 15th May

The scene opens to show a white sign, at the top of which, in large black letters, is the name "Grangetown." Below that, in smaller letters, are the words "Alight here for the Cardiff City Stadium," and below that, in green, is the Welsh translation; this is the railway station that serves the district of Grangetown, in the south of Cardiff - which at present, is bathed in sunshine, with a clear blue sky visible in the background.

Stood by the sign - slightly to the right of it - is Simon Jones; he is wearing pale blue jeans, and a green t-shirt that has the logo of the Green Bay Packers on it. Simon is currently looking at a brown, cuboid-shaped package, that he is holding in his right hand; Simon turns his attention away from the package, to look at the camera, and begins to speak.

Simon: 'With the finale of SCW's tour of Africa drawing ever nearer, I am currently in the midst of training for the match that I will be competing in ten days from now, when I will be defending the SCW Heavyweight Championship, against Sean Jackson. And so, with the big match - and the even bigger show - just over a week away, I though it was about time that I spoke on that subject.'

Simon quickly glances over his shoulder, towards the sign on the platform, before looking back at the camera.

Simon: 'This time next week, I will be in Cape Town, finalising my preparations for the match. For now though, I am in my adopted hometown of Cardiff - as I will be for the next few days - where I have based myself throughout the duration of the tour of Africa. And after last week showing you all some of the Welsh countryside, this week I find myself stood in what has to be a contender for the least idyllic location in which I have discussed a match - while the architecture of some stations on the British rail network would make for a pleasant backdrop, this particular station is most certainly not one of them.'

Simon raises his right hand slightly, bringing the package that he is holding, more prominently into view.

Simon: 'The reason for the dreary setting is that I have just come from the Royal Mail sorting office, a couple of hundred yards away from here - which I had to visit to collect this parcel.'

Simon looks down, at the item in his hand.

Simon: 'I don't know what this is - I don't remember ordering anything; it must be something that my wife bought online, and had delivered in my name.'

Simon looks back to the camera.

Simon: 'It isn't always glamorous, being a professional athlete - we still have to do mundane tasks, such as collecting undelivered mail. Well, unless you can afford to pay someone to do such tasks for you; which I can't - I'm not like Jimmy Ringo, or Brittany York. So that's why I'm here, waiting for the next train that stops at Cathays. And it's because I'm waiting for a train, that I'm recording this video now: it will be several minutes yet, and I thought that this would be as good a way as any, to kill time.'

Simon turns his head to look to his left, momentarily; he then turns back to face the camera.

Simon: 'Let's go over there - we risk encountering some uninvited guests if we stay here.'

Simon then turns to his left again, and walks in that direction, with the camera following him, maintaining the same distance. However, Simon soon turns around, and faces the camera, while walking backwards.

Simon: 'In case you're wondering who it is that I was just talking to, let me explain, that the camera with which this video is being recorded, is being held by a friend of mine, called Luke. In fact, let's show you what Luke looks like.'

Simon stops, and with his left hand, he reaches in the direction of the camera. The view from the camera then spins around one hundred and eighty degrees, to show a man that looks to be in his early thirties, who is unshaven, and has messy dark brown hair; he is wearing black jeans, and a plain, light brown t-shirt.

Simon: 'Say hello, Luke.'

Luke speaks with a Somerset accent.

Luke: 'Hello, Luke.'

Simon: 'Please, leave the jokes to me. Luke, let me ask you a question: who do you think is going to be the winner of the main event of Chaos In Cape Town - me, or Sean Jackson?'

Luke: 'You. But then, you're a mate of mine, so I have to say that.'

Simon: 'Errr...good enough. Here, you can have this back now.'

Luke reaches out with both of his hands, as the camera is passed back to him, resulting in the view then spinning back around one hundred and eighty degrees, to again show Simon. Simon turns his back to the camera, and resumes walking in that direction, with the camera - and Luke - again following behind him. Simon walks past a lamppost, before coming to a stop by a relatively large brick flower box, that contains an abundance of daffodils - the national flower of Wales; Simon tuns back to face the camera.

Simon: 'Right, I think this will work.'

Luke too then comes to a stop, fixing the camera on Simon, with the flowers behind him.

