Cheers to New Beginnings

[Kenny Omega]

Scene 1
"It's only after we've lost everything..."
5/30/2018

The pain and agony was still apparent in Kenny Omega as he crutched around the EBWF headquarters. He hobbled around in pain as just two days prior he not only lost in a rematch for the EBWF Championship, but he was injured in doing so. The 2018 Newcomer of the Year crutched around, flipping his flowing hair back as he made turn after turn. He finally reached his destination or so it seemed. He stood outside a doorway, let out a deep sigh and and knocked on the door of Dr. Hope Clemente. Omega waited for a few seconds before knocking again, however, this time his knocks were a bit more forceful. Very soon after, Hope Clemente opened the door and signaled Kenny to come in and have a seat. Kenny obliged and hobbled in. He reached a seat on the opposite side of Hope's desk, set his crutches against the wall and sat down. Hope walked around and sat on the opposing side as Omega. There were no words said up unto this point, but there was clear tension in the room.

Dr. Hope Clemente: How are you feeling, Kenny?

Omega sighed again as he rubbed his hand through his hair, flipping in back in the process. He leaned in and spoke in a soft, yet deep tone.

Kenny Omega: Oh I feel great, can't you tell?

Kenny signaled with his hands to the crutches that leaned up against the wall. Clemente did not appreciate the sarcasm as she gave Omega an annoyed look. Omega spoke again, this time with a more upfront tone.

Kenny Omega: Doc, I'm not here for small talk. We both know the pain I'm in. My body has been beaten, bloodied and has suffered before, but the pain I'm in right now is something I have not felt...ever. I know you've been in contact with the other people I've seen the past few days. What's the word? Am I finished? Will I have the chance to beat the living shit out of Mike soon? Will I ever have that shot again?

It was now Clemente who let out a sigh. She shuffled through her papers on her desk, opened a folder that was in front of her and spoke.

Dr. Hope Clemente: Kenny, I know you don't want to hear this, but...

At that point, Clemente sifted through the folder, stopped and certain files and explained to Omega what the diagnosis was. As soon as she began talking, however, all Kenny Omega could think about was what had transpired to him the past few months. The accolades ranged from Royal Rumble winner and 2018 Newcomer of the Year, to the prestigious EBWF Champion. A momentous year it has been, but at this point, nothing was even certain regarding his future. As Kenny reflected on this, Clemente had realized that Omega wasn't all there and tried to regain his attention.

Dr. Hope Clemente: Kenny...are you listening to me? Did you hear anything I just said?

Kenny Omega: Hope, I'm sorry. It's been...its been a rough few days for me.

Dr. Hope Clemente: I need you to take this focus, Kenny. I just said that you need surgery on your right leg. The damage that occurred at Warfare is extremely debilitating and from the looks of it, you will be out of action for the foreseeable future.

2018 had started exactly how Omega had imagined, however, this was something that no one could have planned, let alone thought of. His body sank in the chair as she said the words 'surgery.'

Dr. Hope Clemente: You will be okay, Kenny. We have connected you with the very best doctors that we possibly can regarding lower body injuries. If all goes well, and it should, you're looking at a full recovery in...six to eight months. For most people, it's six to eight at least, however, some need more time for a full recovery. The physical therapy needed on an injury like yours is quite rigorous.

Hearing that the recovery time was six to eight months brought Kenny back as his body perked up and he sat on the edge of the chair as he spoke frantically.

Kenny Omega: Six to eight months? Six to eight...months.

It was as if Omega had to say it himself to realize the truth behind it. He locked eyes with Clemente as he said it with a question tone, however, looked down at his leg as he said it a second time. He nodded his head and hopped up, putting his weight all on his left leg. He reached and grabbed his crutches.

Kenny Omega: Surgery... at this point in my career? At the point where I'm showing everyone that I am the best in the world?! Not ideal, Hope, not ideal at all. I will be back. I guaran-damn-tee that. I'll be back sooner than you and all the other damn doctors think. This may take six to eight months for most, but I, Hope, I am not most people. I'll be back to showing the entire damn world why I'm the best. I promise you that. When it's all said and done, I will regain what is mine.

Omega turned around and crutched towards the door. He stopped in his tracks and stood in the door way. He let out one last sigh before turning back to Clemente.

Kenny Omega: Thanks for all you do, Hope.

Clemente cracked a smile and nodded her head as she finally could see that Kenny Omega was beginning to accept his current fate.

