To be sitting there in the office after his final physical therapy appointment. Jayden couldn’t help but briefly think about how hard things had been since September of last year. There was a time where they didn’t know if he’d be alive or not. Then there was a time where they didn’t know if he’d ever walk or talk again. A time where they questioned if he could do the most basic of functions. Lots and lots of questions on what kind of long term issues would be left with the type of brain injury he went through.

Yet, day by day. Week by week. Month by month. Jayden found a way to overcome all those odds. He did survive. He did learn to talk again. He learned to walk again. He was able to feed himself, bathe himself, and so much more. And luckily enough there weren't any signs of long term damage to his brain. A miracle as his doctor had put it. He finally heard the door to the office open up. Entering his doctor who had spent all this time making sure he had the best care.

DOCTOR MOSER: Good afternoon Mr. Harris.

JAYDEN: Good afternoon Doc.

DOCTOR MOSER: Last physical therapy appointment went well today. Not that we were expecting anything less. You’ve defied all odds and crushed every milestone since it began. I’m proud of you, young man.

JAYDEN: Thank you sir. Thank you. It means alot, but none of it would have ever been possible if it wasn’t for you and your excellent care for me these last few months.

DOCTOR MOSER: It’s what I get paid to do, son. I’m just glad that this story has a happy ending. Considering how it started and considering how most brain injuries like yours end up going.

He had walked around to his desk and took a seat in the comfy office chair. Looking at Jayden who sat directly across from him. Taking one look at Jayden, he could see the expression on the young man’s face and knew something was up.

DOCTOR MOSER: Everything alright Mr. Harris?

JAYDEN: Doc. I know we have had this conversation before. Too many times to count.

DOCTOR MOSER: Then let’s not have it again. I have told you every day now that I have seen you. Brain injuries are nothing to take lightly. Especially not the one you suffered. This has got to be my hundredth time saying it. It s a miracle that you survived. Survived and don’t have any long term damage. Your brain is healthy and it’ll only keep getting better as the time goes on.

JAYDEN: But theoretically, you would consider me cleared. For physical activity. I am good enough to get back in the ring. I could start training tomorrow if I wanted to. Right?

There was a very heavy sigh that left the doctor’s lips. He tilted his head down some, taking his glasses off, and just shook his head. This was not the first time this conversation had been had. Jayden was looking for any loophole he could and it was stressful as well as frustrating. His gaze finally came back up to Jayden.

DOCTOR MOSER: Theoretically. Yes, you are cleared. Yes you could participate in a contact sport. Yes, you could get back in the ring. You could start training tomorrow. And you could be back to wrestling consistently whenever you felt like you were ready. All of that is theoretically possible, but I am advising you not to do any of that. Leave it behind young man. You got your entire life ahead of you. You can find something else to do with it. That’s just as meaningful.

JAYDEN: I respect your advice and I respect everything you’ve done for me up until this point. I however do not think I can just not return to wrestling. And it’s not because of what you or anyone else thinks. It’s not because I am just so in love with it. It’s not because it’s all I have ever wanted to do or all I’ve ever really known. It has nothing to do with my Dad or the legacy of the last name. It’s not because I want to win championships or anything like that.

DOCTOR MOSER: Then why Jayden? Why is it something you are even considering? If it isn’t for any of those things you just mentioned. I cannot wrap my head around why you are hanging onto this.

JAYDEN: It’s because of him. It’s because of the man that caused all of this. What kind of man would I be if I just let this scumbag take everything from me? What kind of man would I be if I didn’t do something about all the physical pain that he caused me? What kind of man would if be if I didn’t go back after the man that caused my family nothing but emotional and mental trauma over what he did for me? What kind of man would I be if I didn’t go back and fight him? Make him regret everything he did and then some!

The emotion could be seen in Jayden’s eyes when he spoke. This was something he had clearly thought about for a long time. Something he just couldn’t let go of. Very much a conflicting issue for the young man. The doctor was silent for a moment. Trying to understand it fully before he spoke.

DOCTOR MOSER: You would be a man that is at peace with things and a man that’s going to let fate play out how it is meant to for that man. I assure you that people like that do not have good karma. It will come back to haunt him. Maybe not right away, but sooner or later. It’ll catch up to him. But choosing not to go back for your peace, for your health, and your brain's health. No one is going to look at you like you are less of a man. Just let God handle it.

JAYDEN: Maybe no one else will see me as less of a man, but I’ll see you myself as such. And that’s not something I think I’m okay with living with.

DOCTOR MOSER: Look, Jayden. I cannot tell you what to do. You are your own person. You are technically cleared for anything you want to do. But if you think the trauma you family went through this time was bad. Really think about what they will go through if you do something this foolish. Because I can guarantee you. If history repeats itself. You will not be another miracle. You’ll be another statistic!

That statement was profound. It had truth weighing heavily behind it. Jayden just looked at the doctor for a second in silence. Mowing over what had been said to him. Before breaking the silence with a slight head nod as he spoke.

JAYDEN: I got a lot to think about. I really do, but once again. Thank you for everything. I truly appreciate it all.

Following his words. He stood up from the chair and extended his hand in the direction of his doctor. Right away the doctor stood up and shook the young man’s hand. The two made eye contact briefly before the handshake came to an end. The doctor took his seat once again watching as Jayden walked out the door and closed it behind him. With it closing Jayden let out a deep breath. Even if it’s not something others would approve of. His mind was already made up. Alexander Raven wouldn’t go unpunished. If it was the last thing he did with his life.

---

Sunday was drawing closer and closer. For some reason it didn’t really set it until Friday morning the magnitude of what Jayden was dealing with. This match, this fight. It had been something he had been waiting for quite some time now and it was just right around the corner. By no means was Jayden a religious man. Didn’t grow up in a very religious home either.

‘God’ was just not a thing in his life, but something told him. He needed to clear his conscience before Sunday. And that’s why he found himself walking into a confessional booth. Closing the door behind him and taking a seat. He heard the little window to the right of him being slid to the right. Jayden didn’t bother to look, but instead he kept his head forward. Placing his hands inside of one another. Only to finally speak and break that uncomfortable silence.

JAYDEN: I don’t know why I am here exactly. I don’t know where to even begin. But something is telling me. I have to ask for forgiveness.

FATHER PAUL: You have come to the right place. Our god is not only caring and nurturing god, but a forgiving one as well. Please tell Father Paul what is on your mind? What are you asking for forgiveness for?

JAYDEN: I guess in the eyes of you and the eyes of God. If he truly does exist. I’d be asking forgiveness for sins. Sins of the past. Sins of the future.

FATHER PAUL: I assure you God does in fact exist. But you’ve got nothing to be ashamed of. We’re all imperfect. We’re going to make mistakes. We’re going to sin. What are these sins that have your mind so troubled?

For a moment. There was just silence. Jayden briefly letting the idea that this was stupid cross his mind. Like nothing he said was going to fix what he intended to do. He damn sure didn’t deserve to be forgiven for what he was going to do. And deep down, he didn’t want to be. He wanted to do this. He craved to do this.

FATHER PAUL: My child?

JAYDEN: The sins that are consuming my mind involve some very dark and twisted things. It all stems from a deep-deep hatred for another man.

FATHER PAUL: Hatred? I don’t think you hate anyone. You might be very upset with someone. Maybe dislike some of the things they’ve done? But hate? I don’t think that’s the case. Not if you’re wanting forgiveness in the first place. That says more about your character and person than you think it does.

JAYDEN: Trust me when I tell you. You’re wrong with this one. There is hatred. Like I said, a very deep hatred. A hatred that makes me want to take everything from this man. I want to put an end to his career. For the sake of bragging rights. Nothing else other than that. I want to hurt this man. In every way possible. Mentally. Emotionally. Physically. Oh physically, I want to maim him. I want his blood on my hands. I want to hear him cry and beg for mercy.

FATHER PAUL: You are very clearly speaking from a place of being hurt. All of us handle emotions very differently. And while these are very serious things you’re talking about. It is a sin to think about them, but its more than a sin to act on them. From the sounds of it. You haven’t done so...

JAYDEN: ... Yet. I haven’t done so yet, but I’m going to. I’m going to very soon. Like within the next forty eight hours type of soon.

FATHER PAUL: All of that can be avoided. Let’s just keep this conversation going. The last thing you want to do is truly act on this sin. This person might have upset you, but they surely do not deserve any of the things you are talking about doing.

JAYDEN: Oh they do. They most certainly do.

For a brief moment Jayden made himself sound very sinister with those words. Probably the last thing a priest wanted to hear. Especially when they feared the devil himself.

JAYDEN: He did the same thing to me. My blood was on his hands. He hurt me in many ways. He hurt my loved ones emotionally and mentally. He left a trail of trauma. And now that I am going to see him for the first time in a very long time on Sunday. I have no other choice but to make sure this man leaves in an ambulance. Maybe even a hearse. If things really go the way I want them to.

FATHER PAUL: My child. You’re talking about the ultimate sin now. A sin that isn’t going to be very easy to get God to forgive on something like that.

JAYDEN: But it was alright for God to forgive Alexander for what he did to me?

FATHER PAUL: Alexander, who?

JAYDEN: It was alright for Alexander to leave me fighting for my life and not having to answer for it. It was alright for Alexander to get to live in peace after what he did to me. It was alright for Alexander to be blessed with good things in his life. After what he did to me.

FATHER PAUL: I’m not really sure who this Alexander is? I am assuming it’s the man that you have issues with. But you’re misunderstanding things it seems. God isn’t a fierce God. He isn’t a God that punishes anyone.

JAYDEN: Maybe he fucking should!

All of the sudden Jayden’s hand reached out and snagged the priest by the collar. Pulling him close through that tiny window. Those rage filled eyes of his locked with the eyes of the Priest that was filled with panic.

JAYDEN: Come to think about it. I don’t want forgiveness. I don’t want my sins to be washed away. I don’t want anything like that. I just want God himself to know that due to him not intervening. Due to him allowing another man to do what he did to me. Due to him allowing this man to go unpunished. I am left to play the role of God. I am left with no other option but to rule with an iron fist and made Alexander Raven wish he was no longer on earth, but instead wishing he was burning in hell!

Violently he pushed the Priest back onto his side of the confessional. Leaving him visibly shocked and upset. Jayden practically kicked the door open to his side. Storming out and causing quite the scene in the chapel. Getting some very judgemental looks as he headed for the front door. Forgiveness certainly wasn’t what he was after, but revenge was and he was going to have it in the worst of ways.

---

---

Every hospital always seemed to be the same. It was chilly. It gave a bit of an ominous and even at times scary feeling. Most hospitals didn’t exactly feel the most inviting place on earth. Jayden would know that feeling more than most. With all the time he had spent in the hospital within the last year thanks to numerous injuries. And he was feeling it right now as he walked through the halls of the Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital. It was himself, a nurse, and a translator. Hearing the nurse speaking up as they approached a set of doors.

Nurse: Bienvenue dans notre aile terminale pour les enfants!

Of course Jayden’s expression said it all. Not the most fluent in any language other than his own. Oh and enjoy spanish to get himself in trouble. Right away the translator doing their job,

Translator: She said welcome to our terminal wing for children.

Jayden: Why is she saying it so excitedly?!

Translator: Jayden!

Jayden: What? She is. Seems kind of fucked up if you ask me. Especially if these kids are terminal.

Translator: Just go!

The two of them started to follow behind the nurse. She pushed those doors open into a separate wing of the hospital. Several rooms were on each side of the hall. Each room has a child in it. Some alone. Some with their families. It was a haunting and very sad sight to see. The three of them kept walking until a nurse stopped right outside of one of the rooms.

Nurse: Voici la chambre de George. Il a hâte de te rencontrer, Jayden !

Again. Jayden’s attention went right to the translator.

Translator: She said this is George’s room and that he very excited to meet you.

Jayden: That’s dope. Can we go in?

The nurse at least understood what he was saying and didn’t need any translation of her own. She eagerly nodded her head and opened the door for the two of them. Jayden walked in followed by the translator. George opened his eyes from the bed he was lying in. A very faded smile crossed the young man’s lips. He looked exhausted, but the fact he was able to smile said a lot. In an attempt to make things easier. The translator spoke to the young boy first.

Translator: Parles-tu anglais George?

George: Quelques.

This led to the translator turning her head to Jayden. Giving him a small nod. Almost as if it was okay for him to attempt to communicate.

Jayden: Hey there man.

George: Bonjour Jayden!

Jayden: How are you hanging in there?

George: Fatiguée.

Jayden: Tired? I am sorry to hear that. Hope you don’t mind me stopping by. I got to Paris and I was told by a couple of people. You were a big fan of wrestling. Big fan of mine too from what I hear.

George: Yes! Been following your career.

Jayden: Eh, it ain’t much of one. I am still trying to find my footing. Trying to figure out what works. What doesn’t work. Got a lot of work to do still.

George: Soon. You’ll be a champion.

Jayden: I can only hope, but it’s not so easy. Excited for a big event to be happening in your hometown though? I don’t know how often SCW has even visited Paris before now.

George: Very excited. I waited for SCW event here in Paris. Long time now. My twin sister and I both.

Jayden: That’s awesome man. I’ve always wanted to compete here in Paris at least once. Kind of got this bucket list of my own of countries I want to wrestle in. This is crossing one off. But I know it is probably a bummer. You’re not going to get to be there in person on Sunday. I’d be willing to bet you and your sister are going to get together to at least watch it online right?

Silence immediately fell over their conversation. The sick boy kind of lowered his eyes some and he shook his head from side to side.

George: No. She is no longer with me.

Jayden: Aw. I am sorry to hear that.

George: Diagnosed with the same rare disease. Miss her daily. But she told me before she left. We’d be seeing each other soon.

Jayden: Soon? Nah man. You’ll see each other again one day, but not soon. I can tell you’re a fighter. I can tell you got one hell of a heart inside of you. You got the ability to overcome whatever the doctors told you. I can get that vibe out of you.

George: But My twin. We did everything together. We had big dreams together. Big goals for each other. I am very tired of fighting without her.

Jayden: You may have done everything together. It doesn’t mean that you have to give up your fight because she’s no longer here. I guarantee you, that’s not what she would have wanted for you at all.

For a moment. Jayden just shook his head. Not really believing what he was hearing. Not something that he himself was willing to even accept.

Jayden: You are still here. You got to live for yourself. You got to fight for yourself. You’ve got to overcome this for yourself. It’s okay to be selfish at times. Those dreams and goals of yours can still be accomplished. You’ll just have to do it on your own. It doesn’t mean you’re disrespecting her or her memory. It doesn’t mean you are forgetting about her. If anything you’re honoring her. And nothing would make her smile more as she’s looking down over you.

George: You really believe that?

Jayden: I do believe that. So, I’m telling you. As someone that you are a fan of and as someone that believes in the fighter you are. I want you to fight hard for yourself. I want you to start aiming to accomplish those goals and dreams. I want you to watch Into The Void this weekend and enjoy it just as much as you would if your sister was here. Because I am going to check back in before I leave. I want to hear what you thought of the show. I want to hear some progress with you. Do I make myself clear?

George: I understand. Merci Jayden! Merci!

Jayden: No need to thank me, dude. Thank you for being a fan and thank you for being an inspiration. You might not know it right now, but you are.

That smile was a little bigger and a little warmer on the child’s face. Jayden reached out with his hand. Leading to George doing the same with a small fist bump. From there Jayden and his translator walked back out of the room. The nurse just outside waiting for them to start walking them back down the hall.

Translator: What was that?

Jayden: What was what?

Translator: You’re out there giving that little boy false hope. He’s terminal Jayden. There is no coming back from this.

Jayden: I refuse to believe anything like that. Diseases suck. Cancer sucks. Yes, it claims lives. Lots of them every single year, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up. He shouldn’t give up. Damn sure shouldn’t give up just because his sister isn’t here anymore.

Translator: You don’t understand that a bond twins tend to share with each other. It’s a bond that normal siblings don’t even have with each other.

Jayden: You’re right. I don’t understand the bond. And I don’t care to understand it either. I’m dealing with that bullshit with my career. With an idiot that can’t think for himself all because of his sister. But this is real life. That kid needed someone to give him a dose of reality. He can do something for himself and it will be okay.

Translator: I still think you are missing the point and I don’t really think you had the right to infringe on that child’s relationship with his deceased sister.

Jayden: Believe what you want, but when that kid ends up overcoming all of this. Goes on to be a success story. I’ll know the decision I made was the right one.

Back out those doors the two of them went being led by that nurse. Jayden wasn’t one to back down from anything. It did not matter the situation. If he felt like he was right. If he feels like he was justified. He was going to make it clear that he wasn’t going to budge. And now more than ever he realized that he had people that actually looked up to him. So therefore he was going to be the hero that they needed. Even if some people felt like he was wrong.

---

Every bit of Jayden had felt busy since he had touched down. Media appearances. Meet and Greets. Signings. Press conferences. It all took up his time and when he did find a moment or two to spare. He found himself dedicating his craft in the gym like he always had. But today? Or rather tonight. Jayden was making time for himself. A nice bar just right down the street from the hotel. Didn’t look like it was a rowdy bunch. Nothing more than the old locals. That was do-able. Sitting there in the corner of the bar to himself. As the bartender approached him.

Bartender: Americana?

Jayden: Yes.

Bartender: You’re in luck. I know most english. What can I do for you?

Jayden: A double blackberry Mojito.

Bartender: Fancy fella huh? I’ll be right back.

There was a bit of a nod from Jayden as he acknowledged the bartender just before he walked away. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out his phone. All while hearing the bell to the bar’s entrant door ring directly behind him. Not paying much attention to the person that blew right by him and took their seat at the bar just a couple seats away. That was all until Jayden heard their voice. Couldn’t have been more noticeable.

??: Jack and coke. Keep them coming!

