Off-Camera

Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Common Room
Shieldmaidens Clubhouse
New Orleans, Louisiana
11:45 AM  CDT




Working in multiple places sometimes means awkward travel arrangements have to be made. For Seleana Zdunich, this has meant some lengthy trips over the years between Rome, Georgia, Las Vegas, Nevada and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania regularly along with spot trips to everywhere else because of various companies as a manager for her wife at times. This weekend would be a prime example as Seleana had a tag team match in Georgia on Friday and a World Bombshell Main Event Match against Roxi Johnson in Rhodes, Greece.

Ironic, in that the boss in Rome, Georgia was also named Rhodes.

For this trip, her daughter-in-law, Haylie Jo “Halo” Annis had suggested she come to New Orleans with Halo’s fellow Shieldmaidens because there were several with familial connections. Five of the Shieldmaidens were set to wrestle on the sme Friday show as Seleana with Halo also on the show in the main event. In addition to this connection, several of them were also the cousins of Selean’s other daughter-in-law, Sofia Rojas-Hilton, whom Halo had also suggested they bring along so she could get some work in the ring with everybody. Given that Seleana’s sister and tag team partner, Zenna Zdunich, also lived in New Orleans simply made the idea one of complete convenience so they could all train and be close to the show they had to be on Friday. As Seleana, Sofia and Halo watch on grinning, Sofia’s sister, Ravenna, holds Sofia’s baby daughter, Isabella, allowing the other Shieldmaidens to coo over the child.

Sofia: Es hermosa…

Seleana and Halo both smile in response.

Halo: Y’all ain’t wrong…

Seleana nods her agreement.

Seleana: Ja, she is.

The three continue grinning as they watch all of the tattooed bikers spending all of their time looking over the baby. 

Halo: What time is Aunt Z sposed to get here?

Seleana glances at her watch.

Seleana: Fifteen minutes.

Halo nods.

Halo: We both got us world title matches this weekend, we gotta be on our best for it.

Seleana nods again.

Seleana: Ja. Tiggy and Roxi are not things to be taken lightly. I am keen for this though I did not expect to receive it.

Sofia frowns.

Sofia: Mamá Christina did not tell you before the announcement?

Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana: She tweeted it but did not say if she was just messing with Christian again.

Now it’s Halo’s turn to frown.

Halo: You didn’t ask her?

Seleana shakes her head ever so slightly.

Seleana: I did not. I was on the phone with Chavy and her sister that day so by the time I was talking to Christina, it had been several hours’ time passed the twitter exchange and I was more interested in Christina, Alex and Aurora.

As Halo and Sofia both nod, Ravenna hands Isabella to Shieldmaidens New Orleans Charter President and the Rojas Sisters’ cousin, Alex “Bullet” Carbajal. As Ravenna walks away, her phone chimes at her and she looks at the screen to check what the notification is. The second she sees, her eyes go wide in both shock and terror. Her jaw starts trembling and she starts shaking her head.

Ravenna: I….I…. I…. 

Sofia looks at her sister, worry building up inside he young Colombian woman.

Sofia: ¿Cuervo? ¿Qué es??

Still shaking, Ravenna looks up but finds herself unable to speak. Halo and Seleana both stand up, frowning with concern.

Seleana: What is wrong?

At these words, the other Shieldmaidens turn to face Ravenna as well, everyone in the room now eyeballing the visibly distressed eighteen-year-old.

Halo: Spit it out, Raven, what’s eatin’ ya?

Ravenna: I…

Ravenna tries to force the words out but she can’t seem to find them. Seleana and Bullet both walk over to her and look at her phone’s screen.

Bullet: ¿Es la verdad?

Selena nods slowly.

Seleana: Zion announced a tag team championship match for their Destiny supercard.

She pauses before looking up at Sofia and Halo.

Seleana: You and Ravenna versus the Bisque Dolls.

Sofia stares back, clearly shocked by what her mother-in-law has just said.

Halo: Have y’all been teamin’?

Sofia shakes her head.

Sofia: No.

