{Our scene opens with Roxi pulling into the local Wal-Mart. She puts the car in park and dons a surgical mask, to play along with the pre-cautions set up for the state. She grabs a shopping cart and proceeds to wait in line, as slowly people are let into the store. Roxi just walks around as the aisles are now policed by arrows determining which aisles a person either goes up or down. She casually strolls, picking up food she needs among other items, and when she finishes she proceeds to head towards the checkout.
However, upon heading in that direction. She begins to notice that several people in line all have the same item with them: A burgundy book entitled “Preparing For Survival Through Sacrifice.” Initially, Roxi shrugs this off, not wanting to spark any sort of religious controversy. Instead, she backtracks to the book section, to find several copies ready for purchase. Curious as to what the need for the book is, she picks it up and studies the front cover and looks at the author “Richard Bachmann” The name sounds familiar to Roxi, but she can’t quite place it. She eventually puts the book back down, only to watch as several others walk up to the book section and pick up the book, not even giving it a second glance before placing it in their cart or basket.
Roxi eventually finds all the things she’s looking for, and checks out of the store. She can’t help but continue to notice that more and more people are purchasing the book, but lets it go for the time being before she heads out and puts her groceries in the car, and heads back home, still trying to think about the author and where she has heard the name before.
Roxi heads home and unloads the groceries, with Keira peeking into the bags like a curious child.}
Roxi – What are you doing?
Keira – Seeing what’s for dinner.
Roxi – That’s not all for you, you know.
{Keira frowns, but feigns like this is an insult.}
Keira – I would never!
Roxi – You have. Plenty of times. Don’t eat all the food out of the bag. Let me put it away.
Keira – I’m just helping!
{Roxi turns and stares at her wife, knowing full well what the mischievous smile across her face means.}
Roxi – No. Don’t you do it!
Keira – I wasn’t!
Roxi – I mean it.
Keira – Party pooper.
{Keira reaches in the bag anyway and begins to pull various food out of it. She licks her lips looking at boxes of cookies, and cereal, and pancake mix. No matter the item, Keira only has one concern.}
Roxi – What are you doing?!
Keira – What?! I’m going to put it away!
Roxi – Didn’t AJ give you a piss to suppress that?
Keira – She did. But I’m still hungry! I need all the fuel I can get! I have a title match coming soon! I need to be ready! And, I need to be ready for Crystal.
Roxi – And you’re going to start bench pressing cereal boxes?
Keira – Smart ass.
{Keira eventually does begin to put away the boxes of food and other items. Keira then pats her stomach and sighs.}
Keira – Now I’m hungry.
Roxi – You… There’s plenty of food around here. Plenty. Just don’t go eating every piece of junk food you can get your hands on.
Keira – Fine, fine,
{Keira opens the refrigerator and begins searching for something to snack on. She pulls a large container of fresh, cut up strawberries out of the fridge and shrugs.}
Keira – These will do.
Roxi – Those are for Nate.
Keira – He’s not eating them right now, is he?
Roxi – You are impossible. I swear.
Keira – But you love me.
Roxi – Sometimes I wonder.
Keira – Because of this.
{Keira turns around and bends over slightly, smacking her backside.}
Roxi – Among other things, yes.
Keira – Look, if it will make you feel better, I will share with Nate. Nate!
{Nate moves as fast as his little legs can carry him towards the sound of his Mother’s voice.}
Nate – Hi Mama!
Keira – Hello you. Here, you wanna share this?
Nate – Okay.
{Nate takes one of the strawberries and begins to eat it.}
Keira – Good boy.
{Keira looks over at Roxi as she places the container on a chair where she and Nate can reach them.}
Keira – Lot of people out there today?
Roxi – Yeah. Driving wasn’t as bad, but the store was packed. At least everyone was taking precautions.
Keira – You get everything you needed?
Roxi – Yes, we’ll be fine and we’re not going to run out of food any time soon. I freeze a lot of meat once a month for that very reason.
Keira – Oh good.
Roxi – Couldn’t help but notice a lot of people were buying the same book though.
Keira – A book? So people want to read when they can’t do anything else, that’s not surprising.
Roxi – No, but… It just struck me as odd.
Keira – People buy a new movie when it comes out.
Roxi – True, but… there’s just something about the book and the author is just… it’ doesn’t seem right.
Keira – What was it?
Roxi – “Preparing For Survival Through Sacrifice”
{Keira simply shrugs.}
Keira – Never heard of it.
Roxi – Me neither. Ever heard of Richard Bachmann?
Keira – Unless he makes Gundam statues, no.
Roxi – You’ve been a great help.
{Keira smiles triumphantly.}
Keira – It’s a gift.
Roxi – The point is, I know I’ve heard the name before.
Keira – I’m sure you’ll remember it.
Roxi – It’s gonna bug me all day.
{Roxi’s mother soon enters the room as Nate and Keira continue to eat strawberries.}
Keira – Ask your mom.
Elizabeth – Ask me what?
Roxi –Well, you do read a lot of books, so… does the name Richard Bachmann ring a bell?
{Elizabeth stops and thinks about this for a moment.}
Elizabeth – It does sound familiar. I’ll think of it. Keep it in the back of my mind. Need any help?
