I Need A HUGE Favour
LJ sat on the edge of his bed, his phone glowing faintly in his hand. The screen displayed the SCW match card for the upcoming show, and there it was—his name, listed among the participants in the "Aces Wild Gauntlet." A match that, if he could somehow win, would make him the number one contender for the SCW Internet Championship.
But that wasn’t the part that had him rattled. It was the fact that the title was currently held by his brother’s husband, Carter.
LJ’s thoughts spiraled. He hadn’t managed to win a single match since arriving in SCW. Despite the relentless training, despite the talent everyone swore he had, the victories eluded him. And now, just as things seemed at their bleakest, he was thrown into the gauntlet with everything on the line. If he won, he’d have to face Carter—a scenario that left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Shoving the phone into his pocket, he stood up and crossed the room. He knew he needed advice, but there was only one person he could turn to for this. Miles.
The idea gnawed at him. His brother had always been the one to outshine him—effortlessly. But this was different. This wasn’t just about Miles being the better wrestler, this was about his relationship with Carter. Or one lack-there-of, because for some reason he just couldn’t thaw Carter’s iciness towards him even after Miles and Carter got married. LJ needed help, but would Miles give it, knowing what was at stake?
With a deep breath, he grabbed his jacket and headed out.
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LJ knocked on the door to Miles’ hotel room. He could hear faint music playing from inside, and a moment later, the door swung open. Miles stood there, looking surprised to see him.
“LJ? Everything alright?” Miles asked, stepping aside to let his brother in.
“Is Carter here?” LJ asked.
“No, he’s out burning a hole in a credit card at the moment with Bella at the particular moment. You’re looking like hell, what’s going on?”
LJ walked into the room that Miles and Carter were calling home for the week, in Monaco, feeling the weight of what lies in the immediate future and beyond on him again. He turned to face Miles, running a hand through his hair. “This is going to sound a bit crazy more than likely but- I... I need your advice.”
Miles raised an eyebrow, leaning against the kitchen counter. “Advice? About what?”
LJ sighed, his frustration bubbling to the surface. “About this gauntlet match. You know, the one that could make me the number one contender for Carter’s title?”
The confusion on Miles’ face was palpable. “Yeah, I saw the match card, but what’s the issue? This is what you’ve been working for, right? A chance at a title. I mean it’s what we all work for.”
“Yeah, but…” LJ paused, struggling to find the right words. “I haven’t won a single match in SCW, Miles. Not one. And now, they’re throwing me into this gauntlet with the possibility of me facing Carter if I win? It feels like some kind of twisted joke.”
Miles frowned, crossing his arms. “You think they’re setting you up to fail again?”
LJ shook his head, though doubt still lingered in his mind. “I don’t know. Maybe. But what really gets me is… if I do win, I’ll have to go against Carter. Your husband. And I can’t ask you to help me with that. It wouldn’t be fair to him.”
Miles’ expression softened as he pushed off the counter and moved closer to LJ. “You’re right, I can’t help you with that match if it comes to that. Carter’s my husband, and I’m not going to do anything that would jeopardize his career. But that doesn’t mean I can’t help you in other ways.”
LJ looked up at his brother, a flicker of hope in his eyes. “Like what?”
Miles smiled slightly. “Here’s the deal: You get through the gauntlet. Focus on that first. Once you’ve earned your shot at Carter, we’ll talk. And after that, I’ll help you—really help you. I’ve got some ideas. There are other places you can go, other things you can do to sharpen your skills outside of SCW. You’ve got the talent, LJ. You just need to find your footing.”
LJ’s shoulders relaxed a little, though the weight of the situation still lingered. “You really think I can do it?”
Miles nodded firmly. “I know you can. But you’ve got to focus. Don’t think about the next match until you’ve won the one in front of you. Carter will understand if you make it that far. Hell, he’ll probably welcome the challenge.”
LJ gave a half-hearted chuckle. “He might, but I’m not so sure I do. I’m still trying to figure out why he doesn’t like me all that much but if I were to get through this match- I don’t know, maybe going one on one would settle it since he seemingly won’t tell me personally.”
Miles clapped his brother on the shoulder, his voice firm. “Look, I married the man and well despite spending an inordinate amount of time with him, I do not know what the deal is besides you showing up out of nowhere because a woman that for some reasons considers our families less than. I think he feels like it was all too convenient when in fact I just looked at it from a point where suddenly there you were and we just kind of had to accept it. He’s still convinced there are...how do I put this...”
“An ulterior motive?”
Miles tilts his head side to side and looks at his brother, “I’m not saying that that’s the whole thing but it’s understandable and he is just as protective of me as I am of him. But you may be on to something, but to get there you need to make it through that Gauntlet match first. It would definitely be interesting to see what happens from there.”
LJ stared at his brother, a mix of gratitude and determination building inside him. “Thanks, Miles. I needed that.”
