March 13th, 2021 – after Climax Control

Colton Myers wanders around the backstage area where he peeks into different areas before stopping one of the crew backstage.

“I’m lookin’ for Sam Marlowe,” he says to the crewperson who looks around then seeing the redhead, he smiles and points her out for Colton. 

He mutters his thanks and moves down the hallway to where Sam Marlowe is sitting with her hands between her knees, a white piece of paper held there.  Colton moves towards her and then leans against the wall beside her.  “Hey darlin’,“ he says as Sam continues to look at the paper in her hand.  “Ready to head home?”

“Mmhmm,” offers Sam as she glances upward then back at the paper.

“What’s that Sami?” asks Colton as he nods toward the paper.  He nudges at Sam’s shoulder as he pushes his hands into his jacket pockets.

Not looking up, Sam shakes the paper.  “It’s a contract Camo.  It says I get a title shot at the Roulette title at Blaze of Glory,” she answers.  “It was what was in the briefcase.  And once I sign it, I get to face Royal Purple for the Bombshell Roulette title.”

“That’s great isn’t it?” wonders Colton as he doesn’t hear any excitement in the voice of his girlfriend.  “I think you stand a good chance of winning that match, don’t you?”

Sam nods slowly as she sighs and brings the paper up to wave it in front of Colton.  “The odds seem to look that way.  Although I am not so sure that it should be me facing Royal Purple.”

Surprise crosses the face of Colton who can’t believe what he is hearing.  Lowering himself in front of Sam he puts his hands on her knees and raises an eyebrow in confusion.  “Where is this coming from Sam?  You won that ladder match for the briefcase and now that you see that it is a contract for the Roulette title, you are talking like this?  Are you all right?”

Sam looks at Colton and brings her now empty hand to his cheek and smiles at him.  “You know I am darlin’ but from hearing how Christian was talking earlier, I get the hint that he really didn’t want me to win this contract.  But I did…”

“And he knows that when you got into that ring and won that briefcase that you would be the one to take advantage of this opportunity,” he states angrily.  “Besides Sami, you know what you are capable of and you shouldn’t pay any attention to his talk.  You got the match to focus on and if you let this get to you, it is going to not help any.  Him not wanting you to win is not going to be your built-in excuse for losing, because between you and me Sami, you aren’t going to let this make you lose.”

He turns and nuzzles his lips against the palm of Sam’s hand as his own reaches up and caresses against her hand.  Sam giggles softly at the tickle of the stubble on Colton’s chin rubbing against her wrist.  “You’re right as always Colton,” she states as she once more turns to the paper.  Straightening up, she helps Colton up and the pair move towards the sound table.  A crewman is there and Sam asks for a pen.  Taking it in her hand, she turns to Colton and then motions for him to turn around. 

Colton turns and bends over enough for Sam to lay the paper on his back and then sign at the bottom of the contract.  She picks up the paper and offers the pen back to the crew.   The pair them move down the hallway and reaching Christian Underwood’s office, Sam knocks and hears a muffled voice calling for her to come in.

Opening the door, she steps in only a few feet as she calls out.  “Hi Christian, here is the contract, signed and delivered just in time for me to start getting ready to challenge for the Roulette title.”  She moves further into the room and without waiting for Christian to say anything, she puts the contract in front of him and then leaves the room.   Colton holds out his arm for Sam who with a smile tucks her hand into the crook of his elbow.   

“Let’s go home Colton,” she says.  “I have a match to get ready for and win.”

The pair moves along the hallway softly speaking before disappearing around a corner.

 
Sam Marlowe moves into view, dressed in a pair of dark tights and a long silvery shirt that is open at the neck and cap sleeves.  On her feet are black cowboy boots and her hair is pulled up to cascade in a long ponytail down over her left shoulder.  She looks calm as she stops and then begins to speak. 

“Royal Purple…it is quite interesting that you are wearing a belt that I am very familiar with.  A belt that I haven’t worn in a while but it is like an old friend.  Not like a comfortable old shoe or a shiny new toy.  That belt you are wearing is something that I know intimately and trust me when I tell you that I know what it is capable of doing to someone who wears it,” offers Sam in a thoughtful voice.  “I mean I know that when you win it, you feel ten feet tall and bulletproof.  I know because I have lived that.  But being ten feet tall and bulletproof is all just a feeling and a false one at that.  Just because you win a title doesn’t mean that you won’t lose that same title.”

Sam sighs as she looks to the side.  “I bet you are thinking Purple that you have this in the bag.  That you are going to be the one to retain that title at Blaze of Glory because you trained with Mark Cross and that you are some kind of champion that no one can beat.  Sure, you are someone that no one should take lightly because of the fact you were trained by Mark Cross.  Hellfire, I would be crazy to discount that.  Mark Cross…he is a man that has the ability to make champions.  As a matter of fact, he made you a champion.  But can he help you retain that championship when faced with someone that has been there, done that?”

Sam ducks her head as she tosses the ponytail over her shoulder.  “I bet you don’t know it Purple but I was trained by people who have made me a double World Bombshell champion and a four-time Bombshell Roulette champion and a one-time Mixed Tag champion.  You might have heard of Vixen Staggs?  She is the one that trained me when I first signed with Sin City Wrestling.  It was her and her husband that made me the champion I was and after Blaze of Glory, will be again.”

Sam moves closer to the camera and we see that she is standing in front of a wheel that looks very familiar.  Matches are showing on it as Sam’s fingers move along the side of it before she yanks downwards after catching the handle.  The click click of the wheel spinning provides a backdrop to Sam as she begins to speak again.

“I am sure Purple you know that being the Bombshell Roulette champion means that your fate is decided by the spin of this wheel of matches that dictate just how you are going to be defending your title against me at Blaze of Glory.  And don’t get me wrong, I know just how fickle the finger of fate is when it comes to deciding how the belt will be defended or won.  It could stop on an inferno match…” says Sam as she watches the flame colored match spin by.  “Or it could be a ladder match…just like the one that I won to earn my shot against you.  It could be a bra and pantie match although, I am pretty sure that is not going to be what we will be competing in.”

“This roulette wheel will spin us into a match that neither of us are really ready for.  If I am honest, no one is really ready for the unknown.  But if you ask me, I think you are ready enough to step into that ring and put up a fight,” muses Sam as she puts her hands behind her back and rocks back and forth from heel to toe.  “I am counting on it Purple.   I don’t want to step into the ring at the supercard with someone that isn’t ready to give it their all to keep a title that I want back.”

“I have been in your shoes Purple and I can tell you that I know just what you can be capable of.  Heck, you beat Joanna Kreiger for that title and took a chair shot to the face during that match.  And I would be remiss in not telling you that I was impressed.  Beating someone like her makes you a dangerous opponent,” offers Sam.  “I mean actually, I have been watching a lot of what you have done here in the company and I have to say that you are someone that is fast, dangerous and very ring capable.  You are a high flyer that seems to know her way around a ring.  Most probably wouldn’t be able to prepare for you.”

Sam crosses her arms over her chest as she half turns away before turning back.  “Most aren’t me however.  See, I know what I have to do in that ring to take that title away from you.  I know that I have to take you as seriously as a heart attack.  So, I can’t be SCW’s sweetheart when I step into that ring at the supercard.  No, I have to be the Sam Marlowe that set records with the Bombshell Roulette title.  I have to be the Sam Marlowe that holds the longest combined title reigns in Sin City Wrestling.  I have to be the Sam Marlowe that beats you at your own game to add to that legacy I have created.  I want you to know Purple, that Sam Marlowe is coming for her title and there will be nothing you can do to stop me.  You are not going to have a way to prevent me from doing what I want with yourself to win back my title.  Yes, you are champion now…” says Sam with a determined look.  “But after Blaze of Glory, you will not be.  That is a simple truth that I am sharing with you.  I am coming to the supercard with a burning desire to once more wear that belt around my waist and over my shoulder.  I am ready to reclaim the belt and title of Bombshell Roulette champion and at the supercard you will have two options.  You can either step up and give me the fight of the night for that belt or you can step aside and let me once more be the Bombshell Roulette champion that belt deserves.  I hope Purple that you choose the first option because when I beat you, you will have no option left.”

With that, Sam stops speaking and moves out of view leaving the now slowing wheel spinning, the continuous click clack of the pegs hitting the arrow covering the soft click of Sam’s bootheels as she leaves.

The sound of footsteps moving into the light can be heard as Sam Marlowe walks into view.  Dressed in a pair of distressed jeans, unicorn socks and a white button up, Sam looks relaxed as she reaches her hands up and begins to gather her red curls into a high ponytail.  Letting it fall on her left shoulder, she is surprised by a pair of arms wrapping around her waist as Colton Myers lays his chin on her right shoulder.

“Do you really have to go out?” he teases, his soft breath making the short curls brush against her cheek.  “I thought we could relax, Netflix and chill.”

Sam leans back into the embrace with a sigh of pleasure that is cut short by a groan.  “I have some training to do and I am working on something that really needs to be done.  But tell you what…I will get it done as quick as I can then when I get back, we should make some pasta and do that Netflix thingie.”

Colton nods and then plants a kick on the cheek of Sam before releasing her.  She moves towards a pair of black cowboy boots.  Sliding her left foot inside one, she reaches down to pull the boot on by the bootstraps.  Colton watches as he leans on the back of the couch.  “You promise?” he asks with a raised eyebrow.

“Scout’s honor,” Sam vows which only has Colton scoff.

“You were never a scout Sami,” he replies which only has Sam responding with a stuck-out tongue.  She turns to put her foot into the second boot only to be attacked by Colton whose fingers curl along her side and begins to tickle her.  Screaming with laughter, Sam doubles up and tries to fight the attack but isn’t successful as Colton once more wraps his arms around Sam and the pair flip over the back of the couch.

Sam can’t help but scream on the roll but Colton keeps her safe in the movement.  Once the pair were safely on the couch, Sam leans up far enough to swat at the shoulder of Colton.  “You are so lucky that the both of us know how to take a bump.  Now you are making me late darlin’ and if you want me back early, I have to get on to getting’ on,” says Sam with mock anger. 

Colton raises his hands to rest beside his head allowing Sam to straighten up.  She leans over and kisses Colton’s lips before backing away before his arms can trap her once more.  She tsks at the young man and wags her finger.  “Nu uh mister,” she taunts.  “I am out of here.  Be back soon.”  She moves to the closet before pulling out a beat-up bomber jacket and tosses it on.  Catching up a set of keys and purse, Sam waves and leaves the room.