Simon: 'Five days ago, Sean Jackson and I teamed up to defeat the pairing of Andrew Garcia and Kain. However, once that match had concluded, the image that people were left with wasn't of the two of us having our hands raised by Jasmine St. John - no, it was of me being laid out on the canvas, and of Sean Jackson holding aloft the ACW Championship, while he looked down upon me, proud of what he had done; having re-watched the incident, I got to hear Belinda Simone pose the question, "Will it be that way at Chaos In Cape Town?" Well, I'm determined to make sure that, at the end of the main event of Chaos In Cape Town, the scene that the show closes on will look vastly different to the sight from last Sunday.'

Simon places his package on the wall of the flower box.

Simon: 'If anyone was in any doubt as to the kind of person that Sean Jackson is, those doubts should now have been put to rest. Prior to the tag team match on Sunday, Jackson did his best portrayal of someone that genuinely believed I was going to turn on him during the match - I guess that was simply "The Mental Rapist" living up to his name. However, as I just mentioned, it was he that attacked me, rather than the other way - and he did so from behind, no less. I can promise you now, Sean, that you won't have it your way so easily in ten days' time - you certainly won't catch me with my back turned.'

Simon rubs his chin.

Simon: 'Last Sunday, Sean, you may have been looking down upon me literally, but I get the feeling that, metaphorically, you have looked down upon me for longer than that - I get the feeling you're another of the ones that is of the opinion that I shouldn't be the SCW Heavyweight Champion; you know, despite me having done everything that I can to earn the right to be the champion - twice. I think I can say for a fact, Sean, that you look down on me because - unlike yourself - I embrace the support of the fans, whereas you insult them every time you have a microphone to your lips. But I wonder if there's something else that makes you of the opinion that you're superior to me - say, for example, that you're the "true" NWA Heavyweight Champion, whereas I never rose further than being the Cruiserweight Champion.'

Simon sits down on the wall of the flower box, to the right of his package.

Simon: 'Yes, I know that the name of the NWA is mud in SCW, but I can't talk about myself and Sean Jackson without at least briefly mentioning that organisation. That my greatest achievement in the NWA was winning the Cruiserweight Championship, isn't something that I look back on with a feeling of disappointment. Some people - Casey Williams, for example - might complain about not being given the opportunities that they think they deserve, but I don't reflect on my time in the NWA and its regions, and get a sense that I was held back, behind other wrestlers that were arguably less talented than myself; I'm not a pint of SA* - I'm not bitter.'

Simon shakes his head.

Simon: 'Being well aware of his own achievements in the NWA, I was excited when Sean Jackson joined SCW earlier this year - I was excited about the prospect of potentially getting to test myself against him, at some point in the future. When I arrived in SCW, twelve months ago, I made no secret that part of my motivation for joining the promotion, was so I could show that I wasn't merely a good cruiserweight, but that I was a good wrestler, regardless of weight class. And, two reigns as SCW Heavyweight Champion later, I'd like to think I've achieved that. But this match against Sean Jackson, I see this as being like the final examination, at the end of a year-long course - in my case, at the end of my first year in SCW. In Cape Town, it will be the true NWA Heavyweight Champion, against the true NWA Cruiserweight Champion; having studied hard, I'm all set to pass this test, and retain my title - and to perhaps also show that, had events panned out differently, I could have been more than just the Cruiserweight Champion in the NWA.'

Simon glances down at the floor for a second or two, before looking back up at the camera, and continuing.

Simon: 'You see, when I selected Sean Jackson to be my opponent at Chaos in Cape Town, I said that I wanted to give the SCW fans the best match possible - which I do. But there's more to it than that: there's also a matter of pride - defeating an opponent of the calibre of Sean Jackson will give me more satisfaction than beating someone of lesser ability would. Jackson...'

Luke interrupts Simon.

Luke: 'Is this us?'

Simon turns his head towards the right of the shot; the sound of an approaching train can be heard.

Simon: 'No, this is the Bargoed train.'

Simon looks back to the camera, and speaks with a somewhat sarcastic tone.

Simon: 'Is it okay with you if I continue?'

Luke: 'Sure, go ahead.'

