The sound of gloves hitting pads  echo throughout the tiny gym in Amsterdam. The place was cold and dingy, a far cry from the upscale utilities Eddie Lyons was used to at the Lyon's Den. But the lesser quality amenities didn't stop Eddie Lyons from being as laser focused as usual.

He had to bring his best for Kris Ryans. A Hall of Famer, a former world champion and a man who had handed Eddie what he considered one of the bigger losses of his career just last fall, and he still had yet to seek his redemption.

His fists hit the bag once, twice, and a third time in quick succession and that's when he heard the buzz of his cell phone as he looked down he saw the name of his friend Cleo Phillips. He pulled off his gloves and answered the phone.[/i]

“Cleo!” he said “What's up.”

“Hey..” her voice came with an alert but calm tone, “Don't freak out.”

That of course was the exact type of sentence that would make one want to do the exact opposite.

“What's wrong?” he asked “Is everything okay?”

“It's Sabrina…” she said quickly “Now she's aight' Eddie, but earlier today she took a bit of a tumble and twisted her ankle.”

Eddie nearly lost his grip on the phone, then a string of sentences came out of him at once.

“What how did that happen!”
“What about the baby”
“Is she at the hospital”
“Was she walking”
“Is the baby okay”
“Where is she”
“Cleo!! what the hell happened?”

“She's fine.” Cleo repeated in a firm yet calming tone, “We were in the living room and Koda ran by a little too excited and kind of clipped her leg. Sabrina lost her balance and went down she mostly landed on her side and not her stomach, the baby's fine and she didn't hit her head or anything, but we did go to urgent care to be safe.”

“You what?! Urgent Care?!” Eddie said in a panic, “I'm booking a red eye home, I'll be there tomorrow in the morning. Blast from the Past be damned. My bosses will just have to understand.”

He was already throwing things into his gym bag.

“Naw.” said Cleo “You ain't finna be doing nothing of the sort. She's okay. They checked everything, her ankles a little swollen but it's just a light sprain. She's resting at home. I'm here with her G, you ain't gotsta fly back. I gotchu you fam.”

“Can I talk to her?” Eddie asked.

“Absolutely.” said Cleo “I'll put her on, but just take a couple breaths all right? She don't want you to panic.”

Eddie took a deep breath has he heard the sound of the phone shifting hands and a softer voice came through.

“Hey Eddie Lyons” Sabrina said.

“Sabz…” Eddie said with an exhale “Are you okay what happened?”

“I'm fine babe.” she said with a gentle laugh “I really am. Koda got a little excited when Cleo came over and got the zoomies through the hallway. I wasn't paying attention and tripped right over him. It's really nothing.”

“Cleo said you went to urgent care, that's not nothing.” he said.

“Well we wanted to make sure everything was okay.” Sabrina said “Just in case, you know? For peace of mind. And everything came out okay,  the baby's fine the heartbeat is strong. and the doctor said I'll be sore for a couple days but it's minor just keep it wrapped and elevated.”

“I should be there with you…” Eddie said.

“You need to finish this tour.” Sabrina said “You've worked hard for this and you're in the semi-finals, don't let a little twisted ankle throw you off. Remember Cleo's here, she brought pizza and we're going to watch some movies. She wants me to watch something called Menace 2 Society.”

“Of course she picks that one.” said Eddie with a laugh “What are you making her watch in return?.”

“Happy Feet.” Sabrina replied

“Sounds like you all right.” Eddie replied he was starting to feel a bit more at ease now.

“So don't you even try leaving the tour and forfeiting Blast from the Past” Sabrina said “You're doing what you love, I'll be fine and I'll make sure to rest. Cleo is going to stay for a few days to keep me off my feet. You worry about taking down that Hall of Famer you have to face “

“I just hate being this far away when something happens.” Eddie said.

“I know.” said Sabrina “And I love that about you. But I also love how hard you work and how determined you are to reach your goals so you go out there and you win that tournament Eddie Lyons. I'll be eating ice cream, pizza and watching movies with Cleo.”

“What about the pickles and marshmallows?” Eddie asked.

“Oh yeah that's still my craving.” said Sabrina.

They both shared a laugh together.

“You're really okay then….?” Eddie asked needing to hear it one more time.

“Really really.” Sabrina replied

“Koda better be on his best behavior after this.” Eddie muttered.

[color=lavender“He already brought me his favorite toy as an apology.”[/color] she said amused, "Gave me the sad puppy look and everything. He did his best to say sorry.”

There was a short pause between the two.

“I love you.” Sabrina said “I miss you.”

“I love and miss you too.” Eddie said “Tell Cleo I said thank you.”

“I will.” said Sabrina “Now you go train, and you go in that tournament”.

“I'll do my best.” Eddie said.

“I know you will.” Sabrina replied.

“Facetime later tonight?” Eddie asked.

“Every night like you promised.” she reminded him “I'll even let you look at at my stupid foot.”

“All right.” Eddie chuckled “I'll see you then. Text me if anything feels off okay?”

“Deal.” Sabrina replied.

Eddie's stared at the phone for a moment after the call ended, the fire in his chest didn't feel like panic anymore it felt like purpose. Kris Ryans had beat him in the past and earned a world championship opportunity off it but Eddie wasn't walking into the ring carrying the weight of defeat.

He was going to walk into the ring with the strength of everything that mattered most, family, resilience, and love. This wasn't a match about any sort of payback, it was about proving that he had become a better fighter, a future father, a man not easily shaken even when the ground stumbled under him.

He pulled his gloves back out from his bag ready to finish what he started has the rhythmic sound of his fists hitting the bag echoed once again throughout the gym.

__________

It's an early evening has the cameras open on the old cobblestone streets of Amsterdam as a few bikers rattle pass in the background, we see Eddie Lyons beneath the flickering street lamp with the hoodie over his head zipped up halfway. Fight tape still on his wrist after a workout his breath Falls the air slightly as he looks dead into the camera calm and calculated.

“You ever hear the phrase time heals all wounds?” Eddie began “I used to believe that if I just worked hard enough, trained long enough, waited patiently, everything that stung would stop hurting.”

A dry laugh escapes his lips.

“But the truth is some wheels don't heal.” he said “They harden.”

He takes a slow step forward toward the camera.

“Last fall I stepped into the ring with Kris Ryans, he beat me.” Eddie continued “A guy who's been to the top lived there and probably set up a damn summer home off it. The man's done it all and that night he beat me, no excuses about it. Kris Ryan's was the better man that night."

There's no bitterness in his voice just honesty.

“I've been watching that match back more times than I care to admit.” He said  “Watching every mistake, every hesitation, every opening I didn't take because I second guessed myself. But that version of me? The one who stepped in the ring having all the talent in the world but not enough grit to get behind it?”

A short but heavy pause.

“That Eddie Lyons is gone.” he said as he leaned back against the street light “You see this trip to Amsterdam, this isn't some vacation or fun detour for me. This is business, and this time I'm not just showing up with potential. I'm bringing pressure I'm not just here to test myself against a Hall of Famer, this time I'm here to win."

There's a slight clench in his jaw.

“You earned everything they say about you Kris.” he said “Every accolade, every title, and every ounce of respect. I'll give you that you deserve it, but don't think for a second that your resume makes you untouchable.”

His eyes continue to stare down the barrel of the camera.

“Last time we fought I was too focused on wanting to be the guy that beat Finn Whelan,  last time we fought I had to drive but not the edge.” Eddie said “Maybe I respected you too much and myself not nearly enough.”

He shrugged and pulled his hoodie down.

“But I've grown teeth Kris.” he continued “I'm still Eddie Lyons but I don't pull my punches anymore. Not physically, not emotionally, not mentally. I've learned the difference between humility and hesitation, and I've learned how to trust my instincts. I've learned that respect doesn't mean surrender.”

He pauses letting someone the words linger in the air.

“I'm fighting for something a helluva lot bigger than my own pride now.” continued Eddie "I've got a family, and I've got a future. I've got a fiancee back home carrying our child who had to tell me not to panic when she took a little tumble because she knows how much this tournament matters to me."

Another short calculated pause.

“It's a lot of pressure, but pressure can either crush you or forge you.” Eddie continued “This isn't about proving I belong anymore, because I know I belong. Now I'm here to claim what's mine.”

Short pause as he catches his breath for a moment.

“You ever get sick of hearing people talk about you like you're not in the room?” he said “Like you're just “next up”, but never “the guy”? That's been my career in a nutshell for too long. People love to talk about the Lyons Den, love to talk about my cousins, my family my name like that's what defines me.”

He pauses with a firm head shake.

“Wrong.” he said firmly “I define me. I've bled  and broken myself to become more than just a last name. So maybe this match against you is a little personal Kris, not because of any grudge but because I refuse to let you be the one who closes another chapter in my story  and forces me to create a new one where Eddie Lyons once again almost gets there but doesn't quite reach it.”

He pushes away from the street light taking steps closer to the camera.

“If you're supposed to be a measuring stick then I'm the hammer.” said Eddie “I've got everything to fight for, a future with protecting a partner that believes in me even when I don't. A kid on the way who's going to grow up hearing stories about her father, and he won't be the man who almost did it but he will be the man who did.”

He finds a finger at the camera not aggressively, but assertively.

“You better bring your best Kris, because I'm bringing mine.” said Eddie “I'm not scared of losing anymore, I've already hit that wall. Now I know what I am on the other side of it, and I'm not just a second generation name. I'm a man with a mission and I don't stop till it's done and that mission is becoming World Heavyweight champion."

He lowers his hand.

“So we're going to have round two in Amsterdam.” said Eddie “But this time when the final bell rings, I'm not going to need the crowd to chant my name I don't even need the headlines I just need that look in your eyes the one that says damn he was better.”

He takes one final assertive step toward the camera.

“I'm not just chasing greatness anymore.” he said “I'm becoming it.”

He kept his eyes staring into the lens one last time calm confident and dangerous as it all faded to black.

________

Being a professional wrestler isn't always about the matches, feuds, and championships. You have to promote and that's how Eddie Lyons has found himself in the hot seat of Turnbuckle Talk, a popular European wrestling podcast. He's not here for a fight today, but for the media, the other half of his job.

He adjusts himself in his seat and places that provided headset on his head giving a nod to the shows hosts Tom Jacobs and Big Rob DeVries as the peppy intro music plays.

“Goedemiddag wrestling fans!” Jacobs began. “I'm Tom Jacobs as always with my tag team partner in podcasting Big Rob DeVries! Today we've got a very special guest from the roster of Sin City  Wrestling who you can catch currently on their Viking era tour, which will culminate in Paris at their Into The Void event."

“That's right Tom!” said Big Rob “With us today is none other than “Unbreakable” Eddie Lyons Thanks for taking the time with us today Eddie.”

“Not a problem at all.” said Eddie “Amsterdam has been very welcoming.”

“Have you been taken in the sights?”Big Rob asked “Or has it been all business since you've been here?”

“A little bit of both.” said Eddie “My fiancee told me to make sure I take time for myself and of course she wanted pictures of everything….Hi Sabrina.  I also discovered Stroopwafels? I think I'm saying that right. All I know is I ate six of them before I realized I should probably stop."

“I've seen Big Rob put down twelve of those.” Tom laughed.

“Well they are delicious.” said Big Rob with a grin.

“Couldn't agree more.” said Tom “I could probably eat about six myself.”

The three shared a laugh together.

“So Eddie, let's talk SCW.” Tom continued “The Blast From The Past tournament is nearing its end and you are one match away from the finals with Kris Ryans standing in your way. You win you move to the triple threat at Into The Void with J2H already locked in and most people are expecting Alexander Raven as well.

“Well let's give some credit to Bill Barnhart.” Eddie said “He could surprise the world and defeat Raven.”

“Given his record I see that as unlikely.” said Big Rob. “But I guess anything is possible.”

“You and Raven have some history, yeah?” said Tom rhetorically

“Yeah I've been in the dance with Raven before.” said Eddie "I know how dangerous he is. Him and Luna were one of the most dangerous pairings in SCW history. Raven knows how to pick his moments.But that said, if I do meet him in the finals alongside J2H it still won't change how I approach it.”

“J2H is already locked in.” Tom said “That's a name that carries some weight.”

“It definitely is.” said Eddie “I'm not going to sit here and call him the GOAT or anything but I do respect what he's done. He's got a resume that speaks for itself. I know what J2H can bring and I definitely don't take him lightly.”

“Any concerns that Alexander Raven and J2H might rekindle their old alliance should Raven make it to the finals?” asked Big Rob.

“That's definitely been on my mind.” said Eddie “They raised a lot of hell alongside Kevin Carter last fall. But then Raven disappeared for a while and now I don't know I really don't think Ravens worried about old alliances."

“Now for you to even make it to the finals you have to defeat Kris Ryans, a certified Hall of Famer.” said Tom, “How are you preparing for Kris?”

“Well, I'm not going to give away all my secrets.” said Eddie “But, in short the same way I always do just train hard try to stay focused on the task at hand and put my best foot forward it's all any of us can do. Kris has beaten me in the past but I've grown since then, and if he thinks he's facing the same Eddie Lyons he beat last fall then I'm going to walk all over him.”

“So whoever does end up winning at Into The Void, be it you, Kris Ryans, Alexander Raven, Bill Barnhart or J2H, they will go on to face the winner of Alex Jones and Helluva Bottom Carter." said Tom "So we have to ask if you win this tournament who would you rather face?"

There is no hesitation in Eddie's answer.

“Helluva Bottom Carter.” he said

“That was a quick response.” said Big Rob.

“Yeah and I mean no disrespect to Alex Jones.” said Eddie “He's the champion for a reason he's the man who beat Finn Whelan, and there's not many who can say that. But Carter's the guy I want. He's been on fire all year and he fights like every match is his last that's who I want to cross from me that's the kind of fight I came to SCW for.”

“Speaking of Finn he's out now with injury.” said Tom “I know you had a rivalry brewing with him, how does it feel now that he's gone?"

“You know, you never want to see a guy go out like that.” said Eddie “Finn and I had our issues, some of it was personal, but I always respected what he did in the ring. He pushed me in ways others never have. So I hope he recovers, gets healthy and finds his next thing soon. Whether it's back here in SCW, or wherever the roads take him next.”

“You've been gaining your own ground in SCW lately.” said Tom “Some big matches and consistent performances working your way in that world title orbit what's the difference lately.”

“I think maybe I stopped chasing everyone’s approval” said Eddie “Stopped worrying about who thought I belonged, and just decided I belong.  I show up, I work hard, and I fight smart. That's who I am and if that gets me to become this year's Blast from the Past winner then I know I'll truly have earned it.”

“There's never any smoke and mirrors with you.” said Tom “I have to say that's refreshing.”

“I mean if I want people to believe in me..” said Eddie “..I just got to be me right.?”

“Well said.” said Big Rob “Now it's time for my favorite part of the show the lightning round. I give you a name you give me the first word that comes to mind.”

“Let's do it.” said Eddie.

“Alex Jones.” said Big Rob.

“Champ.” said Eddie.

“J2H.” said Big Rob.

“Sharp.” said Eddie.

“Kris Ryans.” said Big Rob.

“Legend.” said Eddie.

“Victoria Lyons.” said Big Rob

“Family.” said Eddie.

“Jayden Harris.” said Big Rob.

“Rising.” said Eddie

“Helluva Bottom Carter.” said Big Rob.

“Willpower.” said Eddie.

“Alexandra Calaway.” said Big Rob

“Unrelenting.” said Eddie.

“Bella Madison.” said Big Rob

“Badass” Eddie

“And last one.” said Big Rob ‘Eddie Lyons.”

“Next.” said Eddie.

“And that concludes the lightning round!” said Big Rob with a jovial tone.

“Well before we let you go Eddie.” said Tom “Any last words for your fans listening around the world?”

“Thanks for riding with me.” said Eddie “We're not done yet, not even close we're going to finish this tournament the right way.”

“Well best of luck to you Eddie Lyons in your semi-final match.”  said Tom “And thanks again for joining us.”

“Yeah go tear it up out there bruv.” said Big Rob “And grab some more Stroopwaffles before you fly out.”

“Don't tempt me.” said Eddie.

The three of them shared a laugh again together has the peppy outro music played concluding the short interview.

_____

The cameras find Eddie Lyons alone in a quiet part of the city of Amsterdam looking over a canal reflecting the dim lights in the city skyline. Eddie's mind is far from the busy life around him dressed in his typical hoodie with the hood up hand resting in the pockets eyes focused in the middle of a thought that's been building for a long time after a moment he starts speaking steady but with a hint of frustration.

“Almost…” he said “That's the word that keeps following me around like a shadow. Always there no matter how far I run from it. I'm coming on my second year or so with this company. People know my name, I've got respect, I've earned that much. But let's be real respect it doesn't put titles around your waist.”

He exhales heavily.

“Every time I think I've got it, every time I’m about to cross that line and finally step into the light.” Eddie said “It slips away taken from me just like that.”

He snaps his fingers for effect.

“You think I don't hear the talk? The whispers?” Eddie said “You think I don't feel it when people say Eddie's almost there, he's got the skill and the drive he just needs one more push. Well I've been pushing for far too long now and that brings me to this match with Kris Ryans.”

He takes a moment to pause.

“I won't sit here and tell you I haven't respected what you've done in this business.” Eddie said “You've earned your place and built a legacy that nobody can take from you. But here's the thing I'm not out looking for respect anymore, because like I said respect doesn't win me championships, and respect doesn’t put me on top. Respect doesn't erase the almost from my story.”

He keeps a sharp gaze on the camera.

“You've made your mark Kris. You solidified your place in history.” Eddie continued “But I'm not here to prove I belong because I know I belong. Yet every time I lose. Every time I get that almost feeling. I wonder how much longer can I keep doing this, how much longer can I keep fighting just to be almost good enough?"

He exhales heavily again pausing for a moment.

“I'm tired of being that guy.” said Eddie “The guy who almost had it. The guy who almost broke through, the guy who fought but couldn't quite finish the job. That ends NOW."

There's a slight but intense quiver in his lip.

“And you Kris.” Eddie said “You're the next one standing in my way, the next hurdle in this race. While you have had your time in the sun, it's my turn now. This match isn’t about your legacy, this match is about me moving forward to take what's mine. I've fought blood and sacrifice too much to let this slip away I'm not asking for a moment I'm taking it."

Another short pause from Eddie

"You've been the face of this company. Carried it." said Eddie "I respect that, but the truth is legends fade and nothing lasts forever and when we step into that ring it won't be your legacy I'm focused on, it'll be my future. This is the moment I've been waiting for. I'm done with almost I'm done being the guy who comes so close but never quite makes it. This is the moment where Eddie Lyons steps out of the shadows and into the light."

He pauses for a beat.

“That goes for the rest of you listening as well.” said Eddie “When I meet you in the finals, J2H, Raven, maybe Bill. All of you need to know that I've been ready for this moment and when it's all over and I stand tall that's when my story will be written. Not as some guy who almost made it but as the guy who broke the cycle and proved that as long as you keep fighting you get what you earned.”

Another pause for a short beat once more.

“You're my last step before the finals Kris." said Eddie “There's no more almost this time. It's mine.”

The cameras linger on Eddie's face as he stares ahead with fire in his eyes.  Amsterdam just a blur behind him has his words linger in the air a declaration his moment is approaching and he's more than determined he's done waiting and he's certainly done with almost.

Fade to Black.

It was a casual day inside the home of Eddie Lyons and his now fiance Sabrina Woods she relaxed on the couch reading through a book while Eddie sat on a nearby lounge chair lost in the thoughts of his own mind.

The closer the chamber got the more he thought about it was he making the wrong entering this match with a new fiance and a baby on the way. Sabrina looked up from her book and shifted her gaze to him with a knowing look in her eyes.

“You're quiet today Eddie Lyons.” she said.

“Just thinking.” Eddie sighed.

“The chamber?” Sabrina asked rhetorically

“Yeah.” Eddie muttered

Marking her page in her book, Sabrina closed her book and set up to look at him.

“Tell me.” she said.

“What more is there to tell Sabz?” he said “I'm just going to be regurgitating the same thing to you at this point. How it's a war zone, and the structure doesn't care who you are, and it can break you mentally and physically. I have to walk in and just accept all of that.”

“Are you scared?” she asked

“Be an idiot if I wasn't.” he said. “At least a little.”

“Well, I know you're going to fight like hell.” Sabrina said “And no matter what happens I will always be in your corner. Win or lose I'm always going to be on your side Eddie Lyons.”