Placing his phone down on the bar. Jayden looked up in the direction of the voice. Sure enough sitting there at the bar with his back turned to Jayden was none other than his father. Jayden’s face just crippled with confusion.

Jayden: Dad?

His calling out forced the legendary wrestler to turn around. His own confused and shocked expression.

Michael: Jayden? What the hell are you doing here?

Jayden: I’m wrestling on Sunday. You already knew that... But the better question is what the hell are you doing in Paris at all?

Michael: Oh. Blair wanted to go on a shopping spree. But apparently it’s a surprise for me, so I came to get a drink or two while she finishes up.

Jayden: So you come to Paris?!

Michael: She’s a woman of taste and class. We’ve got the jet. We might as well use it.

Jayden: But Paris? For a shopping spree?!

Michael: Give it time, kid. You’re a newly wed. Won’t be long before Saraia is asking for things like this.

Jayden: The fuck she will.

Michael: Used to say the same thing at your age.

By then the bartender was sliding his father his drink. Before walking down to Jayden to hand over his. Michael snatched his glass off the bar and took a couple of steps towards Jayden to sit a little closer. Jayden was mid drink when he could hear the judgemental tone of his father.

Michael: You really think you should be consuming anything with alcohol in it this close to a big match, kid?

That glare in Jayden’s natural expression began to take shape a little more. Taking the glass away from his lips.

Jayden: That’s rich coming from a guy who was involved in the hayday of somas and steroids. Don’t really think you should be passing any kind of judgement onto me.

Michael: It’s not coming from a place of judgement. It’s coming from a place of concern for your career and everything you got riding on it.

Jayden: And we had this talk not that long ago when you tried to tell me I was not coming back after that bullshit with Alexander Raven. I’m a grown ass man. My career and the decisions I make around it are mine and mine only. I don’t need or want your input on any of it.

Michael: Fair enough, kid. You’re right. You are a grown man. Just not sure you’re making grown man decisions. If you feel the need to remind me what a grown man you are.

Sarcasm coming from the older Harris. Something that the both of them were very fluent in. All it did was make Jayden glare a little harder as his father took a sip from his drink.

Michael: But there is just one thing that I do want to say.

Jayden: Of course there is. Of-fucking-course there is.

Michael: Don’t get your panties in a bunch, kid.

Jayden: Spit it out. I really don’t want to spend the one moment I have to myself listening to you all night. It was bad enough listening to you every day for twenty years.

Michael: And one day when I’m not here anymore. You’re going to long for my words of wisdom and wish I was around to give it. But I don’t hold that against you son.

Taking another sip from his glass. He finally turned back to face Jayden looking his oldest son in the eyes. His usual harden expression was anything but that. Very soft and unlike him. That was enough to grab Jayden’s attention more.

Michael: All I want to say is. I see more and more of me in you. Each time you step through that curtain. Each promo you cut. Each move you hit in the ring. I’m proud of that, but what I am not proud of is how personal you take things. The same way I did. You obsess about it. You let it eat away at you. You let it fuel you, make you angry, and become a source of anger. That I am not proud to see. Not even in the slightest.

Jayden wanted to say something right then and there. It was his nature to just be stubborn and argumentative but something in him stopped him this time.

Michael: I wish I had someone tell me to not be that way. Because despite how well my career turned out. It could have been even better if I hadn’t made things personal with so many people. From friends to opponents to companies I worked for. It got me a reputation and now that I’m older. I wish I could take a lot of that back. But you are still young. You’re still learning. You can learn to stop that shit now.

Jayden: And what if I don’t want to? What if I like making it personal? What if I like crossing the line? What if I like the ‘heat’ that comes with it all?

Michael: Then twenty years later. You’ll be regretting most of it like I am. But I can’t make you do what you don’t want to do. Just promise me. You’ll think about it?

For a second the silence consumed both men. Jayden just looked at his father. Trying to get a read on the situation. But he finally nodded.

Jayden: I cannot make promises. Especially not with Vincent in my horizons. But I’ll consider it once this is all said and done.

Michael: All I can ask for.

A firm nod came from the older Harris. He picked up his glass and held it in his son’s direction. Jayden picked up his own and clicked it against his father’s. Both of them then indulged in their drink. Nothing left to be said. Michael had to let go and let his son be a man, but Jayden also had to understand he was always going to be his son. The circle of life.

---

In less than twenty four hours. Sin City Wrestling would find themselves invading Paris, Franche for Into The Void. It was all anyone was talking about and rightfully so. History was set to be made in a lot of ways. The cameras were rolling in to reveal the sun was just starting to set right there at the Seine River. Almost right away footsteps could be heard. Cameras panning out to reveal the Brat walking along the edge of the river. Taking in the sights. His voice being heard right away.

“ You know at just twenty three years old. I have already lost track of the amount of times I have been called a spitting image of my father. ”

His sneakers just kicked up the little bit of dirt right there along the edge of the river.

“ It hasn’t been just from people in the business. It hasn’t been just from people specifically in SCW. It has been from my close personal friends. It’s come from my family a lot more than others. Especially my mom. And for a long time it used to bother me. It used to get under my skin. Not because I felt like being compared to my father was an insult, but because I never had a desire to be Michael Harris Jr. No desire to be Michael Harris 2.0. Instead I wanted to be my own man. I wanted to be the first Jayden. That’s what I was after. ”

Jayden placed his hands inside the pockets of his basketball shorts. Finding himself coming to a stop on his journey. Looking out at the water in the river. The last bit of the sun’s reflection bouncing off of it. Creating quite the image.

“ But more and more in the last couple of weeks. I’ve began to understand why I got compared to my father so much. He wasn’t a man that let things go. He wasn’t a man that turned the other cheek when someone disrespected him. He wasn’t someone that walked away when someone insulted him. He wasn’t someone to give someone a free pass when they put their hands on him. My father made it personal with just about every person he ever shared the ring with. All qualities I see in myself.

I didn’t let the shit with J2H go. To the point it might have done more damage to my career long term than I even realize right now, but it didn’t matter. He disrespected me. He couldn’t go unpunished for that. I have not at any point in time forgiven Alexander Raven for the almost six months of my career that he cost me. There will come a time and a place where that sorry sack of shit gets what's coming to him. And then there is you, Vincent. You have been the bane of my existence for a good little while now. Ever since you cost me the one thing I wanted most. ”

There was that slight sound of annoyance in his voice.

“ Taking the chance to compete for the World Championship away from me was the worst thing you could have done, Vincent. The worst thing you could have done. And the shitty part about it all for you is you don’t even have a good legitimate reason for why you did it. I get it Vincent. You think you are some knight and shining armor to your sister. I get that you think you’re defending her honor over some bullshit I said. I get that you think this is going to be your way into heaven one day for showing loyalty to family. But like I said before. This is stupid.

I could have respected you more for what you did if you felt jaded about not being in the chamber. I could have understood more if you were pissed that you weren’t even given a chance to earn a shot at the chamber. I would have even gave you props if you said you wanted the World Championship more than I did. All of that would have been more legitimate than your sister getting her feelings hurt. Well, newsflash man. She’s a cunt that deserved whatever I said about her. Much like you are a big baby back bitch that deserves what’s coming to you. ”

He remained rocking back and forth on the heels of his sneakers. There was so much to say, but deep down. Words didn’t mean shit. He knew that. Vincent knew that. That’s why he preferred to throw hands, but there was still some time before that could happen.

“ And trust me. That’s not the only thing that I have latched onto. I’m not nearly as stupid as you have liked to imply that I am. Not even close. I’ve listened to your little warnings. About how I should have just taken what you did to me as a hint. Should have taken it on the chin like a man. Apologized and moved on from it. You talk about how big my ego is and how my ego is blinding me from making the right choices. Talking about how my ego has walked me right into this execution that you’re aiming to carry out against me.

All of that stuff is very amusing to me. For one, you carry yourself to be much-much bigger than you actually are. You talk like you’ve got years of experience under your name. You walk around here like you’ve dominated SCW inside and out. But the reality of it all is you’re nothing more than a rookie. A rookie out here making rookie mistakes. To which I can say that because I was once you. I was the rookie with a big mouth and acted like I ran the show. I’m still like that and some would even consider me a rookie still. Difference between us is that I'm far more talented.

I showed up on the scene here in Sin City Wrestling. I went after one of the biggest and baddest dogs in the yard. People might have their opinions about that, but the point is I did it. I held my own against that dog several times. I proved to not be the nepobaby that so many have tried to paint me as. On the other hand you show up here and you prove to be a nepobaby. Prove that you were signed because of your last time. You think you can just coast on by because of it. Can’t deny it when everything says that with just your first match in SCW. ”

Again, the man could just be seen shaking his head from side to side. Vincent did not impress Jayden. Not in the slightest and he had no problem letting that be known.

“ Nothing screams nepo baby more than your first match being for a championship contenders match. Nothing says Christian Underwood favors certain talent more than just handing out freebies like that. You got an easy win, and then was quickly smacked back down to reality when the Internet Champion. Proved to you without a shadow of a doubt that you weren’t on the level you thought you were. You get smacked down with ease. You get your ego crushed in a matter of minutes. You fail to deliver on a promise that you would become a champion in just your second match here. Yet, you’re expecting me to still feel threatened by you? You’re still expecting me to check my ego? You are expecting me to feel like I can’t beat you, just because you roughed me up real good one time? Man. Get the fuck out of my face with that bullshit! ”

Jayden simply just scoffed at the entire idea of it all.

“ Of course. You yourself are too damn dense to understand what I am saying. To even take into consideration that you don’t have what it takes to take me down. Which is why you are going on and on with all this talk about being this dark shadow that covers me. It’s why you keep talking about how this isn’t just a match. How this isn’t about wins or losses. And how this is meant to be the execution of me. Putting a permanent end to my existence around here. You believe all of your own hype. It’s got your chest all puffed out. You think you’re this second coming of Jesus Christ that has a hand in people’s lives. Cool story, bro.

But again. I am someone that lives in reality and I am someone that only deals with realistic situations. Everything you’re saying isn’t realistic. First and foremost. You’re not casting any dark shadow over me. If anything you’re someone that’s living in my shadow. Trying to find a way out of it. You see, because no matter if it's a good talk or a bad talk. People talk about me. They talk about what I am doing. I am a subject of conversation. Whereas you are only being talked about right now because of your association with me and this match. If it wasn’t for that, you wouldn’t be a person of subject.

No one would be talking about you. Hell, no one would really even care about you outside of your stupid sister. That’s just a fact. But I will say you are right. This isn't a match and while I kind of agree that it isn’t about wins and losses. You are however flatout wrong about this being a public execution of me. Instead Vincent. It’s a fight. A fight between two men. A fight between two men that in their own right are a little crazy. When a match becomes a fight. There’s nothing those individuals won’t do to hurt the other. I am aware of that. I embrace that. I look forward to that. More than most would. You might say you do. That is until I punch you right in the mouth. ”

His smirk was starting to take form on his expression. The more and more he thought about the things he was going to be able to do to the man once they got in the ring with each other. It was just a situation where Into The Void couldn’t come soon enough.

“ But as much as you want this to be my execution and my end of existence here. Like I said that’s not going to be the case. You don’t have that dog in you to make any of that happen. Not to mention far better men than you have tried. Only for them to fail. I’m one relistent bastard. And I admit that I am my own worst enemy when it comes to making choices that are actually good for me. I just can’t give up. I cannot stay down. It goes back to the start of this conversation. It’s not in my DNA to roll over and die. My old man didn’t. I’m not going to either. This is however for you... career suicide. ”

Finally, Jayden took his eyes off the water. Bringing them right to the cameras. The look in his eyes gave off the impression he was truly addressing Vincent.

“ It’s career suicide because the moment I defeat you. No one is ever going to look at you the same ever again. The moment that I prove to all of SCW that you were nothing but hot air all along. Not a single person is ever going to want to hear anything you have to say ever again. The very second that I prove that you’re not this bad ass that you think you are. No one is ever going to walk on egg-shells around you ever again. Instead when I walk away without a scratch on me, my head raised high, and a victory to my name. Everyone around here will just look at you as just another average joe.

Another Logan Hunter. Another Bill Barnhart. Hell, another Justin Smith. No one is going to have reason to fear you, pay attention to you, or believe that you can get anything done that you promised. You tried with me and you failed. So when you think about it Vincent. In reality, maybe just maybe. The biggest mistake you ever made was defending your sister’s honor. Maybe just maybe making me a target was by far the most foolish thing you could have ever done. Maybe just maybe you should do the right thing and save yourself from embarrassment. Save yourself from this career suicide. There’s still time. All you have to do is not show up. ”

Another simple shrug left the shoulders of the man they called the Brat.

“ The choice is yours, Vincent. I can’t make it for you. Your sister can’t make it for you. This company can’t make it for you. It’s all up to you and what you decide to do in the end. As for me though? You don’t need to worry. I’ll be prepared either way. I will be the Moment Maker. I’ve always been. I’ll be the man that lives up to his own hype. And I’ll be the man that puts your fucking career six feet under if that’s what has to be done! ”

Everything about the look in Jayden’s eyes said he believed everything that he said. There was no getting through to him and it would be a hill he died on. Only time would tell whether or not the man turned out to be right. That being said Jayden turned his back on the cameras starting to walk back down the edge of that river in which he came. The cameras slowly fade back out. Leaving the entire SCW Universe wondering what would actually happen when two men considered to be the future clashed.

---

With the cameras finding themselves rolling inside of what appeared to be a toy store. It took no time at all to reveal a very familiar figure for the faithful of SCW. The shaggy hair was a dead give away. Jayden found himself walking down the aisle. Seemingly just eyeing over the action figures in front of him. Reaching forward a couple of seconds later and taking one off the shelf. Holding it in his hands just looking at it. About that time he could be heard speaking.

“ In wrestling. There’s two types of fans that exist. There are just your typical fans. Fans that are somewhat normal. They come to shows. They buy your merchandise. They cheer or boo for you. They are typically respectful if they see you out and about. They come to the meet and greets for the sheer excitement of being able to meet you. Typical behavior for fandom. But then there’s the other type of fans. They are what we call the ‘Marks’ of the business. ”

His facial expressions said everything it needed to when it came to the ‘marks’ that he was referring to. Jayden took that actual figure that he had in his hand and revealed it to the cameras off to the side.[/fomt]


A close up of the cameras getting a good look at that action figure. It was pretty much a spitting image of a particular person. It shouldn’t have been hard to connect those dots. Jayden finally giving the cameras proper attention. With his gaze narrowing a little at them.

“ They are typically the most vile creatures to ever exist on planet earth. No common sense to them whatsoever. You know the ones that live in their mother’s basement. The ones that look like they don’t shower. The ones that run a wrestling podcast or blog to give their opinions because no one will bring them on to hear them.The ones that think they know better than the actual wrestlers themselves. The ones that think they can run their mouth. Be disrespectful and believe there are no consequences for the actions. And the ones that think they are so knowledgeable that they ruin our business that much more when they try to be wrestlers themselves. ”

Without seemingly a care in the world. He tossed that actual figure back down on the rack where he had found it. Jayden started to walk away from the aisle. Forcing the camera crew to stay out in front of him to catch every word that came from him.

“ You are one of those people, Troll. As a matter of fact. You fit everything I just said to a tee. You are a fat slob that lives in your mom’s basement. You are someone that doesn’t bathe on a regular occurrence.  You are someone that rants on the internet about professional wrestling. You are disrespectful every chance you get and believe there are no consequences for your actions. And you are a mark that has entered our business. Got no credible source for who trained you. Got this wrapped mindset that you are better than what you are. You have no place in our business, but think you do. Yet, if we were to be honest with ourselves here, Troll. That’s kind of the point of all of this isn't it? ”

Jayden’s eyebrow raised up for a brief moment.

“ You are what your name says. You’re a giant troll. A walking talking meme. You just get some much amusement out of all the bullshit you say and do. All of which you don’t care if it amuses anyone else. You don’t care how many people you upset, offend, or even piss off..Simply all that matters is yourself in this delusional world that you have created in your head. That’s fine that you want to be that way, but the thing that you don’t understand about this week compared to all the other times. I’m not like the others. I’m not going to entertain your bullshit. I’m not going to buy in. I’m not going to make you appear bigger than you are. There is simply no reason to see you as a threat.

Despite what your delusion tells you. You’re nothing more than a punching bag. You fall right in alignment with the Justin Smiths, the Logan Hunters, and the Bill Barnharts of the roster. Yet somehow-someway you’re much worse than those three men. Of course you don’t believe that. Anything and everything I am saying right now is going in one ear and out the other. That’s just who are you, but I can tell you right now. I am a man of my word as well. When I say I’m not going to buy into the bullshit. I mean that whole heartedly. I am going to treat this match as it is. It’s a joke of a match. Just something for me to do. A situation where I can rough someone up and blow off some steam. ”

For a brief moment there was a smirk plastered on Jayden’s lips. If anything that was a sign to the fans that this was something that he had been thinking about. And maybe in a way it was something that he had been waiting for.

“ The moment that bell rings. You’re in for a world of trouble. You’re nothing more than prey and I’m not going to stop until I have quenced my hunger. From one side of the ring to the other. You’re going to be tossed over and over again. Giving the SCW fans some amusement watching your humpty dumpty ass bounce off the mat time and time again each time you get tossed. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, Troll.
Wait until the fists start flying.

I’ve got a feeling that your face is just going to cave in like hamburger meat the first time I connect with it. Which to be fair. Isn’t the end of the world by any means. Punching it in a few times. Making sure you can’t speak again and making sure you’re unrecognizable. Well that just benefits everyone else.  Now the only thing that you can look forward to in all of this is the fact. I will eventually get bored of tossing you around the ring.

I will eventually get bored with punching you in the face over and over again. Eventually, staining my hands and the mat with your blood will no longer amuse me. Leaving me with the option of putting you out of your misery. All by locking my arms around that triple chin of yours and squeezing with everything I have. Every last bit of strength and force I can muster up. Feeling you fight for those last couple of breaths in my arms.

