(OOC: According to google docs. It comes out to 4,949 words. Good luck everyone!)
It was just another day in the twenty one year old’s life. Started the day off with a morning run. Before dealing with his online classes. Followed by heading for his afternoon workout session. Upon returning home, Jayden was bopping his head to the music playing in his airpods. As he put his keys in his hand. Unlocking the front door of his apartment and pushing it open to walk inside. He used his foot to kick the door shut while he tossed his gym bag down on the kitchen counter.
Off to the side of that counter sat his on again off again girlfriend: Saraia who was feeding their nearly one year old daughter. She eyeballed the younger Harris. Taking notice of the fact he hadn’t addressed either one of them. Not that it was much of a surprise. Jayden was for the lack of a better term emotionless and a prick all the same. He walked to the fridge, popping it open briefly. Grabbing a water bottle and untwisting the cap to it.
By this time Saraia had gotten up and placed the baby down in her swing. Now before he could even take a gulp. Saraia had walked right up behind him and pulled both those airpods from his ear. Cupping them in her hand as she folded her arms across her chest. The annoyed look consumed Jayden’s expression. Slowly turning around.
SARAIA: About time you got home.
He didn’t bother to respond. In his opinion that first sip of water was far more important than giving her any time of response. Bringing it to his lips for that brief moment. Before the sarcasm just oozed out of the young male.
JAYDEN: Been busy.
SARAIA: Typical of response. I’m going to let that slide since I’m in such a good mood. That, and I wanted to show you something.
JAYDEN: It can wait.
SARAIA: Are you asking me or are you telling me?
JAYDEN: Telling.
SARAIA: Mmm, that’s what I thought. You know that’s not how this works. Not by a long shot mister.
JAYDEN: You’re so annoying.
SARAIA: And you’re grumpy as hell. Now that we’re done insulting each other. Look what I had made for you.
She had already made several steps towards the living quarters of the apartment. As she gripped a hold of something that was covered up by a black silk sheet. Saraia gripped the sheet and tugged it right off to reveal the torso of a manikin but what was more important was what it was wearing. The cowboy hat, the jacket, the long tights. All of which varied in color and had tassels. Jayden’s expression didn’t hide his disdain for what he saw. Looking over at her.
JAYDEN: The fuck is that?
SARAIA: Isn’t it obvious? It’s your new wrestling gear.
JAYDEN: Ha!
He couldn’t control the outburst of laughter that came from him at that moment. Although his eyes remained on her. It was becoming very clear, she didn’t find it funny. Nothing about this was a joke to her..
JAYDEN: Oh, you’re serious.
SARAIA: Why wouldn’t I be serious? After all the amount of money I spend on this outfit.
JAYDEN: Might wanna call and get the shit back.
SARAIA: Excuse me?
JAYDEN: I didn’t stutter. I ain’t wearing that.
That was it. His word was the final say so. Or at least that’s the way he carried himself. That and anyone that knew Jayden on a personal level. If he didn’t want to do something. He wasn’t going to do it. No matter how much someone might beg, plead, or even demand it. Simply wasn’t going to happen. Saraia found herself becoming increasingly annoyed with him.
SARAIA: And why the hell not Jayden?
JAYDEN: It’s ugly as shit for one. For two, it doesn’t fit my style at all. And three, just no. You should really ask before you just do dumb shit.
SARAIA: Ugly?! Where is it ugly?!
The amount of offended she sounded in that moment was wild. She gripped a hold of some of the ring gear holding it up in her hand. Like it was going to change his mind.
SARAIA: The colors are vibrant. It gives that eighties vibe. If you ask me, it’s almost a spitting image of what Savage Randy wore. Isn’t that who you’re presenting in this silly little tournament?!
JAYDEN: First of all. It’s Randy Savage. And I’m not representing anyone in this tournament. I don’t give a damn about what the tournament represents, what hangs in the balance, or none of that. It’s just a way to get my foot in the door.
A simple shrug left his shoulders.
SARAIA: You’re wearing this. That’s final.
JAYDEN: Yeah okay. Whatever you think.
He rolled his eyes which was a trademark of his at this point in their relationship. Heading back into the kitchen a little more as he spoke to her again..
JAYDEN: I don’t have time to really deal with this. I gotta get my bags packed, heading out early. They’re making me do some type of event with my dumb broad for a tag partner.
SARAIA: Dumb broad? You’re going to be teaming with a woman?! You’re going to be spending your time with another woman?! Another woman gets to touch you?! Gets to touch your hand?!
