The spa of the Princess Cruise had a pleasant flowery smell about it. Eddie and Sabrina entered, some soft instrumental music filled the air as they stepped into one of the private spa suites with two day passes.

Eddie was a bit surprised how quickly Sabrina got herself ready in her white robe and sat on the edge of the massage table like a queen waiting for royal treatment.

“Nice place.” Eddie commented “Our day passes allow us for a full treatment as well.”

Sabrina gave him a curious grin as she walked over to him.

“My day passes.” she said snatching them both out of his hand. “Thank you babe.”

“Sabrina…” said Eddie “That's two passes, they were for the both of us.”

“Yep.” said Sabrina with a grin. “They were.”

“Okay….” Eddie said "What's happening here?”

“What's happening is I'm an 8 month pregnant woman.” said Sabrina “We had to jump through hoops and waivers just to even get me allowed on this cruise. I'm growing a literal human inside of me. So I decided that I get two spa treatments.”

“Sounds like you're trying to justify robbery to me.” Eddie grinned.

“You'll survive.” said Sabrina.

“But how am I going to stretch my chakras and meditate?” Eddie protested halfheartedly.

“Your chakras will be fine.” Sabrina retorted.

“You're really taking both aren't you?” said Eddie

[color=lavender“Are you going to tell your pregnant soon to be in a few days wife no?”[/color] Sabrina asked, eyebrow raised.

“Well you got me there.” said Eddie with a smile.

“That's what I thought.” said Sabrina playfully. “Besides you know this sort of thing is too girly for you anyway.”

“So what am I supposed to do?” said Eddie

“It's a big ship, lots to do.” Sabrina said “You'll find something.”

“Yeah I guess.” said Eddie

Sabrina looked at him blankly.

“You can go now.” she said.

It wasn't a request.

“Damn.” said Eddie “That's a little cold.”

“It's Spa Time Eddie Lyons.” Sabrina said

There was no way he was going to win this argument and he was only really mildly interested in the spa anyway. Something Sabrina likely knew but if his pregnant fiancee wanted two spas who was he to argue? Besides, she made a good point, there was a lot to do on this ship, so with a soft kiss he left Sabrina to her relaxing treatment.

__________

The sounds of the onboard Casino of the Princess Cruise filled the room around Eddie Lyons and Cleo Phillips as they stood together at the roulette table.

Eddie observed the table pondering a decision looking over at Cleo who only narrowed her eyes at him and shrugged.

“All right.” said Eddie cracking his knuckles “Red I'm telling you it's going to be red.”

“That's what you said last time.” Cleo said “Red keeps bleeding you dry.”

“But like blood, red keeps coming back.” said Eddie

“If you say so E.” Cleo said with a shrug.

“All in on red” Eddie said, pushing his chips forward.

He watched the wheel spin,  around and around. Cleo and the rest of the crowd observed as the ball clattered into place.

Black.

Cleo snorted.

“You've got to be kidding me..” said Eddie “Why does the gambling universe hate me?”

“It doesn't hate you.” said Cleo, "You're just not playing with any strategy. Follow me. I'll show you how we do it.”

“What? You going to win big and make me feel bad a couple days before my wedding?” said Eddie

“No. I'm going to win to make myself feel better.” Cleo grinned.

“Fair enough.” said Eddie

Cleo stopped at the Craps table and tossed a handful of chips on the table. Daddy watched has she shook the dice vigorously.

“Come on let's hit em’ with that seven..” Cleo said.

The dice rolled onto the table and revealed themselves.

Snake eyes.

Eddie snorted.

“That… that was a warm up.” said Cleo

“Uh-huh..” Eddie grinned.

Tossing more chips on the table Cleo grabbed and rolled the dice again.

Eight.

“Boom.” said Cleo with a smile

“All right, all right I'm in.” said Eddie tossing some chips on the table.

“Thought you were broke E.” said Cleo

“Always got to have a side pocket.” said Eddie

They continued playing at the Craps table for a while, both of them making bold bets and poor decisions. Still  both of them were up by the time they left the table Cleo more so than Eddie.

After the tables they decided to play the slots Eddie wasn't too keen on the idea of getting robbed by a metal machine with blinking lights but here they were.

He watched as Cleo pressed the button on her machine causing the wheels to spin when they stopped, the machine lit up like a Christmas tree in Times Square during December.

JACKPOT
$5000

“CH-YEAH!!” Cleo exclaimed.

“Holy crap!” said Eddie wide-eyed.