Dr. Hope Clemente: We will be in touch, Kenny. Thanks for coming in.

Omega turned back and hobbled out of Clemente's office. He hobbled down the hall and made a turn into the men's restroom. He hobbled in the vacant men's room and stood in front of the row of sinks. He looked at himself in the oblong mirror just in front of three different stalls. He locked eyes with himself and began to breathe heavily, almost as if he was getting angry with himself for what had transpired on Warfare. He let out a loud yell and threw one of his crutches against the wall nearby causing a loud bang. He hobbled to some open wall space and put his back against it and slid to the ground. He put his hands on his face and wiped his eyes. It was clear this was going to be a long road of recovery for Kenny Omega.

Scene 2
"...That we're free to do anything."
10/27/18

In less than 24 hours, the Staples Center would be packed with EBWF talent and administration, friends and family of EBWF personnel, and most importantly thousands and thousands of EBWF fans; everyone ready to witness Fanniversary which was one of the largest events EBWF puts on yearly. At this point in the evening, the EBWF Trick or Treat event had just finished. Many of the superstars had a quick transition from this lovely event to the Dinner with the Divas that was to occur a few hours after the Trick or Treat event. As a result, many had headed back to the hotel to change into their outfits for the evening.

One superstar that remained at the Staples Center was Kenny Omega. He was wearing street clothes, but still was quite recognizable in his trademark shirt and a pair of shorts. Under the shorts was a large brace around his right knee to help support his right leg in which he had surgery on just five months prior. He stood at the ramp that led to the ring in an almost empty arena. As he stood there reminiscing at his EBWF career so far and his hopeful return, a voice behind him called his name. It was an EBWF intern who rushed through the curtain and onto the stage next to Omega.

Intern: Kenny! Kenny! Oh, I've finally found you. I was told by Danielle Costa that we are filming a piece on you for EBWF Mobile to air to hype your return tomorrow! Are you ready?

Omega cracked a smile and rubbed his jaw as he spoke.

Kenny Omega: Am I ready to return? Is that what you're asking me?

The intern went to speak, but Omega was too quick and spoke again.

Kenny Omega: For the past five months, I've sat back at home and wondered if this day would ever come. I'm back. I'm ready to walk down this ramp, step into that ring, kick some ass, and once again show everyone who the best wrestler in the world is.

Intern: Uhhh, I meant if you're ready to film the hype tape for EBWF Mobile. I'll take that as a yes? They are waiting for you in the back so I, uh, just wanted to let you know.

Omega snickered, turned and patted the intern on his back in a rather aggressive fashion. The two then walked to the back with the intern guiding Omega where to go. They finally reached the setup of a few cameramen. The intern once again explained the purpose of this video and how, when, and why it would air. Omega nodded and stood where he needed to be.

Intern: Let's get this in one take. I have to be at the Dinner with the Divas event very soon.

Kenny Omega: Don't worry. One chance. That's all I need.

The cameraman holding the main camera counted down from five and then pointed at Omega signifying that the camera was rolling. There were two other men at this scene holding up light fixtures to ensure the lighting was perfect. The intern looked on with an eager smile on his face as Kenny Omega began to talk.

Kenny Omega: I still see imagine that moment every night. I remember like it was yesterday. May 28th, 2018. I laid in that ring, clutching my leg, screaming as I was enduring the worst pain of my life. I remember the three officials that came down from the back because I couldn't put any weight whatsoever on my leg. I remember hobbling up the ramp and seeing even the EBWF fans that hated my guts...they had looks of concerns on their faces. I remember getting to the back and could see the looks on everyone's faces. EBWF administration, the doctors on hand, everyone. Everyone was uneasy. I knew it was serious. I knew I'd be gone for a while. A couple days later, after numerous doctors visits, I learned I was to have surgery and they pitted me to be out of action for as long as eight months. Eight damn months.

Kenny paused and held up his hand and began to count the months on his hands.

Kenny Omega: June, July, August, September, October. The doctors said I could be out eight months, but here I am...almost five months to the day.

Omega licked his lips, rubbed his chin and spoke once more.

Kenny Omega: Five months. Five long...excruciating months. I've sat in many doctor visits, I've had screws and plates inserted into my leg. I've done more physical therapy than all of our grandparents combined, but you know what the one thing that I remember the most. You want to know the one thing that sticks with me and keeps me up at night, still?