Listening to you gasp and choke for that air that you are being deprived of. All the way down to the moment you go limp and are no longer with us anymore. That will be a job well done. That will be a time where we can all rejoice.No longer will we have to listen to your idiotic comments. No longer will anyone have to smell you as you walk past them in the locker room.  No more will our fans be subjected to seeing the awful sight of your body shape and wrestling.

No more of anyone being forced to ever deal with you again. I would tell you to make sure your mom picks out a nice sharp suit for your funeral. But there aren’t caskets big enough for you. Might as well just take your lifeless body when this is all said and done. Dump it in the sea somewhere. If that makes me an asshole. If it seems like I’m crossing a line. If it offends. Oh fucking well. I am done with letting people think they can disrespect me and the business I work hard to be in. You had this coming, Troll. ”

Jayden just let a shrug escape his shoulders. His expression on his face helped further prove his point. There didn’t appear to be any guilt or remorse for the way he had put things. By then he approached the door of that toy shop and found himself walking out towards the sidewalk.

“ It’s just a shame that you’re not going to be able to survive in order to learn a valuable lesson. Lessons that others should have taught you before it ever got to this point, Troll. But that’s not my problem, what others didn’t do in the past. All I know is that you are being thrown in my path of destruction. I want to cause another man. Because you’re being thrown in my direction. That officially makes you my problem and seeing as you’re now my problem. There’s only one way to solve it which is to do everything I have mentioned. Well it’s either that or you for once. Don’t listen to the delusions in your head.

For once don’t listen to the three fans you might have on that wrestling blog. For once don’t listen to your disgusting foul mother and her lies that she has fed you for years. Instead listen to what I am telling you. Listen to the voice of reason. Listen to what would be best for you. Simply crawl into a hole and hide. Do not show up for this week’s match. Do not be anywhere near the building on Sunday. You do that. You get to survive. You get to live another day. But you can do what I think you are going to do. You can do what I believe you will do. You can be foolish. Ignore the warning signs and get slaughtered like the pig you are. ”

Once again a shrug left the man’s shoulders. He was so nonchalant about the way he was going about things. Further proving the point that he was very much over the lack of respect. As well as highlighting just exactly how things were going to be with him going forward. Might be a situation where he falls out of favor with those ‘fans’ that have been on his side as of late.

“ And for you, Vincent. I hope that you’ve got time to take a second to watch this match between Troll and I. I’m more than aware that you got your hands full with the King of Gaslighting and the fakest ‘Good Guy’ to ever exist. Isn’t it kind of funny, he had all this time to challenge you. Had all this time to make you quote pay for what you did at Blaze of Glory. All this time in the world to prove what he has been trying to say about this entire situation. Yet, he doesn’t challenge you. No match is made until suddenly I’m back and in the fold of things.

Once again proves my point about Carter. He can’t stand not having the spotlight on him. Can’t stand not being the center of attention. Has to leach to me and find a way try to force himself into my spotlight. Just so people will talk about him. Cause no one gives a shit about that chamber win now that I exposed him. Regardless, before you get in the ring with that clown. I hope you catch the match. I want you to see what the future awaits for you at Into The Void. I want you to see how far I am willing to go. I want you to see what blood does to me when I am the cause of it.

I want you to see firsthand the type of carnage that I am willing to cause. For the sake of sending a message. For the sake of winning a match that essentially doesn’t mean anything at the end of the day. I want you to see how easy it is going to be for me to dismember a man that I don’t have an intense hatred for. Not the way that I hate you. That way the thought can creep into your mind. If I’m willing to do that to someone with no true hatred for. No ill will with. Then what exactly am I going to be willing to do to you in a few weeks time. Troll’s ending is coming on Sunday, but yours isn’t that far behind. ”

The was only one word to describe the look in Jayden’s eyes at that moment. Intense. Something that was seen when he came back and brawled with Vincent. Something that was seen in the promo he cut a week prior at Climax Control. And something that was seen at this exact moment. He seemed to finally reach his breaking point and was airing it all out. Those eyes of his remained on the cameras as he spoke once again.

“ For far too long I have put handcuffs on myself for the benefit of ours. For far too long I have sabotaged myself and my own goals. For the sake of ‘pleasing’ others. For far too long the limelight has been allowed to be on others. All for the sake of their ego not being crushed and no crying could be heard. No longer am I going to hold myself back. Troll, You are just causality. A message to be seen to Vincent and a message to be sent to the rest of the SCW roster on what’s to come in the very near future! ”

Following those words. Jayden just reached behind him and grabbed a hold of the hood to the hoodie he was wearing. Pulling it up over his head and turned away from the cameras to start walking away. His words were simple. Straight and to the point. Could be considered haunting. Only a matter of time to see whether or not he could back them up against the biggest joke to ever roam the SCW halls. With the man getting further and further away from the cameras they finally faded back out.

---

Everything was pitch black. My head was throbbing. The rest of my body just felt numb.

And to top it all off. I could feel the deafening silence from shock from every single fan that was sitting in that building that very moment. This was odd. This was very odd. Unlike anything I had ever felt before and for everything to be so silent. That was making me worry on top of all the physical feeling.

Despite how bad my head was throbbing. I tried to open my eyes, but for some reason I couldn’t. That was odd. Okay, the next thing to do was get up right? I could literally feel myself internally doing the sitting up motion. Yet, I didn’t physically move at all. The sheer panic was really starting to settle in. All of the sudden I could feel a couple pairs of hands grip a hold of me.

EMT: Jayden? Jayden? Can you hear me?

Yes...

But that word didn’t actually come out of my mouth. Again, just like the moment before. I could internally feel myself speaking it and moving my lips. Yet the actual movement didn’t happen at all. There was no actual speech.

EMT: Come on Jayden. If you can hear me, squeeze my hand.

Right then, I felt whomever was talking to me grab a hold of my hand. Holding it gently and again I tried. I really tried to squeeze his hand. As much as it felt like I was doing it internally. Nothing was happening. This instantly made that growing numb feeling intensify. Something was terribly terribly wrong, but I just didn’t know what it was.

EMT: I need a gurney right now! We need to get him to the hospital!

The sheer panic in that man’s voice did not help me. It did not help the nerves or any of the thoughts that were running through my head. That’s when I could feel hands gently lifting me up and putting me on this flat surface. The shifting of the gurney being pushed felt soon after. It was difficult to make sense of this. One minute. I was closing in on becoming the Roulette Champion. The next minute I was in this state. Did they do what they said? Did they finally put an end to me?!

This seemed like that’s where it was heading and I couldn’t stop it.

---

Sitting at the end of the bed was his gear bag. In Jayden’s hands were the brand spanking new tights he had ordered specifically for Blaze of Glory. Tossing them down in the bag and turning himself back around to the closest where he grabbed a hold of his white wrestling boots that sat on the floor. Picking them up by the laces and turning them back around to put them in the bag. As he was doing so he heard the one of like five words his daughter new.

AMARISSA: Dad! Dad! Dad!

It made him look up. Standing there in the doorway with his daughter on her hip was the woman he was set to marry. These days there was a lot more to smile about for him. A new outlook on life. Even if the same toxic energy between him and Saraia was there. Likely something that would never go away. He approached them. A soft kiss to Saraia’s lips, before extending his hands out towards his daughter. Right away she flung herself towards him. Jayden holding her up right. Her tiny hands around his neck. Saraia looked up at him with some uncertainty in her eyes.

JAYDEN: What’s wrong with you?

SARAIA: Nothing.

JAYDEN: Bullshit. I said what’s wrong with you.

SARAIA: It’s not worth the argument that’s going to come.

JAYDEN: And we’re about to have an argument if you don’t start speaking.

SARAIA: Yet, you say I’m the one always itching for a fight.

JAYDEN: What the hell is it? I am not going to play the guessing game.

There was a slight narrow in his eyes. Saraia looked right back at him as she rolled her own. She was actively trying to avoid an issue for once, but yet he wanted to push it.

SARAIA: I’m worried.

JAYDEN: Worried? Worried about what?

SARAIA: Look, we’ve had the fight about you going back to wrestling. I lost that fight. I hate it, but I lost and there isn’t anything I can do about it. But... but this cage thing?

JAYDEN: It’s called an Elimination Chamber.

SARAIA: Whatever. It’s dangerous, Jayden. I have this unsettling feeling in my gut. Something bad is going to happen. And I can’t shake that feeling. It kept me up at night. It’s making me sick to my stomach.

JAYDEN: You’re overthinking it. Nothing is going to happen.

Shaking his head. Still holding onto his daughter, he walked back over to where his bag was and with one hand. He was starting to close his bag with his free hand and zip it up. Saraia just kind of glaring in his direction.

SARAIA: You said the same thing back in September. You said those three men were dead men walking and there was nothing they could do to you to put down. Then I had to watch you lay in a hospital bed. Connected to tubes. I had to hope and pray you made it through risky surgery.

JAYDEN: Saraia...

SARAIA: No, shut up and listen to me this time out. I had to watch you struggle to sit up. I had to watch you learn how to relearn how to talk. I had to watch you go through speech therapy. I had to watch you struggle to do the most basic of things. Including what you’re doing right this moment.

She pointed at him holding their child in his hands.

SARAIA: I watched how hard it was for you to go through all those struggles, but being the fighter that you are. You made it work. You got back to your old self. You were hell bent on revenge, destruction, and I’d like to assume love for at least your family. It all worked out despite there being doubts that it would. But then I see what you’re about to do and it scares the shit out of me. Especially with you know who in the match. I can’t even begin to imagine watching anything happen to you again. Or even worse where it’s going to lead to me having to plan your funeral. I’m terrified Jayden. More than I have ever been in my life for your well being.

There was shakiness in her voice. Jayden could see the tears starting to form in her eyes. Saraia wasn’t an emotional person. Very much like him. So to see this side of her. It pulled at his heart strings a little bit. Right then he walked over towards her. He wrapped his arm around her. Keeping Amarissa balanced in the other. Saraia burying her head in his chest. Finally letting it all out.

JAYDEN: This is all going to end soon. I’m going to come back home. I’m going to be in one piece. I’m going to survive. Trust me. Just trust me this one last time. I fucking promise!

For the first time it clicked for him. This was truly bigger than him. He had a family of his own to protect and to put first. He knew that it affected them, but didn’t know how much until this very moment. Squeezing her a little tighter. Feeling her cry into his chest. He had to be a man of his word. It truly had to end and he had to come back home in one piece. Not for him, but for them!

---

The cameras found themselves rolling in right then and there. As soon as they did they were instantly revealed to be inside the put together chamber. Right there in the empty TCC Arena. There was a slow plan for the cameras. Showing each individual pod that four men would be lucky enough to find themselves in. Along with revealing the steel chain. The metal grates of the chamber. A close up shot of some bolts that had been welded together for this thing to be complete. It was every bit as dangerous as people said it would be. As the cameras came back around there was Jayden Harris walking through the entrance of the Chamber.

“ This is it huh? This is the Elimination Chamber? ”

Jayden walked right to the ring ropes inside that chamber as those words came out of his mouth. He pushed down on the middle ropes of the ring to climb inside. finding himself taking the center of the ring and looking around the chamber for a second. Seemingly taking it all in.

“ This is the Chamber in all its glory. Every bit of sixteen feet high. Every bit of thirty six feet in diameter. The two miles of steel chain. Every bolt, every bit of metal, every bit of glass used for those pods, and everything in between puts this at over ten tons in weight. There’s no denying that this is one of the most dangerous structures to ever be conceptualized in the professional wrestling business. Not exactly something I ever thought I would find myself competing in, but yet here I am set to do so in one week’s time. Sharing the ring inside this demonic structure with six other men. All seven of us are fighting for the chance to get a shot at the World Heavyweight Champion. Well... they’re fighting for the shot. I’m personally fighting for something else. ”

For a brief moment Jayden took a stroll around that ring. Taking in the sights of this structure a little more. Based on who he was, how he was trained, and how he grew up in this business. A structure like this didn’t scare him. He was willing to take on head on, but the reality was. None of them were going to leave this structure the same ever again. That’s the type of toll it would have on them. His words starting to be heard again.

“ What I am fighting for is proving that I belong here. You see there’s no denying that I am one arrogant prick. I have said it before and I’ll say it again. I know there is going to come a day where I become the SCW World Champion. Whether it’s a month from now or six months from now. There’s no denying that it will happen. I have the skill to do that. But the problem lies right now is every single person in this match has discredited me in one way or another. Sometimes it was done intentionally. Sometimes it was done unintentionally. Sometimes it was a flat out sneak diss. Other times it was to my face. Fact of the matter is they did it and I hold grudges like a motherfucker. As you’ve all already seen.

You know there’s only so many times I can hear someone say that I don’t belong. Only so many times that I can look past someone that disrespects me by saying that I’m not a threat. There’s only so many times I can let someone sit there and pretty much tell me to my face. That I am too hot headed, too short sighted, and don’t have half the talent that my old man had to make things go the way I wanted. And that’s just some of the things you cocksuckers have alluded to or said about me. See, the problem with the six of you are. You share the same mindset in the sense that you think you don’t have to have consequences for your actions or your words. But you’re about to find out that’s not true. ”

Bringing himself all the way back around to the middle of the ring. Jayden let his eyes fall right back to the little red light to the recording camera.

“ That brings me, Bill Barnhart and Senor Vinnie. Can’t even believe that I actually have to waste my time addressing either one of you. Hell, it blows my mind that the two of you even managed to weasel your way into this match. But then again when you’re set up to win with qualifying matches against the likes of Justin Smith and Felix Hernendez. I guess this is what happens. All about being ‘fair’ and giving the folks that would usually just get beat down every week a chance. Now normally with a match against the two of you. I wouldn’t have much to say considering I already know what the outcome is going to be, but the two of you have really gotten comfortable with disrespecting me. I do not know why either.

For starters Bill. You’ve more or less acted as if I don’t exist. You’ve acted as if I am just a fly on the wall. You have actively avoided saying my name in a couple different situations. But you’re quick to slob all over J2H’s knob. You’re quick to talk about what a competitor Carter is. But you can’t acknowledge me. Dawg, I have been a year now and in one year's time. I’ve managed to become more relevant than you’ve ever been with your what like eight or nine years here? That’s saying something considering everyone likes to base success on title reigns. I’ve had zero. Whereas you’ve lucked yourself into a few throughout time. But still I’m more relevant than you. I’m more talked about than you.

I have more significance and stock around here than you do. But yet, you want to act like I don’t exist and carry yourself like you’re better than me. If you’re basing it off a few weeks ago when you happen to be the last man to make a quote impact in that little freefall. I can tell you right now. You’re putting too much hype behind that. You were the last one out there cause it took your fat ass that long to get out of catering. Not to mention everyone has already looked past you. So excuse us for forgetting about you like we always do and it allowed you to have your only moment in the sun you’ll ever have throughout the rest of two thousand twenty five. Man, it’s going to be fun punching in the hamburger meat you call a face!

And Vinnie. It seems like you’ve learned nothing since our last encounter a few weeks ago. You’re still about these cheesy little jokes that only make sense to your little group. It seems you still have this delusion that you’re somehow better than me. That you’re more important than me and that you’re going to eventually beat me. I would have thought after punching you over and over and over again a few weeks ago. I would have actually gotten through to you. But that’s my bad. That’s what I get for thinking I could actually get through to you. That’s my fault for thinking that someone with clear CTE would actually for once be a sane human being.

At this point you’re making Antino Brown seem like the next great hope based on how you act and think. But even addressing you right now is a waste of my time. For it’s going to go in one ear and out the other. However, just like a few weeks ago. I’m not going to let the disrespect slide. I’m not going to allow you to keep thinking you can say whatever you want about me and let you think you can get away with it. No, the moment I see you in this Chamber. I’m going to punch you square in the mouth again and put a complete stop to your little dream of getting a shot at the World Champion. As a matter of fact Bill and Vinnie. It’ll be fun seeing to it that you’re the first two eliminated. You fucks just dont stand a chance! ”

There was a slight little smirk that crossed his lips at that moment. Letting it be known that he was going to take some pride in hurting those two men when the Chamber rolled around. Even if they didn’t think it was possible. They were in for a very rude awakening.

“ Miles Kasey and Eddie Lyons. Two men that I’ve heard talked about time and time again. Two men that have been slated as the future of this company. Two men that have been called future World Champions on more than one occasion. And two men that always. I mean always end up standing in their own way which is why they’re not as successful as everyone has said they will be. That’s something that happens all the time in this business. People have all the hype, but can’t actually produce.

Now you know prior to a few weeks ago. I didn’t really have that much of an issue with you, Miles. At that point I just saw you as overhyped. But the issue we have between us now started with that tag match. I knew the moment you were saddled up as my tag partner I was going to have to do all the heavy lifting. I knew right then and there it was going to be up to me to drag your ass across the finish line. However at the same time, I knew we were going to lose.

I knew the moment it was in your hands. You’d drop the ball. That’s exactly what you did. And even though I knew that. Even though I saw it coming. It wasn’t the loss that pissed me off. It was the way you carried yourself after the match. It was the way you tried to pass judgement on me for being so serious about this business. About the wins and the losses. It was how you made it seem like failure was going to happen and it should be acceptable. You wanted me to be just like you. A fucking nobody.

You couldn’t beat my dad when he was World Champion. You could barely even get into contention for the World Championship following that. You thought that turning your back on Finn was going to somehow give you this edge and make you a certified Main Event player. Only for you to get chewed up and spit out. Then you go right back into just floundering around or as you put it ‘biding your time’ until another shot came along. And you somehow think you are more deserving than me.

You think you’re better than me. You get a win over Logan Hunter to get into this match and suddenly you think you’re the second coming of jesus. Miles, when are you actually going to wake the fuck up and realize you are at best mediocre? You are never going to get out of the position you are in. You’re never going to be World Champion. In fact you’ll probably never be champion around here again. You can’t even cut the mustard in the Roulette Division. Since you are big on not taking things seriously. Just keep that same mindset and accept you are just a punching bag for us in the Chamber.