Roxi – I think I got it under control. You’re a guest here, mother. You don’t need to…
Keira – Be a mom?
{Both Roxi and Elizabeth stop and look at Keira. It causes Roxi to sigh and shrug.}
Roxi – I didn’t mean it like that. Mom, you don’t have to –
Elizabeth – It’s fine dear.
Roxi – Look, I.. I just don’t want you to feel obligated. But… I still do struggle with Lasagna.
Keira – She does.
{Roxi glares at Keira.}
Roxi – No one asked you.
{Keira threw her hands up in mock surrender before backing away.}
Elizabeth – I’ll help you dear.
Roxi – Thanks, Mom.
{Elizabeth then begins to get the ingredients and pots and pans ready. Keira winks at Roxi as she takes Nate and the container of strawberries into the living room as the scene fades.}
{After dinner has finish, Roxi messes around on her laptop. Casually surfing the web. Her mother knocks on the bedroom door, causing Roxi to look up and smile.}
Roxi – Have you come to tell me it’s bed time?
{Elizabeth smirks and shakes her head.}
Elizabeth – No. Just wanted to see if you needed anything before I go to bed.
Roxi – Oh. No, I’m think we’re all set.
Elizabeth – Alright then.
{Roxi closes the laptop slightly, standing up and approaching her mother and hugging her.}
Elizabeth – What’s that for?
Roxi – Because I don’t do it enough.
Elizabeth – Well thank you.
Roxi – Also for… everything you’ve done. You don’t know how important you are with everything that’s happened.
Elizabeth – I’m just being gramma, Roxi. I think it’s a job that suits me well.
Roxi – Fits you like a glove. Also, thanks for the help with the lasagna.
Elizabeth – You know, it’s not that hard to make. Didn’t I make you a cookbook?
Roxi – No.
Elizabeth – Huh… could have sworn I did. I’ll have to make you one here one of these days. That way you will remember this stuff.
Roxi – I could try for a hundred years, no food I will ever make will match yours.
Elizabeth – Well, I know that.
{Roxi makes an unimpressed face.}
Roxi – You know, you’re not supposed to agree with that.
Elizabeth – Well, I did. You just remember that while you may be flying around doing all this fancy stuff, I’m still your mother, and I will tell you like it is.
{A knowing smile and laugh from Roxi, not wanting to challenge her mother on anything out of respect.}
Roxi – Yes, mother.
Elizabeth – Good. Glad we have that understanding.
Roxi – Yeah yeah. Hey, he’s not giving you any trouble is he?
Elizabeth – Nate?! Goodness no. He’d libel to wear me out some days, but it’s not trouble. Besides, Keira was right, it does give me a chance to make up for lost time.
Roxi – You know you don’t have to do that.
Elizabeth – Roxi, you and your sister practically raised yourselves. And as great as the both of you turned out, I should have been there for you. Should have at least been around more, and not under the influence. I put your lives at risk.
Roxi – Mom…
Elizabeth – No, it’s the truth. It’s my biggest regret. That really wasn’t a mother to you and your sister. And now here you are, taking care of me. Funny how things come full circle.
Roxi – If there’s one thing you taught me, is that if you’re family… or friend, you accept them, warts and all. None of us are perfect.
Elizabeth – You are too nice sometimes. Maybe I should have taught you, put a little fire in that belly sometimes.
Roxi – Maybe, but… I am more concerned about you.
Elizabeth – I’m gramma. I’ll be fine.
{A soft chuckle from Roxi on that response.}
Roxi – Very well.
Elizabeth – Alright, I don’t want to stand here and take up all your time and gossip like some old bitty.
Roxi – I won’t keep you.
Elizabeth – I’ll see you in the morning.
Roxi – Of course.
{Elizabeth turns to head towards her room, and then stops, and walks back towards Roxi’s room and snaps her fingers, pointing at Roxi.}
Elizabeth – Stephen King.
{Roxi looks around confused and turns her head, not understanding the reason for the name drop.}
Roxi – Uh… What?
Elizabeth – You asked about Richard Bachmann. That was Stephen King’s pen name for a while.
Roxi – Oh… that’s… weird. Thanks for that.
Elizabeth – Any time. I knew I’d remember. Stephen King.
{Elizabeth finally turns down the hall and walks towards her room, passing Keira who smiles at her as she enters the room. Seeing Roxi not bothering to look up at her, but Keira is confused.}
Keira – Why is your mom talking about Stephen King?
Roxi – Richard Bachmann.
Keira – Stop saying names! What does it all mean?
Roxi – It means… that something is wrong.
Keira – Ugh. When it is ever not wrong?
Roxi – All those people, buying the same book. And let me tell you that Stephen King isn’t writing religious books, or survival books.
Keira – So? You’re kind of going into conspiracy territory with this.
Roxi – More like … cult territory.
Keira – That’s a bold jump, Red.
Roxi – If you saw all those people in line, you wouldn’t be questioning this.
{Roxi begins to type on her laptop, trying to find information on the book and Richard Bachmann. She searches for a moment or two.}
Keira – I think you’re overreacting. If people want to be crazy, let ‘em be crazy.
