---

“What the fuck is this?!”

The very frustrated screaming of a man could be heard. Making people in the dealership parking lot look in the direction of where it was coming from. A man in a very expensive looking business suit was looking at the damage done to the McLaren that was sitting there in the parking lot. Windows bashed out. Dents all over the car. Paint chipped. So on and so forth. There was a lot of damage done. Jayden stood there looking at the man with an annoyed look on his face.

DONALD: Are you going to explain yourself?

JAYDEN: Shit happens.

DONALD: Shit happens? Shit happens! You little prick!

All of the sudden Jayden reached out and snagged the man by his tie. Yanking on it to bring the man forward and started to make sure the tie was getting tight around his neck. Making breathing a very difficult thing to do.

JAYDEN: You better choose your next words wisely.

DONALD: Please... please let go of me!

Following those words Jayden let go of the man’s tie and shoved him back.

JAYDEN: Like I said shit happens. Little bit of a situation arised. The car is Collateral damage in that situation. Ain’t much I can do about it.

DONALD: I don’t think you understand the situation here Mr. Harris. You rented this car from us to drive for the weekend. You didn’t purchase it. It was meant to come back as you rented it. These damages are going to take hundreds of thousands of dollars to fix.

JAYDEN: So fix it.

DONALD: It’s going to come out of your pocket. You have to pay for these damages!

Jayden just looked at the man unamused. This was that self entitled mindset that he had been raised with. However before he could even attempt to respond. There was the sound of squealing tires in the parking lot. This caused both Jayden and the dealership owner to look over seeing a taxi coming to a halting stop there in the parking lot. The back door opened with speed as a frantic Saraia came exploding of the taxi and rushing right for the two of them.

JAYDEN: Shit...

That’s when she had made her way right up to them. Saraia grabbed a hold of Jayden’s head and was looking at it all over. Inspecting the bandage that was over his head. Slightly soaked in blood.

SARAIA: Are you okay?! Do you have a concussion?! How many stitches did it take?! Is there any long term damage?!

She seemed ‘concerned’ but it was his baby mother. She was overdramatic all the time for the sake of being over dramatic. Jayden reached up and grabbed a hold of her hands pulling them down.

JAYDEN: Well if I had a concussion you yanking my head around wouldn’t help. And really not like the stitches to be ripped open. So hands off.

Her nose wrinkled up as she glared at him. She was keeping herself in check ... for now. But he knew how to push her buttons.

SARAIA: Let’s not be an ungrateful asshole Jayden. I saw what happened. I got on the first flight here. I wanted and needed to make sure you're okay. That was so violent for no reason.

JAYDEN: Oh now you care? Taking a break from your smear your baby daddy campaign for a woe is me moment? How thoughtful of you.

SARAIA: You’re pushing it. You’re really pushing it. It’s taking me everything not to cuss you out right now. So knock it off.

JAYDEN: I’m fine. I’m going to be fine. I don’t need you here trying to play superwoman just to satisfy your own ego. Besides, I've got a flight to Hawait to catch.

DONALD: Uh hello!

The owner of the dealership found himself speaking up to get both their attention. Jayden and Saraia turned to the man with their signature scowls on their faces.

DONALD: I don’t care about this little lovesick story. I want to know who the hell is going to hand me over their card so I can get this shit paid for. You ruined a McLaren for crying out loud!

SARAIA: How about you shut your mouth before I have this entire place shut down!

DONALD: I wasn’t even talking to you. You better mind your business!

JAYDEN: And you better stop talking to her that way before I cave your fucking face in!

The moment those words came out of his mouth. The owner of the dealership backed up once again. Throwing his hands up in the air in frustration. Saraia had a little bit of lust in her eyes, biting the corner of her lip. It lasted for only a brief moment before her eyes met with Jayden’s when he turned back to her.

SARAIA: I’ll have you know. You’re not going to Hawaii.

JAYDEN: Excuse me?

SARAIA: I most certainly didn’t stutter. You heard my words very loud and clear sweetheart.

JAYDEN: I missed the part where you suddenly became in charge of my life and got to decide what I did or didn’t do. Last time I checked I’m a grown ass man and I got to make my own decisions!

SARAIA: Well the problem with you making your own decisions. You make poor decisions and ones that endanger your health. As I got to unfortunately witness firsthand last night. And considering we have a child together. I need to protect her and part of protecting her means making sure you're around to be able to raise her. So, you’re not going to Hawaii and you’re not competing in that stupid match.

He watches as she folded her arms across her chest. Like she truly meant business and as if it was meant to mean something to him. Jayden let that unamused look on his face really shine through.

