Oh, You did it now brother
They're coming after you
They're gonna sick the dogs on your trial
You better RUUUUUUNN!
Go!
You made a wrong turn
I thought that you'd learn
Always another way
Bridges don't have to burn today

Scene One: History Repeats
Off Camera
Last Week
New York New York

”Move, now. Get up, hit the ropes and drop down. No Slackers.”

Alex stands on the ring apron, his arms folded over his chest. A black and red wolfslair shirt on and a pair of training shorts. Inside the ring some of the newer trainees where rotating with each other, hitting the ropes, dropping down and leapfrogging and switching.it up. Since his loss to Lachlan Kane he had been a domineering and almost dictator like personality. Working his trainees and team mates to the bone.

He sneers and shakes his head jumping down from the apron. Charlie Jones, his younger sister steps next to him as Alex looks over at Johanna Krieger and Aiden Reynolds, two international stars signed to union Battleground and SCUM wrestling. ”Get in and show them.” Johanna and Aiden look at each other and get up and they start to roll with the trainees who are out of their depth, one by one Johanna takes their back sinking in a choke and Aiden locks in a variety of limb locks. Cries of pain ring out and Alex shakes his head.

”Going a little hard on them aren’t we? Alex raises an eyebrow as Charlie turns her back and leans on the ring apron. Alex scoffs and lays his hands flat on the mat, his eyes tracing back and forth as Johanna and Aiden step down from the ring and go back to working out with Austin and Alicia. ”They aren’t going to get any better just being beaten down and then beaten up by your more..elite names.Alex groans and rolls his eyes pushing off the ring

”That’s it for the day, hit the showers. Use some ice” The trainees all groan in pain and gingerly move from the ring as Alex lets out a sigh looking at his sister. ”Steel sharpens steel Charlie. I need to get these kids ready, they need to know that they aren’t going to break like glass” He moves away leaning down grabbing some of the workout gear packing it up as various other workout sessions go on without him, Alicia and Johanna rolling on the mats trading submissions, Austin and Aiden having a contest involving cardio.

Numerous others, names we have not seen or know who work in the independants also train and seem to be working hard. Alex smiles slowly as Charlie’s next words ring out in his ears. ”But they aren’t steel yet, you can break them and not in the good way.”

Dallas Texas, 12 Years Ago

22 year old Alex Jones stood in the ring, there were other young men around him, Alex had two years of training and in ring experience behind him, he wasn’t sure about the others. Outside the ring ageing Texan legend “Wild” Bill Harrison stood with his arms crossed. His long black hair that used to be a thick mane connecting with his handlebar moustache was now thinning on top and tied back.

Even in his 60’s he was a commanding presence. A mountain of a man at six foot five and still in the high two hundred pounds. He let out a grunt, one that seemed to be annoyed and angry.

”Pathetic.”

With that one word the other trainees all seemed to look defeated, all but Alex who raised an eyebrow and pushed his chest forward. Bill circled the ring, his footsteps very heavy. ”You all have no heart at all. I don’t even know why you’re in my ring. Some of you have experience in companies but it just shows how soft your generation is.” The air was thick with tension, Alex breathed deep as Bill growled locking eyes with the young grappler. ”Indian squats….go till you can’t stand...you pussies.” Bill blew his whistle. Alex sneered and started doing squats, the others growl and already look defeated. But Alex didn’t care, he was driven and ready…

Pain was only temporary….

Promo: Throwback
On Camera
New York, New York
Present Day.

”Bill Barnhart is beneath me…”

Alex Jones paces back and forth, his long hair tied back as the usual arrogant look is pasted on his very punchable face. His black beard looking a little longer than usual. He sighs and thrn turns staring right at the camera.

”Ohhh no, that isn’t allowed to be said in this day and age right?. We are supposed to give respect to everyone. I’m supposed to respect Vinnie. I’m supposed to respect Ben Jordan and everyone else. I’m supposed to respect that little irish dick who was able to FLUKE a win over me. I’m not allowed to have an ego. That’s it right? In this day and age of pro wrestling you are supposed to look at your opponent. You are supposed to see their positives and sing them from the rooftops and sell you match. Every match is supposed to be an ncredible contest between two warriors ready to destroy one another…”

“But that isn’t how this works.”

“This isn’t how wrestling is. See I am better than Lachlan Kane, I am better than Vinnie, I am better than most of the roster and the ones I’m not better than are men who are my equals. Austin James Mercer, Fenris, Ben Jordan with his recent output. Maybe Griffin Hawkins if he gets his head out of the clouds and realises this is a business and friendship means nothing. But a man I didn’t add onto that list is “Bulldog” Bill Barnhart”

He scoffs and rolls his eyes, his arms folding over his chest.

”I’m supposed to kiss everyone’s ass right? I’m supposed to show respect to some of the people who have beaten me. I’m supposed to kiss Vinnie’s ass, give Lachlan a pat on the back and be humble telling you all how I am going to be better next time and on that night this person or that person was better than me. And the question I have is...Why?. Why do I have to be that way and conform to your society?. The one man who has beaten me in the last few months I actually had respect for and still do is Fenris.”

“He hits like a truck and is clearly a man who never backs down and he gets this business. He gets that we all can’t be friends. See Fenris showed Austin and myself respect in our matches with him, he wanted to shake our hands, get a few drinks afterwards and did sing our praises as much as both Austin and I sang his. But even with that respect I know if Fenris needed to get would try and break my goddamn legs for a title shot.”

“I should be getting ready to step in the ring in a few weeks to try and win the SCW world heavyweight title. I should be getting ready to be in the ring with that chump Vinnie, Ben Jordan, Fenris, Lachlan and Austin…”

“Oh and Caleb Storms. That’s right, Caleb storms gets a damn title shot and I’m going to be standing on the fucking sidelines waving my dick around. What a world.”

“But, I’m not. I’m not gearing up for a title fight, I’m not getting what I deserve. Instead I am being booked to walk out there at Climax Control 255 against Bill Barnhart and I wonder. Why?. Why am I having to be degraded into facing this man? Then it hit me. SCW only really want Austin to be at the top. Cause out of the two of us he’s the “respectful” one. He’s the one they can market as a positive roll model while I’m the asshole…”

He shrugs and moves across the floor of the gym, his iPhone still recording as he jumps onto the apron sitting on the edge leaving his legs dangling down.

”Now I’m sure Bill is cranky that I don’t see him in the same league as me. I’m sure he will record a riveting promo that sounds like it was produced and scripted by pressing the middle button on predictive text and will still somehow sound wooden while he yanks on his stupid looking beard while trying to his his pot belly. I’m sure Billy boy will tell us all how he “almost” had Griffin Hawkins and the roulette title last time they faced and like a bunch of flaming dipshits most of you will believe it. But the truth is that Bill Barnhart is a throwback. He’s a man out of time.

A large, out of shape, dinosaur of the wrestling business. See Bill you would have had success in the early to mid 80’s with your skill set and physique. But this is 2019. I’m only 34 and even I get looked at as the “elder statemen”. And the scary part about all this is that you are only a few years older than me Bill. But you look like someone took a time machine back to 1985 and shoved you in it to bring you here.”

“You’re too fat, too slow, too old and too stuck in your ways to beat someone like me. I’ve been competing in the upper levels of SCW since I stepped my foot in here from Honor. You’ve been hanging around the mid card losing to Griffin Hawkins and talking to a narrator after dropping your fat ass in here from Red State Wrestling…”

“I’m sure you put asses in seats there…”

“But this is Sin City Wrestling and you are facing a goddamn bonafide legend. A man who has more world titles than you probably have teeth. A man who needs to remind everyone just how good he is after dropping a match that should have been a sure thing. Cause as I said Bill, I should be getting ready to wrestle for the SCW heavyweight title. Not playing around withy a guy who still thinks a flying hammerlock is the best thing in wrestling….so in a few days you’ll get in that ring, try and waddle over to show me just how big and strong you are….and I’ll do what I do best...and that is be Alex fucking Jones…”

 Can we walk a mile in another's shoes
To determine what we have to lose? (To lose)
Disconnection of a common reality
Becomes so lost in this world of hypocrisy
Nowhere to hide, strength realigned
The signal fire's alight
Given to fight, there's hope just in sight
The signal fire's alight

Prologue- “The Howl of Wolves”

I sold my soul.