“I just want to get another shot at Finn.” he said “But I'm not the only one. Everyone in that chamber wants the same thing and they're all willing to bleed for it. I have to be willing to go further than the rest of them if I want to win.”

“And that's what you're afraid of.” said Sabrina.

Eddie gave her a curious look.

“You're not afraid of the match itself.” Sabrina said “You're afraid of what you might have to do to win.”

Eddie didn't answer right away, he sat next to her on the couch and side.

“You know me I don't like fighting dirty.” he said “But in the chamber there is no clean way out.”

“Well, I know you're going to go in there and fight your hardest like you always do and when you walk out still going to be the same Eddie Lyons that I fell in love with.” said Sabrina. “It's what I fell in love with you for, you don't give up on your goals and you fight as hard as you can to achieve them.”

“Yeah..” replied Eddie softly

“How about we change the subject a little bit?” Sabrina said “I've been thinking about the wedding.”

“Oh yeah?” Eddie asked intrigued.

“You know it's important to me that were married before the baby gets here.” Sabrina said “But at the same time, I don't want to be pregnant in my wedding dress I know it's silly but when we have our big day I want to be comfortable I don't want to look all pregnant and stuff you know.”

“Yeah that's fair.” said Eddie “So what did you have in mind.”

“I think we have a small private ceremony just us and our close family and then after the baby's here we do The big wedding the way we always imagined.” she said.

“That would make you happy?” Eddie asked

“It would.” said Sabrina.

“Then let's do it.” said Eddie.

“Really?” said Sabrina her face lighting up.

“Of course.” Eddie said “You're always in my corner and I'm always in yours we're here for each other no matter what.”

A shared kiss and the happy couple enjoyed each other's company for the remainder of the afternoon. The chamber still loomed ever closer, Eddie knew that whatever happened inside that structure when he walked back out Sabrina and their future together was what mattered most.

__________

The cameras open Eddie Lions stands in a dimly lit hallway tall and confident with his hands clasped behind his back in a quiet focus. When his eyes catch the camera he keeps it sharp gaze as he begins speaking.

“The elimination chamber looms ever closer for us fellas.” Eddie said “The stakes are real now it's not just about the championship for me, it's about proving something to myself about what I'm willing to face and what I'm willing to go through.”

He runs his fingers across the door in front of him.

“Behind this door..”  he said “Is  a challenge and every room behind it is another obstacle, another person, and another battle. And I'm ready for all of them, ready to show why I am one of the best in this company. To show  why I am going to become the next World Heavyweight Champion."

His hand wraps around the handle has he pushed it open

“And what's behind door number one?” he said has he stepped inside.

The camera cut to Eddie's stepping into the room where he immediately felt the temperature drop the walls were aligned with monitors flickering with moments from his past matches, ones he fought with everything he had only to come up short.

His wars with Peter Vaughn.

His loss of the Roulette Championship to Aiden Reynolds

The embarrassing loss to Bill Barnhart.

His defeat at the hands of Kris Ryans.

And then there it was Finn Whelan standing victorious  with the world championship as Eddie lay defeated in the background.

The distance sounds of cheers echoed throughout before twisting and warping into jeers and mocking voices.

"You're nothing but a fraud."

Eddie's hands clenched into a fist.

“So that's how you feel?” Eddie exhaled “That's what you really think is it Jayden? That I don't want a challenge? That I'm looking for the easy way out? Honestly, You really just sound like somebody pissed in your corn flakes or something.”

The monitors flickered to show the moment Jayden used to brand him a coward. Bea distracting the referee, Guy missing the tag to Jayden, the moment the tag got reversed and Eddie got the victory.

“You know the truth” Eddie said “Miles and I were caught up in our own little thing and I was still coming my own senses as well. By the time I was able to get to my feet,  Miles was still in the ring and I went for the victory like any competitor would.”

Eddie shook his head.

“I'm sorry it happened that way. Does that make you feel better?” said Eddie “But we can't go back and rewrite history all we can do is look to the future and that means the Elimination Chamber and that means me walking out as the number one Contender to the world championship. You seem to be letting a lot of anger consume you and that's a dangerous route to take because you could become so blinded by anger you can lose sight of the bigger goal.“

He could hear voices echoing again twisting taunting him.

"Doesn't it feel like failures all your meant for?"

“No it doesn't.” Eddie shook his head “I know I can beat Finn Whelan.  I came close in December and it was my irritating cousin who stuck her nose in and ruined it for me. I had that match won and the world knows it. I know exactly who I am Jayden and I don't need your validation to prove it.”

With a heavy breath he moved to a closed door in the room, one that led to the next and pushed it open.

“So who do we have next..” he said as he disappeared through the door.

The cameras cut to him entering the next room.

This room felt different no distorted memories no flickering images of failure but the walls were lined with mirrors who's reflections showed him as something less.

One version looking hesitant and holding back unwilling to take the next step another bruised and beaten reaching for a prize he'd never touch and even one where he wasn't there at all.

He could hear the voice of J2H echo in his head.

“The big difference with us too is the killer instinct and you just don't have it.”

“So that's what you think is it?” Eddie said “That I'm too soft that I don't have it in me to take something by the throat and rip it out.”

"Your sister she's got the right idea she doesn't give a fuck and makes that very clear…."

“First of all you daft idiot, Victoria is my cousin. Not my sister.”  he said “And yes I know exactly who she is. She'll do whatever it takes, step over people if she has to, but does that mean she's stronger than me or that she's the blueprint for what I should be?”

Eddie shook his head.

“That's where you've got it twisted J2H.”  he said “I don't need to be her, and I don't need to be you. You say I don't have that cutting edge? That I'm a workhorse for running in place, but if I didn't have it in me then why the fuck am I standing here?”

Suddenly the mirrors shattered the glass falling to the ground like rain. Eddie didn't flinch keeping his confident composure about him.

“You don't think I've had to fight for everything I've got?” Eddie said “You don't think I've had moments where I wanted to rip someone's throat out to get what I deserve I've been there J2H, I've had my fingers wrapped around the moment and watched it slip away and you know why?”

He paused for a moment.

“Because I did care…” he said “But here's the thing, you act like that's a weakness. Caring doesn't make me weaker it makes me dangerous, because I don't just fight for myself I fight for everyone who's been told they weren't good enough. I fight for every moment people said I wouldn't survive, and every time someone like you looked me in the eyes and told me I wasn't on their level I made damn sure they remembered my name.”

He took a step forward with intent.

“You don't think I have a killer instinct in me of my own?”  he said “Then you're not as smart as you think you are.”

With that Eddie steps to the door at the end of wrapping his hand around the knob and pushing it open as he stepped inside.

As the cameras catch Eddie in the next room the walls are bare with a sense of emptiness, a place where nothing really thrives yet it never really goes away.

“It's pretty funny you don't even have the decency to address me Bill.” Eddie said “I mean we all know your track record, how many times you failed you couldn't get it done and yet you still talk week after week like you've got all the answers.”

Eddie pauses letting the words linger about.

“You've lost more times than I can count Barnhart. So what are you even able to say to me anyway.?” said Eddie “That like you that I'm destined to continuously fail? You you didn't even respect me enough to acknowledge me when you had the chance, but what should I expect from someone who can't even handle his own failures?"

Eddie pauses and shakes his head.

“So honestly I'm not worried about you or your half-baked threats I'm here to prove myself and show why I deserve to be the next World Heavyweight Champion." said Eddie "You can choose to ignore me with your words but when the chamber comes you won't be able to avoid the possibility of me getting my hands on you and taking you out just like the the other five men I can walk out the number one contender and I don't need a damn thing from you to do it."

Eddie took a few steps to the next door.

“I guess I'll see you in the chamber Bill.” said Eddie “But at this point you're just lucky to be here, no more than background noise.”

With that he tightens his grip on the next door handle and pushes his way through.

As the cameras follow him into the next room he takes a deep breath.

The room itself is small and bare with smooth white walls and a plain wood floor with faint scratches here and there. A simple place clean and uncluttered only requiring the bare essentials. It has a calming sense of warmth about it.

“Respect huh…” Eddie said  “I get it Carter I really do the things you're saying they've got some truth to them but you're missing the point. The truth is I wasn't trying to discredit you and Miles, far from it you guys have something that I can't deny I'm built on loyalty and true love.”

Eddie paces around as he speaks.

“That bond, that love.”  he said “It's not just your strength, but it's your weakness as well. But that doesn't mean either of you are weak, just that love and loyalty can be a double-edged sword. You two love each other no doubt but sometimes when the stakes are this high that's not enough, and that doesn't make you weak persay, it makes you human and sometimes that's the problem."

Eddie's sighed and shrugged his shoulders

“Maybe I should have used better phrasing.” said Eddie “And that's on me but I wasn't trying to call you guys weak I'm just pointing out what I saw. It's not going to be easy for you to drop Miles on his head if you need to, and it's not going to be easy for him to drop you if he needs to. But you might have to, and if you hesitate someone else might take you out instead.”

Eddie pauses continuing to pace around.

“Your comparison to Victoria…” he said with a grin “Yeah I get it. We do have a lot in common I can't deny that. A competitive edge, we don't stop until we get what we want. But you know what? That's just called being a Lyons. I have it, Victoria has it, Vincent Jr is starting to show he has it as well. The difference between us is how we choose to use it.”

Eddie takes another short pause running his fingers through his hair.

“I'm not looking to go out there and maim you or Miles.” said Eddie “I really don't want to turn this into some bloody mess any more than you do. The problem is you and Miles are tough, tougher than most and I know it's going to take more. Everyday tactics won't cut it with the two of you so yeah, I might have to use everything at my disposal in that chamber to win and if I have to turn up the intensity then so be it just remember it's all in the spirit of competition.”

Eddie straightened up his posture maneuvering towards the next door.

“You want to see if I'm truly unbreakable? Then I guess we'll find out.”  He said as he pushed his way into the next room.

The next room almost mirrored the one previous to it but this one felt a little more aggressive there was an air of rebellion, that the previous room didn't have. As Eddie stepped forward into it the sound of his boots clicked on the concrete floor.

“Love…” Eddie mutters to himself “It really is a strength and a weakness isn't it Miles? But you seem to understand my words a little better than your partner.”

Eddie paused for a moment.

“I know you want this Miles.” said Eddie “And if I'm being honest I have my eyes on you just as you had them on me. You're the one I have my eyes on the most. You understand what's at stake and you understand you may have to do things you may find uncomfortable to win if you want to come out on top.”

Eddie looks around the room pacing slightly.

“We all know why we're here miles we're all after the same thing.” Eddie said “But the one who walks out of the chamber won't be you my friend. You might think you're the one who will tear Finn down, but in the end I'm the one that will come out on top.”

With that Eddie nods and reaches towards the next door handle pushing his way through and disappearing through the frame.

The next room is almost the more relaxed setting has the cameras catch Eddie walking into it there's some barbecue paraphernalia mismatched chairs and just peculiar items thrown about.

“Well this isn't quite what I expected…” said Eddie with a chuckle “But I guess this really is the spirit of you isn't it Vinnie? “

Eddie paused again for a moment

“You have your jokes…” Eddie said “But I promise you, when I meet you in that chamber it's going to be anything but a joke. So you can have your barbecues, your water guns, and your trophy collection. I'll say it again, at the elimination chamber all the jokes stop. It's about who really knows how to handle pressure and I hope you have more than just your unique sense of humor when it really counts.”

With a shrug and he pushes through through the next door.

Eddie finds himself in a minimalist room with pictures of him in action from various matches of his most defining moments.

When he won the Roulette Championship.

When he pinned Finn Whelan and he and Victoria won the mixed tag championships.

When he survived the gauntlet.

There is also photos of himself and his fiance Sabrina and their time together they hang just above an empty baby crib.

He walked over resting his hand on the crib rocking it slightly.

“I've been through hell in that ring.”  he said “But this match? It's different this could be it could be the end of everything.”

He looks up at a picture of him and Sabrina smiling together the one they took on the Princess Cruise where they first reconnected with each other.

“I don't know…” he said “What if something does go wrong? What if I end up hurt? Like really hurt? I know I run that risk every time I step in the ring, but the chances of it happening in this match are just a lot higher.”

He sighs, this is his weakness and he knows it.

“What if something happens and I can't walk?” he said “I won't even be able to run around with my kid. What would Sabrina do? She'd be the one pushing me around in a wheelchair taking care of me. I know she would do it without second thought too. But I don't want it to have to do that. I want to be there for her, and I want to be the one taking care of her.”

He sets the picture down inside the crib with a soft sigh and a shake of the head.

“No.” he said “I can't think like that. I can't be that guy. I can't let that happen. I'll fight through whatever comes my way, and get up no matter what I've been knocked down before and I always get back up.  This time won't be any different I'm winning this match for you Sabrina. For you and our child. No matter what, there's no other option."

A heavy exhale and he looks to one more door curiously and pushes through.

He finds himself in a grand empty throne room with towering stone walls looming around him. At the far end of the room there's a massive throne looming, as if it was waiting  for a ruler.”

With a smile, he walks slowly toward it.

“This is it…” Eddie said “All these years it's all been leading to this moment right here. The throne, being the man on top everything I've been fighting for it's finally going to be mine.”

He approaches the throne and reaches out to it but just has his hand is about to touch the arm of the throne he feels some unseen for stop him he can't quite reach it yet it's almost mocking him in a way.

“I get it..” he nods “It's not mine just yet is it? There's still Finn or maybe Alex Jones. Whomever it is I'll have to deal with them first.” Eddie said “I don't have to speak on my history with Finn, we've seen it. I know exactly how tough Finn is and I know what he's capable of. I might be mistaken but I believe I'm the only person in this match that has a pinfall victory over Finn.”

He pauses for a moment

“I haven't had too much of a chance to see what Alex Jones is made of first hand.” said Eddie “So if it's him, it'll be a whole new animal for me but I can't let either of them stand in my way no matter who it is I'll fight. I'll fight for everything and the world championship will be mine.  I will be able to sit on a throne of my own. Nothing and nobody is going to stop me.”

He takes a step back with one last look at the throne and turns away ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead has his footsteps echo across the concrete floor the scene fades out to black.

The house was warm and lived in it was no longer a place Eddie and Sabrina had just moved into but a place that was sharing their daily routines, their laughter, their messes and their most intimate moments. Long gone were the boxes, now replaced by shelves full of pictures of their families and themselves.

They both were curled up on the couch together, Sabrina wearing an SCW hoodie she had “borrowed” from Eddie several weeks ago. Eddie himself in one of his own Eddie Lyons t-shirts with the word “Unbreakable” across the chest.

“You know what I can't stop thinking about?” Eddie said with a grin.

“What's that?” Sabrina asked arching an eyebrow.

"That perfect slap you put on Victoria's face the other day." he said with a grin. “Top ten moments of my life easily. Her her head almost spun around completely.”

“Yeah well she was asking for it.” said Sabrina “I honestly surprised myself.”

“I think that's called your motherly instincts kicking in. Mama ain't going to take nobody talking about her child like that.” Eddie replied.

“Our child.” Sabrina smiled, kissing him on the cheek.

“Yeah, our child.” Eddie replied with a smile opening his arm around her as they cuddled tighter.

“You're nervous aren't you.?” Sabrina said looking up at him.

Eddie exhaled heavily.

“It's just the chamber draws ever closer.” Eddie continued and “Now it's not just six men, it's seven. Seven guys who all have something to prove.”

“Well I don't know these other guys.” said Sabrina “But from where I sit I don't think anybody wants this more or deserves it more than you Eddie Lyons.”

"It's more of the brutality of the chamber." Eddie said his voice lowering. “It's brutal, it'll take more than skill, it's going to take luck and survival and I won't be coming out the same Eddie Lyons that I am now. The chamber is something that changes a man.”

“It might change you some.” said Sabrina “But it won't break you  You’ve already proven more than you realize Eddie Lyons.  You’re someone who doesn't give up. Most importantly when you do fall you stand on your own business, no excuses. You pick yourself up, dust yourself off and make yourself better next time.”

“I know.” said Eddie “But it seems like I always get right there, right to the edge of a big win and it slips through my fingers every time.”

“Well don't forget you already have the biggest win of all “ she smiled  moving his hand across her belly. “I know whatever happens I'll be proud of you and our daughter will grow up to be proud of you.”

“Daughter?” said Eddie raising an eyebrow.

“I guess I think it's a girl.” Sabrina said with a shrug. “Won't know officially for a few more weeks.”

“Well boy, girl.” said Eddie “It doesn't matter whatever our child grows up to be, it will be their decision and we will love them either way.”

“Absolutely.” Sabrina agreed.

“Anyway there's still this tag match I got before the chamber.” said Eddie. “I haven't got too much of a read on my partner Señor Vinny yet but he didn't qualify for the chamber by accident and he's a former world champion and Internet Champion so I have good faith that he knows his stuff.”

“Well I hope he's reliable.” said Sabrina, “Otherwise you'll take care of him in the chamber. Get back must be had right?”

“Get back?” said Eddie with an eyebrow raised, “You learn that from Cleo?”

“She may have taught me some cool phrases.” Sabrina said with a grin.

"But as long as he pulls his own weight, we'll be fine" said Eddie “Because our opponents are no slouches  Miles and Jayden both want to be the world champion honestly probably just as much as I do and either one of them can get the job done.”

“But they won't.” said Sabrina “Because you will.”

“Yeah.” said Eddie “You're damn right about that.”

They sat there together for a while enjoying the quiet before finally deciding to find something to watch together on Netflix as they relaxed into their evening enjoying their time together before Eddie had to fly out to San Francisco for the weekend.

__________

The camera opens on a Las Vegas evening catching Eddie Lyons in his new home sitting on his back patio in a comfy patio chair wearing a Lyons Den hoodie and sweatpants. He lets the camera linger on him for a moment before speaking.

“We're just a few weeks out from the Elimination Chamber.” Eddie began “But first at Climax Control, we get to have a little sneak preview when I team with Senor Vinny against Miles Kasey and Jayden Harris before we all enter the chamber seeking the tear one another apart.”

Eddie pauses for a moment.

“I guess the big question is can any of us even trust each other for one night?” Eddie continued “Can Miles and Jayden put aside their own Ambitions to try to take out Vinny and myself can Vinny and I do the same to try to take them out that's the story that's going to get pushed can they coexist and it's honestly a fair question.”

There's another short pause as Eddie leans forward slightly.

“I'll lay this out right now.” said Eddie “At Climax Control, Señor Vinny? You're my amigo, my compadre ,and I will do my part and stand beside you as your partner for the evening. I'll fight beside you like your mi familia because that's the only way I know how to do this.  We're a team for the night then we're a team and I'm all in amigo.”

He pauses as a confident grin goes on his face.

“But the second the match ends.” Eddie said “That's where the partnership ends. No longer are you my amigo, you're just somebody standing in my way of the world Heavyweight Championship.”

He lets his words linger in the air before continuing.

“But amigo, we'll deal with that when the time comes.” said Eddie “For now we should focus on the people across from us, Miles Kasey and Jayden Harris. Two guys I honestly respect the hell out of.”

Eddie's shifts slightly in his chair before continuing.

“I know what you're about Miles. You've got heart, you've got passion and you fight for the people who love you.” said Eddie “You and Carter have built something beautiful and I respect that too. But all respect aside, I'm not pulling any punches not this week, not in the chamber, and I'd be a fool to not expect the same from you.”

That trademark intensity flashes in Eddie's eyes.

“Then there's Jayden Harris.” Eddie said. “A man looking to carve his own path while carrying his father's name. I know that game my friend, and it's heavy. People will look at your last name before they even see your work. People will be so quick to judge you off your dad's sins or his successes.”

Eddie looks to the camera with a respectful nod.

“Being second generation.” said Eddie “Both of us know about the advantages and disadvantages and you and I both know that we're not fighting for either of our father's legacies, we're fighting for our own and we're both more than willing to earn our respect the hard way.”

Eddie takes another short pause.

“This tag match is not about titles or wins or losses.“ said Eddie “It's about statements and showing the world and each other exactly who they're walking into that chamber with. That includes Bill Barnhart, J2H and HBC as well. I honestly don't know how the two of you are going to get through this one miles but that's going to be for the two of you to figure out “

Eddie shakes his head with a slight exhale.

“I just hope all of you know that I'm not walking in that chamber to be the nice guy or the future star. I'm walking into take what's mine with no excuses, no backing down. I've tasted gold and had it ripped from me and I've been a runner up and the guy who almost got it.” said Eddie. “This time I will go all the way and I will go on to become the World Heavyweight Champion. This time you need to bet on Eddie Lyons. “

Eddie places his hand on his leaning closer to the camera.