JAYDEN: That’s cute.

SARAIA: I know I am. Don’t have to tell me something I already know.

JAYDEN: Yeah, whatever. You don’t have a say in this matter. I’m kicking that man’s teeth down his throat. Simple as that.

SARAIA: No you aren’t. I said you aren’t going. That match isn’t happening. That’s final Jayden David!

JAYDEN: Watch me.

As far as Jayden was concerned. There was nothing else that needed to be said. Turning his back to the woman and starting to walk away from her. She was turning red in the face. Not getting her way was not something she was keen on. Having someone talk back to her made it even worse. Her heart was in the right place. She was trying to do what she thought was right in protecting him, but the thing about the men with the last name Harris.

They were stubborn. They were egotistical. They were willing to die on whatever hill they were on. They would risk themselves and their health, just for the sake of being right and for the sake of harming someone else. One of the worst qualities that Jayden had picked up from his father. And being so young in his career. There was no doubt that he’d experience more blood shed. He’d experience more nights in the hospital and more violent wars. As long as he continued down this path.

---

Hawaii -- that was somewhere you went on vacation. Somewhere you went to escape the everyday life woes. Somewhere to get that great escape from what is your normal reality. For Jayden on the other hand, it was all about work. Being out there in Hawaii meant he was just days away from competing at his first supercard. Days away from what was going to be his biggest match to date. Days away from his first singles match on top of it.

Any normal ‘rookie’ as he had been described would be on edge. They’d be nervous and they’d be about ready to shit their pants. Especially if their first singles match, their first super card match was against a man like the Living Legend J2H. However, Jayden wasn’t the ‘normal rookie’ and he didn’t crack under pressure. In fact someone his age and in this setting he thrived under pressure. People were about to find a whole lot out about him in a few days.

This was the first time he had found time alone. That didn’t involve media appearances, autograph signings, and overall management being up his ass to do this and that. There was something peaceful about standing alone on this beach as the sun was setting. And this time more than any other time felt right. Pulling out his iPhone, Jayden opened it up and brought up the camera app. Making sure to angle it on him. That bandage on his forehead is clear as day from the brawl on the previous Climax Control.

His signature scowl consumed his face as he hit the button on his phone.


“Iconic.”

That one word escaped his mouth. Allowing a brief pause to consume him.

“That’s the only word that you can describe James’ career. Oh wait, I better call him J2H before he starts throwing a hissyfit like a teenage girl. But the point of the matter is the man has had an iconic career. Everything that one can think of accomplishing within Sin City Wrestling. He went and did it. Started off as a kid that no one knew. No one expected a lot out of. A kid with a really bad attitude and thought the world owed him something.

Didn’t care what kind of reputation it would earn him. Didn’t care what people would think of him or what they would even say about him. Didn’t care what kind of hot water it would land him in. Which to be honest. That’s the way you have to be if you’re going to reach the top of the mountain. You have to be unapologetically you and not give a shit about anyone you have to step on in order to achieve the level of success you desire.”

Despite the scowl on his expression. There was a look in his eye for a brief second. Almost like he respected the hustle and respected what J2H set out to do. Although everything else these last few weeks said otherwise.

“It’s one thing to carry yourself the way you did early on J2H. But it’s a completely different thing to carry yourself and actually be a success early on. However, no shade is being thrown here. You did it homie. You started turning heads right away. Taking names. Cashing checks. Forcing all eyes to be on you from the gate. Not something that’s easy to do, but you were doing it. Before you knew it. You were the Roulette Champion. Something you did twice.

You were a tag team champion. Somehow someway you were able to put your ego aside or at least co-exist with someone to actually hold a championship as a unit. I think that might be the most surprising factor of them all. But all of that is non-important when you really take into consideration what you were able to do as the World Heavyweight Champion. To this day, you are the only man to hold the championship four separate times.

Your very first run had you on the run of a lifetime. A run that lasted well over a year and if I’m not mistaken. You’re the longest reigning Heavyweight Champion in history. It’s safe to say that your run at the top of this company is one of -- if not the greatest run of all time. I don’t personally feel that way, but I could see why the sheep of this company would say that. And in the end it worked out for you  To the point that you are in the Hall of Fame.”

Feeling the sand on the bottoms of his feet starting to get a little warm from standing still. Jayden held the camera steady as he walked forward in the direction of the lightly crashing waves of the beach just a little bit into the distance.