No, not to rock n roll. To the horde. To the darkness that has slowly swept over the wrestling landscape in recent months like a biblical plague. It’s member base far-reaching as we have come to dominate all. And the thing is, I was never meant to be a part of it. In fact, I was against the idea.

Against the philosophy.

But the old adage rings true.

If you can’t beat em. Join em. And I saw what the Dogs were capable of. I saw them sweep over companies and take the championships and leave a scorched earth policy in their wake. And I realized in my heart and soul. That’s where I belong. Their attitude is what will help me. Because I have ignored my nature for too long. Softened by the love of family and respect of friends. But, a dog is only loyal to a master.

A wolf is loyal to the pack.So I remade the failed Dogs of war into my own image of a gym and a faction, and a family.

So now, the real Alex Jones is about to stand up.

The real Alex Jones is a dangerous beast.

The real Alex Jones is about to take Vinnie’'s head and Cry, fucking, havok

Scene One-Scared to death.
Off Camera
Chicago, Illinois.
2 Years Ago

Alex sat in the lockeroom of the united center in Chicago. His long hair and body covered in sweat as he finishes packing his bag looking at the clock tick past on his phone. He took a deep breath reading the last message from his wife with a smile. Sonja was back in New York City. A two and a half hour flight away. She had gone into labour over 24 hours ago but their son had refused to be born. Instead deciding to wait all the way through Alex's time off and go into the hardest part as he had to leave for work. Now it was a race against time. Alex's flight left in 2 hours. He had finished packing and was waiting for his ride to the airport. His eyes darted across the text and he laughed to himself.

Sonja Jones-Your son is taking his sweet time. If he's not out in the next few hours they'll make him. Hurry....

Alex picked up his bag and moved through the hallways, past catering as he gave a small wave to some of his co-workers still hanging around as the show raged out in the arena. The crowd booed and cheered, music played and Alex was out into the cool night air. He dropped his bag and paced back and forth as his phone rang. His sister charlie. Alex raised an eyebrow answering with a low tone. "Hey, what's up?" Charlie sounded excited and happy, her voice crackled down the line as she squealed. Alex pulled the phone away from his ear and winced. "Jesus Charlie..calm down..."

"Sorry sorry!. I'm just so excited!." Charlie had always loved kids. She wanted to be an Aunt and when Alex's first wife gave birth to their baby girl Charlie wanted to be there. But due to stupidity, and pettiness she couldn't be a part of her life. But this was different. Sonja was sweet and kind, she and Charlie got along well and loved spending time together.

They both loved to work out and Charlie had decided she was going to take it upon herself to help Sonja train. Alex sighed as he looked around for his ride, his hand sliding into the pocket of his jeans. "I'm on my way back now. I had a match in Chicago for {REDACTED}. It's a short flight and right now it looks like the little guy isn't coming for a bit."

Charlie giggled on the other end of the phone. Alex heard the ding and talk over a loudspeaker. "Charlie...where are you?" She stuttered her words trying not to laugh. "Uhm...nowhere..." Alex raised an eyebrow. "Charlie..." She sighed and laughed. "I'm at the hospital. I'm outside the birthing suite. Sonja is just fine by the way, she wanted me to give you a call and let you know you have time...."

He sighed again and rubbed his chin as the car turned up, a relief washing over him as he threw his bag in the boot slamming it shut. "Thanks Charlie, I'm happy you're there, look i'll be a few more hours but if I don't make it in time...you cut the cord and be there for her ok?...." "I will but..you'll be here...I know you will...I love you bro..."

"I love you too C....."

25 Hours Later
New York Presbetaryan

“Fuck!” Sonja’s voice rang out as she squeezed Alex’s hand. Her grip becoming superhuman as the bones in his fingers cracked in her palm. Alex ground his teeth together breathing deep as his other hand drifted up slowly moving her long blond hair from her face. She took a deep breath and laid back on the bed, her head hitting the pillow as her body was angled up, her legs held up as the medical stuff moved around. All of them calm. Alex smiled and looked down at Sonja, into her bright blue eyes as her face twisted.  

Her mouth moved into a small grin before the pain hit again, her body jerking up as she squeezed Alex harder. “I love you and hate you so much right now.” Alex couldn’t help but laugh. Sonja growled and frowned before yelling out again, her hands shaking as Alex looked down at the doctor positioned with his hands out. He looked up and gave a small nod to one of the nurses who moved around to the opposite side of Sonja.  

“Alright Sonja it’s almost time to push.” She went white as a ghost looking up at Alex shaking her head. Alex gave a small nod and ran his hand over her head again giving her forehead a small kiss, Sonja bit her lip and shook her head again. “I’m not ready...not ready at all…” The nurse gave her another small grin and leaned in close. “Unfortunately he is Sonja.” Alex gave her a smirk and looked down at the doctor. Sonja groaned and squeezed his hand again. “I can’t do this Alex...fuck!”

“Yeah you can. You can do anything.” Before Sonja can say anything else she moves up groaning louder, her hands crunching Alex’s. He breathed deep holding his wife close as the tears rolled down her cheeks. After a few moments the doctor moved away as the sound of crying filled the birthing suite. The nurse took Dylan to the side with a smile to wipe him up and clean him off. Sonja laid back with deep breaths looking up at Alex. “Is he ok?....did I do alright?”  

“You did perfect.” As the doctor went to work on Sonja the nurse walked over laying Dylan on Sonja’s chest. She looked down and swallowed hard looking at the tiny pink baby laying on her. Alex smiled slowly as Sonja’s cheeks went red, her eyes welling up with more tears. Her hand drifted up to lightly run her fingertips down his back.“He’s so soft and little.” Alex laughed again and kissed her forehead as she moved against Alex’s chest. Sonja sniffed back some tears and laughed as she heard Alex’s heartbeat realising Dylan was listening to hers, his little head glued to her.  

“We did this.” Alex gave her a small nod and slid his hand over hers holding them both “You did a lot of the work, I was here for moral support” Sonja laughed and sighed as she noticed Dylan move and startle at the jolt. His little head moving to the side as he looked up, his brand new eyes adjusting to the light as his little hands fumbled. Alex smiled again and reached down lightly touching his newborn son's head. Dylan seemed to react to his touch calming down as Sonja looked up at Alex with a grin, her body too relaxing as she closed her eyes.

Promo:Am I deceitful?
On Camera
Wolfslair Training Facility, New York City.
Present Day

”Why do people hate me?

Alex sits back on a large black leather chair, a red neon wolf sits behind it turned on as we hear the faint buzzing of the power flowing through it. His leh sits across his knee, a hand drifting onto his shin while the other grips the arm of the chair. A small arrogant smirk crossing his lips curling upward.

”It’s not a question I want answered by any of you watching this promo, any o0f you that shall be in attendance at Climax Control 251 this coming weekend. No, I already know the answer. But I wonder. Do all of you?. Do any of you know what it is to be hated for the reasons I am?. Tell me, is it because of my arrogance?. Hmm?. My hubris?. Is it because I have had success everywhere else I’ve gone?. Now, I want you to cast your minds back, back to when I first signed with SCW. I walked in and I told the world that SCW was about to change. That the name’s on top of this great company were going to rotate.”

“See, SCW has a very long and storied career. But in the current landscape of professional wrestling it, along with Honor had started to slightly fail. There are too many places for talent to work now and because of that both companies had the same issue. So, they merged. And some names stayed, some left but in the end the roster settled into one big happy family.”

“And back then I told you all that SCW was going to change. I told the truth. And at the time, the truth was hard to swallow. SCW loyalists like Jake Raab and Fenris and even Ty West, well they all resisted. They all said myself and Austin and even Alicia were full of shit.”

“See, the rest of Honor, when we came here, either failed and went to join SCU or they just disappeared completely. Caleb Storms, Jesse Salco and Mercedes Vargas all had pasts here. But I didn’t. Austin didn’t, Alicia didn’t. And when I opened my mouth and spoke the wrestling world took notice but those of you who had more guts than brains and some form of arrogance simply laughed me off as some kind of weathered veteran who was talking about a past that no longer had meaning…”

“But I...was right…”

Alex pauses for a moment a small chuckle escaping as he drew in a deep breath and then back out again looking around his office in the training facility. Papers stacked high, laptops sitting on a waiting mode. And Alex shaking his head as thoughts run through his mind.