“So Miles, Jayden, and even you Vinny bring your best at Climax Control. Let's give everyone a little preview of what's to come.” Eddie continued “When it's over I'll shake hands with whoever wants to shake hands, but when we get to the chamber and that door closes, there's no friends no partners only survival.”

He keeps his confident gaze on the camera.

“If any of you think nice guy Eddie can't be ruthless.” he grinned, "Go ahead and keep thinking that. I'll be happy to surprise you when I lay you out in the chamber and walk out with the opportunity to face the World Heavyweight Champion.”

He stands up and turns back to the house, pauses and looks back to the camera.

“I'll see you at Climax Control my friends.”  said Eddie "Let's find out who makes the first statement because I'll tell you now I'm tired of being the favorite runner-up. I'm ready to take it all.”

With that he walks back into his home as the camera fades to black.

__________

Life was changing fast for Eddie Lyons, a baby on the way, a new home and even more he still had planned for he and Sabrina's future.  He wanted to make sure Sabrina had all the comforts that she needed, especially as she had entered her second trimester and the coming months were going to be very important. SCW wasn't going to slow down for him either, meaning other than when they operated from home base in Vegas,  he would have to fly to whatever city they were in every weekend.

But he wouldn't change a thing he loved Sabrina and he was looking forward to meeting their child more and more each day. But it was those weekends that he was gone and some other City that he wanted her to have some sort of company and that's how he found himself in the living room with a happy Golden Retriever puppy.


He could hear her car pull into the driveway and got ready.

“All right little buddy.” he said “Looking into the puppies eyes let's make a good first impression.”

With a happy bark the puppy licked Eddie in his face as though he understood.

“Eddie?” he heard Sabrina call as she shut the front door behind her “You home?”

“I'm in here!” he called from the living room, “I have a surprise for you!”

“Is it a machine that makes me not have to pee every five minutes?” she said, her voice drawing closer.

As she rounded the corner he held out the puppy to her and for a moment you could hear a pin drop.

“Eddie…” she said with a smile.

“Thought you could use some company when I'm on the road.” he said. "Plus every kid should grow up with a good dog right?”

The puppy started to wriggle in Eddie's hand wagging his tail as Sabrina stepped closer scooping him into her own. Eddie laughed as the puppy covered her face with sloppy kisses.

“He's adorable.” said Sabrina taking a seat setting the puppy into her lap. “Does he have a name?”

“No.” said Eddie “Figured I'd let you decide on that one.”

Sabrina look down thoughtfully at the puppy for a moment and then look back up at Eddie.

“Koda.” she said

“Koda?” Eddie replied.

“Yeah.” she said “It's cute and has a strong ring to it. Koda Lyons I like it.”

“Well what do you think Koda?” Eddie said looking at the puppy in her lap.

Koda barked and happily wagged his tail.

“I think he likes it.” Sabrina smiled.

They sat there together for some time watching Koda play and discover new things, the sofa, various chairs, cabinets and carpets and even had to stop him from almost destroying one of the baby books.

“Thank you Eddie Lyons.” Sabrina said, resting her head on his shoulder. “I'm glad I'm going to have this little guy hanging out with me watching when you win the elimination chamber.”

“You are my world now Sabrina.” said Eddie “I want to make sure you have everything you need and want, you and our child.”

“It's really starting to feel real isn't it?” Sabrina said “We have a home, a puppy, and before we know it our child will be here and our family will be complete and we can begin to make memories together full of love and laughter.”

“Absolutely.” said Eddie with a smile.

“Just don't forget to take time for yourself.” Sabrina said "You've been doing so much for me don't forget to take care of Eddie Lyons.”

"Well you are important to me." Eddie said.

“And you to me.” said Sabrina “That's why I want you to try and keep your focus these next few weeks on your Elimination Chamber match. I know how important it is to you and you support me and I'm going to support you”

“I appreciate that Sabrina.” said Eddie kissing her softly on the forehead when suddenly Koda jumped in between them and began licking Sabrina in the face.

“Jealous already buddy?” said Eddie with a smile. “Well I'm sorry but you're going to have to share her little dude.”

“Careful.” said Sabrina “He just might steal me away.”

They laughed together in the afternoon stretched on like that as the two relaxed inside their home Eddie's little bubble I want love comfort and safety.

And yet he still had one final surprise for Sabrina….

__________

This soft crackle of the fire illuminating the scene is heard as the cameras open on Eddie Lyons sitting in an Adirondack chair next to a modest stone fire pit. He's dressed casually in his usual Jean sneakers t-shirt and Hoodie combo but his expression is anything but relaxed.

“You ever just sit by the fire and think?” said Eddie “I'm not talking about the philosophical deep meaning of life kind of stuff. Just who you are, where you're at, and what comes next that's kind of been my vibe ever since this chamber match was announced.”

There's sort of a mixed vibe of determination and a man relaxing at home as Eddie Lyons continues.

“It's going to be my first chamber you know.” [/color]said Eddie “And if I said I wasn't constantly thinking about that I'd be lying. But I'm not afraid, I know what it does to people and I know it's reputation. Shortened careers, broken bodies, rewritten legacies. But what I feel isn't fear, it's hunger.  The hunger to prove that when it comes to the best in this business my name deserves to be among the top of the list.”

The expression on his face hardens slightly.

“But to do that I need to step in the ring with six other guys who want to do the exact same thing.” said Eddie “And I have respect for each person that's going to enter that chamber, but that does not mean I see them as unbeatable they're just rivals equals and people standing in my way.”

He keeps his tongue sharp and steady.

“For me this match is about way more than winning the chamber and punching a ticket to a world title shot.” Eddie continued "It's about who holds that title when I get there and that's Finn Whelan.”[/i][/b]

Eddie pauses for a moment with a sharp exhale.

“I need Finn to be the world champion when this is over.” said Eddie “Because for me it's not just about gold, it's about closure and righting the wrong that's been eating at me since December. My Moment was stolen from me and I won't right that wrong by defeating Alex Jones, I need to beat Finn Whelan.”

One can almost see the fire flickering in his eyes although it could just be a reflection of the pit in front of him.

“And I know I could just focus on winning the chamber and then taking the title whether it be Finn or Alex.” said Eddie “But somehow it'll feel slightly hollow if it's not Finn. For my story to feel truly complete I need to take the championship from Finn Whelan.”

Eddie stands up and begins to pace a slow circle around the pit.

“But that's the catch I guess because if Finn does lose to Alex Jones then that's who I'll be facing when I win the chamber.” said Eddie “And if it's Alex Jones, so be it I'll take the title from him because that's what I'm coming to do but I have to be honest it just won't taste the same.”

He stops and looks into the camera.

“But here I am talking about the chamber.” said Eddie “And before I can even get into any of that there's this week and our tag match me and Vinnie taking on Miles and Jayden.”

Eddie takes a short pause.

“Miles might be the one guy who wants Finn just as much as I do.” said Eddie “His reasoning is more personal of course. But if Miles wants to get to Finn, he's going to have to go through me and I'm going to give him and Jayden both a preview of just what that means.”

Eddie gets a confident nod and smirk at the camera has he sits back into his chair.

“You should pay attention to Vinnie.”  said Eddie “We're a team tonight and and I'll be your amigo for the evening, but I told you before at the chamber you're just another one in my way.”

Eddie's posture becomes more relaxed as he leans back into his chair.

“It's going to be a hell of a war in a few weeks boys.” said Eddie, “I just hope you all come ready because I am.”

With that the camera lingers on Eddie and the flickering fire pit as the scene ultimately fades out to black.

It could be said that Eddie Lyons and Finn Whelan were two sides of the same coin, warriors forged in fire whose paths seemed destined to clash. Their rivalry had been born out of ambition rather than hatred, a relentless drive to be the one on top of the mountain.

The two men carry themselves as Warriors both unyielding in their pursuit of glory but different in how they carried their burdens. Finn was methodical and calculating, a veteran who wore his dominance like armor. Eddie was the beacon of hope and light, fighting with heart and passion, showing resilience even in the face of adversity.

Finn had been the unshakable pillar of SCW for over a year, never being pinned or submitted. But in the span of one unforgettable moment Eddie did the unthinkable. He pinned Finn Whelan in the middle of the ring and won the Mixed Tag Team Championships.

It was that singular victory that was like a crack in an unbreakable wall, proof that Finn wasn't invincible. Proof that he could be beaten and Eddie Lyons had done it. Finn could blame Miles Kasey all he wanted, but the truth was Eddie Lyons had beaten him.  Eddie had proven he could go to the distance against a man many considered untouchable. That victory was a bit of vindication for Eddie, a step closer to proving that he was the man destined to take the World Heavyweight Championship from Finn Whelan.

Then came the loss of the mixed tag team titles, and that  stung Eddie deeply,  not because of pride but because he did feel he and Victoria were potentially building something special as crazy as that sounded. It was a harsh reminder of how fleeting success could be sometimes. The Wolves of Gheimhridh won back tag titles and Eddie could do nothing but admit they deserved it. Victoria was once again taken to her breaking point by Kayla. Not pinned, not submitted but as Finn made clear during their meeting on Climax Control, a loss was still a loss. The Wolves had proven why they were one of the best teams in the history of the division.

However, it still remains true that Finn has not pinned Eddie,  or made Eddie submit. For now the chapter of mixed Tag Team Championships are closed as the World Heavyweight Championship looms as the ultimate battlefield between Eddie and Finn. A chance for Eddie to cement his legacy, and a chance for Finn to prove why he is the dominant champion he has been for nearly a year now.

Heart vs. dominance and only one man can walk away as this Sin City wrestling World Heavyweight Champion.[/i]

___________

Eddie had decided to return home for his workout. He needed some peace and quiet away from the busy bustle of The Lyons Den. There was a new Talent initiative going on and sometimes things could just get a little hectic at the Family School.

The hum of the heater made it apparent that his father had still not properly fixed it but that hum was part of what made home home to Eddie. The gym acted as a sanctuary to Eddie. No cameras, No fans, no rivals. Just him and the honest labor that had carried him through his career to this point.

He tightened his grip on the bar of the dumbbells, the chalk dust clinging to his hands that were calloused and dirty.

Up.
Down.
Up.
Down.

The heaviness of the weights were nothing compared to the heaviness of the burdens on his mind. The burden of losing the mixed Tag Team Championships still lingering.  The burden of being an expecting father and the burden of a world championship match against one of the best to ever do it coming up also weighing on his mind.

But he was unbreakable and his burdens were not going to break him. He continued to power through his sets straining his muscles with every rep. He could hear the sound of his own heartbeat. Amid all the burdens, only one name on his mind truly mattered right now.

Finn Whelan.

The incident on Climax Control had been Victoria's fault.  He didn't want her to come out and do what she did and hit Finn with the low blow, but she didn't listen and they both ended up falling victim to the wolves.

“Fucking Victoria…” he muttered to himself knowing somewhere in the back of his mind that he should have known better. He didn't have the time to worry about Victoria now though he had to focus on Finn and the World Heavyweight Championship.

Finn Whelan wasn't just anyone and Eddie knew it. He was the guy who was never pinned or submitted in a year by anybody.

Except Eddie.

That moment when he pinned  Finn clean in the middle of the ring was still vivid in his memory. It showed a crack in the armor of Finn Whelan, a reminder that he was not  untouchable and he was not invincible and now it was time for Eddie to prove that it wasn't a fluke.

The Wolves were back on top again and riding the momentum of winning back the mixed Tag Team Championships. Eddie knew that Finn would use that as a mental edge. Likely taunting him about losing the belts and asking what makes him think he can win the World Championship if he couldn't even keep the tag championships.

Eddie exhaled as he curled a pair of dumbbells.

He thought about Sabrina for a moment and her face lit up and she told him the news of her pregnancy. That memory just for a moment somehow made the weights seem lighter.

He wasn't just fighting for himself anymore every punch he threw every kick everybody slam was for her for their future child and for the future he was building for them.

That meant a lot he had to get his own place. A home for Sabrina and his child to stay in while he was on the road and he had to get a ring because he didn't want his child to be born to an unmarried couple.

I wasn't about revenge or redemption or even proving that you still have it. It wasn't even about proving Finn wrong or silencing any of Eddie's doubters. It was now about showing his future child that no matter how many times you get knocked, down no matter how many times you get hit, you keep fighting, you push through no matter how heavy the weight may be.

With another exhale Eddie continued to work on his curls. The World Heavyweight Championship was within his reach, and when the bell rang on December 22nd Eddie Lyons was going to be ready, and Eddie Lyons was going to take the championship from Finn Whelan.

__________

The cameras open on a dimly lit room, a single spotlight shining in the center. The camera stays steady and focus as Eddie Lyons steps in the view, dressed simply in jeans, sneakers and a halfway zipped up SCW hoodie. The camera's linger for a moment as he speaks.


“Finn Whelan, the man, the myth, the champion. For the past year you've stood atop this company as an untouchable force climbing to the very peak of the business.” Eddie began intensity and determination showing in his voice. “Every other challenger that came for you from Miles Kasey to Kris Ryans to Michael Harris. You let all of them know where their place is. That your throne is as far above them as it can possibly be but on December 22nd that is all about to change “

He remains calm as he speaks, but with a fire behind his words as he takes a step forward, his eyes burning with more than confidence. This is a man who's almost certain that the end of Finn's reign is coming at his hand.

“You took back Mixed Tag Team Championships.” said Eddie, “That I will not take from you. But now now I have nothing to lose Finn. I have no championship and if you beat me, then what? I'm just another challenger who lost to Finn Whelan.  I'm sure some will even expect it, but I'm ready to break expectations."

Eddie pauses for a moment with a slight shake of the head as a short laugh exits his lips.

“You've been the world champion for so long that it's practically part of your identity,” said Eddie. “You've dispatched challenger after challenger time and time again like clockwork. You surrounded yourself in so much success that you think it's something that can't be taken away “

A confident grin grows on Eddie's face.

“But someone did, didn't they?” he said “If even only for a moment, those mixed tag titles were taken from you, and who did it? Not some team that's been working together for years and years but a random thrown together team of two family members that struggle to get along. You almost didn't get them back either. Can you imagine what we could have done if Victoria and I were able to be on the same page?”

Eddie shrugs, At the end of the day they did still lose the mixed tag titles but he couldn't worry about that anymore because the world championship was a much bigger opportunity.

“The problem is Finn.” said Eddie. "You act like you've won this match before it even happened. You've already dismissed me and that's where you made your mistake. You've let your dominance cloud your vision and you've let yourself believe that no one is close to even being able to challenge you.”

He pauses again to let the words settle in on the listener's ears.

“You can wear that smug expression on your face all you want.” Eddie continued. “And you can go on and talk about how no one's come close to stopping you. But that's the thing I'm not like everyone else, I’m the guy who pinned you. The guy who did what nobody else thought was possible I took you down in the ring and I won. Sure others like Kris Ryans have beat you in the past, but we all know that you're a different Finn Whelan today. You said as much yourself. You're the best Finn Whelan you've ever been and the Finn of today would run circles around the Finn that lost to Kris Ryans.”

Eddie exhales heavily the camera stays steady on him as the light covers him with its glow.

"You become comfortable at the top Finn. You've gotten used to it and that's led to complacency.” said Eddie “And that's where you've gone wrong you've gotten complacent and you've let your guard down. You've started to believe that your time as Champion is permanent.”

Another grin grows on Eddie's face.

“But nothing in this business is permanent, Finn. Legacies, Champions, Empires. They all meet their end.” Eddie said. ”And come December 22nd you're going to learn this the hard way, because I'm not just another opponent  I'm the man that's going to end your reign, take your World Heavyweight Championship and make it mine.”

Eddie pauses again the words he's speaking, filling himself with confidence.

“I understand the pressure and the weight to carry a championship.” said Eddie “But I also know what it feels like when it's ripped from you. That's what you're going to feel Finn. You're going to feel loss and when you do you'll finally understand that the one thing that's been holding you up is nothing but an illusion. There will be no more hiding behind your dominance and no more leaning on this idea that you're untouchable. It will be you and me and when the dust settles I will be the one with the World Heavyweight Championship.”

Eddie's fist clenches tightly, an undeniable fire growing in his eyes looking more and more determined as he continues speaking.

"You will see Finn. The end of your reign is inevitable, because no harder many walls you build, no matter how many challengers you crush.” He said, “When everything's all said and done I am your reckoning and there's nothing you can do to stop it. Be prepared Finn, be prepared to lose that championship and be prepared to HEAR ME ROAR.”

Keeping his confident gaze on the camera it slowly fades out, the spotlight dissipates and everything fades to black.

_________

It was late afternoon at The Lyons Den and the gym was as busy as ever with Coach Kaiser's new talent initiative. Eddie Lyons sat on the edge of one the rings, his expression one of frustration with his hands stuffed in the pockets of his hoodie as he watched Victoria finish up a set on a punching bag.

“You going to say something or just sit there staring at me?” said Victoria delivered another punch to the bag.

“You know exactly what I want to talk about.” said Eddie, the annoyance clear in his tone.

Victoria rolled her eyes and exhaled.

“Oh you're still mad about what happened on Climax Control.” said Victoria. “Well news flash Eddie you called out Finn Whelan and he reminded you who the hell he was. I just was trying to help you even the playing field.”

“Even the playing field?!” Eddie replied. “No you embarrassed me Vicks. That was supposed to be a moment between me and Finn. We were both to say our piece and then I was going to offer a handshake but you messed it all up when I asked you to stay in the back and not get involved. I don't need you messing with my credibility or my reputation.”

"Reputation?! Credibility?!" Victoria said stepping away from the bag. "That's what you're worried about? Not the fact that Finn and Kayla were likely seconds away from blindsiding you the moment you let your guard down? I just struck first. You're so caught up with being honorable that you're forgetting what's actually at stake here.”

“They weren't going to do a damn thing and you know it.” said Eddie, “You did that because you wanted to, without any regard for what I wanted. We're supposed to be a team here, remember?”

“And what do you think I was out there doing?” said Victoria “I was helping you. I gave you an opportunity to weaken Finn before your match to help you become the World Heavyweight Champion because we are a team and we should be helping each other! Again think about what's at stake here Eddie!”

“I know exactly what's at stake here!” Eddie retorted. “But I don't want or need you interfering and making it look like I need any type of backup. If I'm going to beat Finn and become the World Heavyweight Champion it's going to be because I earned it not because my cousin decided to play hitwoman for me.”

“Oh come on Eddie.” Victoria said rolling her eyes.  “You act like this is some fairy tale where the knight in shining armor wins because he's the better man. But that's not how it  works. You have to be willing to get your hands dirty  In case you haven't noticed one of us is still a champion and I've held Rue for a while now. Maybe you should listen to the champion between us.”

“You can be whatever type of champion you want to be.” said Eddie “But this is my match, and this is my championship to win. I'm going to do it my way. I know it's an uphill battle, but I like it that way and when I do win I know I'll have done it the right way.”

“Do you really think Finn cares about honor?” said Victoria. “Will the crowd remember how you won as long as you won? The only thing that matters is holding that championship at the end of the night but you're so stubborn that you'd rather lose with pride than when with a little strategy.”

“You don't get it Vicks.” said Eddie. "I'm not like you, I don't need shortcuts and I certainly don't need you making decisions for me. If I can't beat Finn on my own then I don't deserve to be champion.”

“If you think Finn is going to give you that chance you're delusional.” said Victoria “You're not just fighting Finn, you're fighting everything he's built around himself and if you're not willing to bend the rules he will break you.”

“Then let him try.” said Eddie “Because I'm not bending. Not for Finn, not for you, not for anybody. This is my fight Vicks and I need you to stay out of it.”

There was a moment of silence with the tension between them thick enough to cut with a knife. They both stared at each other jaws clenched until finally Victoria stepped back shaking her head.

“You're making a mistake Eddie.” she said “You're walking into a war with one hand tied behind your back and when Finn proves me right don't say I didn't tell you so.”

“I won't need to.” said Eddie, "Because I'm walking out as the World Champion and I'm doing it my way.”

Victoria shook her head and grabbed her nearby Bombshell Roulette Championship and slung it over her shoulder.

“Fine, do it your way.” Victoria said “But like I told you, don't say I didn't warn you….partner."

Without another word she turned and walked away out of the gym and out of sight leaving Eddie alone he sat there for a moment before slowly rolling back into the ring feeling his resolve hardening.