Her eyes were narrowed. All while she was shaking her head in a disapproving manner.
SARAIA: And to top it all off you didn’t even consider tagging with me. I’m a world renowned wrestler. Tag specialist at that. I’m offended and appalled. You didn’t ask me. You know better than that Jayden David!
The middle name thing always got under his skin. She knew it. Jayden found himself placing the water bottle down. His eyes narrowed once again as he looked at her.
JAYDEN: One, don’t ever call me that again.
His tone was quite serious with his statement.
JAYDEN: Two, you were barely passable in the ring. So don’t get ahead of yourself.
Saraia’s jaw about hit the floor over his comments..
JAYDEN: And three. Like I already said I don’t care what this tournament is about or what it represents. I’ve got no intentions of winning it. I don’t care to win it. I just needed to get my foot in the door to handle some unfinished business.
Saraia was just glaring at him a little bit. Still not happy with his lack of asking her to be his tag partner, Even he already explained he didn’t have a choice.
SARAIA: You’re a grown man. With a lovely girlfriend. A daughter that adores you. A budding wrestling career. But for some reason instead of focusing on all of that. You still wanna fight daddy’s battles for him. Learn to let it go, and be your own man Jayden.
Her comments struck a nerve. His face instantly turned red with anger. The hair on the back of his neck stood up. Those already narrowed eyes got even smaller. Glaring at her. She just stared right back at him not backing down.
SARAIA: Got something to say? Come on big boy. Get it off your chest.
JAYDEN: Kiss my ass, Saraia.
His comments were bitter sounding. Snagging that water bottle back off the counter and found himself storming past her. She seemed satisfied for the time being. Knowing that she had gotten under his skin, but Jayden was a brat to the core. That wasn’t just a wrestling persona. Sooner rather than later he was going to get even with her for those comments.
His first intentional flight was in the books. Well, it was Jayden’s first international flight on his own that required him to be wrestling. Although if the young man had a choice. It’s very unlikely he would’ve chosen France as his first country to wrestle for outside the United States. It was what it was, he was here. He just had to drag himself through the weekend. After retrieving his bags from the baggage claim area. Jayden began to walk for the entrance of the airport.
Someone from the company was supposed to have arranged travel for him. Based on how he was dressed it was clear he was trying to just blend in and stay out of sight. A black beanie, an all black jacket, the gray sweatpants. The whole nine yards just trying to blend in but as luck would have it. Jayden was spotted by an American family at the same airport. He could hear someone speaking about him.
“Look! Look at who that is!”
The last thing Jayden was going to do was look over and make eye contact. That would’ve just enticed them. His strides in his walk are becoming bigger and trying to be a little quicker. Though it seemed like that might not have worked out in his favor.
“Dad! I want his autograph! Before he becomes a bigger star!”
Those words rang out as Jayden heard them coming directly behind him. They couldn’t see it but his eyes were rolling. He didn’t want to be bothered and how dare they not see him as a big star already. That’s when the family of two sons and a father got right up beside me. In an attempt to get his attention.
THOMAS: Excuse me. Jayden right?
Jayden’s narrow eyes shot in the direction of the father.
JAYDEN: No.
THOMAS: No? You’re not the son of Michael Harris? And newly signed SCW Superstar? I know I saw you on Climax Control last week.
JAYDEN: No, that’s not me.
It was easier to lie than to deal with them. Jayden very much got the ‘not liking people’ gene from his father. But he wasn’t going to be let off the hook so easily. One of the kids walking with their father already had done a quick google search and pulled a photo up of him on said phone.
CALEB: Look Dad! It’s him! He’s lying!
DEVIN: Why would you lie to us? That’s so rude!
Jayden’s patience was running thin by the second. Finding himself stopping right there in the middle of the airpoint just looking back at them with attitude in his voice.
JAYDEN: Ugh. What the hell do you want people?
THOMAS: Yo man chill out. They’re children. My children at that. That I flew here to see this international tour you guys are on.
JAYDEN: That’s my problem, how? I don’t give a shit if you come to a show or not. And maybe teach your kids some fucking manners. Not to bother random people in the airport.
He was a bitter and nasty young man. Had a lot of growing up to do. As this was not the way to deal with fans, but it was his way and it would likely get him what he wanted. Which ultimately was to be left alone.
CALEB: All we wanted was an autograph.
JAYDEN: I don’t give autographs, kid. Especially not for free.