Bullet nods and hands baby Isabella to Sofia before turning her focus on Ravenna.

Seleana: Ravenna has never been in the ring.

Bullet nods and raises her hands.

Bullet: Calmate… calmate… 

She nods to Ravenna as she places her hands on her young cousin’s shoulders.

Bullet: Esta bien. Te ayudaremos.

Ravenna barely manages a nod in response.

Seleana: Zenna and I can help as well, ja?

Ravenna swallows hard and nods slowly. Just then, aforementioned Zenna walks into the room. She takes in the sight of everyone looking stunned and stops in her tracks.

Zenna: Something happen?

Seleana turns to her sister and shakes her head.

Seleana: We have added another to the workout list.  Zion booked Ravenna.

Zenna nods, looking just as shocked as everyone else.

Zenna: Has she ever been in a match before?

Seleana shakes her head.

Zenna: För fan i helvete! 

The gears in her head turn as she quickly does the math.

Zenna: So, now we have to train for our match on Friday, Bullet and Bandit versus Bruiser and Psycho, Halo for her world title defense against Risa Jackson, whatever Halo and Li have to do for SCU, you challenging Roxi for the world title AND get Ravenna ready to make ehr in-ring debut….?

Seleana nods.

Seleana: Ja.   

Zenna shakes her head.

Zenna: Skit också! 

She pauses and then shrugs.

Zenna: We have little time to waste then, ja?  World Championships will not win themselves.

Bullet and the other Maidens all nod and escort Ravenna downstairs to the warehouse gym next door, Zenna and Halo following them down leaving Seleana alone with Sofia and the baby.

Seleana: We should take Isabella up the hall to Aurora and Banshee, ja?

Sofia nods and they take the baby up to the playroom set up for the respective children of the Shieldmaidens and Chrome Dragons to play in, currently occupied by Aoife “Banshee” Maguire and Leonie “Queenie” Laveau acting as chaperones. The children, Aurora Zdunich, three-year-old Robbie John Maguire, his cousins, six-year-old twins, Seán and Siobhan Maguire,  five-year-old Missy Devereaux, sixteen-month-old Rose Kenyon, two-year-old twin Alicia and Ciaran Kenyon and their nineteen-month-old little brother Caiden Kenyon, are all playing variously with age-appropriate toys as Isabella is added to the menagerie. Banshee, already happily looking after her nieces and nephews, is only too happen to accept one more to the group, Queenie adding that her own adult daughter, twenty-one-year-old Ameerah, will be arriving soon to add to the help. As Seleana and Sofia thank Banshee and Queenie, the two women take their leave and start up the hallway.   

Sofia: Is it always like this?

Seleana looks down at the young Colombian woman and nods slowly to herself.

Seleana: Sometimes it can be a surprise and a struggle, ja.

Sofia: How did you deal with the surprises for this week?

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana: Zenna and I knew of our match for three weeks. The only difficulty is that it is our first announced appearance as a team since she was injured many months ago. We did not expect such an opportunity but it was presented and so we accept it.

She pauses.

Seleana: The World Championship match is more in line with that of which you speak, ja?

Sofia nods.

Sofia: We did not see this coming. The Bisque Dolls are a regular tag team. Ravenna and I are not.

Seleana smiles.

Seleana: Calmate, Coneja…

Sofia can’t help but smile back at her mother-in-law.

Sofia: Ale and Taza say that as well.

Seleana: This will not be an easy task for either of us. Roxi Johnson is a superhero. She has been champion many times. She has been World Champion in SCW four times now. She has been Roulette Champion and has been Internet Champion twice as well. She even got to be a tag team champion when they had Bombshell tag team championships.

Sofia nods, taking the information in.

Sofia: Have you not been two of those as well?

Seleana nods.

Seleana: I have.  I have been World Champion and I have been Roulette Champion.

Sofia: I have not been in the ring that long. I only started in the autumn…

She pauses, hanging her head in shame.

Sofia: Probably too quickly.

She shakes her head, still looking down in shame.

Sofia: ¡Qué pelota que soy!

Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana: No, you are not. You take water over your head sometimes but you are not an idiot. You are doing well in school, you are doing better than I did when I was at your stage in wrestling and now you have the chance for a championship with your sister. I speak from experience, it is a wonderful feeling winning alongside a sister. I love teaming with Zenna. We have been tag team champions together in SRW and we were Trios Champions together in WWA. I treasure every opportunity to team with her.

Sofia nods knowingly.

Sofia: I have wanted to team with someone since I met all of you. Taza, Bray, B-Brat…

She pauses and shakes her head again.

Sofia: I did not think it would be Cuervo. She was just visiting the night we first saw the Bisque Dolls. They scared us both. Cuervo ran to the dressing room where Taza was waiting to team with other family members. I waited for her to be safe and then ran as well.

Seleana nods understandingly.

Seleana: Entiendo. If I did not know Roxi, I would find the prospect of getting into the ring with her daunting, ja?

She pauses as the two come to the door in the common room that leads to the stairs, the two of them stopping there.

Seleana: I found it daunting getting into the ring for other world championship matches I have had as well. I admit seeing my name opposite Alicia Lukas and then seeing it opposite Amber Ryan gave me pause. They were both dominant champions and while Alicia respected me, she and I were not friends and she represented a step up in competition. Amber Ryan was a dominant champion at the time as well.

Sofia nods slowly, not really sure what to say.

Sofia: But you stepped into the ring anyway?

Seleana nods.

Seleana: Ja. No matter what, I needed to know for me more than anyone else did. I needed to step into the ring and take my shot.

Sofia sighs.

Sofia: I am happy for the opportunity.  I am happy to team with Cuervo. I just do not know if she will happy to step into the ring.

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana: We can help her but you are correct. She will have to decide for herself to step into th ring.

Sofia sighs.

Sofia: We can do this?

Seleana nods.

Seleana: Ja, and so can she.

Sofia smiles and the two head down the stairs to the gym.





Off-Camera

Thursday, April 21, 2022
Warehouse Gym
Shieldmaidens Clubhouse
New Orleans, Louisiana
9:11 AM  CDT




With the third session of training starting for everyone, Seleana steps outside of a ring and looks at the eighteen-year-old Ravenna Rojas. Visibly shaking at the thought of stepping back into the ring again even after just one day, the young Colombian woman simply stares into the empty rings before her.

Seleana: ¿Quiubo, Parce?

Caught off-guard by the Swedish woman’s usage of the Colombian Spanish phrase, Ravenna is pulled out of her momentary trance.

Ravenna: I…

Seleana smiles in a sweet motherly fashion.

Seleana: It is a formidable thing, ja?   

Ravenna nods and Seleana sits down on the edge of the ring.

Seleana: I remember it like that as well.

Ravenna looks at her in shock.

Ravenna: You do?

Seleana nods.

Seleana: Ja, I did not start until I come to America. I was not keen to start when I arrived. Stepping inside here was not something I ever thought I would do. My cousin had been a tag team wrestler many years ago. My sister had been one as well. I enjoyed watching their exploits but I never thought of myself being able to do it myself.

She pauses to glance across the room at the still-stretching Zenna.

Seleana: Zenna had been injured and was just making a comeback. She had missed time because of choices she made. She was to team with her partner and our cousin as the Fallen Angels again. She did not need me.

Pausing to turn back to face Ravenna again, Seleana nods in acknowledgement.

Seleana: She did not ask me either. I was a zookeeper. Animals were my life and I was dating someone else at the time.

The words almost start to get stuck in her throat.

Seleana: I spent several months mourning his sudden death…

She trails off at the memory of her late love. Ravenna frowns in confusion.

Ravenna: Then… how?

Seleana almost laughs to herself at the memory.

Seleana: Stacy Jones.

She looks back up at the still befuddled Ravenna.

Seleana: She looked at me and said I had moped about enough and it was time I showed I was keen to keep on living. She introduced me to Christina…

The smile gets even bigger now.