Colton rolls on his side and tucks a hand under his ear as he watches Sam leave.   At the sound of the door closing, he reaches for the remote which brings the television to life.  Pulling the remote upwards, he speaks into the remote.   “Netflix,” he says as the television responds.

Outside, Sam climbs into a green Camaro and then sitting in the driver’s seat, Sam pulls out her cellphone and puts it on the dash.  She sparks the engine to life before pulling out of the driveway.  She waves to her neighbor who is outside with a rather small dog who barks a greeting in return.  The car pulls away.   Inside of the car, Sam reaches up to press the camera app on the screen then swipes to video before pressing record and speaking to the camera with the throb of the engine as background noise.

It is that time again when the bombshells and superstars of SCW sign their names on the dotted line and enter into a tournament that is a relative creative idea.  Of course, lethal lottery tag team matches have been done before but since I have been involved in wrestling and Sin City Wrestling, this is the only company where I have seen a lethal lottery of mixed tag teams.  And yeah, this ain’t my first time in this rodeo.

See I know what could happen when the names are drawn.  I have been there for as couple of years and I have had some interesting partners.  I have been eliminated in the first round…I have made it to the semifinals and I even make it to the final match.  This tournament is something that I have dreaded and I have looked forward to.  And now it is here and I am getting ready to once more step into the fire that is the tournament. 

Firstly, I want to address my partner, Joshua Acquin.  I have heard about you and I have seen what you are capable of.  I must say that the odds are pretty good that the two of us could go all the way.  Others would say that you have a partner that could drag you down and out but I want you to know that I am not going to let you down if I can help it.  I am taking this match this week seriously and if that means that I need to step my game up, consider it done.  You and I have never teamed before and I am looking forward to this partnership in the tournament.   

Now let me address my opponents this week.  Bill Barnhart and Maki.  Another team that was put together by the luck of the draw.  And what an interesting team if I do say so myself.  First you have Bill Barnhart who is a wily veteran and someone who has earned the respect of the superstar locker room.  I have the same healthy respect for you Bill but that isn’t going to stop me from hoping that my partner is going to be just a little bit better than you are in our match.   

However, you are not my real focus in this match.  The company doesn’t really condone intergender matches so my focus has to be on your partner, Maki. 

Sam’s attention is taken by the traffic that is beginning to get heavier.  She moves towards quieter streets and continues to speak.

Maki, I remember you quite well considering the beating you gave me and trust me I still feel some of that pain when I train.  And I also have a very healthy respect for you because I have been in the ring with you.  And I am sure that you are going to be just as tough to beat in the ring as you were before. 

You may not think that I am going to be able to be ready for you in the ring.  I have to say that wehen I found out that you were part of the team that I was facing in the opening round of the Blast for the Past tournament, I felt the bottom drop out from under me for the slimmest of moments.  I know you know that I am someone that you can’t take lightly but you do hold a win over me so that might just make you cocky enough to think that I am not going to be able to beat you this week.  I hate to be the bearer of bad news Maki however, I am preparing for this match with an intensity that may just surprise you.  I know you are very dangerous in the ring and I know that you have the skills and ability to beat anyone in this tournament.  I respect that ability and I am not going to let it scare me.  I may be tagging with the SCW Nightmare and you are also a nightmare for most women in this company.  The fact that you aren’t wearing gold doesn’t mean that you aren’t a threat to be taken seriously.

The sound of the engine gearing down makes counterpoint to Sam’s voice.  She focuses on the road for a few moments before she once more addresses the cell phone. 

Maki, regardless of the outcome of the match, I want you to know that it will be a pleasure to have shared the ring with you and challenging your confidence of beating me once more.  However, I want you to know that I AM challenging that defeat and winning this match to once more put us on the same level.  I am not scared by you Maki which means that I am not afraid to step up to you and bring the fight to you for advancing in this tournament.

Sam stops talking as once more the engine whines down gear.  With a small smile, Sam looks at the camera before she leans towards it as her hand turns the key to cut the engine.  Before she exits the vehicle, she addresses the camera one final time.

I want to wish you and Bill good luck Maki.  It is going to be a great match and we will make it memorable.  And win or lose, you are going to realize that you were in a fight and that if you win the match, you earned it however, when we win the fight, you will know it was because for that match, we were the better team in that fight.

Sam reaches up and presses the stop button.  Pulling the cell from the holder on the dash, Sam pockets it and leaves the car.  She looks up at the building where she had arrived and with a smile, she enters the television station.


Sam Marlowe can be seen sitting behind a news desk where she is seen tapping papers on the top of it as she straightens them up.  Dressed in a blazer over a white blouse and blue tie, she looks cool and professional.  Behind the camera, the sound of a teletype can be heard, an old-fashioned nod to news shows of the past.  Looking into the camera, Sam begins to speak in a rather pointed news reporter type of way.

“Good evening, I am Sam Marlowe and tonight on SCW News, our top story is one of fake news and a human interest story of delusions and lack of respect for someone’s successes and achievements,” says the redhead as she then turns to a second camera and addresses it. 

“They say that those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it,” begins newscaster Sam.  “We have the Blast from the Past tournament in Sin City Wrestling where Sam Marlowe is teaming with Joshua Acquin.  Their opponents are none other than Maki and Bill Barnhart.  Now the rules of the tournament is that men face men and women face women.   So stepping into the ring with Maki, Sam Marlowe had the following to say…”

On the monitor, a split screen happens showing Sam standing there in the white button down and jeans as she addresses the camera focused on her.

“Oh gosh, Maki is going to be a challenge for sure.  I mean she did beat me before and she definitely has a winning record in this company.  If you were to ask anyone just how dangerous she is on a scale of one to ten, they would probably say a twelve.  In all actuality, many could see her as leading her team to winning this tournament and earning herself a shot at the bombshell world title,” says Sam with a toss of her head and a worried look on her face.  “But you know that I ain’t spooked by that thought.  I know that to beat Maki will be something I am going to be forced to do and when I do, it is going to be as big boost to move on into the round of eight.”

Newscaster Sam addresses a camera with the split screen remaining on the monitor indicating that Sam is still there ‘in person’.  “Sam, you have heard that Maki is going to be gunning to win the match and she has indicated that she is ready to go all the way to the finals.  What do you have to say to that?”

On the screen, Sam appears to be listening before addressing the question.  “Well, what can I say, she has every right to be confident.  I would think that given her skills, she could very well do it.  I won’t be the one to say that she can’t because I know better.  The first time you doubt your opponent, that is when they beat you.  And I don’t doubt that she can do it.  But will she is the question?”

Newecaster Sam nods in understanding.  “I do want to address the comments from your opponent Bill Barnhart.  Earlier this week he talked about you like you were nothing to worry about.  How will that affect your confidence in the ring?” she asks.

“Oh I am not worried about what he said Ms Marlowe,” offers Sam.  “I don’t know if he knows just what I have done.  I managed to hear what he said and he is very wrong when he talks about what I have done.  I don’t know where he got his facts but everything that he said was shortchanging my career,” says Sam sadly.

“You are right and Sam, we brought in an expert on stats and facts.  SCW hall of famer and multiple time champion Mercedes Vargas provided us with the following…” reports Sam as the screen once more divides with a window showing Sam wearing a Mercedes Vargas tee and a rather long brunette wig.  The chyron reads ‘Not the real Mercedes Vargas’.  “Mercedes, can you correct the impression that Bill Barnhart has gained about Sam Marlowe?”

“Well yes I can,” offers the fake Mercedes as she looks down at the papers in front of her.  “You see, Sam Marlowe has won more than just two titles in Sin City Wrestling.  Let me give you a bit of a history lesson.”  Coughing as she holds up the papers, she then walks towards a whiteboard and picks up a marker and begins to write numbers down on the board.

“First, Samantha Marlowe has won the Bombshell World title twice, the Bombshell Roulette championship four times and the World Mixed Tag titles once.  She also holds the following records…” begins the faux Mercedes.  “As World Bombshell champion, she has held the title for a combined one hundred and five days.  But it was as Bombshell Roulette champion that she has shone.  Sam Marlowe has held that title on four separate occasions.  She holds the longest singles reign at two hundred and thirty one days.  She also holds the record for most combined days at six hundred and nine days over four reigns, and the records for both most single defenses at six and combined defenses at thirteen.”

Newscaster Sam looks impressed.  “That is quite impressive,” she comments only to be interrupted by the video of faux Mercedes once more. 

“Now, Sam is the only champion that has had four separate one hundred day reigns and one reign of over two hundred days.  She is also the only combined four hundred, five hundred and six hundred day combined reigns.  If you ask me, she is someone more than what Bill Barnhart thinks she is,” insists the faux Mercedes before she is silenced and newscaster Sam once more speaks.

“Thank you, Mercedes Vargas, for your insight on how capable Sam Marlowe is.  So, Sam, this week you are facing Maki and Bill and I am sure that you have been training for the match.  Do you have any last thoughts for your opponents?”

The image of Sam in her street clothes nods and puts her hands on her hips.  She thinks for a moment then speaks slowly and softly.  “Yes, I want to talk to my opponents and let them know that before the match, they have my total respect.  And after the match, they will still have my respect.  But during the match, when push comes to shove and there is a win or a loss on the line, I will tell you that I am driven to take the win.  So respectfully telling you now, there is going to be nothing you will be able to do in that match to prevent me from coming to beat you Maki or for Joshua coming to beat you Bill.  I am on a mission and that means that you are the roadbump on my way to earning the shot at the Bombshell World title.  Sunday’s Climax Control is the first step on flattening that curve.”

Sam smiles as the image freezes.  Newscaster Sam once more addresses the cameras to the side. 

“Sam Marlowe sounding very confident this week as she prepares to face Maki and Bill Barnhart in the opening round of the Blast from the Past tournament.  This is Sam Marlowe for Sin City Wrestling News and we return you to your regularly scheduled program…” says the newscaster before the image is sent to snow.


Colton Myers is on the couch with his feet up as the door opens to reveal Sam who walks in and lays her purse down on the table inside the door then pulls the bomber jacket from her shoulders.  Colton looks over his shoulder towards the redhead who moves towards the couch where he is sitting.  “So, Sami, you get done what you needed to do?” he asks before turning to the television again.

“Yes I did, managed to get something done to address the match this week.  And had a little fun doing it,” replies Sam as she moves towards the kitchen, stopping when she spies the dining room done up with candles and wine chilling. 