Roxi – I just have a gut feeling. If it’s nothing, I’ll drop it.
{Roxi continue to search.}
Roxi – There’s only one “N” in the pen name used by King. This one has two. The book seems to be only selling locally. There’s really not anything on this.
Keira – Then, I think you can –
Roxi – Hold on.
{Roxi refreshes the page of results and sees a twitch video stream which has gone live.}
Roxi – Let’s see how far down the rabbit hole goes….
{Roxi clicks on the link, and begins to watch. An overweight bearded guy with the username “LordDave” holds up the book in question, live on his stream.}
LordDave – Yeah, I know. I’m just gonna let the chat fill up for a little bit, before we really get going. Because if he’s really listening, I want him to know about all this.
Keira – What is this?
Roxi – Twitch streaming. They just let anybody do it.
Keira – I know THAT.
LordDave – Yeah guys, just a few minutes. If you want to, feel free to contribute by the way. I’m gonna need those funds for bills.
Keira – Is he just begging for money?
Roxi – It’s what they do.
{“LordDave” finally sits down and begins streaming.}
LordDave – Okay! Finally, hello everyone, welcome to the stream. I know, normally, we play some games, and have a fun, chill, positive time, but tonight, we have a special stream. Of course, if you want to donate, you can absolutely, sub, cheer, or tip. Tipping obviously helps me the most because I can use that money right away.
Keira – He is already infuriating me.
LordDave – But with that out of the way, guys, we have a huge thing going on, I’m setting this up right now, but soon, I’m going to go ahead and head to this place, where a lot of people are gathering tonight, and because of this book.
{“LordDave” holds the book out in front of the camera.}
LordDave – This book, is so good, and it makes so much sense. I mean, think about it, we’re all supposed to be just stuck indoors during this? We’re Americans, we can do whatever we want! They can’t stop you from enjoying life! The points in this book are just so eye-opening. Trust me guys. This book will make you understand that this is just another level of control, man. This virus isn’t anything. So this is it man. I’m headed out there, I’m going to livestream it from there, and you will see man. They’re encouraging everyone who wants to show up in the area, if you have the book, and you’ve subscribed to my channel and gotten the email and everything, you know where to go. No masks man, we’re not afraid! They want you to bring your kids!
Roxi – Oh no…
LordDave – Even if you are sick, that’s okay man, it’s your right! We need to end the lockdown! This book explains everything and how we can all change the whole thing and fight back!
Keira – He’s going to get people sick!
Roxi – We have to find out what’s going on.
{Roxi grabs her wrist communicator.}
Roxi – Vision, I need you to do me a favor.
Vision – Oh boy…
Roxi – I need to find out the source of a twitch stream. The exact location.
Vision – Wait… you’re not… are you about to fight an internet troll or something?
Roxi – Or something, yeah.
Vision – What’s going on?
Roxi – This moron is talking about this book and apparently there’s going to be a gathering. People are going to get sick, maybe worse if we let this happen.
Vision – I’ll do what I can.
Roxi – I’m forwarding you all the information.
{Roxi does as she says she would and Vision begins to conduct his search.}
Vision – Alright, let me go through all this stuff. Mmkay… Hang on, looking through older stuff… man this guy begs a lot…. And… almost… there. Got it. 3699 Broadbridge ave, unit 107.
Roxi – Thanks. I’m on it.
Keira – Wait… what are you going to do?
Roxi – LordDave is about to be very useful to me. Maybe useful for the first time in his life.
Keira – Alright, let’s go.
Roxi – I think I can handle an overweight streamer.
Keira – Aw… come on!
Roxi – Relax. You get to stay at home. Take a break. Besides, somebody needs to stay here in case of emergency.
{Roxi quickly gets up and rushes the change. She returns only a minute later. She kisses Keira as she slides her mask over her face.}
Roxi – I’ll be back.
Keira – Just… be careful, red.
Roxi – Always am.
{Roxi quickly teleports away, ending up outside the LordDave’s home. Dave himself is loud enough to be heard even from outside.}
Roxi – Well, I got the right place.
{Roxi once again calls Vision on her wrist communicator.}
Roxi – Can you get a lock on that stream?
Vision – Yeah…
Roxi – Good.
{Roxi marches up to the door and knocks.}
Roxi – Shut it down.
Vision – You got it.
{On Dave’s stream, as soon as Roxi knocks, Dave turns to the door, and then abruptly, the stream cuts out, and everything is turned off. Dave sees this and is confused.}
LordDave – What the hell?
{Dave begins checking trying to get things back online as Roxi continue to knock. Dave has to get up, and slowly makes his way to the door.}
LordDave – I’m not interested.
{Dave begins to walk away from the door, and Roxi now bangs on it.}
LordDave – This is a gated community! If you don’t go away, I’m going to call the cops!
{Finally tiring of Dave’s stalling, Roxi shoulders the door and forces it open.}
Roxi – Hello Dave.
LordDave – Who the hell are you?
Roxi – I need to have a word with you.
LordDave – I can’t believe my detractors are sending trolls to my house! At least your probably hot though.
{Roxi marches forward and send a quick blow to Dave’s stomach. Doubling him over and causing to cough and gasp for air.}
Roxi – Now… you’re going to do me a favor, Dave. Actually two favors. One, we’re going to go to your little rally. Now grabs your keys or book or whatever you need, and let’s go.