”Fenris was the champion when I put pen to paper and signed here officially. Something I was bound to do sooner or later. I just needed time. I saw a man who wasn’t even one of us at the time. He was a fighter for sure. A talent that many people had been destroyed by. Including our current champion and of course myself. Fenris is a rare talent. Someone whose past in the cage had given him a foundation and a base for professional wrestling. I’m man enough to admit when I was wrong about someone and I was wrong about Fenris. Just as he was wrong about me. See, Fenris believed I was just all bluster, someone who had no worth aside from that.”

“But slowly he opened his eyes and he learned, because he is not a fool. Something I wish I could say about Vinnie.”

“I faced Fenris one on one in that ring and even when I lost, I could still see it in his eyes he knew I was on equal footing, he knew that I was someone who could beat him if given the chance. Just like Austin did. I watched that match and when it was over and Austin raised the SCW title over his head, well. I’d hate to say I told you so. But, well, I told you so.”

“Again, I told the truth. Again I wasn’t wrong.”

“But where do I find myself now?. I came in and along with Austin I beat down many names on the roster and climbed up the ladder to a glass ceiling of my own construction. I watched as a friend of mine ruled the SCW title picture with an iron fist and laughed as men like Jake Raab spat on it. See, this world is full of arrogant liars. Much like you Vinnie. You are a liar, you are a fraud. You are someone who lies about who they are and what they’re about. So again, I ask…”

“Why do people hate me?”

He pauses up and off the chair turning and walking towards the door and out of his office onto the floor of the gym, a small smile on his face as he looks around.

”Because, I tell the truth. That’s why Vinnie. I told you all what was coming, the storm that was swirling over all your heads yet none of you listened. I told the truth to Fenris and if you remember Austin told the truth to Ty West, that he wasn’t worthy or good enough to be the champion and look what happened. So now, I wonder, will you listen?. When I speak will my words actually worm their way into your head?. I mean, you seem to take such offense to my words Vinnie. I said I was going to enjoy Ty beating you and taking the title but come on now. We both knew Ty was going to fail...again…”

“So you stand as the champion still and come Climax Control you will have to defend that championship against me.”

“But, how many times did you try and win it Vinnie?. How many times did you fail against the man holding the title you now covet?. You said it yourself Vinnie. You told us all how you went through it all, how you came back time and time again trying harder and putting your heart on the line. Only to now stand as a triumphant champion. Yet, you’re not really…”

“You beat Austin, once, like Fenris had beaten him before but he declined a rematch to stand aside and let others challenge you. And in that first challenge. You failed. You failed to pin me or make me submit and then when confronted with such a thing you use the lame excuse of “I should have known the rules”. Really?. You had a chance right then and there Vinnie, a moment to plant your foot before everyone and show them how you had changed from the snivelling overgrown weasel who liked to use a potted cactus as a weapon into a real champion…”

Alex growls the last few words and folds his arms over his chest with a sneer. His arms folding over his chest.

”A real champion Vinnie, would have wanted a match against me. A real champion would have demanded it so all doubt would disappear but instead all we got was excuses and you trying to get out of it. Only for Christian and Mark to bring your glass house crashing around you. And honestly, if I was being honest I would say it was your actions and words that made them book this match. A defense for you against me since they knew Ty was going to be...a little limp….”

“But me?. Well. You know damn well what I can do Vinnie. You stand there with the title proclaiming yourself as a champion. But what have you done?. A failed defense against me after I had a decisive victory over you then,, a successful one against everyone’s favourite whipping boy and no promotion on social media. No eyes on the product, no fanfare and people interested in SCW. No one wanting to sign a contract to be here.”

“You don’t do anything to improve this place, you don’t have the attention of anyone but me. You are a fake champion and a fraud. And me as champion?. I will be visible, I will be loud, I will be brash and I will continue the work started by Austin and Fenris and I will win my tenth world title. And you Vinnie?. You will make bold claims, you will lie to the people and you will run your mouth even more than me. But the difference is, when I speak my words carry weight...when you speak?...no one cares..”

“And that is the shame of it all. Vinnie, you are a large, powerful man. You can go in that ring and you have this streak of insanity about you. But you lie to yourself as much as you do everyone else. And it didn’t need to be this way. All you needed to do was embrace who you were, be the vicious asshole you should have been. But now? You’ve moved to far from it. I am the champion this place needs. I am the champion that title deserves. You did something you can never lose...and held it...but now….well now it’s time for a real champion to take it and make it what it once was instead of watching the light from it fade into nothing…”

 While I was learning to live, we all were living a lie
I guess you got what you wanted
So I will settle for a slaughterhouse soaked in blood and betrayal
It's always somebody else, somebody else was me
You want the real smile?
Or the one I used to practice not to feel like a failure?

Scene One-Gone too soon
Off Camera  
Dallas Texas  
10 Years Ago  

Her voice was frantic on the end of the line. My sister Charlie, she was upset and panicking. I could hear it in her voice as she tried to explain what was in front of her. I could barely make out anything she was able to get out. “D-Dylan he’s not moving, Alex he’s not moving or breathing, what do I do?” I could tell she was crying as each word seemed more like a scream or a breathless squeak. I kept the phone close to my ear as I steered, my car speeding down the highway.  

“You need to hang up on me and call an ambulance Charlie, you need to get someone there but keep him on his side. I’m almost home.” I swerved in and out of traffic trying to keep myself calm and my sister calm all while not crashing my car. I heard the beeps and the yelling of people as I passed them and cut them off. My heart started racing as I hung up. What had Dylan taken?. Was he going to be alright?. How would Charlie recover from seeing our younger brother motionless on the floor?.  

I turned the corner into our street, the brakes screeching to a halt as I kicked the door open slamming it behind me, I made it inside before any medical personnel, I stormed into the bathroom and found them. Dylan was pale, clammy and not moving, Charlie was shaking, her hands cradling his head as she looked up at me, her eyes pleading for my help. I stood there for a few moments taking it all in, I swallowed hard and everything went to a blur.  

I didn’t even hear their voices as the paramedics pushes passed me. They asked all sorts of questions, ones neither myself or Charlie had the answers too. I couldn’t move, I was like stone, no emotions, no sounds. Just me staring at the floor watching them try and work on my brother’s limp, lifeless body. Charlie was the opposite, she was loud, she was screaming. She was a ball of energy begging them to help him, to stop him from leaving us. She got up and stood in front of me, her eyes filled with tears as she clung to my shirt. It was instinct that I put my arms around her, I pulled her out of the bathroom into the hall where we waited. It seemed like an eternity but in reality, it had only been minutes. But it was too late...he was gone.  

The days seemed to move fast, in and out as we planned for his funeral. It rained that day. Dylan loved the rain. I remember standing on the lush green grass of the cemetery, staring at the dark brown box that my baby brother's body was in. I hadn’t been able to cry. My mother, my sister, Dylan's friends. They all wept. I stood at the side, my hand on my mother's shoulder as she sobbed and wailed. I stood like stone, my jaw clenched together.  

They lowered him down to the ground, I watched as it disappeared six feet down, the priest said a few words, my sister read a poem. And it was over. He was gone and I felt nothing. I wanted to, I needed to. But nothing came. Everyone left. Everyone but Charlie. She had waited till the very end with me. I wondered why. Why hadn’t she gone home with our mother?. Why had she stayed with me?. Then it all became clear as she walked up behind me.  

“You should have done something.” Her voice was shaky and unsure. Her eyes were hidden under a pair of black sunglasses. I stayed facing his grave. “He looked up to you, he was in trouble Alex.” She didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already know. Dylan was closest to Dad, he only knew the dying alcoholic who wanted to make things right with his kids. Dylan never remembered the cruel asshole that terrorized Charlie and me.  