DEVIN: Why not? We’ve met other wrestlers before. They’ve given us autographs.
JAYDEN: Good for you? Go bother them then. I ain’t give you shit.
THOMAS: Come on man. They’re kids.Give them an autograph. It isn’t going to hurt anything.
JAYDEN: Just so your fat ass can take it from them then turn around and sell it for a quick buck? Nah dawg. That’s not how this works. Fuck you and your autograph.
Every bit of the twenty one year old was choosing to be hostile. Proving more than anything he was going to be a PR nightmare for Sin City Wrestling. Actions like this would show he couldn’t be someone to be used for media appearances and what not. Not a good sign by any means. And even despite all of this, those kids were still trying.
DEVIN: Well if not an autograph. Can we get a picture?
JAYDEN: Hell no.
CALEB: Follow on social media? I follow you and your sister on twitter.
JAYDEN: Reminds me to go through there and block people. So, the answer is also no.
THOMAS: You’re a real piece of work. You know that right?
JAYDEN: Sure do. Proud of it too.
THOMAS: Whatever. Come on boys. Let’s just leave him alone. Know who to boo at the show on Sunday.
JAYDEN: You say that like you’re going to hurt my feelings. I’ll soak that shit in and just laugh in your face, homie. Ain’t gonna do you any good in the end.
That proud grin featured when those words overcame him. The father didn’t so much as bother to try and say anything else. It was more than clear what kind of interaction they were going to get out of him. However, one of those kids was still hopeful. Maybe it was the child’s innocence not allowing him to give up. Or maybe he was just that determined. Looking over at Jayden.
CALEB: Can we at least ask you a question about your match coming up?
JAYDEN: You're an annoying little kid aren’t you?
CALEB: Please. Just one question each.
JAYDEN: Ugh. Whatever.
He found himself rolling his eyes. There was almost no way of getting out of this. People were starting to stop and pay attention more. The last thing he wanted was a bigger crowd gathering and more people bothering him. Folding his arms across his chest in an unimpressed manner while waiting. The two kids were gleaming and hardly able to hide their excitement.
CALEB: I’m going first.
DEVIN: No, I’m going first.
CALEB: No. I got him to agree to it. I’m going first.
DEVIN: No. I’m older. I'm going first.
JAYDEN: Someone go or no one is getting to ask anything!
His sudden snapping got the point across. Both children quick their bickering and one of them just pointed at the other as if they were saying go ahead.
DEVIN: I want to know what it’s like for you to be debuting this Sunday. Like are you excited? Is it everything you’d hope it would be?
JAYDEN: As Marshawn Lynch once said. I’m just here so I don’t get fined. Way I see it. Just another day at the office. Big company. Small company. It’s just another match to me, kid. Another chance for me to slap some idiot around. Then choke him out in front of his friends and family.
CALEB: Okay, but what happens if you don’t win?
JAYDEN: You had one shot. One opportunity to ask me a good question and you blew it on some shit like that? Man, I hope you never become anything in life. Get outta here with that weak ass shit.
That one question finally put Jayden over the edge. He gripped his bags again and started to walk away from the family. All while shaking his head and speaking out loud to himself.
JAYDEN: What if I lose? I don’t lose. I don’t come up short. I don’t look bad. I’m practically wrestling royalty. People should be thankful to even get a chance to get their ass beat by me. Ugh, I really-really hate people.
As he walked through the major sliding glass doors of the airport, Jayden quickly saw that someone was waiting by a limo with a sign that had his name on it. Thank god is all he could think. Now he could get to his hotel and away from people. Approaching the man, Jayden just threw his bags right at him before hopping in the back of the limo and slamming the door shut. This was not starting off on the right foot in the Brat’s mind, but he was about to find out as his career evolved Interactions like this would become more common. Might’ve been the wrong career choice for him.
The week was about to be a historic one. For many reasons. Sin City Wrestling as a whole were hitting the next stop on their Battleground Tour. Meaning that Climax Control 392 was set to take place on the beaches of Normandy. One of the historic spots for a battle during World War Two. That was exciting and history making for the company. Then for one specific person it was history making as well. As it would serve as their debut match in their first major wrestling promotion. That person being Jayden Harris.
Speaking of the young man. For the first time ever he had an official SCW camera crew on hand. At his mercy for his every beck and call. After all, the Brat was someone people couldn’t wait to hear from. All because they were waiting to hate on him. Today was their lucky day with the cameras rolling in. Revealing the back of the shaggy haired young man. The sun was just setting as Jayden stood on a hill looking out at the beach below him.