“Just remember,” Miles added, his tone growing serious, “You win this match and if it comes down to you and Carter... you're on your own. But until then? I’ve got your back.”
The words hung in the air between them, both comforting and challenging. LJ knew what was at stake. It wasn’t just about the SCW title—it was about proving to himself that he belonged. And for the first time in a long while, he felt ready to fight for it.
Let’s Break It Down, One At A Time
LJ sat back, thinking about Justin Smith, the loudmouth with more ego than victories. Of all the people in the gauntlet, Justin was the one that irked him the most. His bravado, the way he strutted around like he owned the place despite not having a single win to his name, was almost laughable.
"Justin Smith," LJ muttered under his breath, pacing the room. "The guy thinks he's untouchable, like he's the best thing to ever step into a ring. But what has he actually done? Nothing."
LJ felt a surge of confidence as he thought about Justin’s cocky attitude. "He talks big, like he's already got the match won before it even starts, but the reality is, he's just as winless as I am. The difference? I know how to learn from my mistakes. I’m not out there pretending I'm something I'm not."
The visual of Justin getting under people's skin was almost comical to LJ. He was the type to run his mouth, full of arrogance, but when it came time to back it up, there was nothing there. A hollow shell of confidence.
"Smith’s got nothing on me," LJ said to himself. "Not in skill, not in drive. He’s all talk, no substance. Like ZERO substance. And when it comes down to it, if we face off in that gauntlet? I’ll be the one walking out, not him."
He could almost hear Justin's overblown, cocky promos, but it just fueled LJ’s resolve. Unlike Justin, LJ knew that real success wasn’t about posturing. It was about putting in the work and showing up when it mattered. And in this match, he was going to prove that he was miles ahead of Justin Smith in every way that counted.
LJ leaned back in his chair, thinking about the next man in the gauntlet—"Bulldog" Bill Barnhart. A veteran in the business, sure, but one who never quite broke free of the mid-tier ceiling. Bill had been around the block more than a few times, but that only seemed to make him complacent.
"Bill Barnhart," LJ said aloud, shaking his head. "Guy's been in this business longer than most, but what does he really have to show for it? He’s stuck in the Roulette Division, can’t even break out of that, and yet here he is, still trying to make noise like he's in his prime."
LJ knew better than to underestimate a veteran, but something about Bill rubbed him the wrong way. The man had the experience, but his time in the spotlight was fading. He was clinging to his past achievements like they still mattered, but that wasn’t going to help him here.
"He’s good, I’ll give him that," LJ admitted, "but good isn’t enough. Not anymore. He’s past his prime, still holding on to the same old tricks, thinking he can just coast by on his legacy. The problem is, Bill’s been playing it safe for way too long. Can’t even pull his balls out of his wife’s purse long enough to make an impact."
LJ couldn’t deny the guy’s skills—Bill was a brawler, tough as nails, but it felt like he was going through the motions at this point. The fire that once burned so brightly had dimmed, and now Bill was just a roadblock in the way of those who were hungrier, more driven.
"It’s time for the old man to move aside," LJ said with a smirk. "He’s had his run, but this gauntlet? This isn’t about honoring the past. It’s about proving who belongs in the future. And that future isn’t Bill Barnhart."
LJ leaned forward, his voice firm. "If we meet in that ring, Bill’s gonna realize that it’s not the 'good ol’ days' anymore. It’s time for him to step aside and make way for those of us who are ready to take this company by storm. I’m not going to let him or anyone else slow me down."
LJ leaned forward, the weight of the next name in the gauntlet pressing down on his thoughts—“The Unbreakable” Eddie Lyons. Eddie wasn’t like the others; LJ actually respected him. Eddie was a former SCW Roulette Champion, someone who had fought his way through the ranks and earned his place. There was no denying Eddie’s talent, his heart, or his resilience.
"Eddie Lyons," LJ muttered to himself, nodding slightly. "This guy’s no joke. Hell, if I don’t win this match, Eddie’s probably the guy I’d expect to see walk away with it. He’s been there, done that, and got the championship gold to prove it."
LJ took a breath, feeling the respect he had for Eddie, but he knew that respect wouldn’t save him in the gauntlet. This was about business now, and business meant doing whatever it took to win. Eddie might have the skill, and he might have the stamina, but so did LJ. And as much as he respected Eddie, there was something driving LJ that was stronger than admiration—this was personal.
"Violent Conduct X," LJ murmured. That show meant everything to him. It wasn’t just another match. It was practically in his backyard, the same streets where he grew up. To LJ, this wasn’t just about a title shot or a win—this was about proving something to everyone, and more importantly, to himself.
"I want to be there," he said quietly, clenching his fists. "I need to be there. Eddie can win this match, no doubt about it. But this is different for me. This isn’t just a fight for a shot at the title—this is about finally showing everyone, including myself, that I’m more than what they see. I’m not just the guy who hasn’t won yet. I’m not just Miles’ brother. I’m my own man, and I’m capable of so much more than what I’ve been."