Colton gets to his feet and moves behind Sam to guide her to the kitchen.  “Wash up and help me bring dinner out,” he says pointing her towards the sink.  Nodding, she washes up then grabs a small basket of bread as Colton dishes out the pasta.  The two of them get to the dining room and sit down.  Sam is helped into her chair then smiling at Colton who moves across the table, she picks up her fork and picks up a mouthful of pasta to bring to her lips.

“Mmmm Camo, this is so good,” she says around the bite which makes Myers laugh.  “How was your day without me?”

“Long and boring,” he replies.  “Did you manage to talk about your match?”

“Oh yeah I did,” Sam responds.  “I have to tell you Camo, I was confident and cool and ready for the match but this is going to be a real challenge.” 

“Why do you say that Sami?” Colton asks.

“This whole lethal lottery means you team up with someone that you might never have teamed up with before and it means that you need to adapt to their style and you are at the mercy of your partner…or they are at your mercy.  Between you and me, I hope that Joshua Acquin and I are able to adapt to each other quickly or we will be losing the match.  The only saving grace is that Maki and Bill are in the same boat.”

“Let me tell you something Sami,” begins Colton as he points at the redhead with his fork.  “You don’t need to think about what your partner is going to do, you just focus on what you need to do to beat Maki and let this Joshua worry about beating Bill.  You get into your head and you aren’t going to be able to take the fight to Maki.  And my girl is ready to do what she can to win, right?”

“Right…” answers Sam as she nods and takes another bite of the pasta.  The scene fades out on the pair talking softly as they enjoy their dinner.

Very late at night after Climax Control 287

The soft ding from a microwave can be heard.  Boots can be heard moving along the tile of the kitchen as Colton moves to open the oven and removes a bundle that he begins to bobble from the heat.  He turns and with an elbow, sends the door of the microwave closed then heads towards the stairs nearby.  Walking quickly up to the second level, he pushes his way into the bedroom where a figure can be seen prone on the bed, the pillows muffling the soft groans of pain.

“Almost there darlin’,” he calls as he kneels on the bed forcing a louder groan from Sam who is laid out on her stomach.  As gently as he can, he lays the warmed bundle on the lower back of a lightly covered Sam Marlowe who rises at the heat against the blanket.  A soft moan of relief escapes as she once more lays down.  “You know Sam, you really need to take care of yourself.  That pretzel hold you were in did a number on your back.”

“I wish I could Colton,” mutters Sam as she turns her head to face Colton.  “I have to get ready for this coming show because I finally got what I have been asking for.  I can’t let this little bit of pain stop me.” 

Colton lightly runs his hand on the back of Sam drawing a hiss of pain from the redhead.  Shaking his head, he leans over on an elbow as he watches Sam try to relax.  “Honestly you can’t tell me that you are going to be ready for next week,” he comments as his hand plays with the hair on Sam’s cheek.  She smiles up at Colton.  “That…person…really did a number on you.  Then Christian Underwood giving you that title shot this coming Sunday.  It is like he is looking to have you lose the match or something.  I saw who you are going to be facing and let me tell you Sam, you need to forfeit.”

Sam brings her arms under her body and arches up to shake her head.  Another soft hiss escapes her before she finds a comfortable spot to relax.  “Camo, let me tell you something and I want you to listen really carefully.  I know that Tempest bent me double the wrong way and it hurts like hellfire right now but that doesn’t mean that I am not going to be in the ring next Sunday when I get a chance to regain what I should never have lost.  I have done it before where I have been in no condition to be in the ring but when you are the Bombshell Roulette champion or challenger, you don’t worry about the pain, you worry about dealing it out to your opponent.  It’s like that quote in The Replacements…’pain heals, chicks dig scars...Glory…lasts forever.’  Trust me Colton, I know what I am doing.”

Colton hangs his head and brings a hand up to pinch at the bridge of his nose.  Sam can see him fighting with the logic she presented and smiles into the crook of her arm.  Turning back at the ‘mmhmm’ from Colton she sees him wagging his finger at her.  “Don’t think I didn’t see that Sammi!” he exclaims with a growl.  “I can’t believe you think you are going to be ready for Joanna Krieger next week.  That woman looks like some kind of machine you know.  And as much as you say you can handle it Sam I know that she is out to prove something in the bombshell division.”

“I get it Camo, really I do,” says Sam as she reaches behind her back and pulls the bundle from it.  “I know that Joanna is one tough wrestler but you know that I will be ready for the match.  I have a reputation of being a tough competitor myself when it comes to the Bombshell Roulette title.  Darlin’ before you came back into my life, I was known as the one to try and beat for the Bombshell Roulette title and that meant I would be in matches that would make you shudder then the next week have to be ready to be in the ring once again.  I hold almost all the records as Bombshell Roulette champion and there is one record I need to take back and that is the most title reigns as champion.”

“You put yourself in way too much danger Sam,” he admits as he leans back against the headboard where he is joined by Sam who rests her head against his shoulder.  He grimaces as he hears the soft whimper of pain then reaches for the warm bundle to nestle it once more against her lower back.  “I am behind you Sam but you gotta promise me that you aren’t going to do anything crazy next Sunday…”

Sam lays a finger over the lips of Colton stopping him mid comment.  “You can’t ask that of me darlin’,” she whispers.  “The whole concept of the Bombshell Roulette title match is the unpredictability of the match type.  I can’t promise it won’t be crazy but I will promise that I will take care of myself in that ring.”  Sam’s comment fades into a yawn as she cuddles closer to Colton.  Laying her head on his shoulder, she lets her eyes drift closed and her hand moves to his chest.

Across the room, a standing mirror shows the redhead on his shoulder.  Addressing the room, he sighs.  “You are a crazy woman Sammi but you know I will be watching and worrying about you when you go chargin’ in.  And I will be there to take care of you when it is all over.”

 
Sam Marlowe walks along a hallway, her body showing no effects from the attack from last week.  Dressed in a pair of cut off jeans and a Vixen tee, Sam is carrying a yoga mat and has a camera bag tossed over her shoulder.  The familiar hall of Sam’s house leading to the gym room has pictures leading towards the room.  In each, Sam appears in different matches with title belts etched across the corner of each match image.  The majority show Bombshell Roulette matches that has Sam glancing at each as she moves closer to the room.  Opening the door, she steps into the room to set down the yoga mat and the bag. 

“This is going to be interesting,” she says to the empty room as she unzips the bag and begins to pull a small video camera and tripod out of it.  Setting up the tripod, she then sets the camera on it before pressing play on it.  The camera films Sam as she sets up the yoga mat and pulls out a towel and bottle of water.  Moving to sit on the mat, she turns to face the camera and begins to speak.

“I thought that I might talk to you while I prepared to face you Joanna.  I mean I could stand around and just talk like it was no big deal to face you for the belt.  But if I did that then I wouldn’t be honest about this match because Joanna, this match is a big deal,” comments Sam as she reaches her hands upward to stretch out her back, a slight grimace of pain crossing her face.  “I know that when it comes to challenging you, I need to be ready for anything because you are that good at what you do.  I am taking this match as serious as a heartattack and I want you to know that I consider it an honor that you actually considered saying yes to my challenge.”

Sam adjusts her position and moves into another pose, this one twisting her body to force her back to stretch more.

“I know what you must be thinking,” offers Sam as she smiles almost to herself.  “Last week I was attacked by Tempest and she made me a human pretzel.  I was there and trust me when I tell you that it was quite painful.  And most people would be thinking that I shouldn’t be challenging for your title because I wouldn’t be one hundred percent in the ring.  That is a real threat and a ready-made excuse should I lose.  Sad part about that though is I am not coming to that match looking for excuses, I am coming to give you the fight of your career.”

Stretching once more, Sam gracefully makes her way to her feet and then rolls her shoulders as she begins to twist at the waist, her face not registering the pain she must be feeling as the camera can only film the soft smile that Sam offers it.

“I knew that I wanted to once more step into the Bombshell Roulette division because I saw the one person that I wanted to face…well after Myra Rivers that is.  But I think that you are going to offer me something that I don’t think I have had to face since I faced Myra.  Sure, you probably respect the fact that I am who I am.  And I definitely respect you considering what you have done in your short time in SCW.  And in all honesty, this match given that it is with someone that tough and that dangerous does have me a little worried,” offers Sam with a slight look of worry.  “I mean you know that I do have this bad back and all…”

Sam’s hand moves to her lower back, rubbing it slowly as she pauses and thinks.  “Bad back notwithstanding, you have to realize that I am not going to let that stand in the way on Sunday.  I don’t know how much history you know about me or if you talked to anyone about what I am capable of but when it comes to big matches, I always seem to rise to the occasion.  Take for instance, my first title win here in SCW…I was chosen by the Bombshell champion of the time, Mikah, to challenge for her Bombshell World title and I did the impossible…I beat her to take her title.”  Sam sighs at the memory.  “I rose to the occasion because at the time, no one had beaten Mikah so I got it into my head to win that match and I did.”

“Speaking of firsts, my first Bombshell Roulette title match was a triple threat against Jessie Salco and Chelsea Payne.  Jessie you know about but Chelsea isn’t as well known and do you know why that is?” questions Sam as she bows her head slightly.  “That night when I won the title I put her on the shelf and she hasn’t wrestled much since.”

“I am also sure that you have probably done your homework about me as well.  You must know that I hold some of the records with the Bombshell Roulette title,” Sam says as she once more begins to move into a yoga position that puts strain on her back.  “Some people seem to think that my name is synonymous with the Bombshell Roulette title and to prove that you are a deserving champion, you need to beat me.  Okay, I will admit I have done some great things with the title but I am not undefeatable.  Yeah, I have lost a time or two.”  Sam guffaws slowly with a giggle.  “And when I lose, one of two things happen…I go into a losing spiral for a bit, questioning myself and why I am here.  Or conversely, I become driven to win and set my sights on a goal.  This match coming up Sunday is the second one.”

Stopping her workout, Sam looks directly at the camera.  She crosses her arms and speaks out as if Joanna were in front of her.

“Joanna, I want you to know that I see you as the challenge I need at this time,” Sam says intently.  “You are someone that makes me want to prove everyone wrong.  You are someone that makes me want to show everyone of the Bombshells of SCW that I am unbreakable…even when I am not at one hundred percent.  And trust me, I will not be at one hundred percent on Sunday, I am going to be at one hundred and ten percent.  That is what you deserve from me and I aim to please when it comes to giving people a challenge.”