“Your girl's eating at the fancy Steakhouse tonight.” said Cleo “And she's getting the most expensive thing on the menu.”

“Congratulations.” said Eddie

“Well I ain't going to try my luck again..” said Cleo, stepping away from the machine.

They walked through the casino again, a cocktail waitress offering them both drinks as she passed. Cleo accepting and Eddie politely declining in support of Sabrina.

A few more slot machines later and even a couple games of blackjack both of them had decided that enough was enough, although really it was mostly because Eddie was tired of losing money and if he lost any more Sabrina wouldn't be too happy.

But even though he had lost more money than he came here with,  he was still having a good time and it was still the most exciting week of his life. He could earn back the money he was mostly looking forward to officially making Sabrina his wife.

_________

The sun was high in the sky has Eddie and Sabrina lay relaxed on their lounge chairs on the pool deck holding hands has their arms dangled off the side of each of their chairs.

You have that look in your eyes said Eddie.

“What look?” Sabrina replied, taking a sip of her mocktail.

“The one that says you're about to make somebody's day slightly annoying for your own amusement.” Eddie said

“I'm just relaxing.” Sabrina said “That's all I'm a guest on this ship after all.”

With the snap of her fingers she signaled for one of the the attendants, the girl's name tag read Brielle as she made her way over.

"Hello Brielle..." Sabrina said with a smirk.

“Sabrina…..” said Brielle “I… I didn't know you were on board.”

“I'm on vacation.” Sabrina said “And I'm glad to see my favorite towel girl.”

Sabrina's words sounded sweet, but they had a slight tang to them.

“I see…” said Brielle, attempting to maintain her professional tone “How may I help you ma'am?”

“No need to be formal, we're all friends here.” Sabrina grinned “Can you please bring me some extra towels and can you make sure they're warm?”

“Warm?” replied Brielle

“Yes warm.” said Sabrina “Warmed in that little cubby near the spa I know you know where it is.”

Eddie only watched, he knew better than to interfere. If his pregnant fiancee was going to be petty he wasn't going to be the one to stop her.

“Of course.” said Brielle with a slight twitch of the jaw.

As the girl walked off to fetch the towers Sabrina looked over at Eddie.

“I don't even want the towels.” she grinned

Eddie could only shake his head and laugh.

“Hey..” said Sabrina “When I worked with her she told me I wasted too much time being friendly with guests, she called me lazy, and she insulted my homemade lemon bars.”

“Okay well I don't know who would be stupid enough to insult your lemon bars.” said Eddie, “Does she have no taste buds?”

“Apparently not.” said Sabrina

Just then Brielle returned with the towels and a forced smile.

“Here you go ma'am.” she said

Sabrina touched one of the towels and frowned.

“I asked for warm towels..” she said.

“But.. but…” said Brielle

“It's okay. I'll wait.“ she said staring Brielle directly in the eye as if testing her.

“Yes ma'am.” Brielle replied

And off the girl went to fetch another set of towels that Sabrina still didn't actually want.

“Seriously?” said Eddie

“She insulted my lemon bars.” said Sabrina

“Well..” said Eddie “As long as you're having fun.”

They both shared a laugh together, as the cool ocean air soothed their skin.

Soon Brielle returned with another set of towels setting them next to Sabrina.

“Perfect.” said Sabrina with a smile. “These are lovely. Can you please get my fiancee and myself some cucumber waters? I'm feeling a bit parched.”

“Of course right away.” Brielle said

“And you remember to stay hydrated too Brielle.” said Sabrina “You wouldn't want to wilt on the job.”

“All right are you done being petty.” said Eddie

“Maybe..” Sabrina grinned.

“I'm telling you if Jordan comes out with your level of petty.” said Eddie “The world is going to be in trouble.”

“The world better watch out you mean.” Sabrina grinned. “Besides, all I did was ask an employee to cater to one of their guests.”

“Of course.” said Eddie

They sat in peaceful silence together for a while just enjoying the warmth of each other's company as Brielle returned with the waters

“Here you go miss “ she said. "Can I get you anything else?”

“Yeah can you take the towels please? I'm done with them.” said Sabrina

“Of course.” said Brielle clearly fighting to maintain composure.

Brielle took the still warm unused towels and walked off with them as Eddie just shook his head at Sabrina.

“I love you," he said.

“I love you too Eddie Lyons.” she replied

And he truly did love Sabrina and he was ready to marry her on this very ship and just a few days. Even if he didn't win on Sunday somehow he felt he was leaving the cruise with the biggest prize of all.