LJ’s mind raced with the idea of standing tall at Violent Conduct X, representing his home company, his roots, and showing everyone exactly what he was made of.
"Eddie, I respect you, but when it comes down to it, it’s about who wants it more," LJ said, his voice steady. "And no one wants this more than me. I’ve been waiting for this moment my entire life, and I’m not going to let anyone, even someone I respect, stand in my way. When it comes down to it, it’s going to be about heart, stamina, and who’s willing to fight the hardest. And trust me, Eddie, this is a fight I won’t lose."
LJ’s focus sharpened as he thought about the last name on his list—Aiden Reynolds. Aiden was a member of Wolfslair, just like his brother Miles. That connection made things complicated, but it also gave LJ extra motivation. Aiden, despite being part of one of the most dominant stables in wrestling, had slipped into an uncomfortable role lately—becoming more of a punching bag than the fierce competitor everyone knew him to be.
"I get it, Aiden," LJ muttered to himself. "I’ve been there. Hell, I’m still there—people look at me like I don’t belong, like I’m just here to fill a spot. Since I got here, I’ve been nothing but a footnote, and people don’t hesitate to remind me of that. But I’m not here to stay in that role. Just like you shouldn’t be."
LJ knew the gauntlet match wouldn’t be easy, especially not with competitors like Eddie Lyons and Aiden Reynolds in the mix. He respected them both for different reasons, but there was something about Aiden that made LJ want to face him head-on. Maybe it was because Aiden was linked to his brother through Wolfslair, or maybe it was because he knew Aiden had the same fire inside, even if it had dimmed a bit recently.
"Aiden’s not gonna take this lying down," LJ thought. "He’s not gonna just roll over and let anyone walk past him in this match. And I don’t want him to. I want him at his best. I want him to bring everything, because I know I’ll have to. He and Eddie—they’re the ones who are gonna push me to my limit."
LJ could see the path ahead, clear but treacherous. He didn’t know if he’d end up facing all of the participants in the gauntlet, but if there was one person he wanted to stand across the ring from, it was Aiden. This match wasn’t just about proving himself to SCW or even to his brother—it was about stepping into the spotlight on his own terms, and Aiden represented a real test of that.
"Aiden, Eddie, Bill… I know what all of you are capable of, and I know this match isn’t gonna be a walk in the park. But that’s exactly why I’m going all in," LJ said with a steadfastness that damn near resembled his brother, "This is my shot to show everyone what I’ve been building up to. I’m not just a punching bag, I’m not just Miles’ brother—I’m LJ. And when I get into that ring, I’m going to prove that I belong in SCW, that I deserve to be fighting for the SCW Internet Championship. Aiden, I’m ready for you. Bring your best, because I know I’ll be bringing mine."
The idea of standing across from Aiden, another representative of Wolfslair, made the challenge even more personal. But for LJ, this match wasn’t about loyalty to factions or family—it was about showing everyone that he had what it took to rise to the top. And he wasn’t going to let anyone, not even Aiden Reynolds, stop him.
LJ’s mind raced as he finished breaking down his competitors. This gauntlet match wasn’t just another opportunity—it was the opportunity. The winner would head to London to challenge Helluva Bottom Carter for the SCW Internet Championship at Violent Conduct X, and LJ knew that everything he’d been fighting for was coming down to this moment.
He was hungry—hungrier than he’d ever been. The road in SCW had been rocky, with loss after loss chipping away at his confidence. But now, with the stakes as high as they could be, LJ felt a different kind of pressure, the kind that ignited his drive rather than crushed it.
"This isn’t just about beating Justin, Bill, Eddie, or Aiden," LJ thought. "This is about proving that I belong here. That I’m more than just another name on the roster, more than just Miles’ little brother."
The thought of stepping into the ring with Helluva Bottom Carter—his brother’s husband and the current SCW Internet Champion—added a unique layer of emotion to this match. But LJ was ready. He had to be. Everything he’d gone through had led him to this moment, and there was no turning back.
"I know this is going to test every inch of me," he muttered, his fists clenching as his determination solidified. "Physically, mentally—everything I’ve got will be on the line. But I’m ready. I’ve been ready."
As the image of the SCW Internet Championship flashed in his mind, LJ felt the weight of what was at stake. Not just the title, but the validation that came with it—the chance to finally silence the doubters, to break free from the shadow of his brother, and to show everyone that he wasn’t just in SCW; he was meant to be there.
Violent Conduct X was looming, and LJ knew this was his moment. He wasn’t just fighting for a championship shot. He was fighting for his identity, his legacy, and his future.
"LJ’s hungry," he whispered to himself, his eyes burning with intensity. "And nothing’s going to stop me from proving that I belong."
