FLASHBACK -- February 10th, 2025
To be sitting there in the office after his final physical therapy appointment. Jayden couldn’t help but briefly think about how hard things had been since September of last year. There was a time where they didn’t know if he’d be alive or not. Then there was a time where they didn’t know if he’d ever walk or talk again. A time where they questioned if he could do the most basic of functions. Lots and lots of questions on what kind of long term issues would be left with the type of brain injury he went through.
Yet, day by day. Week by week. Month by month. Jayden found a way to overcome all those odds. He did survive. He did learn to talk again. He learned to walk again. He was able to feed himself, bathe himself, and so much more. And luckily enough there weren't any signs of long term damage to his brain. A miracle as his doctor had put it. He finally heard the door to the office open up. Entering his doctor who had spent all this time making sure he had the best care.
DOCTOR MOSER: Good afternoon Mr. Harris.
JAYDEN: Good afternoon Doc.
DOCTOR MOSER: Last physical therapy appointment went well today. Not that we were expecting anything less. You’ve defied all odds and crushed every milestone since it began. I’m proud of you, young man.
JAYDEN: Thank you sir. Thank you. It means alot, but none of it would have ever been possible if it wasn’t for you and your excellent care for me these last few months.
DOCTOR MOSER: It’s what I get paid to do, son. I’m just glad that this story has a happy ending. Considering how it started and considering how most brain injuries like yours end up going.
He had walked around to his desk and took a seat in the comfy office chair. Looking at Jayden who sat directly across from him. Taking one look at Jayden, he could see the expression on the young man’s face and knew something was up.
DOCTOR MOSER: Everything alright Mr. Harris?
JAYDEN: Doc. I know we have had this conversation before. Too many times to count.
DOCTOR MOSER: Then let’s not have it again. I have told you every day now that I have seen you. Brain injuries are nothing to take lightly. Especially not the one you suffered. This has got to be my hundredth time saying it. It s a miracle that you survived. Survived and don’t have any long term damage. Your brain is healthy and it’ll only keep getting better as the time goes on.
JAYDEN: But theoretically, you would consider me cleared. For physical activity. I am good enough to get back in the ring. I could start training tomorrow if I wanted to. Right?
There was a very heavy sigh that left the doctor’s lips. He tilted his head down some, taking his glasses off, and just shook his head. This was not the first time this conversation had been had. Jayden was looking for any loophole he could and it was stressful as well as frustrating. His gaze finally came back up to Jayden.
DOCTOR MOSER: Theoretically. Yes, you are cleared. Yes you could participate in a contact sport. Yes, you could get back in the ring. You could start training tomorrow. And you could be back to wrestling consistently whenever you felt like you were ready. All of that is theoretically possible, but I am advising you not to do any of that. Leave it behind young man. You got your entire life ahead of you. You can find something else to do with it. That’s just as meaningful.
JAYDEN: I respect your advice and I respect everything you’ve done for me up until this point. I however do not think I can just not return to wrestling. And it’s not because of what you or anyone else thinks. It’s not because I am just so in love with it. It’s not because it’s all I have ever wanted to do or all I’ve ever really known. It has nothing to do with my Dad or the legacy of the last name. It’s not because I want to win championships or anything like that.
DOCTOR MOSER: Then why Jayden? Why is it something you are even considering? If it isn’t for any of those things you just mentioned. I cannot wrap my head around why you are hanging onto this.
JAYDEN: It’s because of him. It’s because of the man that caused all of this. What kind of man would I be if I just let this scumbag take everything from me? What kind of man would I be if I didn’t do something about all the physical pain that he caused me? What kind of man would if be if I didn’t go back after the man that caused my family nothing but emotional and mental trauma over what he did for me? What kind of man would I be if I didn’t go back and fight him? Make him regret everything he did and then some!
The emotion could be seen in Jayden’s eyes when he spoke. This was something he had clearly thought about for a long time. Something he just couldn’t let go of. Very much a conflicting issue for the young man. The doctor was silent for a moment. Trying to understand it fully before he spoke.
DOCTOR MOSER: You would be a man that is at peace with things and a man that’s going to let fate play out how it is meant to for that man. I assure you that people like that do not have good karma. It will come back to haunt him. Maybe not right away, but sooner or later. It’ll catch up to him. But choosing not to go back for your peace, for your health, and your brain's health. No one is going to look at you like you are less of a man. Just let God handle it.