LordDave – Wait… wait… what’s the second favor?
Roxi – I’ll tell you when we get there. Now… let’s go. Now.
{Dave takes a second to gather his faculties and then grabs his coat, his keys, and the book, and he leads Roxi to his car, and unlocks it, and they both get in.}
LordDave – This is crazy. I don’t even know who you are!
Roxi – I’m your passenger. Drive. You don’t want to be late for your rally, do you?
{Dave starts, the car, puts it in gear, and begins to drive. He can’t stop himself from staring at Roxi who focuses on the road.}
LordDave – So… are you a believer to? I mean… it would be pretty cool to have a celebrity as –
Roxi – Shut. Up. Just drive.
{They keep driving as Dave takes the advice and the scene fades.}
{The drive has taken several minutes until Dave finally pulls up to a secluded area and a large bonfire is ablaze in a field. There is rowdy shouting and cheering as Roxi exits the car. Dave exits as well.}
LordDave – Aw… sweet. This is going to be –
Roxi – Get back in your car.
LordDave – Wait… what?
Roxi – You may not think so right now, but I’m saving your life. Get back in your car, and go home.
LordDave – Aw... no way! You can’t stop me from gathering! I have rights!
Roxi – If you ever want to be able to e-beg for money ever again, you’re going to get in your car and leave. These people are all at great risk of getting sick! So, it your choice. Either you go home now, and I turn your power back on, or, you stay here, get sick, and send a lot of time in the hospital and you’ll never stream ever again. Your choice.
{Dave sighs, getting back into his car.}
Roxi – Go home. And that second favor…
LordDave – What is it?
Roxi – Get a job.
{Dave scoffs as he puts the car in gear, and Roxi keeps watch as he drives away. Once his lights are out of sight. Roxi makes her way towards the fire and the noise. Roxi flies up to the roof of the barn near everyone to get a better look at what’s happened and to scout out the area. She notices there are 30 people, all races, ages, and genders. They are happy, singing, laughing and joking. Roxi at first can’t even believe this many people are out there, but she shakes her head and snaps back to reality.}
Roxi – I have to convince these people to go home.
{Roxi perches herself on the roof of the barn, preparing to shout, but the music cuts out and cuts her off. A man of medium build, more fat than muscle, walks out and raises his hand. }
Roxi – Must be Bachmann.
Man – Hello, friends. I am so glad you could make it to this rally. My name, is Richard Bachmann. And come to you tonight with a message and strength, and unity.
{There is loud cheering.}
Richard Bachmann – This virus that they claim is causing all this, is nothing but a sham! They are trying to force you to stay indoors, they want to make you panic! They want us confused and weak! They know that this so-called virus is nothing! The flu, the flu kills hundreds, thousands each year, but we don’t stop for that, do we?!
Crowd – No!
Richard Bachman – They want this treated like the end of the world! People die on the highways! They now tell you to stay home. They tell you to not let your children outside and into the fresh air! They tell you to shut down your business, they call you non-essential! But to me, you are all, WE are all essential!
{There is even louder cheering as clearly the people are riled up.}
Roxi – I’ve got to put a stop to this.
{Roxi jumps down off the roof of the barn, landing in between the crowd and Bachmann on the stage.}
Roxi – That’s enough!
{Roxi turns towards Bachmann on the stage.}
Roxi – Stop this right now! You are going to get these good people sick! There are children here! Do you really want blood on your hands!
Richard Bachmann – You see! They send their heroes to convince you that you are wrong! Listen to the hero because they are just and right! I say no! YOU are the true heroes!
{The crowd gets even louder, at a fever pitch.}
Roxi – You’re insane! Do you not realize what is going on here? If there’s ANYONE who has this virus, you are helping spread it! You’re working against your own interests!
Richard Bachmann – She spreads lies to confuse us! She must be stopped!
{The crowd has now turned into a mob. They advance towards Roxi and while she could easily overpower them, she didn’t want to hurt any of them. She fires a small energy blast to back them up.}
Roxi – I don’t want to hurt any of you. You are putting lives at risk, and this man is a fraud!
{There are murmurs as Roxi turns around to face Bachmann.}
Roxi – Richard Bachmann is the pen name of Stephen King. You’re not fooling me. You’re not Stephen King, now stop this nonsense because someone gets sick, or worse.
{Bachmann at first says nothing, his confidence seeming to have waned after Roxi calls him out. He points and now his voice is angry and frustrated.}
Richard Bachmann – No! She wants to take you from me! It is as I predicted! There must be a sacrifice!
{The mob gets stirred up again, and this time Roxi fires a larger blast into the ground to halt them.}
Roxi – Don’t make me do something I will regret. You all need to go home. Actually, You all need to be checked out by doctors! This isn’t a joke! Don’t give the disease to your children! Think about your kids, your families. This isn’t going to help them if you get sick. If you don’t understand that, then there may be no helping you. You have to look inside yourselves. Yes, this sucks. I don’t like it any more than you do. We’re limited on what we can do. But the best thing, even if you believe this fool, is to be smart about this. What does coming out here do for you, besides run the risk of infecting more people, which will cause this to go on longer?! I understand your frustration, but don’t let this con man trick you into doing something you’re going to regret. Please… for your own safety… and more importantly, for your children’s safety… listen to the precautions.