__________

The sun was casting a warm streak of orange across the waters amidst  an ever present and gentle sea breeze. A section of the upper deck had been roped off and a canopy erected for the ceremony.

Eddie already stood at the altar adjusting the cuffs of his suit as the nerves were setting in. He had felt nerves before for many of his big matches but this felt different. This felt like something even bigger than the ring, the one he competed in not the one he was prepared to place on Sabrina's finger.

Coach Kaiser stood proudly next to him in his own black suit. He looked over at his student and friend placing a hand on Eddie's shoulder which helped calm Eddie some.

Across from them stood Sabrina's older sister Jenny. She was taller but she had the same eyes. A soft bouquet of flowers in her hand smiling warmly quietly mouthing “breathe” to Eddie as he gave his soon-to-be sister-in-law a subtle understanding nod.

His eyes scanned the crowd of  guests. There was Cleo and his father right in the front Sabrina's parents were there too. He even saw a few of the invited SCW faces he had come to know over the years. The ones that had seen him climb and fall and rise again. People he had been in the ring and exchanged fists with were now smiling happily for him. Just as regular everyday people, no gimmicks, no performances, just life.

Then the music started a soft melodic violinist, play the plastic Bridal chorus has Sabrina appeared walking in between the separated rows of chairs wearing an ivory dress that swayed along with the sea breeze her lips curled into that sly little smirk that Eddie loved so much.

He didn't even realize he stopped breathing for a second.

He smiled at her as she reached the altar and she smiled back as the officiant welcomed everyone.

“We are gathered here today…” the officiant said “To celebrate one of life's greatest moments to give recognition to beauty and love as we join together Eddie Lyons and Sabrina Woods in holy matrimony.”

Eddie exhaled softly to keep himself from getting choked up.

“This is not the beginning of a new relationship.” the officiant continued “But a new chapter in a bond that already exists. A promise made in the hearts of two people who have found strength in one another.”

She turned to Eddie.

“Do you have your vows?” she asked

“I do.” said Eddie

He didn't read from any paper, he only spoke from the heart.

“We met last year about this very ship and now a year later here we are.” said Eddie.  “I know it's tough, and I'm not always home because I'm out on the road a lot. But you stay with me through it and you give me something worth fighting for. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me and you keep me motivated even when you don't have to. Even when I'm at my lowest, you're the one that picks me back up, and I promise to do the same for you and our daughter everyday no matter what. I will always be there and I will always provide. We will laugh, and grow and struggle together. I love you Sabrina.“

Eddie exhaled and the officiant turned to Sabrina.

“Your vows ma'am” she said

Sabrina nodded.

“Eddie Lyons..” she said with a smile. "You are the most kind, loyal and wonderful man I've ever met. You are exactly what I never knew I needed. Sometimes I feel like I need to guard myself around people but not with you, you just love me for me. I am very much looking forward to our life together, you me and our daughter. We're going to have a good time and we're going to have bad times but we're going to have them together and I wouldn't want anybody else by my side. I love you Eddie Lyons. “

There was a slight crack in her voice but she maintained.

“Do we have the rings?” the officiant asked

Coach Kaiser produced the rings from his suit pocket and handed him over. The officiant looked over to Sabrina's father in the front row.

“Sir, do you give this woman to this man.?” she asked

Her father nodded and Eddie smiled back at him. He always felt that part was a little outdated but Sabrina said it was important to her.

Eddie slid the ring onto Sabrina's finger.

“With this ring I give you my heart.” he said.

Smiling back Sabrina slid her ring on to Eddie's finger.

“And with this ring I give you mine.” She said.

“By the power invested in me.” the officiant said, "I Now pronounce you husband and wife you may kiss your bride.”

Eddie wasted no time locking Sabrina in his arms and kissing her like she was the only thing that mattered as the crowd erupted into applause. Cleo of course being the loudest.

“That's My Boy!!!!” Cleo shouted

Eddie shook his head with a laugh as they were announced as Mr and Mrs. Lyons for the first time and then he saw something up higher in the shadows of an observation deck.

It was Vincent and Victoria, they looked to Eddie and gave him a silent respectful nod to which he returned.

It wasn't peace between him and his cousins but it felt like a sliver of a respect maybe understanding that even with all the chaos going on in their world they could still have rare meaningful moments like this untouched by any grudges.

