[Christian Underwood]

 Post all Supercard roleplays here.

Roleplay limits: 1 roleplay per week, 10,000 words maximum

Good luck!  

[Jack Russow]

 March 15, 2020
Canterbury, Kent, England
SCW Climax Control

Jack does it in the nick of time, he dives on Mark Cross hooking the leg.

ONE!

TWO!

Mark cross kicks out!. Jack Russow can't believe it. He takes a deep breath and slides from the ring, he grabs the top rope and waits for Mark to get up, Jack leaps up and goes for a springboard shining wizard, Mark though steps forward, catches Jack into a powerbomb position, he then uses his strength to flip Jack round into a go to sleep!, as his knee connects with Jacks nose he grows down, Mark grabs Jack, hooks his arms and hits the tiger driver slamming Jack to the mat and holding him down.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

DING DING DING!

Justin: The winner of the match..... Mark Cross!

Simone: OH HOT DAMN WHAT A MATCH!


Adams: You have to give it up to young Jack Russow....he gave it his all

Simone: But in the end Mark Cross was just too much for the rookie.

-IT’S ALL BEEN A BAD DREAM-

(Jack Russow comes stumbling through the curtain and to his surprise...no one is there to meet him. He’s holding his back and taking a deep breath closing his eyes, looking up to the sky before he wipes the sweat from his face and looks around...he gets a few knowing nods of respect from some of the crew and other wrestlers.)

Sound Guy: Helluva match, Jack!

Jack Russow: Yeah...yeah...thanks…

(Jack looks around before he remembers Alanah isn’t allowed to come wait for him at the curtain...for his first professional loss, he was alone. He hangs his head in shame and makes his way towards the trainers room to get checked out. The entire flight home he has his headphones in and just continues staring at the ceiling. Alanah was, of course, out in the main section of the plane freaking out and girl-talking with the newly-engaged Bella and Malachi as Levi was popping bottles of champagne in celebration as the plane lands for a quick refueling...he hears Alanah coming and he rolls over putting his earbuds deeper in his ears pretending to be asleep. Alanah gently shakes him which he obviously feels...but doesn’t respond. So she crawls up and kisses him on the cheek and leaves him to “sleep”. Once the partition closes he rolls back over and looks at his travel bag. The memory of that last match just won’t let go...Russow’s were never exactly known for being losers and he thought he even detected a hint of resignation when he saw his father. After all...Bella and Malachi had won THEIR match and were number one contenders and meanwhile Jack couldn’t take out some scrub from the “Underground”, champion though he may be?)

Jack Russow: ...why the fuck...am I doing this? Why the fuck am I even here?

(He’d made a rookie mistake...it was bound to happen. He was 19, what...did he think he was just gonna be some unstoppable juggernaut that would go undefeated his entire career?

...OF COURSE HE DID…

THAT’S WHAT WAS EXPECTED OF HIM!!!

And now he’d embarrassed himself on International TV...he’d put a blemish on the “Russow Name”, GOD did he ever resent the “Russow Name”. He never felt like one! He never BELONGED with them! His best friend Mack fit in with his own father more than Jack ever did. But there was no use in getting worked up about it now...not when you’re in a tin can with nowhere to go. And so dipping into the medicine cabinet, Jack takes a few Ambien and promptly allows him to pass out for real for the rest of the flight.)

-LAS VEGAS, NEVADA-

“Bright light city gonna set my soul!
Gonna set my soul on fire!
Got a whol-”

*Record Scratch*

(No. We’re not fuckin’ doin’ THAT third grade bullshit. The plane finally lands on the tarmac and almost immediately...Jack has pushed his way through the plane to be the first one off. The chauffeur approaches and offers to take his bags as Jack waves him off and throws it in the trunk himself looking longingly at the end compartment before swinging around and nearly throwing himself in the car before he’s stopped.)

Levi Russow: Woah woah woah firecracker, what’s your hurry!

Jack Russow: Tired.

Levi Russow: ...oooookay? Well I’ve got us set up at the Bellagio in the Two-Bedroom Penthouse Suite.

Jack Russow: ...I thought they were closed.

Levi Russow: Money opens doors, son. Learn that.

(Levi was obviously joking but Jack rolls his eyes and annoyed, throws himself into the car anyway pressing his fingers into his eyes. Suddenly he feels a slender body slide into the seat beside him and take his hand.)

Alanah O’Connell: So...you ready to talk to me now?

Jack Russow: I was never avoiding you.

Alanah O’Connell: Jack...what’s wrong? I can’t help you if you’re just gonna shut me out all the time!

Jack Russow: It’s a problem...I’ve gotta deal with, babe. And I don’t wanna burden you with it because you’ve got enough on your hands. Speaking of which, did you use the Purell when you got off the plane?

Alanah O’Connell: Yes, MUM...geez, for the last time I’m just fine!

Jack Russow: I cannot...I WILL not...take any chances with you. You are too important.

(He kisses Alanah on the forehead but it feels...different to her. She rests her head on his shoulders as Jack looks out the window and sees Bella with her arms crossed looking kinda upset in his direction as he tells the driver to take off.)

Alanah O’Connell: We could’v-

Jack Russow: Babe. I know your heart is in the right place. But right now. No. I was trapped with them the WHOLE TOUR...I’ve had them shoved IN MY FACE for WEEKS now. SO PLEASE... No.

Alanah O’Connell: Oh...okay…

(Alanah cuddles back up to Jack who lays his head back and closes his eyes as we see hers are still wide open and looking very concerned.)

-HERE’S LOOKIN’ AT YOU, KID-

(We open again to the interior of the nicest hotel room you could ever imagine...Alanah is like a little kid in a candy store darting around playing with all the buttons and knobs and anything she can get her hands on...when suddenly there’s a knock at the door. They look at each other confused as a booming voice cries out…)

“PUPPY DELIVERYYYY!!!”

(Alanah absolutely jumps out of her skin shrieking as she bolts to the front door and throws it open to see Potato and Lady file in and Mattie Cormier standing with little Pip in her arms as both girls shriek at the top of their lungs and do the weird little double kiss thing as Alanah grabs Pip and bounces him up in the air and wiggles noses with him and cuddles him to death. Both girls start gossiping 90 miles an hour in 0 seconds flat, so fast you can’t understand what they’re saying as Mack McKane comes sauntering into the room wearing one of his ever-daunting face masks. He sees Jack and nods swaggering over.)

Jack Russow: Dear Grim Reaper, if you’re here for my soul-

Mack McKane: Bah...we both know you lost it when they signed the last name on the birth certificate.

Jack Russow: ‘least I HAVE a birth certificate.

Mack McKane: OUCHIES! My but the lady hath claws tonight...what’s got YOUR bollocks in a blender?

Jack Russow: I don’t know man I just…

(Just at that moment both frequencies aligned and both girls shrieked “BELLA AND MAL ARE ENGAAAAAGED!!! And they run off to the newly makeshift pillow fort Alanah built earlier that day out of boredom as Mack suddenly gets a look of knowing on his face.)

Mack McKane: ...so thassit then…

Jack Russow: I don’t wanna talk about it.

Mack McKane: Them ain’t the rules an’ you know i-

Jack Russow: I SAID I DON’T WANNA FUCKING TALK ABOUT IT.

(Suddenly Pip barks at Jack twice as Jack realizes he screamed that and everyone stopped to look at him as Alanah bounces him doing a funny voice in his ear.)

Alanah O’Connell: Dats RIGHT Pippers, you TELL daddy quit bein’ so MEAN!!!

(The girls are almost INSTANTLY back into gossipping about the engagement until you hear the sound of FaceTime chiming to life and then the swooping sound of someone answering and THREE women’s voices shrieking together as Jack gets a hang-dog look on his face like he might tear up in frustration.)

Jack Russow: ...we were there, Mack. I had it all planned out...we were gonna take a day or two...go visit her Da’s grave...watch the sunrise with him. What she didn’t know was I’d called her Ma and asked for permission...and I’d rounded up some of her old friends and her family...and they were gonna be hiding out, waiting there...the sun was gonna rise...I had a speech I was gonna say to her dad about loving her...and protecting her...and the night before we’re set to go…

...that fucking slack-jawed asshole proposes on a random-ass rooftop.

(Jack hauls off and throws whatever he can find around him as hard as he can as Mack facepalms.)