“You know I was the one that put it out there that I wanted the shot at the Bombshell Roulette championship and much respect to you, you were the only one that accepted it which says a lot about how confident of a champion you have to be to accept my challenge.  The question remains, is it because you are confident or is it because you need to prove to yourself that by beating the bombshell who represents what the Bombshell roulette title dominance could be, would cement yourself as a champion who will be dominant with the title by beating all comers,” offers Sam.  “Between you and me Joanna, this is definitely going to be a challenge not just for you but for me too.  It has been quite a while since I was a champion and the drive and desire to be champion again is starting to burn inside me.  Just as I am sure the desire to retain the Bombshell Roulette title must be burning inside you,” adds Sam as she slowly moves towards the camera.  Stopping, she leans towards the lens and smiles.  “I wonder which fire burns hotter?”

Sam reaches out to pick up the camera and looks directly at it.  “Joanna, kudos to you for accepting the challenge I put out there and thank you.  And good luck on Sunday in your attempt to retain the belt.  I may be cocky to say attempt but when it comes down to it, I am starting to feel really confident that I am going to be giving you a little bit more than you can handle in that ring and when it comes to the finish, it is going to be my arm that is raised with the belt held tightly in my hand.”

“See you in the ring Sunday Joanna.”

Sam pushes stop on the camera and then sets it aside.  Returning to the yoga mat, she begins to strike another pose to stretch out as she prepares for the Bombshell Roulette title match she will be competing in at Climax Control.

 

A dark haired young woman paces back and forth between a chaise and a wingbacked chair that looks out the window of a rather drab room.  Sitting at the desk nearby, Ivy can be seen typing away at a laptop while she watches Apple pace.

Ivy:  Milady, you are going to make yourself tired if you keep your pacing up.  I have been talking to everyone at the consulate and I have been informed that the prime minister has put the country on lockdown so you won’t be allowed to go back to England.

Apple Coren turns to Ivy and tugging at her sleeve of the blouse she is wearing, she can be heard to huff softly.

Apple Coren:  So you are saying that I am stuck here in this god awful city with nothing to do?  This is a bloody boring life Ivy.  I need to do something!

Ivy looks at the screen of the laptop then smiles up at the young woman.

Ivy:  Well milady, you do have something to do if I am honest.  I have just checked on your email and you have been booked by Sin City Wrestling for this week’s Climax Control.  You are facing…

Ivy pauses to once more look at the screen then up at Apple.

Ivy:  Someone named Alice Knight. 

Apple stops and stares at Ivy who cringes slightly.  Apple moves forward and putting her hands on the desk in front of the laptop, she leans forward, her dark hair hanging along her cheeks.

Apple Coren:  What are you talking about Ivy?  I haven’t wrestled in SCW for bloody ages.  And now they have booked me to face some unknown person named Alice Knight?  I get it, you are joking aren’t you?  It is a rather bad joke Ivy.

Ivy looks sheepishly at the brunette who has straightened up and begun to pace once more.

Ivy:  I am not lying or joking ma’am.  You are contractually obligated to be at Climax Control this Sunday.   I suppose that you should give some kind of promotional speech about this match.  I could record it for you.

Apple sighs and nods.  She moves towards the door that opens off the room they are in.  Stopping before she disappears, she turns back to Ivy.

Apple Coren:  Research my opponent Ivy while I get into something a little more comfortable and on the level of this opponent of mine.  I will be back in moments.

With this comment, Apple disappears as the sound of nails tapping on the keyboard is heard from Ivy.  Twenty minutes later, Apple appears again dressed in a pair of tights in a royal blue with a poison green apple on the front of the left leg.  She has a matching royal blue halter with an apple that has the initials ‘AC’ on it.  Ivy sees her and then reaches for the camera she had prepared. Getting to her feet, she watches as Apple pulls her hair back into a high ponytail that hangs over her shoulder.  As Ivy points the camera at Apple, she begins to speak.

Apple Coren:  I have to say that I am rather gutted that I have been given a match at Climax Control this week.  I mean it is rather disrespectful that I am forced to sit back to watch as everyone else is booked and in the spotlight.  It is like I am an afterthought to the management of Sin City Wrestling.  But that is fine because I am sure that they really don’t know what to do with me so they let me sit back and lose interest in being a wrestler.

Apple Coren:  I mean really, if you expect your talent to remain capable, one would think you would actually use that talent but no, you would rather just leave me off the program until you need someone to work a match with some nobody or even worse, a neverwas.  Which is it this week hmmm?

Apple Coren:  I am facing someone called Alice Knight and my assistant tells me that she is a rather eclectic person…which to me says that she is rather like a bedlamite on a day pass.  Little bit crazy and a lot of no talent, help me I am soooo in need of something special.  And so they are making me face her…which I am sure they were thinking that she would just be someone that would make me roll over and let her have it easy in the ring.

Apple Coren:  Well Alice, let me lead you down the rabbit hole shall I?  This match you are in is against me, someone that you have never faced before and I am sure you don’t have any clue about.  And that is fine, just means that you have no clue about what I am capable of.  You see, I am sure you are like everyone else thinking that ‘Oh, I am facing a bombshell whose record is rather dismal.  Keep thinking that.  Because when it comes to wanting a win, I take it at any cost.

Apple Coren:  Now you could come to the match all hopped up on your return.  You have probably had Christian kissing your…well, talking you up for your return and to make it worth your while he put you against me.  Poor you Alice…he set you up for a loss on your very first match back.  I suppose though you think that I will be as easily defeated as the Jabbawocky however, I will not be beaten on Sunday. 

Apple Coren:  This is not going to be a wonderland for you Alice.  I am not the White Queen nor am I the Queen of Hearts.  I am actual royalty, her ladyship Apple Coren and on Sunday, you are going to realize just how much better I am than you. 

Apple Coren:   I will see you on Sunday Alice.  And with that, this is over Ivy. 

Ivy looks at Apple who has moved to the wingback chair and then relaxes into the plushness of it before the image blinks out.

The door to the office cracks open which gets the attention of Doctor Evans who looks up with her glasses resting on the tip of her nose.  Her blonde hair is pulled back and held up with a pencil that is stuck into a messy bun.

“Yes?”

“Your two o’clock is here Doctor,” says the young woman who has poked her head through the door.  Doctor Evans nods and stands up behind her desk and walks around it as the woman steps back and a familiar redhead walks into the room.

“Hello Sam,” says Doctor Evans as she moves to her wingback chair.  “How goes the day?”

“I am good doctor, but I thought I would come talk to you.  To be honest, there might be a little bit of superstition as well as wanting to talk to someone about what is still going on with me and so…here I am,” says Sam as she moves closer to sit on the chair opposite the doctor.

“That is what I am here for,” says the doctor as she reaches over to pull out a book and pen.  Opening it on her lap, the doctor smiles at Sam who smiles back.  “So tell me what you are talking about.”

“I don’t know if you understand us sports people but if something starts being a lucky thing, we tend to continue doing it to keep our luck going,” Sam says as she rubs her hand against the soft curls near her ear.  “Well, since I started seeing you, I began to start on a winning streak.”

“Sam, you know as well as I do, this superstitious reaction is nothing but a false sense of accomplishment due to a perceived situation that you could say is ‘lucky’,” says the doctor, her hands moving upwards to put air quotes around the word lucky.  “Now, do you not think that you have the skill to have been able to get the wins yourself?  I am sure that you do.”

“I am sure too but just in case…” mutters Sam as she takes the hand that is rubbing through her curls to tap lightly with her fist against her head.  “Knock on wood that I keep winning.  So where were we from last time?”

The doctor looks down at her book and then back up at Sam.  “Why don’t you tell me Sam.  The last time we spoke, you were facing Seleana Zdunich in a match.  How did that go?”

Sam brightens up as she leans towards the doctor while resting her elbows on her knees.  “I got the win in that match Doctor.  Oh it was close a couple of times but I focused right on what I needed to accomplish and I got the win in a graveyard.  Then…”

“You had the match in a graveyard?” demands the doctor, shock on her face as she writes something in her book.  “Isn’t that a creepy place to wrestle?”

“Oh it is, and to win, I had to put Seleana in a grave.  It was the Halloween show and well it tends to have some spooky stipulations.  Anyways, I put Seleana into a grave and won the match.  Then I got myself into a bit of a problem with Andrea Hernandez because I found something funny that she did.  So she decided to try to get under my skin with her little merchandising ideas of a poster with a red ex on my face.  I think there was some kind of misunderstanding but you know what?  It doesn’t bother me and if I am honest, I think it bothered Andrea more that I wasn’t too upset with the poster,” admits Sam as she then leans back.

“If that is the case, did you try to talk to her about it?” asks the doctor.  Shaking her head, Sam sighes.  “I guess that is a no,” the doctor says almost to herself.

“Got it in one,” admits Sam.  “But back to the luck thing, this week I am facing Violet Holt in a match and I am one and oh against her.  Which means that I am coming to talk to you for my pep talk.  I mean Violet is good…she’s been a champion in SCW but I don’t think that she is going to be able to beat me this week.  After all, I have this visit and…”

“Sam, I am not a coach and luck is something you make for yourself,” insists the doctor. 

“I know, I know,” says Sam as she rolls her eyes.  “But doesn’t hurt you know.  Also, I wanted to offer you something as well.  I wanted to invite you to see what I do.  I brought you some tickets to the show.  I figured that if I was making you my good luck charm, I needed a little quid pro quo,” teases Sam. 

The doctor closes the book in her lap as Sam reaches to the bag on the floor at her feet and pulls out a small piece of paper with the SCW logo on it.  She holds it out to the doctor who looks at it like it is some kind of snake.  Sam shakes it slightly and holds it closer.  The doctor takes it and begins to read it as Sam stands up. 

“Thanks Doctor, I will see you Sunday,” says Sam as she makes her way to the door.

“But you still have forty minutes Sam,” the doctor says with a raised eyebrow.

“I don’t think that I need it,” replies Sam.  “Like you said, I make my own luck.    Besides, with you coming to the show, we can talk again and I will have my good luck charm there at the show with me.”

Sam winks before ducking out of the office with the laughter of Doctor Evans following her.  Doctor Evans stands and moves to her desk where she places the tickets in the drawer and sits down to dictate something into a small recorder that she picks up and presses record.


Sam Marlowe walks along a small stage in a quiet room of Escape.  She stops at the very edge of it where she looks down at a tripod that has a camera mounted on it.  Behind it, Colton Myers smiles at Sam as he leans down to see if she is in focus then nods at her.

Dressed in a pair of dark jeans and a black and white Sam tee, she looks comfortable as she looks right into the camera and begins to speak.