“When Dad died he needed you, and even though you stayed….you were never really here.” She was right. Of course. I had decided to stay after our father had passed but I never really accepted it. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t cry, why I couldn’t just let go. Because deep down I didn’t deserve it. I didn’t earn the closure. I turned my head to Charlie as she stepped around to face me. Before I could open my mouth I felt it, a slap, her huge hand connecting with the side of my face.  

Charlie was only a little shorter than me and almost as strong. She had trained hard in the last few years, we all did. But I never kept an eye on Dylan as she did. But he never listened to mom, or her. “It was your fault….you didn’t see it, or you did and you just didn’t care…” She brushed past me and said nothing else. I didn’t argue, I couldn’t. In my heart, I knew she was right.  

Promo: Not a real challenger.
On Camera
New York, New York.
Present Day.

”I’m going to make this as perfectly clear as possible…”

Alex shoves a chair to the side and quickly grabs the top of it spinning it around backward before sitting on it and folding his arms over the back of the chair leaning in.

”I have never been okay with being “second best”. I have never been ok with anyone being ahead of me on the pecking order. But the only reason why I haven’t gone after Austin, why I haven’t tried to stake a claim at it despite being one of the most successful performers in this company this year, is because I’m also loyal. Austin is a great champion and I know he would face me in that ring and put the title on the line and it would be a great match and whoever won the title would still stay in the family. I have been all over the US in the last few months wrestling for various companies as well as taking part in Sin City’s European tour and I have done everything that has been asked of me and I will continue to do so as I9 am a professional…”

“But something you all need to realize, something you need to accept, is that while Austin is the champion, and while he may be at the top of the mountain, I’m a step down waiting for anyone to walk up so I can knock them back down.”

“I look at the SCW title scene and there are some great names. Fenris and Ty are constants, they’re talented, this is all things we know and accept. Lachlan Kane could get a shot and he wouldn’t look out of place despite his failures against Griffin Hawkins, another guy who could challenge Austin for the SCW title. There are names, there are opportunities and there are new names and old legends coming into SCW to try and make an impact.”

“Ben Jordan, Jack Asher, Redron Williams, Ace Hart. A mix of old names that are new to SCW and new names in general or people like Ben Jordan who I believe have been overlooked...but there are two names, two names in this company that just linger around...sniffing and begging for title opportunities…”

Alex scrunches his nose up and shakes his head.

”One of them, is Jake Raab. A loud-mouthed backward piece of shit who talked a big game and got taken down with ease. But he still gets handed shots and opportunities. The other is my opponent at Climax Control, everyone's favorite six foot eight 280 pound singing monster, Senor Vinnie.”

“Now, Vinnie is different from Jake in that he earned his shot. He didn’t just whine and get a lucky win before being handed one. He has an opportunity and will be taking it against Austin. But, is he really going to be that challenge that you all desperately want to see?. Is he going to worry the man who beat Fenris?, a guy who Vinnie failed against to the point where some people were tired of seeing it happen?. Vinnie is a great wrestler, he’s big, strong, tough and can fight. But he’s never really been the guy here. Ground Zero?..yeah maybe. We’ve watched him dominate there, but then again Amanda Cortez was a “legit” star there so what does that say?”

“And I know, I get it, some people are probably sitting there thinking “oh god Alex no, Vinnie might kill you”. First off, that’s rude but thank you for your concern. Second off, Vinnie is physically intimidating, but this is a case of a guy with a million-dollar body and a ten-cent brain,”

“The question people shouldn’t be asking is how can Alex beat a monster like Vinnie, it’s how can Vinnie beat a man who is a bonafide legend. See, Austin is a successful kid, on the verge of a career that could become legendary with title reigns and the right look and a scary skill set for a guy his size. But me?. I am the hype…”

Alex stands up kicking the chair to the side pacing back and forth with a small smirk on his face.

”But you Vinnie?, what are you? Are you a threat?, Are you one of the best?. Are you a wrestler?, a musician?, A cactus growing aficionado?. Or are you an inconsistent weirdo?. Someone who let himself fall and fail to Jake Raab. You put yourself over as a threat beating people like Malachi, but then you step into the ring with anyone who could be the real deal in SCW like Fenris, you fall. You end up in a situation where you earn shots as long as no one credible is near you. And for a while Vinnie...that was fine. You beat people like Malachi, Travis Levitt etc, but now? That loss to Jake has exposed you. The aura you had around you had faded and it’s an aura I never cared about. People lose in this business, but the fact is you are judged by your losses over wins and those losses Vinnie, they just show you are painfully average.”

“Your personality is out there and unique and special, and that’s great man, really. You’re a different cat and people flock to you because of that charisma. But charisma doesn’t win matches, charisma doesn’t win you championships, something I thought you knew.”

“But now you’re not facing the current champion, you’re not facing a former one like Fenris, you’re not facing a curtain jerking wannabe either. You’re facing a dangerous veteran. You’re facing someone who could be a future SCW world champion, you’re facing someone who is quite frankly...better than you. I have been all around the world and I have been on top of the wrestling world for years Vinnie. Flat out years. Not a month here and a month there, I have had title reigns and runs in top company’s as “the guy” even without the title.”

“And now it’s my job to step in the ring with you, assess you and see if you are the guy to possibly take the title off Aus...but from what I’ve already seen?....I ain’t holding my breath…”

 Ayy, my walk is so cocky the bouncers don't even stop me
Ain't no pat down, no ID
They know me, that shit obvi
Bitch, I pack out the lobby just from fans tryna find me
I got daughters and mothers tryna fuck with the gunner

Chapter Nine Part One-Thanks for everything
Off Camera  
Blackpool England  
2 Years Ago

Alex sat cross-legged in the ring. The frayed ropes around him serving as a reminder as to where he was and where it all started. He wore a black hoodie zipper up with the hood over his head and a black pair of jeans. His breathing steadied as he looked down at the old stained canvas. His fingertips reaching out to touch it smooth surface. His eyes closed as he inhaled the scent of the gym. The years of history. His history. Her history. All of it was right there.  

He looked over at his bag, packed and ready. The tickets sitting on top slid inside his passport. Alex took a slow breath and back out again. He turned and pushed up off the canvas to his feet. He moved around the ring one last tip bouncing on the balls of his feet in his black and white classic style converse. A small smirk coming across his face as he leaned against the corner. His arms stretched out across the top rope on either side as he felt the turnbuckle pad between his shoulder blades. He scoffed and shook his head stepping out of the ring to the apron and then down to the floor.  

He heard the footsteps. Danny flanked by a few young students stood in front of Alex. He smiled warmly at his old teacher before shaking both the young men’s hands as they respectfully left their mentor and his guest to talk. Danny shook his head and sighed, his breathing labored as his aging body carried the extra weight and years of wear and tear. He folded his arms over his huge barrelled chest as his eyes wrinkled  

“So ya goin home mate?” He raised his eyebrows feigning surprised before letting out a huge laugh. The type Alex had heard a thousand times when he was younger and even more over the recent visits. Alex gave him a simple smile and a nod. “Yeah I guess it’s about time eh?....go home to that pretty lil wifea yurs.  Alex swallowed hard and sighed deeply with another smile and nod.  

Alex’s mind flashed to Sonja. Her golden blond hair. Her tanned skin. The dimples she got when she smiled. The way she moved, her scent, it all came back to him, flooding all at once. Then as if a sudden punch in the gut it changed to her, Alex shook his head and clenched his hands together as if being shocked by some kind of electricity. Danny grabbed Alex’s arm looking deep into his pupil and friends eyes.  

“Kid, ya can’t let it kill ya, remember...bury it…” Alex stared for a moment and looked down and away. “I can’t…  Danny raised an eyebrow before sitting on the apron, his hands clasped together as he thought for a moment and then with a deep bellow exclaimed his advice. “Well, ya gotta hard decision ta make lad.”  

“If ya can’t bury it, an ya dun want it ta kill ya….” He paused and looked at Alex, but it wasn’t the Alex we all knew. It wasn’t the 30-year-old 9-time world champion who had traveled the world. It was the 19-year-old skinny kid who couldn’t grow a beard to save his life, staring back with bright blue eyes. “Ya gotta cut her out….”  