{Bachmann marches forward from the podium. Angry and screaming.}
Richard Bachmann – No! Don’t listen to her! She only wants to trick you. You won’t take this from me! You can’t shut down America! You can’t and you won’t!
{Bachmann reaches behind himself and pulls out a switchblade. He flips it open, and leaps off the stage, attempting to land on Roxi, who takes a hop backwards and Bachman lands on the ground. He gets up, slashing wildly in Roxi’s direction, hoping to at least cut or stab her.}
Richard Bachmann – YOU WON’T TAKE THIS FROM ME!
{Back screams and yells as Roxi dodges, and finally blocks a strike, and pulls Bachmann into a spinning elbow to drop him. She places a foot on his back to hold him in place and kicks the knife out of his hand as she turns back to the crowd.}
Roxi – I’m going to get you all some help.
{Roxi opens her wrist communicator.}
Roxi – Vision, I’m going to need police & medical personnel here. These people are going to need to be checked out.
Vision – I’ll send it out.
Roxi – Thanks. Also… turn Dave’s stream back on.
Vision – I’ll do that too.
Roxi – Thanks.
{Roxi continues to hold down Bachmann as the crowd stands around. The police and ambulances eventually arrive and begin to take care of the crowd and arrest Bachmann. The officers pick up Bachmann and begin to take him away.}
Officer – Sam?
Roxi – You know him?
Officer – Sure do. Samuel Tyler-Jones.
Roxi – Well, Bachmann wasn’t a very convincing name.
Officer – Nah, this guy has been trying to be a big shot for year in the political scene. Always mouthing off. Really wants to be somebody important.
Roxi – Well, Mr. Jones has decided to try and make a statement and he’s trying to create a mob. It almost worked.
Officer – What gave him away?
Roxi – His book. The pen name. It just wasn’t clever enough. But he was close. If he didn’t use the pen name, maybe he might have drawn an ever bigger crowd to this whole thing.
Officer – Good thing you had a hunch.
Roxi – And thank LordDave.
Officer – Who?
Roxi – … Never mind.
{Roxi sees the majority of the crowd letting the book drop to the ground. For now, they seem to have given up on trying to form some kind of revolution.}
Roxi – That book is dangerous. It should be confiscated so that this guy doesn’t reach any more people to try and convince them to try anything crazy.
Officer – We’ll make sure he has a nice comfy cell in return.
Roxi – Good.
Samuel Tyler-Jones – This isn’t the last you’ve heard of me. You can’t tell use we’re not essential! You can’t close us down forever! We will be back! And we will rise!
Officer – Yeah, tell your story walking Sammy.
{Jones is taken away as Roxi watches the medical staff check on the other members. She sighs and shakes her head before she flies off.}
Roxi – Well… that’s one crisis avoided. On to the next one.
{Roxi heads home as the scene fades.}
I'll always be there. Always. It's not the powers. Not the cape. It's about standing up for justice. For truth. As long as people like you are out there, I'll be there. Always.
- Superman (Action Comics Vol 1 840)
Hello SCW,
Well, it has been a whole, and I have been going through a number of emotions in the past couple of weeks. Just been taking it all in and thinking about what the next step is for me.
While I was proud to be the Bombshell’s champion once again, the reign was obviously shorter than I wanted it to be, and shorter than imagined it would be. I envisioned standing her by this date and preparing for the next contender for the bombshell’s championship and I would have been more than honored and excited to face off against Evie Jordan as she won the tournament. I would have been thinking about how impressive Andrea was and congratulating her on an amazing effort because surely we would have torn the house down at Blaze of Glory. I had all these things in my head and I would love to be standing here in that position.
Perhaps though, I was thinking too far ahead.
I lost sight and I just wasn’t on the level I needed to be. I lost the championship to Crystal, and then I couldn’t win it back at Blaze Of Glory and Andrea Hernandez won the championship for herself. That is what happens when you lose track of things like I did. I won’t make excuses, but to me, it was far more important that my wife succeed and at least open some eyes and change some minds in SCW. And I am so very proud of her for doing exactly that. Maybe in the back of my head, I wasn’t really training myself to win back a championship, I was training my wife to be successful.
And so, here we are, and here I am left to pick up the pieces. I believe that deep down, I can and I will earn another chance at becoming champion again. All that I have to do is stack racking up those wins, and eliminate potential challengers after Evie Jordan. She’s at the front of the line, and I find myself, basically at the back. If I am to get back in the race and earn another shot, I just have to be consistent. There are no two ways about it. So, the question became, how do I do that?
And then, the answer was shown to me after Blaze of Glory. I saw exactly what I needed to do.
And I also made a realization about the things that have to happen. I have to take this to another level. And that is why I went to SCW brass, and requested this match, and that opponent.
When you want to make a big statement, when you want to make a big impact, you go for the biggest fight you can get.
That is why I wanted Alicia Lukas.
And now, Alicia Lukas is back.