And speaking of the Roulette Division. Hey Eddie. Don’t you think that’s where you should reduce yourself again? At least there you have some real significance. In that division you can highlight those above mediocre skills. At least there you actually have a chance at being the champion. But this obsession you have for the World Championship. This obsession that you have for Finn Whelan. It’s kind of sad. We all already seen how that story played out once. You gave Finn your ‘best’ and he took it on the chin.

It didn’t phase him. Then he did what he’s done with everyone else thus far. He folded you on your neck and sent you on your merry way with another loss added to your name. Something you can’t seem to get past, but I can see why it happened. I finally got the chance to get in the ring with you a few weeks ago. Heading into that match. There was mutual respect. We both know what it's like to come from a wrestling family and have all that pressure on us. I was excited to see what you had after all I’ve heard.

Only for you to show your true colors. You want to act like you can compete on my level. You want to talk about putting on a great match. You want to talk about testing each other, but what did you do in that match Eddie? Hmmm... You were okay with your shitastic partner having the shit stain known as Bea distract the referee. You were okay watching a legal tag be made, but then the call be reversed because of that distraction. And you were okay with targeting the weak link of my team in order to secure a victory. You took the cheapest fucking way out possible.

That very moment you exposed yourself to me. You don’t want a challenge. You don’t want anyone to be your equal. You don’t want to be about respect or anything like that. Instead everything you’ve been saying you are or preaching about has been a lie. You’re nothing more than a fraud. Eddie. You’re just looking for the faster route to Finn. That doesn’t require you having to try very hard to get there. And if that’s the type of bitch made competitor you’re truly going to be.

Then you’ll never even come close to sniffing a shot at the World Championship again. I’ll make it my personal mission to make sure it doesn’t ever happen. It’s going to start with seeing me in the Elimination Chamber. I hope you’re the third man that starts this match off with J2H. That way I get a chance to start beating both of your asses right out the gate. Trust me when I tell you, Eddie. You made a fatal mistake in exposing yourself for who you really are. This isn’t going to be the walk in the park you’re looking for. And you’re about to get sent packing just like Finn did you once before. ”

That look in Jayden’s eye said more than enough. Deep within him there was a growing hatred for the two men he had just mentioned. From then he took a few steps forward and allowed himself to lean against the ropes.

“ As much as it pains me to say this. It leaves me with just two men left and the only two men that are an actual threat to me. J2H and Helluva Bottom Carter... now as I said moments ago. All the men in this match have disrespected me in one way or another.  There’s really no point in rehashing everything that James has done to me. We’ve talked about it far too many times now. But you Carter, the way you’ve disrespected me that’s something that has to be addressed. Right now you’re probably clueless. You’re probably wondering what you have done to disrespect me. And no, it isn’t for that blinding attack a few weeks ago. Your disrespect has everything to do with your lack of success.

You’re one of those people that others have called a future main event. You’re one of those people that others have said is a future World Champion. You’re one of those people that people have even said is one day a Future Hall of Famer here in Sin City Wrestling. And, you’re the only one that I would agree with. Well. I would agree with that if it wasn’t for all the other outside factors. I know this is a sensitive subject for you. Since you know all these ‘couch quarterbacks’ as you once called them, bringing it up. But you are still till this day the only other man to beat my father whose name isn’t J2H. Regardless of how the win came about. You still pinned his shoulders to the mat.

That was meant to launch you to the next level. It was meant to make you everything that these people have said that you are. But it didn’t happen and I’m not going to say it’s because of the other reasons others have said. I am however going to call you out and say the reason it didn’t happen is because you have intentionally held yourself back. I do not buy the bullshit for one second that you quote did try and it didn’t work out. No, the Carter I saw versus my father and the Carter I have seen in some of these other matches against some of these people that couldn’t hold a candle to my old man. They are two different people. You are letting them beat you. You are letting them take advantage of you.

You are letting them have everything you should have. The only thing about all of this is... I don’t know why you are doing it. I don’t know why you are holding yourself back. Are you really that afraid of being the champion? Are you really that scared of being the face of this company? Are you really that terrified of putting this company on your back? Because that’s what it seems and if that’s the fucking case. Stop wasting everyone’s fucking time. Leave Sin City Wrestling. Leave the wrestling business. Never look back, because I am fed up with seeing you take and take and take when it comes to opportunities but be too much of a bitch to make the most of them!

James... you and I have been down this road far too many times now. It all started in a parking lot over two years ago. You have done some of the grimiest, most underhanded things you can do to me. You have spit in my face. You have attacked me from behind. You have beaten me and you have been the one person that I cannot get past to get to where I want to be. All of it lines up with disrespect, but I can look past all of that for a great competitor and having an arch rival. But the reason I hate you. The reason I pray for your fucking death is because of what you did to me. You crossed a line in the worst way six months ago when you actually tried to kill me.

It went beyond wrestling. It crossed over into affecting my family. My Fiancée. My daughter. My father. My mother. My sister. Everyone around me. And you were proud of it. There was no remorse whatsoever. Yet you have the balls when I finally am able to come back to cry like a little bitch. To say that you’ve moved past me. To say I am not on your level. To say you are focused on the World Championship. You have truly lost your fucking mind if you thought you could do what you did and not pay for it. But, then again what else can I expect? We have talked about this before. The only thing that matters to you is the limelight. The only thing that motivates you is that World Championship.

It’s the only thing to get you to come out of hiding when you decide to disappear for months upon months at a time. But, you timing couldn’t be any more poor this time out. Choosing to come back for the championship now. Choosing to go after what you claim is yours when you got the biggest target on your back was the stupidest thing you could ever do. Especially when you already know. The two of us cannot coexist in this company at the same time. So you need to understand. As much as you want that championship back around your waist. I want your head off your shoulders and mounted to my wall. And nothing, I mean nothing is going to stop me from making that happen. Your ass is mine one way or the other! ”

His voice had gotten just a little louder. Every word that he had spoke with had anger in it. Jayden meant everything he said and then some. This was going to be an all out war between those two.

“ I nearly had my career and life taken from me. Yet, you still wanna play with my name and disrespect me. There’s some lessons to really be learned here gentlemen. Regardless of what you might think. I belong in Sin City Wrestling. I belong in the main event. I belong at the top of the food chain. Truth be told, I belong here a whole hell of a lot more than others do. And after I go through six other men. One by one. Leave them stacked up on top of each other. Body after body. And I walk out of this thing the winner. Never again will anyone be able to deny yours truly. For, I am Jayden Harris and I was BORN better than ALL of you! ”

As soon as those words fell from his lips. Jayden found himself swinging his leg right back over the ropes and climbing out of the ring. Walking across the metal flooring to the door of the chamber and stepping out of it. That image of him walking out right then with his head high. It was the same image he was hoping to leave people with in one week’s time. No matter what happened or who won. The one thing that was for sure is those seven men were about to make history!

---

Sitting right there in front of his laptop with her wide open. Jayden’s eyes were fixed on the screen. A video was coming to an end on said laptop. A video that just so happened to involve the former one-time SCW Heavyweight Champion, Senor Vinnie. Instantly the man found himself bringing his hands to his temples and rubbing them with his eyes closed.

JAYDEN: What kind of ret---

Before he could even finish the statement he was going to make. He found himself being cut off. By the voice of his sister who just happened to be walking through the room holding his daughter.

MIKHALIA: Jayden! It’s twenty twenty five. You cannot say words like that.

JAYDEN: It’s not my fault he’s clearly mentally challenged.

MIKHALIA: That you can say. The other word you cannot. Be more respectful of people.

JAYDEN: That thing... that thing I just saw. That doesn’t deserve respect. It should be put down via lethal injection.

MIKHALIA: Wow! Can you tell me how people are cheering for someone like you? You’re such an asshole.

JAYDEN: Way to be a role model. Calling me names in front of my daughter.

He found himself standing up from where he was sitting. Grabbing a hold of his phone off the desk next to his laptop and turning towards his sister. By now she had put his daughter Amarissa down on the floor. Sitting there with her playing with one of her stuffies.

JAYDEN: Look, I am proud of who I am. Don’t plan on changing for anyone or anything. Especially not some bullshit ass woke or cancel culture.

MIKHALIA: Whatever you say Jayden. One of these days it’s going to come back to get you.

JAYDEN: And I’ll handle it when it does. Anyway, can you do me a favor and watch her for just a few minutes longer?

MIKHALIA: Sure.

Following her response. Jayden found himself walking through the living room area bypassing the two of them. Going up to the two sliding glass doors that led to his backyard. Pulling it open long enough to step out and then closing the door behind him. Thankfully around this time of year the New Orleans weather was starting to get nice out. Sun beaming down made things warmer where he stood right in the direct sunlight. With his phone in hand, he opened it up, and pulled up his camera app. Flipping to the video and instantly pressing the red record button.

“ Strange Bedfellows Tag Match...

Can’t say that it’s something I saw coming, but then again I didn’t exactly expect everything to play out the way it did last week either. I’m starting to learn to become a little more chill and roll with the punches as they come. So as much as I wanted that win against James. In the end I still got a chance to be in the Elimination Chamber. That is a win in itself. So now that it’s official. The powers that be want to shake things up and create some drama heading into this thing.

And it’s decided this week a Strange Bedfellows Tag Match will take place. Miles Kasey and I will be forced to lean on each other. While on the other side of the ring Eddie Lyons and Senor Vinnie will be forced to do the same thing. Now, ya boy is going to keep it a hundred with you. I know about Eddie and trust me. There’s going to come a time and place where I say what I need to say about you. But I had no fucking clue who Senor Vinnie was. I had to go do a little bit of research. ”

In doing so the very first word that came to mine was apparently going to be enough to want to have the cancel culture folks beating down my door. So, I’ll just say in doing my research. I have discovered that you are a very ‘interesting’ fella to say the very least Vinnie. To be fair I don’t know if you are actually a mentally disabled person. Which whatever, all for being all inclusive or shit I guess. It’s either that or the shit you say and do. You genuinely find it to be the funniest shit known to man.

I don’t find it amusing. I don’t find how anyone else finds it amusing. As a matter of fact I feel like comedy greats like George Carlin, Bernie Mac, and Robin Williams would be rolling in their graves right now if they knew that you called that comedy and it actually got laughs. As I watched all of this unfold with my research. I honestly thought you were just another Justin Smith. Just on a different end of the spectrum. Which was blowing my mind in trying to figure out how the hell you qualified for the chamber.

Then that’s when it hit me like a ton of bricks. Your goofy ass has somehow someway managed to win the World Heavyweight Championship in the past. I do not know how that is possible. I do not know how you got yourself in that position. Maybe promos aside. You’re just one of the baddest men to ever step inside a squared circle. I don’t see how, but there’s a chance I could be wrong. I guess I’ll find out soon enough. But the point is you have held the championship before.

And much to my even bigger surprise. It wasn’t just a hold it for a week situation. It wasn’t a hold it for a month situation. It wasn’t a hold it till you actually defended it for the first time situation. No you managed to hold that championship from August of 2019 to December of 2019. Almost a full for months of Senor Vinnie Mania running wild around here. I don’t know how many times you defended the title during that run. I don’t know the actual caliber of contenders you had.

To be quite honest. It doesn’t even matter if I did or didn’t know those situations. The main fact remains that you have been the King of the Mountain once around here. One more time than I ever have been. So based on that I have to give you a little bit of respect. A little bit of credit where credit is due. I will acknowledge what you have done which is more than some people will do. However, I will warn you. That going into this match. It’s time to pull your head out of your ass and put the comedy shit aside.

See. Standing across the ring from me. You need to be all seriousness and all business. My father gave everything he ever had to this business. Lots and lots of sacrifices made. To the point that when I said I wanted to follow in his footsteps. He made it very clear to me. I had to be just as good or better than him or get the hell out of his business and stay out of it. There was no time to play around. No time to be funny. No time to crack jokes. It was only time to buckle down, get good at the basics, expand, and then take over.

I understand that I’ve still got a lot of challenges ahead of me. Especially coming off a brain injury that almost ended my career. I understand that I’m not where I want to be. I’m not as good as I should be yet. I get that I have so much left to do before I earn a certain level of respect and before I stand commanding people to grovel at my feet. But I’m not afraid of the grind. I’m not afraid of getting my hands dirty. I’m not afraid of putting in the time and effort to get better.

That’s what I am supposed to do. But the problem here with you, Vinnie is you don’t take this business as serious as you should. You make a mockery out of it every chance you get from what I have seen. You think everything is one big joke. And maybe the most disappointing thing about all of that is the fact that you have been to the top of the mountain once with the way that you are. That now you just expect people to give you the respect, grovel at your feet, and believe that you are this big deal.

Yet, you won’t put in any more work to get better or to show why we should do those things. You’re flat out comfortable and I get it. You walked right back into this company after several years off. Instantly giving the shot at the chamber. Making you think and believe you still have some stroke around here. Maybe you do with the bosses. Maybe you do with the people that remember you. Maybe you do with some of the fans. But with me? I give you respect for what you did in the past.

However, You still have to prove yourself to me. You have to show me who you are and what you are capable of. You have to show me you’re willing to dig down deep and risk it all to be on top. You still have to show me how good you can be in that ring. If you don’t want to. If you don't want to put in that work and think that what you have already done is good enough. Then you’re about to find yourself in for a very rude and brutal awakening, Vinnie.

I am a man that wants it all. I want to be the face of the company. I want to be the guy that’s putting on five star main events. I want to be the guy the company can lean on during hard times. I want to one day be able to call myself the SCW World Heavyweight Champion. I’d even like to one day call myself a SCW Hall of Famer. But none of that can happen if I don’t put in the work. So the grind has officially begun. First stop is this Sunday. Where you have one option.

Step up or get choked out! ”

Right then Jayden pressed his thumb right back to the red button on the app to put an end to the recording. All that remained was for him to upload the video and watch the chaos ensure. Being a very self aware man. Knowing what he said very well could end up ruffling some feathers. It could upset people. Make him a true enemy. If that’s what it came down to. So be it. The option was going to remain the same either way.

---

The roaring engine of the dark orange 2025 Mustang GT Premium found itself pulling into the parking lot of the Billy Graham Civic Auditorium. With the convertible top down it wasn’t hard to spot the shaggy hair of Jayden’s blowing in the wind. Those dark sunglasses hiding his eyes while sitting in her passenger princess position was his fiancée.

Pulling that car into the nearest free parking spot and killing the engine. Jayden instantly opened up his driver’s side door and got out. Turning to reach in the backseat to grab his gear bag. Hearing the door from the passenger side slam shut. He looked over in Saraia’s direction. Her face twisted up with annoyance.

JAYDEN: Chill with slamming my door. This thing costs more than you realize. I know the concept of money is hard for you and all.

SARAIA: Oh... You’re right. How silly of me.

Out of nothing but spite. She gripped the door handle of the door she just closed. Pulling it back to open it and swing the door all the way open. Before slamming it shut with all her weight. Even making sure to slam her hip into it. Doing what she could do put a dent into the door. Thankfully for Jayden’s sanity and pockets it didn’t happen. She looked back at him with sarcasm and spoke.

SARAIA: Oops.

The one they called the Brat couldn’t do anything but roll his eyes. Slinging his backpack over his shoulder and starting to step around the car.

JAYDEN: This is why I don’t take you places with me. You just make it your life’s mission to stress me out, annoy me, and piss me off.

SARAIA: Funny you say that. I think the same thing about you. I am cute. I am adorable. I’m your wildest fantasy come true. And yet you fail to keep me happy. May I remind you I had a life before I met you. I gave it all up for you.

JAYDEN: Selling your feet pictures to old men that are on the verge of dying any minute isn’t exactly having a life if I’m being honest.

SARAIA: You’re so goddamn rude!

She stopped dead in her tracks from where she was walking. Stomping her feet, folding her arms across her chest, and huffing with anger. Jayden had no choice but to stop and look back at her.

JAYDEN: What? What have I done now to not keep you happy?

SARAIA: I come alllll the way out here with you to San Francisco. Stuck in the car with you for over thirty hours. Because you just wanted to show off this stupid car. We get here. We’ve done nothing. Nothing I have wanted to do!

JAYDEN: What did you actually expect from me, Saraia? I’m only in this goddamn city for work.

SARAIA: I expect you to take me to all my favorite stores. I expect you to buy me all the nice things this city has to offer. Including the best and most delicious food. To which you’ve done none of that.

JAYDEN: Again. I’m here for work. Is that really that difficult to comprehend?

SARAIA: Well what’s more important? Work or me? You know your future wife. Mother to your little girl. The best thing to ever come into your life.

JAYDEN: I am not going to have this damn argument with you.

Rolling his eyes. Turning himself back around and attempted to start walking forward. Saraia just scoffed in disbelief and frustration. Finding herself storming right past him as he approached the exist of the parking garage. She found herself even storming right past a father and his young son that were standing there in hopes to meet wrestlers as they showed up.

Saraia’s attitude carried her in her own way and in her own direction away from the parking garage. Jayden shook his head some. Feeling a little bit embarrassed over her actions and at the same time partially responsible. He felt the right thing to do was to address the two fans as he was coming right up to them right there at the exit.

JAYDEN: Sorry about that. She’s not the most alert person when she’s frustrated.

FATHER: Oh that’s alright. She looks like she’s a handful.

JAYDEN: You’ve got no idea. But anyway, you guys coming to the show tonight?

FATHER: Yes! My son and I have been wanting to catch a Climax Control for a while. We just wanted to wait till they came back to San Fran.

JAYDEN: Cool, cool. Glad you guys get to have this bonding experience. Well yall have fun out there. Maybe, I’ll see you out there.