Alex shook his head and leaned back his body seeming to crumble under the advice. “I love her Danny. I wish I didn’t. I wish I could look at her and just see a friend. I came here to find the real me and to let it all go. But I feel like I’m leaving more confused than when I got here man.” Alex clenched his jaw and his fists balled up, his body seemed to break down and crush but then in an instant before hard as granite as he tried to hide it, all the pain, the frustration. He turned it inward.  

“Aye, don’t do that lad…” Danny grabbed Alex’s shoulders and stared at him, his eyebrows raised and his eyes filled with understanding. The fatherly voice and advice cutting through the hard exterior like a knife as he broke down. Danny pulled him into a hug nodding and calming him down. After a few moments, Alex pulled back taking a few deep breaths. “I know ya don’t want ta hear it kid. But ya know she ain’t as strong as she thinks she is. Ya gonna have ta be the one to break it…..ta let it go….it ain’t fair Alex. Not to you and not to her….” He grabbed Alex by the back of the neck forcing him to look into his eyes. “If ya love that lass, let her go….” Alex again nodded his head slowly, his heart aching as he saw and felt the truth. His whole body wanting to become a quivering mess on the floor instead he stood up. His body calming, he offered out his hand and Danny took it with a grin “Thanks for everything old man….”

Part Two-Homecoming
Off Camera  
New York City  
9 months ago

He was nervous. It was a strange feeling for him. Alex was usually so confident in everything he did. In his actions, his words and his history. When it came to his everyday life he puffed out his chest and usually got the job done. In the ring, in business, with women. Alex never had a plan he just did. But this. This was different. He’d been gone a few weeks. He’d snapped due to inner pressures and thoughts. The headaches he had ignored for months before that had become too great. His memories were like daggers that pushed into his mind over and over.  

And eventually, he bled out. The stress forced him away.  

He ran. He ran to where he’d met her. He ran to someone he thought could understand. He ran to a place he felt safe. A few calls back home or messages just to reassure her that he was alright. And now here he was. Vulnerable. Open. Insecure. Fearful. What was he going to say?. What was he going to feel?. Or worse still. What wasn’t he going to feel?. He stared at the door for what seemed like an eternity. The courage in the pit of his stomach slowly working up. He balled his fist but before he could knock the door opened.  

“Alex?” Her voice sounded like an angel. No longer distorted through a patchy international call. no longer a faceless voice of a woman he thought he knew. Now she stood in front of him. A living breathing reminder of what she wasn’t. But it had changed. It wasn’t about who she wasn’t anymore it was about who she is. The moments passed and Alex smiled. A true genuine smile. He loved her. He knew it and felt it but there was always a wall. A block. Just something in the way stopping him from seeing it all. But it had melted the second he saw her.  

The golden hair that sat atop her head in a bun. Her soft skin a tanned light brown. The shape of her lips curled up in an awkward, surprised grin forming dimples on her cheeks to go along with her freckles. Her bright blue eyes shining as she stared at him and the tears welled up. She was even more beautiful than he had remembered. The moment lingered and Alex smiled. He didn’t dare say a word. He reached forward and wrapped his arms around her waist.  

They embraced as he picked her up in his arms with ease. Her legs wrapped around his hips, her arms around his neck as she met his lips with hers. He pushed into their home kicking his bag through the door and shutting it behind him. She held on tight resting her head on his shoulder nuzzling against his neck the tears flowing freely.  

He smiled and sat her down on the kitchen benchtop, her sweatshirt sliding down her shoulder as she wiped her eyes. He smiled again. This time it was calm, weak and mild. His lips curling into a boyish look before his hands reached up cupping his wife’s face. His thumbs glided over her cheeks discarding the tears. “What’s wrong Sonja?....” His voice was deep but soft. His eyes staring into hers. “You miss me or something?”

She laughed and shook her head playfully hitting him as she again wiped her face free. She took a deep breath calming herself before hitting him again harder this time, her face curling in pain as she wept. “I thought you weren’t coming home...I thought..” He made a light shushing sound as he pulled her into his chest. His arms now wrapping all the way around her. She gripped his shirt and refused to let go as he inhaled her scent and it felt like home. His hand brushed her back as she calmed down.  

“Don’t you ever do that again.” She hit him again and shook her head. Alex couldn’t help but laugh. He kissed her forehead and grabbed her hand in his, their wedding rings touching. She looked down and sighed with a nod as he leaned forward resting his forehead against hers. “I love you, I’m not going anywhere again….”  

He smiled wide squeezing her hand. And for the first time in a long time, the headaches were gone.

I am the Alpha Omega, came from Sonic on a Sega
Crumblin' chronic on the table
Mumbling lyrics in the basement
Like I'm finna go Super Saiyan
I'm saying I ain't had a plan coming out the land
Hanging with my man, tryna sling a gram
Just to rent a van, just to try and tour
Turn some common clothing in to couture
Steal money from the sewer
Look at all that I been doing
All them years I couldn't afford, places in the morgue
We are not the same, say the fuckin' name

God save the Queen….

”I’m not surprised you know….about our win, but that can wait...”

Alex smirks sitting outside what looks to be a run-down gym in Blackpool about an hour west of Manchester. Young men and women carry large sandbags in and out as an older man barks orders. Alex looks over with a fond smile before taking in a deep breath.

”Ahhh England. You know, when I was a kid, about 18 or 19, I traveled around the world to get better at this. I went to Mexico to learn the finer aspects of high flying, I went to Japan to learn how much it hurt to get punched in the face, something that I was fairly sure I knew before going to those gyms, and I also spent time here. See England has a fine tradition of smash-mouth, submission based tough as nails professional wrestlers. It was here I learned the most, not just about wrestling, but life. I learned how to be a man in England before I returned to the United States and started the career and life that has now led me...in an ironic twist..back here…”

“The blast from the past coinciding with the SCW European tour. It’s been amazing going from Ireland to Wales and Scotland before arriving back here. The last stop before London Brawling. Great name by the way. A clever play on words with a wrestling edge. Classic. But, it would be rude of me to ignore the match Devona and I just had. She and I stepped in the ring against Roxi Johnson, SCW and wrestling legend, hall of fame star and her partner. The perennial loser we all know as Caleb Storms who, somehow has the attention of Fenris, now, call me a horrible person but I am looking forward to seeing just what Fenris will do when he gets his hands on Caleb. I mean, as good as I am and I embarrassed the heavy metal dweeb, he has personally offended a man who...well has the demeanor of a wet cat and claws four times as sharp.”

“I knew Caleb was the weak link…”

“And I exploited that.”

“See Devona has the natural raw ability to be a star and to continue what she started during her first run. But I have the wrestling mind that will get us to that final and allow us to win the Blast from the past. We went from the sweet sixteen to the elite eight and now the final four. That’s right it’s us, Kale Smith and Brittany Williams, Amy Santino and Vinnie and of course. Our opponents. Mackenzie Page and Goth.”

Alex slides down from the large concrete slab he was sitting on, he slides his hands into the front pockets of his black jeans, a long sleeved tight fitting black shirt draped over his body cuts an outline of his impressive trim body and muscles. He moves along past some of the trainees including Austin James Mercer and Alicia Lukas who seem to be out training the English recruits, Austin laughing the entire time as he easily moves and throws two cinderblocks in each hand at once leaving all the others in awe.#AustinIsABeast

”Now, first off I want to applaud the female side of Blast from the past. See there have been so many impressive athletes on that side, not just my own partner Devona, but Roxi Johnson, Amy Santino, Alicia Lukas, and our opponent, a member of London Underground, Miss Page. All of the women in this tournament have been amazing and for the most part, let down by their male counterpart. Devona hasn’t, but Roxi was, Alicia was, and I’m afraid to say. Mackenzie will be too.”

“Mackenzie I will say that from what I’ve seen you are impressive and I could see you strike out on your own and be a major player in SCW and you’d be a great challenge for Wilfslair’s own Alicia Lukas. In fact, I could see a great match between London Underground and us. But, alas that’s not to be as you have a giant, well…”giant”

Alex looks over at Austin, all 6’7 of him and laughs.