Omega paused and ran his hand through his hair. He now spoke with a louder tone and it was clear that this was a bit personal to Omega.

Kenny Omega: I still hear his voice..."Hey Kenny....Goodbye!" For the past five months, I've played those three words over and over in my head. The Miz said those words to me as I hobbled up the ramp. As I needed the help of EBWF officials, as I thought I'd never be able to walk again, The Miz told had the balls to say those three words. Mike, if you ever happen to see this, I have two words for you. No, it's not "Suck It" or "Too Sweet." It's even better. Simply...I'm back. The Miz took my title from me. I'll give him that. He was successful. Clearly, he's not holding that belt anymore, but at the time, he was successful in that. He then tried taking my career? That's where he made his big mistake. I've heard those three words he said over and over and over again. Any time over the past five months I felt like giving up or felt like the pain of physical therapy wasn't worth it, I played that moment in my head. I knew I'd come back. I knew I'd come back bigger, better, faster, and stronger. I knew I'd come back to EBWF and I knew I'd eventually have my time and place with the Miz once more. All of that starts at Fanniversary. It all starts with Kevin Steen.

Omega spoke with passion as he spoke on the Miz. It was clear that Omega still had some bad blood and unfinished business with him. He then, however, changed his focus from the past to the present.

Kenny Omega: Kevin Steen is a man I really do respect. I respect his passion and I respect the way he competes in this business. Him and I have similar stories actually. We both came from the small companies and made names for ourselves outside of the major companies. We both became indy folk heroes and have an aura around us that only true wrestling fans can appreciate it. We both decided to put the independent scene behind us and decided to come to the EBWF to look to truly prove that we belong with the best of the best. The big difference between us though? He wants to compete with the best. I am the best. I'm the best to lace up the boots. Hell, I could've laced up my boots every day for the past five months and I'd still be better than half these people back here.

It was clear that Omega firmly believed his claims. A bit egotistical, but it was clear with the way he spoke that Omega truly believed he was the best EBWF had to offer at this point.

Kenny Omega: Kevin, like I said, I really do respect you. I even consider you a friend, but friend, you are in the wrong place at the wrong time. At Fanniversary, you may be thinking you're going up against the same old Kenny Omega that you and everyone else is familiar with. You're wrong. I was the best before this happened. As scary as it may seem, now, I'm even better. You're good, Kevin. I've enjoyed competing with you over the year, and I've enjoyed watching you while I was sidelined, but Kevin, I'm better. I'm Kenny Omega. I'm a former EBWF World Champion. What have you accomplished? Your biggest accomplishment will be sharing the ring with me.

Omega pointed to his right leg as he referenced the injury as he spoke.

Kenny Omega: I've come back to company to rightfully take back my throne at the top and damn it Kevin, it starts with you! Once I get finished with you, I will have my eyes set on reclaiming my spot at the top. If I have to go through every damn person on this roster, then I sure as hell will. I've already gone through hell recovering from this injury, so what more can be thrown my way? Kevin, you're just a stepping stone for me to get back to that point at the top. After Fanniversary, people won't be talking about LEGION and Team EBWF. They won't be talking about Strowman and Ciampa. You know what they will be talking about? They'll be talking about me. Everyone will be talking about how Kenny Omega is back and how Kenny Omega is still the best at what he does.

As Kenny finished up, he flipped his flowy hair back and moved closer to the camera that was filming him. He spoke a bit softer now since the camera could pick up his voice better due to his proximity.

Kenny Omega: The injury I suffered was something that many thought would be career altering. Many didn't think it would end my career, but some thought I'd never come back the same. I'm here to tell each and every one of you...I'm here to tell Kevin Steen, I'm here to tell Chris Jericho, I'm here to tell the Miz...Kenny Omega is back baby...and I'm ready to make...a bang! Fanniversary is just the start. The best...is back and better than ever.

Omega held his hand out to the camera as a finger gun. He pointed the finger gun directly at the camera and mouthed "bang," just as the Miz did to him five months prior. The man holding the camera held up a fist signaling that the camera was no longer recording. The intern looked on with a now excited smile on his face. Omega walked towards him and the two shook hands.

Kenny Omega: One chance...that's all I ever wanted. That's all I ever needed.

Omega turned around and walked off into the halls of the Staples Center. Fanniversary was less than 24 hours away and it was clear Kenny Omega had some plans to ready himself for his long awaited return.