Mack McKane: You fookin’ nutter, you could have STILL DONE IT!!!

Jack Russow: Oh yeah, THAT woulda went well…*in a bad Bella impression* “HOW COULD YOU! THAT WAS *MY* MOMENT! HOW COULD YOU STEAL *OUR* MOMENT JUST CAUSE *YOU* HATE *MY* BOYFRIEND BECAUSE THE WORLD REVOLVES AROUND *ME*!!!”

Mack McKane: …’kay I see where you’re comin’ from, but also? Bit childish, mate?

Jack Russow: Oh well that’s PAR FOR THE FUCKIN’ COURSE THEN “INNIT”? ‘Cause that ENTIRE tour they all TREATED me like a child. I felt like I had NO support in that match against Cross and hey man...I get it. Everyone’s busy. I was freaking out about Alanah’s health, SHE wasn’t in a position to keep me level. And I was facing the champion of the SCUnderground...in HIS hometown...things looked pretty bleak for our hero, I *GET* that...but just...FUCK.

...ONE fuckin’ thing...I need ONE. FUCKING thing to go right.

(From the next room they hear the giddy voice of Bella shriek)

Bella Madison: OH MY GOD! We’re not that far away! I’ll be RIGHT over! WE NEED GIRL TIME AND DRINKS!!!

(Jack raises his hand towards them and looks at Mack with a look of utter disbelief in his eyes.)

Jack Russow: Called God. Busy signal AGAIN.

(Jack gets up and starts gathering his things and he FINALLY...unzips the end of his carry-on pulling out…

...a small red box.

He stares at it pained for a moment as Mack walks up and puts his hand on his shoulder.)

Mack McKane: ...so what’s plan B?

(Jack looks at his reflection in the mirror and sees the tears come to his eyes as he shakes the rage and nerves off before calmly turning to look at Mack holding the box and looking out at Alanah...thinking about his failure, and the fear of losing her, and the stupid timing of everything in between as he chuckles and looks Mack in the eye putting a hand back on his shoulder in return.)

Jack Russow: Best I can tell, man?

...I’m not meant to have one.

(He pats Mack on the back as Mack shakes his head.)

Mack McKane: Where you goin’? D’you want company?

Jack Russow: Don’t know. Not really.

Mack McKane: ...d’you wanna borrow my mask!? It keeps out pathogens and shit and people would leave yas alone!!!

(Jack continues walking as Mack flails his arms looking at Pip who’s sitting on the bathtub looking at him.)

Mack McKane: Nothing! Not even a chuckle! I tell ya boss, I’m not meant for the comedy game.

(Pip just continues to stare at Mack.)

Mack McKane: No I didn’t pack your “chariot”...wha-? Because I didn’t think we’d need a ROOMBA in a HOTEL ROOM...well I’m SORRY but you can’t always...oi! That’s not fair!

(Mack continues having a heart to heart conversation with Pip the Papillon as Jack takes one more look at the excited girls chattering away before he slips out of the door. He puts his earbuds in and puts his hood heavy over his head as he walks down the hallway, the elevator opens as soon as he gets to it and Bella Madison steps off...he doesn’t even look at her as they pass. She realizes it’s him and starts trying to talk to him as he hits the button and the door is closing right before she realizes and as she’s speaking he simply...points to his earbuds and the door closes)

-PRETENSE-

“GO AHEAD…
...MAKE ME THE BAD GUY!!!
How dare YOU guilt ME…
For not sticking around.
...as if YOU ever did for ME.

I’ll leave you in the DARK
With a BROKEN FLASHLIGHT…
...YOU LEFT ME WITH A CHOICE
AND A PRETENSE.”

(We rejoin Jack Russow walking the not-so-bustling streets of Las Vegas, THIS time it’s very apparent he has a camera crew with him as he drops one of the earbuds to hang so he can address the camera as he tucks his hands deeper into his pockets and looks around at all the lights as impersonators dance around him like Fat Elvis and Spider-Man Elvis and fuckin’ Britney Spears though...nowadays that might just be...y’know...HER. Jack shakes his head in disbelief and keeps walking.)

Jack Russow: Y’know you...I bet you’ve FORGOTTEN more about Vegas than I could ever learn, right Griff? As long as you’ve been in BOTH games this long. Probably played sold out shows at all these casinos...Devilition in its prime! Live...wild...unbridled! Just like you wrestle, right? Wherever you go...whatever you do...and no, I’m not quoting some played out Bryan Adams song, fuck that guy.

...actually fuck ya’ll, I like Bryan Adams. He’s a Canadian treasure.

Jack Russow: What the fuck...why’d I even...SAY that? See Griff I...I don’t know...how to approach you! Am I starstruck!? Is that what it is!? I’ve watched you for so long...mimicking your moves...your promos. YOU...were a STAR in my eyes! Of course I grew up in a household where...God bless him, my dad tried to raise me but how can you raise a kid when you’re not done growing up yourself?

(A montage plays of Levi Russow doing extreme sports, throwing massive parties, going completely psycho trying to kill his own family, jumping off the top of his manor into a bouncy castle just to see if he could it’s like...it was the life the Tiger King wanted to live except no polygamy, no butt stuff, and no FUCKIN’ BITCH CAROLE BASKINS!!! We see Jack has slid his way into the Casino backstage as the stage crew has all gone to their respective rooms for the night as Jack walks into the empty “arena” and he gets an uneasy feeling.)

Jack Russow: What the fuck is this? How the fuck did I get here? I’m in a CASINO...in LAS VEGAS...fighting for something called the ROULETTE CHAMPIONSHIP...and I’M not even allowed to DRINK or even walk the Casino FLOORS. If there’s a GOD...this is a WEIRD fuckin’ joke man.

(Jack speeds his way to the middle of the room where the ring is set up and he slides in lying there looking at the ceiling for a moment before sliding his legs out to dangle off the side as he lays his torso across the bottom rope.)

Jack Russow: Yeah y’know this whole...this whole meeting of the worlds thing, it’s got me thinking. My SCW life can collide with my PWS:Apex life and everything could fuckin’ blow up in my face at any minute and THEN I stop and I realize...no it can’t! It can’t because I HAVE...no lives of my own. I’m not even on the radar in PWS: Apex...Malachi and my best friend Mack are your championship wet dream about to go one hour in an Iron Man match. My GIRLFRIEND...my Wild Irish Rose, Alanah O’Connell is about to DEFEND…*HER* TITLE...against my supposed “Best Friend” Bella Madison! I’m not even a spoke on the wheel! And then I look...I look at SCW, the chance I took! The land of opportunity! The place I was going to BRANCH OUT! And make my OWN name! Be my OWN man! Aaaaaand there’s Bella and Mal...winning some intergender number one contendership. And there’s Alanah’s brother Lach...HELL of an athlete...just higher up on the card than me INSTANTLY in an Internet title match against a man I daresay I don’t ever look forward to crossing paths with...Austin James Mercer.

...so what about me?

...all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, y’know?

(Jack suddenly produces a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and packs them...then opens the pack and pops one in his mouth. With it still pressed in his lips...he continues to speak.)

Jack Russow: So go on Griff...this is ME...sitting under the learning tree. We’ve had our tit-for-tat on Twitter...we’ve done the “my biggest challenge” THIS and the “I respect you so much” THAT and we’ve blown so much proverbial smoke up each others asses I’m thinking to myself “This is Griffin...FFFUCKIN’ Hawkins, man! This is the BIG TIME!”

...and I freeze.

Like a Goddamn...deer in the headlights.

(Jack holds up the pack of cigarettes and twirls them around in his fingers.)

Jack Russow: You told me...that you see a lot of yourself...what you USED to be in me. So please, Griff...please do me the honor and ELABORATE on that. Tell me ‘bout your family? Tell me ‘bout your friends? Give me some good ‘ol WAR stories so I know what I’m in for if I keep this God awful attempt at being a professional wrestler a try! Because I’m gonna level with you, Griff. Because one thing I’ve noticed in your long, and storied career...is when someone is faced with the prospect of FACING you a LOT of times...they aim to jump you from behind. See THAT one...I learned LONG ago...to keep my head on a swivel. Ever since I was a kid. You think you see so much of yourself in me? Alright, let’s see how much ME you can relate to.

(Jack jiggles the pack of cigarettes between his fingers.)