JAYDEN: Maybe no one else will see me as less of a man, but I’ll see you myself as such. And that’s not something I think I’m okay with living with.
DOCTOR MOSER: Look, Jayden. I cannot tell you what to do. You are your own person. You are technically cleared for anything you want to do. But if you think the trauma you family went through this time was bad. Really think about what they will go through if you do something this foolish. Because I can guarantee you. If history repeats itself. You will not be another miracle. You’ll be another statistic!
That statement was profound. It had truth weighing heavily behind it. Jayden just looked at the doctor for a second in silence. Mowing over what had been said to him. Before breaking the silence with a slight head nod as he spoke.
JAYDEN: I got a lot to think about. I really do, but once again. Thank you for everything. I truly appreciate it all.
Following his words. He stood up from the chair and extended his hand in the direction of his doctor. Right away the doctor stood up and shook the young man’s hand. The two made eye contact briefly before the handshake came to an end. The doctor took his seat once again watching as Jayden walked out the door and closed it behind him. With it closing Jayden let out a deep breath. Even if it’s not something others would approve of. His mind was already made up. Alexander Raven wouldn’t go unpunished. If it was the last thing he did with his life.
Sunday was drawing closer and closer. For some reason it didn’t really set it until Friday morning the magnitude of what Jayden was dealing with. This match, this fight. It had been something he had been waiting for quite some time now and it was just right around the corner. By no means was Jayden a religious man. Didn’t grow up in a very religious home either.
‘God’ was just not a thing in his life, but something told him. He needed to clear his conscience before Sunday. And that’s why he found himself walking into a confessional booth. Closing the door behind him and taking a seat. He heard the little window to the right of him being slid to the right. Jayden didn’t bother to look, but instead he kept his head forward. Placing his hands inside of one another. Only to finally speak and break that uncomfortable silence.
JAYDEN: I don’t know why I am here exactly. I don’t know where to even begin. But something is telling me. I have to ask for forgiveness.
FATHER PAUL: You have come to the right place. Our god is not only caring and nurturing god, but a forgiving one as well. Please tell Father Paul what is on your mind? What are you asking for forgiveness for?
JAYDEN: I guess in the eyes of you and the eyes of God. If he truly does exist. I’d be asking forgiveness for sins. Sins of the past. Sins of the future.
FATHER PAUL: I assure you God does in fact exist. But you’ve got nothing to be ashamed of. We’re all imperfect. We’re going to make mistakes. We’re going to sin. What are these sins that have your mind so troubled?
For a moment. There was just silence. Jayden briefly letting the idea that this was stupid cross his mind. Like nothing he said was going to fix what he intended to do. He damn sure didn’t deserve to be forgiven for what he was going to do. And deep down, he didn’t want to be. He wanted to do this. He craved to do this.
FATHER PAUL: My child?
JAYDEN: The sins that are consuming my mind involve some very dark and twisted things. It all stems from a deep-deep hatred for another man.
FATHER PAUL: Hatred? I don’t think you hate anyone. You might be very upset with someone. Maybe dislike some of the things they’ve done? But hate? I don’t think that’s the case. Not if you’re wanting forgiveness in the first place. That says more about your character and person than you think it does.
JAYDEN: Trust me when I tell you. You’re wrong with this one. There is hatred. Like I said, a very deep hatred. A hatred that makes me want to take everything from this man. I want to put an end to his career. For the sake of bragging rights. Nothing else other than that. I want to hurt this man. In every way possible. Mentally. Emotionally. Physically. Oh physically, I want to maim him. I want his blood on my hands. I want to hear him cry and beg for mercy.
FATHER PAUL: You are very clearly speaking from a place of being hurt. All of us handle emotions very differently. And while these are very serious things you’re talking about. It is a sin to think about them, but its more than a sin to act on them. From the sounds of it. You haven’t done so...
JAYDEN: ... Yet. I haven’t done so yet, but I’m going to. I’m going to very soon. Like within the next forty eight hours type of soon.
FATHER PAUL: All of that can be avoided. Let’s just keep this conversation going. The last thing you want to do is truly act on this sin. This person might have upset you, but they surely do not deserve any of the things you are talking about doing.