_________

The scene opens with Eddie Lyons relaxing in a lounge chair. He has an aura about him as though everything is right in the world.

“Well I guess our little cruise is coming to an end soon.” said Eddie. “I hope all you gentlemen enjoyed your time. I know I did. It's official now fellas I'm a happily married man.

He holds up his hand to the camera showing off the ring.

“I mean I've already got the greatest prize of all right?” he said “But before we leave this cruise, I get a chance at another prize. A chance to once again try to break through and earn myself a world championship opportunity.”

He nodded confidently.

“But in order to do so I have to make sure that six other men get tossed overboard.” Eddie said. “Six other men whose only goal is to do the same to me. But they won't not this time I'm already leaving a married man,  but I'm also leaving number one contender. Eddie Lyons will leave the cruise with everything.”

He paused shortly.

“It certainly won't be a loudmouth wannabe edgelord like Logan Hunter “ said Eddie “Who just went on and on puffing his chest like he was somebody. Your own arrogance is what will blind you Logan,  and it is the reason why I will send you crashing into the waters below. People like you are a dime a dozen Logan you come in, have a little flash of success and then fade back into the abyss entirely.”

Eddie clears his throat.

“Although I guess maybe Logan doesn't seem as desperate as our friends Bill and Justin.” said Eddie "These are the two that everybody clowns on the most because like cockroaches they keep showing up and they get squashed every single time. I hate to echo what everybody else says but it's a bit curious how these two keep getting these opportunities but I can't worry about that there's just two more clowns for me to toss off the ship.”

Eddie shrugs not showing any real intimidation, only confidence.

“Now one I definitely need to keep my eyes on is Aiden Reynolds.” Eddie continued “I'm not quite sure what his deal is lately, he speaks of respect but he also says that I'm scared. I've never been afraid of anything Aiden. I get in there and I push myself to do the best each and every time and maybe sometimes it's not good enough but the point is I don't give up and I don't make excuses. You seem a little too angry right now Aiden and I think you're a little bit off your game. I mean you even made a vaguely homophobic remark to Miles a few weeks ago.  Get your mind right or I'm going to toss your ass overboard Aiden.”

He pauses.

“And then we have that glorified rent a cop Liam Davis.” said Eddie “A man who thinks he has some sort of authority over everyone because of his badge. But you need to listen to me Paul Blart.   badge means nothing to me. This is the SCW ring,  this is my world and I'm going to toss you right out of it into the open waters below.”

He exhales.

“And then there's Miles Kasey.” said Eddie “If ever there was a mirror image of myself in this match it's Miles. We both have that same fire, we both have that same desire to finally reach our goals. It seems like it slips away from both of us right when we get close every single time. We're also both loving husbands. We really have a lot more in common than I think both of us realize.”

He pauses again, shifting slightly.

“But I won't even let my own mirror image stop me this time Miles." said Eddie “Right now I'm still riding that feeling of just getting married  I feel like I can take on anything. I'm sure you had that same feeling when you and Carter got married, so you know exactly what I'm talking about. You know I have all the respect in the world for you just as much as you have for me and that's why you know I'm going to stop at nothing to throw you overboard with the rest of them. Mate.”

He pauses again.

“We can all talk our game and we can all make our comments about each other.” said Eddie “But at the end of the day talk is cheap, and only one of us goes on to become number one contender. With the confidence I'm feeling right now that's someone is most definitely going to be Unbreakable Eddie Lyons. So J2H,  Helluva Bottom Carter…., I'll be seeing one of you soon.”

With one final confident nod everything fades to black.

If there was one word that to describe the SCW career of Eddie Lyons currently, it would be stagnant. Always coming close but never fully grabbing that brass ring.

As much as he tried to hide it, it did bother him he wondered what more did he need to do. He wasn't going out there and laying down for anybody, he was giving them a fight and he even won a bunch of those fights but when the fight mattered most he was just unable to pull it off.

Was he just struggling too much with his engagement and his upcoming child and starting a new life while also trying to balance his career?

Or maybe he needed to pay attention to his cousin. Victoria was a lot of things, but she was also a proven champion so there was something she had to be doing right.

But he couldn't go down her route, the arrogance, the denial, the narcissism, none of that was him. It might be a longer and more difficult route but he would not cast his honor aside for a chance at glory. Victoria may have the success, but what she didn't have was the respect, and Eddie sought to be a champion that people respected.

