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“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.
[ RECORDING ]
“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.
[ END RECORDING ]
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]