Jack Russow: I’ve been carrying these around...since the day I started training almost a YEAR ago now. I showed up to class...just like everyone else...and these were sitting in my locker with a Post-It note that said “Start Now. You’ll Need Them When I’m Done With You”...they were from my fucking FATHER, Griff. What kind of back-ass Breakfast Club “EY SMOKE UP JOHNNY” bullshit is THAT? But I got what he meant...he beat my ass from sun up until sun down. I don’t mean “he put me through a lot of drills” I mean when all my classmates would go home...I was still there...and dear old DAD well...he’s had a lotta PROBLEMS over the years and the ring is “therapeutic” for him...so when your Hall of Fame caliber, championship machine father stands across from you in a broken down plywood ring and he gets that Thousand Yard ‘Nam stare...you’re not his son anymore, you’re his target. But I get it…”poor Jack”, right? Nah...fuck your pity and fuck your sympathy. And fuck...your...cancer.

(Jack spits the cigarette unlit out of his mouth and crushes the pack in his hand tossing them over his shoulder as he rests his chin on the back of his hands across the bottom rope.)

Jack Russow: And none of this...will mean a DAMN thing to you, Griffin Hawkins. See I had a band too! And we were just starting to get regular opening gigs for bands like Shinedown and Breaking Benjamin! We were starting to get noticed and I even had a contract BUT!

...do you know how many of my “friends”...my own ‘FAMILY”...*STILL* said to give it up, there was no career in music?

Jack Russow: I had...hundreds of fans showing up...singing MY words back to me! There were a few songs we’d cut the instruments at the end and just let them sing the rest of the song FOR us! Now THAT one...THAT one I KNOW you feel me on Griff! But I took...a left turn. ‘Cause I wanted to make...dear old Dad proud. Are ya noticin’ a theme here, Griff? I’m the poster child of Daddy Issues! Should make me MORE than easier to RIP apart! God knows Mark Cross did! I stacked him up...IN HIS HOMETOWN...he still handed me the first real loss I’ve ever felt in my life and TRUST ME...this isn’t sour grapes...there IS no “Poor Jack” here! I fought my ass off...I showed what I was made of...but I made ROOKIE MISTAKES and I WILL not be doing that again. I-...

(Jack starts to get fired up but suddenly waves a finger at the camera chuckling to himself.)

Jack Russow: ...I know why I’m here. I know...what I wanted to come out of this, Griff. I wanted to give you a glimpse behind the curtain! Because for all my flash, for all my bravado? I’m still a wet-behind-the-ears rookie...that can’t...beat you.

...I...CAN’T beat you, Griffin Hawkins…

Jack Russow: Is that what you wanted to hear? Is that all everybody, is that all every fucking talking head in my ear lately wanted me to admit!? I’m a ROOKIE...I’m not even supposed to BE HERE. *I’M* supposed...to go out and make the Once and Future King, Griffin Hawkins...the Golden GOD of Rock ‘N Wrestling...look like the supernova he is as he CONTINUES on his ever-impressive streak! This was supposed to be nothing more than a quick bank off my last name and his legacy...this was supposed to give me the rub from the Old Gods to show I *COULD* be the future...while I made them look like they were in the past! I’m a journeyman...a curtain jerker! I am not fit...to lace your boots.

...is what every...fucking...turncoat...wants me to say to you.

Jack Russow: In reality Griff, that loss? That loss DID change me. That loss left a PIT in the bottom of my stomach and I haven’t felt right since. Questioning if this was for me while I watched the love of my life go through the scariest tests I’ve ever endured on baited breath...listening to your legions of fans spit in my face and tell me I had a date with the “Devil of Devilition” and honestly Griff? I...I don’t buy it. I don’t buy the mystique, I don’t buy the bravado, I don’t buy the bullshit. But here’s what I buy...here’s what I BELIEVE.

I BELIEVE...you are one of the Greats. Probably of All-Time.

I BELIEVE...when you’re on your game...there’s not a soul that could touch you.

I BELIEVE...that NONE of your championship WINS or DEFENSES have been a fluke.

...BUT…

I BELIEVE...that time and tide are on my side.

I BELIEVE...that I have every proper motivation...to TAKE the Roulette title from you NO MATTER the match.

I BELIEVE...that if you’re gonna beat me? You’re gonna fuckin’ earn EVERY. INCH.

I BELIEVE...THAT IF YOUR GROUPIES DON’T LIKE IT...THEY CAN BITE MY LEFT ONE.

BECAUSE I BELIEVE...THAT FOR ALL THE RESPECT I HAVE FOR YOU...I’M GONNA KICK. YOUR. ASS!!!

Security Guard: HEY! YOU CAN’T BE IN HERE!

(Jack flips his hood back over his head sliding out…)

Jack Russow: ...don’t let me down, old man...I’ll see you REAL soon…

(With that Jack runs off as security gives chase.)

[Griffin Hawkins]

 Staying inside...sucks, not gonna lie. I'd rather be outside, but until this pandemic passes, we have to stay in. But I figured I make the best of it by staying inside and watching some matches from Jack Russow, one especially...him v.s Mark Cross. Geoff Matthens were watching on the couch of my living room as we were looking at them go at it.

Geoff Matthens: This kids' got heart...you gotta give him that, probably the biggest heart than anybody on the roster.

Griffin Hawkins: I heard that can't be good for you health wise...

Geoff Matthens: Now's not the time to be a smartass..you are looking at your biggest threat to date. This is the guy who wants to take your spot, you have to focus.

Griffin Hawkins: For Christ sake man...I am focused. Usually I'd be binge watching stuff on the Disney ap, but I figured I study this kid in preparation for the big match coming.

We keep watching the match in the early going. Jack's got it for a while..but is hit with a Bicycle Knee by Mark Cross.

Geoff Matthens: See? Right there! That's what you gotta hit him with!

Griffin Hawkins: I never hit a move like that before..

Geoff Matthens: No, but you got some hard hitting moves. Jack's game is speed, so you gotta keep him grounded.

Griffin Hawkins: That won't be a problem, I think I can throw my best at him to keep him on the ground.

We continue on the match, Jack is up on the ropes and he hits a flying head scissors onto.

Griffin Hawkins: Man...this kid loves him some high flying. Gonna have to match him move for move.

Geoff Matthens: This isn't a pissing contest Hawkins, this is a wrestling contest.

The match eventually concludes as Cross manages to hit the Tiger Driver onto Russow for the one..two...three.

Geoff Matthens: See right there? He is beatable.

Griffin Hawkins: If he can do it...I can do it. Just gotta beat him my own way.

Geoff Matthens: I think you've gotten this taken care of. Gotta go, good luck!

He pats me on the shoulder and leaves the home. I decide to go through more of his matches to study, I see matches with the likes of Kedron Williams and then pause for a second. This is a guy who's really dark and brooding...he might be able to help me with my recent problems lately. I get my cell phone and dial the hotel in Vegas where everyone is staying at and called up the Bell Clerk, looking to talk to at least Kedron or Rinoa. Soon I hear a female voice on the other end.

Rinoa Williams: Hello?

Griffin Hawkins: Rinoa..hey its me...Griffin..

Rinoa Williams: Griffin? This is a surprise..

Griffin Hawkins: Yeah, I know we've...never really spoke face to face. But..I kind of need your husband's help.

Rinoa Williams: With what exactly?

Griffin Hawkins: Okay...I haven't told anyone this in the company but lately I've been having vivid dreams...nightmares.

Rinoa Williams: What kind of nightmares?

Griffin Hawkins: Well..they feel like...past life experiences. Me as some kind of medieval knight fighting hordes of the undead...me as a baby being sacrificed by some dark cult in a castle, a lot of intense stuff.

Rinoa Williams: I see..and when did these dreams start?

Griffin Hawkins: Well..a little bit months ago, but they seemed to intensify when I picked up this album by this band called the Dark Cauldron. Their symbol is the same one I saw in my dream..around the neck of some man in a robe with a long black beard..

I then hear some silence for a while on the other line. After a few minutes she continues.

Rinoa Williams: I see...and you want to talk to Kedron about this?

Griffin Hawkins: Well..yeah. He seems like somebody who knows about this kind of thing, perhaps he can give me some answers to all this.

Rinoa Williams: Where are you at now?

Griffin Hawkins: I'm at my home in Los Angeles..