“Reputation is everything. Am I right?”
Pausing for a moment as the cameras could see the waves of the water on the beach crashing against each other ever so gently.
“Your reputation follows you everywhere. You act a certain way in a specific place towards a specific person. That follows you to the next place. To the next people you deal with. It becomes something that just keeps on going. That’s why so many people are obsessed with having a great reputation. One that has people singing their praises and one that has people looking forward to dealing with them. Whether it be business or just having a personal relationship.
At this point Sin City Wrestling should already know. My father didn’t care about having a great reputation. He didn’t cater to the masses. He didn’t grovel at people’s feet. He didn’t fall in line. He did what he wanted, when he wanted, and most of the time it worked out for him. After all, little over a year ago he had this entire company and the entire roster in a choke-hold. There wasn’t a damn thing anyone could do about it. As much as they wanted to.”
That’s when Jayden finally turned away from the beach. Allowing himself to look right at the little red light on the recording cameras. Effectively making it appear as if he was looking at people and addressing them on a more personal level.
“But this is the future. I am not my father. However his reputation is going to rub off onto me. I’m going to have a giant target painted on my back. People aren’t going to be happy I’m here. Most of you will want me gone. And everyone is going to hope that you are never alone with me inside of an empty parking lot.”
A smug smirk crossed his lips.
“That being said. Allow me to tell you right now. I also don’t care about reputation. I didn’t come to Sin City Wrestling to be friends. I’m not here to put on great matches. All I care about is making money and getting a little bit of justice. A little bit of revenge. When the time comes, I’ll handle that. But before I could get there. I needed a starting point. Something to sink my teeth into. A playing field to make you people see what you’ll be dealing with when it comes to me.
Then the Blast from the Past rolled around. It had people talking. Every man and woman entering this thing. All doing so with the hopes of getting to the finals. Winning said finals and getting their respective championship title shots. I on the other hand. I didn’t see this tournament as anything more than a chance to get my foot in the door. I don’t care about my tag partner. I don’t care what the tournament stands for. And I don’t care about a title shot. It’s all pointless to me.
However the chance to get in the ring with people and establish myself. That excites me. It excites me even more to know I get a chance to get in the ring and brutalize people. Punch them in their face as hard as I can. Kick them when they're down. Or my more personal favorite is to choke them out. Feel them start to fade in my arms while they gasp for air. That’s something that I am looking forward to and the very reason I entered this tournament.”
His hands were out in front of him. Cracking his knuckles to send a message.
“Tomorrow night. I get to step into the ring and choke out my first victim. Turns out that the first victim happens to have a very familiar last name. Familiar in the sense that the last name Kasey and the last name Harris have been almost symbolic of each other for the last year.. My father slapped Miles Kasey around a time or two. And some would say if it wasn’t for my old man blessing Miles by giving him the opportunity to even share the same ring with him. Then he wouldn’t have been what he is now.
Then the last time Kasey and Harris were symbolic of each other was that abomination of a feud for the Internet Championship between Miles and my uncle. Calvin’s ankle was just as weak as his ego. Shattered and Miles really thought he was something special with that win. Bro literally beat the weakest link to this entire bloodline and thought he was the shit. What a clown. But hey at the end of the day whatever helps you sleep at night I guess.”
Jayden gave a little shrug of his shoulders. Clearly taking cheap shots and making things personal was a talent learned from his father. This went back to the reputation thing he first mentioned. It was clear now more than ever what path this young man would be taking.
“However this is a new chapter to the Harris versus Kasey saga. I’m not dealing with Miles, but instead I got his baby brother. One that he apparently didn’t know about. Sounds like your father is a real piece of work. Honestly couldn’t relate. My old man is a stand up guy. Never stepped out on my mother. Never had any illegitimate children. I know all my siblings. My father has been a saint compared to yours. But whatever, it is what it is. Not everyone can have the perfect family life I have.
That being said though. Lyle, are you sure that you’re ready for what’s about to happen to you? Have you really considered how short lived your time here in SCW is going to be? Are you prepared to get sent back to whatever hole you crawled out from under? These are all things that you should have been considering. Because every last one of them is going to happen. I would be bringing shame and dishonor to my family to lose to you. That and, I couldn’t live with myself if I allowed that to happen.”
Shaking his head a little bit at a time.