He would win the World Heavyweight Championship, but he would do it his way and he would do it on his terms with Honor before Glory.
__________

The camera finds Eddie Lyons inside of The Lyons Den, the family training school started by his late uncle, Victoria's father. The walls are adorned with championships and photos of the superstars of the past Lyons Den including Eddie's father Ray Lyons, Victoria's father Vincent Lyons Sr, and their other Uncle Zachary Lyons who might possibly have more kids than Nick Cannon scattered about the world giving his lifestyle as a young wrestler. Among them was also coach Kaiser and other names of stars that have came through,  even Finn's ex wife Aaron Asphyxia had some images of her as a young girl.

Eddie looked at it all with pride this is something that his uncle had built with his father and their other uncle. One day he hoped to be up here and be part of this wall, this wall of champions, these people were the foundation of The Lyon's Den the ones that helped start it all.  Maybe names like Josh Lazlow,  Stephanie Styles, Sanjay Baral, Marcus Richardson, Scooter Zion or Taurus mattered to the SCW audience or even in the grand scheme of Eddie's career but they meant something to The Lyons Den because they were part of what started it all.

“I know none of the people here matter to you Finn.” said Eddie, “Well maybe one of them does, or used to. But like I told you this isn't about my coach's relationship with your ex-wife. Although I do respect her and everything she's done in this business. She was a part of the early days of Lyons Den before she moved to have an amazing career if her own, eventually joining Wolfslair. Of all the talent from that time period her and Coach Kaiser are easily the most successful. Really the only ones who carried on through the years.”

Eddie continues to admire the history for a moment before turning to the camera.

“But now it's a new era.” said Eddie “And the talent that The Lyon's Den produces today the talent that coach Kaiser produces today is better than any of the talent that has come through here in the past. They were the foundation and now we are the ones making it great. Myself, Vincent Jr, Victoria, My cousin Alexander,  my good friend Cleo Phillips. We have been working hard to put credibility on the name Lyon's Den. But one little thing has bugged me since Coach Kaiser started pushing out his new talent some eight years ago now with Vincent Jr and Victoria. One thing has been consistent, no Lyons has been able to take home a world championship.”

Eddie pauses for a moment letting the thoughts move through his brain. He wants to be the one to break this trend, and what better way than by dethroning one of the very best in the Seattle Saint.

“Of course Cleo, she's won herself a world championship twice now, but I'm talking about my blood. The name LYONS,  the name that's on the school. One of us needs to get it done. We need a LYONS as world champion.” said Eddie, “And I swear to you then I'm going to be the one to do it and I'm going to do it by beating you.”

You can almost feel his determination through the camera. There is no doubting that this man truly feels he is the next SCW World Heavyweight Champion.

"I've been pondering trying to think about what makes you tick.” said Eddie “The brooding demeanor? The endless amounts of skinny jeans? Or is it because you walk around like you're the final boss of a game nobody wants to play?"

With a chuckle Eddie smirks to himself.

“Make no mistakes about it Finn, you're good. Real good. Anyone with half a brain can see that.” said Eddie “But there's a fine line between being dominant and being delusional and I feel like you've been blurring that line since I pinned you in that ring. You can act like it doesn't bother you, but it does. You came so close to a perfect 2024 and that one blemish on your perfect 2024 record is because of me. Even if you do retain your championship like you've done against so many challengers in the past, you'll still have that one blemish making your almost perfect 2024  just slightly imperfect. I caused that. Me. EDDIE FUCKING LYONS."

The fire and intense aura around him continues to grow.

“I know what you're thinking Finn.” said Eddie “You think I'm being too confident, too cocky. I'm letting one pin get to my head, and perhaps you're right. But my confidence is not backed up by arrogance my confidence is backed up by results. I earned my right to face you and I'm going to capitalize on it in the greatest way possible. See I felt it all from you then the intensity your fire the skill that makes you one of the best but I've also felt you falter I felt that moment when the cracks in Finn Whelan start to show and on December 22nd I will exploit every single one of those cracks until the foundation of Finn Whelan comes crumbling down."

Eddie takes a short pause.

“The truth is you've been champ for so long it's starting to get a little bit boring isn't it?” said Eddie. “It's like when I would play Monopoly with Victoria as a kid and she would hoard all the properties and keep anybody else from having fun. But I'm flipping the board this time and taking the dice,  the money and even that tiny little hat piece because that's my favorite one.”

Eddie smiles at the camera. A look of confidence and determination


“December 22nd is the night the Seattle saint becomes another chapter in the story in the rise of Eddie Lyons.” Eddie went on, “When people look back on this era of SCW, they won't just remember Finn Whelan's legendary reign, they'll remember the Night Eddie Lyons ended it. And that's going to be one hell of a story. I'll see you soon Finn, and Merry Christmas."

The camera lingers on Eddie his determined aura continues to linger has to seen all fades to black. He is ready for his huge championship match with Finn and win or lose, Eddie Lyons is going to give it his all so he can walk into the new year of 2025 as the World Heavyweight Champion.

And so the contenders begin to reval themselves, in addition to those previously announced, Ben Jordan will be returning from across the pond to try his luck once again, while Aaron Matthews will also be returning, looking to punch a ticket of his own and The Guy with a cape will be up to his antics while Caleb Storms tries his worth once again.

Well, at least everything just got spiced up. Eddie wanted better competition, he needed better competition than Justin Smith and Bill Barnhart. Maybe Alex Jones was decent competition, but Eddie still wanted it more, and now he felt things getting more exciting with all these former stars making their return to Sin City Wrestling.

They were just going to have to accept one thing. They were going to have to accept that this ia a new era, and many lare reaching to get to that glory all these former champions are trying to either cling to, or find once again. But the hungriest and most dangerous of all is the one that they’re all coming face to face with.

“Unbreakable” Eddie Lyons, and he’s ready to show all these former talents, just what the new school is all about.

__________

“I guess I get to be the welcome back mat.” said Eddie as he shut off the monitor. He saw what some of his opponents had to say, and wondered if even more were to come. As it stands right now, these were the men he felt who should concern him.

Alex Jones…
…Ben Jordan
…,Aaron Matthews
Guy With A Cape…..
…Caleb Storms

He wasn’t concerned about Justin Smith nor Bill Barnhart, and why would he be? He had proven himself against those two enough times, that it didn’t even feel arrogant to assume their failure was a foregone conclusion.

But these others, they were all new faces to Eddie. Men he hadn’t faced before.  Other than Guy, they were all making their return hoping to relive some sort of their former glory, and perhaps in a sense guy and his cape were as well.

“Well, this welcome mat hits back.” said Sabrina smiling.

Eddie smiled back, Sabrina was such a supportive girlfriend and he knew she would be thrilled to see him become a world champion.

“You’re not wrong, but these guys are going to come hard.” Eddie said, “They want to prove they still have what it takes.”

“So, you’re kinda like Jake Paul and they’re Mike Tyson?” asked Sabrina

Eddie pauses and glared at Sabrina dead-eyed.

“Never compare me to Jake Paul again.” he said with a grin, “But I see what you’re getting at. Me being the young gun against all the old-heads. That whole Paul Vs Tyson thing was just Rocky 6 anyway”

“I never watched that one.” Sabrina shrugged.

“It wasn’t too bad.” said Eddie, “But at the end of the day, all these stars making their returns will find out who the hell I am. I know they have their eyes on me, they all see me as a threat and if they don’t, they should.”

“Well, I believe in you Eddie Lyons.” Sabrina smiled.

Eddie smiled back, as she leaned in and they shared a kiss.

“Thanks babe.” he said.

“...You heard from Victoria?” asked Sabrina

“Not for a few days.” said Eddie, “She’s deadlocked into this thing with Luna. She’s fine though. She’s just preparing for her match in her own way. She is absolutely not ready to lose her Roulette Championship yet, and even more she does not want to lose to Luna once again.”

“I’m not sure we want to deal with her if she loses that championship.” said Sabrina

“True that.” said Eddie, “But we have to just let her do her thing. My business right now is the rumble. If I don’t win, then I’m not challenging for the World Championship, and I’m back at square one. I can’t start over again Sabz. This has to be my moment.”

“Then make it your moment.” said Sabrina, “Go show those old dudes that they don’t get to just walk back in and reap a reward. Not after all of your hard work. They have to earn their spot, like you did.”

“Eaiser said than done.” Eddie replied.

As confident as he was, he knew he had to stay focused because the majority of these men that revealed themselves have already been there. The top of the mountain. Where time and time again Eddie Lyons comes close, but never quite reaches his true potential. He knew the risk of that happening again.

Somehow though, maybe it was a little holiday magic in the air, but somehow this time..it felt different.

__________

Eddie gives the camera a confident look as the scene opens on him with a mixed tag title slung over his shoulder.  He pauses for a moment, with a short laugh as he begins speaking.

“So it’s come to this.” said Eddie, “A whole lot of you trying to make your comeback at MY expense. Forgive me if I don’t just accept that. Forgive me if I believe none of you deserve this opportunity more than I do. I am the only one of us who has been working, grinding each and every week for this.  I am the only one of us who has pinned the World Champion Finn Whelan. At least recently, in his current iteration. Maybe one of you beat him in the past, years ago or something. I don’t know, or care. What I do know is this is MY match and I am not going to let any of you just waltz back in here and take away what should be rightfully mine. It doesn’t fucking work that way.”

There’s some frustration showing in his eyes, a look of a man who’s tired of almosts and is really seeking his big moment.

“So Guy, you want to magically appear again after pulling a disappearing act?” said Eddie, “You can sit there with your cape and blame me all you want for what my cousin did to you.  Yeah, I get it she’s a callous bitch, but at least she too has been fighting week after week these past few months, proving her dominance as Roulette Champion. Taking it out on me though? Really. Well, you can try but at the end of the day what we’re going to find out is if that cape of yours can really make you fly, when you go soaring over the top. The King of SCW you might be, but remember…”

He looks down at his mixed tag title with a sly grin.

“These are the queens lands.” he said still grinning, “Hey, I gotta be a supportive tag partner right? Besides she made me part of her Queensguard. It’s only my honorable duty inn’it? It sucks she gave you The Ol’ Crown Adjuster, been on the wrong end of that myself, but you have it let it go, and stay focused on what actually matters.”

He pauses for a moment, as he casually looks around.

“So what about the lot of you mounting comebacks all these years later.” Eddie continued, “Ben Jordan is it? You seem like a nice chap. I’ve got a reputation of being a nice guy myself around here. But right now is not the time for me to be Mr. Nice Guy. I’ve came close to getting MY opportunity against Finn one on one for a while, and for whatever reason it just keeps getting pulled from my grasp. I can’t settle anymore Ben. I need this. I appreciate the praise, I do, but I’m not here to listen to anyone verbally fellate me anymore. It’s time I show that what everyone says about Eddie Lyons is true. That I can be the one on top, that one day I will be the one on top, and I fully an looking to make that day be December 22nd.”

He pauses again, if anything just to keep pace.

“Then we have Alex Jones, who wasted no time giving us new guys a history lesson.” said Eddie, “Wolfslair again. Of course.  You dogs are everywhere aren’t you? Look, save the resume pal. I don’t give a shit if you’ve won a thousand world championships and were named Wrestling God Emperor Of The Universe by the Galactic Wrestling Alliance. You’re in there with me this time. You can think I’m not ready all you want, but you and everyone else are going to find out how ready I am.  Truth is Finn doesn’t want to face me on December 22nd, because he knows I’m the biggest threat to his championship. He knows I can beat him. Why? Because I already fucking did, and I already took one championship from him. Now I’m coming to finish the job.”

He pats his mixed tag championship proudly.

“I feel like this Caleb Storms guy might be in over his head a little bit.” said Eddie, “Perhaps shows more promise to me than Bill or Justin do, but I’m not sure about you yet Caleb. But there’s some sort of spark about you I like, and I know you’ve held gold here in the past. Still you strike me as sort of just happy to be here. I’m here to win championships and I’m here to be the best, and if I have to go through you to so that, then I’ll do what I have to do and send your ass flying like everyone else.”

He takes another short pause, before he continues.

“Aaron Matthews, you seem quite confident.” Eddie continued, “You seem confident and ready for this. I’m just not sure what you’re really looking to gain. Maybe you just want to finally make a name for yourself. You said yourself not many know who you are. Maybe you want to make up for what you feel was a disappointing run. The problem I have is, this is MY run right now and you like everyone else don’t get to just come in and take it. I won’t let it happen and you like all your old friends will get a taste of what the new school in SCW is all about.”

He pauses again, the confident gaze in his eyes never wavering.

“Justin and Bill..” he shrugged, “I mean you do try at least. But what am I supposed to say? Especially about Justin. It’s just not their match to win, much like most of their matches. At the end of the day only one man will emerge the winner, my friends. We might even have a few more surprises in store, you never know.”

He shrugs.

“But I’ll stand an die on this hill, that none of you deserve this more than I do.” said Eddie. “And I will fight to earn my right because that’s what I do. No number of returning former talent will change that. I’ve been here, hell at least Bill and Justin have been here. But nobody in this match has been fighting as hard as I have, and you ALL will find out why I was the man who killed Finn Whelans unpinned streak. You all  know I’m someone to watch out for, you all said it yourselves. Now you can all watch, as I ascend to the next level when all of you get thrown out, and I’m the one who gets the championship match. Then you can all tune in this December to watch me dethrone Finn Whelan for good. So my friends, you better come with everything you have, because if any of you show even the slightest hint of ring rust  you will be destroyed. I have all the momentum  on my side, with all due respect nobody wants to see Finn go against any of you. I’m the match the people want, and I’m the champion the people want. It’s time I give it to them, and as I always do it will be done with HONOR BEFORE GLORY.”

He keeps his usual confident stare on as the scene fades out. A man who is always about may the best man win, and while that still may be the case he’s more focused on the win, and the prize at the end of the road in December. He sees no other option than winning, and isn’t going to let any amount of former talent come in and stop him. He went through that with Kris Ryans already, and had no intention of it happening again.

__________

As the days grew closer to High Stakes, Eddie found himself getting more and more restless. He wanted this opportunity more than anything. It had slipped from his grasp a few times before and it happening again just wasn’t something he had in the cards.  He only saw one possible option, and that was winning.

He sat, thinking to himself about the match. As he had been doing for the past week. He knew as long as he got to Finn Whelan, that he could do it. He could defeat him and become the new SCW World Heavyweight Champion.

Was he overlooking Miles Kasey? Perhaps a little, but for Eddie it was more about being the one to dethrone Finn. He had all the respect in the world for Miles Kasey, but it was Finn Whelan he truly wanted to face. Should it end up being Miles, then so be it. But Finn Whelan was whom he had his focus on.

He was the only one in the match who had been putting in consistent work week after week. Winning matches and always giving it his all.  All these comebacks be damned. They left and Eddie wasn’t too keen on letting any of them fast track their way to the top, irregardless of what they did in the past. This was his time and he was going to go out there and take it.

“There you are. I’ve been looking for you.” the voice of his tag partner, and cousin Victoria Lyons echoed through his head. He hadn’t chosen her as his partner, but so far it hadn’t been too bad and the two were to the point where they could at least be cordial with one another.

“Oh, hey Victoria.” he said, “What’s up?”

“I wanted to ask you this time.” she said, “You want to have a guest spot in my next promo? Say something to Luna on my behalf?”

Eddie paused and looked at his cousin curiously.

“Why do you want me to talk on your behalf?” he asked.

“Well, we need to show that we’re still a team. Even when we have our singles matches.” she explained, “We need to show the world that we have each others backs.”

That, actually made some sense. They were the mixed tag team champions and they did need to establish themselves as a team, and show that despite their differences, they did have unity.

“I suppose, next you’re going to ask to take part in mine.” he said.

“Only if you want me to..partner.” she grinned at him.

“I guess it couldn’t hurt.” Eddie replied, seeing no real harm in the idea.

“Good, because those geezers need to learn their place.” said Victoria, “It’s not their time anymore, it’s ours. Nobody deserves a world championship match more than you.”

“I know.” said Eddie, “Don’t worry, they’ll learn real quick that I’m next up, and perhaps they should have stayed their ass at home.”

Victoria laughed, “That they should have. That they should have.”

“So, how about you?” said Eddie, “How’s preparing for Luna going?”

“It’s going.” said Victoria, “I just hope I get the real Luna, and not the one that dropped the ball to Cassie Wolfe.”

“Really nailing that point home aren’t you?” asked Eddie.

“Can’t help it.” said Victoria, “Had she lost to someone like Alexandra Calaway or Bella 8Madison, or even Harper Mason maybe it would be different, but Cassie Wolfe is basically the Justin Smith of the Bombshell division.”

“Well, you know damn well she’s still going to be a tough fight.” said Eddie

“I know.” said Victoria, “But I have to build my confidence in my own way. Rubbing things in someone's face just motivates me more, maybe it’s not everyone’s way, but it works for me."

“Fair enough.” said Eddie.

“At the end of the day, the future looks bright for us both.” said Victoria. “Let’s go get it done, let’s go into the new year as both dual champions and the top team in all of SCW.”

“I like the sound of that.” Eddie grinned.

Perhaps a more unorthodox team. Eddie always fighting with honor, while Victoria fights with anything but. Eddie always remains as respectful as possible, while Victoria prefers to be as cruel as she can. But they are the mixed tag team champions, the light and dark. The Yin and Yang of SCW. They are…….

THE LYONS DEN

________

Darkness opens the scene and out of the shadows emerges Victoria Lyons. She has her usual cocky smile on her face and both of her championships displayed proudly on each shoulder.


“Hello boys” she said “Are you sure you're actually ready for what's ahead of you? Are you sure this is where you all want to make your return? You think you're going to stand a chance against a fully determined Warrior of light, my cousin and my tag team partner Eddie Lyons?"

She laughs to herself as if humored by the idea.

“So silly and so selfish,” she said, “You really going to come back and try to take an opportunity away from my cousin? My cousin who's been fighting over a year to get his world championship match with Finn Whelan?”

She shakes her head in disgust and scowls at the camera.

“Real pathetic if you ask me.” she said, "What you did in your careers wasn't good enough? So you have to come back and try to make yourself feel important again? No! You left, your time is done, stay away, stay out of my Queendom and stop trying to steal from my family or you will have to deal with the wrath of the queen and you know all about that don't you guy with a cape?"

She grins at the camera and adjusts her crown slightly as if to remind the king that SCW actually belongs to a queen.

"But I suppose you can't just hear me rag on you all day you want to hear from the man of the hour." She continued “You want to hear from the man that will throw all of you out and go on to become the next world champion ,The Warrior of Light, My cousin Unbreakable Eddie Lyons.”

Suddenly there's a bright flash of light and everything becomes illuminated again and we can see Eddie Lyons standing right there next to Victoria with his championship on his shoulder.

“The Queen is right you know, and I don't agree with her often but none of you deserve this I am the most deserving.” said Eddie “I absolutely refuse to let anyone come back and try to relive their former glory while I've been fighting to achieve mine.”

“Especially you Guy with a Cape.” said Victoria, “You may not have been gone as long as some of the others who are making a comeback but you're the one that mentioned my name disgracefully. So what you're still mad about that swift kick to the family jewels? All I did was give you what you deserved because SCW is a Queendom and my Queensguard is coming for your head for speaking about me like that.”

“Well I wouldn't put it quite like that.” said Eddie, “But I am coming for your head, but it's because I want my World Championship match and you are in the way of making that happen. I'm sick and tired of coming up short and I just can't let it happen again. I won't let it happen again, so blame me all you want for what my cousin did to you. At the end of the day your blind rage will be your downfall.”

Victoria looks a little annoyed at Eddie not completely agreeing with her but says nothing and just let it go.

“Anyway the point is nobody's going to be taking this from my cousin.” Victoria said, “This means more to him than it means to any of you. Ben Jordan seems to think that this is going to be fun or it's something to look forward to.  Because you're going to get hurt Ben,  because my cousin is angry and you will realize that getting in the ring with him is anything but fun and certainly not something to be looking forward to.”

“Again not exactly how I would have put it.” said Eddie, "But she does speak some truths. Understand, with all due respect, that I'm not here to listen to your praise of how much I've impressed you. I'm here to win a championship opportunity against the World Champion. So if you're here just to see how good I am well you're going to find out when I send you flying over the top.”

“Well said cousin.” Victoria laughed "They all want to come back and make a comeback off your name, off your hard work, and you're not going to let that happen are you because you're better than that. You’re “Unbreakable” Eddie Lyons and you deserve this more than anybody else right now. You know that Alex Jones idiot said you were not ready for this how does that make you feel Eddie doesn't that piss you off?”