”6’4 piece of trash named “Goth” as your partner. So, I am very very sorry about that, you deserved better. Many people did really. But, in the spirit of sportsmanship and the fact I really like your hit first ask questions later attitude I’m going to wish you luck. The same can’t be said about Goth…”

“Well, this is interesting, isn’t it?. One of the most decorated men in SCW history against a man who has yet to be decorated in SCW ….but still has more cred than you. A former World champion, roulette champion and internet champion. A man who came back and is everything that this tournament embodies. Blast from the past. And what a Cinderella story it would be huh?. A man who was one of the big names in SCW that helped forge the name sin city coming back and winning a tournament to re-establish himself as a force and face whoever the World champion will be following London Brawling.”

“Well, that champion will be my friend and member of Wolsflair Austin James Mercer and honestly, I think Austin deserves a better class of opponent than a disgusting pervert who refers to women as “broads” who looks like he hangs around outside middle schools in a giant white van with “free candy” hastily painted on the side, You may be a former star of SCW and a champion. But in this world, now, you’re an old warrior who is just looking for a sword to fall on, a shield to lay on and someone to put a bullet in his brain like a broken down old racehorse.”

“Truth is, you were once a threat, but now, you’re just someone limping along in this tournament and being carried by a younger, more talented performer. And you will be in the ring against a guy in his prime who has done more than you could ever possibly imagine. I have already yelled from the rooftops about my title reigns and who I beat and the fact is the only loss I have in this company was in a world title match where it was that other idiot Caleb who got pinned. I am a force of nature and you my friend. Are just in the way. The plan is simple...Alex Jones...beats the old man down and wins the match. Taking myself and Devona to the final at London Brawling...and you?...well..who gives a shit…”</color>

 Prologue
The inner thoughts of Alexander Nicholas Jones.
12th May 2017  

What is a hero?  

A hero is someone who sacrifices one's own ideals for the sake of a greater good. Someone who will put their body, heart, and soul on the line for a movement greater than their own personal gain. A firefighter, a police officer, a soldier. These are examples of heroes we encounter throughout modern life and times. I often wonder, what will my daughter think of me as she gets older?  

Will she see me as a good man?. Will she believe that her father loved her as much as he could through difficult circumstances? Can I rely on my ex-wife to paint a picture of a man who is capable of true love and devotion to his own flesh and blood?. Or am I going to be buried as a monster and an uncaring piece of trash like everyone believes me to be?  

I never set out to be anything more than a good man in my personal life.  

I never set out to be anything more than a good wrestler in my professional one.  

But as life happens your visions of what you want and need have become skewed and distorted. You see when I was a young man. When I first decided I wanted to do this, to be a professional wrestler it was during a time when my entire life was in turmoil. I was 18, my alcoholic father made my life a living hell. As the oldest child, I was looked upon to instill guidance into my younger siblings. My sister Charlene and my brother Dylan. I was the one who had to set the example.  

And the example I chose?. To follow your dreams. But that wasn’t enough for my father and I still remember as I walked out the door, a bottle of jack in one hand and a cig in the other he bellowed for me never to show my worthless ungrateful face in his house again.  

I never had intentions of going back. So I traveled. I wanted to learn from the best and as I left my family's home in Dallas Texas I went to New York, from there I went to the UK, stopping in Blackpool. I was 19 years old, six months training proper. I was only going to be there a small time. But then I met someone who changed it all….  

This is the first time I have put my thoughts down on this and will likely be the last. She was the most amazing person I’d met and seen. She was a small pale girl filled with life. A head full of mousy brown hair. A fiery attitude ready to destroy any and all who doubted her. Someone who had been through more pain than I had but still stood proud. I spent a month getting through that wall to be her friend, another two months laughing and training...learning about life from this teen firecracker….  

I left, I promised to go back and she still had her guard up. A guard that came barrelling down the next month when I returned on a work VISA. So many had walked from her life and left her alone that she never expected that I could have meant the words I said….  

Friends forever.  

She leaped into my arms, she smiled and held on so tight. I felt that heartbeat beneath her chest and as the hours turned to days and then to months the friendship became something more but in our youth, we never took that step. We never broke the bond and became more. And then I had to leave again. A simple phone call from my sister changed it all. My father was dying and had asked for me. So I left, I walked away from my friends, my new career and the young girl I….  

I loved.

My father died and the few weeks I was supposed to be home became months. My family needed me and as the bills and responsibilities mounted the time became longer and she moved on. I thought I did too. I worked, I had championships I even married a woman I thought I loved. I had a daughter with her. I thought I had it all but it never felt right and I ended up miserable. It was my fault as much as hers and my whole life fell apart.  

Thing is I saw that girl again. She had grown, we were both different but the same and even though I had worked through so much I still felt the same way. I still loved her. And I picked the stupidest moment to be a hero. In being a villain. I forced her to let go for both our sakes. I forced her to hate me. Because that was the only way we could move on. The family and friendship fairytale was just that. A fairytale. And now more than ever I have to be a man….  

Now more than ever I have to grow up. Like she always said I should…..  

And that. Well, that is true irony……

You questioned my trust but  
You held the key to my heart  
And had every intention of ripping it apart  
You skipped town when I wasn't around  
You said it was easier than standing your own ground

Chapter Seven-Back to the roots
Off Camera  
Blackpool, England  
2 Years Ago.  

The smell was the same, the smell of sweat, blood, and musk. The smell of pain and salvation. Alex breathed deep, the sweat pouring from his veins as his hands shake, the tape around his knuckles and wrists stained with blood, still fresh blood. His long hair partly tied back had a few strands down his face, a large cut visible under his right eye.  

The crowd, made up of other wrestlers jeered and clapped, they yelled everything from words of encouragement to obscenities. Their English accents making both feelings sound the same. A tap on his shoulder sent Alex to his feet, he bit down on his mouth guard and stepped forward, his ankles and feet taped like his hands wearing a pair of black and white workout shorts.  

The young guys standing across smirked arrogantly, the first two rounds went to this kid. In his early twenties, arrogant, cocky, well put together. Alex smiled as the kid bounced on the balls of his feet. They came together in the center of the makeshift ring. The kid lunged forward hitting Alex in the ribs with a low left and then a right cross sending him back…  

Fuck he’s fast….  

The thought ran through Alex’s mind quickly and back out again as he refocused. The kid threw a fast combo, Alex covered up and felt the shots to his sides then the fists hitting his forearms making a sick crack sound. The feeling was like a 2x4 slamming into him causing Alex to lean back against the lengths of cable pulled around the posts. He grabbed the kid by the head pulling him in, but he reared back and slammed in a hard right sending Alex to his knees, his ears rung, the lights went fuzzy and Alex shook his head trying to clear it out.  

Strong too...shit…

He looked over at his corner, Danny Mathias, his trainer from 13 years ago stood cross-armed with a grin, Alex laughed and got to his feet as he heard the “official” count to 7. The kid came back with a laugh giving Alex a nod of arrogance, he came in for the kill, he faked with the left and tried to come over with the right, Alex stepped back, planted his weight on his back foot, bit down hard on the mouth guard and slammed his right fist across the kid’s jaw, a loud crack echoed through the basement.  

The kid fell to the floor and didn’t move, everyone went silent as Alex sighed and backed off, they all shuffled out as Danny Walked up to him, his short black hair sprinkled with grey flakes now and a few extra pounds on his already large frame. As Alex dangled his hands over the side Danny started undoing the tape, a few guys helped the kid up, he stumbled on his feet and Alex sighed. “Don’t make em like they used to….”  

Danny laughed and sighed shaking his head pulling the tape off Alex’s knuckles. “Be nice, he was a tough kid mate, an he was given you a right beatin…” Alex scoffed and turned back to Danny who sat back on his chair breathing deep. Alex sat down next to him and put his hand on his shoulder ”It’s good seeing you Danny….”  

He turned to Alex with a smile and a nod. “Aye, you too kid….I haven’t seen you in….11 years?” Alex raised his eyebrows searching through his bag. “Hows little miss?” The smile faded from Alex’s face as he became more serious. “She’s good...married...has a kid….good….” Danny looked confused and tilted his head as Alex avoided eye contact. “Married to you?”

Alex looked away and slid his own wedding ring back on looking at it before shaking his head. Danny sat back against the chair and folded his arms looking at him up and down. “I always thought you two would make it, ya belonged together you did, seeing how ya carried on in the gym and how she looked at ya I-” “Stop...Danny..just...I didn’t come here to talk about that….”  