“Well once more I am getting ready for Climax Control and a match that everyone is probably thinking that I will have in the bag.  And if I was cocky enough, I would say that yeah, I am ready for Violet Holt.  Knowing who she is and what she is capable of, makes me realize that I shouldn’t be flippant,” offers Sam as she slides her hands into her pockets.  “I mean, anyone can have a good day and everyone can have a bad day.  I know I have been there and done that and that is the problem.”

Sam begins to pace on the stage with Colton following her with the camera.

“Violet, I want you to know that I am thinking back to the last time we met in the ring and the fact that I got a win that night.  Sure, you did some pretty hard beating of me but I returned each and every move with one of my own and just when you thought you had it won, I pulled out the victory,” offers Sam.  “Which has me thinking about this week on Climax Control.  I am sure that you are out to prove that my win was just a one time thing and that you definitely just had an off night.”  Sam stops to look thoughtfully into the camera.  “But did you really have an off night that night?”

“We both know that both of us have been on win streaks and losing streaks and both of us have been champions so each of us are a threat in the ring at anytime.  And it is true, you have worn the Roulette title and won it from the woman that beat me so logically that means you are better than me when it comes to the roulette title.  And I agree, your win over Candy for that belt was pretty good.  However, that was Candy, that wasn’t me.”

Sam turns again to the camera and moves to the edge of the stage.  She sits and then crosses her legs as she puts her hands on her knees to talk to the camera as if it was Violet herself. 

“And just think that last time I was in the ring, I beat Seleana Zdunich who won the Roulette title from you.  So, the argument of who is better is kinda moot when you get right down to it Violet.  Maybe then we just have to go on the merits of our skills in the ring.  Both of us will have to be on our best game this week considering what it at stake,” says Sam which has Colton straightening up with a confused look on his face.

“What’s at stake darlin’?” he asks slowly.

“Oh Camo, the only thing at stake this week is a win and bragging rights,” offers Sam with a shrug.  “There are going to be no titles on the line so that is out the window.  Maybe the fact that Violet will want to correct the mistake of her loss against me from before will add to the fight.  And I wouldn’t blame Violet for wanting to prove something.  Just as I hope that she won’t blame me for wanting to prove something too,” adds Sam.

Nodding in understanding, Colton begins to film Sam once more as she lets her one leg swing slightly.  “I get it Violet, I really do.  Proving something gives you that little extra oomph in a match where anything can happen.  Like my daddy used to say, the sun does sometimes shine on a dog’s derriere once in a while.  So maybe on Sunday, the odds may be in your favor.”

Sam’s head bobs slightly as a smile slowly breaks across her face.  “The odds may be in your favor but to be honest, I don’t really think that they will be.  Violet, you know what burns my behind?”

“A flame about three feet high?” calls out Colton with a smirk that causes Sam to giggle. 

“Seriously Colton, why did you do that?” demands Sam once she catches her breath from laughter.  “Now I lost my train of what I was going to say.  I guess that I could sum up what is about to happen on Climax Control with the following…”

The laughter fades and a serious look crosses the face of Sam Marlowe as she stares down the lens of the camera.

“Sunday night Violet is not going to be a lucky night for you at all.  You are going to be in the ring with someone that has put herself on a path that is going to lead me back to gold and if that means that I have to run you over to get there, I apologize now.  I will be so sorry for you having to lose the match but so not sorry for beating you one two three.  I am coming for another win Violet and that means I am going to have to beat you to do it,” says Sam with conviction.   

Colton reaches up and presses stop on the camera then moving around it, he approaches the stage where Sam has sat at the edge of.  Standing right in front of her, he pushes a curl behind her ear.  “You don’t sound like you are too worried about the match darlin’,” says Colton as he leans in to put his forehead against Sam’s.

“I ain’t worried at all,” offers Sam with a smile.  “I know it is going to be a fight but it is going to be a fight that I am going to be ready for.”

Sam leans up to plant her lips against Colton’s as he leans in to plant his hands on either side of Sam’s thighs.  The two are lost in each other as we leave them in the drama room of Escape.

A redhead can be seen in an office, sitting quietly on a low sofa.  She appears lost in thought as her fingers flex and knit together in nervousness.  The door cracks open which has Sam Marlowe jumping slightly with a nervous laugh.

“I am sorry miss,” says the woman who pushes a pair of horn rimmed glasses up her nose while she turns to close the door of the office.  “I am Doctor Evans and what brings you in today?”

Sam brings her fingers together for a moment before setting her hands on either side of her legs as she offers a smile at the doctor.  “I was told to find someone to talk to about what is going on with me.  I have been rather troubled lately…”

Seating herself in the chair near the sofa, the doctor opens a book and picking up a pen, she looks at Sam. “Daddy issues?” the doctor inquires with a slight tilt of her head to which Sam looks surprised.  Quickly shaking her head, Sam is about to say something but the doctor continues.  “If it isn’t daddy issues, then does it involve a man?”

“Gosh no,” says Sam as she brings a hand up to brush her hair behind her ear.  “I have a boyfriend and everything is great with us.  My problem is lack of confidence and well, if I am honest, my sister.”  Sam rolls her eyes slowly as the doctor writes in the book. 

“Tell me what the problem with your sister is and why it is affecting you,” offers the doctor as Sam begins to fidget again.

“All my life, my sister has been the one that has always gotten the attention and the one who’s shadow I have been fighting to get out of,” begins Sam.  “She is the one that I have had to listen to about my career and I can’t help but validate her opinions when I lose…”

“Lose?  Lose what may I ask?”

Sam looks up at the doctor before shaking her head and lightly hitting it with her finger against her temple.  “Oh, I am sorry, I forgot to tell you who I am.  I am Samantha Marlowe and I am a wrestler with Sin City Wrestling.  My sister Cyn puts me down so much that when I lose it sends me spiralling into a place that is really dark.  Then I pull myself up with a few wins until she once more sends me downward.  And it doesn’t help that she took my boyfriend…”

The doctor is making notes, the occasional hum escaping her which prompts Sam to talk more.

“Now it seems when it comes to facing people in the ring, I am not in the right mind to think that I can do it,” says Sam.  “But now I want to get back into the right frame of mind and well Camo suggested I find someone to talk to…”

“And Camo is?” demands the doctor.

“He’s my boyfriend,” says Sam before she notices the doctor’s eyebrow raise slighty.  “Oh no,” she adds holding up her hand.  “He isn’t the one that she stole.  He is my strongest supporter and he is great.  He was he one that suggested I come and see you to help with my confidence.  He thinks that maybe if I talk out where I am that it will help me not get into my head and lose the match before I even get into the ring.”

The doctor writes something and then looks up at the redhead to offer her a smile.  “So Ms Marlowe, talk to me about why you think that I can help you.  After all, I am more to counsel people on mental health issues, not give people a pep talk.”

Sam thinks a moment and then leans forward to speak almost confidentially.  “I think that Camo thinks that if I talk out my worries, then I will get some advice that will block out the naysaying that I seem to hear in my mind.  That tiny little drawl of my sister Cyn in the back of my mind that tells me that I am going to lose.”

“You do have the ability to not listen to that voice Ms Marlowe…may I call you Samantha?” asks the doctor.

“Sam please, if you use Samantha I will think that I am in trouble,” replies Sam with a laugh. 

“Fine then Sam, tell me what has you worried,” asks the doctor.

“Well, take this week for instance,” offers Sam.  “I have a match on Climax Control against…”

“Wait, Climax Control…sounds kinky,” mutters the doctor as she makes a note.

“No, it isn’t what you think,” says Sam, her eyes widening.  “That is just the name of the show.  But this week, I am facing Char Kwan who has been in SCW for a while but was more of a tag team person.  She has changed though.  She is all of a sudden different, like a cross between a mean girl and someone that is all talk and not action but wants people to think she is.  I don’t know if I am explaining it all that well.”

The doctor looks at Sam and nods slowly with a half smile.  “I think I understand.  Continue please.”

“Char seems to think that she has something to prove and wants to prove it by beating me.  Now I know that I am not doing really good lately with more losses than wins but I do have a reputation and well, a lot of people feel the need to bring me down to build themselves up.  And lately they have been able to but this week I don’t want that to happen.  So I have to go into the match with confidence.  There isn’t anything that I can do different,” offers Sam.  “I don’t want to be a stepping stone anymore.  So I have to beat Char.  I am just afraid that if I start to doubt myself again, she is going to get the better of me.”

“Sam, let me ask you a question,” says the doctor as she pulls the glasses from her nose.  “Have you beaten people like this Char before?”  Sam thinks for a moment then nods in the affirmative.  The doctor continues.  “What was it that helped to get those wins?”

“Well, I just walked into the ring with the idea that I was out to prove something,” begins Sam.  “I was out to prove that no matter what my opponent said, I wasn’t a push over.”

“And do you not want to prove that against this Char?” demands the doctor with one raised eyebrow.  “It seems to me that she is going to prove that she is better than you so in your shoes I would want to be prepared for that.  Is there anything that you can focus on about Char?”

“I could focus on the fact that she isn’t really a singles wrestler,” muses Sam.  “In this match she has no one that she can tag in to save her when she is tired or to save her from a loss.  This is only her second singles match.  And I am basically a singles wrestler who doesn’t tag with anyone…outside of the Blast for the Past tournament.  So you could say that I have the advantage there because I only have to depend on myself.  And I am also a former champion in the Bombshell division and Char hasn’t worn gold in SCW.”

“Just with that comment Sam, I think you just gave yourself the reason to believe that you are going to win this thing you have,” comments the doctor which gets a smile to cross Sam’s face as she begins to appear more confident.

“You are right Doc, I never thought of it that way,” replies Sam who rises from the couch.  “Thanks Doctor, talking to you worked!  I am so ready to win on Sunday…I think.”

“I am sure that you will given the way you are talking now Sam but I also think that we need to talk more so I am going to suggest that we meet a couple of more times to deal with the depression that you indicated you were suffering from.  I want you to book a couple of appointments with my receptionist.  But good luck this week Sam, we can talk about it next week.”

Sam heads to the door and stops to quickly turn around and smile at the doctor.  The doctor returns the smile and waves as Sam exits the room.  Outside of the office, Colton Myers can be seen leaning against a green Camaro where he is joined by Sam who leans up with a kiss to whisper thanks.  Colton nods as he opens the door for Sam to slide into the car.  He moves around to the driver’s side and once he gets in the car, he guns the engine and pulls away from the building to merge into traffic and disappear.