Simon: 'Thank you.'

The sound of the train's brakes being applied can be heard, as it comes to a stop at the station.

Simon: 'Sean Jackson said that I chose him because I want to cause a rift in Hot Stuff International. Now, I don't know whether or not he actually believes that - again, it may just be another example of The Mental Rapist being The Mental Rapist - but regardless of that, I can assure you all that I have no interest in causing a rift in Hot Stuff International; I have no wish to get caught up in gang warfare - I'll leave that to the likes of HSI, and the New XTremes.'

Simon pauses, as the train pulls away from the station; once the noise from the train diminishes, Simon continues.

Simon: 'I've already passed up the chance to join NXT - I'm not about to change my mind in that regards; I'm more of a...'

Again, Simon finds himself being interrupted by his friend/cameraman.

Luke: 'Lone wolf?'

Simon scoffs at the suggestion.

Simon: 'I'm nothing that pertains to a wolf - or wolves; if anything, I suppose I would be a lone Bluenose.'

Simon shrugs his shoulders.

Simon: 'Sean Jackson will do anything that he possibly can to gain an advantage - such as, aligning himself with one of the owners of SCW; he is a self-serving careerist. I, on the hand, prefer to do things with more integrity, to give the company - and its fans - a Heavyweight Champion that they can be proud of.'

Simon smiles.

Simon: 'Ah yes, the fans. I have already mentioned how Sean Jackson feels about the fans. Sean Jackson also sneers at the connection that I have with the fans - he condemned both Drake Green and Michael Hardy for that, too. Well, Sean, you might not care what the fans want, but I do; with the money that they spend on tickets and merchandise, the fans are the ones that pay our wages - which is why I always want to reward them with an entertaining spectacle. Also, there's a certain thrill, and excitement, that comes from performing in front of a crowd - without the fans at ringside, it just wouldn't be the same.'

Simon shakes his head again.

Simon: 'Sean, you can ridicule me all you like, for wanting to satisfy the fans, but I'm not ashamed of it; I've already shown that nice guys don't always have to finish last - and Electra Styles is doing a good job of showing that nice girls don't have to finish last, too. You told the fans that whatever you did to Drake Green would be their fault; you said something similar about Michael Hardy. Well, whatever happens in ten days' time, Sean, the fans can't be held accountable. Although, having said that, I know what the fans want: they want to see me beat you, Sean Jackson - and I intend to give them that. So, should I indeed be victorious at Chaos In Cape Town, then maybe you could blame the fans for your defeat - they certainly would have helped inspire me to it.'

Simon's smile broadens slightly.

Simon: 'You claim, Sean, that when I chose you to be my opponent, that I committed career suicide. Now, I'm well aware of the injuries that Drake Green suffered as a consequence of his match against you at Blaze Of Glory III, but I'm not worried about the same happening to me - after all, in any match that I participate in, I'm only ever one wrong move away from suffering a career-ending injury. You can tell people, Sean, that by choosing you I signed my own death warrant, when in actuality what I did, is that I created an opportunity for me to continue to etch my name into SCW history: at Blaze Of Glory, I simultaneously retained the Heavyweight Championship, and won the Blast from the Past tournament; at Chaos In Cape Town, I'll aim to again retain my title, and in the process, unify it with that title that you carry around.'

Simon turns his head towards the right of the shot; he then looks back to the camera, and stands up.

Simon: 'Like the train that will take myself and Luke away from this station, Chaos In Cape Town is rapidly approaching. And like a journey on public transport, my match against Sean Jackson won't be without moments of discomfort. But in the end, I'll get to where I want to be: for this train journey, that means home, to my wife; for the match in Cape Town, that means to me being still, the SCW Heavyweight Champion.'

Simon picks up his package; as the sound of another train can be heard, the scene fades to black.

*A beer brewed in Cardiff.

---

Saturday 17th May

The scene opens to show the inside of The Great Western, a pub in Cardiff. It is still comparatively early on in the evening, as a result of which, there are not currently many people to be seen on the pub's upper floor. Moreover, only two people are visible at present: in the foreground of the shot, stood just away from the bar, are Simon Jones, and his friend Luke; Simon is wearing dark blue jeans and a red shirt, whereas Luke is wearing navy blue jeans, and a plain, black t-shirt.