Alex breathed deeply as Danny moved in closer with his hands on his knees. “Then why did ya come lad?” Alex ground his teeth together looking down at his busted knuckles. The scraped still there despite the tape, his cheek still red and warm as blood trickled from it. Alex stared forward for a moment and a slow smile came across his face.

“To be Alex Jones again…..”

Blast from my own Past.
On Camera
Belfast, Ireland
Present Day.

”Well, this is a bit of a pickle.

Alex Jones sighs deeply as he sits out the front of Belfast Castle in Cavehill Country Park. He smiles slowly and looks up through his long black hair that blows in the Northern Irish wind. His hands slide into the pockets of his jeans as he continues, his Texan accent being a contrast of culture.

”See, the winners of the Blast from the past tournament get title shots and as of Climax Control 231, the current reigning, defending SCW champion is Austin James Mercer. My friend, partner, and fellow wolfslair member. And the entertaining part about SCW and having a collection of talented individuals like us is that we’re going to have clashes at the top. See Austin has become one of the best wrestlers going today. He has stepped up and become the monster we all knew he could be and has lived up to that family legacy. Three world titles in two years. A great record. And on the other side is Alicia Lukas, the current SCW bombshells world champion, a two-time champion now who has been at the top of everywhere she has gone.”

“And me, well. We’ll get to that. But the three of us are looking to take over and now, we’re put in a situation where if Devona and I win, I’ll have to do it by beating Alicia and her partner who she has already dragged kicking and screaming to a win. And then I’ll have to go on to face Austin. Just think about all that. In a very short time, SCW has become the property of Wolfslair.”

“Honor and SCW merged and instantly we have taken over…”

“If only someone would have told you it was going to happen…”

“Oh, wait. I did.”

Alex pauses for a moment as that arrogant grin crosses his lips again, his hands slide from the pockets of his jeans as his arms move and fold over his chest in a very matter of fact way.

”When I came to SCW when I stood beside Austin in that ring for the first time I warned you all. I warned you that we were taking over and you all thought I was full of shit. Gamer INC ran their mouths about facing me in my debut with Austin, they thought we were a joke and we buried them. Since then we have all gone on to be successes. I earned my way into a fourway for the SCW title and came up short due to someone else getting pinned, I have been ready to show how dominant I can be all the while watching with pride as my friends and trainees become champions.”

“But make no mistake, as good as Alicia is, as dominant as Austin is, I am the best in-ring competitor out of the three of us.”

“I am a nine-time world champion, I am a legend in this business and I am one of the best professional wrestlers on this planet and entering the Blast from the past was to help show that. And I was ready to be teamed up with anyone. I would have loved for it to have been Alicia but, I also know that would have been waaaay to unfair for the rest of the field. We have to give them all a chance right?. Hell, I was ready to be teamed up with Amanda fucking Cortez and have to drag her disgusting aids ridden pornographic ass to the ring and to the winner's circle.”

“Shit I would have even teamed up with Megan “Otaki” Treamon, and would have gladly compensated for her lower than average IQ and none existent wrestling ability…”

“But, I’m happy to say that I didn’t have to. See SCW gave me a partner that, well, after doing some research I have found to be a woman of great potential. See Devona is an amazing athletic talent and I know she has been here before and just under two years ago she was making waves in SCW and was even the Internet champion at one point, and not only was she the internet champion she beat Mikah for it, a woman who was one of the most dominant SCW Bombshells of all time.”

“But, she should have been even bigger and better…”

Alex shrugs and moves across the front of the castle.

”That is not meant to be disrespect by the way. That is just my opinion that Devona could be one of the best of the best. She could be a future legend and hall of famer. But she faded away. Like some others. Like Dani Weston recently has. But this time, Devona, I need you to bring the heat. I need you to bring that fire and I need you to be my partner. See we can and will do this. And Devona will go on to face Alicia in a match that...well shit, to be honest, I’d pay to see that and sit in the front row….”

“Before we can think about that though, well we have to get past our first round opponents. Teddy Warren and Daniela Rodgers. I know of Teddy, I know the kind of cuck...I mean “man” he is and I know Daniela is part of that...SCU place. Look, Daniela is going to get destroyed by Devona. See Devona is an athletic firecracker ready to explode and Daniela, well, Daniela is just dome scrub from the development territory. Everyone who tries to scratch and claw their way out of that hell hole has failed. The Three Way is down there and lord knows they suck. Not to mention Jerry Cann, a guy who is quite literally named after a piece of tin. But now Daniela Rodgers wants to sign up for this tournament and think she means something?”

“Sweetheart, even if you were talented. Which you might be, I don’t know, I don’t have time to watch SCU’s shows, I’m usually doing much more important things like scratching my balls or playing with my cat, but even if you were talented…..you’re stuck with Teddy Warren as a partner…”

Alex sighs and rolls his eyes looking frustrated he even has to address Teddy.

”You know, if it was Todd in this match I’d actually be entertained and jazzed up for it. See at least Todd is an impressive athlete. At least Todd can be funny. And I mean funny haha not funny sad like you Teddy. I mean, what the hell are you doing man?. You entered this tournament for what?. Look at your family, look at all of them and what they’ve accomplished. You’re the least talented member.”

“Your wife has a title shot in a briefcase and has been pretty impressive lately.”

“But you?. You just keep popping up at the most inconvenient times.”

“Kind of like the clap, one random night in Vegas and boom, stuck with an itchy rash for life. Of course, I’m sure one random night in Vegas is how a lot of things in your life have happened. Your conception, your marriage to Kate, her suddenly discovering she’s a lesbian only to, for some odd, odd reason take you back.”

“You’re a mess Teddy, an absolute mess and the fact that I, a fucking nine-time champion have to lower myself to stomping out any pieces of credibility you believe you have left makes me sick. But here we are. My continuation in the Blast from the past tournament all relies on me, breaking you in half, like the piece of shit you are and walking away. So that Teddy is what Devona and I are going to do. And when I’m done kicking your ass, please for the love of good, look in the mirror, look deep down inside yourself and realize that you are better off being Kate’s bitchboy house husband. Because YOU, unlike Todd, do not mean business…”

Alex shakes his head and scoffs taking one last look at Belfast Castle as we cut to black.

 Chapter Three-Sins of the past
Off Camera
Los Angeles California
6 and a half years ago.

Alex stood in his hotel room on the 14th floor. His eyes staring out of the huge glass windows down onto the streets of LA. The night glow of the streetlights and cars passing by making for interesting entertainment. His phone beeps, his eyes dart down as he eyes the text message on the screen.

His heart sinks. He stares at it for a longer time as his fingers dance and unlock the phone. His eyes dart as he reads the rest, his hand grips the phone hard as he sits down on the edge of the bed, his mind burning with pain and frustration. Alex breathes deep and looks up at the ceiling as if asking a divine power for some kind of direction.

He looks down reading the last few lines of the message, his heart goes from sinking to almost breaking as he reads the words out loud. “I miss you Alex..mi amore...I love you….”

He bites his bottom lip hard as he resists the urge to hurl the phone across the room. His hand drifts up as he slides it through it long hair. His frustration and anger reaching a boiling point. It wasn’t meant to be like this. It wasn’t meant to hurt. Even at the start it didn’t but this was different. The pain was real.  

Alex typed furiously on his phone, the words pouring out and as he finished his finger hovered above the send button. He knew what it would mean. He knew what it would stop. Everything they had wanted to work for, the idea they had come up with. The reason they never got together despite the love they felt for one another….he was going to undo it all...with the push of a button….

His eyes read the bottom of his own message. “Please come home.” Alex closed his eyes and pushed the button, he just wanted her back with him. His heart was heavy, his body sore. After a few moments his phone buzzed again, this time it was a call. His heart raced as he picked it up. “Hey….Ana?”

Her voice was sweet and smooth as silk but low. She had to be quiet or HE would hear. She reassured him, told him it was all going to be ok. And for a moment, he almost believed it. “I don’t care about the plans Ana, I lost you once, I don’t want to wait to start our lives together…”

She paused and there was a long silence followed by a sigh. Her voice sounded as if it was breaking, almost as if she was crying. She told him that she loved him, she missed him. But he had to remember. They weren’t together. To do this she had to disconnect, she had to leave him behind. They weren’t a couple. For her to do this that is how it had to be….