The Saxon hotel is a backdrop to a woman standing there.  The dark-haired beauty begins walking along the sidewalk and moves towards a cameraperson who is moving backwards to film her.

Apple Coren is dressed in a very Disneyesque appearance, her dark hair pulled up into a messy bun and a tiara like hair ornament.  High heels click across the pavement as she begins to speak to the camera person.

Apple Coren:  Ivy, you are sure that you are filming correctly?

Ivy pulls the camera away from her face and points it to Apple with a smile.

Ivy:  I am milady, and might I say that you look very regal in the view.

Apple smirks as she nods and waves her hand in agreement.  Ivy once more begins to film and Apple starts to walk again and this time she addresses the camera.

Apple Coren:  Finally it has happened and once more I get to step into the ring in Sin City Wrestling.  And it is about bloody time too.  I mean really, I could have been home in London, in my rather large studio flat enjoying the life that society provides a peer of the realm.  Instead, I am here in Las Vegas the prisoner of this country’s sad state of pandemic affairs.  Travel between here and home is very much a sticky wicket and so I sit rather bored and fatigued at the Saxon hotel.  That is until this week when I received notice that I was going to be in a match at Climax Control.  Misters Underwood and Ward have chosen in their infinite…wisdom to have me grace their six sided ring once more.  Brava.

Apple reaches up, her hand moving a soft curl from her cheek to tuck it behind her ear.  Ivy stops as does Apple who once more addresses the camera, this time, an Eiffel tower is framed in the shot as if almost making it appear that she is once more in Europe.

Apple Coren:  Now you may wonder just who it is that they are offering me as an opponent.  I was sure they would recognize the talent I have and give me someone important.  Then I heard of who I was facing and you could imagine my reaction.  Tell them Ivy.

Ivy pulls the camera away and turns it to film herself.

Ivy:  She was offered a match against Pandora Barrett…the reaction was well, it was underwhelming if I had to describe it.

Apple waved at Ivy, who seeing it, once more begins to film Apple.

Apple Coren:  Of course I couldn’t believe it but then she managed to actually record something that I couldn’t stomach.  She had the audacity to compare me…ME…to a Disney princess.  I could see the comparison being as I am titled and I have been mistaken a time or two for royalty.  How she could be so wrong though.  Pitiful if you ask me.  She has no understanding of who I am or what I am bloody capable of.  She talks about how I am a weak princess waiting for a prince to come and save me.  I am the new breed of princess…I am the anti-Disney princess.  Oh and to hear Pandora, she is the villain to my princess.  Really…the Ursula to my Ariel?  Or the Evil Queen to my Snow White?  You know what Pandora.  Listening to you talk about me and how you are going to beat me in the ring on Sunday…

Apple stops and sighs as if she can’t believe she has to be talking about this person who had tried to disrespect her about their match. 

Apple Coren:  I want you to do something for me Pandora.  I want you to pick up a smartphone…

Apple holds up her own IPhone and then she waves it at the camera.

Apple Coren:  Then I want you to swipe to the Google maps app.  Once you open it, I want you to use it to find yourself a clue.  I can not believe you think that I am going to be that easy to beat in the ring.  Pandora, speaking that way just shows everyone or rather anyone that might possibly be paying attention to the drivel coming out of your mouth.  As much as you talked and talked…all I heard was blah blah…whine whine…taunt then fizzle like the slow escape of hot air out of a children’s balloon. 

Apple begins to walk again as Ivy films her.  She speaks softly but her hands wave in the air as she continues to rant towards the camera.

Apple Coren:  Honestly, how can you even think to step back into Sin City Wrestling and talk like Jessie Salco.  You ought not think you are all that and a bag of crisps.  Listening to you was like listening to someone that needs to pretend she is a threat.  See I don’t need to talk that way because I have all the confidence in myself.  All you are talking about is what?  Making me extinct?  Please, you have to know that isn’t going to be what happens on Sunday. 

Apple Coren:  The reality is that I am coming to the match with every bit of skill and ability to kick the ass of the low class nothing you are.  Trust me, even though it is going to be rather boring to face someone like you, it doesn’t mean that I am not going to enjoy doing major damage to you in the ring.  There are times Pandora when being the princess means that I dictate how things are to happen.  I don’t know if you are going to realize soon enough that I am not the Disney princess type.

The smirk on Apple’s face widens as she stops and poses, her arms crossing over her chest as the slight breeze that sends tendrils of hair curling on her cheeks wafts a soft scent of roses to the nose of her ladyship.  Apple’s eyes drift closed for only a second as she inhales before her eyes again open to glance at the camera.

Apple Coren:  If I am honest Pandora, I am the villain of this piece.  That doesn’t mean that I am saying that you are a Disney princess in contrast.  No, you are more of a Donkey or Mushu character.  The annoying little mouthpiece that tries their level best to be better than they ought to be. 

Ivy straightens and then offers Apple a look.

Ivy:  Miss, you have not mentioned that this is the return of Pandora Barrett to the company.  Did you want to talk about that?

Apple Coren:  Why thank you Ivy, I knew there was something that I was forgetting. 

Apple addresses the camera as if it was Pandora Barrett standing in front of her.

Apple Coren:  This is your return Pandora.  I bet your excited at the thought of stepping back into the ring here in SCW.  Sadly, the first match back is going to be a loss because you know I am not going to give you the opportunity to advance with a win in your return.  There is definitely the opportunity for you to step up and try to offer me a challenge and I am sure you will be confident that you think you are such a bloody badass.  However, thinking and being are two different things.  You think that you are a fallen angel, someone that is better than the lowly of the low.  But it isn’t the lowly of the low you are facing in that ring.  I am Lady Apple Coren.  I am the definition of pretty poison.

Apple Coren:  I am the cyanide that will poison your return.  I AM the Poison Apple that your evil Queen will choke on.  Snow White…not on your bloody life.  I am more than her…I am deadlier than Maleficent, I am more powerful than Ursula and better looking as well.  You for all your dark gothic look are just a shade compared to me and you are going to realize that when you step into the ring with me and I leave you laying there staring up at the ringlights and you have nowhere to go as you hear the death knell of your return with each slap of the canvas…

Apple claps slowly as she counts.

Apple Coren:  One…two…THREE!

From behind the camera, Ivy can be seen with a faint smile as she moves closer to Apple who smirks at the camera.

Apple Coren:  Welcome back Pandora.  Sorry it is back to a loss courtesy of yours truly.  Let’s go Ivy, I think I have spoken enough.

With that comment, Apple turns and begins to walk away only to be followed by a rushing Ivy as the scene fades out on the city scape of Vegas.

A rather beat up green camaro is moving along the highway towards Vegas which is just a glow on the horizon.  Behind the wheel is Sam Marlowe who has one hand on the steering wheel and her other holding the gear shift of the car.  Beside her is a sleeping man who murmurs and shifts to ease his position into something more comfortable.  Softly playing on the radio is country music that Sam is singing along to.  She doesn’t see the man open his eyes and smile.

“Sounds just like I remember,” teases Colton who now gets Sam’s attention.  “You sing like you did when you were in high school choir, slightly off key but enthusiastic.”

Sam’s head drops with a moan.  “Everyone said I sang well,” she rebuts with a smirk.  She spies Colton roll his eyes and nod his head sarcastically with a ‘yeah right’.  Sam’s hand leaves the stick and lightly smacks at Colton’s arm.  He whimpers with a pout that he can’t keep from transforming into a smile. 

Sam once more turns her attention back to the road as Colton moves his hand to rub it along the seat and over Sam’s shoulder.  “You know I like when you sing darlin’,” he whispers as he leans his head towards Sam who blushes but smiles as she leans her head closer.  Colton looks up to see a signpost indicating that the city of Vegas was close.  He looks at Sam and then motions her to pull off the road.  “Come on Sami, please,” he asks.  “I want to talk to you about something.”

“Am I in trouble,” wonders Sam outloud as she guides the Camaro to the shoulder then stops the car.  Colton shakes his head and then releases his seatbelt to turn to Sam. 

“No, you ain’t in trouble,” he begins then turns and opens the door.  Sliding from the car, he moves around the front, his body lit by the car’s headlights.  He reaches the driver door and opens it inviting Sam to join him.  She reaches down and releases her seatbelt then turns to let her legs slide from the vehicle and is helped to her feet by the young man then lead to the hood of the Camaro.  Setting Sam on the hood, Colton begins to pace a little.

“Colton, you are making me nervous…say something,” says Sam as she leans forward preparing to jump off the hood.  She stops as Colton moves towards her and puts his hands on her arms.  “What is it?” she demands softly.

“I gotta tell you that when you got injured, I freaked out,” he begins as he turns to the side and leans on the car himself.  “I knew you were stuck in that hotel and from our conversations I was getting the feeling that something was off.”

“Really?  I tried to hide that from you,” admits Sam with a quirked worried look.  “I missed you and I wasn’t really in a great place mentally.  I guess I just wasn’t worried so much about taking care of myself because there was nothing really that I could be doing.  It was workout, eat, sleep and repeat.  This whole pandemic thing had me locked up.  I felt trapped.”

“Did you even try to go out?” Colton asks softly only to watch as Sam’s head slowly shakes side to side.  “You’re telling me that you didn’t get out at all?”

“Colton, I have diabetes and that is an underlying condition,” Sam admits.  “The doctors told me that the best thing for me was to stay inside and away from people.  With you in Canada and me stuck in that hotel…I was slowly going downhill.  Now..”

Colton holds up a hand and places his finger over the lips of Sam to stop her speaking.  “Now I am back and there has been a let up of restrictions, I get it.  But Sam, there has to be more to this that just you holding on.  I don’t want to have anything happen to you darlin’ and if that means I need to take care of you, that is what I am going to do.  Since high school Sami, I have seen things with you that drove me crazy.  Watching your sister crapping all over you just made me angry.  Why you defended her back then is beyond me.”

“It was something that I thought I had to do since she was family,” admits Sam.  “ Then, when she slept with the guy I was dating…just because he was with me,” said Sam with a sigh.  “But actually, when you came back into my life…made me glad that she was such a bad person to me.”

Colton looks at Sam in disbelief then chuckles as his head shakes.  “Only you Sam can find a good thing out of something so messed up.  But I am glad I am back in your life.”

Sam starts to laugh softly.  “Even with me being the wrestler I am?” she asks then sticks out her tongue.

“It got me on a cruiseship with my best gal,” teases Colton.  “I will be honest though, seeing the stuff you do does give me the heebies.  Think you can stop flying round that ring?” he demands.