JAYDEN: Oh they do. They most certainly do.
For a brief moment Jayden made himself sound very sinister with those words. Probably the last thing a priest wanted to hear. Especially when they feared the devil himself.
JAYDEN: He did the same thing to me. My blood was on his hands. He hurt me in many ways. He hurt my loved ones emotionally and mentally. He left a trail of trauma. And now that I am going to see him for the first time in a very long time on Sunday. I have no other choice but to make sure this man leaves in an ambulance. Maybe even a hearse. If things really go the way I want them to.
FATHER PAUL: My child. You’re talking about the ultimate sin now. A sin that isn’t going to be very easy to get God to forgive on something like that.
JAYDEN: But it was alright for God to forgive Alexander for what he did to me?
FATHER PAUL: Alexander, who?
JAYDEN: It was alright for Alexander to leave me fighting for my life and not having to answer for it. It was alright for Alexander to get to live in peace after what he did to me. It was alright for Alexander to be blessed with good things in his life. After what he did to me.
FATHER PAUL: I’m not really sure who this Alexander is? I am assuming it’s the man that you have issues with. But you’re misunderstanding things it seems. God isn’t a fierce God. He isn’t a God that punishes anyone.
JAYDEN: Maybe he fucking should!
All of the sudden Jayden’s hand reached out and snagged the priest by the collar. Pulling him close through that tiny window. Those rage filled eyes of his locked with the eyes of the Priest that was filled with panic.
JAYDEN: Come to think about it. I don’t want forgiveness. I don’t want my sins to be washed away. I don’t want anything like that. I just want God himself to know that due to him not intervening. Due to him allowing another man to do what he did to me. Due to him allowing this man to go unpunished. I am left to play the role of God. I am left with no other option but to rule with an iron fist and made Alexander Raven wish he was no longer on earth, but instead wishing he was burning in hell!
Violently he pushed the Priest back onto his side of the confessional. Leaving him visibly shocked and upset. Jayden practically kicked the door open to his side. Storming out and causing quite the scene in the chapel. Getting some very judgemental looks as he headed for the front door. Forgiveness certainly wasn’t what he was after, but revenge was and he was going to have it in the worst of ways.
“ Two hundred and seventy two days... ”
As those simple words fell from Jayden’s lips. There was something about them that had an attitude behind them. Something about them that commanded attention.
“ I have waited for two hundred and seventy two days for this moment. A moment in which I got to stand across the ring from the man that cost me six months of my career. The man that took several opportunities away from me that I could’ve had to launch myself to a higher level around here. The man that really cut my legs out from under me as I was starting to gain some steam. The man that made sure I didn't headline my first High Stakes. But it’s much-much more than a career thing. It’s much-much more than just a professional wrestling... ”
“ For twenty hundred and seventy three days. I thought about the same man that left me with such a severe brain bleed that I had to be put into a medically induced coma just in hopes that it would save my life. After all, with the damage that was done. There wasn't a guarantee I would make it out on the other side. I just kept thinking and waiting for a chance to get my hands on the man that caused my family extreme emotional distress. I waited all this time to get my hands on the man that caused my young daughter to have nightmares from seeing her daddy hooked up to tubes and machines. ”
“ Not able to talk to her. Not able to hold her. Not able to play with her. All the things she wanted and needed from me. I waited all this time to get my hands on a man that caused my wife to experience trauma from having difficult conversations with doctors she never thought she'd have to have. Such as: If the right thing would be to pull the plug. What the likelihood of survival was. If I did survive. How bad off was I going to be. All those things. As well as leaving her with extreme PTSD for every time I got on the road. Because she fears I won’t make it back home to her in one piece. ”
The eyes of the man they called the Brat just seemed to narrow more and more as he continued on. There was a very clear dislike. Even hatred for the very man that he was speaking about. Rightfully so considered all that had been caused by his actions.