Her voice replayed in his head. The one simple truth. “If we’re together...I can’t do this and forgive myself for what I’ve done...tell me we’re not together Alex.” The same phrase, the same voice, over and over. Alex snapped out of it, his heart ached but at that moment he realized there was no turning back. And for her sake, he needed to take away her pain, her guilt….all of it. “You’re right…”

His voice was low, emotionless and deep. [color]red]“We aren’t together, not until it’s done. Finish the job Ana….”[/color] The line cut out, Alex sighed deeply staring at his phone. A picture of them together. Much younger. A smile crossed his lips as he set it down. Alex got to his feet and walked across the room to the bathroom, his eyes trailing up to the mirror….

Before he knew it his hand slammed up, his fist breaking the glass causing it to fracture. The blood from the cuts on his hands trickling down through some of the fractures at the bottom like the ones in the top split across Alex’s face in the reflection. And it all became clear….

“The disconnect….”

Alex and Ana’s Vegas home-4 Years Later

“I don’t care that you’re here I really fucking don’t…”

Her voice was high and shrill with a bite and edge to it. Ana’s arms folded over her chest, her long blonde hair tied back in a perfect bun. She was still dressed in the same clothes from before, a smart looking white dress, a low cut which was loose over her slightly growing belly. Her jaw clenched as she seemed to be biting back words.

Alex just stood silent, his hands in the pockets of his jeans as he sized up the situation. The back he packed hours before sitting next to the couch as he stared at his wife, the anger in her eyes full and forceful. Alex shook his head and stepped forward, he stayed calm, cool and collected with a deep sigh.  

“If you can’t just admit when you’re wrong, I don’t get what we’re supposed to do.” His voice was low and almost monotone. Ana kept her arms folded and raised her eyebrows. “Yes because I’m such a terrible person...Alex the door is there….” He swallowed hard and stepped closer to Ana, her expression didn’t change as he reached her.

He looked down at her, her eyes fluttering a little as he got close. He smiled and looked down and away before staying calm and staring at her. “I’m done being your bitch...I’m done being a joke…” He scoffed and gave a small shrug as Ana seemed to soften a little, she seemed to be uncomfortable as it hit her but she stayed strong. Almost reinventing the anger and turning it inward.

“Prove it.” Her voice is still strong, but much softer. Ana stares up at Alex and tilts her head daring him. “Walk out Alex, or show me why I shouldn’t let you...you say I want to control..well why don’t you take it?” He shakes his head and slowly grins wrapping his arm around Ana’s back pulling her into a kiss, she seems to soften even more and push against him only slightly before stopping that too.

They back up against the wall near the stairs case, their lips meeting over and over again as Ana fumbles at Alex’s leather jacket and pull at his shirt as they move up the staircase towards their room, in between kisses she sounds almost breathless. “I….I’m sorry…”

He laughs and kisses Ana again, much harder as he helps her up the stairs before pulling away with a grin. “I don’t care about that anymore…” He grabs Ana as they reach the top of the stairs picking her up as she lets out a surprised girly squeak. “I fucking love you Ana….”

The Plan
On Camera
New York, New York
Present Day

”Things didn’t come together as much as we’d hoped at Climax Control. That night Wolflair was in a position where we could have ended the night holding the two top titles in the company. Alicia Lukas did her part, Alicia Lukas is the SCW women’s world champion. Alicia Lukas is so dangerous she was able to overcome the odds stacked up by SCW…”

Alex clasps his hands together and steps back leaning against the wall, his long hair tied back away from his face.

”But unfortunately, Austin couldn’t get the job done. He came close, I watched him and Fenris beat the hell out of each other and it was impressive. Fenris fought with a lot of heart, as did Austin. And in the end, it was Fenris who held the title high. Austin gave him respect and it was respect that was earned. But, it’s not over. See I look at the landscape of SCW and Fenris now stands alone on top of the mountain on the men's side. See on the women's side Alicia has Dani Weston, Jesse Salco, Kate Steel and Crystal Zdunich circling that title. But on the men's side, it’s who?. Austin has stepped back wanting to work his way up again, Senor Vinnie has had shots already and failed. There’s a whole line of pretenders and untalented wannabe’s who don’t even have the balls to step up to Fenris because of how “scary” he is…”

“And then there’s Jake Raab…”

“The guy who was able to give Fenris the second biggest beating of his life only to fail anyway. But you know who isn’t scared of Fenris?. Do you know who isn’t intimidated? You know who is dying to get his hands on him and a shot at that title?...”

“Me..”

“But, I already said I wanted to earn my way to that title and I’m going to do it through the Blast from the past tournament. I don't care who SCW puts me with, I will carry whoever it is to victory. And we will get the title shots on offer. But first, I get to have my second match in this company. And my first one on one opportunity to remind you all of just who the hell I am. And I get to face, Travis Levitt….”

Alex laughs to himself and shakes his head.

”Titles titles everywhere eh Travis?. Hell, you even have a title from WWH, a place where I was THE world champion back when that place actually mattered. But hey, we’d all take the easy route once in a while to pad the old title record eh buddy?. But in SCW you have struggled to live up to the hype. When you signed people were excited. It was the beginning of December and you put pen to paper and the whole of SCW started to talk, the buzz was real Trav.”

“Until….later that month…”

“When Alex Jones signed with SCW. I put pen to paper, I came into this company and the real fans and the real competitors they knew who was coming. They knew who was walking into their midst. And I’m hoping you’re not as ignorant as people like Ty West and Fenris. These two “champions” for SCW who are nowhere near the same level as me, two guys who barely anyone knows. Fenris actually asked who I was. Me. A nine-time world champion, the first ever Honor Champion. I won that title by walking through a field of trained goddamn killers. Finn Whelan, Equinox, Kaden Kessler, Keegan Ryan, Jett Wilder. They all made their mark on the wrestling wo0rld and they were all in Honor.”

“I won that tournament and then I came back to reclaim the title I never lost...a title that Fenris technically holds yet he had the balls to disrespect me and act like he had no idea who I was….”

Alex grits his teeth and paces back and forth.

”That is like having someone spit in my face. So now, now this isn't just about the title, it does not just about reclaiming my place at the top of the wrestling world. This is about respect and honor. And you Travis are the first name on the list. See the t6ag match at Inception, my in-ring debut for this company isn’t all I can do. That was a taster, that was a preview. That wasn’t even me trying. I am a champion, I have always been a champion and Mickey Caroll proved to the world that he should never have beaten me back in Honor. See a champion needs to be able to hold the world on his shoulders. And I did that Travis…”

“You are facing a man who held the entire company up, a man who carried it around and made damn sure it stayed at the forefront of professional wrestling. And the pressure did get to me, the pressure made it hard to focus and in a moment of weakness and distraction, Mickey Carroll was able to beat me. But then, well the second the world got put on Mickey’s shoulders, he crumbled and Honor was absorbed by SCW. The company I was the face of, that I kept afloat was absorbed into SCW where they promptly spat on EVERYTHING I helped create.”

“And to right that wrong, to take back my lineage and my history I have to beat everyone that SCW puts in front of me and this week Levitt, that is you….”

“This Sunday at the Cox Pavillion you and I step in the ring together for the first time. And I’m not going to lie,l you are a talented guy. I can see it, hell I’ll tell you straight up that I have a real eye for talent so I’m not going to be dumb enough to look past you or underestimate you. Those two idiots in Gamers INC weren’t wrestlers, they were part-time gamers who stumbled into the wrestling business and Austin and I embarrassed them. But you….you are a wrestler...you are one of us..”

“Hell, I could even see you being a part of Wolfslair…”

“Before that can happen though, you and I will have our match. You are a six foot five, two hundred and fifty pound wrecking all who is deceptively quick and amazingly talented in a technical way. And me, the nine-time world champion, over 30 titles in the last 16 years. 34 years old and in my prime. This should be a great match that will steal the show, back and forth, but…..when the dust settles...Alex Jones will stand tall…”