“I bet the moment that you knew the two of us were facing each other. You called your brother. Shaking in your little british boots. Piss nearly running down your leg. Bombarding Miles with questions and advice. Trying to get anything out of him that would give you an advantage over me. Anything to give you an edge and get you to advance. After all, the motivator for you is winning. Getting that covenant SCW World Heavyweight Championship shot.
But that just shows your lack of intelligence Lyle. No one with the last name Kasey is ever going to become the top name. No one with the name Kasey is going to put asses in seats. No one with the last name Kasey will ever hold the ultimate prize. I get that you’re just starting off. Having big dreams and high hopes. It’s cool. It’s fun. Everyone likes to dream, but like my father told me. If you don’t have the talent to back it up. None of it means shit. Facts are you don’t have the talent to back it up.
And it isn’t your fault. Just bad genetics being born into a loser ass family. If anything Lyle, you should be taking advice from me. Someone that’s gotten proven winning genetics. With such a young career ahead of you. You’ll serve a great purpose being someone’s punching bag for years to come. Sooner that you realize that and the sooner that you start to transition into that role. The better off things are going to end up being for you. Of course, you’re not bright. As we’ve established that. So I gotta beat some sense into you first.”
The smirk that crossed the young man’s lips at that moment. It gave flashes of his father. Something about the Harris men and violence just went hand in hand together.
“But I’m not a fool Lyle. Even with that piss running down your leg in fear of having to get in the ring with someone as talented as me. You’re banking on your tag team partner being the difference maker. Because the whole point of all of this is it’s a tag team tournament. You have to rely on other people. And it’s no surprise I got the shitty end of the stick when it comes to a tag team partner. Like what the fuck is a Diamond Steele and what rock didn’t it crawl out from under?
I get that this hell hole is trying to be inclusive and all that shit. Because you know if not, people are going to go to twitter to cry about it and start getting cancel culture involved. But sometimes inclusion isn’t needed especially when it comes to something like that. Diamond should not have been allowed to sign up for this thing. She’s going to provide no real value. It’s going to be a situation where I have to carry the team. And honestly, that ain’t how I do business.
If I don’t care to win this thing. What the hell makes you think I’m going to care enough to drag someone’s useless ass through it to the finish line? Bunch of dumbasses. But either way I got the shitty end of the stick. Meanwhile Lyle, you got a partner. I wouldn’t say she’s going to be vitable. Not someone I feel like you could lean on to make it to finals. Maybe if the tournament was full of Justin Smith’s then year. But it aint like that. However, at this moment. The only advantage you have over me is your tag partner.
Which at the end of the day Lyle. I can’t blame you for relying on that advantage. I can’t blame you for hoping that those two women are in the ring when the match comes to an end. Because that’s the only way you’re going to be able to claim a win over me. It’s the only way you’re going to have a chance to say you beat royalty. Weak minded people like you are okay with short cuts like that. Smells like bitch to me, but you know whatever works for you.”
Jayden found himself starting to step towards the cameras at that point. His presence. His aura, it all spoke for itself. Every step made was with confidence within himself. It was heard to knock someone down a peg when they believed in themselves the way he did. His eyes settled on the little red light again as he got closer.
“Like I said in the beginning, reputation is everything and you only get one chance to make a first impression. From this one chance. People are going to learn I love to fight. They’re going to learn I crave violence. They’ll understand that choking people unconsciously is going to become my favorite pastime. They’ll learn that Lyle Kasey Jr can’t hold his own against me. But above everything else. SCW as a whole from the roster, the management, and to the fanbase.
They’ll come to realize that I don’t care what bad reputation I get. Your words will not have any effect on me. Call me a prick. Call me an asshole. Call me whatever you want to make you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. Pass all the judgment you want on me. I’ll laugh at it. Maybe even embrace it just to trigger you all a little more. And go ahead. Boo me. Pray for my downfall. It’ll make it even sweeter for me when you all don’t get your way and have no other choice but to see me succeed.”
One would have to assume that his words were just aiming to trigger people. That’s what he wanted. It’s what motivated him. Very much like his father to a tee.
“You all thought my father was a problem. You ain’t seen nothing yet.”
Those turned out to be his final words ahead of what was going to be a historic night for the company and an even more historic night for him on a personal level. Walking out of the frame of the camera to have it begin fading out. The fanbase was going to be left to ponder if this was going to be a repeat. If Jayden was going to end up being just like the former World Champion and put SCW in a choke hold. Only time would tell and that was the scariest part of it all.