Rinoa Williams: If you can be at the hotel in Las Vegas in the next week, I think can arrange a meeting. I suggest you bring this album.

Griffin Hawkins: No problem, I'll be there.

Rinoa Williams: But be warned Griffin. Kedron is..not like you. He's not good willed and jovial like you seem to be most of the time. Sure he's undergone some changes recently, but don't expect him to be too friendly.

Griffin Hawkins: Well..I'm not expecting to hang out with him or go golfing together in the near future. All I ask of him is to help me find answers to all this.

Riona Williams: Very well then, I'll arrange a meeting. You have a nice weekend Mr.Hawkins. Stay safe.

Griffin Hawkins: You too, take care.

I hang the phone up. I was finally gonna get closure to all this hopefully and get answers to why this has been happening. I didn't know how Kedron felt about me personally, but he was the only help I got in figuring out what happened centuries ago...I just hope I was ready for the answers.


---------------------------------------------------

~Flashback~

I really hated my home life....being in that house was just something that didn't really suit me. The rich gilded lifestyle would be good for another kid...but it just didn't sit well with me for whatever reason. One day as I got home from school, I took off my coat and was about to go upstairs. But then I heard a voice.

"Griffin? In here now."

I recognized that voice...it was my Dad. It sounded like he was in one of his moods.

Griffin Hawkins: Coming!

I wondered what it was that I did. As I went into the kitchen, his suit jacket was off as he had a small glass of scotch in his hand and a piece of paper in the other. This did not look good.

Griffin Hawkins: You...wanted to see me?

Duke Hawkins: ...What the hell is this?

He hands me the paper, it looks to be a report card.

Griffin Hawkins: Its my report card...

Duke Hawkins: Reads the grades to me.

Griffin Hawkins: B...B....A....B...C....C...C.

I didn't think that sounded too bad, but the way he looked it was as if I had brought home all F's.

Duke Hawkins: Three Cs?...you call this a report card?

Griffin Hawkins: Dad...

He raised his voice.

Duke Hawkins: This is unacceptable!

I guess he wasn't a C person....

Griffin Hawkins: Dad..it's not like I failed any classes or anything, I mean I'm doing good this semester..

He took a drink from his glass before continuing.

Duke Hawkins: Not good enough. How do you expect to get into a good College with grades like this?

I didn't really have the guts to tell him that I didn't exactly have plans to go to College. But it did sound like a good way to get the hell out of this house and away from him.

Griffin Hawkins: Dad I...

Duke Hawkins: I don't want to hear any of your excuses!

His phone then rings, thank God.

Duke Hawkins: Hello?...I thought we took care of this already. Alright fine..just hang tight, I'm on my way.

This usually happens when he's in the middle of an argument or a dinner...he gets called back to the office.

Duke Hawkins: We are not done with this, we'll pick this up when I get back..so don't go anywhere.

He gets up, putting his jacket back on and walks past me, going towards the front door, closing it behind him. At least for the time being I was free to just relax until round 2 begins. Just then, my Mom comes in, obviously hearing the entire argument. I sit down at the table, just grabbing myself an apple off the basket as she comes closer.

Patricia Hawkins: Hey sweetie.

Griffin Hawkins: Hi...

Patricia Hawkins: You know your Dad doesn't hate you, he just wants what's best for you.

Griffin Hawkins: He sure has a funny way of showing it...

Patricia Hawkins: All he wants is for you to do good and get into a good school, he wants you to have a future.

Feeling brave, I decide to be truthful.

Griffin Hawkins: Mom...I don't want to go to College..

Patricia Hawkins: You don't?

Griffin Hawkins: It's just not me...I mean I wanna graduate..but College, I don't know...

Patricia Hawkins: Well, what do you want to do Griffin?

I almost want to tell her I want to be a wrestler, I had watched it since I was little and wondered if I could be that..or the singer of a rock band like Jim Morrison or Kurt Cobain...I had many dreams then...but at the last moment, I chickened out.

Griffin Hawkins: ....I'm still trying to figure out that part.

She then put her hand on my shoulder.

Patricia Hawkins: Whatever you decide...I'll be behind you one hundred percent.

Griffin Hawkins: What about Dad?

Patricia Hawkins: In time he'll accept it...I know he can be stubborn and unreasonable at times, but he just needs time to think on things..he's always under stress.

In her eyes he could do no wrong..but I figured she was just trying to be the peacemaker between us.

Griffin Hawkins: Yeah..I hope. So..what do you think of my report card?

She takes it and looks it over.

Patrica Hawkins: Well..the way I see it, you've improved this semester. You brought up that D in Math, you're actually getting better.

That actually made me smile for the first time since I got home.

Griffin Hawkins: Thanks Mom...I appreciate that.

Patricia Hawkins: Just keep working to get better and who knows, maybe on the next one you'll get a B or an A.

Griffin Hawkins: I'll do my best...I promise.

Patricia Hawkins: I know you will dear..it's probably a good idea if you go up to your room and study.

I nod to her and head upstairs. It was nice that Mom supported me no matter what I wanted to do. From there I would work to be the best no matter what. As much as I hated my Dad, he was right in a way, nothing other than perfect is unacceptable. I know for sure I have to prove myself in times like this.

-------------------------------------------------


...Normally I'd have cameras on during my shoot segment...but due to everything going on in the world, I figure it'd be more simpler to just do the shoot from my the study in my home. I set up my laptop and webcam as I broadcast it across the net, to the fans, to SCW, and of course. Jack. I sit at my desk, dressed in just black jeans and a red Guns N Roses T-Shirt. I sit in my chair and begin to speak.


"Greetings fans...its Griff once again. I know a lot of things are going crazy in the world...and everyone is at an all time high to ride out this virus that's scaring everybody. But the best we can do to take your minds off it...is by entertaining you. 2020 hasn't really been a good year so far..but it does equal one year since I made my return to Sin City Wrestling. I left a previous company behind due to the corrupt politics and was given the chance to pick where I left off by none other than Christian Underwood. For a year I turned the Roulette Division into the world's biggest mosh pit, turning back challengers such as Alex Jones, Travis Levitt, Teddy Warren Steele, Lachlan Kane, the list is endless...but while I was building up the mountain to conquer...someone else has been climbing it..."


I knew Jack Russow had to be watching...of course he was, he wants the title.


"Jack Russow....our first ever meeting for the title. It's ironic...ever since you got here you've been turning heads, racking up victory after victory after victory on your road to the Roulette Title. The same way I was working to the top. If you were to beat me it would be quite ironic...because you've taken the same road to the gold that I have, perhaps even quicker than me. Unlike Travis Levitt...I recognize the threat in front of me, and I know how much you hunger the gold that I carry around my shoulder, because I had that same hunger when I watched Travis strut around with a belt that he barely defended. In the last few weeks I've watched you like a hawk, and I must say...you are one hell of a threat to me. I haven't been in the ring with someone like you in a long time, that is why I consider this my greatest threat to date. And while you are an amazing athlete yourself, I must do whatever it takes to hold onto the gold."


I reach to the side, picking up the Roulette Title.


"This title...is what it's all about. Before I came along, this title was held by a weak shell of a man who did nothing but coast on his accomplishments. And for nearly 300 days, I have put this belt on the map and made it THE title to fight for when many people were telling me that my time has passed and that I made a mistake coming back to Sin City Wrestling. But I knew that somewhere...there was someone young and hungry enough to try and take their shot at me to take my gold...and that person turned out to be you. You have the chance to do what many others before you failed to do and that's dethrone me and take the gold...or will you be just another notch on my Roulette Title tour? Nobody knows what will happen until Blaze of Glory."


I slowly set aside the title on my desk.


"But do you wanna know what your problem is Jack? You get emotional WAY too much. Not saying showing emotion is a bad thing..but you allow the slightest loss to send you over the edge. I've lost many matches myself man...I never said I was invincible, but you lose one match to Mark Cross and then you act like you're not worthy enough to compete for the title. Instead of going crazy about why you lose..you should go back and see WHY you lost, pick up from that, and get back in the game. Because if that is how you handle defeat..you're not gonna last here in SCW. The last thing I wanna see is for you to become another Jake Raab...especially since you got so much more potential than him, hell unlike him you earned your opportunity while all he does is whine and cry like a little bitch until he's given another chance. You on the other hand have earned your one and only shot, and if you blow it, you're gonna go to the bottom of the line, having to earn your way back up."