He could be mad at Kevin Carter for getting involved in his match at Into The Void. Alexander Raven sure was, and Alexander Raven had every reason to be. The truth is and Eddie knew it was that Alexander Raven had that match won. Kevin Carter or no Kevin Carter. He wasn't walking out of that match the victor and Eddie knew that.

But that loss, like so many others, wasn’t about fairness. It was about facing the truth. About looking in the mirror and accepting that something had to change. Not his values, not his work ethic, but something deeper. A fire, a hunger, a willingness to dig further when everything else had run dry.
Eddie Lyons wasn’t going to rewrite who he was just to win a match. But he was going to evolve. He was going to sharpen the edges, push himself past his limits, and come back stronger, smarter, and more relentless than ever before. He still believed you didn’t have to be a monster to be a champion—you just had to be willing to walk through hell with your head held high.
This week wasn’t about excuses. It wasn’t about what Kevin did, or what Raven almost had. It was about Eddie. His choices. His moment.

Because one thing was certain—stagnant or not, Eddie Lyons wasn’t done yet. And if anyone thought he was just going to fade away, they clearly didn’t know what kind of man he really was.

__________

it's late afternoon has the warm Nevada Sun streams through the half-drawn curtains in the home of Eddie Lyons and his fiancee Sabrina Woods. The sliding glass door means open a crack to let in a cool breeze. Muted SCW highlight reels play on the television as the faint smell of lemon bars baking in the oven fill the home with a pleasant aroma.

Eddie Lyons floats around lightly on the balls of his feet in the room, throwing slow jabs into the air not trying to work up a sweat just moving trying to reawaken some muscle memory.

“You better not be out there punching the couch again.” Sabrina's voice called from the kitchen.

“Of course not.” Eddie called back “Just some light training, trying to stay loose."

“Well as long as you don't foray into furniture abuse.” she says as she came into view with a sly grin on her face and a near eight month baby bump leading the way.

“Oh I'm not making that mistake again.” Eddie smirked back “But this is my first match back since Into The Void,  and I have Aiden Reynolds and Miles Kasey. Not exactly the easiest welcome back.”

“Well they're not there to kill you Eddie.” said Sabrina “Aiden and Miles are both respectable guys. The match between the three of you just screams big sportsmanship energy.”

“That's the thing.” Eddie replied sitting down, “They are good guys, they're talented, driven and just solid dudes all around. It makes it harder when it's people you like because you hesitate and second guess and that hesitation is what gets you beat.”

Sabrina moved to sit in her favorite recliner just across from Eddie.

“You're not some rookie trying to find his footing, Eddie Lyons.” she said  ]“You're a grown man with experience and a family about to start. You can face them with respect and still fight your ass off.”

“I just feel I need to prove something now." Eddie said "Something more, not just for me and I just for you anymore but for her. It just feels like everything matters more”

He motioned toward Sabrina's belly.

]"It does matter more." Sabrina agreed ]"But not just what happens in the ring, you're here and you show up and that already makes you more of a man than most. Our daughter isn't going to care if you lost to Miles Kasey or Aiden Reynolds, she's going to care if you were there to hold her when she needed you most.”

“And I will." Eddie nodded absorbing her words, “You're right as usual babe.”

“Of course I am.” Sabrina grinned.

They sat in silence for a moment just enjoying the quiet humming of their life amidst the scent of Sabrina's famous lemon bars, well they were famous to Eddie at least.

“Still crazy to think all this started over a towel.” Eddie said.

“You mean the Princess Cruise?” Sabrina replied.

“Yeah that moment when I saw you again.” he said “And you brought me my towel, you recognized me first. I thought you were just a fan for a  moment. Then I realized no, that's Sabrina Woods from high school!”

]“You know I always thought you were cute in high school.” said Sabrina, ]“But I was too shy to say anything, you coming from your big family and a lot of the kids knew your dad and uncle were former wrestlers you and your cousins were kind of a big deal. I always thought you were cooler than them though.”

“Really?” Eddie said eyebrow raised “Truth be told I always thought you were kind of cute back then, it's kind of why I wanted to be lab partners with you in chemistry. I guess I was kind of just too dumb to say anything.”

They both shared a laugh together.

“Well fate brought us back together.” she said "And now we have a baby on the way, and a wedding coming up. Now we get to enter the Princess Cruise as a couple, and I get to enter the Princess Cruise has a guest rather than the help.”

“That has to feel good.” said Eddie.

“Oh it's going to feel great.” said Sabrina “Spa treatments, a bed I don't have to make, and the chance to make that prissy little bitch Brianna cater to me hand and foot.”