From there he nodded in their direction. He had every intention of crossing the street to head for the venue, but before he could take that first step. The young fan beside his father was speaking up.

YOUNG FAN: Hey Jayden.

JAYDEN: What’s up little man?

YOUNG FAN: Can I get your autograph, please?

JAYDEN: I don’t sign a lot of them, but I’ll make an exception for you.

Taking a look at the young fan who was holding out a tiny notepad and pen in his direction. Jayden found himself kneeling down to take both objects. Starting to jot his name down on a piece of paper.

FATHER: He’s been talking about this tag team match all week long. The thing he’s the most excited for.

JAYDEN: Oh yeah?

YOUNG FAN: Mhmmm! You’re my second favorite wrestler. Teaming with my favorite wrestler!

JAYDEN: Only second favorite? Kind of stings a little bit kid.

A small chuckle fell from Jayden’s lips as he handed the pen and paper back to kid. Standing himself back up from his kneeling position.

YOUNG FAN: I am sorry, but Miles Kasey is just so cool. One of the best wrestlers ever. How can anyone not like him?

JAYDEN: That I don’t know man. Thing about wrestling is there’s always something for someone. One person might not be someone’s cup of tea but will end up being someone else’s favorite wrestler. People like what they like, you know.

YOUNG FAN: Are you excited to team with him?

JAYDEN: Excited? Uh...

FATHER: Oh you’re going to break my kid’s heart.

JAYDEN: I don’t really have anything against Miles. But in reality I’m just not a tag team guy. You have to rely on other people. You have to hope that they’re going to have your back. You gotta lean on them to get through the match. And everything I’ve learned about people in wrestling. You can’t trust most of them. They’ll stab you in the back first chance they get. If it means benefiting from it and advancing themselves.

YOUNG FAN: Noooo! Miles would never do anything like that. He’s one of the good guys. You’ll be able to trust him. I just know it.

JAYDEN: You sure about that? Cause everything that happened back around High Stakes. Makes me question whether or not having Miles in my corner is a good idea or not.

YOUNG FAN: But Finn had that coming...

JAYDEN: You know what kid? It’s not really my place to make you see certain things in my eyes. If you’re a big fan of Miles. Good for you, man. Keep being a fan. And as far as I go? Hey, as long as Miles shows up tonight. He holds his own. Gives it his best. Won’t be any issue on my end.

One thing Jayden was going to struggle with was being the ‘good guy’ fans have painted him to be. He was far too blunt and far too honest for his own good sometimes. Not something all fans wanted to hear.

YOUNG FAN: Do you think you guys are going to win?

JAYDEN: Miles and I? I mean without the shake of sounding too full of myself. I don’t see a world where someone with the name Senor Vinnie holds any victory over me.

FATHER: Yeah, but Vinnie does have Eddie Lyons in his corner. Eddie is one heck of a talent. Future World Champion one day.

JAYDEN: Maybe so, but Eddie got the short end of the stick here when it comes to having a tag team partner. Vinnie is the weak link and is going to make Eddie have to work overtime for a win. It just isn’t going to work out in his favor.

YOUNG FAN: Oooh this is going to be super exciting to watch.

JAYDEN: Hahaha. Glad you think so. Look, I gotta get inside. Make sure you guys enjoy the show tonight. These are the memories you’ll want to one day look back on.

Offering a fist bump to the fan. Of course he took Jayden up on that offer, bashing his tiny fist against Jayden’s. Before the Brat found himself jogging across the street real fast and right towards the back door of the arena. The realization started to set in on him at that moment. Tonight was going to be quite the situation for him and everyone else involved.

---

The lights were as bright as they could be. Shining down to the SCW ring that sat smack dab in the middle of the venue. Clearly, it was hours before the show was even set to take place. In that ring finding himself stretching out and getting himself prepared for tonight was the Brat. Tonight would embark is second match in five months. There was still a long way for the kid to go before he was where he wanted to be, but he was taking the steps to get there.

With a camera crew on hand right there at the empty ringside. They were getting the last few moments of those stretches recorded. As he came out of the stretch and into a sitting position. Jayden took notice of those cameras there. A small smirk instantly forming on the young kid’s lips. This was the perfect opportunity for him to address some of things he had yet to do so this week.

“ In this business. I find it very difficult to feel bad for someone. ”

Both of his hands pushed against the mat of the ring. Before pushing himself all the way right back to his feet. Stepping towards the ring ropes so he could peer over the top rope and down at the camera before him.

“ Especially considering in most situations. People tend to dig their own graves. They tend to be the problem in their own bullshit over the victim they claim to be. Nine times out of ten they have stuck their foot in their mouth and that’s why things end up being so damn hard for them to overcome. When in reality, if they would have just shut their mouth. Times would have been much easier and much smoother. But in this particular situation. I kind of do feel bad for you, Eddie.

You have been saddled with quite the tag team partner. Out of the two of you. It very much screams that Vinnie is the weak link of the team. In some ways I guess it’s better than you got Vinnie over Bill Barnhart in this little Strange BedFellows Elimination Chamber Tag dealio. But even I can admit it’s not that much better based on the things I have seen. The pressure is really going to be on. The bulk of this match is no doubt going to fall on your shoulders. You are going to be at quite the disadvantage.

Something that even you yourself most likely acknowledge even if you don’t say it so publicly. The thing is though, Eddie. You and I are a lot alike in the sense of not being afraid of the challenges that are thrown at us. We’re not afraid to get our hands dirty. Not afraid of the grind. Not afraid to have our backs against the wall and have to fight with everything we have to get out of that situation. We both have no problem at all. Meeting those challenges head on even when it seems like we don't have a chance. ”

Jayden nodded his head a little. Seemingly having some high praise for the man that would end up being one of his foes in the Chamber and tonight.

“ Prime example. I know there was a time that people didn’t think you and Victoria could overcome the juggernauts in the Mixed Tag Team division. Not a single person believed in you two. Especially with Victoria making it a lot harder on you than it needed to be. But you managed to do it. You proved every single one of those haters wrong. Sure, it might have been short lived. But no one can take that away from you. That’s a moment you’ll have.

Just like it’s a moment that you’ll always have when it comes to winning the High Stakes Rumble. That was a match that was stacked. Had former world champions, Hall of Famers, Legends, and even the odd balls out. There weren’t too many people thinking you were the man that was going to go the distance. Not with how stacked things were. But you didn’t let that get to you. You didn’t let it discourage you. You didn’t let it break you down. No, you put your head down and went to work.

Ultimately winning and earning a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. Regardless of how things played out when you got that championship shot. You had proved you know what its like to put in the world to get up there and there’s no doubt in my mind. We’re going to see you compete for that championship a lot more often. No doubt in my mind that one day. You’ll be able to call yourself the World Champion. For crying out loud there’s a reason you qualified for the chamber.

But there’s just one problem with earning that shot at this particular time. That problem is the fact I’m going to be in the ring with you. I’m going to be one of your oppositions in that Elimination Chamber. This is a shot I want. I want it more than you. I am going to put in that work to make sure that I get it over you. Maybe I am looking too far ahead though. And maybe that's how you look at it too. The current situation is this tag match. Which is going to allow the two of us a chance to mix up for the first time. ”

Taking a second to rub his hands together. There was truly something exciting about first time matchups. Granted it was a tag match. It didn’t have the same effect that a singles match would. But either way the first time with Jayden and Eddie standing at opposite ends of the ring of each other. It was exciting. It was fresh. It was one of those things people couldn’t wait to see. Jayden acknowledged that.

“ Sure, we do have to worry about our respective tag partners. We have to worry about them getting in the way. Potentially screwing things up for us. That’s the risk we take with these types of things. But the moment the two of us get a chance to lock up and take control of the match. It’s going to be something talked about for a good little white. Two second generation superstars. Locking horns. Aiming to make a name for themselves. Putting a show for the fans.

This is the type of shit that brings asses and seats. The type of shit that creates sold out events. The type of shit that keeps putting the legendary into Sin City wrestling. And for us? This is that perfect chance to feel each other. See exactly what we are dealing with when we do get to the chamber. At the same time though this is my chance to stunt your momentum and show you exactly why when you do make it to the chamber. When you do stand across from me. You essentially stand no chance.

I get that’s not something you want to hear or even something you want to accept. I completely understand it’s going to get under your skin. I totally get that it might end up pissing you off. It honestly should. If you care about the business and you care about being good. It sure piss you off and want to make you prove me wrong. I fully expect that to be the case, but at the same time Eddie. It should be in the back of your mind. That I am a man of my word.

When you end up having my arms wrapped around your throat tonight. When you start to struggle to breathe. When you begin to gasp for that air you desperately need to stay conscious. When those eyes of yours start to get heavy and become a struggle to stay open. And when you see that light. Just make sure you go into it. It’s the best thing for you. The sooner you accept your fate when it comes to me. The sooner you’ll be able to pick yourself up and move on. ”

His natural born arrogance was shining through for a brief moment.

“ Let me just leave you with these words Eddie. The movie Lion King will tell you that Mufasa was a great leader. It will tell you that he did right by his kingdom. It’ll tell you that Scar is the villain that backstabbed his brother all because he was jealous. And it’ll tell you that Simba had every right to end up doing everything that he did to Scar when it was all said and done. That’s just the world we live in. Always twisting the truth for the benefit of themselves. But the reality is Scar was always meant to be the King of the Jungle. I saw that. I respect that and I had sympathy for Scar’s downfall.

I refuse to let this story between the two of us play out the same way. You are not the King of the Jungle. You are not the ruler of this Kingdom. I am in no way shape or form jealous of you. Nor am I stabbing you in the back. I am however taking my rightful place as the head honcho of lions around here. You don’t have to like it. You don’t have to accept it. But it would much much easier for you to just step aside instead of making me commit suicide. At the end of the day Eddie. That decision is in your hands, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make them hear my mightiest of roars! ”

Jayden took one last look at the camera crew below him filming. Something about his words just seemed to really paint the image that he believed everything he said. Wasting no time he turned away and rolled out of the ring. Ultimately leading to the cameras fading to black for the last time.

---

Cameras found themselves rolling in. The setting was a little bit odd and almost creepy in a way. As they found themselves right smack dab in the middle of a cemetery. It wasn’t long at all until they heard a voice that drew their attention in that direction. Standing there on a hill in front of a fairly large tombstone. Jayden with his year and half year old daughter in his arms. Kneeling down to point at a photo on the head stone. It happened to be of a familiar face: Kevin Carter.

JAYDEN: Amarissa! Can you say cuntbag?

All the little girl did was giggle and clap her hands together as a nearly two year old would. Of course, this quickly got the attention of her mother. Saraia quickly shouted at him.

SARAIA: Jayden David! Don’t try to teach her words like that!

JAYDEN: What? Why is it a bad thing to teach her what the truth is?!

SARAIA: She’s not even two years old! Ugh, you’re so stupid sometimes. You’re lucky you’re cute to look at.

JAYDEN: I was never going to be an ugly duckling.

SARAIA: Mmmhmmm. Anyway, what are we doing out here? This gives me the creeps right now.

JAYDEN: There’s something I needed to do. A message that needs to be sent.

SARAIA: And you brought us along?

JAYDEN: Call it family bonding. It’ll serve a purpose.

SARAIA: Give me our daughter. I’m going to the car. Hurry this silly shit up!

The attitude that just poured out of the latina woman was what drew him to her. She reached for the child as she placed her on her hip and then turned to walk down that hill. Leaving him alone, and like it was a spot on cue. Jayden turned his attention to those cameras with a smirk on his lips.

“You know something Kev?

Everything that has transpired over the last couple of months. Everything you had a hand in doing with my father. All the things that you’ve said about me and said about him. How you have trashed my family and the legacy I am trying to keep carrying on. It’s oddly brought me closer to them. In ways that I’ve never even thought were imaginable. I’m taking the time to spend with my little girl. Seeing her hit all this milestones a child would hit. I’m closer to her mother than I ever have been. It doesn’t feel like we’re so on again-off again like our relationship was in the past.

My relationship with my siblings is better than it's ever been. Even the super young ones. And the love I have for my mom. Man, I always knew she didn’t have to step up when my egg donor walked out of my life, but it wasn’t until here recently. I’ve really begun to appreciate everything she’s done for me. As a child and everything she even still does for me now as a young adult. All of this that I’m experiencing and taking the time to enjoy is all because of you. It’s odd to say that, but it’s the truth. Also something I expect to get under your skin a bit. However, not in the way most people would think.

No, it’s much deeper than that isn’t it?”

There was a little bit of a dramatic pause. Jayden’s eyebrow arched up in a bit of a mysterious way. That slight traditional smirk of his crossing his lips. Really painting the image that he had something over the man he was talking about.

“It gets under your skin. Because it forces you to think about all those years ago...

You know back to the years, like the very year you got married to your now ex wife Nicole. The two of you were newlyweds and instead of enjoying that time together. Instead of planning out your future and where you wanted things to go for the two of you. Hell, instead of taking your wife on a honeymoon. You put your career first. You put your own selfish desires first. Little known fact, the night you got married. You hopped on a flight to compete for your first World Championship. Showing your wife from that point on where she was always going to stand.

It didn’t end there though did it Kev? Nah, you see because life plays itself out. You and Nicole end up finding out that you’re pregnant. It’s the happiest she’s ever been. She can't wait to be a mother. And you? Yeah, you put on a fake smile and pretend it’s what you wanted. But in reality, all you kept thinking is how is this going to mess up the flow of your career. How is it going to stand in the way of what you want? And when it did stand in your way. When the day came that your daughter was going to be born. You weren’t there. No, you were on the other side of the country fighting some old has-been.

Flat out refused to be there for your daughter’s birth. Because you couldn’t justify leaving a pay per view match and putting the match on hold for another night. Wow, just wow. Really starting to make yourself sound like a stand up guy. But it only gets worse. You eventually found yourself coming to Sin City Wrestling. Again, this time Nicole is expecting. Your second child. Your son. Again, you missed your child’s birth. Again you didn’t see it as important or crucial to be there. Again, you were too busy chasing glory. Only problem was this time it was coming so easy and it was driving you over the edge.”

Jayden found himself shaking his head a bit.

“And over the edge is where it eventually sent you.

To the point that instead of just admitting that this wasn’t for you. Instead of just admitting it was time to hang it up. Instead of retiring and going home to your family. It made you turn into a deranged crazy man that had himself put in a mental asylum. Not to get better or to find out what was truly important in life, but to allow yourself to become more deranged just so you could carry out some eleven year old grudge against a company that truly doesn’t give two shits about you. They didn’t then and they don’t now. But again your own selfish ways and desires took you away from what was important.

So much in fact that when your daughter lost her life in two thousand and nineteen. You were nowhere to be found. You let her leave this world knowing you didn’t care enough to be in her life. You let your son have to process losing his sister on his own. Didn’t have his father around to hold him and tell him it was going to be okay. You let your wife go through losing a child alone. Together that was something you were meant to go through together, as shitty as it is. But again, you weren’t there. You let them suffer all alone. All because this business and revenge meant more to you.

You wanted to make this personal with me. Now, I’m going to make it personal for you. You’re going to find out on Sunday. That all that you missed out on, it was for nothing. You’re going to find out that you don’t get to have a happy ending according to you. You don’t get to defeat me. You don’t get to sit on the top of the mountain. You don't get the revenge you claimed you deserve. Oh no, Kevin. Instead you get shut down, dropped on your fucking head, choked out, and forced to come to terms with what reality is. And that reality is you were just never that good to begin with!”

Glaring daggers right into that camera. Jayden would let his final words escape him.

“Fuck you and your legacy!”

As soon as those words escaped his mouth. Jayden took his foot and kicked that concrete tombstone as hard as he could in a backwards fashion. It caused it to topple right over and hit with a thud. Jayden took a look at the damage he had caused before turning around and starting to walk down that hell unbothered. Cameras quickly got in position to where the tombstone laid as it read the words:


After seeing that there was a close up shot from the camera of that photo Jayden had pointed to earlier. Kevin sitting there with his daughter in his lap when she was younger. That was a very impactful image seen as the cameras found themselves fading out as the tone for the match had truly been set. This was going to get as personal as personal could get.

---

“I always knew you were a bitch, Alexander.”

Jayden found himself standing there with a small smirk featured.

“From day one, I just knew there was something about you that screamed bitch-made. Now for the longest time I couldn’t quite put my finger on why I felt that way. At first, I thought it was because of all the bullshit that spewed from your mouth. You always had some theory as to why this was happening to you or that was happening to you. It was always someone else’s fault as to why you continued to come up short time and time again.

Then I thought it had something to do with this fake tough guy persona you put on. Talking in all these riddles and making it seem like you could just fuck anyone and everyone up that you crossed paths with. All though, history repeatedly showed you got your ass handed to you nine times out of ten. Just barely about the level of someone like Bill Barnhart. And then there were times I thought the bitch in you really shined because you hid behind Luna.

If we are being honest here Alexander. From the gate the most interesting of the pair of you was always Luna. Sure, she seemed a little bit off her rocker. But what woman isn’t these days? Little bit of legitimate crazy doesn’t hurt -- most of the time. However, Luna always had more of the appeal. She seemed the most believable with what she said and when she tried to be a badass. Again you believed it. That was never the case with you. You were always the passenger princess when next to Luna.”

There was a little bit of an arrogant chuckle that followed those words. Very clear what image that he was trying to paint at that moment. Aiming to get under Alexander’s skin in the worst way.

“Then it finally hit me like a ton of bricks. The reality is why you are a bitch. It’s actually two parts. The first being you’re nothing more than a pushover, Alexander. You see ever since this little threesome formed. You’ve always been in the background. You’ve always been nothing more than a supporting cast member. At no point have you ever been established or elevated while standing side by side with those two. Or should I say standing behind those two.