You know, things were going so well, and she pops back up like a pimple on prom night. And I see that absolutely nothing has changed about her, no gain, no loss, just the same. Which is really, really disappointing.
No, wait, wait, I tell a lie. There is something different around Alicia Lukas. She actually has learned not to continue to attack people for no reason while simultaneously claiming to be a stand up champion. Ah, those were the days, weren’t they? Our Bombshell’s champion putting down people who aren’t even in the same company as her, repeatedly trashing a company that she was a champion in. It seem that, dare I say it, that I actually made Alicia clean up her act. I’m going to go ahead and pat myself on the back for that one.
Wait, we also haven’t had Alicia complaining on twitter about people not respecting her, or whining about losing the championship. Or throwing a tantrum about losing in some kind of allegedly unjust way. Things are certainly looking up for everybody else’s peace. This is a pretty big deal. Maybe we should throw some kind of parade! Things have changed and Alicia has matured.
But… now she’s back, and that’s all going to start up again.
Oh, wait. It already has. Already trying to take cheap shots and subtweet like a coward towards the new champion Andrea Hernandez. Maybe it’s just because Andrea has a life and things she actually enjoys to do instead of constantly trying to go at people behind a wall of vague tweets. After all, if people aren’t direct, their tweets are up for interpretation, right? So, I’m just going to assume that Alicia, who is only in one company, is just being a bitter former champion who can’t handle the spotlight isn’t on her anymore.
I mean… seriously… “You need to promote the title and the company you’re champion of at all times! You must! Otherwise you’re not a true champion!
Like, if there’s ever an appropriate time for “Okay Boomer” that was it.
Let’s just understand the whole time Alicia Lukas was injured, she did not promote SCW or the division. I guess the rules only apply if you’re champion? But even then, Alicia did it for her matches. Not anyone else’s. So, basically, Alicia Lukas is really good, at promoting Alicia Lukas.
You know, as much as I never want to see anyone get injured and unable to do what they do very well… Just saying things were a lot quieter around SCW while she was gone.
Because I can just see it now that after listening to this that Alicia will have all kinds of unkind things to say about me, accusing me of really being mean spirited and being a phony and a faker and all that fun stuff. Because Alicia kinda has a problem with the truth. It hurts quite a bit when it’s thrown in your face. And yes, I have to be the one to do it, but you know, when I do it, it means I’m being mean. Thing is, I will call EVERYONE on their nonsense. It’s called being firm, but fair. But I know that after this, I’m going to be accused of picking on Alicia but, that’s all in the past now. Everything I’ve said no longer applies! It’s been months! Why don’t I just stop now because I’m just do dead wrong?! Why can’t I just stop being so fake and phony!
Sure thing. But it’s fairly hypocritical when you call people fake and you don’t even use your real name.
I mean, just ask Violet, I’m sure she’ll agree.
I know it. You all know it. Alicia knows it. A Leopard doesn’t change its spots. While I was hoping that the time away would mean some growth, it only meant Alicia has been away, and learned another cold, hard, fact:
SCW continued, while she was gone. It doesn’t revolve around her, me, or any one person. It’s the bombshells that make the whole division go. And that had to sting far more than anything else. And while she can tweet about coming back, the division keeps going. She learned she was cog in the machine. Nothing more. In fact, I would say that SCW got for more interesting since Alicia went away. I mean, Blast From the Past happened and that was exciting. Andrea Hernandez continue to impress. My wife came through in a huge match. Candy and Bella Madison continue to get better each and every time they hit the ring. Evie Jordan, Bobbie Dahl, Dani Weston. So many actually interesting things happened and there was Alicia on the sidelines. This is what happens when you stop sucking the life out of the company.
And now that bubble has burst, Alicia is bitter and upset. And of course, she lashes out at someone she presumed weak and vulnerable. Someone who just lost the Bombshell’s championship. Because Alicia needs the low hanging fruit. And when that didn’t turn out well for her, she got bitter and angry. She really though that saying Crystal’s name would garner her fans and respect. Just kick someone while they’re down because you’re just so used to it. Just pick on somebody because you feel inadequate.
Why didn’t she pick on Jessie Salco? Why didn’t she pick on Dani Weston? Why didn’t she pick on Seleana? Why didn’t she pick on Andrea?
And why, oh why, didn’t she come at me?
We all know I am who Alicia really wanted to say something about. I’m the one she really wanted to throw shade at. I was right there, could have said anything. But Alicia made a stark realization that she would have just tried to say the same thing I said about her. And we all know how original Alicia is so instead she makes a nonsensical attack on Crystal for killing the division when she held the championship for a month, and did not even have a MATCH let alone a defense until Blaze Of Glory. But sure, blame Crystal when you’re really mad at me. But Alicia knows that I can dish it out as good as anybody else. Because I know how this goes.
But you see, Alicia needs time to actually come up with something, despite having what, 5 months to come up with something? She had to think and pick this spot carefully. But you see, I got eyes and ears everywhere. I see and hear things that most people think they get away with. Things that people to try slip by. I see it. I may not say anything at the time, Heck, I may never say anything. But I remember them. I use them as fuel. I use them as motivation. I use them so at the end of the day, I can stand here and be the best I can be. So Alicia Lukas, never tried to utter my name, unless I got subtweeted, because you know, that’s what adults do when they don’t have the stones to actually want a problem. But at the end of the day, I am who she really WANTS to talk about, but it won’t be until after she hears this. There won’t be anything but faux respect and “I would never talk about you that way.” Until this airs.