“Now despite your accolades and accomplishments earning you your spot in the Hall of Fame. If you were to ask me my true feelings on the Hall of Fame of Sin City Wrestling. I’d say the Hall of Fame is a sham. It’s a joke. It’s laughable. Look at some of the names in this damn thing. People that hardly did anything worth mentioning. Just getting tossed in because they spent years here. Because someone felt bad for them. There’s not a fucking chance I’d ever accept a spot in the Hall of Fame. And I have no doubt that when my career is all said and done. It will be Hall of Fame worthy. But it won’t mean anything if I ever allow my name to be side by side with someone like theirs. More importantly, someone like you!”

The ‘someone like you’ had some real emphasis put on it when he spoke. Telling sign that this was going to take a turn.

“That’s the thing that has bothered me more than anything since I have stepped through those doors. You see when I decided to come to Sin City Wrestling. I decided to come here because I had unfinished business. Part of that unfinished business was you. I was sure we’d cross paths at some point. Not as soon as we did, but nevertheless I expected it. Much like I expected that when I signed. I’d be compared to my father. I’d be called Michael Jr. Michael 2.0. So on and so forth.

Because this place is filled with idiots that don’t know how to come up with an original insult. Let alone an original thought. But at the same time it’s not the end of the world to be compared to my old man. He had one hell of a wrestling career and went out with a bang here. However, I don’t get that many comparisons to my old man. Instead I get compared to you, J2H. I get compared to you a lot. From whispers behind my back to people bluntly and blatantly saying it.

I get called a mini J2H because I’m young. I get told I’m taking everything that you once did and being a copycat because I have a quote unquote attitude. I’ve heard people say I am directly ripping you off just to have some type of stroke around here. I could go on and on about the shit I’ve heard come out of people’s mouths. But let me make one thing perfectly clear. I’m not you, J2H. I’m not inspired to be you. I don’t really even want anything to do with you.

But now with all the slander. All the lies. All the made up stories and the dumb ass comparisons. This has become more personal than you could ever imagine for it to be. I’m on a mission to prove not only am I not you, but to also prove that I am better than you in every single way imaginable. Dead set on making all of your little accomplishments become an afterthought compared to what I end up doing around here. I want Sin City Wrestling to forget the name J2H even exists”

His eyes were a telling story as it was. Peering up into the camera lens of the phone he held in his hand.

“If you want to be technical here J2H. I almost made you non-existent in this company once before. You know the incident I’m talking about. It’s the very incident that has led to the situation we’re in now. Because you’re a petty manchild that just doesn’t know when to move on. Aren’t you close to thirty at this point? Holding a grudge like a high schooler. Trust I know, I left high school not that long ago and it makes you look pretty damn pathetic. And I know, I know.

Using a car to run you down was more than just a wrestling related manner. It was personal and it could have done more than cost your career. It could have cost you your life. That’s what has you so bitter, but again. Get the fuck over it, pussy. Bad shit happens to people. That’s how life works, but more importantly than anything else J2H. Bad shit happens to shitty people eventually. It’s called karma and it isn’t something that you can escape.

You have been a piece of shit your entire life. A scumbag, an entitled fuck, and just one of the worst people to ever exist. You’ve done horrible shit to people for a long-long time. All anyone has to do is do a deep dive into your background to see that’s the case. And because you’re the so-called great J2H. You don’t think anything should happen to you. You believe that you’re invincible. You believe you’re untouchable but you found out then that wasn’t the case. My only regret is that it didn't end your career.”

Of course those last words brought a bit of an arrogant smirk to the young man’s lips. Each time he showed his face. Each time he spoke. Jayden made it more than clear he had no remorse and no regard for people or their well being.

“And because I didn’t just back up over you for good measure after hitting you once. I have to deal with the consequences of that action now. It’s annoying, but I don’t back down from a fight. Especially not when I want to make sure now more than ever your name is forgotten. I’m willing to go to whatever lengths it takes to make that happen. Something that I don’t think you understand. Something I don’t think is registering in that brain of yours.

Once again though that’s because of your ego. It’s because you truly believe that you’re that good because you have dominated this company for the better part of the last twelve years. I gave you your props for the things that you’ve done, but honestly when you break things down J2H. The moment you really think about your career. Think about the talent pool that was around at the time. It was clear why you dominated and thrived. You didn’t have real competition to stand in your way.

When men like Goth, Kain, Steve Ramone, James Tushni, and Drake Green were at the top of the card. Stevie Wonder himself could see you were going to sit at the top of the mountain. However the thing that everyone seems to refuse to talk about is the disappearing act you like to pull or the times you quickly vacated a championship when names like Kristopher Ryans, Mac Bane, and Matthew Knox were popping up. It’s like the moment you knew you were threatened. The moment you knew talent was around.