Now I get it Alexander. You were likely given a lot of false promises. You were probably told by both men this was a big deal for your career and how this was going to finally put you on a level you have always desired to be on. Of course it’s what they were going to tell you. Because they were always going to need a scapegoat when shit went sideways. They were always going need a meat shield. Someone to get their ass handed to them over and over again as a way to protect them.

You allowed yourself to become that person, Alexander. You allowed yourself to become their pushover. You allowed yourself to be their crash dummy. It’s played out that way time and time again, but you’re so fucking stupid that you don’t see it. You keep buying into the lies that they are feeding you. You keep believing that these men are going to turn you into this bonafide main eventer. You really think they’re going to lead you to the World Championship one day.”

A slight scoff sound escaped the man. Almost like the thought of Alexander being a World Champion was comical at best.

“But in all reality Alexander. The moment that they are done using you. The moment that they don’t see any value in you. The moment you have finished serving your purpose to them. They’re going to stab you in the back and leave you to bleed out in the middle of nowhere. That’s who James and Kevin are. It’s who they have always been. But clearly you like being taken advantage of and you like being a pushover because you keep letting it happen. However, maybe the reason you’re putting up with all of that is because of the second part as to why you’re a bitch at your core!”

For a moment there was a brief pause.

“The other part of this is you’re a coward. You are a coward and you’ve always been a coward. It’s just coming to light a little more. See as much as you try to be this tough guy and as much as you claim that you can’t stand me for x, y, and z. I do find it very-very funny that the moment it was decided that your title was going to be defended under these circumstances you didn’t try and protest. You didn’t try to stop it. You didn’t stand up and show what kind of champion you are.

Even if you feel like I don’t deserve a shot at you. Although, I’d argue that I do considering I’ve beaten you once before. But nevertheless even if you felt that way. With how you have carried yourself all this time. You would have stood up and fought back about the particular stipulation regarding your championship. You should have pushed back on the fact that if they beat me, you retain. Nothing about you until this point has ever screamed you’d be okay with someone defending your championship for you.

Because whether you’re willing to admit it or not, Alexander. That’s exactly what’s happening here. We have already established that you’re the weak link of this team. You’re the man that’s interchangeable. A man that’s simply there to be the useless pile of meat to get beat on when shit goes sideways for the three of you. I am so confident to say that you’d be the first one eliminated in this gauntlet out of the other two. I’d be willing to bet my next year's worth of checks on that statement.

But, I’m not clueless Alexander. Not like you guys seem to think that I am. I do very much believe in myself and my abilities, I on the other hand also understand there’s a very real possibility I could lose this match. It won’t be to you. But I could lose. However, that's where you’re exposed for being a coward. Because you didn’t push back. Because you didn’t fight it. Because you didn’t show what type of champion you’ve claimed to be all along. It makes you the biggest coward this company has.”

Jayden found himself locking eyes with those cameras. Those words were a little bit on the disrespectful side, but at this point people knew who he was. They knew what he was aiming to do. They knew how he carried himself. It was something he was willing to meet head on when it came to whatever those consequences may have been.

“I understand that what I am saying is going to get under your skin. It’s going to have you throwing a little hissy-fit that you’re known for at this point. More than anything it’ll have you denying my words and denying what the facts are. Something you’re really-really good at. And again, I get it. You got a whole conspiracy gimmick to live by. Of course you have to ignore what the facts are to be able to tell the stories you’re so desperate to tell.

But it’s just like you’ve told me time and time again. No matter how much you deny something. No matter how much you ignore something. No matter how much you try to spin something to favor you. It’s not always going to go in your favor. In fact a majority of the time it isn’t going to go in your favor at all. This isn’t a situation where you can spin to make you look good. At the end of the day, Alexander. You chose to prove that you were a little bitch by taking the easy route in all of this.

You chose to let your boyfriends possibly bail you out in a situation that you don’t deserve to be bailed out in. But that’s fine. Again, this is really my own fault when I think about it. This is the match I wanted. This is the match I needed. I should have to be willing to take whatever comes my way and I am, but I just want to know what happens if things don’t go your way. What happens if I beat you and then I beat those two. What happens when I take the Roulette Championship.

The very championship you said I was undeserving of having and unworthy to have my name attached to it. Does that mean you will finally admit that I’m better than you? Will that finally have you tucking your tail between your legs and leaving this company for greener pastures? You know the thing you’ve threatened for months. Does this mean that you, Alexander Raven are going to be gone for good? I doubt it. As you’ll find some way to twist it, but what a sweet ending it will be if I stand tall.”

Again there was a brief pause that overcame the Brat. Allowing those words to sink into the mind of one of the foes he was set to face.

“One way or another. Win, lose or draw. I know that I’m going to make my mark on the three of you. Which truthfully is all I’ver ever wanted was to take a piece of your dignity and pride with me on my way down. I’ll achieve that there’s no doubt. But for you, Alexander... If you leave that night with the Roulette Championship. If you manage to survive another title defense. All you have to remember is you weren’t better than me and you didn’t beat me, pussy!”

---

The sun was just finding itself starting to peek out from the horizon. Sitting there on fairly large rock looking out at the ocean waves gently rocking back and forth was the second generation star. Having taken a small detour on his way to London. Jayden’s eyes hadn’t left the water for even a second, seemingly hyper focused on those waves.

JAYDEN: I’m sorry Dad...

There was a little bit of emotion in his voice as he spoke out loud to himself.

JAYDEN: I’m sorry about the awful things I had said. I was angry. I was bitter. I really thought that I knew it all. And at the time I said what I said. Yeah, I believe that you had done everything you did your entire career to be a selfish individual. I believe that you were just a hound chasing glory. No matter how much of it you achieved. It still wasn’t enough and that’s why you kept chasing. Forcing you to miss out on my childhood. Yes, it made me angry when you missed my birthdays. Yes, it made me angry when you missed Christnas. Yes, I was sad when you missed out on all my basketball games. I was a kid and I didn’t understand. And even after becoming a young adult, I didn’t understand.

Each of those eyes had become glossy. A single teardrop rolling down the right cheek of his. Splashing onto the surface of the rock he sat on.

JAYDEN: And I’m sorry for how I handled our last conversation. I had no right to lash out at you. I was in the wrong for accusing you of trying to sabotage my own career. I was out of line for trying to call you selfish and self absorbed. I had no right whatsoever to talk to you the way I did in such a disrespectful manner, especially when all you were trying to do was guide me in the right direction.

You were trying to protect me and warned me about how this was going to go. But I was the dumb one. I was the one with the ego. I was the one that thought I knew better and because of that, it went the way you predicted. But more importantly than that, my selfish decision ultimately cost you your life. That’s not something I am sure that I can ever forgive myself for.

By that point his voice had begun to crack a little bit more with emotion. Along with a few more tears rolling down his cheek. A true expression of guilt seemingly covering his entire face.

JAYDEN: Even when I was the worst type of human being. The moment that I was in a bad way and the moment I needed help, even when I didn’t deserve it. You did what you’ve always done. You were a father. You were a protector and you came to my aid. You saved my ass even though I didn’t deserve it. And that’s when it sank in.

That’s when I realized you may not have always been around, but you always had love for me. You always had love for my siblings. You were always out to make sure we had the best lives we could possibly have. Something that was obviously taken for granted, but now that I get it. Now that I understand. I’m thankful for everything that you ever did.

I’m thankful that you had my back in the end. I’m thankful for you, Dad. I truly am. And you’re not here for me to tell you that. You aren’t here for me to express that. Not to mention one of the things you always taught me is actions always speak louder than words. With you looking down over me, I know that I have to prove this. After all this is the bed I made for myself. I have to lay in it.

He found himself starting to ease off the rocks. Every part of his body felt heavy. Of course that had everything to do with the sheer amount of emotion he was going through. Once on his feet, he began to walk himself towards the end of that beach and towards the water.

JAYDEN: I’m the one that made an enemy out of not one man, but three men. I’m the one that refuses to back down. That stubbornness and ego that I got from you, no doubt. I’m the one that continues to get back up every single time they knock me down. Because, I refuse to let them be the reason I stay down. It’s all coming to the forefront in the worst ways.

Again something that I have asked for. Something I have begged for. Something I desire more than anything else. And while, it would be nice to leave with championship gold around my waist on Sunday. That’s not what is the most important thing. No, the most important thing is defending your honor. Defending the family name and making those three men regret the day we ever crossed paths!

Finding himself kneeling down for just a moment. He let his hand touch the surface of the water that waved at such a gentle pace. All while looking up into the sky that was a little brighter now thanks to the sun rising a bit more.

JAYDEN: I’ll make you proud Dad. I’ll make you proud if it’s the last thing I fucking do!

That’s when he stood himself back up to a vertical base and turned his back to the water. Each step he took off that beach made him feel like he was taking a step with purpose. The man was truly finding himself marching into War at Violent Conduct and if he couldn’t be a man of his word. If he couldn’t be a man that got the proper redemption story. Then he was a man that deserved to die on that battlefield.

---

“James...”

The man speaking was none other than the Brat himself. Jayden stood there on the balcony of his hotel. Looking out at the city of London with those narrowed eyes.

“Our little rivalry here has been going on for quite some time now hasn’t it? Dating all the way back to when I hit your bitch ass with my car and sent you flying like a crash dummy. From that point on you have been hell bent on redemption. You have been hyper focused on making sure that you get rid of me and see to it that I don’t exist here in Sin City Wrestling anymore. I mean I get it. Your ego has been bruised. You see me as a threat and you’re a petty little cunt. You always have been, but I never really took offense to it. This is what I have expected all along from you.

I do find it funny that it has lasted this long though. You being who you are and all. Everyone is so quick to verbally suck you off and tell the world how great you are. Being a former four time Heavyweight Champion. Going down in history as the man to hold it longer than anyone else. Having won every single championship there is to win damn near. Being a Hall of Famer. I get it, I truly get why people are so fast to gargle your nuts. But if you’re this damn good. How come you’re having such a hard time getting rid of me, hmm? How come you can’t get rid of the supposedly inexperienced kid with an ego bigger than you?”

His eyebrow arched a little bit with a side-eye look towards the cameras.

“I believe I know what the answer is. It’s because at the end of the day, no matter what I am truly better than you. It’s something you’re having a hard time understanding and dealing with. It’s a thought that you won’t even properly let yourself even think about right now. But, I believe that’s exactly what it is. You’re going through the same thing you dealt with when it came to my old man. You believed you were better than him. You bought into your own hype. You drank your own kool-aid. You really thought you stood a chance. And on one particular night... you did.

Facts are facts. You beat him one night and ended his reign as champion. But you see that ego of yours couldn’t let it be at that. You then had to be the reason to put an end to him for good. Your ego told you had to run him out of the company. You challenged him again. You pushed his buttons one too many times. He snapped back and left you a broken man inside that barbed-wire steel cage. Proved without a shadow of a doubt right then and there. You weren’t a match for him. And now here we are a year later, the same story playing out. This time it's with me!

We are both tied at a win a piece. So the only real difference between your fight with my father and me is that there’s going to be an actual rubber match to determine who truly is better. And I get it, you think that you’ve got in the bag. Considering the big bad talented J2H has to rely on two ass-clowns.  But what you seem to be forgetting is I defeated all three of you before. I’ve choked Alexander out. I’ve pinned Kevin, and I’ve choked you out. The odds don’t look so good in reality, regardless of what they look like on paper. But believe in whatever you need to believe in.

Whatever it takes to make sure you don’t get cold feet and bring your ass to London. Whatever it takes to make sure you end up standing across from me in that ring on Sunday. Whatever it takes to make sure I get a chance to get my hands on you. Because punching you in the face over and over again has always been such a satisfying thing. But more importantly than punching you in the face. This thing between all of us. It has to end. And as far as I am concerned. No matter the outcome. This is officially over when the night closes out!”

Finding himself pushing away from the balcony. Only his full attention to the cameras. With his hand he motioned for them to come in. They zoomed in until it was a real close up shot of the kid’s face. That arrogant smirk crossed his lips.

“Remember James. They say that some of your last moments of life when it’s coming to an end is the most peace you’ll ever experience. Don’t fight it my man. Don’t push back. Don’t resist. When you see the light at the end of the tunnel... Just go into it. Your time has come!”

---

In less than twenty four hours Sin City Wrestling would set out for their summer cruise which consisted of the supercard event Summer XXXtreme taking place. One of the most talked about events of the summer and rightfully so. Now with the cameras rolling in they found themselves on the very cruise that was set to take sail. In particular the cameras opened up on the Captain’s cabin.

Focused on a chair that found itself spinning around in a matter of seconds to reveal the person sitting there was none other than the second generation sensation, Jayden. An arrogant smirk crossed his lips as he put his hands behind his head and tossed his feet up on the desk before him. Not taking long at all for that arrogance to ooze out of him.

“Being a captain isn’t something that you can just become overnight.”

A tiny little shake of his head could be seen.

“To be a captain, it takes years of experience. It takes years of dedication. Requires a bunch of knowledge. You need to know the ins and outs of the ship you’re in charge of. There’s a lot that comes with it. By no means is it considered an easy job, but every now and then. Someone will come along that won’t have to work as hard as everyone else when it comes to being a captain.

Now there’s a couple different reasons that may happen. That person could have been born into a family of captains. Something that they had been around, introduced, and showed at such an early age. That it’s something that was maintained when they became an adult and decided to pursue that career. Or it could simply just be something that person was born to do. All raw natural talent.”

Following those words, it was the little point to himself that drove home the point he was trying to make. From there he dragged his feet off the desk and stood himself up starting to walk around the desk.

“The people that have all the natural raw talent. The people that are just good at it. The people that are just natural born captains. Boy oh boy are they hated by so many others. It’s usually the former captains that were just never that good or people that could never quite be a captain. How fitting of our situation when you think about it am I right gentlemen?

You see, while I ignore most of it. I hear and see all that’s been said about me since I arrived here. Most of the time it’s from peanut gallery pussies. They aren’t worth the time of day of being addressed in the first place. But they’re just like you two. Jealous of the raw natural talent I have. Jealous that in that ring I’m better than them in year two than they are in year ten.

Jealous that I can easily take over as the captain of Sin City Wrestling and steer this ship into the right direction that it has so desperately needed for years. I just don’t care enough to do something for the whole company. All I want to do is benefit me and me alone. But because that’s who I am. Because that’s how good I can be. It bothers people. It bothers you, James and you, Alexander.”

His lips remained curled a bit into that smirk. Something about it just drove the point home that he truly enjoyed getting under someone’s skin. In specific the two men he was talking about.

“Let’s start with you, Alexander!

Why does it bother you so much how good I am? Well, it’s simple, I am without a doubt the future of professional wrestling. Whereas you have at no point in time ever been considered to be the future. At no point has anyone ever considered you to be a main eventer here. No one has ever looked at you and said you know that Alexander Raven guy. He sure has future World Champion written on him.

Since the day you stepped foot in this place. You’ve always been just looked at as just a good hand. Not terrible. Not great. But you're passable. You’ll have your moment in the sun against the likes of Rodrigo Afonso, Justin Smith, and Bill Barnhart. However, that’s where it ends. Your name put on the card against anyone else and people run to vegas to put their paycheck on you,

In the sense that it’s a guarantee you’re going to choke and it’ll get them some money. However you’re so goddamn delusional and refuse to accept what your role is around here. That you just had to come up with something to explain your shortcomings. It had to be everyone else’s fault. It had to be this company holding your back. It was Mark and Christian’s fault.

All this talk about conspiracies, being held back, and how you can’t wait until your contract is up in x amount of months so you can go somewhere else. How you are going to rejoice and be so happy that you’re working for a company that sees some much value in you. Working for a place that respects you. And working for a place that is going to see you as a main event star.”

Jayden shook his head from side to side. Finding himself just taking a seat on the edge of that desk. His arms now folded across his chest with a disappointing look taking over his expression.

“Dawg, I told you a few weeks ago when I beat the piss out of you. No one is buying the bullshit you’re selling. No one believes the conspiracy theories. No one believes you’re being held back. In fact they all believe what I already said. You’re just not that good homie. Never have been. Never will be. And just like I said before. You can leave at any given point.

I would bet money on the fact that you would receive no legal repercussions for breaking your contract early. Zero chance you get sued going somewhere else and trying to slander the company’s name. And the reason for that is because you serve no real purpose. Losing you doesn’t hurt the company in any way, shape, or form. So please take your ass on somewhere else.

As we’re all sick and tired of hearing you bitch. But in the same breath of saying that. I know you’re not going to go anywhere. You’re not going to be a man of his word. No, you’re just like a female Alexander. You want attention twenty four seven. Even if it's negative attention you’re getting said attention. Pathetic if you ask me, but what can I really expect from a man that acts like a true bitch?

Then of course I have to take the other thing into consideration. You’ve managed to convince James to allow yourself to leach to him. After that man has dog-walked you several times throughout the years. Somehow you’ve convinced him into allowing you to be by his side. Be his best friend and form whatever this stupid team is. And because it’s a thing you believe it’s going to change things for you.

You believe that by James dragging you along for the ride. It’s suddenly going to make you relevant and suddenly going to make you mean something. When in reality all it’s going to do is make you look like a glorified side kick. Even your wife outshines you, so really that’s something you should already be used to, Alexander. But trust me when I tell you, this alliance isn’t going to work out like you think.”

Another little shake of the young man’s head. As he spoke with such certainty, almost as if he knew something the man he addressed didn’t know.

“For crying out loud Alexander...

With J2H agreeing to let you latch onto his nuts. It should have been easy for the two of you to take me out a couple weeks ago. Because let’s be honest here. Two is always going to outweigh one. No matter the situation. I’m not an idiot. I understand realities, but with that being said the reality is you just aren’t good enough to put a permanent end to me. No matter who is carrying you.

You two did a good job in putting me down, but it wasn’t enough to keep me down. In fact all the two of you ended up doing was pissing me off a whole lot more than I already was. You also motivated me just a little bit more. Lit that fire inside of me that hasn’t been lit yet. Once we all see each other on Sunday. You’re both going to get a major reality check.