“Nope sirree,” responds Sam with a grin.  “That is kinda what I am known for.  But I promise you this, I will try taking a few less risks.”  She slides off the hood and stands in front of Colton who has one foot on the beat up bumper and the other firmly planted on the pavement.  He reaches out and pulls her into an embrace that has Sam leaning her red head against his chest.  “We should head back home Camo.”

Behind them, the music changes and suddenly a slow country song begins.  Colton slides off the hood to move around to the driver side and leans into the car to turn up the music.  He smiles and then holds his hand out to Sam who reaches out her hand.  Joining her in front of the car, Colton pulls her close as Clay Walker’s “Fall” begins to play.

In the light of the car headlights the pair are slowly dancing to the music as Colton can be heard to sing softly to Sam as they dance under the stars.  Sam smiles up into the eyes of Colton as his voice carries on the wind with the lyrics of the song.

“So fall, go on and fall apart.  Fall into these arms of mine, I'll catch you every time you fall.  Go on and lose it all.  Every doubt, every fear, every worry, every tear…I'm right here…Baby, fall,” sings Colton.

“Sounds just like I remember,” teases Sam with a smile before she lays her head against the shoulder of Colton to catch the rumble of his chuckling against her cheek as they continue to dance in the headlights.

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An old fashioned microphone can be seen in a bare room with no other furniture or markings being taken in by the lens of a camera that stands opposite the microphone.  Suddenly from out of the camera’s view, the soft clip of a pair of boots walking across the floor can be heard.  A hand reaches out for the microphone, curling around it to pull it towards a person who has stopped with their back to the camera.  A curtain of red curls cascade down the back and bounce as Sam Marlowe turns to look into the camera.  Dressed in a black tee and skintight jeans, she smiles into the camera.

“It’s been a while since I have had a pair of wins in a row and now once again, I am in the ring with a renewed faith in myself.  Strange what wins can do for someone’s confidence huh?” muses Sam as she straightens the microphone and leans gently on it with her arm resting lightly on it.  “I guess that was just what I needed, a couple of wins.  But in all honesty, that’s not why I am here to talk to you.”

She points at the camera as if she is pointing at someone.  “I am here doing something that I used to do for all new signings in Sin City Wrestling.”

Sam calmly looks into the camera and then walks out of view for a moment before walking into view again with a clipboard and wearing a tour guide hat.  She clears her throat and begins to speak into the microphone.

“I am here to officially welcome you to Sin City Wrestling Maki,” says Sam with an apologetic look.  “I am sorry it took me to do this but there was this pandemic and all…better late than never though right?”  Sam looks down at the clipboard that has a black ‘rules’ on the back of it.  “I used to be the one that would welcome everyone who signed with a quick going over of some rather interesting rules.  I also tended to get paid in peanuts…I really should talk to Mr Ward…maybe I could ask for a raise since now I am actually using my time to cut promos to welcome people.”

“The first rule is beware of Skittles…especially purple ones.  The reason I would say that is that there is a manager slash lawyer slash bear of all trades that tends to spork people because the skittles tended to be a trap.  People tended to get a laugh out of that but Ben Jordan told me that he was the only one immune to that because Angel didn’t believe he was real.  I wonder if that would work for mockneys…” thinks Sam out loud.  “Probably not.  But you won’t have to worry about that Maki because I haven’t seen any Skittles anywhere since the pandemic started.”

Sam looks down again and once more looks back up.  “Then there are rules two and three which were just really throw away taunts and teases that got a laugh or two.  Then there was the rule about having fun.  In all honesty, it was a little thing that I was known for and probably isn’t anything that you would really need to hear Maki.”

Sam tosses the clipboard to the side and then smiles at the camera.  “We haven’t really had a chance to meet or talk Maki and well, I thought that I would introduce myself and let you know who I am.  I mean sure, I am like an open book and my records speak for themselves here in SCW.  But you don’t know me and I don’t know you so this match is going to be very interesting,” offers Sam.  “I mean I have seen what you are capable of in the ring and I must say that I am impressed.  You have skills like no tomorrow and oh my gosh, your win record here is formidable.  I watched you in the Ultimate X match and that too was just wow.” 

“I guess what I am trying to say is that I really respect what you are capable of.  And I like the challenge of facing bombshells like you in the ring.  It means that I am going to have to really work for the win which just makes me more dangerous,” Sam says as she once more caresses the microphone as she pulls it closer to whisper into it.  “That’s right…dangerous.”

Sam can’t hold the look of seriousness and breaks into a smile.  “I am joking Maki because I really don’t know what it is like to be in the ring with you.  Just like you have no idea what it is like to be in the ring with me.  Some people will tell you that I am really a loser who doesn’t deserve to be in SCW because I am nothing.  Some will tell you that I am a has been, peaked and now should just hang it up and rest on my laurels of past glory.  There might even be one or two that will tell you I still got it.”  Sam shrugs as if just thinking these ideas were a weight on her shoulder.

“Maki, this is who I am,” begins Sam.  “There is nothing special about me being a good girl.  I don’t cheat and I don’t take shortcuts in the ring.  I go full throttle and if that means that I take the fight to my opponent, that is what I do.  Everything is left in the ring and when it is all said and done, win or lose I will still respect the person I faced in the match and will offer them my hand in respect.”  Sam holds out her hand as if accepting a handshake. 

“I saw what happened at Summer XXXTreme on the ship and how you challenged for the Bombshell Roulette title and if you asked me, I thought you would have gone all the way for that title.  But I also saw Jessie pull you off the wires and into the pool.  Do you know what I learned from that Maki?  I learned that you tend to underestimate your opponents at times.  And it makes me wonder, is that what you are going to do when you get in the ring with me?” demands Sam as her brow raises slightly.  “Are you going to consider me a threat or not, because piece of advice Maki, I have beaten Jessie Salco everytime I have been in the ring with her.  So, what does that say about me if you got beaten by her.”

“To be honest Maki, I could talk about how much I want to win and it will probably mean nothing to you but it will mean something to me.  I want to win this match between us Maki and the reason I want to win is not because I can say that I beat you and it is not to notch another win in the record books.  I want to win because I am that competitive.  I step in the ring with a strong desire to prove to myself that I am not the choke artist my sister calls me.  I want to prove that I deserve to be here in SCW.  I want to prove to the naysayers that I am not what they think I am.”

Sam stops as she looks down to see that her free hand had curled into a tight fist.  Bringing it up she looks at it dispassionately before she opens the fist and wiggles her fingers.  “Hmm…guess talking out my feelings about this match got to me.  Question is what did they say to you and that is something that I don’t know right now.  But I am sure that at Climax Control, you are going to show me.  And I look forward to it Maki.  You are a challenge that I am looking forward to.  You are the next test I have to face and overcome and when it comes to that match, that test…I am not going to fail, simple as.”

With that Sam releases her hold on the microphone and with one last smile and a mouthed good luck, she turns and walks out of the empty room leaving the camera to film the whiteness of the room.

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The Staggs Dungeon has been the home of some of Sin City Wrestling’s Climax Controls but today it looks somewhat quieter as there are very few wrestlers there training.  Sam moves into the gym and watches the ring as she lowers her bag to the floor and moves closer to the ringside area.  Once there, she runs her hands along the ring apron and lets her eyes drift closed.

Stepping out of the office, Vixen Staggs stops for a moment, her body slightly stiff with some bruising still lightly covering parts of her skin with sickly yellowish patches that frame faded black bruises.  She moves closer to the ring where Sam is standing and leans against the ring apron.

“What brings you to my humble ring,” Vixen teases, her soft Quebecois accent making Sam’s eyes fly open and a smile to cross the redhead’s lips.

“Vix, you scared me,” says Sam.  “I thought I would come here and maybe try to get some training in as I have a match this week at Climax Control.  And I figured that I might talk to my favorite trainer and see if she will help me prepare for it.”

Vixen looks around the gym and then back at Sam.  “I have a match too so yeah, why not.  But I tell you, I won’t go easy on you.”

“I hope not because I need to really be on my toes…I am facing Maki on Sunday,” admits Sam as she moves back to her bag.  Picking it up, she brings it towards the ring and pulls out a bottle of Gatorade and sets it to the side.  Vixen looks to see Sam climbing the ringsteps.

“You are going to wrestle in street clothes?” asks Vixen while Sam slides between the ropes.  Vixen climbs the ringsteps herself and then moves into the ring.  “First you are going to warm up with some bumps and prep work.  Then we will spar,” offers Vixen to a groan from Sam.  The older woman smirks and then motions for her to start.  Sam sighs and begins to run to the ring ropes to bounce off and then cross the ring to the opposite ropes.

Vixen pulls herself up on the turnbuckle across from where Sam can be seen running the ropes.  “So…you are facing Maki this week huh?  What do you think about that?”

“What can I think Vix,” offers a breathy Sam as she stops in the middle of the ring.  “I have seen in her in the ring and she is dangerous.  I don’t know her that well but something tells me that she can back up any tough talk she does.”

“More than likely she can,” says Vixen which earns her a glare from Sam.  “I am being honesty Sam, you don’t know what you are going to be facing until you step in the ring with her.  But you know what Spike and I have taught you and that is to be prepared for anything right?  And we both know that you tend to get into your own head so you better get that out of it right now.  She is just another bombshell who you have to beat and it will be simple.”

Sam chuckles.  “You make it sound so simple but it isn’t.  Maki was in the match at Summer XXXTreme for the Bombshell Roulette title…she’s good.” 

“So…she was in a title match for the lowest bombshell title…voyons donc, you have worn that title how many times?  Whose name is holding all the records for that title hmmm?  If her challenging for a title that you have dominated and losing the match is a worry then just don’t show up for the match on Sunday,” taunts Vixen.  “If you sit here and tell me that you are scared…”

“I didn’t say that!” exclaims Sam angrily.  “I said that she is good.  But if you ask me, I know that when I get into the ring with her, she is going to come at me like I am her next victim and that is going to mean that I am going to have to step up my game.  That is why I am here.  To step up my game.”  Sam angrily puts her hands on her hips then steps towards Vixen who is smirking as she leaps down from the turnbuckle.  “If you think I am scared, you have another thing coming Vix.  I am here to get ready to face Maki and beat her.”

Vixen’s smirk turns into a smile.  “That is good to know because now you are in my house and my ring and you will be ready for this match because I am going to make you ready.  Now if you are warmed up?” asks Vixen as she moves into the middle of the ring, “we can start.”