“Oh it doesn't piss me off.” said Eddie, “What it does is motivate me, because I intend to show him how wrong he is. Then I'm going to go on to show him how even more wrong he is when I defeat Finn Whelan and become the new World Champion. He thinks Finn would eat me alive? Need I remind you Mr Jones, I'm the one that ended Finn Whelan's undefeated streak. I'm the one that brought the mixed tag titles to The Lyons Den I pinned Finn Whelan, and I can do it again. I know it, you know it, and Finn Whelan knows it.”

“You know Aaron Matthews seems to be content with making this a potential one-night thing. He just wants to see if he could still get down like he used to.”  said Victoria, “Do you really think that makes the mark of a future champion or someone who deserves this opportunity? He didn't even bother to learn anybody's name let's just show how little he really cares about this opportunity.”

“You might be right.” said Eddie, “But he'll find out exactly who I am real quick. He will learn the name Eddie Lyons by the end of this match and he will learn why I'm the one that is going to win the championship opportunity and why I will challenge the world champion on December 22nd.”


“And then there's the rest of you,” said Victoria, “I say it like that because that's what the lot of you are. Caleb Storms,  Justin Smith Bill Barnhart I don't think anybody expects any of you to win this match sure you may show some fight but not as much as some of the others certainly not as much as my cousin.”

“Look I've dealt with Justin and Bill both plenty enough times to know how to beat them they're not high on my list of people to be concerned about.” said Eddie, "Caleb storms you are an unknown quantity to me but something about what I've seen from you tells me that you're just excited to be here and you're not taking this as seriously as you should. You think my cousin Victoria is scary? She's not what you should be afraid of right now.  You should be afraid of what I'm willing to go through to win this match and how hard I'm going to fight to win this match because I promise that you don't have the motivation behind you that I do.”

“Oh but you should be afraid of me.” Victoria grinned, “You don't want to get on the wrong side of the Mad Queen.”

Victoria laughs as Eddie looks at her and rolls his eyes.

“Look fellas at the end of the day all I'm saying is you're going to have to bring everything you possibly can to win this match.” Eddie said “You're going to have to come better than you were before because the landscape has changed and the competition is a hell of a lot more tough. How many of you  even plan on sticking around after this match after you lose? If you don't plan on hanging around after losing this match do you even really deserve to be in it? Just some food for thought fellas because I can tell you for sure that Eddie Lyons will be sticking around after this match, even if I do somehow lose I will still find my way back to the top and will stop at nothing to get what I deserve.”

“But he's not going to lose.” said Victoria her tone annoyed, “And he needs to keep that word out of his vocabulary.  Eddie Lyons is going to win this match he is going to bring the World Championship to The Lyons Den and WE are going to run this company in the next year.”

“You know you're right I need to keep that word out of my vocabulary.“ said Eddie, “I am going to win this match and we'll see if any of you making your comebacks have what it takes to stick around. If you have what it takes to hang with the new SCW talent because there's others out there like Aiden Reynolds and LJ Kasey who are just as tough as I am and if you're going to stay you probably have to deal with them too. Again just some food for thought but right now you need to focus on me and how you're going to get through the most determined and most deserving person in this match because spoiler alert you're not going to this is my time and I'm taking it.  You can come try and take it from me or you can try but it ain't going to happen. My name is Unbreakable Eddie Lyons and I'm not some relic of SCW's past, I am its future and I am its next world champion.”

Eddie Lyons remains focused and determined to win the Superstar Rumble and continue towards his goal of becoming World Champion. In a way he seems almost consumed by the idea or perhaps it's just the influence of teaming with his less than popular cousin making him more aggressive. Whatever it may be, the others in this Superstar Rumble better take note because Eddie Lyons is going to stop at nothing to prove that he is next in line and that he will be the next World Heavyweight Champion.

BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM!

The sound of Eddie knocking on the door of one of the back offices of The Lyons Den echoed throughout the building. It had been over a day since Victoria had locked herself inside, sulking over her loss to Kayla Richards. She had taken a backpack of junk food, an entire black cheer chocolate cake, at least two bottles of red wine and refused to come out. It was her fathers old office, the founder of The Lyons Den. It at least came with a private bathroom.

“You can’t stay in there forever Victoria.” Eddie called through the door, “You have to come out sometime.”

No response.

“C’mon. It’s just a loss.” Eddie said, “Be proud of yourself that you didn’t give up. Your body gave up on you but you didn’t quit the fight. That’s that lioness in you.”

Still nothing. Eddie sighed, this seemed hopeless.

“You’re still Vicky Two Belts.” he reminded her, “Don’t forget that. You’ve got to put this behind you and get ready for Luna. We still both need to leave High Stakes as double champions. I’m going to need your support because I still need to beat Aiden and LJ to get there.”

“GO AWAY.” he finally heard Victoria from the other side of the door.

“Victoria?!” he said, “Please, let me in. Just talk to me. We’re a team right?”

“I SAID. GO AWAY.” he heard her again, this time he also heard something hit the door, likely an empty bottle of wine.

“Victoria please.” he said.

Nothing. It was back to the silent treatment, with a shrug and a heavy sigh Eddie decided it best to try again another time, as he came back into the main gym area he was greeted by his girlfriend Sabrina.

“How’d it go?” she asked.

“She spoke this time.” Eddie shrugged, “I guess that’s some progress even if she was just telling me to leave her alone.”

“So, she didn’t want to build a snowman?” Sabrina smirked.

Eddie smiled and laughed to himself.

“I guess not.” he said, “But as far as this loss to Kayla, she needs to learn to….let it go.

Sabrina laughed.

“Dork.” she said.

“You started it.” Eddie grinned back.

He was happy to at least have one sane woman in his life. It was always nice to just hang out with Sabrina and not worry about wrestling, SCW, winning championships and everything else that came as a result of being in the wrestling business.

“She’ll come around.” said Sabrina, “She’s gotta run out of wine soon enough, and that little bathroom has no shower.”

“Oh I know she will.” said Eddie, “I just need to get a feel of her state of mind. She’s taken two big losses recently, and some discredit her efforts in bringing home the mixed tag championships.”

“Well, you DID win the match for the team…” said Sabrina.

“Yes, but it was a team effort.” said Eddie, “I’ve said it before. It’s Victorias attitude that sucks, but when that bell rings she’s as tough as anyone else from The Lyons Den. When we won the tag championships, she did just as much to help bring them home as I did.”

“I suppose..” said Sabrina.

“She did.” said Eddie, “I know she’s not a very nice person, but we can’t take away her ability. You’ve seen it, she trains just as hard as I do. Just as hard as Cleo and Alex both do. Coach Kaiser pushes us all to be our best, and even if she won’t say it we all respect him as our leader.”

“Yeah I know..” Sabrina muttered, “I just wish she was nicer.”

“Yeah…” said Eddie, “Me too. But at the same time we just have to let Victoria be herself. We can’t force change on her any more than she can force change on me. I’m sure she’d love to see me become “Broken” Eddie Lyons or something, but that just isn’t going to happen.”

“You better not turn mean!” Sabrina said with a pouty face.

“Don’t worry. I won’t” Eddie said with a smile, “I don’t even think Coach would let that happen. He’d nip me in the bud real quick. He wants us to push on this whole light and dark, yin and yang thing anyway. So I can assure you, Eddie Lyons will always be a good boy.”

The two smiled at each other, and shared a quick kiss.

“You two need a room or something?” Eddie heard Victorias voice, and sure enough there she stood, looking at them. Her hair disheveled, and surprisingly not as drunk as expected.

“Victoria..” said Eddie, “..How’s it going? Feeling better?”

“I didn’t tap out.” she said.

“I know…” said Eddie.

“If my body gave up on me. I need to make my body stronger.” said Victoria, “Let’s train.”

“Sounds good to me.” said Eddie, “You sure you’re in condition to train though?”

“I can handle my wine Eddie.” said Victoria.

“Fair enough.” said Eddie.

“How are you Samantha?” asked Victoria.

“...It’s Sabrina..” Sabrina reminded her, “And I’m fine.”

The two girls locked eyes with one another.

“Okay, let’s take it easy ladies.” said Eddie, “Victoria, you said lets go train. So let’s go train.”

He turned his attention to Sabrina

“You’re welcome to watch, or hang out or whatever babe.” Eddie said.

“Sure, I’ll watch.” said Sabrina.

The trio headed off to find an empty ring and Sabrina sat on a chair near ringside and watched as her boyfriend and his cousin did their thing and prepared themselves for their upcoming matches. The first matter of course was getting Eddie to High Stakes to challenge Alexander Raven.

_________

The cameras open on Eddie Lyons with the Mixed Tag Championship on his shoulder. He’s seated backwards on a chair, you know the cool way. He looks into the camera and holds up three fingers.

“Three warriors.” he said, “Three warriors who would love nothing more than to dethrone Alexander Raven as Roulette Champion and really stick it to the band of goons he runs with. Any one of us would love to see him return to Daddy Kevin a failure. I can say whichever of us wins, I’ll be rooting for you. But WHEN I win, I hope both of you will be rooting for me. I’m sure you will. Aiden himself has put me over as the man to beat Finn Whelan, and hey..he was sort of right. He just got the championship wrong."

He looks proudly at his championship.

“But now I have a chance to really do something special, something that few have done.” he said, “I could become a double champion. I know my tag partner isn’t everyone's favorite person, but I know how to handle her better than anyone. We’re not here to discuss that anyway. We’re here to discuss which of us gets the chance to dethrone Alexander Raven.”

He takes a moment to pause.

“Aiden, you were the one Raven defeated to become champion.” Eddie continued, “A match made as a result of my now mixed tag team champion, as some sort of punishment to me. This is a truly odd business sometimes, isn’t it?”

Eddie shrugs.

“And you LJ, you’re young and scrappy. Coming from a wrestling family, much like myself." said Eddie "I’m sure you want to truly come into your own, and not be seen as Miles’ little brother. You have all the ability to do so, and you got one over on me to earn an Internet Championship opportunity so I know first hand how good you are.  I can start going on how I nearly ran the gauntlet and was getting fatigued, which is true to an extent but at the end of the day, you won and I lost. That’s it. I think I rebounded pretty well though."

He looks at his mixed tag championship again.

“I need to keep my momentum going fellas.” he said, “High Stakes could be a very big night for The Lyons Den. We both could leave as double champions and I really really like the sound of that. So understand I’m going to come at you harder than I have before. This isn’t our first dance either Aiden. You took the Roulette Championship from me, and I got a win back on you later. Still you and I are always an even match, because we’re built the same. We just want to go out there and give it our all. Tough luck recently against Cleo over in PWS by the way. She’s as tough as they come, we all look to her as one of the leaders around The Lyons Den.”

He takes another short pause.

“I’ve been waiting.” said Eddie, “Waiting for my chance to get my hands on Raven. I want to be Roulette Champion again, and I won’t let either of you get in the way of that. Aiden, with all due respect you’ve had enough chances against Raven. As for you LJ, it’s just not your turn my friend. Maybe you should ask your girlfriend why she’s causing chaos with my OTHER crazy cousin over in PWS. Damn..two crazy cousins, three if you count the one who left on a boat and probably crashed on an island somewhere, waiting to emerge even crazier than he was. I truly am the odd one of the family aren’t I?”

Eddie grins at the camera.

“I guess that's not my business though. My business that Roulette Championship." he continued "Like I said, I want it back. I’ve been waiting to finally punch Raven in his mouth for a while. All his little remarks about me on X. It’s time for him to pay the piper and the cost is going to be his Roulette Championship.”

He exhales before continuing.

“Getting that pinfall over Finn has lit a fire under my ass.” said Eddie, “And teaming with Victoria has taught me how to be more dangerous…within reason of course. But I am surprised that I’m learning a bit from her. Maybe my coaches idea of bringing light and dark together or whatever could work. Hopefully Victoria learns from me as well, we’ll have to see. Maybe LJ,. one day we’ll face you and Alexandra. Or maybe Aiden will bring Kallie back. Again, this business is truly odd, and anything could happen. Hell, maybe that third cousin of mine finds his way back, kicks my ass and him and Victoria unleash terror on everyone. Damn near anything is possible in this business.”

Another short pause from Eddie.

“At the end of the day, this is a war between three of SCW’s most promising talents." continued Eddie, "The three of us have had our ups and downs in our careers and I’d be hard pressed to find three people who are as equal as we are. I talk a confident game, because that’s what we do. But I know that this match is really anyone’s game. I know Aiden doesn’t care how many times he faces Raven despite losing to him so many times already, because sooner or later even a blind squirrel finds a nut. I know LJ is focused on his story and would love to capture his first championship. But you two need to know that Eddie Lyons has entered the next chapter in his story, and this is where the fun truly begins. This is the chapter where Eddie’s rise to the top starts to unfold and it’s going to start with the story about how be became a double champion, with one thing remaining constant throughout, and that’s HONOR BEFORE GLORY.”

He keeps a serious gaze on the camera, as the scene fades out to black.

__________

Eddie and Victoria sat on the edge of the ring after a training session together, it had gone well. Better than Eddie expected at least. When Victoria was focused on her wrestling and not running her mouth, she was a lot more tolerable. She did seem a bit meaner, more vicious. Perhaps the two losses had something to do with it. Luna definitely was going to be facing a more feral lioness at High Stakes.

Eddie himself was riding high as well. His confidence was high and he had a helluva lot of momentum behind him. Momentum he was working to continue past Aiden and LJ, and straight through Alexander Raven to becoming a two time Roulette Champion.

“So you feeling better?” said Eddie, “Because you know as well as I do, if you worry too much about your losses, you will lose again to Luna and this time you lose your championship too.”

“I’ll be fine” Victoria told him, “I become a different animal when my precious Rue is on the line. Luna is the one who should be careful, and shouldn’t rest on her laurels because she beat me once.”

“Well, you’re not wrong.” said Eddie, “But we both know she’s smarter than that. She’s gonna come hard, you need to come harder. We have our combined goal of being dual champions and I believe we can both achieve it.”

“So do I.” Victoria agreed, “So you need to make sure you even make it to High Stakes. Because LJ Kasey and Aiden have both beaten you in big matches before. You might have HB Carter if LJ didn’t beat you. You might still be Roulette Champion instead of chasing it if Aiden hadn’t beat you. Then we’d already both be double champions.”

Eddie sighed, Victoria was blunt but she wasn’t wrong.

“I know. I know.” said Eddie, “But I’ve got some momentum going since we won our tag titles and when I have something to strive for, such as us being double champions, that's when my inner lion truly comes out and that’s when I become a different animal.”

“Well, sounds like we’ll be the top team in town before long.” Victoria grinned.

“It’s going to be pretty damn awesome too.” said Eddie.

The Lyons Den experiment seemed to be paying off. Victoria and Eddie finding some mutual respect among themselves in the name of competition and success. There was still some animosity and even a hint of a personal internal rivalry between the team. But both wanted to become the best team in SCW and as the weeks went by they were getting better and better at working together.

___________


An empty warehouse opens the scene. A single pillar in the middle of the frame gives the illusion of the same room having two sides. One side is clearly more well lit than the other, which is mostly darkness and shadows. Eddie Lyons leans against the pillar on the light side, as Victoria does the same on the shadowy side.

“Light and dark, are seen as two opposing forces.” Eddie began as he turned his attention to the cameras, “But when they learn to work together, both can become stronger. After all, one can not truly exist without the other. Light can shine and show you the beauty hidden in the darkness.”

Shrouded by shadow on the opposite side of the pillar, Victoria turns her attention to the cameras now.

"In the dark, even the smallest spark becomes a guiding star, showing us paths we can't see in the blinding light." said Victoria. “We are the light and the dark, we are the Yin and Yang of SCW, and we are about to be on top of this entire company post High Stakes.”

“Which means disappointment for LJ Kasey and Aiden Reynolds.” said Eddie, “The darkness has shown me paths I didn’t see before and I can feel myself evolving into the next level of my career. Defeating Finn changed something in me, it woke me up and the two of you are about to find out what sort of new animal Eddie Lyons has become.”

“See boys.” Victoria said, “Eddie is part of my Queensguard now, which means he’s taking guidance from me on how to be more dangerous, more lethal than he was. He’s coming for your heads this time, and he’s coming for blood.”

“I may be more dangerous.” said Eddie, “But the darkness will never squelch my honor. It’s just going to continue to make me stronger. I want the Roulette Championship back and the two of you stand in the way of my chance to dethrone Alexander Raven.”

“You two stand in OUR way of both being double champions.” said Victoria, “A man who has already lost to Raven time and time again and another trying to move out of his more talented brothers shadow. You two don’t deserve it this time. Eddie deserves it and he’s going to show you why HE was the one who was finally able to put down Finn Whelan.”

“And why I will also be the one to put down Raven.” Eddie said, “On the same night she will defend against Luna. The Conspiracy will feel the power of The Lyons Den at High Stakes because we are on the rise, and with light and dark working as a cohesive force, it’s going to be tough to stop us.”

“We will make them so fearful, they won’t even think about coming after our tag titles.” said Victoria, “They will be forced to explain their failures to Kevin Carter, since it’s very clear who they answer to.”

“We don’t answer to anyone.” said Eddie, “We’re just looking to be the best we can be. We want it all at High Stakes. So Aiden, LJ? Knuckle up my friends, because if you want to clip the Ravens wings, you need to tame the lion first.”

“And you best be careful, because where he goes, darkness lurks nearby.” said Victoria.

“Change is abound in SCW.” said Eddie, “And we are at the forefront of it. We are The Lyons Den, your future dual Roulette and Mixed Tag Champions.”

“And as I’ve said before” Victoria grinned, “We are stronger together.”

The both step forward, now in front of the pillar, no longer divided and standing side by side as a team, each with their respective championships on their shoulders.

__________

‘Sure do wish you were signed to SCW instead.” Eddie grumbled, as he sat with Cleo. The two had just finished a sparring session. “Maybe you and I could be facing The Wolves instead.”

“Yeah, but you know Coach man.” she replied, “He’ll put talent in different companies, but they’ll still be exclusive to their respective companies. That means you and Victoria in SCW, and Alex and myself in PWS.”

“You think I can trust her?” Eddie said.

“Honestly.” Cleo said, “As crude as she is, I do think you can trust her on this occasion. If there’s one thing she doesn’t like, it’s losing. She’s gonna be a complete bitch about it, and she’s gonna act superior to you but she won’t risk losing the match. Especially since it means she could hold two championships.. She’ll probably blame you if you do lose though.

“And take all the credit if we win.” Eddie said shaking his head.

“Haha, no cap.” Cleo laughed, “But point is, she’s going to want to win just like you. You just need to figure out how to push past all her other bullshit.”

“Easier said than done.” Eddie sighed, “You’re lucky you got Alex. He can be an ass at times, but at least he keeps to himself.”

“Fair point.” said Cleo

“Coach said on X he needed to talk to us.” Eddie continued, “Probably wants to try getting us on the same page.”

“Most likely.” said Cleo, “You know he just wants the best for all his students. I wouldn’t worry about it too much. I mean you know what to expect from Victoria. She’s got a big mouth, but we both know she can back it up as well. She doesn’t have that championship of hers by accident. She won it from Alexandra Calaway, someone I’ve been to war with as well. So I know it didn’t come easy for Victoria. Your best bet, is to just do you and let her do her. Let her run her mouth, and you just worry about handling business when you need to.”

Eddie nodded, Cleo was right and he knew it. Victoria was annoying and she was certainly going to try to take the lead in all of this. She would play the superiority card, and act as though she was Eddies superior, but if he could keep his focus on the match and ignore his cousins boastful attitude, they really did have a good chance of winning.

“So like I said, just let her run her mouth.” Cleo continued, “Don’t let her get to you. Grit your teeth and bear it as they say. Show the SCW fans what The Lyons Den can do when they fight together.“

“Yeah, maybe it’s not so bad.” said Eddie, “I guess we’ll figure this out more when we meet with Coach.”

“Yeah, no doubt he’ll sort it all out for both of you.” she said.

Eddie’s phone buzzed, and as he checked it a smile grew on his face.

“Sabrina?” said Cleo.

“Yeah, we’re gonna meet for dinner later.” he said, “I guess we’re getting Italian.”

“Damn, now I want lasagna.” said Cleo.

 “Anyway, I better run.” said Eddie with a laugh, “Got some SCW business to attend to, before I meet with the lady.”

“A’ight” said Cleo sharing a fist bump with Eddie, “I’ll see you around, and remember..don’t sweat it so much. It’s just Victoria.”

They both shared a quick laugh, and fist bumped one more time, before Eddie left the training school, and Cleo went back to her own workout routine.