“Brianna?” asked Eddie

“Yes Brianna.” Sabrina said “It was like she always had a vendetta against me. She tried to get me written up for giving a guest  two towels during in a heat wave. Said it was unprofessional and just always was on my case about everything. Like one time I made my lemon bars using my money and shared it with some guests. She tried to get me punished for it. Even though I was the the reason that deck didn't descend into chaos during spring break.”

“It sounds like she was jealous that you were cute and competent.” Eddie said.

“You charmer.” Sabrina smiled back.

“Just don't be too mean.” Eddie said

“Oh I'm going to be polite.” Sabrina replied with a grin “Politely pregnant.”

Eddie knew exactly what she meant. This Brianna was in for the ultimate amount of petty. And the way he kind of found it adorable and it helped to relieve some of the tension he had riding on his shoulders.

“Dang we're really getting married aren't we?” said Eddie.

“We are.” Sabrina smiled “It's not the big wedding I originally dreamed about, but I don't want to wait. I want to be married before she gets here, before Jordan is born. I want us to be a real family before it all changes.”

“It'll be perfect.” he said “Small and real and very much us.”

“Then next year once we're all settled, we'll do the big celebration bring the whole family a catered buffet, the works.” she said.

“Sounds like a plan.” Eddie said.

“I know my parents are going to be there.” she said “And my sister is going to be my maid of honor. Has anybody rsvp'd on your end and did you pick a best man?”

“Well my dad's coming of course. Cleo confirmed too.” said Eddie “She said she wasn't going to miss a chance to go on a free cruise, and Coach Kaiser said he's going to come and I'm thinking about asking Coach to be my best man.”

“Yeah I thought he might be your choice.” said Sabrina.

“I owe the man my career. He taught me everything.” said Eddie.

“What about any of your friends in SCW?” Sabrina asked.

“I sent out an open invite, so anybody who wants to be there can find their way. Maybe Miles and Carter will show up, or possibly Aiden.” said Eddie

“What about your cousins?” Sabrina said.

“You know I'd love to have more family there.” said Eddie “But I don't think those two are going to be interested. ”

“Yeah probably not…” Sabrina shrugged “Victoria would probably make a mess of things anyway.”

“Cleo would toss her ass overboard if she did.” Eddie replied with a grin

“That I’d love to see.” Sabrina laughed.

They said again quietly just for a beat before the sound of an oven timer chimed off.

“Lemon bars are done.” Sabrina said.

“You know that's like the third batch this week.” Eddie said.

“Careful don't question a hormonal woman's sacred snack ritual.” said Sabrina “And don't act like you don't love them. You ate the whole rack last time.”

“Well you got me there.” Eddie said with a smile.

“Jordan likes them too.” Sabrina  replied running her fingers across her belly.

Eddie followed as Sabrina made her way into the kitchen catching up to gently wrap his arms around her from behind. He could fill this as the beginning of a new legacy, one  not measured by title belts or win loss records but by love, trust and delicious lemon bars.

__________

The sound of heavy bags studying Echoes through the the otherwise quiet Lyons Den. Eddie Lyons is on round three of his speed bag as his coach leans against a nearby wall watching with his arms folded.  Eddie's punches come in clean with sharp hits and rhythm but there's still something off, hesitation between the bursts, too much thought in his wrists.

“Your hands are fast.” Coach Kaiser called out “But your head is slow tonight.”

“Yeah maybe I do have a a lot on my mind coach.” said Eddie giving one last slap to the bag before stepping back. “I figured you'd notice sooner or later.”

“Well I don't run this place with my ears closed.” said Kaiser “I know the sound of a distracted fighter.”

Eddie wipes his face with a towel and takes his seat out of nearby bench, his coach following suit.

“It's just a lot on my mind.” said Eddie “Weddings in a few weeks, baby's almost here and I got my match against Aiden and Miles to worry about.”

“Life.” said Kaiser shrugging.

“Yeah, I suppose so.” nodded Eddie.

“You know I remember when you first started truly training here.” said Coach Kaiser “You were pretty scrawny, mostly elbows and you couldn't throw a jab to save your life.”

“Oh I could throw one, it just never landed.” said Eddie.

“Or matter.” Kaiser grinned. “But you didn't quit you took beatings from everyone and learned to listen and now you're one of the hardest workers in this place.”