You didn’t want to test your luck. You didn’t want to try your hand at things. You knew it was easier to tuck your tail between your legs and just disappear for a few months. Wait until one of them dropped the ball, so you could swoop right back in and take the main event spot or take the Heavyweight Championship again with ease and without having to work for it. You can try to deny it. You can let whatever ego fueled rant come out of your mouth come but facts are facts. They hold up over everything.”

Finally reaching the water, meeting the sand. Jayden just let his eyes peer out over the beach for a moment. Before bringing his eyes back to the phone.

“One of the only times you tried your hand at real competition was last year when my father was around. And the only reason you tried your hand is because you didn’t respect him. You didn’t respect his background, what he had done, where he had been, and everything in between. Not to mention you were jealous. You were envious. You couldn’t stand that my father was the most talked about man in an eight month period. Overshadowing everything you ever did so it brought you out of hiding.

That ate you alive and made you grow a set of balls. To which I’ll give you credit for that. It was about time you showed them. Not only did you show them but despite all you went through. You came on top. You dethroned my father’s reign. You got all eyes back on you and once again suckered people into buying into the fact you were the greatest to ever exist in Sin City Wrestling. But it could just stop there. Oh no, you let your ego really get in the way of things.

You baited my father. You talked your shit. You lured him back in. At the time he was content with just walking away, but you got him to come back and that was the biggest mistake you could have made. Following that return we watched that man beat the shit out of you. From one side of the ring to the other. He crushed your soul along with your ego and took back the title. Showed you that you weren’t that special after all. And then you took it to heart didn’t you J2H?”

The slightest eyebrow raised on Jayden’s expression. Almost like the man was hinting at something.

“They say my father was fired because of how he lashed out at an official. Because he got violent with a woman nonetheless. The big no no around here. But I know that’s not really what happened. Instead you had a meeting with Mark and Christian earlier that day. Isn’t that right? The two men you have had in your back pocket for as long as you’ve been around. You mean to tell me you weren’t the reason my father was truly fired? You meant to tell all of us..

That the match made for the vacant championship after my father was gone wasn’t done to set you up and to make sure you got the title? You mean to make us believe that it wasn’t done to deliberately ensure you had one more run as champion? You might’ve been able to convince everyone else but you aren’t going to convince me. I see past all your bullshit. And therefore I’m going to call you on it. Just like in true J2H fashion. You got bored and made up some excuse about how you’re so good.

No one can beat you so you vacate the title again. All because your bitch ass can’t stand to lose. You can’t stand to be out matches. So you constantly find ways to avoid a loss. But guess what motherfucker... You can’t avoid this loss. You can’t avoid what’s been coming to you for a long time. You can avoid me getting the revenge for my father that he deserves. I know you only agreed to fight me for the sake of your own ego and because you believe in this moment. You’re better than me.

Just like you believed that you were better than my father. But this is going to have a different outcome. The first time you got in the ring with my old man. It was a wrestling match. This thing is with us. It isn’t a wrestling match. It’s a goddamn fight and your preppy bitch ass doesn’t know how to throw real hands. You don’t know what it's like to get your ass handed to you in the streets. You have no idea what it's like to be forced to bite the curb and have someone stomp on the back of your head. But you’re going to learn.

You’re going to learn the hard way. It’ll be the hardest lesson you’ll ever learn in your life and in this business, but it’s time you learn. There’s always going to be someone better than you. There’s always going to be someone badder than you. There is always going to be someone more violent than you. There will always be someone that has a bigger ego and a bigger chip on their shoulder than you. Just like there’s always going to be someone more successful than you. I’m that someone!”

His eyes narrowed just a little more. For all the times he talked about J2H’s ego. His was truly on display and no different than the man he was set to face. Jayden believed in himself and believed his own hype. Licking his lips before speaking again.

“If you thought that losing to my old man was heard for you to deal with. If it got under your skin that match. Just imagine what it's going to do when you're forced to come to the reality that I'm the one that ends the iconic career of J2H!”

For a second or two he kept his gaze on that camera. Letting his words just linger and sink into the minds of everyone that would see this promo. More so let it sink into the mind of J2H and make him realize what he was getting himself into. Jayden finally pressed the red button.


By this time the water had begun to splash up over his feet. Jayden takes the time to sit down on the beach and look out over the water. There were a lot of things running through the twenty one year old’s head. Things he would never admit and talk to anyone about. Deep down he understood the magnitude of everything he was about to be a part of. This was a chance for the kid to make a splash in one of the biggest companies in the world. If he didn’t... then he didn’t belong and that wasn’t something he was willing to accept or admit to himself.[/font]

---

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.