__________

The air was crisp and cool, as the cameras opened on Eddie Lyons outside among the trees, taking in the serenity of the nature around him. He leans back in his Jeans and SCW T-shirt  against a large oak tree, a pensive expression on his face.

“You know, I had hoped to take a championship from Finn Whelan at Violent Conduct. But it just wasn’t my time. Fair enough.” he said, “But never did I thought I’d find myself in this situation. I have a chance to take a championship from him, but I have to work with my cousin Victoria to do it.”

He sighs heavily, he doesn’t really want to team with his cousin more than anyone else does. Should they win, he’ll be stuck with her, and should they lose…well cruel as she may be, Eddie doesn’t plan on losing. They can win the titles and figure out their shit later, maybe…hopefully. He pulls a polaroid out of his pocket and holds it up to the camera, as it zooms for a closer look.

It’s of three children, a blonde boy and girl, and a slightly younger boy with messy brown hair, all three are holding replica belts, and doing run of the mill wrestling poses.

“Do you remember Victoria?” he said, “You, Vincent and myself. We had dreams of being champions together. The three of us as one, it was all we ever wanted. Then things happened, my father moved his family to Baltimore, and you and Vincent went on to have your WWH careers. Now it’s years later, and you’ve gone down a dark path. Vincent left on his boat ride of self discovery, and me? I just kept on being myself. I don’t need any journey of self discovery because I know who I am. You may have strayed from your path, but I haven’t. What I am seeing this as is an opportunity. An opportunity to get you back on that path. Back to the Victoria I knew growing up before you allowed yourself to be consumed by hate and jealousy. I do believe that person is still in there somewhere, and I’m going to take it upon myself to see if I can pull them back out. I owe it to our family to at least try. Honestly Vicks, I might be the only person left in that locker room you can trust, and that’s only because we’re family.”

Its that pesky honor that Eddie binds himself too. Family should look out for one another, through good or bad. It may be a weakness, causing him to sacrifice personal gain in favor of adhering to his principals. But honor also strengthens his character, and can lead to more self respect in the end when one finally does achieve their goals by doing things the “right” way. He wasn’t sure if he could change Victoria but he had to do something, especially if they ended up champions together.

“We’ll talk later Vicks I’m sure.” said Eddie pocketing the picture and, grinning as he used his cousins childhood nickname, “I want to talk to Finn Whelan. Our esteemed World Champion…”

He pauses for a moment, and looks around at the natural scenery around him. After a moment he shrugs and sighs.

“Sorry the crickets seemed to have missed their cue.” he grinned, “I kid. I kid. Truthfully, you’ve been a helluva World Champion. Nobody has been able to beat you. You have one hundred percent earned your right to call yourself the best. Nobody can take that away from you.”

Eddie pauses again, and takes in a nice breath of fresh air.

“Now, that whole thing that happened between us in PWE?” he said, “Water under the bridge as far as I’m concerned. I’ll never know why you chose to target me back then, but if I want to beat you NOW? I can’t hold onto old grudges, but you should understand something too.”

The fire started to grow in his eyes, circumstances aside this was a big opportunity for Eddie Lyons. He was going to square off against the world champion, and that alone could mean a lot for his future depending on his performance. He needed to be his best, no better than his best. He had to find what he was missing, and embrace it.

“Back then, I was just a kid still finding himself.” Eddie said, “But I’ve grown as well since then. I’ve faced some of the best in this company and beaten them. I won’t be pushed around so easily this time. It’s about time someone put a dent in this little dominant streak of yours, maybe it’ll even begin the downfall of Finn Whelan. Who knows? I’m just focused on one thing at this point and thats those Mixed Tag Team Championships.”

He pauses again, reposturing himself against the tree as he continues.

“I know the big question is if we can even get along.” Eddie shrugged, “And honestly. I’m not sure. My cousin is pretty unpredictable. But I know I can trust her to work toward getting the victory. Do you really think she wants to blow an opportunity to hold two championships? Like, have you MET Victoria? She’ll do whatever she feels necessary to win, and I’ll do the same. We may disagree with each others tactics, but at the end of the day…we’re both going to want those championships, because neither of us are going to roll over and die. It’s just in our blood, and the one thing we have in common.”

It was odd to admit he had anything in common with his cousin beyond a blood connection, but it was the truth. They both had that never die attitude about them, Eddie just happened to be a good deal more humble about it.

“By the way Kayla…” Eddie continued, “I haven’t forgotten about you, but your more of a Victoria problem anyway, and as the Bombshell World Champion, I’m sure she sees you the same way I see Finn. Victoria may be callous, but she’s not stupid. She knows what it means to get in the ring against the Bombshell World champion. But as mentioned, I’ll allow The Lyoness to shred you, while I focus my attention on Finn.”

He grins at the camera and looks down at his shoulder.

“Damn, I’m the only one without gold in this encounter.” he said, “Something I’m sure all three of you will point out. But that’s okay. Just means I got nothing to lose here. I mean I’ll get and earful from Victoria on why I lost the match, but other than that I’m good. I said a few weeks ago it was time for the ascension of Eddie Lyons, and that still stands. I may have hit a few bumps, but that’s bound to happen. I hit a few bumps before I was able to become Roulette Champion, but I got there. That’s how I do my winning, I take my hits and I keep fighting back. You slap me in the face, I smile and slap you back harder. If we beat you here, who’s to say I can’t beat you for that World Championship as well? Then Victoria and myself would be the ones dripping in gold. That…well it would be something. But lets not get too far ahead of ourselves, right now it’s about the mixed tag team championships, and how they are coming to The Lyons Den.”

He sighs heavily, it’s clear he has his concerns about Victoria but is doing his best to keep his own focus and put his best foot forward to deal with the cards he’s been dealt.

“You talked a lot about family to Kris, and your upbringing.” said Eddie, “I can’t say I had it as tough as you. Some might even call me privileged, because I got to grow up in this business since I was a child. It’s really all I’ve ever known or wanted. But I still had my own fight. I have to go out there and show that Eddie Lyons is his own man. I don’t want to be known as the son of Ray Lyons. My father, and my uncles had their time way back when they were doing IWF, I’m sure you’ve heard stories from your ex-wife about those days. I’m told there was a lot of drama and politicking, but the memories everyone made together are what really made it work.”

He leans back against the tree again, getting a more comfortable position.

“Point is, I have expectations of me just because of my lineage.” said Eddie, “I have to prove that I’m NOT just some nepobaby trying to live off my family name. I know I had everything I needed to make it in this business at the tip of my fingers and I won’t let any of it go to waste. I may have had a jumpstart, but I’m still my own man and I will create my own legacy for the Lyons name.”

Eddie speaks his his usual confidence, showing his fearless and unbreakable nature. He’s one of the few left on the roster that hasn’t yet shared the ring with the World Champion, with all that about to change Eddie is a man ready to show Finn Whelan just who the fuck he is and why people like Aiden Reynolds believe he is the one that will dethrone Finn Whelan.

Aiden just had the championship wrong.

“I won’t take anything away from what the two of you have done.” Eddie said, “You and Kayla have dominated as both tag team and world champions. What I don’t like is this idea you’re unstoppable. Because you’re not. Nobody is. I’m not, Victoria isn’t and neither are the two of you, and I think that Eddie Lyons…the one you have yet to square off with will be your kryptonite. It’s about time for the Wolves of Gheimhridh to meet their match in the form of The Lyons Den. My cousin is no quitter and neither am I. As unlikely of a team as we may be, we’re still family and we’ve known each other our whole lives. I know things about her nobody else does, and she does for me as well. We don’t need to be best friends, or to even like each other to be a successful team, we just need to know how to work with each other and nobody can do that better than family.”

He couldn’t believe himself, was he possibly juggling the idea of making this team a permanent thing, even if they did come up short? If they did, could he even reel her in some, perhaps make her more slightly more palatable to everyone else in the locker room. Or perhaps she would break him, and Eddie himself would become more aggressive and vicious. They would bring an interesting and fresh dynamic top say the least.

“It’s just become so mundane.” Eddie continued, "Finn wins again. Kayla wins again.  The Wolves win together…again. It’s almost what people expect at this point. It’s time we change their expectations, starting by you losing to a team nobody expected. I’ve praised you, time and time again. Even called you the best because I consider myself an honest man and you have earned the right to be called such. You are the best, and that’s why I seek to defeat you. Because I want to beat the best, and I want to show the best that Eddie Lyons is not one to fuck around with. After the smoke settles on Climax Control, you will find yourselves one championship lighter and the message sent to the locker room is that the downfall of Finn and Kayla will have begun.”

He looks to the camera, still beaming with his ever confident and headstrong aura.

“Vicks…” he said, grin appearing on his face, “Let’s go out there and show them what happens when The Pride works together, and bring those championships back to our den. We can figure out the rest along the way. I’m probably going to get some flack from people for saying this, but I have your back. You’re still my cousin and you’re still my blood and that the end of the day, as the old saying goes. Blood is thicker than water.”

He keeps his confident gaze on the camera. The look of a man determined to become a champion again even if if meant teaming with arguably the most unliked Bombshell on the roster. He couldn’t control Victoria, but hopefully she understood the bigger picture as well, and as the person who knew her better than anyone else in the locker room,. Eddie was absolutely sure she did.

-fade to black-

________

Eddie was starting to get annoyed, here he was willing to try and make this work with Victoria so they could hopefully find some sort of mutual understanding, and she couldn’t even be bothered to show to to the meeting Coach Kaiser had called them for. Eddie shook his head as he looked at his coach and the head trainer at The Lyons Den.

“She’s not gonna come.” Eddie told his coach, “She probably thinks she has it all under control, and doesn’t need any help.”

“Oh, she’ll be here.” Coach Kaiser grinned, “I made sure of it.”

Eddie raised an eyebrow, that was curious. It wasn’t easy to make Victoria do much of anything. However Coach Kaiser was a crafty guy, who had a few tricks up his sleeve, and almost like clockwork the door to the office swung open, and Victoria was shoved in by PWS World Champion Cleo Phillips.

“Get yo’ ass in there.” Eddie heard Cleo say as Victoria was shoved through the doorway.

“Fine Fine…” he heard Victoria mutter, begrudgingly taking the seat next to Eddie after moving it a few feet away from him. 

Eddie didn’t know it, but Coach Kaiser had figured out that Victoria was in fact, a bit afraid of Cleo. She would never admit that flatout of course.  Kaiser knew his students though, and he clouds see right through her.  Cleo’s rough upbringing and felonious history made Victoria nervous, he also knew Eddie respected the hell out of Cleo so he wasn’t going to cross her as well.

“Cleo, can you just hang by the door?” Kaiser asked, to ensure both Eddie and Victoria would stay put.

“Yeah Coach, I gotchu.” Cleo replied, as she took her post by the door.

“So you got your thug to bring me here. “ moaned Victoria, “Can we get this over with?”

Out of his pocket Coach Kaiser pulled out two stones, a pearl white one, and the other an onyx black. He pushes the white stone to Eddie and the black stone to Victoria.

“What we have is two sides.” he said, “One light, one dark. Many believe these to be opposing forces, and in many cases they can be. But what many don’t know is that when light and dark work together, they can be damn near unstoppable. You both see this upcoming match as an annoyance, and you feel at odds with each other because of your conflicting beliefs. But in reality, this could set up to be one of the greatest tag teams SCW has ever seen.”

Eddie and Victoria caught each others gaze for a moment, before quickly looking away from each other.

“If the two of you can figure out how to work together,” Coach Kaiser went on, “Then you will have the perfect balance of light and dark, and THAT is how you will win. I know you can figure it out, at the end of the day the two of you are family and that bond is even more unbreakable than Eddie. You never turn your back on family, even when they act at their worst."

“Okay Vin Diesel.” Victoria smirked, “Look, as long as he stays in his lane, and out of my way everything will be fine. I’m the champion between us, so that should make me team leader.”

“Don’t you get it Victoria?” said Eddie, “There is no leader, we need to be equals. Finn and Kayla will walk all over us if we can’t find common ground. This situation isn’t ideal for me either but it is what it is, and we have to work as equals.”

“Don’t YOU get it?” Victoria snapped, “It wasn’t supposed to be this way. I was supposed to win my first set of tag team championships with Vincent, my BROTHER. My TWIN. Not my little cousin.”

“Well Vincent isn’t here, so I’m what you got.” Eddie clapped back, “I don’t want this opportunity to go to waste, and that’s what will happen if we can’t work together.”

“Maybe you could wear a Vincent mask?” suggested Victoria, she was only half joking.

Eddie sighed audibly, and threw his hands in the air, Coach Kaiser turned his attention to Victoria.

“He’s right.” Coach Kaiser said, “Vincent is on his own journey. Whenever he’s back from his boat trip of self discovery, we can figure out something for him. For now, it’s about the two of you, and bringing home the SCW Mixed Tag Team Championships to The Lyons Den. So I’ve decided that I like what Mark and Christian are doing, and since I control your contracts, you two are officially an SCW Mixed Tag Team.  That means even if you come up short, this..isn’t over. You’ll remain a team. Win or lose you are going to learn to work together.”

“And if I refuse?” Victoria said.

“I can always pull your contract.” Coach Kaiser replied, “Find someone else to represent The Lyons Den instead. I mean, if you don’t want the opportunity that is.”

“You wouldn’t pull my contract.” Victoria replied.

“Try me.” Coach Kaiser replied, giving Victoria a death stare, knowing as successful as Victoria was. He could still build up one of the new talents pretty quickly, seemed Victoria knew it too as she sat there with an annoyed look on her face.

“You really think this is a good idea?” Eddie asked.

“We’ll find out.” said Coach Kaiser, “But it’s what’s happening. I’ll leave the details of the name, music and all that to the two of you. Besides SCW is in need of some more teams so like it or not it’s happening.”

Silence. Neither Victoria or Eddie said anything. The expressions on their faces showed their discontent but even Victoria couldn’t refuse Coach Kaiser at the end of the day. At least if she wanted to keep her contract.

“Good.” said Coach Kaiser, “Now moving along. I can’t do it all for you but I can try to help guide you, so I have arranged some team building exercises for the two of you. I’ve asked Cleo to be the enforcer to make sure all goes well, and no funny business is had.”

“What sort of exercises?” Eddie asked.

“You’ll find out tomorrow. Just be at Freedom Park tomorrow at noon. Cleo will meet you there.” Coach Kaiser told them.

“Wait, you aren’t coming?” said Victoria.

“No.” said Coach Kaiser, “I want the two of you to figure this out on your own.”

“Yeah, under the threat of your thug.” Victoria said with an eyeroll.

“Like I said.” Coach Kaiser replied, “Cleo is just there to make sure things go smoothly, she’ll be keeping an eye on both of you, and will be reporting her results to me.”

“Well I don’t plan on losing.” said Victoria, “So we were going to end up a team for a while anyway.”

“A little overconfident, but still the right attitude.” Coach Kaiser shrugged.

“Whatever then.” Eddie sighed, “We’re a team then. I just hope you know what you’re doing.”

“Trust me.” said Coach Kaiser, “It’ll be fine.”

Eddie wasn’t keen on this news, and neither was Victoria but neither had a choice at this point. Coach Keevee Kaiser had full power over their contracts, as he did with Cleo, Alexander and the rest of his students. He wasn’t afraid to pull new talent and give them a shot if his current ones weren’t performing or just seemed to be falling short.”

“May I go? I’ll be at the stupid thing tomorrow.” said Victoria. “But I want to get some things off my chest first. I need the AV room.”

“Yeah, fine. Go do what you need to do. Eviscerate Kayla verbally. Just make sure you’re at Freedom Park, tomorrow at noon.” said Coach Kaiser

“Yeah sure whatever.” said Victoria grabbing the black stone and pocketing it as she moved to exit the room, only to be stopped momentarily by Cleo near the door.

“Yo’ ass better be there, cause I’m doin’ this shit as a favor to Coach.” said Cleo, “You best not waste my time.”

Victoria said nothing, only nodding at Cleo before quickly exiting through the door.

Coach Kaiser looked to Eddie after she left.

“What about you? Anything more to say?” he asked Eddie.

“I don’t know.” Eddie said, “I mean an official team? I don’t want her reputation around SCW rubbing off on me.”

“Then be her light.” said Coach Kaiser, “Or that is to say, let your reputation rub off on her. Perhaps she’ll knock this queen nonsense off and focus more on her championships.”

“I guess. Maybe…” Eddie shrugged.

“You guess? Maybe?” said Coach Kaiser, “You sound defeated. Maybe you need HER to help you find your killer instinct, because if you want to beat Finn Whelan, you are going to need to dig deeper than ever before and find something you never knew you had in you. You’re gonna have to be willing to kick his motherfucking head off.”

Eddie said nothing, only listened. He knew Coach was right too, he had felt like he’d taken a step back since losing the Roulette Championship. It was time for him to take his new step forward, it was time to unleash a more aggressive side. One that could match his cousins viciousness, he still didn’t want to maim anyone, but he could get a little meaner, a little more vicious, a little more like a lion.

“You want Finns head?” said Eddie, “Wanna send it to your friend Aaron in a box? Then you got it Coach. You wanna see me get vicious. I’ll get vicious. I don’t know how, but I’ll knock some sense into Victoria and we will figure this out. You said Freedom Park at noon tomorrow?”

“Yes indeed.” Coach Kaiser nodded.

“Alright. I’ll be there.” Eddie said, grabbing the white stone and pocketing it before heading to the doorway where he nodded to Cleo, “See you there Cleo.”

She fist bumped him, as he exited the room.

“You crazy for this one Coach.” Cleo said with a smile.

“Yeah..I know.” Coach Kaiser replied, with a grin of his own.

As the cameras open, Eddie Lyons is seating on a stool of a hotel balcony in London. He overlooks the scenery, which includes Big Ben towering in the background, as he speaks.

“I guess it’s time again to explain what honor really is to me.” said Eddie. “Because it would appear I’m looked at as some sort of pacifist. Maybe, maybe when I started I was a little more concerned about those things but I’ve learned since I started here, and while honor is still who I am, I wouldn’t call it pacifism.”

He pauses for a moment

“I won’t have a problem making Justin Smith bleed.” said Eddie, “Easy work. We’re gonna fight, and someone has to bleed. Just because I fight with honor, doesn’t mean I can’t make someone bleed. Maybe I won’t resort to extreme measures, like I’m not looking to slit someones throat, or stick a hypodermic needle in their cheek. But I can use my fist to break their damn nose if I must.”

He holds up a fist to the camera

“Captain America, drew blood of his opponents, Ned Stark took the heads of many men, Batman may not kill, but he will FUCK YOU UP.” Eddie continued, “And these are seen as some of the honorable men of fiction. That’s because honor is about what’s in here.”

Eddie pointed at his heart.

“It’s heart.” said Eddie, “It’s what keeps guys like myself going. Because we don’t need the best accolades, or even the best win record to earn respect. We are respected by our actions. At the end of the day we can sleep at night knowing we did the best we could. We are able to take our losses on the cheek and move forward.”

Eddie exhales, and continues on

“So, yes Justin Smith. I will make you bleed.” said Eddie, “I just won’t do anything unnecessary or that makes me look like some sick psycho circus sideshow fuckhead. But just bleeding? That’s just a part of combat, and you will find out how easy it is for me to bust you open.”

Eddie pauses again, for a moment.

“Sure, I was hoping to be competing for a championship.” said Eddie, “But only if I earn it. These things happen and we just got to push forward. Right now I have to deal with Alexander Raven trying to taunt me and convince me otherwise on X. But I won’t stoop to his level. I don’t need a belt to be seen as a champion, because I am a champion of the people, and I will always fight for them. My goals are not so self serving as others.”

Eddie nods casually to himself as he continues.

“We’ve done this a few times Justin.” said Eddie, “And I always come out on top. Remember your looking at the guy who damn near ran the gauntlet. Of course the fact is you never seem to beat anybody. The classic case of your mouth being bigger than your ability to back anything you say up. Of course you never say much anyway, just ramble on the same ol shit and never follow through. You’re fake tough Justin, in reality your as soft as cotton,  and your the last person I’m afraid of around here. Truth is, nobody can take you seriously. You lose time and time again and do nothing to better yourself. You act like a tough guy, but are a threat to nobody.”

Eddie shrugs, he’s only speaking how he feels.