He was a hothead for sure, perhaps this could work to my advantage.


"It seems every time the camera is on you, all you talk about is family..your Dad did this to you...your Dad did that to you...that's seemingly your go to for every promo you do whenever you have a match. Let me tell you a little something Jack...like you, I have had problems with my Father. My Dad never respected me or what I wanted to follow, when I was a teenager he kicked me out of the house...he told me never to come back until I made something of myself. But here's the thing...I made something of myself and I still never went back. I continued to make a name for myself and escape my family's shadow. See, I had hardships just like you..but I'm okay with that. Because I learned to turn negatives into positives. You on the other hand seem to turn positives into negatives. You put pressure on yourself, allowing your past..your father's name to define you. Way I see it, you need to forget about it and look in front of you. Because if you continue on this way of thinking..you're gonna miss your chance to hold your first ever title in SCW."


I lie back in my chair before continuing on.


"For nearly 300 days I've been rocking and rolling with the Roulette Title...some say it may be you who drives the silver stake in the heart of my title reign....normally the champion would be cocky saying..oh you're just a rookie, you only been here five minutes.

I see it differently. See, you have what it takes to dethrone me. Despite your lack of confidence on social media, you are indeed a threat to my reign..possibly my greatest threat ever. When I said I see myself in you, I meant it. Because I see the same fire, the same hunger, the same want to to prove all the doubters wrong who tell you that people like you don't deserve to be in the main event or be champion. As much as I'd like to tell the doubters to cram it...I gotta be the one who shuts you down as my title reign goes on for another day."


I pick up the gold once again, resting it on my shoulder.


"Blaze of Glory...you and me...in what many are saying could be the match of the night. Two proud warriors who left home to perfect their craft just for the right to be called the best in the industry today. I give you your due Jack...no matter how down on yourself you've been feeling the last few weeks, no matter you questioning yourself if you really have what it takes to dethrone the Jukebox Hero and end what looks to be an unstoppable reign...I believe you are the future of this company. And long after men like myself, Austin James Mercer, Fenris and others retire, the business will be in good hands with men like you. But that's the future..this is the present. And I am looking to play the role of spoiler and shut you down just to make sure that I leave with the gold. If I am to lose this..I'll go down in the proverbial blaze of glory..but on this night, somebody's gonna get rocked."


With that, I turn off the laptop, closing it as I leave my study.

[Jack Russow]

 -Unwell-

“But I’m not crazy,
I’m just a LITTLE unwell.
I know right now ya can’t tell…
But stay awhile,
And maybe THEN you’ll see…
...a different side of me.”

*THUD*

“OOF!”

(We see Jack Russow’s eyes fly open...as he looks up at the ceiling but finds himself nose to nose with Pip the Papillon who’s just staring into his soul.)

Jack Russow: …’scuse me sir, do you have an appointment?

(There’s an awkward stand-off for a moment...until Pip licks his nose and Jack laughs sitting up in bed as Pip backs up and spins happily twice.)

Jack Russow: Alright, alright! I’m up...little tyrant.

(Pip barks once as Jack looks around...there’s no sign of Alanah O’Connell and Pip is getting impatient so Jack runs his fingers through his hair and yawns.)

Jack Russow: I know, I know your majesty...I’m goin’. Jesus, no rest for the wicked. I had a dream about the match though...kinda messed with my head, y’know?

(Pip is...UTTERLY uninterested as he looks towards the kitchenette area of the villa where his food bowl stands empty...Jack gets up and pour him a bowl full of food as Pip starts chomping into it savagely as his brother and sister Potato and Lady rush over attacking THEIR bowls. Jack pets Pip as he speaks on.)

Jack Russow: I just...like, I was there and he was there and then all of a sudden he turned into dad but not like...PSYCHO dad, like ACTUAL dad and then we wound up- HEY!

(Pip has eaten his fill and turns trotting away jumping up on the couch.)

Jack Russow: I WAS TALKING TO YOU!!!

(Jack slides up, he pets Lady but when he goes to pet Potato he gets a hearty growl.)

Jack Russow: ALRIGHT I won’t touch ya...cranky old bastard. But YOU!

(He runs over and literally dive bombs on the couch resting his head on his hands and kicking his legs in the air behind him like a teenage girl on the phone. Pip looks...moderately concerned.)

Jack Russow: And I just got to thinking like...what if everyone’s right about me? Like I still have so much to learn but then...what?...yeah gimme one second to find the remote.

(Jack turns on the TV and switches it to Disney Plus and puts Oliver and Company on as he turns back to Pip who has nestled into a blanket and is staring at the screen intently totally ignoring his father.)

Jack Russow: So like, what do you think it means? Does it mean I’m haunted by my past mistakes? Does it mean I’m dwelling on my own insecurities too much.

(Pip barks once.)

Jack Russow: What? FINE! I’ll turn it up a little...are you even LISTENING to me!?

(Pip turns his head and looks at Jack with as much of a “are you serious” look on his little face as he can as Jack rolls his eyes and turns the volume on the TV up three notches.)

Jack Russow: So anyway as I was saying like...what if I CAN!? What if this has all been in my head and I’ve been psyching myself out! D’you think I-

(At that very moment the main door opens and Alanah O’Connell walks in and she’s just...awestruck. Her fully grown boyfriend in nothing but his Spongebob boxers laying on the couch like a teenage girl having a full blown conversation with a small dog who JUST wants to watch Tito ‘cause he’s OBVIOUSLY his favorite and as she removes her mask...she sighs.)

Alanah O’Connell: ...you had the dream again, didn’t you?

Jack Russow: IT WAS SO REAL THIS TIME!!!

-DROWN-

“Who will fix me now?
Dive in when I’m down?
Save me from myself…
Don’t let me drown.
Who will make me fight?
Drag me out alive?
Save me from myself…

...DON’T LET ME DROWN.”

(The scene shifts to Jack lying in their new temporary makeshift blanket fort...he and Alanah ALWAYS have a blanket fort as a running joke to when they first started dating. Jack is lying there playing his Nintendo Switch flanked by all the furry ones as he pauses the game and lays his head back sighing heavily. Suddenly the entrance flap flies open and Alanah dives headfirst in tackling him as they both laugh and she crawls up to kiss him before he puts his arm around her and she lays her head on his chest.)

Alanah O’Connell: ...been a little crazy lately, huh.

Jack Russow: I’m sorry...I’ve been...out of it lately.

Alanah O’Connell: Oh yeah no, we’ve noticed.

Jack Russow: ...we?

Alanah O’Connell: Jack. Your best friend just got engaged and you haven’t said a WORD abou-

Jack Russow: MACK GOT ENGAGED!?

(Alanah smacks him giving him her stern face as Jack backs down smiling.)

Jack Russow: Alright, alright, sorry!

Alanah O’Connell: Jack. I think it really hurt Bella that you acted like you didn’t even care that she was getting married.

Jack Russow: She’s a big girl. She’ll get over it.

Alanah O’Connell: What is WRONG with you lately!?

Jack Russow: I just!...*sigh* I can’t tell YOU. ‘Cause I just...and then…

Alanah O’Connell: Wh-are you having doubts about us?

(Alanah looked like she might cry as Jack lifts her chin with the sternest face you’ve ever seen)

Jack Russow: NEVER. You are the BEST part of me and I’m keeping you forever.

Alanah O’Connell: Then what is it?

Jack Russow: Bella hasn’t been…”Bella”...since she got with Mal. And I get it, people change and life gets twisted sometimes but...and I don’t even know how to express what I’m feeling properly. I just...don’t…

Alanah O’Connell: You don’t approve.

Jack Russow: It’s not even THAT. Like...I AM happy for them. But I’m between a rock and a hard place BECAUSE she’s supposed to be my best friend...and then she hooks up with-

Alanah O’Connell: Careful now…

Jack Russow: Babe you know he’s never liked me. I have tried and tried and TRIED to extend an olive branch to him and he’s been a prick every time. I’m sorry. I know that hurts to hear but your brother is a first class Hall of Fame stubborn ass.

Alanah O’Connell: Mal can be a little...stand-offish. But so can you! So can BELLA! You’re ALL a bunch of hard-headed, stubborn, first grade BLOCKHEADS sometimes!