“Have you to thank for that Coach.” said Eddie “You're the one that teaches us without making us clones. You let us be us. Like Vincent, Victoria, and myself we couldn't be more different in style and attitude and well everything. But you got all of us to learn and improve and keep our fire without putting out what makes each of us unique.”

“Oh I think you gave me too much credit.” said Kaiser with a chuckle “Victoria and Vincent hardly listen to me anymore.”

“They still listen to you more than they listen to anyone else.” Eddie pointed out “And it's because you don't try to force us into a mold. You guide us, but you let us fall on our own and let us get it when we're ready. That takes more skill than many people realize.”

“Well thanks Eddie.” said Kaiser “But as far as Victoria and Vincent, I feel like I might have made monsters out of those two. But that's the job I guess, I don't believe in changing people to fit my system. I just want to sharpen what's there and they can figure out their own roads I'll just walk alongside them when they need it.”

“And you been walking alongside mine for a long time.” said Eddie.

“I've seen you fall.” Coach Kaiser said “And I've seen you climb. Through  it all you stay true to you. That's rare in this business.”

They sit in silence for a beat the air of respect emanating around them.

“I've been thinking a lot you know.” said Eddie “About what matters. The ring will always be part of my life, but it's not all of it anymore.”

“No it's not.” Coach Kaiser agreed “You're about to be a husband and a father, life's changing.”

“And I just wanted to do right” Eddie said “Not just for me but for them. For Sabrina and for Jordan.”

“Well, take it from someone who has been down that road.” said Coach Kaiser “You're on the right track.”

There's another moment of silence between them.

“Hey Coach.” he said “So about the wedding, you know I'm glad you're coming and Cleo is going to be there, and  my dad will be there and Sabrina's folks will be there and we extended an invite to the SCW roster but there's one thing I still need to do.”

“What's that?” Coach Kaiser asked.

“Well Sabrina's sister is going to stand up there as her maid of honor.” said Eddie
And….. I want you up there with me as my best man.”

“Really me?” Coach Kaiser asked.

“Yeah…” said Eddie “We're still keeping it small but Sabrina wants her sister to stand up there with her as a maid of honor and I'd like you to as my best man. It's still going to be the fairly small ceremony we discussed no other groomsmen or Bridesmaids. But you've been in my corner a long time you helped me figure out who I was when I felt lost and you made me better without making me someone else. That's more than coaching your family to me man. The twins may not like it but you've always been an honorary Lyons.”

“Of course I'll do it Eddie.” said Coach Kaiser as they embraced in a friendly hug.

“Thanks Coach.” Eddie said “Means a lot.”

“And don't worry anybody tries anything shady, I'll take care of them.” Coach Kaiser grinned.

“Oh I think we're good leaving that to Cleo.” said Eddie with a laugh “You know she ain't going to play that shit.”

“Yeah I imagine she won't.” said Coach Kaiser

They shared a laugh together and then after a few moments it was back to training and the sound of Eddie's fists studying against the speed bag.

__________

The cameras open on a suburban sidewalk at sunset the light hits the edges of the silhouette of Eddie Lyons has he walks slowly down the sidewalk and his ever casual jeans and hoodie.

The cameras follow him as he finds a low brick wall and takes a seat resting his elbows on his knees remaining quiet for a moment before looking at the camera with a tired but focused expression.

“You know I've been trying to keep quiet lately.” he said “Trying to stay focused, keep my head down and stay sharp. I mean I got a lot of things going on big things, I got a daughter on the way, I'm getting married in a few weeks, there's more for me to fight for than I ever had before."

He pauses taking in a breath of the evening air.

“But I still got this itch.” he said “This feeling in my gut it's like no matter how much I give, no matter how many steps forward I take, I still end up stuck in the same damn place. Reaching for something that always seems just out of reach.”

He exhales heavily and there's a sense of frustration within.

“The world keeps spinning and Eddie Lyons is stuck standing still.” he said shaking his head “And now I'm going up against Aiden Reynolds in Miles Kasey. Two guys who I respect more than most. Two guys who bust their ass just as much as I do, but respect doesn't mean I'm letting either of them walk out of that ring ahead of me.”

He looks up to the camera.

“Aiden…” he began his tone becoming more serious “I see you mate, and I see how pissed off you are about not getting your rematch for the roulette championship and honestly you have every right to be angry."

Eddie folds his arms.

“You lost that title to Logan Hunter.” Eddie said “But you were ready to bounce back get your rematch and just get it done, but some clown in the cape cashed in King for a Day and hijacked it. Now Guy with a cape is the champ and you’re on the sidelines watching the championship you earned earned slip further and further away.”