“When will you wake up Justin?” Eddie asked, “Wake up and realize that you are outclassed by everyone else on the roster. You’re the guy the feed to new people so they can pick up a quick win, or they feed you to someone who’s suffered some losses and needs a win back on their record. I am the latter in this case, been a rough few weeks. But I’m still here fighting,and I sure as hell ain’t going anywhere. Then I’ll go on to fight the week after that and the week after that. I may win some, I may lose some.  You however, will continue to lose, and lose and lose. I can’t really say much about you, because as I’ve said before there isn’t a lot to you. I believe it was Aiden Reynolds who once said that you were as generic and boring as your name, and that pretty much sums it up doesn’t it Justin?”

Eddie grins.

“I will admit, it is amazing how you continue on week after week.” said Eddie, “Losing time and time again. Acting like it never happened and just being as clueless as you are. It’s a little amazing how you got this far even. You’re a bit of a curiosity in that regard. But in regards to our match if anyones curious how I’ll be able to make someone bleed because I’m so close to a “pacifist.”? Well everyone is going to find out, because you are going to bleed and I will still keep my honor in tact.”

Eddies serious gaze stays rested on the camera.

“I’d almost love for you to prove me wrong.” said Eddie, “Really I would. Show me, show SCW something different. Show them you’re not just a waste of roster space and that you can actually contribute some sort of talent around here. Because I just don’t see it, and your record only reinforces it. You just can’t hang with even the low hanging fruit around here, because you are in fact the lowest. I’d put good money that the next new roster signee will beat you as well. You make no effort to make yourself better and never seem to learn anything. London will be no different. I may not be able to leave London with a championship, but I will leave with a victory and I will return home with my head held high that I fought hard on this tour. Then I’ll take on whatever SCW challenges me with next, and I’ll attack it as I always do. With HONOR BEFORE GLORY.”

The camera steadies on Eddie’s face as the scene fades out.
_________

The tour was coming to an end. Soon SCW would be returning to the states leaving the Royal Pain tour behind them. Eddie wasn’t as successful as he hoped but as always he kept a positive attitude and stayed true to himself. Which is really what people respected and liked about the unbreakable one.

“You still haven’t taken me to the big ferris wheel.” Sabrina said with a pouty face.

“I know…I know.” said Eddie. “We’ll go don’t worry.”

“We better.” she replied, “You promised. You better not break a promise, Eddie Lyons.”

Eddie grinned, there she went with the full name thing again,

“I’ll buy the tickets tonight.” he said giving her a quick kiss.

“I had fun on this trip.” she said, “I’m sorry you don’t get to fight for a championship.”

“It’s okay.” Eddie said, “Besides, I got you. The greatest prize of all.”

“My lion.” Sabrina blushed.

“Anyway, I will at least end on a high note.” said Eddie, “I have no doubt I’ll beat Justin Smith again. Then we can go back home and see everyone. I heard Cleo defended her championship over in PWS. It’ll be good to see her.”

“I never really got to meet everyone.” said Sabrina, “We left on the tour before I really got a chance. It’ll be nice to really get to know your friends.”

“Well my friends are certainly easier to deal with than my family.” said Eddie.

“..Yeah it might be hell if Victoria loses to Bella.” said Sabrina, “I don’t think she’ll take it well if Bella takes her championship.”

“That’s putting it lightly.” said Eddie, “But it’ll be hell for everyone if she wins too because she’ll continue being....Victoria.  We’re damned if we do, damned if we don’t with her. Nobody knows Victoria better than me, and from what I’ve seen recently, Bella is under her skin. It could be a blessing for Bella because it’ll throw Victoria off her game, but it could also spell disaster because I can see how angry Victoria is and she might just do anything to Bella at this point.”

“Well, she’s Bellas problem for now.” said Sabrina. “You just worry about Justin Smith.”

Eddie grinned.

“Worry about Justin Smith?” he laughed, “Never realized you were a comedian.”

They shared a laugh together, followed by some movie time and Eddie purchasing some tickets for the London Eye ferris wheel.

__

The raindrops fell against his hotel, as he looked through the sliding glass doors. He had been this way since he learned of his Proving Grounds prize. He exhaled heavily, Eddie wasn’t sure he was even ready for this, but that didn’t mean he was going to take it lightly. He had a chance to return home to the states as World Champion within his grasp.  He could just see the look on Coach Kaisers face when he strolled into The Lyons Den with a shiny world championship.

All that stood in his way was a man called Kris Ryans. Ryans, wasn’t just any man, this was a hall of famer. A man who had walked all the walks, and talked all the talks. But he was also the except type of opponent Eddie needed. If he could beat a hall of famer, a guy like Kris Ryans who had been to the mountaintop before then whose to say he couldn’t turn around and be the man to finally end the reign of Finn Whelan.

He felt the loving arms of his girlfriend Sabrina embrace him from behind, and he smiled.

“Watcha’ thinkin’ bout.?” she said gleefully.

“Just, you know.” he said, “I got a pretty big match coming up. If I win, then I have the most important few weeks of my career coming up.”

“You’ve been staring out that window for a half hour.” she said.

“Sorry.” he said, “It’s still sinking in…I might be World Champion when we return home to the states. I can’t say I saw that coming when I was placed into the Proving Grounds series."

He sighed, wondering if he could really pull it off. Becoming World Champion. Even if he beat the hall of famer Kris Ryans, he still had to take on Finn Whelan in London. He wondered, could he really be the one to finally put an end to Finn Whelan, and maybe even begin his eventual downfall? One man who he knew had faith in him was the man he defeated to earn this number one contenders opportunity. Aiden Reynolds. Aiden had stated on more than one occasion about how great he thinks Eddie is, and could see him taking on Finn for the championship.

“Eddie…” he heard Sabrina’s voice again

“Sorry…” he said, “Drifted off again..."

“C’mon, we should order a movie.” she said, “I know your match with uhhh…what was the guys name?”

“Kristopher Ryans.” he said.

“The kid from Winnie The Pooh?” said Sabrina eyebrow raised.

“No..” Eddie laughed, “That’s Christopher Robin. I’m facing Kristopher Ryans.Or I guess he goes by Kris Ryans now.”

“Well, whatever his name is.” she said, “I understand it’s important, and I’m always here to support you. But you can’t stress on it too much. You need to take some time to relax too. So, come lay down, cuddle with me and let’s rent a movie.”

Eddie nodded, she was right. If he overthought it, and worried about it too much, he may not even get past Ryans. He didn’t know much about Kris, but you don’t become a hall of famer by accident. It was getting late anyway. Maybe some relaxation would help.

“Alright.” he said, “How’s Predator sound?”

She shook her head, Eddie wasn’t winning this one.

“No.” she said smile, “You picked last time and I had to watch that man kill all those poor teenagers. It’s my turn, and we’re watching Twilight.”

“....Can we at least watch The Notebook or something instead.” Eddie grumbled, he didn’t like The Notebook either, but it wasn’t TWILIGHT.

“Nope. Twilight.” Sabrina smiled as she jumped onto bed and patted it to signal Eddie to come sit, “C’mon now…Eddie Lyons.”

Eddie sighed. There was no arguing. Twilight it was, he climbed into the bed next to Sabrina, and cuddled close with her, as they selected their film and began to watch.

________

The cameras catch the confident expression of Eddie Lyons when they open. He has the look of a man ready for battle, his eyes light up as he speaks with the confidence of a champion.

“Kris Ryans.” he began, nodding. “We haven’t met have we? Well I’m Eddie Lyons and around here I’ve got a reputation at being quite the tenacious little bastard. One of those guys, that just keeps on coming at you no matter what you throw his way. I know you’re a hall of famer, and I understand you earned your right to be one. That doesn’t come easy and I take away nothing from you. But if you choose to rest on your laurels and underestimate me, that would be the biggest mistake you make in your entire hall of fame career.”

He exhales heavily, knowing he has a tough road ahead of him if he wants to leave London as World Champion, but he also isn’t going to roll over and die for anyone.

“We had different roads in this series.” Eddie continued, “You beat Felix The Cat to get here who has a record that can only be compared to the likes of Justin Smith. I had to take on a tough competitor in Aiden Reynolds, the same man who took the Roulette Championship from me. SO who really fought to get here would you say? The man who beat Garfield or the man who fought to overcome a man who had already bested him in the past?”

Eddie looks into the camera for a moment, as if waiting for a response.

“You did come in with some strong wins over the Kasey brothers.” Eddie continued, “But they ain’t the only royal family in this business. Just because YOU may not know of MY family name, doesn’t mean the Lyons family is any less tougher than the Kaseys. Just ask around about The Lyons Den, and you’ll find that we have some of the toughest talent out there. My cousin Victoria, she may be a callous bitch but her results can’t be denied by even her harshest critics and trust me she’s got plenty around here. It’s just her attitude that stinks.”

He shakes his head. Victoria is his blood and there is always a part of him that cares for her because of that, but even he finds himself unable to defend her actions in SCW.

“That’s her burden to bear, and I can’t worry about her career.” he said, “I can only worry about mine, and Finn Whelan is someone I’ve been waiting to get my hands on for a while. We have….. a bit of a history from my early days in this business before I came to SCW and let’s just say I owe him one, by one I mean a nice right hook to the jaw.”

He was referencing an incident from his time in Pro Wrestling Excellence where he and Finn Whelan had some issues with each other that went unresolved when PWE closed, but Eddie never forgot about it, he just didn’t let it distract him, and simply waited until the time was right for him to get his hands on Finn.

“You can ask a man of honor like myself in Aiden Reynolds what he thinks of me.” Eddie said, “Or if you prefer the shadier types, you can ask Peter Vaughn. Both men, different mindsets when it comes to competing in that ring, but they still will both tell you that I am one tough sonofabitch and if you dont come as the best Kris Ryans you can be, then I will absolutely catch you slippin’ and go on to face Finn in London.”

He smiles at the thought. Being World Champion is every wrestlers dream. Should he beat Finn, this will be the first World Championship match of his career.

“Now, you Kris.” Eddie continued, “You have beaten Finn before, back around when we were all in a pandemic. So I’m sure that plays into your confidence. A victory over Finn Whelan is not an accolade many have. Finn is one of the best to ever do this, he wins championships wherever he goes, any victory over him doesn’t come easy, no matter when it happened. Now though, I think Finn might be at his most dangerous. He might be the best he’s ever been. He’s certainly not the same Finn you beat four years ago. In fact, nobody has been able to stop him in his current iteration. But you know what Kris? I just might be the one to do it. I want to be the one to do it, and I know I CAN be the one to do it.”

He exhales heavily, keeping a serious gaze on the camera.

“But I have to go through you Kris.” said Eddie, “But like I said, that’s just the boost of confidence I’ll need. I’ll earn my right to face Finn by defeating a hall of famer, and a man who’s beaten Finn in the past. I know you’re on your own little comeback tour Kris, but unfortunately the road has taken you through The Lyons Den, and that’s where it will end. See Kris, this isn’t going to be a story about the return of Kris Ryans to glory and prominence. This is going to be the story of the ascension of Eddie Lyons and he’s going to do it his way, the same way he always has, with HONOR BEFORE GLORY.”

He exhales heavily and smiles confidently into the camera as it fades out to black.

__________

Eddie was feeling some guilt. Here he had invited his new girlfriend on tour in an attempt to strengthen their relationship, and while it was working he felt he was still being too career focused and other than a night watching girly movies, he hadn’t really taken any time for her.

He watched her tapping away on her laptop and smiled, she caught his gaze and smiled back.

“Stare too much, and you’ll go blind,” she said with a grin.

“Sorry.” Eddie smiled, “Just. I’ve been so focused on this number one contendership thing, and getting to face Finn, I feel like I haven’t given you enough time.”

Sabrina smiled back at him again, “I’ve seen Japan, and Greece because of you.. I’m here in Sweden and I’ll get to see London as well. Trust me, you’re doing fine Eddie Lyons. Besides, I’m here for you too. You think I don’t want to see you achieve your dream and become a world champion?”

He couldn’t help but smile again, she was so sweet and supportive.

“I’ve even gone and done something for you.” she said, “I got in touch with your friend Cleo, and she got some people together, and well check it out.”

Eddie raised an eyebrow as she turned the laptop to him, showing him a video. In it he saw his friend, and PWS World Champion Cleo Phillips with several of the younger trainees at The Lyons Den forming a small crowd behind her.

“Yoooo Eddie my dude.” Cleo said as the video began, “Coach gave us the news, you have a chance to come home with the big one. We just want you to know, we’re pullin’ for you back home. We wanna see you take that number one contendership, and then we wanna see you be Finn Whelans kryptonite. I got a big match ahead of me too in a couple days with Sierra Williams, but I’ll tell you what. When you get back here, if both of us are World Champions of our respective companies, then we’re goin’ out and drinks are on me.”

Eddie smiled as he watched the video, he had a great respect for Cleo and all she had done to change her life from being a felon, and becoming an inspiration for underprivileged kids.

“Whatever happens Eddie.” the video went on, “You know we all love and support you back here. Now, you go get that SCW World Championship, I’ll be sure to defend mine and then we can see whose is shinier. We’ll see you soon, one love brother.”

The crowd clapped, as Cleo pounded her chest twice and the video ended.

Sabrina looked over at Eddie

“We all believe in you Eddie.” she said, “Me, your friends back home. We know you can do it. Remember, you told me how everyone thought Peter Vaughn was unbeatable and you managed to defeat him for a championship. Maybe that’ll be your thing. You always beat the supposed unbeatable champion”

“Well, it did take me like three or four times to beat Peter.” said Eddie, “But I see what you mean. I’m trying not to worry too much about Finn right now, can’t get too ahead of myself.  I won’t even get to Finn if I don’t get past Kris Ryans.”

“You will get past Kris Ryans.” said Sabrina, “And you will beat Finn Whelan and become the World Champion of SCW.”

“I sure hope so.” said Eddie

“You will. Or I’m dumping you.” Sabrina grinned.

“You wouldn’t!” said Eddie grinning back.

They both laughed and shared a quick embrace.

“Look.” said Sabrina, “All this…wrestling stuff is new to me. I’m getting used to it. I know I just want to support you.”

“Well, that was really nice.” said Eddie “I miss the crew back home. Championship or not, it’ll be good to see Cleo and everyone when we get back.”

“You know what’ll be really funny.” Sabrina grinned.

“What's that?” asked Eddie.

“The look on Victoria's face when they celebrate you and not her.” she said.

“Well…now, I’m REALLY motivated.” said Eddie with a laugh.

He could feel that World Championship within his grasp, just out of reach and he knew one thing at least, he HAD to beat Kris Ryans, and he HAD to show he could stand against Finn Whelan like Aiden Reynolds believed he could. Even if he were to fall defeat against Finn, this was Eddie’s chance to show he belonged at the top level, with the top talent.

And if he did lose to Finn, so what? So did everyone else. But if he did what many might deem impossible, and defeat Finn Whelan? Well that really would be icing on the cake wouldn’t it?

Kris Ryans would be wise to research who Eddie Lyons is quickly, because the youngest member of the Lyons family is on the prowl, hunting for the World Championship and he’s ready to devour anyone who tries to get in his way.

__________


“You know Kris.” the voice of Eddie was heard as the cameras opened, “I’m excited I get to introduce you to the new era in SCW.”

Eddie confidently walks into frame and leans against a nearby stone wall.

“I’ve been around this place for just over a year now Kris.” said Eddie, “In that time I’ve been a Roulette Champion, and generally done pretty well for myself. But I’ll admit, I’ve run a little stagnant since losing the Roulette Championship. But I knew, if I kept my head down and just focused on being the best Eddie Lyons I can be, that it will pay off eventually, and this Kris. This is the payoff. This is where I show the world that Eddie Lyons is ready to become World Champion.”

His serious gaze is his usual one of confidence without seeming arrogant.

“I know I should maybe be a bit intimidated by someone with your accolades, and maybe it is a little.” Eddie said with a shrug, “But that’s not gonna break me. It’ll just further prove how much I do deserve this when I beat you, even with all your accolades. Kris, what it comes down to, is I am one hundred percent ready for you, but I don’t know if your ready for me.”

He takes a short pause, as he continues

“You could probably make some comparisons between LJ Kasey and myself.” Eddie continued, “But the thing is, LJ is where I was at a year ago. Trying to find his way up and just make his  mark. I’ve been making my mark in SCW, and now it’s time for me to move up. I need to represent for The Lyons Den, much as you want to represent Jet City. I’ve had some tussles with Jet City guys before, and they come hard but The Lyons Den? Well we just have this tenacity about us. We don’t really know when to stop. We all have different outlooks but what binds us is how tough each of us are.”

He takes another short pause, to catch some breath.

“Of course Wolfslair might have us both beat in terms of overall talent, success and all that.” Eddie shrugged, “They produce a lot of of the top talent in this industry, it’s up to guys like us to show that it isn’t all Wolfslair. You for Jet City, me for The Lyons Den. We just want to make those we call family proud. At least I do. They’re all pulling for me back home, my crew wants to see me come home with the gold and I won’t you get in my way of getting that chance Kris. I refuse. I refuse to let Finn’s accolades and success intimide me as well. All of us are fallible, me, you, even Finn. All you really need is a strong mindset. Accept your setbacks and learn from them. Also patience, patience is key. I came into this company expecting nothing, and became Roulette Champion in my first year. I’d say my rookie year went pretty well.”

He nods to himself.

“Now, it’s time to see what I can really do.” said Eddie, “It’s time to show the world that Eddie Lyons is next to rise to the top. We’re both going to have to live up to our namesakes in this one  Kris. You will find out how unbreakable I am, and that if you do intend to break me, well you’re going to need a miracle.”

Eddie smirks with confidence at the camera, looking more ready than he’s ever been as the scene closes. The look in his eyes is one of a man seeking to be champion again, but not just Roulette Champion, this Eddie Lyons was looking to be champion of the world.

__________

“That thing is huge.” said Eddie looking at the Cinnamon Bun Sabrina had ordered from the Fika Cafe he took her too.

“And it’s all mine.” she said smiling.

“I can’t have one bite?” said Eddie with a feigned sorrow.

“Nope.” Sabrina grinned, “All mine.”

As if putting a stamp on her point, she smiled with an exaggerated  Mmmmmmm.

“You’re a monster.” Eddie grinned

He of course didn’t care, they were just being playful. He was fine with his coffee, and just being here with a feeling that everything was looking up. He had a good relationship going, and how career was sure to take a turn if he beat Kris Ryans. Even if he lost to Finn, just being there and showing he was on that level would be career changing.

“So, how you liking Sweden?” he asked Sabrina.

“It’s cold, but it’s nice.” she said, “Be cool if we got to see The Northern Lights, but it’s not quite that time of year. I think Japan was my favorite so far, but I’m really excited for London.”

“Yeah, so am I.” said Eddie.

“We're gonna ride the big ferris wheel right?” she asked, her eyes sparkling as she smiled

“London Eye?” he replied, “Yeah, of course. “We can go see Stonehenge and the Tower Of London too.”

“And then you cap it all off by winning a world championship.” she said.

Eddie nodded, Sabrina was so supportive even without knowing much about the wrestling business. All she wanted to do was support Eddie in his dream and he appreciated her for it.

“Thanks. I’m gonna do my best to make it happen.” he said. “Wait, you FINISHED that thing already?”

He looked at the crumbs on the plate where the Cinnamon Roll had once been, the girl had DEVOURED the thing.

“...It was really good.” she said, mouth still full of the final bites. “Next time buy one for yourself dummy.”

Eddie laughed.

“Well, you got me there.” he said. “But it’s probably best I avoid junk food for now, especially if im on a path for a potential world championship match. I need to make sure I’m as healthy and strong as I can be.”

“Cool.” Sabrina said, “More sweets for me then.”

They both smiled at each other.

“I guess so” Eddie laughed.

“Just remember.” Sabrina continued, “Whatever happens, I’ll support you. Your friends back home at The Lyons Den will support you. We all believe in you Eddie. We want to see you do this even more than you want to win it yourself.”

“I don’t know about that.” Eddie said.

“Just reminding you of all those pulling for you.” she said, “I may not be play a large role in your career, but I’m always here to help support you.”

“Thanks Sabrina.” he replied.

“Now, I think I saw a really tasty looking sponge cake.” she said, “A Princess Cake the sign said.”

Eddie shook his head.

“Let’s go check it out then.” he said, finishing his coffee, and walking hand in hand with Sabrina for yet another pastry before they continued their own personal time in Sweden, including a nice stroll down Gamala Stan and a stop at the Skansen Museum

_________

Eddies career trajectory could change vastly if he beat the hall of famer Kris Ryans., and even more so if he did manage to go on to beat Finn Whelan. But just getting to the dance was a big enough step up for the unbreakable one. This was his time, he could feel it, Sabrina could feel it, and everyone sans maybe Victoria from The Lyons Den could feel it. This was his time to rise and establish himself as one of the best SCW has to offer. One of it’s premier talents, and if he played his cards right, it’s World Heavyweight Champion.