Jack Russow: *gasp* LANGUAGE young lady!

Alanah O’Connell: Why can’t you all JUST get along!? Mal and Bella are fantastic together, you HAVE to admit that!

Jack Russow: I DO. And they ARE. It’s just…

Alanah O’Connell: Are you...are you jealous?

Jack Russow: *sigh* ‘lanah I don’t know what I am. But you grow up with someone...you travel the world together like I said...you swear to the wind you’ll be best friends forever then things get WEIRD and...then we both found the greatest people that could ever happen to us but two of the four don’t seem to add up in the same equation because of past discretions!

Alanah O’Connell: Jack, love, you know I love you and I stand by you no matter what but...don’t you think you have bigger things to worry about right now? Like...I don’t know, off the top of my head, GRIFFIN HAWKINS?

Jack Russow: Believe me. Griffin Hawkins...hasn’t LEFT my head. I don’t think he ever will. At first it was because I thought I was a fan...then I thought it was because of the respect...but then I read the dirt sheets and I hear all these rumors and it just makes me...madder.

(Alanah kisses him on the forehead.)

Alanah O’Connell: You and Mal...will come around...he’s just worried I’m gonna get hurt and YOU’RE worried he’s gonna hurt Bella. And you’re hurt that Bella isn’t around as much anymore and I get that. But this? This is the time to grow up, babe.

Jack Russow: *singing blink-182* ...well I guess this is growing up…

Alanah O’Connell: It is. Now. I want you to take ALL of that rage...that insecurity...that temper...and I want you to go THRASH that old man with the glorious, GLORIOUS hair!!!

(Jack laughs and gives Alanah an impassioned kiss as he presses his forehead to hers.)

Jack Russow: ...my Wild Irish Rose...you always know JUST...what to say…

Alanah O’Connell: Go make me proud, Wild Child.

(Jack winks at her and slides out of the blanket fort as we hear the door close and Alanah looks reflective for a moment...before reaching behind her and pulling out a tiny red ring box...the same one Jack Russow had hidden in his bag...she opens it and beams with tears in her eyes as she snaps it shut and holds it to her chest looking up to the sky. Then she wipes her tears away and sees the dogs are looking at her as she puts a finger over her lips shushing them.)

Alanah O’Connell: ...our little secret!!!

-All I Want-

“ALL I WANT IS A PLACE TO CALL MY OWN!
TO MEND THE HEARTS OF EVERYONE
WHO FEELS ALONE!!!
WO-OAH!
YOU KNOW IT!

KEEP YOUR HOPES UP HIGH…
...AND YOUR HEAD DOWN LOW!!!”

(We see a changing room where “All I Want” by A Day To Remember softly plays as we see Jack Russow in front of a mirror fixing his tie on a well tailored suit as he turns and walks out and the backdrop instantly changes to a stately lodge with a bustling fireplace and luxurious furniture as Jack straightens his suit and takes a seat crossing one leg over the other and picking up a cigar looking at it...until he tosses it aside and snaps his fingers and suddenly he’s sitting on a concrete slab intertwined in steel railing wearing ratty jeans, dirty Chuck Taylors, a Devilition T-Shirt and a sleeveless flannel over that with eyeliner on and his hair hanging in his face. Then he clicks his teeth and suddenly he’s dressed in skinny chinos paired with penny loafers, suspenders, and a mock flannel shirt with big black framed glasses and a newsies hat on as he stands in a bustling coffee shop...until he dings the bell on the counter and suddenly we’re in a dark rave scene with red glowing everywhere as Jack stands dressed as his best friend Mack McKane with a mask over his face that looks like it’s made from human bones and a black full-length duster coat adorned with spikes on the shoulders and all along the tapestry. Until he holds out his hand...and waves it INSTANTLY causing the entire scene to become ONE giant flame as we see nothing but darkness and hear a faint, familiar drumbeat...it’s “Miseria Cantare” by AFI…)

“NOTHING
FROM NOWHERE
I’M NO ONE AT ALL…”

(There begins an ice blue glow from the floor as what appears to be dry ice swirls around the room and we see a silhouette of what The Iceman Levi Russow wore when he was seduced by the Darkest Carnival...as Jack turns around the song hits static and turns into a thumping “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” by Johnny Cash as Jack puts a straw hat on his head…)

Jack Russow: Ohhhhh myyyyy childreeeeen…

(All of a sudden the entire scene EXPLODES!!! And we hear a quarter drop into an arcade machine and a Mario coin sound bling as we hear a 16-Bit version of Stan Lee exclaim…)

EXCELSIOR!!!

(And all of a sudden we’re in a punk club with posters all over the walls and kids thrashing…)

“WE ARE THE TRUE BELIEVERS!!!”

(The Bouncing Souls are playing “True Believers” on the stage as Jack stands amongst them dressed in his father's old gear and he leaps for a stage dive! UNTIL…

...a regular Jack Russow lands in a superhero-like pose on one knee with one fist touching the ground...there’s suddenly no one around him...and when he stands up you see him...for him. He’s wearing a zip-up hoodie that’s only zipped halfway up with an attitude tee that says “I PAUSED MY GAME TO BE HERE” underneath...he’s in worn down jeans...not quite ratty but definitely his go-to pair...he IS back to wearing a newer, cleaner pair of classic black and white Chuck Taylors, and he’s biting his lip as he looks around...he’s standing backstage amongst the crates and regular workers just going about their jobs.)

Jack Russow: ...you confused Griff? I don’t blame you...that was quite a ride, wasn’t it? That was me...trying to find the right formula...on how to beat you. That was me trying over and over and OVER again to be something I’m not. Something I’ve been doing time and time again. And I’m done with it.

(Suddenly we hear a voiceover of Tyler Durden from Fight Club)

Tyler Durden: You are not your job…
You’re not how much money you have in the bank.
You are not the car you drive.
You’re not the contents of your wallet.
...you’re not your fuckin’ khakis.

...you are the all singing, all dancing crap of the world.

(And Jack rolls his eyes and exhales quickly through his nose as he shakes his head.)

Jack Russow: Y’know I just stopped and I thought about it…

(Jack walks over and hops up on one of the production crates...a typical sight for one of his promos. But if it ain’t broke...don’t fix it!)

Jack Russow: See I don’t need...the flash. I don’t need the pomp and circumstance. I don’t NEED to be in some grand adventure trying to explain to you WHY I’m worthy of your time. See ‘cause I’ll admit Griff when I found out I was facing you I...I DID get a little starstruck! Hey...only human...it happens, right! But then I just…

(Jack exhales and violently ruffles his hair as he points pinched fingers towards the camera.)

Jack Russow: I can’t. I can’t do it anymore Griff. We’ve all heard it all already haven’t we? I came here...BOASTING my last name, let’s call it for what it is. And I HID behind it like some sort of “pity me” shield putting up my dukes and putting on a brave face and screaming “I AM NOT MY FATHER, COME AT ME BRO!!!” and that worked for awhile. And it chapped some asses in the locker room that I was some snot-nosed, punk-ass kid with daddy issues and I didn’t even realize it but...that’s all I’ve DONE so far! That is ALL...I’ve BEEN. And then you.

(Jack licks his lips and looks around before snarling and looking back at the camera.)

Jack Russow: I didn’t lie...on Twitter, in person, on the mic...I never lied about the respect I have for you. I never lied about how much I idolize you, how much I looked UP to you. I NEVER lied about putting you on some...all-mighty pedestal as some Golden God of Rock ‘N Wrestling that could NEVER be beaten by the likes of a scrub like me! And then...when I read my words back...true as they were, I noticed something.

...the people.

(Jack cracks his neck and punches his right hand into his left hand twice.)

Jack Russow: Even after...EVERYTHING...I’ve done. The flips, the tricks, the wins and that...that loss. I still can’t catch the people’s attention. They will TELL you the lovely merchandise they so graciously and appreciated made for me...is SELLING OUT in the store and online but I checked and the box hasn’t even been OPENED. And that...that’s not what bothers me in all this Griff, it’s not that you’re a bigger rockstar than me it’s not that you’re a better draw than me, it’s not even that you’re LEGACY...is bigger than my flailing rookie career! What BOTHERS me in all of this Griff is that I know...in my HEART of HEARTS...when you step into that ring with me?