Simon glances over at the bar, and then looks back to Luke; it is Simon that is the first of the pair to speak.

Simon: 'Shall we get a drink, while we wait for them to arrive?'

Luke: 'Yep.'

Simon: 'Alright, my round then.'

The two men step towards the bar; as Simon waits for a member of staff, he turns his attention back to Luke.

Simon: 'What do you want? Tuborg? Guinness?'

Luke: 'Tuborg.'

A bartender then appears.

Bartender: 'Hi. What can I get you?'

Simon: 'Two pints of Tuborg, please.'

Simon and Luke look on patiently, as the bartender pulls the first of the two pints; after the pint is placed on the bar, by the bartender, Simon picks up the glass, and passes it to Luke.

Luke: 'Thanks.'

Simon: 'You're welcome.'

Luke sips at his beer, as the bartender pulls the second pint; once poured, the bartender places the full glass on the bar, in front of Simon.

Bartender: 'That's six fifty, please.'

Simon pulls his wallet out of the pocket of his jeans; he takes a note from the wallet, and hands it over to the bartender. The bartender then opens the cash register, and gives Simon his change.

Simon: 'Thanks.'

Bartender: 'Thank you.'

Simon puts the change into his wallet, and then puts his wallet away; as the bartender wanders off, out of view, Simon picks up his pint of Tuborg, turns away from the bar, and looks at Luke.

Simon: 'Right, shall we sit down over there?'

Between sips, Luke nods his head. The camera pans to the right as Simon - followed by Luke - walks towards a rectangular wooden table, which is opposite the bar. On the far side of the table is a black, two seater sofa, and on the near side are two wooden chairs; Luke takes a seat on the sofa, while Simon sits down on one of the chairs. After sitting down, the pair clink their glasses.

Luke: 'Cheers!'

Simon: 'Cheers!'

Simon then takes a drink from his glass, but before Luke can take another sip of his own pint, his attention is drawn to something else.

Luke: 'Here's Joe.'

Simon puts his glass down on the table, and turns to look to his right, as into view walks a thin man in his late twenties, whose hair is mostly brown, but with some grey, at odds with his age; he is wearing light blue jeans, and a black shirt. Simon gets up from his seat to greet Joe, and the two shake hands.

Joe: 'Alright?'

Simon: 'I'm alright, thanks.'

Simon glances over his shoulder, towards Luke, before looking back to Joe.

Simon: 'Sorry, I just bought Luke and I a drink; I didn't think you were going to be here so soon, otherwise I would have gotten you a pint, too.'

Joe: 'It's okay - I'll get myself a pint now, and then come over and join you.'

As Joe walks off to the bar, Simon retakes his seat.

Simon: 'I don't remember Joe having so much grey hair.'

Luke: 'Grey hair? Joe? I can't say I've noticed.'

Simon: 'He...'

Simon sighs, exasperatedly.

Simon: 'You know what, never mind.'

Simon and Luke each then drink some point of their respective pints. As they put their glasses back down on the table, Joe reappears, carrying two pints of his own; he puts one of the glasses on the table, next to Simon's, and then takes a seat on the sofa, alongside Luke.

Simon: 'I'm guessing that's for Coel.'

Joe: 'Yeah, I saw him outside, having a smoke, so I told him I would have a drink waiting for him.'

Luke: 'Speak of the devil.'

The trio turns to look, as into view walks a slightly chubby man in his early thirties, who has dark brown hair; he is wearing dark blue jeans, and a white t-shirt that has a skull on it.

Coel: 'Alright, boys?'

Coel sits down on the chair next to Simon, and raises his right hand; Simon high fives him. Coel then points to the untouched pint in front of him, on the table, and looks at Joe.

Coel: 'Is that mine?'

Joe: 'Yup.'

Coel lifts up his glass.

Coel: 'Thanks, mate.'

Joe: 'No problem, buddy.'

Coel and Joe both then have a sip of their pints; after putting his glass down on the table, Coel looks back to Simon.

Coel: 'So, how's Vegas?'

Simon: 'It's good, thanks; the weather is certainly better in Vegas than it is in South Wales. How's life in Barry?'