Not to my face, and not directly on twitter. No, absolutely. Not.
Alicia wanted this attention, didn’t she? She wanted all eyes on her. And now it’s like she has stage fright or something. Oh wait, I get it. You see, when Alicia came back, she expected a hero’s welcome. I guess the rest of us were supposed to roll out the red carpet and just stop what we were doing because Alicia Lukas decided her shoulder didn’t hurt any more so it was okay to come back, and okay to just try and verbally attack someone for no real reason, other than it makes her feel good. It’s one of those situations where when you’ve done really shady things, but this other person has also done shady things, but you think you can earn cool points so you call that person shadier. By throwing shade. It’s such a sad thing to do to somebody, because you aren’t as popular or interesting. Maybe if there was some aspect, something, somewhere that made Alicia in the least bit interesting then she might have an argument here. I mean, while she was out, she could have maybe promoted her clothing line. Or… does she not have that anymore? Was that like a throwaway mention? I have heard neither hide nor hair of this clothing line since like…. Summer of last year. Whatever. Maybe… maybe she did something interesting, visited some place, went fishing, something, ANYTHING! But nope, we didn’t get that, because all Alicia could talk about was how close she was to returning. But you know, she’s dedicated! She LOVES wrestling.
I think she’s just confusing dedication and love for something with not being an interesting person.
I train. I wrestle. I put my heart and soul into this.
But when I don’t win, I complain and take my ball and go home. I piss and moan about how unfair everything is, tell everyone that I don’t want to be here anymore. And then to save face, I will be injured as well.
I mean, did you not notice that? The two times Alicia lost the championship, there was a “knee injury”, and then there was a “Shoulder injury” That’s just an odd coincidence I guess. But she won the title back so I guess that knee healed very quickly.
But now, she’s all healed and ready to go. I forgot the balloons and streamers though. I mean, it does only cost like $100 bucks get a permit to throw a parade, but I figured with the virus and all it probably wasn’t safe. Of course on the other hand, it would really only be Alicia at the parade, so maybe I should have spent that money.
Also, did you notice that there’s really two ways to take this return? And obviously that Alicia SEVERELY miscalculated which of those takes would happen? I mean, it’s easy to understand why, I mean, it is the same sentence either way. So, it’s easy to get confused. But, there’s really like two ways this goes.
See, there’s “Oh, no… Alicia’s BACK” See now, that’s the good one. That’s the one Alicia wanted. Everybody is now watching their backs and really walking on eggshell’s because this woman, this super awesome amazing woman, is coming back to the company after an injury.
But then, there’s also “Oh no, ALICIA is back.” And that’s the one she got. It’s like we all ran into the unpopular person in high school at the reunion, and they’re still bringing up stuff from high school and they refuse to let it go, and then you don’t want to be rude so then you end up talking to them for like 45 minutes and you feel obligated to listen to be polite, but you’d rather be doing ANYTHING else? And then they tell you a story that goes nowhere and you know you’ll NEVER get that time back?
Yeah, that feeling.
That’s really how all of us felt and it’s obviously how Alicia felt. That had to feel like a punch in the gut. But have no fear, Alicia is ready now. She’s coming back and taking back the championship, so we can all go home and not bother even trying anymore. No ladies, don’t even bother trying to up your game or go for a Bombshell’s title match. Alicia Lukas is back so the whole party is canceled.
Give me a break.
This company, let alone this division does not stop because someone gets injured. It does not halt because someone comes back. Many of us, myself included, walked away and Sin City Wrestling kept right on going. Alicia Lukas is no different. We all were doing just fine, having just as good of matches and competition after Alicia walked away. She just really wants to believe that anyone really noticed. She just wants to be looked at as a person who is overly important. Because “wrestling” I suppose.
“But” I hear you saying… But Alicia Lukas held the bombshell’s championship for 9 months! She has the most defenses! She’s important! And to that, I say the following…
Meh.
Records are great. But it’s all Alicia will be remembered for. Not for anything outside the ring, not for a moment she created or took part in. Not for a great match, just… she held a championship for a long time, and then lost it, and left. “But” Injuries! She was hurt! I’m sure her pride was hurt quite a bit. It sucks losing a championship. But I can almost guarantee you that Alicia Lukas pride and dignity were hurt far more than her shoulder was.
And that, I guess, is my fault too.
And really, for two reasons.
One, is that even though she won’t say it publicly, she absolutely regrets that I stuck around after Summer XXXtreme. She thought I was about to be a one and done returning legend, just here to make Alicia look legit. She really thought I wasn’t about to come back for round 2. She really believed that I was just here to fight a battle, and I wasn’t prepared to go to war. And after I stuck around and regrouped, Alicia was annoyed. Because she only wanted this fight one time and that would be it. What’s worse is that she’s the one who is going to take credit for “bringing me back” so she had absolutely no one else to blame for it. Because you see, it was Crystal’s fault she lost the first time. And then it was my fault because I turned people against Alicia and made her a sad panda. I ruined the best thing Alicia’s ever had apparently. I’m just so mean and nasty that I remember thinking and hearing that Alicia might not even want to BE at Summer XXXtreme last year. She was THAT upset. Alicia Lukas, the bully on the block, was thinking about not even showing up to face me, in a match she really wanted.