“ All of that was caused by one man and one man only... Alexander Raven. ”
“ You have made me think about this moment. Wait for this moment. Obsess over this moment for the last two hundred and seventy two dats. You’ve left me with no other option but to make you pay for everything you did to me. Everything you did to my family. Everything you did to my fanbase. I used every ounce of hatred I had for you to battle through all the rehab. To defy every odd that my doctor said I couldn’t do. I was one stubborn son of a bitch when it came to this situation. If my career was going to get cut short. It wasn’t going to be cut short by one of the biggest bitches walking god’s green earth. And in the end I made it back. ”
“ The very second I was cleared. I knew what I was going to do and that was to take your head off your fucking shoulders. But when I walked through those doors. You were nowhere to be seen. Nowhere to be found. Not so much as even heard from. Essentially robbing me of the very thing that had motivated me all that time. And why was it like that? Why were you nowhere to be found Alexander? Well, it’s because you went and showed your true colors. You showed who you were, this entire time. You revealed yourself to be a coward.You exposed yourself for being terrified of consequences. You revealed that you couldn’t handle the pressure. ”
“ Sure, the only positive in this was that you actually honored that billshit story of your contract coming to an end that you had been telling for well over a year. Like it actually mattered if you walked out the door. But it wasn’t a situation where you were gone from wrestling. Oh no. You were just gone from SCW. Because this place didn’t pad your ego. This place didn’t just hand you things. This place wasn’t willing to buy into the mindless rambling and the empty threats anymore. So you tucked your tail between your legs and went to play in another sandbox. You went where people lied to your face and told you what a big star you were. ”
“ You went where people stroked your ego. Got told how great you were. Another lie that you fell right into. You were made to feel safe. Made to feel all warm and fuzzy inside. But the thing is. No matter how much they lied to you and no matter how many times they gave you the keys to the city elsewhere. At the end of the day it is up to you to prove that you got it in you to be that top dog. That bad ass you claimed you are. It’s up to you to live up to the unrealistic standards you set to begin with. And considering who you are, Alexander. It’s no surprise that you ended up dropping the ball. Exposing yourself to be a fraud there like you were a fraud here. ”
“ So it’s no surprise that you just waltzed back into SCW. Like it was no big deal. ”
Jayden continued to pace back and forth. That emotion that was drawn out of him by one man was so unsettling that he couldn’t even stay in one place. The sheer existence of this man got under his skin that much.
“ No one will ever understand the frustration and anger I felt when I battled back to realize there was nothing I could do to a man that was non-existent. But that anger and frustration then doesn't compare to the anger and frustration now that you've returned, Alexander. The reason for that being is... You haven't thought about me. Not one time since you did what you did. And it shows. ”
“ It shows because I wasn't exactly quiet about wanting to put my hands on you and make you pay during the time you were gone. Yet that wasn't enough to bring you back then. It shows because the moment you walked back into this place. You didn't acknowledge any of what was said. You didn't acknowledge the past. You had nothing to say about me at all. ”
“ You went on about your business. Now I know what the small cult following you have will say. I know what the sheep will say.They'll say I wasn't on your radar because you were focused on claiming the one thing that has eluded you here in SCW. That being the World Championship. They'll say that your primary focus was on owning Blast from the Past instead of some petty battle with me. ”
“ They'll even say you've got bigger fish to fry right now than me. Since you've got yourself into a war of mediocrity with your ex boy toy, Kevin. But I know the truth, Alexander. I know that it isn't any of those things. You ignored my presence. You ignored my words. You showed no sign of fearing the consequences of your actions. My name never even touched the tip of your tongue. All because... ”
“ You dont fucking RESPECT me! ”
Those eyes seemed to glow with rage over that last sentence. His clenching up along with that frustration.