...you can’t keep up with me...not anymore…

Jack Russow: And you cock your head back and you strut your stuff and you blow smoke outta my ass on Twitter! “This kid is my biggest competition maybe ever!” spare me. SPARE me Griff. NO ONE...is that genuine. NO ONE is that nice. YOU, and I DO in my own way appreciate it, think that by giving me the “rub” that you’re ensuring the next generation of stars for SCW but here’s the thing Mr. 300 Days…

...I don’t WANT the rub...I don’t NEED the rub...I’m ALREADY...THAT...GOOD.

(Jack slaps the crate happily as he laughs almost a bit unstable to himself before pleading into the camera.)

Jack Russow: SO PLEASE! PLEASE MR. ROCK GOD!!! PLEASE MR. ROULETTE...MR. SCW...I’M BEGGING YOU…*SHOW* me how you’re gonna “make me famous”! Because I am SICK and TIRED of hiding behind LABELS and NAMES!!! FUCK my last name! FUCK your 300 days! And FUCK...CAROLE...BASKINS.

(Jack snaps back to reality on that one and gets a weird squinty-eyed look on his face as he shakes that off.)

Jack Russow: ...mmkay that...that one came outta nowhere. Why does that keep triggering me? Is it your mullet? If I Google you, am I gonna find a picture of you shirtless hanging out with a tiger? Maybe THAT...THAT’S what it is! It’s...it’s JEALOUSY! Maybe I’m just good ol’ fashioned JEALOUS of what you HAVE and what you’ve made. Maybe I’m afraid that at the top of my game...I’ll still fall short to the almighty Griffin Hawkins. The man of LEGEND. WELP!

(Jack jumps off the box and looks down at his outfit before snapping his fingers and the screen goes black and when it comes back on, Jack is in full ring gear...HIS ring gear...as he pulls his aviators down to the bottom of his nose he smirks.)

Jack Russow: ...I’m not gonna pull any punches on you, old man. I’m not gonna show you any mercy, I’m not going to grant you any quarter SURELY you didn’t expect that of me. You and I have watched each other so closely...so intricately...and you’re so certain you’ve got me pegged. You’ve got me dead to rights. You know ALL of my moves but Griff?

You...ain’t...seen...SHIT.

(Jack pushes the aviators back up and shrugs with an almost cocky swagger about him.)

Jack Russow: You can’t read the book when your eyes have gone bad. For 300 plus days those people have screamed your name, they’ve fueled your ego, and they’ve basked in your glory but Griff...and I say this with every ounce of love...and respect...and complimentary as I can get...you WILL pass the torch to me.

...it’s time to mercy kill this Old Yeller. Sorry ‘bout ‘cha.

(Jack flicks the collar of his jacket and swaggers off as we fade to black.)

[Griffin Hawkins]

 I had finally arrived at the Saxton Hotel in Las Vegas. My match was in a matter of days and as much as I wanted to get some rest beforehand, I still had some things to settle. But before all that I had to talk to Charles who was back home in Cali. I sat on my bed with the laptop open as Skype was on.

Charles Hawkins: So how does it feel to be without your big bro?

Griffin Hawkins: Actually quiet for a change..

Charles Hawkins : You know you miss me.

Griffin Hawkins: Yeah yeah..so how are things back at home?

Charles Hawkins: Well everybody's gone Cornholio and took all the toilet paper off the shelves.

Griffin Hawkins: God damn this virus...I'll be so glad when this craziness is all over and things can return to normal.

Charles Hawkins: Hey, don't worry about whats going on at home, focus on your match. You ready to make Jack Russow squeal like the family pig?

Griffin Hawkins: ....so much wrong with what you just said..but yeah..I'm looking to take him down, even if the guy has a laundry list of issues. His Dad beating the piss outta him, his rock career bombing..

Charles Hawkins: Next thing you know he'll be claiming you ruined his 3rd Birthday Party.

Griffin Hawkins: Well I don't think he blames me..but the guy sure does got a lot of issues. I don't think even Dr.Phil would take him in.

Charles Hawkins: Maybe afterwards you can get him a shrink..

Griffin Hawkins: After this social distancing thing is done..maybe. It's kinda funny though..

Charles Hawkins: What's funny?

Griffin Hawkins: I've held this belt for nearly a year now, and the challengers have gotten tougher and tougher, but this one feels...different.

Charles Hawkins: Maybe it's because you're facing possibly a version of yourself?..

Griffin Hawkins: ..I've thought about that.

Charles Hawkins: Think back Griff..your first title chance in a major company, how did you feel going in?

Griffin Hawkins: Hungry...determined..ready to show the world what I can do.

Charles Hawkins: That's how he feels. You are without a doubt one of the greatest athletes in SCW history..and he wants to show the world his worth by beating one of the best of all time by taking your gold...but you can't allow that to happen.

Griffin Hawkins: No..I can't. Maybe one day he'll be a Champion, like Internet Champion or the Mixed Tag Titles should he find somebody to team with him..but it can't be my title..

Charles Hawkins: You really wanna crush his dreams like that?

Griffin Hawkins: Business is business bro, I gotta do what I gotta do.

Charles Hawkins: Sounds like you're ready. I'll be watching dude, kick ass out there.

Griffin Hawkins: I will...and for god's sake wash your hands..

Charles Hawkins: Yes Mom...

I turn off Skype and lie down, thinking on my match. Jack Russow was looking to make an impact in the biggest way possible...and I was the man he was looking to make an example of. I don't even know what kind of match it will be...so much awaited the both of us.



-----------------------------------


I didn't really know what to expect when Kedron and Rinoa wanted me to meet them at the Saxton Hotel. Later that night, I asked the Bell Clerk if they were in, and he told me they were on the roof which struck me as odd..but they weren't exactly normal. And so I decided to go the the top floor and head towards the roof. I went up the stairs and I could not believe my eyes. There was an actual bar set up on the rooftop of the hotel. They seem to be ballroom dancing in formal clothes as if it's some kind of ball or gala. They seem to be the only one here.

What the hell did I just stumble into?

I feel like calling out to them but it's so surreal that they are actually dancing to music on top of a hotel roof. It is Rinoa who is the first to notice me as she stops, looking in my direction.

Rinoa Williams: Mr.Hawkins! So nice of you to join us this evening.

I snap out of it as she speaks to me.

Griffin Hawkins: Huh? Oh yeah..its uh..nice to be here.

Both part from their dance..Kedron does not exactly look happy.

Kedron Williams: What in God's name are YOU doing here?

Rinoa Williams: Darling, I invited him..

He stops and looks at her.

Kedron Williams: You what?..

Rinoa Williams: I invited him up here...which of course falls on our date..

He then looks to me, his anger dropping.

Kedron Williams: Well I have never done a thing but after four hundred years I guess anything is possible..

Griffin Hawkins: Whoa whoa easy..I'm just here to talk.

Kedron Williams: About what?

Griffin Hawkins: Lately I've been having vivid dreams..

Kedron Williams: Let me guess, they ran out of your favorite hair product? That had to be a nightmare..

Griffin Hawkins: No..it feels like past life experiences, me as a Knight..me about to be sacrificed by some cult, stuff like that.

I then see his expression change.

Kedron Williams: Come to the bar Hawkins.

He leads the way as us three go over to the makeshift bar he made up.

Kedron Williams: Tell me, what is this cult you speak of?

Griffin Hawkins: ...men in robes...a man with a dark long beard...

Kedron Williams: Ah...Alistair Dracan. He is the leader of the cult of blood. They were convinced they are doing God's work.

Griffin Hawkins: I also have this...

I reach into my bag and pull out the Dark Cauldron album. Kedron looks at it, seeing the designs and symbol on the back.

Kedron Williams: Hmm..this is definitely the insignia of the cult. Is there anything else that you remember Griffin?

Griffin Hawkins: Well..I saw a man who's been a friend of mine for years...Marquis Laveaux..he had imprisoned me..or whoever in a Dungeon

With that...I see the expression on his face turn to anger. He clearly was not happy to hear the mention of my old friend.

Kedron Williams: Marquis Laveaux....I should have killed that bastard when I had the chance.

Rinoa Williams: Kedron please...calm down.

Griffin Hawkins: Did I miss something here?...

Kedron Williams: Centuries ago..Marquis Laveaux used to be my ally, my close confidant. I later found out he was only getting close to me so he can steal my Book of Shadows. He's held it ever since. I swore the next time I see that snake in the grass, I'll put him six feet under.