You can’t achieve what you’re set out to achieve against me. And when that becomes a reality. Also the reality will set in on James. That you’re nothing more than dead weight. You’re still the useless bag of shit you were months ago when he was punking your ass up and down the ring. Once that reality sets back in, he’s going to drop you like a bad habit Alexander.

Then you’re going to go from being J2H’s lackey back to being one of the resident punching bags for SCW. No one likes the truth. No one likes reality, but that’s what it is. Whether you want to believe it or not. Just like the way I see things with this match Alexander. The only way it can end now is when I gut you like a fish in front of the world to see!”

The arrogance on Jayden’s face at that moment said everything it needed to say. Now whether or not the words he said were taken seriously or not. That was not his concern. His warning had been sent and now it was up to him to carry it out until the finish.

---

The days were ticking down before Jayden was set to head out to sea for what would be another big match. Not quite as big as he had back at Into The Void, but it was still pretty big for someone so young in his career. It had been months since Jayden had actually ‘come home’. It was a lot of being on the road and staying with his girlfriend.

Today, it was early enough that he didn’t think it would be a situation where he would have to deal with anyone when it came to using the family gym. Turning the lights on, the gym had just about everything you could ask for. The thing he needed the most was the ring though. Approaching it as he tossed his duffle bag down in the corner and pulled himself up onto the ring apron.

Wiping his feet off on the apron before swinging one his legs over the ropes and climbing in. First thing he did was lean against the ropes and start to stretch himself out. But it turned out that he wasn’t as alone as he had liked or wanted. “Didn’t I tell you to leave it alone?” was the phrase he heard causing him to turn his attention in the direction of the voice. Approaching the ring was his father.

JAYDEN HARRIS: I don’t have time to deal with this.

MICHAEL HARRIS: That’s too fucking bad.

The older man pulled himself up on the apron and climbed into the ring. Jayden turned his back to his father and started to approach the corner. However before he got far, Michael grabbed his arm and spin him around.

MICHAEL HARRIS: You will look at me when I talk to you.

JAYDEN HARRIS: Touch me again...

MICHAEL HARRIS: And you’ll what? I’ll knock your teeth down your throat before you had a chance to even swing first!

The comment from his father had Jayden seething.

MICHAEL HARRIS: I get it Jayden. I fucking get it more than anyone else would. At twenty one. I thought I could take on the world too. I thought I was untouchable. I thought I was invincible. I believed I could take on the world and make as many enemies as I wanted...

JAYDEN HARRIS: Let me just stop you right there, old man. Are we really going to do this again? Take a trip down memory lane of your career once again?! You’re insufferable sometimes.

MICHAEL HARRIS: Excuse me?!

JAYDEN HARRIS: You supposedly retired. You left it all behind but you can’t stop yourself from talking about your hay day. Ever since I got into this business. It’s all you talk about. Compare your career to mine.

The seething in Jayden was coming out a little more.

JAYDEN HARRIS: Making sure I understand that your career outshines mine. Making sure I understand that right now I’m nothing compared to you as far as the business goes. But you haven’t even given me a chance to stand out and see what I can do.

MICHAEL HARRIS: You have it all wrong. You selfish little brat!

JAYDEN HARRIS: Well, I wonder where I learned selfishness from.

That comment had Michael turned a certain shade of red in the face. Clearly not happy with the comment either. Both men seemingly knew how to get under the other’s skin.

JAYDEN HARRIS: I don’t have it wrong. You couldn’t even just stay away from Sin City Wrestling and let me have my time in the sun. No, you just had to be the host of Summer XXXtreme. And you can tell everyone else whatever you want to tell them. I’m your son. I know more than anyone else how you are. You agreed to be the host for your own selfishness and to boost your own ego.

The narrowed gaze on Michael’s expression said it all. He wasn’t one that tolerated disrespect, but to receive from his kid. That was a different story. Disrespectful on a whole different level.

JAYDEN HARRIS: I told you weeks ago. You don’t get to tell me what to do anymore. I’m an adult. I’m in control of my life now. I’m in control of my career. I did what I needed to do. Those two weren’t just getting away with what they did to me. And I know why it bothers you that I didn’t let it be. It has everything to do with the fact that I didn’t ask you to be in my corner. Newsflash Dad, I don’t need NOR do I want you in my corner. It’s a little too late for all of that.

Jayden found himself leaning in the corner of the ring now. Glaring back at his father, not backing down from whatever business he felt he needed to stand on.

JAYDEN HARRIS: That eats alive at you. I can tell, but you know maybe just maybe if you had been a better father. Been around more when I was a kid. Did more to support me back then. Today’s conversation might’ve been a little different. But you did what you did. That’s fine. It’s in the past. You can’t go back and change it. And I can’t change how I am now. But I’m going to tell you one thing.

MICHAEL HARRIS: Go ahead Jayden. Be the man that you think you are. Get it off your chest.

JAYDEN HARRIS: Stay your old ass in the back and handle whatever bitch tasks that comes with being involved as the host. Don’t come out there during my match. Don’t stick your nose in my business. Don’t alter any stipulations. As a matter of fact, don’t even bother watching the match. I’ve got this all on my own. The sooner you start to understand that. Maybe you can finally come to peace with retiring.

He found himself just looking back at his father. The tension between the two had gotten so thick so fast. Michael nodded his head a little bit.

MICHAEL HARRIS: There is so much I want to say to your stupid self entitled ass but clearly you’re a man now. You’re all grown up. You don’t need help. You don’t need guidance. No one can tell you a goddamn thing right, kid?

JAYDEN HARRIS: Glad to see dementia hasn’t set in yet, Pops.

MICHAEL HARRIS: That’s clever. Not the first person to use a remark like that. Since no one can tell you anything. Maybe you should go back to the drawing board when it comes to insults, junior.

He found himself taking a step back and started to exit the ring. Stopping right there on the apron to look back at his oldest.

MICHAEL HARRIS: I only told you to leave it alone because I know right now you aren’t ready. Your ego is still far too fragile and your skills aren’t where you want them to be right now. But don’t worry Jayden, I’ll let you be the man you think you are. But dont come crying to me when those two split your head like a fucking egg.

Following those words, the older of the two men jumped down from the apron. Finding himself walking on out of the gym. Leaving Jayden standing there in the corner. Still seething, still feeling some type of way in the pit of his gut. All the Brat wanted more than anything was to get out from under his father’s shadow and handle things on his own. Even if this was going about things the wrong way. He was going to have to learn to sink or swim on his own.

---

“James.”

The Brat still sat there on the corner of the desk that belonged to the cabin. His eyes narrowing a little bit just by mentioning the man’s name.

“Isn’t this getting old?

I mean the whole having to latch yourself to the last name Harris to have even the tiniest amount of relevance once again. That hasn’t gotten old yet? I get it. Last year was the most people have cared or given a shit about you in years. I get that it revitalized you in ways. I totally understand it was a chance for you to prove to people you still mattered, but jesus christ my guy. Get off our dick.

Can you be that hung up about me running you over? Sure, I messed up. I didn’t get the job done. You should be rotting in a grave somewhere. That’s totally on me. But are you really that obsessed over it? You’re making it sound like I did something to your family and how I made it so personal. Yet, at the same time you -- the man that claims that he doesn’t need the money or this company.

You’re the man that makes it sound so negative when you have to be around. A man that constantly vacates championships left and right because there’s supposedly no competition. Yet, you’re miserable ass is still around more often than that. Sounds like you’re the one doing more damage to your family. By being a failing father that chooses not to be home and watch his child grow.

By being a horrible husband, choosing that work is more important than how your wife feels and what she wants. Your displacement of blame on me makes no sense when you’ve been around all this time well before I ever showed up. You’re just too much of a coward to look yourself in the mirror and admit the truth. You’re a glory hound. You crave attention. You desire to be the captain steering the ship.”

Jayden had finally pushed himself off the corner of that desk. Taking a couple of steps forward and within a couple seconds the entire control center for the ship became clear in the camera shot. Reaching out with his right hand, he let his fingers guide along the wheel.

“You can try to deny it all you want, but the proof is all over.

Now there’s no denying the fact that at one point James. You truly were the captain of Sin City Wrestling. You steered the ship for many-many years. You were feared because of how you ruled with an iron fist. People pissed down their legs the moment that they knew they had to be in the ring with you. It was rare that your name ever came up in the loss column.

I’ve done my research James. I am more than aware of what I am up against. Been prepared for a long-long time. But in knowing why you feel the way you do as far as being invincible. I also see the cracks in your armor that you don’t see and have never seen. Yes, at one point you with the captain but that entire time all you were doing was leading this company down a horrific path.

You’re the primary reason this company has been sinking for a long time. There’s people that have come along and have tried to keep it a float. It’s why it still exists, but you’re the reason that it has started to sink. You’re the reason this company has been close to non-existing on a couple occasions. You want to act like you’re the man and want to pretend you’re everything to this company.

But the moment someone shows up that becomes threatening to you. The moment you might actually have to work to prove why you are what you say that you are. The second someone seems like they might be a challenge. You want to tuck your tail between your legs and run away. Disappear for a few weeks to a month. Drop your title. Abandon the ship. Leave it high and dry.

Without a single care in the world for what could happen. As long as you come out protected and looking like gold. That’s ultimately all that matters to you. But in reality it’s fucking pathetic and it makes you look like a quivering pussy. Just not very many people have had the balls to actually call it out as such. But I’m not a coward. I’m not going to back down. I’m not going to run away just because of your reputation.”

Both of his hands now rested on either side of the wheel. Gripping it and giving it a little twist here and there. Almost as if he was just trying to get a feel for it.

“Which if I’m being honest James.

That’s probably something that irks you to your core. That your reputation can’t scare me and make me back down like it has done to so many others in the past. But to get back to the point at hand. You will take your balls and essentially run home for a little while. However, after a little bit. That desire starts to burn deep in the pit of your gut. That craving for attention starts to ooze out of you.

Your ego starts to let you know it needs to be stroked. And that mindset of being a captain takes over. Leading to your eventual return. And as always because of your reputation. You don’t have to work for anything. You’re just thrusted back into the lime-light. You take what you want. You reach the top once again. Take back the seat of being captain. Until you decide to sink it again by running away.

Rinse and repeat. Over and over again. It just keeps happening and this company keeps allowing it to happen. It’s downright pathetic. Now I dare you to say I’m a liar James. I dare you tell me that I’m making things up. I dare you to try and deny any of this. Because it doesn’t take much to look at the history books of this place and see where you get exposed.

I get that it’s a bitter pill for you to swallow. A harsh reality for you to live in. But it’s a reality that you’ve created. It’s about damn time that you face it. Because as long as I exist within this company. I’m going to bring it up. I’m going to shove it in your face. I’m going to make it hard for you to run away from. Basically the way I see it James.

I’m going to make you along with all the followers that you have see it and start to believe in it. Once that happens. Once it starts to sink in. People begin to abandon you the way you’ve abandoned this place. Once you start to believe things as they are and it ruins your world. It’ll finally start to get better around here. Because the world that this place lives in that you are the end all be all will no longer exist.”

Taking his hands off the wheel. Jayden found himself turning back around to face the cameras there in the cabin.

“The thing I just don’t understand...

Why would you form this alliance with Alexander? What is it that you’re getting out of it James? How does it benefit you at all? It’s not like that man has ever been viewed as a true threat. Nor has he ever been viewed as a leader of any sorts. No one would ever consider Alexander the captain of anything. So, even wanting him as a co-captain just doesn’t make sense to me.

Deep down inside you, James. You know that man is going to disappoint you. You know that he’s the weak link of this alliance. You know as long as the two of you are associated with each other. You’re going to be laughed at and he’s never going to be viewed as your equal. So again, I have to ask. What’s the point? What do you gain here?

Unless the time that you never thought would come is actually on the horizon. Unless it’s clear in your head now that you know you can’t be what you once were. Unless the reality has started to set in that you cannot do anything on your own anymore. You cannot succeed. You cannot be at the top of the mountain without helping getting there.

If that’s the case. If that’s what you are using Alexander for. My oh my has the mighty fallen. But at the end of the day. You have to do whatever you think is going to benefit you. It may be laughable and pathetic in my eyes, but it isn’t going to stop you from doing it. However, let me just make it more than clear to you. Your days at the top are indeed done. You are never reclaiming that spot.”

Another small little shake of his head could be seen. Keeping those eyes locked forward.

“Gentlemen. I would have much rather this been a handicap match.

That way the two of you couldn’t whine and complain about anything. So you both couldn’t bicker like the little twats that you are. But my hands were tied and at zero hour someone decided to step up to be my tag partner. It was already bad enough that the two of you had to deal with me. Someone that doesn’t respect you and has no problem making you look like fools.

But now you’re also in the ring with someone that doesn’t care about your physical well-being. In the ring with someone that doesn’t care how many bones he has to break or muscles he has to tear. Someone that clearly thrives off of chaos and destruction. Very different from how I handle business, but if he’s going to aid me in what needs to be done. Then so be it.

But you are without a doubt outmatched. You are outclassed. You are about to be in a world of hurt. When in reality, once you really think about it and break it down. The two of you have no one to blame but yourselves for what’s waiting around the corner for you. You wanted to play with fire. Now you’re going to get third degree burns!”

Jayden found himself then walking towards the door of the cabin. Before he walked out he stopped and reached up grabbing the Captain’s hat that sat firmly on a hook. Taking it in his hands and looking at it for a second. Before placing it on his head and looking right at the cameras a final time.

“I’m the captain now, bitch.”

Offering that smug smirk that only he could give. Jayden grabbed the door and slammed it shut on his way out of the cabin. Leaving the cameras to linger there for a second or two before fading to black. Leaving the entire SCW Universe to wonder what was going to happen when all four men collided with one another in twenty four hours time.

---

“What the fuck is this?!”

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

DONALD: Are you going to explain yourself?

JAYDEN: Shit happens.

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

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

JAYDEN: You better choose your next words wisely.

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

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

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

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

JAYDEN: So fix it.

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

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

JAYDEN: Shit...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DONALD: Uh hello!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JAYDEN: Excuse me?

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

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

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

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

JAYDEN: That’s cute.

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

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

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

JAYDEN: Watch me.

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

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

---

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

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

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

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


“Iconic.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

---

It was just another day in the twenty one year old’s life. Started the day off with a morning run. Before dealing with his online classes. Followed by heading for his afternoon workout session. Upon returning home, Jayden was bopping his head to the music playing in his airpods. As he put his keys in his hand. Unlocking the front door of his apartment and pushing it open to walk inside. He used his foot to kick the door shut while he tossed his gym bag down on the kitchen counter.

Off to the side of that counter sat his on again off again girlfriend: Saraia who was feeding their nearly one year old daughter. She eyeballed the younger Harris. Taking notice of the fact he hadn’t addressed either one of them. Not that it was much of a surprise. Jayden was for the lack of a better term emotionless and a prick all the same. He walked to the fridge, popping it open briefly. Grabbing a water bottle and untwisting the cap to it.

By this time Saraia had gotten up and placed the baby down in her swing. Now before he could even take a gulp. Saraia had walked right up behind him and pulled both those airpods from his ear. Cupping them in her hand as she folded her arms across her chest. The annoyed look consumed Jayden’s expression. Slowly turning around.

SARAIA: About time you got home.

He didn’t bother to respond. In his opinion that first sip of water was far more important than giving her any time of response. Bringing it to his lips for that brief moment. Before the sarcasm just oozed out of the young male.

JAYDEN: Been busy.

SARAIA: Typical of response. I’m going to let that slide since I’m in such a good mood. That, and I wanted to show you something.

JAYDEN: It can wait.

SARAIA: Are you asking me or are you telling me?

JAYDEN: Telling.

SARAIA: Mmm, that’s what I thought. You know that’s not how this works. Not by a long shot mister.

JAYDEN: You’re so annoying.

SARAIA: And you’re grumpy as hell. Now that we’re done insulting each other. Look what I had made for you.

She had already made several steps towards the living quarters of the apartment. As she gripped a hold of something that was covered up by a black silk sheet. Saraia gripped the sheet and tugged it right off to reveal the torso of a manikin but what was more important was what it was wearing. The cowboy hat, the jacket, the long tights. All of which varied in color and had tassels. Jayden’s expression didn’t hide his disdain for what he saw. Looking over at her.

JAYDEN: The fuck is that?

SARAIA: Isn’t it obvious? It’s your new wrestling gear.

JAYDEN: Ha!

He couldn’t control the outburst of laughter that came from him at that moment. Although his eyes remained on her. It was becoming very clear, she didn’t find it funny. Nothing about this was a joke to her..

JAYDEN: Oh, you’re serious.

SARAIA: Why wouldn’t I be serious? After all the amount of money I spend on this outfit.

JAYDEN: Might wanna call and get the shit back.

SARAIA: Excuse me?

JAYDEN: I didn’t stutter. I ain’t wearing that.

That was it. His word was the final say so. Or at least that’s the way he carried himself. That and anyone that knew Jayden on a personal level. If he didn’t want to do something. He wasn’t going to do it. No matter how much someone might beg, plead, or even demand it. Simply wasn’t going to happen. Saraia found herself becoming increasingly annoyed with him.

SARAIA: And why the hell not Jayden?

JAYDEN: It’s ugly as shit for one. For two, it doesn’t fit my style at all. And three, just no. You should really ask before you just do dumb shit.

SARAIA: Ugly?! Where is it ugly?!

The amount of offended she sounded in that moment was wild. She gripped a hold of some of the ring gear holding it up in her hand. Like it was going to change his mind.

SARAIA: The colors are vibrant. It gives that eighties vibe. If you ask me, it’s almost a spitting image of what Savage Randy wore. Isn’t that who you’re presenting in this silly little tournament?!

JAYDEN: First of all. It’s Randy Savage. And I’m not representing anyone in this tournament. I don’t give a damn about what the tournament represents, what hangs in the balance, or none of that. It’s just a way to get my foot in the door.