Eddie shrugs.

“I get it man, I do.” Eddie said “I even supported the call to give you your rematch, but if you want to look into history I technically never got mine either.”

There's a little more fire behind his voice.

“You beat me for that same title Aiden.” said Eddie “And I never got my one-on-one rematch. You know who got it? Alexander Raven, courtesy of my cousin Victoria. Raven beat you and I got thrown into some wild four way over the pool match instead of a one-on-one with an actual chance to redeem myself.”

He leans forward slightly with a grin on his face.

“So maybe we shouldn't be saying give Aiden his rematch..” he said “Maybe it should be give Eddie his rematch.”

With a slight laugh he winks at the camera.

“But see Aiden the difference between us is I'm not letting a chip on my shoulder blind me.” said Eddie “You're pissed off and rightfully so, but that anger is a dangerous lens and it can cloud your vision. It can make you take your eye off the ball and if you're going to come into this match swinging I'm at ghosts, I'm  going to knock you flat without hesitation.”

Eddie slowly stands up and starts walking down the sidewalk the camera following him slowly.

“I've been wondering what this Summer XXXtreme implications are that they've implied with this match.” said Eddie “We know J2H has the world title match, and Raven and Kevin Carter seem to be on a a path that will lead to a war for the Internet championship. So that leaves once again the over the pool match for the roulette championship.”

An exhale exits his lips.

“So guy with the Cape is the champ.” said Eddie ”And like it or not, rematch rules mean Logan probably should be too. That leaves a couple of spots open are we fighting for one of those because in all honesty Aiden should not have to fight for that rematch. But if that's what this is, if it is for a spot, then I'm not going to to worry about who got robbed of their rematch because I will have to keep my focused on the prize not for Aiden Reynolds but for Eddie Lyons.”

He keeps his pace slow and deliberate.


“And then there's Miles Kasey.”  Eddie continued, “I feel like you and I have been walking the same road for a while never quite reaching our true potential despite our best efforts."

He shrugs casually.

“Good hands that's what they like to call us.” Eddie said “Trusted and reliable. Put us in any match and we will deliver, but never quite win not when it really matters.”

There's a tightening to his voice now.

“Your husband became world champion.” he continued “Carter climbed the mountain and planted his flag and you stood by him every step of the way, and you should be proud of that to have that kind of bond someone else to rise with you and to push you forward.”

He pauses for a moment.

“Me?” Eddie said “Yeah I've got my lovely fiancee back home and she supports me to the fullest but when it comes the SCW locker room, I have to sit here and watch Victoria continue her reign of terror and watch Vincent get handed opportunities he hasn't earned while I'm stuck grinding waiting being patient and being respectful.”

He scoffed slightly clearly frustrated.

“Please tell me Miles, when does being the good guy pay off?” Eddie said “When do guys like us get rewarded for doing things the right way? Because to me it's starting to feel like never.”

Eddie sighed.

“I guess all we can do is keep fighting Miles.” Eddie said “We might be in the same boat, but I'm not looking to drown in it. One of us is going to rise again and eventually one of us will finally break that ceiling and I'm sorry Miles, but it's not going to be you and it's not going to be Aiden it's going to be Eddie FREAKING Lyons."

The fire in his voice is back.

“You can call this match whatever you want fellas.” Eddie said “You can say it's a stepping stone, , warm up before a big summer storm, but for me this matches a reckoning.I'm not fighting to keep pace anymore, and I'm not fighting to be a good hand I'm fighting to prove I belong in the big picture. I respect the hell out of both of you, but respect doesn't mean mercy and when Summer XXXtreme comes around the only name that matters will be Lyons."

He puts his hoodie over his head and says confidently into the camera as everything fades to black.
__________

For Eddie Lyons this wasn't just another match it was the culmination of pressure and long-held respect that was earned but never quite returned, and his burning need to finally rise above the static. He will stand across from two men he respects. Aidan Reynolds who is fueled by fury and robbed of a title rematch, and Miles Kasey another workhorse just looking for his big breakthrough.”

But Eddie had been waiting long enough he didn't want to hear about the good soldier or hear about next time he was tired of smiling through clenched teeth while others leapfrogged him


Summer XXXtreme is around the corner and whatever opportunity is on the line Eddie Lyons refuses to let history repeat itself he's done watching everyone else's story play out.

It's his turn to write the ending now and he's going to make it stick.

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.

__