“ You don’t respect me for what I’ve done. You don’t respect me for the competition that I am. You don’t respect me for everything that I bring to the table. You don’t respect me because you very clearly think and believe that you are better than me in every sense of the word. And your belief that you’re better than me comes from what? Because you were able to defeat me two hundred and seventy two days ago? That’s what you want to base this ground on? That’s why you feel it’s okay to disrespect me?! ”
“ I get that you desperately want to be considered better than someone with the last name Harris considering my cousin and father have both slapped you around. Pretty decisively might I add. I get that you think that the win actually mattered and put you on another level. But you’re forgetting something. In fact you’re forgetting a very big something. The record book might show a W next to your name. The record book might say Alexander Raven defeated Jayden Harris. ”
“ But it also says Kevin Carter and J2H defeated me WITH you. This ego that you got about that night is very much not warranted or justified. Not when you had two other men backing you up to make sure you got that win. And before you rage out about it. I know that it isn’t technically your fault that happened. I was the one that asked for the three on one gauntlet match. I was the one that pleaded and even begged for it. Because unlike a lot of people that work for this company. ”
“ I actually have a set of balls and don’t have a problem meeting a challenge head on. Especially when it was going to be three on one regardless. You know it. I know it. So all I did was increase your chances in winning and retaining that championship all that time ago. And as it turned out. That’s exactly what ended up happening, Alexander. Point is you got this ego about you. You think you’re better than me. Because you had help beating me? Because you had two other people in your corner? Come on... ”
“ I mean I get that you are not all there mentally. Proven to be a little off your rocker on more than one occasion. But this is even bizarre for you. If that’s how it’s going to be then. Shouldn’t I be able to counter that mindset with my own? Considering I’ve beaten you twice. A tag match where I made J2H tap out. As well as a submission match against you where a disqualification is the reason I won. Stuff, I didn’t bring up before because they weren’t decisive. They didn’t hold weight. But if this is the route you want to take. Might as well, right? ”
His shoulders proceeded to give a little bit of a shrug. Done so in such a nonchalant manner. Clear intent to continue to be as sarcastic as possible.
“ It’s fine though, Alexander. You want to have this mindset that you’re better than me. I’ve got no problem exposing you to be a liar and fraud as far as that’s concerned. If you want to believe that you’ve got every right to look past me. I’ve got no problem getting in your face so you don’t have any other option but to focus on me. If you really want to believe it’s okay for you to disrespect me the way you have and to keep disrespecting me. Then I’ve got no problem showing you what disrespect is all about. ”
“ Like I said before I have been waiting for the last two hundred and seventy two days for this moment. Now it seems like things are just going to be a little more interesting. You were already going to get fucked up for everything I mentioned before. It was going to be intensified by you making me wait much longer than I should have. And then you add in the disrespect. You really are in for a world of hurt. Even more considering the type of match we’re about to find ourselves in. ”
“ Now I don’t give my hats off to Mark or Christian very often. They make a lot of very bad and very questionable decisions. Makes you wonder how this place has lasted as long as it did, but I give it to them. Putting us in a street fight against each other, Alexander. That couldn’t have been a better decision made by them. I needed something where I couldn’t be disqualified for what I’m about to do to you. I needed something where you couldn’t be a pussy and get yourself counted out. ”
“ I needed a situation where I could get your blood on my hands and it be completely legal. And more than anything else Alexander. I needed something where I could very much practice my eye for an eye mentality. A situation where if I wanted to pick up a cinder block and crush your fucking head with it. Like you dfid me, it would be completely legal and wouldn’t land me in prison for attempted murder. Because this is the lifestyle you chose to be a part of. And I know it’s likely falling on deaf ears. ”
“ After all, your ego has always caused that issue for you. But it also has everything to do with the disrespect and the fact that your primary focus is on Kevin. Your primary goal is to spill the blood of the Internet Champion. The fact that your focus isn’t going to be where it needs to be is just making things that much worse for you. But, at the end of the day. That’s not my problem. It’s not my concern. I don’t have any sympathy or empathy for that matter for you. I can suggest that you focus here. Because by the time I’m done with you. There’s going to be nothing left of you. Meaning that title and Kevin will mean nothing in the long run. But hey keep doing what you’ve been doing. ”
Once again those words made the young man sound sarcastic and bitter all at the same time.
“ For two hundred and seventy two days... I have waited. I have waited and I have waited some more. Now the time has finally come. To make this right. To get the payback that I have been deserving of. So you can bet your ass that I am going to enjoy every single second of this fight. I am going to fall in love with every ounce of blood and brain matter of yours I spill on the mat. I will feel immense joy hearing your bones snap like twigs over and over again. ”
“ I am going to bask in the glory of your screams of pain and agony. You will see a smile on my face like never-seen before as I look you in the eyes when you are begging and pleading for me to stop. To spare you. To let you live to fight another day. Nothing is going to make me happier knowing you will not be able to bounce back from this like I did. And when this is all said and done. I’m going to do what you did. Act like you didn’t exist and move on with my life with no remorse. ”
“ Simply put. Alexander Raven. You are a dead man walking! ”