A simple shrug left his shoulders.

SARAIA: You’re wearing this. That’s final.

JAYDEN: Yeah okay. Whatever you think.

He rolled his eyes which was a trademark of his at this point in their relationship. Heading back into the kitchen a little more as he spoke to her again..

JAYDEN: I don’t have time to really deal with this. I gotta get my bags packed, heading out early. They’re making me do some type of event with my dumb broad for a tag partner.

SARAIA: Dumb broad? You’re going to be teaming with a woman?! You’re going to be spending your time with another woman?! Another woman gets to touch you?! Gets to touch your hand?!

Her eyes were narrowed. All while she was shaking her head in a disapproving manner.

SARAIA: And to top it all off you didn’t even consider tagging with me. I’m a world renowned wrestler. Tag specialist at that. I’m offended and appalled. You didn’t ask me. You know better than that Jayden David!

The middle name thing always got under his skin. She knew it. Jayden found himself placing the water bottle down. His eyes narrowed once again as he looked at her.

JAYDEN: One, don’t ever call me that again.

His tone was quite serious with his statement.

JAYDEN: Two, you were barely passable in the ring. So don’t get ahead of yourself.

Saraia’s jaw about hit the floor over his comments..

JAYDEN: And three. Like I already said I don’t care what this tournament is about or what it represents. I’ve got no intentions of winning it. I don’t care to win it. I just needed to get my foot in the door to handle some unfinished business.

Saraia was just glaring at him a little bit. Still not happy with his lack of asking her to be his tag partner, Even he already explained he didn’t have a choice.

SARAIA: You’re a grown man. With a lovely girlfriend. A daughter that adores you. A budding wrestling career. But for some reason instead of focusing on all of that. You still wanna fight daddy’s battles for him. Learn to let it go, and be your own man Jayden.

Her comments struck a nerve. His face instantly turned red with anger. The hair on the back of his neck stood up. Those already narrowed eyes got even smaller. Glaring at her. She just stared right back at him not backing down.

SARAIA: Got something to say? Come on big boy. Get it off your chest.

JAYDEN: Kiss my ass, Saraia.

His comments were bitter sounding. Snagging that water bottle back off the counter and found himself storming past her. She seemed satisfied for the time being. Knowing that she had gotten under his skin, but Jayden was a brat to the core. That wasn’t just a wrestling persona. Sooner rather than later he was going to get even with her for those comments.

---

His first intentional flight was in the books. Well, it was Jayden’s first international flight on his own that required him to be wrestling. Although if the young man had a choice. It’s very unlikely he would’ve chosen France as his first country to wrestle for outside the United States. It was what it was, he was here. He just had to drag himself through the weekend. After retrieving his bags from the baggage claim area. Jayden began to walk for the entrance of the airport.

Someone from the company was supposed to have arranged travel for him. Based on how he was dressed it was clear he was trying to just blend in and stay out of sight. A black beanie, an all black jacket, the gray sweatpants. The whole nine yards just trying to blend in but as luck would have it. Jayden was spotted by an American family at the same airport. He could hear someone speaking about him.

“Look! Look at who that is!”

The last thing Jayden was going to do was look over and make eye contact. That would’ve just enticed them. His strides in his walk are becoming bigger and trying to be a little quicker. Though it seemed like that might not have worked out in his favor.

“Dad! I want his autograph! Before he becomes a bigger star!”

Those words rang out as Jayden heard them coming directly behind him. They couldn’t see it but his eyes were rolling. He didn’t want to be bothered and how dare they not see him as a big star already. That’s when the family of two sons and a father got right up beside me. In an attempt to get his attention.

THOMAS: Excuse me. Jayden right?

Jayden’s narrow eyes shot in the direction of the father.

JAYDEN: No.

THOMAS: No? You’re not the son of Michael Harris? And newly signed SCW Superstar? I know I saw you on Climax Control last week.

JAYDEN: No, that’s not me.

It was easier to lie than to deal with them. Jayden very much got the ‘not liking people’ gene from his father. But he wasn’t going to be let off the hook so easily. One of the kids walking with their father already had done a quick google search and pulled a photo up of him on said phone.

CALEB: Look Dad! It’s him! He’s lying!

DEVIN: Why would you lie to us? That’s so rude!

Jayden’s patience was running thin by the second. Finding himself stopping right there in the middle of the airpoint just looking back at them with attitude in his voice.

JAYDEN: Ugh. What the hell do you want people?

THOMAS: Yo man chill out. They’re children. My children at that. That I flew here to see this international tour you guys are on.

JAYDEN: That’s my problem, how? I don’t give a shit if you come to a show or not. And maybe teach your kids some fucking manners. Not to bother random people in the airport.

He was a bitter and nasty young man. Had a lot of growing up to do. As this was not the way to deal with fans, but it was his way and it would likely get him what he wanted. Which ultimately was to be left alone.

CALEB: All we wanted was an autograph.

JAYDEN: I don’t give autographs, kid. Especially not for free.

DEVIN: Why not? We’ve met other wrestlers before. They’ve given us autographs.

JAYDEN: Good for you? Go bother them then. I ain’t give you shit.

THOMAS: Come on man. They’re kids.Give them an autograph. It isn’t going to hurt anything.

JAYDEN: Just so your fat ass can take it from them then turn around and sell it for a quick buck? Nah dawg. That’s not how this works. Fuck you and your autograph.

Every bit of the twenty one year old was choosing to be hostile. Proving more than anything he was going to be a PR nightmare for Sin City Wrestling. Actions like this would show he couldn’t be someone to be used for media appearances and what not. Not a good sign by any means. And even despite all of this, those kids were still trying.

DEVIN: Well if not an autograph. Can we get a picture?

JAYDEN: Hell no.

CALEB: Follow on social media? I follow you and your sister on twitter.

JAYDEN: Reminds me to go through there and block people. So, the answer is also no.

THOMAS: You’re a real piece of work. You know that right?

JAYDEN: Sure do. Proud of it too.

THOMAS: Whatever. Come on boys. Let’s just leave him alone. Know who to boo at the show on Sunday.

JAYDEN: You say that like you’re going to hurt my feelings. I’ll soak that shit in and just laugh in your face, homie. Ain’t gonna do you any good in the end.

That proud grin featured when those words overcame him. The father didn’t so much as bother to try and say anything else. It was more than clear what kind of interaction they were going to get out of him. However, one of those kids was still hopeful. Maybe it was the child’s innocence not allowing him to give up. Or maybe he was just that determined. Looking over at Jayden.

CALEB: Can we at least ask you a question about your match coming up?

JAYDEN: You're an annoying little kid aren’t you?

CALEB: Please. Just one question each.

JAYDEN: Ugh. Whatever.

He found himself rolling his eyes. There was almost no way of getting out of this. People were starting to stop and pay attention more. The last thing he wanted was a bigger crowd gathering and more people bothering him. Folding his arms across his chest in an unimpressed manner while waiting. The two kids were gleaming and hardly able to hide their excitement.

CALEB: I’m going first.

DEVIN: No, I’m going first.

CALEB: No. I got him to agree to it. I’m going first.

DEVIN: No. I’m older. I'm going first.

JAYDEN: Someone go or no one is getting to ask anything!

His sudden snapping got the point across. Both children quick their bickering and one of them just pointed at the other as if they were saying go ahead.

DEVIN: I want to know what it’s like for you to be debuting this Sunday. Like are you excited? Is it everything you’d hope it would be?

JAYDEN: As Marshawn Lynch once said. I’m just here so I don’t get fined. Way I see it. Just another day at the office. Big company. Small company. It’s just another match to me, kid. Another chance for me to slap some idiot around. Then choke him out in front of his friends and family.

CALEB: Okay, but what happens if you don’t win?

JAYDEN: You had one shot. One opportunity to ask me a good question and you blew it on some shit like that? Man, I hope you never become anything in life. Get outta here with that weak ass shit.

That one question finally put Jayden over the edge. He gripped his bags again and started to walk away from the family. All while shaking his head and speaking out loud to himself.

JAYDEN: What if I lose? I don’t lose. I don’t come up short. I don’t look bad. I’m practically wrestling royalty. People should be thankful to even get a chance to get their ass beat by me. Ugh, I really-really hate people.

As he walked through the major sliding glass doors of the airport, Jayden quickly saw that someone was waiting by a limo with a sign that had his name on it. Thank god is all he could think. Now he could get to his hotel and away from people. Approaching the man, Jayden just threw his bags right at him before hopping in the back of the limo and slamming the door shut. This was not starting off on the right foot in the Brat’s mind, but he was about to find out as his career evolved Interactions like this would become more common. Might’ve been the wrong career choice for him.

---

The week was about to be a historic one. For many reasons. Sin City Wrestling as a whole were hitting the next stop on their Battleground Tour. Meaning that Climax Control 392 was set to take place on the beaches of Normandy. One of the historic spots for a battle during World War Two. That was exciting and history making for the company. Then for one specific person it was history making as well. As it would serve as their debut match in their first major wrestling promotion. That person being Jayden Harris.

Speaking of the young man. For the first time ever he had an official SCW camera crew on hand. At his mercy for his every beck and call. After all, the Brat was someone people couldn’t wait to hear from. All because they were waiting to hate on him. Today was their lucky day with the cameras rolling in. Revealing the back of the shaggy haired young man. The sun was just setting as Jayden stood on a hill looking out at the beach below him.

“Reputation is everything. Am I right?”

Pausing for a moment as the cameras could see the waves of the water on the beach crashing against each other ever so gently.

“Your reputation follows you everywhere. You act a certain way in a specific place towards a specific person. That follows you to the next place. To the next people you deal with. It becomes something that just keeps on going. That’s why so many people are obsessed with having a great reputation. One that has people singing their praises and one that has people looking forward to dealing with them. Whether it be business or just having a personal relationship.

At this point Sin City Wrestling should already know. My father didn’t care about having a great reputation. He didn’t cater to the masses. He didn’t grovel at people’s feet. He didn’t fall in line. He did what he wanted, when he wanted, and most of the time it worked out for him. After all, little over a year ago he had this entire company and the entire roster in a choke-hold. There wasn’t a damn thing anyone could do about it. As much as they wanted to.”

That’s when Jayden finally turned away from the beach. Allowing himself to look right at the little red light on the recording cameras. Effectively making it appear as if he was looking at people and addressing them on a more personal level.

“But this is the future. I am not my father. However his reputation is going to rub off onto me. I’m going to have a giant target painted on my back. People aren’t going to be happy I’m here. Most of you will want me gone. And everyone is going to hope that you are never alone with me inside of an empty parking lot.”

A smug smirk crossed his lips.

“That being said. Allow me to tell you right now. I also don’t care about reputation. I didn’t come to Sin City Wrestling to be friends. I’m not here to put on great matches. All I care about is making money and getting a little bit of justice. A little bit of revenge. When the time comes, I’ll handle that. But before I could get there. I needed a starting point. Something to sink my teeth into. A playing field to make you people see what you’ll be dealing with when it comes to me.

Then the Blast from the Past rolled around. It had people talking. Every man and woman entering this thing. All doing so with the hopes of getting to the finals. Winning said finals and getting their respective championship title shots. I on the other hand. I didn’t see this tournament as anything more than a chance to get my foot in the door. I don’t care about my tag partner. I don’t care what the tournament stands for. And I don’t care about a title shot. It’s all pointless to me.

However the chance to get in the ring with people and establish myself. That excites me. It excites me even more to know I get a chance to get in the ring and brutalize people. Punch them in their face as hard as I can. Kick them when they're down. Or my more personal favorite is to choke them out. Feel them start to fade in my arms while they gasp for air. That’s something that I am looking forward to and the very reason I entered this tournament.”

His hands were out in front of him. Cracking his knuckles to send a message.

“Tomorrow night. I get to step into the ring and choke out my first victim. Turns out that the first victim happens to have a very familiar last name. Familiar in the sense that the last name Kasey and the last name Harris have been almost symbolic of each other for the last year.. My father slapped Miles Kasey around a time or two. And some would say if it wasn’t for my old man blessing Miles by giving him the opportunity to even share the same ring with him. Then he wouldn’t have been what he is now.

Then the last time Kasey and Harris were symbolic of each other was that abomination of a feud for the Internet Championship between Miles and my uncle. Calvin’s ankle was just as weak as his ego. Shattered and Miles really thought he was something special with that win. Bro literally beat the weakest link to this entire bloodline and thought he was the shit. What a clown. But hey at the end of the day whatever helps you sleep at night I guess.”

Jayden gave a little shrug of his shoulders. Clearly taking cheap shots and making things personal was a talent learned from his father. This went back to the reputation thing he first mentioned. It was clear now more than ever what path this young man would be taking.

“However this is a new chapter to the Harris versus Kasey saga. I’m not dealing with Miles, but instead I got his baby brother. One that he apparently didn’t know about. Sounds like your father is a real piece of work. Honestly couldn’t relate. My old man is a stand up guy. Never stepped out on my mother. Never had any illegitimate children. I know all my siblings. My father has been a saint compared to yours. But whatever, it is what it is. Not everyone can have the perfect family life I have.

That being said though. Lyle, are you sure that you’re ready for what’s about to happen to you? Have you really considered how short lived your time here in SCW is going to be? Are you prepared to get sent back to whatever hole you crawled out from under? These are all things that you should have been considering. Because every last one of them is going to happen. I would be bringing shame and dishonor to my family to lose to you. That and, I couldn’t live with myself if I allowed that to happen.”

Shaking his head a little bit at a time.

“I bet the moment that you knew the two of us were facing each other. You called your brother. Shaking in your little british boots. Piss nearly running down your leg. Bombarding Miles with questions and advice. Trying to get anything out of him that would give you an advantage over me. Anything to give you an edge and get you to advance. After all, the motivator for you is winning. Getting that covenant SCW World Heavyweight Championship shot.

But that just shows your lack of intelligence Lyle. No one with the last name Kasey is ever going to become the top name. No one with the name Kasey is going to put asses in seats. No one with the last name Kasey will ever hold the ultimate prize. I get that you’re just starting off. Having big dreams and high hopes. It’s cool. It’s fun. Everyone likes to dream, but like my father told me. If you don’t have the talent to back it up. None of it means shit. Facts are you don’t have the talent to back it up.

And it isn’t your fault. Just bad genetics being born into a loser ass family. If anything Lyle, you should be taking advice from me. Someone that’s gotten proven winning genetics. With such a young career ahead of you. You’ll serve a great purpose being someone’s punching bag for years to come. Sooner that you realize that and the sooner that you start to transition into that role. The better off things are going to end up being for you. Of course, you’re not bright. As we’ve established that. So I gotta beat some sense into you first.”

The smirk that crossed the young man’s lips at that moment. It gave flashes of his father. Something about the Harris men and violence just went hand in hand together.

“But I’m not a fool Lyle. Even with that piss running down your leg in fear of having to get in the ring with someone as talented as me. You’re banking on your tag team partner being the difference maker. Because the whole point of all of this is it’s a tag team tournament. You have to rely on other people. And it’s no surprise I got the shitty end of the stick when it comes to a tag team partner. Like what the fuck is a Diamond Steele and what rock didn’t it crawl out from under?

I get that this hell hole is trying to be inclusive and all that shit. Because you know if not, people are going to go to twitter to cry about it and start getting cancel culture involved. But sometimes inclusion isn’t needed especially when it comes to something like that. Diamond should not have been allowed to sign up for this thing. She’s going to provide no real value. It’s going to be a situation where I have to carry the team. And honestly, that ain’t how I do business.

If I don’t care to win this thing. What the hell makes you think I’m going to care enough to drag someone’s useless ass through it to the finish line? Bunch of dumbasses. But either way I got the shitty end of the stick. Meanwhile Lyle, you got a partner. I wouldn’t say she’s going to be vitable. Not someone I feel like you could lean on to make it to finals. Maybe if the tournament was full of Justin Smith’s then year. But it aint like that. However, at this moment. The only advantage you have over me is your tag partner.

Which at the end of the day Lyle. I can’t blame you for relying on that advantage. I can’t blame you for hoping that those two women are in the ring when the match comes to an end. Because that’s the only way you’re going to be able to claim a win over me. It’s the only way you’re going to have a chance to say you beat royalty. Weak minded people like you are okay with short cuts like that. Smells like bitch to me, but you know whatever works for you.”

Jayden found himself starting to step towards the cameras at that point. His presence. His aura, it all spoke for itself. Every step made was with confidence within himself. It was heard to knock someone down a peg when they believed in themselves the way he did. His eyes settled on the little red light again as he got closer.

“Like I said in the beginning, reputation is everything and you only get one chance to make a first impression. From this one chance. People are going to learn I love to fight. They’re going to learn I crave violence. They’ll understand that choking people unconsciously is going to become my favorite pastime. They’ll learn that Lyle Kasey Jr can’t hold his own against me. But above everything else. SCW as a whole from the roster, the management, and to the fanbase.

They’ll come to realize that I don’t care what bad reputation I get. Your words will not have any effect on me. Call me a prick. Call me an asshole. Call me whatever you want to make you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. Pass all the judgment you want on me. I’ll laugh at it. Maybe even embrace it just to trigger you all a little more. And go ahead. Boo me. Pray for my downfall. It’ll make it even sweeter for me when you all don’t get your way and have no other choice but to see me succeed.”

One would have to assume that his words were just aiming to trigger people. That’s what he wanted. It’s what motivated him. Very much like his father to a tee.

“You all thought my father was a problem. You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

Those turned out to be his final words ahead of what was going to be a historic night for the company and an even more historic night for him on a personal level. Walking out of the frame of the camera to have it begin fading out. The fanbase was going to be left to ponder if this was going to be a repeat. If Jayden was going to end up being just like the former World Champion and put SCW in a choke hold. Only time would tell and that was the scariest part of it all.