He stood looking at the bow of the ship, and he knew he had to do it. Many had done it before him, and many would after. Eddie wasn’t even alive when the movie came out, but you can’t go on a boat and NOT do it right?
[/i]
He stood on the bow, stuck his arms out wide and yelled.

“I’M THE KING OF THE WOOOOOORLD!!!!” Eddie declared, as some other passengers rolled their eyes around him, but at least it was out of his system. What wasn’t on out of his system was the desire to be Roulette Champion again, a desire he intended to fulfill at Summer Xxxtreme.

He knew it wouldn’t be easy, he had lost to Aiden Reynolds once already, and Bill Barnhart as well. Either of them could beat him again, and Alexander Raven was an unknown quantity that Eddie had yet to face, but he was the champion, and as a former champion, Eddie knew that winning a championship didn’t come easy, and keeping it came even easier.

Of course Victoria had all but demanded victory from him, so The Lyons Den could have both Roulette Championships, and as much as she annoyed him, he did like the idea. The Lyons Den wasn’t as big of a name as something like Wolfslair, but they still produced some of the most respected talent, even someone as cruel as Victoria couldn’t have her skill denied.

He leaned against the rail of the ship, just watching as it sailed through the blue waters of the open sea, it was relaxing and the serene nature did well to help Eddie clear his mind so he could be fully ready for his match.

“You got this Eddie.” he said to himself ”Just focus, and do what you do best, and you’ll bring that championship home.”

He sighed, and took in some fresh sea air before finding a free lounge chair to lay back in, he had a championship to win true, but this was still a cruise and he’d be a fool not to find some time to enjoy himself, and just relax.

Earpods in, he laid back on the chair and closed his eyes, as he drifted off into a relaxed state, with only his music in his head.

~It's time to get back in the swing of things, When my life crashes, I'm not the guy that'll flee the scene….~

Get back in the swing of things…yes. That’s what he needed to do, leave it to music to speak to him once again. Regaining the Roulette Championship would be the perfect way to make that happen. He was ready, ready to give his all so he could leave his cruise as a champion once again.

___________

The cameras is open on Eddie Lyons standing on the starboard side of the ship somewhere, looking over the rail just observing the scenery of the nice blue sea and watching the seagulls fly overhead.

"Lovely scene isn't it Bill? I do hope you and Bea are having a nice time on this cruise and did find some time for yourselves" said Eddie. “Especially because you’re going to be vastly disappointed when you don’t walk out as champion. Because like it or not, you are the weak link in this match. Aiden, Alexander and myself all have a better track record than you. Somehow you keep squeaking into championship matches, you just never seem to be able to win them, and you can lord your one victory over me because you know it will never happen again, even if I don’t walk off this ship a champion, I know you won’t either. It will be Raven, Aiden or myself.

Eddie pauses for a moment

“If you think I’m wrong, then show me.” said Eddie, “Because everytime you talk this big game and can never really back it up. Alexander Raven is a douchebag, but he at least backs up his  mouth. I don’t feel I can say the same for you. Maybe you’re not as delusional as someone like Justin Smith, but you’re closer to him than you are the three of us. If somehow you DO walk out as champion and make me eat my words, then I’ll do the honorable thing and admit that I was wrong and you were the better man, but somehow I just don’t see that happening.”

Eddie shrugs.

“Prove me wrong I guess” he continued, “I just don’t see the winner of this match being Bill Barnhart. The rest of us want it so much more. Alexander Raven will have no intention of losing the Roulette Championship and will do whatever he can to remain champion.  Aiden is going to come harder than before because he had a small taste of being champion before my cousin Victoria involved herself for her own ridiculous bullshit. But none the less, that small taste he got is going to fuel him even more this time. Then you have me, who never got my rematch, because my cousin decided I didn’t deserve one so she gave it to Raven, also in hopes he would destroy Aiden for good. He didn’t do that, but he did take the championship from him, so I guess she was half successful in her mission there. But now, I finally get my chance to get back on top. I didn’t whine or complain about my rematch, I just waited because I believe in karma, and that good things happen to good people, and I believe that I will leave this cruise as a two time Roulette Champion."

Eddie turns to look to the cameras, straight on as he continues

“You’re going into this match with three hungry animals, a Raven, A Wolf and a Lion” he continued, “I’m not sure the bulldog can last. Can you clip the ravens wings? Can you tame the mighty lion, or the vicious wolf? Even as a former Roulette Champion yourself, I don’t believe you can. You just haven’t shown me the drive Aiden Reynolds has, or the willingness to do whatever it takes like Alexander Raven. I don’t think it’s too crazy to think you have the most to prove in this match. Your record should speak for itself. I mean a couple years ago, Alexander Raven won this very same match. Back then you were able to eliminate talent like Finn Whelan and Miles Kasey at the same time. Yet now look at the landscape since then, Finn Whelan is the best in the world right now, Miles Kasey isn’t too far behind him either. Alexander Raven is back on top of the division again, but you’ve fallen faster than the anchor of this ship.”


Eddie pauses, taking in a nice breath of fresh sea air.

“I just want you to show me Bill.” Eddie continued, “Show me the Bill Barnhart that’s been Roulette Champion twice. Because I’m an honest person, and my honest opinion is I’m just not that impressed, and I think your mouth is bigger than your ability to win matches. There is nothing YOU will be able to do to stop me from winning this match. I will win my championship back, and this time I won’t be getting ahead of myself with trying to break records. This time, I’ll just focus on being a fighting champion for a long as I can. If I do break a record, cool. If not, well then as long as I lose with honor as I did to Aiden Reynolds, then I’ll just pick myself up once again and fight my way back to the top, once again. Because as far as Eddie Lyons is concerned, it’s still and always will be HONOR BEFORE GLORY.”

Eddie looks confidently into the cameras, as the scene slowly fades out to black.

__________

It was still a few days before the show, and this was a cruise. Eddie knew he would be a fool not to make the best of it. A nice relaxation session by the pool was more than welcome. While he wasn’t much of a drinker, he was enjoying the nice margarita he ordered, again it was a cruise so why not enjoy it?

As he laid back on one of the lounge chairs around the deck, in shorts and a pair of Raybans, he found his rest interrupted by one of the staff.

“Fresh towel sir?” the voice, female said to him.

“Oh, no thank you.” Eddie said, pushing his sunglasses up to his head, “I’m alright.”

The girl tilted her head, and looked at Eddie for a lingering moment.

“...Is that Eddie Lyons?” she asked.

“Yeah, that’s me.” said Eddie, “You want a picture? It’s totally cool if you do.”

“No, Eddie…” she said, “You don’t recognize me?”

Eddie raised an eyebrow, and sat more upright, the girl DID seem familiar, but from where?

“Sabrina Woods!” she exclaimed, “From High School! We were partners in chemistry during Junior year!”

Eddie’s eyes widened, as he remembered his old lab partner.

“Oh my gosh yes!” he said, “How have you been?”

“Just living life.” she replied, “Needed some extra cash so I took a job on this cruise. What about you?”

“I’m actually competing this weekend in the pro wrestling show.” he replied.

“That’s right!” Sabrina replied, “You’re family had that school, your dad wrestled too right?”

“He did.” Eddie nodded, “My uncles did too.”

“Hey whatever happened to your cousins?” she asked, “Victoria and Vincent. They were always pretty cool.”

Eddie smiled and laughed to himself.

“Well Vincent wrestled for a while too.” he said, “But now he left on some journey of self discovery on a sailboat, and Victoria is actually on this cruise too, she competes at the show as well.”

“Oh cool, I’ll have to say hi if I see her.” said Sabrina.

“I wouldn’t.” Eddie warned her, “She’s changed, and I doubt she’d be so receptive. I’m not sure what she’s going through but she’s done some pretty cruel things and made a lot of enemies in SCW. She’s even ruined a few of my matches."

“...Oh.” Sabrina seemed disappointed in the news about Victoria, “Such a shame, she was such a nice girl back then.”

“I know.” Eddie said, “Not much one can do about it though. She’s gonna be who she is.”

“Well, I’m glad you turned out alright.” Sabrina said with a flirtatious smile, “Good luck to you this weekend. I wish I could talk longer, but I’m on the clock and people need towels.”

“Damn..” Eddie said, disappointed he still wanted to catch up. He always thought Sabrina was cute in High School and could see the years were kind to her, “Well, when are you off?”

“My shift ends in a few hours.” she replied, “Why?”

“Maybe we could catch up over dinner?” he said, “My treat? You pick the place?”

“Are you asking me on a date Eddie Lyons?” Sabrina said with a smile.

“Something like that.” he said wish a sheepish grin.

“Well, how about Crown Grill at nine?” she replied, “I can get us am employee discount too.”

“Sounds good.” Eddie replied happily.

Then the two were interrupted by the call of another passenger.

“Towel girl!” the voice called, “Can I get a towel please!”

“Duty calls.” said Sabrina with a sigh, “See you at nine, Eddie Lyons.”

She winked at him, and smiled before going about her business and getting the passenger the requested towel. Eddie hadn’t expected to get a date on the ship as well, maybe it was just karma rewarding his good nature. Whatever it was he now had..just a few hours to get ready so he quickly made his way back to his room to get cleaned up for the evening.

__________

The cameras are rolling, and they open on Eddie on the balcony of his room, he’s leaning against the railing with a casual posture as he begins speaking.

“Your elbows are like bricks you know Aiden.” Eddie said, “I’m gonna have to do my best to avoid those if I am to recapture the Roulette Championship. It’s gonna be a tough battle, but I have my full confidence going in. I’m not coming to lose this match, and I doubt you are either. You took the belt from me after all, and I make no excuses about it. You were the better man that night. Case closed."

Eddie paused for a moment, and took in a breath

“Now Alexander Raven has the championship, all because my cousin wanted to be a bitch.” he said, “You know she’s demanding victory from me now? Suddenly she likes the idea of the two of us having Roulette Championships in SCW. I mean it’s not the worst thought, but I’m not going to act like her and guarantee victory in my match. I will say, if I don’t win. I hope you do Aiden. You deserve a better run than what you have, and we both know someone needs to shut Alexander Raven up. Bill, well he’s Bill. We know he likes to act tough, but has never been able to truly deliver. You and I Aiden, we are the heart and soul of this match, it’s up to us to give those other two knuckleheads a dose of reality.”

Eddie pauses again.

“Raven and Bill, they don’t truly understand what it means to be a champion.” Eddie continued, “They don’t understand the honor that comes with being a champion, they just want to pad their own records, and be able to tout their own ego. You and I would hold that championship proudly, with honor and respect. We would act as proper champions, and inspire the wrestlers of tomorrow to keep reaching for their goals. None of us are better than any of the other. It’s more a matter of character, and Bill and Raven both have no real positive character to speak of. At least you show respect Aiden, and I hope you show me the respect I deserve when I recapture the Roulette Championship. And you know what? I think you will. No, I know you will. Should you manage to regain the championship, then I will do the same.”

Eddie pounds his chest with his fist, to show some solidarity or respect to Aiden.

“We need to do this Aiden. We need to restore some honor.” Eddie continued, “One of us needs to take that championship and restore some honor to it. While I’ll be happy to see you as champion, and will show you the respect you deserve, don’t get it confused. I’m still coming for blood, and if taking your head and punting it into the sea is what I need to do to win, then I will. Because when that bell rings, all I understand is that it’s go time and everyone else, sans the referee is my enemy.  That includes you, respect or not. From bell to bell you’re nothing but an opponent trying to take me out. One that’s already done it before, so I know how dangerous you really are. So I need to up my game, and that means taking no prisoners and putting it all on the line.”

Eddie nods, and exhales heavily.

“Does suck this cruise has to end soon, I’ve been having a really good time enjoying some of the shows and the food, and just the  nature of the open sea. It’s very serene and has done well to calm me, and get me in a more focused state." [/color]said Eddie, "Just something about the open sea I find relaxing. Come Sunday however, the relaxing will be done and it’s back to business. My business, and my business is that Roulette Championship and winning it once again. I’m coming for a fight, and that goes for all three of you. I’ll see you and those other two goons on Sunday Aiden, until then you and Kallie enjoy yourselves and good luck when that bell rings, cause it’s gonna be nothing short of a war."

Eddie looks into the camera with confidence as the scene fades out.

_________

Eddie wanted to do something nice for his date with Sabrina later than evening and had bought a Stanley Bear from one of the cruises gift shops as a gift for the young lady, he was on his way back to the hotel when he came across a group of young men,  slightly drunk and being a little raucous, he sought to ignore them when he noticed one was wearing his cousin Victorias crown. Most in SCW would keep walking, feeling as though Victoria deserved it and he did consider it, however his honor got the better of him, and despite Victorias transgressions he felt he had to do the right thing.

“Hey guys, check it out.” the one wearing the crown said to his frat boy looking friends as he talked in a mocking tone “I am your Queen! The great Victoria Lyons! Join me, we can be STRONGER TOGETHER. Please will somebody worship me? Please? Pleaseeeee? I need attention!”

“Hey, where’d you get that my friend?” Eddie asked, getting the young mans attention.

“Oh woah! Eddie Lyons.” said the guy, “Dudebro, your cousin left this next to her when she was sleeping, since she’s such a bitch to everyone I swiped it. We’re all tired of hearing about her being some sort of queen.”

“What’s your name my friend?” asked Eddie politely

“Chad.” the guy replied.

“Well Chad.” said Eddie, “I know she’s not been very nice, but you shouldn’t stoop to her level. The crown doesn’t belong to you. You need to return it.”

“Why would I do that?” Chad said with a flair of arrogance

“Because it’s the right thing to do man.” Eddie said, “You took someones property, that’s not cool man. Even if it is someone like my annoying cousin.”

“But she’s going to FLIP when she wakes up.” said Chad with a laugh, “It’ll be hilarious.”

His other friends seemed to agree and laughed along with Chad.

“C’mon guys.” said Eddie again, “Just give me the crown, I’ll take it back to her, or do we need to get security involved? I imagine Victoria already did, so they’re probably looking for it now. You’re here for the show right?”

“Yeah man.” said Chad, “Good luck to you by the way.”

“Well thank you for that.” Eddie said, “But if you get caught, they might put you in boat jail for the rest of the trip, and you’ll miss the show.”

“They won’t catch me.” Chad replied.

“Just give me the crown man.” said Eddie, “Let’s not make this difficult, because I see a security guard just down the hall.”

Chad looked, and indeed there was a guard at the other end of the hall.

“Hey Secur…” Eddie started, but was cut short by Chad holding out the crown.

Eddie took the crown into his own arms, and was even nice enough to take a picture with the frat boys before he headed up to the Grand Suite area where SCW had roomed all it’s champions to knock on Victorias door.

She answered the door after a moment and he held the crown out to her.

“.....Lose something?” he asked.

She glared at him, with a look of annoyance.

“WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?” she said as she snatched the crown from his grasp, “WAS IT YOU? DID YOU STEAL IT?”

Eddie couldn’t believe it, she really thought he had done it.

“Seriously?” he responded, “Seriously?”  “You really think I would do that? No I didn’t steal your crown, but I did find it. Some fan had it. I had to convince him to give it back. You should really be more careful with your stuff. I’m only bringing this to you, because it’s your property and it’s just the right thing to do.”

“Well, isn’t that noble of you.” Victoria said rolling her eyes.

“Just doing what’s right.” said Eddie.

“Well, at least I have it back. Now I can look like a proper queen for my match.” said Victoria.

”Indeed.” said Eddie with a disinterested tone.

“See you around cousin.” Victoria said, as Eddie found the door slammed in his face.

“...Thank you Eddie?” he said to himself, but he knew he should have expected no less. Still he felt good enough with himself he had done the right thing. Not only was it just the ring thing, but had he not he knew she would never stop complaining about it, and nobody on the SCW roster deserved to deal with any of that.

“Good luck to you this weekend cuzzo.” Eddie said as he walked off from the door, back to his own hotel room, as he still had that date to later to get ready for.

__________

As the scene opens, Eddie sits shirtless on his bed, a towel around his neck after just finishing up a shower. He looks up to the camera and starts speaking.

“How we doin’ champ?” he said, clearly addressing Roulette Champion Alexander Raven, “Well I hope, because after SummerXXXtreme you won’t be doing so well, because that championship is coming back to me.”

Eddie took the towel to wipe some water still left on his face.

“You sure don’t like me do you Raven?” said Eddie, “And for what? What have I done other than go out there and fight each and every time? Because you don’t like my attitude? Well, that’s your prerogative but all I’m doing is being true to myself. If you don’t like that, then that’s your problem. I’m not changing myself or my beliefs for anyone.”

Eddie continued to look into the camera.

“I’m sure to people like yourself, that means failure.” he said, “You can mock me for losing my belt, blah blah blah. I’m not letting that get to me, you win some you lose some and come Sunday you’ll have to deal with the losing side of things because you are NOT walking out Roulette Champion. I am.”

Eddie paused for a moment, before continuing.

“The only reason you even got a championship match is because of my cousins power trip.” Eddie continued, “And to your credit you capitalized and won. Now you have to be on the defense and I can assure you this lion is hungry and he’s coming for blood. I can assure you the wolf is coming for blood of his own, and the Bulldog? Well he’s gonna show his might as much as he can as well. The numbers are really against you in this one, and your chances of survival are minimal. But like I said to Aiden, and Bill as well. You win, I will admit you were the better man that night, and move on to whatever the company has planned for me next.”

He took another moment to pause, as he continued his address of Alexander Raven

“You’re about to find out what I’m really about Raven.” said Eddie “You’ve wanted to try and take me out since you mentioned my name at the press conference the night I won the championship. You said you wanted to remind me of my place beneath my betters.”

Eddie laughed to himself.

“I don’t know what your deal is with me man” said Eddie “But I guess it’s time you learn who Eddie Lyons is, and you learn the true meaning of being UNBREAKABLE. My drive, my spirit will never be broken. Especially not by the likes of you. You can run your mouth all you want, but after SummerXXXtreme, you will learn why Eddie Lyons is one of the toughest fighters in the company. You will realize that I am a whole lot better than you give me credit for and you will be forced to witness me become a two time Roulette Champion at YOUR expense. Right now, I have nothing to lose and that’s where I become most dangerous. Taking me lightly is going to be your biggest mistake, you better open your own eyes real quick or else I am going to clip the wings of the raven, and send him crashing into the waters below and I will do it with HONOR BEFORE GLORY.”

Eddie gives his best look of confidence and determination as the scene closes.

__________

The Crown Grill was really nice, and Eddie had worn his bets button up and did look rather charming for the occasion, across from him sat Sabrina Woods, the old high school friend he ran into earlier in the day in a lovely yellow dress of her own, she smiled at the Stanley Bear that Eddie had gifted her.

“Awww he’s cute.” said Sabrina with a smile, “Thank you Eddie.”

“Of course.” Eddie said kindly.

They both smiled at each other, as they waited the arrival of their food. Eddie had gone for the Rib-Eye, while the lady had opted for the New York Strip. A bottle of white wine also sat iced on the table for them to share.”

“Wine?” asked Eddie.

“Please.” Sabrina replied, to which Eddie promptly poured some wine in her glass, and then some for himself.

“Salud.” he said, as they clinked glasses and took a sip. It did taste pretty delicious.

“So how have you been?” he asked her.

“Pretty good.” she said “Still living in North Carolina, sort of between jobs at the moment. What about you?”

“Just doing the wrestling thing.” said Eddie, “Keeping up the family legacy and all that. It’s been fun I got to tour Europe. The travel can be much sometimes, but it;’s worth it when I get in the ring and hear the fans cheering and chanting for me.”

“Wow I’ve never been to Europe.” said Sabrina, “Never really been out the US. This cruise might be the farthest I’ve traveled from US soil.”

“Ha, well it’s a beautiful world out there.” said Eddie.

“I’d love to see it sometime.” replied Sabrina.

“Well, maybe I can arrange that.” Eddie said with a smile.

The two continued their evening laughing together, talking about old stories from high school like when some Freshman hit a beehive with a baseball, and the following chaos of screaming students, or when Jimmy Nelson came to school in a dress. Good times and great memories, and it seemed like the two of them were going to be making more at the rate the date was going, the food was delicious as well and as his day came to an end and he bid Sabrina goodnight, he did indeed get the kiss and a promise to stay in contact after the cruise ended. It was then, with that kiss Eddie knew that even if he lost his match this weekend, he would still feel like a winner.