Sam shakes her head and moves to the middle of the ring where Vixen is.  Sam moves to lock up with the Nightmare champion but as she does, Sam is surprised by Vixen ducking to the side then leveling an elbow into the upper back of Sam to send her stumbling towards the rope.  Vixen turns to see Sam turn to look at her in surprise.  “What was that?” demands Sam.

“That was an elbow to the back.  Were you expecting me to lock up with you?  That Sam, is naïve,” offers Vixen with a motion for Sam to bring it.  Sam charges across the ring with bad intentions but is taken off her feet with a drop toe hold.  Landing face first on the mat, she rolls over to see Vixen on her feet.  “Tired?” taunts Vixen who holds out her hand to help Sam to her feet. 

“You have changed,” says Sam as she is helped to her feet.  “The Vixen who trained me wasn’t like this,” she adds as she wipes at her lip. 

“That Vixen is still here but that Vixen isn’t who you need to train you for this match Sam.  I have seen Maki and trust me, you are going to need the GRIME Vixen, not your old trainer.  So to prepare you need to know that you are in the ring with someone that is willing to do anything to win,” says Vixen with a deadpan look at her friend.  “Shall we continue?”

Sam nods as she slowly begins to circle Vixen who lowers her head slightly and her eyes narrow as a sick smile begins to cross her face.  Sam lunges in and this time is able to attempt a single leg takedown with Vixen breaks with an axehandle on the back of Sam that has her arching in pain.  Vixen aims a kick into the midsection of Marlowe who avoids it and catching the foot of Vixen, sends her to the mat by sweeping her leg.  Vixen nods as Sam offers her hand to Vixen who uses it to leverage her to the mat then rolls her up into a submission hold that has Sam moan in pain. 

“You are too trusting Sam,” says Vixen.  “You need to not be.  Your opponent will take any advantage and use it to beat you.  You have to be smarter than you are now.  I want you to bury that good girl you are deep inside and return to your championship abilities with no regrets.  To win, you need to be heartless.”

Sam looks at Vixen, her eyes showing hurt and surprise at the comments from her friend.  “Vix, that isn’t me…”

“Then it needs to be!” says Vixen, barely showing any emotion.  Sam shakes her head and then backs away from Vixen who blinks in surprise.  “Where are you going?” she demands as Sam leaves the ring.

Sam stops and turning to Vixen, she offers her a half smile.  “I am going to train for my match,” replies Sam, “my way.  But thanks, Vix for the advice, I think I know what I am going to have to do.”  Reaching for her bag, she shoulders it and grabs the bottle of Gatorade.  Turning she moves towards the door leaving a speechless Vixen in the ring to watch her leave.

At the door, Sam turns for a last wave as Vixen leans on the ropes and waves back.  Pushing through the door, Sam disappears to the outside as Vixen moves to the ringsteps and slides between the ropes to exit the ring.  Walking towards the office, she stops for only a moment to once more glance at the door as if expecting Sam to return before she shakes her head and disappears in the office.

 The suburbs of Vegas speed by as a redhead leans against the passenger side window of a car.  Her eyes take in the houses as they flash by.  Driving the car, Colton Myers spares a quick look at Sam who sighs.

“Sami, you ok?” he asks with his eyes still on the road but his hand moving to caress the hand resting on Sam’s lap.  “You look a million miles away.”

Sam’s attention turns to Colton and a slow smile begins to cross her face.  Looking down at their hands that are entwined, she softly replies.  “Not a million miles Colton.  But I guess I am a bit nervous.  For the past few months, I have lived at the Saxon hotel and yeah, it is a luxury hotel but it was more prison than home.  And given just how dangerous Covid can be for me,” she says before stopping to suck her lower lip between her teeth.

“That’s why I am here, to take care of my girl,” replies Colton as he tightens his hand around Sam’s.  “You worried me when you took that tumble and from what you have been telling me, you were feeling a little cabin fever.  So that is why I am glad that they said we could leave the hotel.  As much as you have been smiling since I got back, I noticed that you aren’t like you were before the pandemic.”

Sam ducks her head, a worried look hidden from Colton.  “I can’t shake it darlin’.  Since my injury and me going to HR at SCW to ask for help, I have felt the need to escape but couldn’t.  And now,” she states as she looks out the windshield as she notices that the houses are starting to look familiar.  “Now I will be back home but will I feel the same if I am stuck inside like at the hotel?”

Offering her a sympathetic look, Colton nods slowly.  “We’ll just have to keep getting you out and about then,” he replies.  “I have been reading up on what we need to do to move around the city.  But first, back to your house and get unpacked.  Oh and Pussy called when you were busy earlier and she said that you need to cut a promo for your match coming up.  Something about Daniela needing to be reminded just who you are.”

Sam’s soft laughter fills the car which brings a smile to the face of Colton as he turns on the turnsignal before turning into the driveway of Sam’s house.  Sam looks at it, her smile fading only slightly as she unconsciously leans towards it as Colton parks the car.  Once he puts the car in park and cuts the engine, Sam reaches down to the door handle and yanks it open.  Sliding from the seat, she puts her hand on the frame and then looks at Colton who has gotten out of the car.

“Welcome home Sam,” he calls out softly.

The pair close the doors and Colton moves to grab Sam’s suitcases from the back of the car as Sam moves towards the door and then stops to dig into the small purse over her shoulder for the keys.  The tinkle of keychains ring out as she slides the key into the lock then twists it.  The audible click seems to surprise her as Sam reaches down and turns the doorknob to open the door.  Before she can cross the threshold, she is swept up by Colton who had come up behind her.

“COLTON!” she squeals in surprise as he carries her over the threshold.  Once inside, she tells him to let her down to which he winks but shakes his head negatively.

“Not until you pay the ransom Sami,” he teases.  

“Ransom?!?!” demands Sam with a confused look on her face.  “What exactly is the ransom?”

“One kiss,” vows Colton with a determined look.  His arms hold Sam closer as she giggles.  “Oh and some of your family’s barbeque and tater salad.”

“Deal,” answers Sam as she leans forward and plants a slow kiss on the lips of Colton.  Neither of them sees the elderly lady who raps on the doorframe.  Sam looks over the shoulder of Colton to see her neighbor in the doorway, a plastic recycling bag of mail in her left hand, a small box in her right and her face covered in a leopard print face mask.

“Welcome back Sam,” says the neighbor.  “I have your mail and I also have some cookies for you.  I wasn’t sure when you would be back but this young man told me he was bringing you home and so I did some baking.  I hope you enjoy them,” she says as she leans in only to set the bag down and then places the box on the table just inside the door.

Sam fights her way out of the arms of Colton and moves to the door as the lady backs away with a nod of her head.  “Thank you,” calls out Sam as she waves then opens the box to find the cookies.  Taking one, she bites into is, a look of happiness on her face.  The lady waves as she moves around the half fence between the properties.  

Sam moves to take another cookie while Colton gets her suitcases.  “Hey, save me one!” he shouts as Sam picks up the box and moves towards the living room as the scene fades out.

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The image of a room can be seen on a window of a computer that hums softly as Sam appears into the camera lens and smiles.  From the looks of it, it is a home office with title belts and wrestling posters on the wall.  Dressed for comfort, Sam is wearing light blue denim shorts overalls over a half tee and her hair pulled back into a long curling ponytail.  Looking right into the camera, Sam is surprised by the ringing of an incoming Skype call from Pussy Willow that she answers.

“Sam Marlowe, I told you that I wanted to get a promo from you.  Didn’t that man of yours tell you?” demands Pussy as she leans into the camera.

“Hello to you too Pussy,” answers Sam.  “And before you start, yes Colton told me and I’m sorry but we took a couple of days to ourselves.  Speaking of promos, I was just about to record one so if you are up for it, we can make it an interview instead.”

Pussy shakes her head.  “Oh no you don’t Sam,” she begins.  “I am on the call to make sure you do one, not to interview you.  That will be next week.  So while I sit here, let’s hear what you have to say to Daniela about your match coming up at the supercard.”
Sam can see Pussy lean back once more and then begin to tap her fingers on her arm that she has crossed over her chest.  Sam holds up her hands in surrender then straightens up and looks at the webcam.

Sam Vlog:

It is that time of year again and we are getting ready for Summer XXXTreme.  Now normally I would be getting ready for a title defense of a title challenge but this year is different.  This year I am in a match with no special stipulations and not a title in sight.  But that doesn’t mean that I am going to be slacking off this year, oh no, not at all.  

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This year, I am facing Daniela Rodgers in the ring with nothing to prove except how dangerous I can be.  See, when it comes to matches at supercards, I tend to go all out to prove just how much of a threat I am and this year is going to be no different.  I have to say though that given the year I have been having, everyone is talking about how much of a loser I am.  Yeah, can you believe it…lose six matches in a row and I should be contemplating retirement.  At least that is what my sister would be saying.  Others just talk about how I am nothing but a loser and no threat whatsoever.  Normally right about now, that would have me doubting myself but this time, it is more motivational than disheartening.

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I don’t know if you have been keeping up with me and my record so far but I want you to know that I am riding a bit of a winning streak and that means that I am coming into Summer XXXTreme looking to continue that streak.  The only obstacle is going to be you Daniela.

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I do think that you are a very capable competitor and believe you me, I am not going to underestimate you.  You have been challenging for titles before and I am sure that if you didn’t have to face me, you would probably be going for a title at the supercard.  I want you to know Daniela that I am coming with confidence that you are going to be giving me a real challenge and for that I want to thank you in advance.

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Now you are probably thinking that I am being cocky by saying that and I swear that I am not.  I really want to thank you because if I get into the ring with you and given how strong of a challenge you are, it will prove a couple of things for me.  One, that I am not slipping with my skills.  Two, I still have what it takes to keep up with the other bombshells and three, that I am ready to start my way towards a title shot in the future.  

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However, to do that, I have to go through you to do it.  And my promise to you Daniela is that I am bringing everything that I can to beat you on the Sun Princess.  And should you underestimate me in that ring, that will be the last thing you do before I leave you on your back looking up at the sky or ringlights after I come for the win.  So, before I sign off, good luck Daniela, see you on the Sun Princess.  I will be the one across the ring from you with the look of determination.

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Sam stops speaking then looks at Pussy who is clapping in her window which makes Sam laugh.  “How was that?” she asks.

Pussy nods affirmatively.  “That rocked, now all you need to do is live up to it.”

Sam takes a slow breath and winks.  The image of Sam fades as she begins to chat with Pussy over Skype.