Griffin Hawkins: Whoa...dude, I dunno what went on between you guys but time has passed. Marquis is different...he saved my life while I was some kid on the streets. He gave me a home and I trusted him from then on.

Kedron Williams: Oh you poor naive child. You don't see what this is. Your past life experience..it all makes sense. What you were seeing is obviously your great Grandfather..he took you in because he feels guilt for transgressions from centuries before. He's probably waiting to stab you in the back.

I did not want to believe it.

Griffin Hawkins: That's not true...he's changed..

Rinoa Williams: People can change Kedron..you did.

Kedron Williams: One, I was not exactly willing at the time, and two? I was without a soul so, different circumstance.

Griffin Hawkins: Maybe if I just ask him for the book....

Kedron Williams: And what? He'll just gladly hand it over and you two will hold hands and skip off into the sunset because you're such great friends? You don't get it Griffin..him stealing my Book of Shadows is an act of war. This isn't some priceless antique he stole..this is an ancient tome that can bring the dead back to life..a tome that is STILL in his possession. Yet he has never told you that..has he?

Griffin Hawkins: ...No.

Kedron Williams: Just as I thought. That lowly degenerate is only going to lead you to ruin Hawkins, if I were you..I'd cut the cord and fast. If he was such a good friend..he would've told you all this a long time ago.

I really didn't want to hear anymore of this, I finally had answers..but not the ones I was prepared for.

Griffin Hawkins: ...I think I should go. You guys have a good night...

Kedron Williams: Farewell for now.

Rinoa Williams: You have a good night Griffin.

I wave to them before walking away...I wanted answers and I got them. But I also felt betrayed. Was everything he said about Marquis true? Did he really keep this from me because he's waiting to betray me? Or is it because he wanted to protect me? So much I wanted to tell him..but I had a feeling the truth would hurt even more.


-------------------------------------


The cameras come to the rooftop of the hotel. I stand uptop, looking out at the city below me. All the lights, all the cars going all over the road. With my hands in my leather jacket, I look out at everything, almost surreal that I am back. The sun is going down as I begin to speak.


"Here I am again...Las Vegas Nevada...Sin City. Honestly, I never thought i'd be back here. When this company closed its doors years ago...I honestly thought it was over. There was so many things I never got to do. That changed last year when I made my return at this very event. The first goal I set out to do...was become Roulette Champion, and I won it at Into The Void. Now here I stand a year later, STILL the Roulette Champion. With my combined reigns, I have surpassed Goth and Kristopher Ryans as the longest reigning Roulette Champion in SCW history. I have faced challenger after challenger, and turned them all back. But now, the one man who I've never faced before, one man that I've never beaten before, one man who has what it takes to end it all....is looking to take what's mine. Jack Russow..only 18 years of age and he's already taken SCW by storm and demand that we take him seriously. Well, there is nobody who takes him more seriously than I do. He wants to be champion more than anything in the world."


Jack Russow was on the rise, the same way that I was when I came back. Unlike Travis Levitt, I wasn't trying to overlook  him.


"You seem to take offense to when I told you that you reminded me of myself when I was your age. I dunno if you were drinking that promo..or maybe Mark Cross hit you too hard...but what I did was what we call in this business..a compliment. I wasn't looking to disrespect you, I was looking to tell you that you got a lot of heart kid, but you allow your emotions to get the better of you. Now you went on and on about how your Daddy abused you...how your band failed to take off..the whole nine. With all due respect Jacky...I am not your marriage counselor, I'm not here to listen to your problems. I suggest you go to Dr.Phil or hire a psychiatrist so you can tell him or her your issues. This isn't a pissing contest over who has the worst homelife, this is a match for one of the most important titles in our industry..and if you don't get your shit together and get serious, you're gonna end up blowing the biggest opportunity of your life. "


I almost wish I could go over to Kedron and Rinoa's bar...but I felt like I had a job to do.


"You say that your loss to Mark Cross changed something in you....I think it may have broke something in you. Because lately since then, you've been going all over social media saying how you don't deserve this..you don't deserve that. If you're expecting a pity party from everybody, then you came to the wrong place my friend. You can say that it ignited a fire in you that hasn't burned in a long time...but saying something and proving something are two entirely different things. But hey...I may be wrong here. Did the loss light a fire under your ass and motivate you...prove it. Come at me, take your best shot. Because I hold nothing back in these title matches whether it be friend or foe...I always put on the show of a life time. So if you are as motivated as you say you are...then that's gonna make this match all the more interesting."


I can feel the wind blowing on this spring night as I walk across the roof.


"You've mentioned before that you respect me. Let me tell you one of the reasons you should respect me. See, while you high school in the backseat of your Daddy's car..trying to get some off old Mary Jane Rotten Crotch, I was main eventing shows, winning titles, and helping make this company a place for people like you to work in. See, I respect you because you got good hustle, you got everything it takes to be a major player in this company..but the only thing holding you back is your negative attitude. I've been there pal..it ain't gonna get you anywhere. So you can talk about how you've trained long for this, how you are looking to make name for yourself by beating me..but if you're facing me, you better get serious man...because I play to win. I'm not here to play second fiddle."


Jack was like me a long time ago, maybe time would tell if he matured.


"And all this self depreciating shit that you do time and time again..you say you can't lace my boots, you can't beat me, I'm better than you...whatever whatever. If you're feeling all that...then you should NOT be in this match. If you're not confident enough to win, then you've already lost. Me, even when I'm up against somebody who's bigger and tougher than me..I go in with confidence knowing that if my opponent makes one mistake, I'll find a way to win. I don't yell or scream like an angry overgrown child saying that I can't win. The more you don't believe that you can't beat me, the less of a chance you have in actually walking out with the Roulette Title. Because if you don't think you can beat me, then maybe you should stay home and binge watch Tiger King or something and let me fight another contender...but if I know you, you're not gonna do that. You know how I know?"


A small chuckle escapes my mouth.


"Because I used to be you. I was like you Jack...I had a chip on my shoulder, I believed that I had to be successful no matter what, I believed the world owed me something. Sure, you could have a few wins under your belt..some recognition as a mainstay, but that ain't good enough for guys like you and me is it? No it isn't. It wasn't good enough for me when I arrived here in SCW. After escaping the corrupt politics of a previous company, I wanted to prove myself just like you want to by beating me and taking the Roulette gold. For the first time in a long time I am facing someone who has just about the same hustle, the same fire, the same determination as I to be the man to beat in Sin City. But I can't allow you to get by me. Because every time I had a threat to my legacy, I had to snuff them out...you can't be the first, but you will be the next."


I know for a fact that Jack was desperate at this point after his loss, I honestly didn't know how he was gonna come at me, but I had to prepare.


"Don't think I haven't heard about your Dad Jack. Your Dad..hell of a wrestler. He's a pretty big deal around these parts. See, like you I come from an important legacy. But you know what the difference is between you and me? I escaped my family's shadow. I left it all behind and I got my name out there my way...I didn't have to have a million people surround me on social media to build me up because I don't got enough confidence in myself. You on the other hand...you are STILL in your old man's shadow. You walk like him, you wrestle like him, you let it define you despite trying to show how much you are unlike him. My legacy is defined by me and only me. Can you say the same? No. But a good start would be if you were to unseat me as Champion."


I look down at the city once again..all the bright lights.


"Do you even know what type of match you're gonna face me in Jack? You have any idea what that Roulette Wheel is gonna stop on? No..you don't. But neither do I. In a lot of my matches...I had zero idea on what kind of match I was gonna fight in. In the last year I've been in Ladder Matches, Cage Matches, Submission Matches, Deathmatches, Falls Count Anywhere Matches, I had to fight in a pool of pudding in women's Lingerie, shit, I had to defend my gold in a Scottish Bar surrounded by people who wanted to kick my ass..and each time I retained my title. Do you know what awaits you? Do you know what awaits us? Neither of us know...that's why you need to stop whining and crying like a little girl about how Daddy didn't love you enough or how he didn't make it to your little league games or dance recitals or whatever it that's got you pissy these days. I dunno what's to come of this..but all I know is..somebody is gonna go down in a Blaze of Glory."


I walk off, leaving the roof as the camera crew pack everything in.