I bullied the bully. I’ll just go ahead and slap myself on the wrist right now. Bad Roxi.
But the really, really important reason is that I did stick around, and after all was said and done, and I earned my second shot at Alicia… I beat her. I started the downward slide for Alicia Lukas and that made her upset. She can’t stand that. Because her first reaction was to be bitter and point the finger at all of you. We all “got what we wanted” And she sulked. She had to be prodded to actually offer a congratulations. And so only did it because she was on the spot. But you can tell someone’s emotional and initial reaction is almost always how they truly feel. So with that, Alicia chose to walk away. Oh, the shoulder injury. Sure, we’ll go with that. Maybe it was hurt. I’m just once again pointing out the weird coincidence of injuries following losses. I mean, I would have been more than happy to give Alicia a rematch, and beat her, in her hometown, but shoulders.
To be fair, Bobbi is truly the one who put Alicia on the shelf, but … Alicia was leaving anyway, so I’ll take like .75 credit for it.
So, here we are now. Alicia is all healed, everything is good, so there should be ZERO excuses, and ZERO leaving after this match, right? Alicia just came back. She’s telling everyone she’s ready. Normally, I wouldn’t have made a request, after all it IS her first match back. But from everything I’m seeing and hearing, she’s ready to go. Everything is all good. Momma’s back. Nothing to worry about with any of that. Momma’s back.
Now, I already know that she’s going to listen to this, and then have to defend her good name because once again I’m bullying the bully. And you know what? That’s okay. So, if we’re going to go through that one more time, I would only ask that Alicia, when she tweets about this, to please tag me, and then Mark Ward and Christian Underwood so we can all see it. Once that’s done, Alicia can take the pacifier out of her mouth and wail and complain all she wants about me and what I’ve been saying here. I just want everyone involved to see it, so there’s no subtweeting, nothing gets put in the dark. We all want to be open and transparent here. After all, a true champion wouldn’t need to hide anything. A true champion wouldn’t need to talk about people without them knowing about it… right?
And that, is one of the reasons I made the challenge in the first place.
But the second is far more personal to me.
And that is because I didn’t get the job done one on one at Summer XXXtreme last year.
No, I lost. I gave Alicia Lukas a highlight. And it bugs me to this day. Because I know I am BETTER than Alicia Lukas. I know I should have won that night, and we wouldn’t even be having any discussion about Alicia Lukas being classed with greats. And that’s my fault. So for that, I apologize. So, I’m going to make up for it on Sunday. I know that you can also sit back and say, but you won the bombshell’s championship from Alicia on the second go around in the Bombshell’s survival match.
You’re right, I did. But in no way am I counting that as a true victory. I am not satisfied with winning when there are other people in the match. I’m not even satisfied with the fact that I pinned her to win the championship in that match. All that did was lessen the blow. That’s the standard I set for myself. It’s not really official until I beat Alicia in the middle of the ring and at least, for now, even the score. I was waiting ever so patiently for her to return for this moment. This match right here. Erase ANY thought that Alicia has of getting anywhere close the Bombshell’s championship any time soon. I challenged Alicia to shut that talk down as quickly as possible. The first time she came through, I wasn’t here. Now I am. Now, I will make sure, that when Alicia even THINKS about getting a championship match, I will be there to make sure she has to go through me to get there.
I watched her walk away once when the heat got intense, well, we’re about to go ahead and turn that heat right back up. I will be the roadblock each and every time she wants to come for the championship. If I could put it in my contract, I would. I want her to think about my face each and every time she thinks about that championship. I want her to remember that not only did I take the championship from her, I will be the one standing right in her way from now on.
You know… After all this, I’m starting to think that… this isn’t like me. I’m supposed to be the “superhero” I’m supposed to treat Alicia like a “final boss” or something. I wasn’t supposed to just say all the things I said because well… it might hurt Alicia’s feelings. Because Alicia respects me and isn’t going to say my name out loud out of respect. She is going to call me disrespectful and say I’m just ruining everything for her.
Last time I checked, this is wrestling. The thing Alicia lives for. Why would it bother her? Guess we’ll see.
If Alicia wants to carve through the competition, I’m waiting. I stepped up and put HER on the spot. She has to run through me. She’s got to beat me. First match back. I am not intimidated or scared by what Alicia is has to cling to so tightly because she has nothing otherwise. I told her all the way back then I would take everything from her. I intend to keep that promise. Alicia Lukas is about to find out that the knife she’s going to try to carve through the division with, is going to be much like her.
DULL.
This is what must be done, and what had to be said.
I make no apologies for my words, I know what I have to do. And on Sunday, I’m putting Alicia Lukas down, and I hope more than anything, that the champion, Andrea Hernandez is watching. Because soon enough, I will be coming for that championship that is around her waist.
The road back to the championship, starts Sunday.
See you there.