Coel: 'Good too, thanks.'

Simon turns to Joe.

Simon: 'And you: how's Portishead? Luke has been telling me about the new flat that you and Kate have moved into.'

Joe: 'Yeah, it's by the side of the marina - a nice flat in a nice location.'

Simon: 'Sounds good.'

Luke: 'Hey, how long has it been since the four us were all together - when was the last time that we had a night out like this?'

Coel: 'Too fucking long - that's how long.'

Joe nods his head in agreement.

Simon: 'It was just over a year and a half ago, the first weekend in October - a month or so before I left for Canada.'

Luke: 'You mean, a month before you left us.'

Simon: 'Before I left you? The three of you all moved away from Cardiff before I did.'

Luke: 'Yeah, but we didn't move two thousand miles away.'

Simon smiles wryly.

Simon: 'Okay, you got me there.'

Simon turns back to Coel.

Simon: 'I just realised, this is the first time that I've seen you in person to be able to congratulate you on your engagement to Rees.'

Coel: 'Thanks.'

As the other three men each take a drink from their glasses, Simon continues the conversation.

Simon: 'You're getting married at the end of September, right?'

Coel: 'Yeah, Friday the 26th; I'm guessing that you'll be unable to attend.'

Simon: 'I don't know.'

Simon shrugs his shoulders.

Simon: 'I don't know whether or not there's a show in SCW that weekend - I don't look that far ahead at the schedule.

Luke: 'Even if there is a show that weekend, couldn't you just ask to be given the night off?'

Joe looks at Luke, with a frown.

Joe: 'He's the champion, Luke. And as the champion, if there's a show, he's expected to be there.'

Simon: 'Joe's right.'

Both Joe and Luke turn to look at Simon.

Simon: 'I was granted a night off four weeks ago, and my absence from that show absence didn't go unnoticed - I don't want to push my luck. In some respects, I'm a victim of my own success. But still, I'd rather be in demand, than be some nobody, that no-on wants to see.'

Luke: 'The wedding is four months away, though; you might not still be the champion by then - you could lose your title as soon as next Sunday.'

Simon: 'Thanks for the vote of confidence, Luke.'

Coel sighs, as he shakes his head.

Coel: 'Fuckin' Luke.'

Simon: 'I've not lost a match so far this year, and I don't plan on starting next Sunday - I'm not ready to surrender the heavyweight title yet.'

Simon takes a drink of his Tuborg.

Joe: 'Speaking of which, when are you off to Cape Town?'

Simon: 'Early next week; I wouldn't normally arrive somewhere almost a week in advance, but this is a big show, and I need to be there in case SCW require me to do any promotional work.'

Coel: 'Are Jacqui and the baby going with you?'

Simon shakes his head.

Simon: 'No, they're staying in Cardiff.'

Luke: 'And then when are you going back to Vegas?'

Simon: 'About a week after I get back from Cape Town.'

Simon sighs.

Simon: 'I've missed this, you know - being in Canada, and then the US, I've missed a lot of things: I've missed significant events, like seeing friends get married; I've missed less consequential things, like watching the Blues play; and I've missed things that I used to take for granted, like being sat in a pub with you three.'

Joe: 'At least you've got something to show for what you've had to miss out on: you've got the title, plus you won that trophy two months ago - that has to make it worthwhile.'

Simon nods his head.

Coel: 'And you had better not lose that title of yours next Sunday; it's a bank holiday weekend, next weekend, so we'll all be watching your match against Sean Jackson - don't disappoint us.'

Simon grins.

Simon: 'I'll try not to, lads.'

The four men each take a gulp of their beers; after putting his pint glass back on the table, Joe looks at Simon again.

Joe: 'Did you watch the cup final earlier?'

Simon: 'Yeah. And while I want to entertain the fans next Sunday, I would settle for a much more straightforward victory than the one that Arsenal got; I forced Luke to watch the match with me.'

Simon glances at Luke, as he continues to enjoy this rare opportunity to spend time with these three friends of his, of whom he has seen very little in the past eighteen months. With the quartet's night out in Cardiff set to go on for several more hours, the scene fades to black.