Seleana: She has apologized many times for doing such a thing but she does not understand the favor she did for me with that. I will never forget and never be able to thank her enough for doing it. Stacy was right, I did need to be keen for it again. Christina made me feel alive again. Then Christina asked me into the sport. First she wanted me to be her manager and she wanted me to become her tag team partner.

She pauses, almost laughing again.

Seleana: The tag team partner part did not last after the initial company was done and dusted but I was keen to continue after. Now I have been a champion several times over and it’s all because Stacy gave me that kick in the arse.

Ravenna nods slowly.

Ravenna: Did you have to do on short notice?

Seleana pats Ravenna on the top of the head.

Seleana: No, but we all started the sme basic way. Everyone who steps inside the ring had to overcome their own fear of something to get there. That is what it is about. I am fighting for the World Championship on Sunday in Greece. When I sat where you are, that was unthinkable to me. Who was I to even think I should step in the ring at all? Now I am fighting for my second World Championship reign against a top Champion and it is because I manage to overcome my fear. I was afraid I would not rate. I was afraid I would get hurt.  I was afraid I would let Christina down. I was afraid I would let my sister and my cousin down and tarnish the name they had built.

Ravenna’ head titles to the right.

Ravenna: ¿Es la verdad?

Seleana nods and Ravenna considers this.

Ravenna: How you do?

The bright smile returns to Seleana’s face.

Seleana: I realized I was not alone. I had Alexi, I had Zenna, I had Christina, I had Brittany, I had Stacy, I had Eavan, I had Robbie, I had Li. I could go to any of them plus several others and I could get all the help I could want. Then I realized I needed to do it for me and no one else. If I did it for them, I would fail. It would remain a self-fulfilling prophecy where I took water over my head. Have you ever played any sports?

Ravenna nods.

Ravenna: Fútbol.

Seleana: Do you remember what it took to be successful on the pitch?

Ravenna nods.

Seleana: It is the same here. Think of it like football. Once you learn the rules, you just play the game and do what you do. The only question is, do you want to play?

Ravenna stares at Seleana for what seems like years before finally nodding.

Ravenna: Sí. Quiero jugar.

Selenaa smiles and nods into the ring.

Seleana: Then let us get to work, ja?

Ravenna nods and the two step back into the ring to continue training.




On-Camera

Friday, April 22, 2022
Dressing Room
Rebel Star Arena
Rome, Georgia
7:39 PM  EDT




The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich sitting on a chair in her wrestling gear, clearly ready to compete.

Seleana: So here I am, ja? .

She looks around the room and then back into the camera.

Seleana: Tonight, I am in Georgia for a tag team match and then I get on a plane and fly to Greece so that on Sunday I can face Roxi Johnson for the World Bombshell Championship.

A smile comes over her face as she looks down to the floor.

Seleana: It is funny, I just spent two days talking to young wrestlers in my family. They helped me remember what it was like when I first stepped into the ring.

The memories flood over her and she nods to herself before exhaling heavily.

Seleana: 28th January, 2018, LAW #76 at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, South Carolina. Alicia Lukas was on the same card.  So was Christina, Maki and my friend Stacy Jones.

She looks up to the camera again and nods firmly, the smile still in place.

Seleana: When I think of what I felt and how I was at the time…

The smile fades as she shakes her head.

Seleana: This match would have been unthinkable. I was not a wrestler, much less a championship level competitor.

She shakes her head again and then points to her chest.

Seleana: I was just a zookeeper without a job taking care of animals. I did not belong in the ring with a champion and yet, by the second show, I was thrust into the ring with champions in the Boardwalk Angels. They were not just champions, they were undefeated champions and there I was, standing next to my soon-to-be wife facing champions I knew because one was a great family friend and the other was very nearly my mother-in-law.

Looking back down to the floor, Seleana almost laughs at herself.

Seleana: My second match and I take water over my head…

She nods to herself, a wry smile on her face again.

Seleana: I needed to tell myself something many times then and I found myself delivering the same message over the last few days to my daughter-in-law and her sister.  It is the same message I have to tell myself whenever I step into the ring again and especially at times like this weekend when I will be competing for the top prize against someone as accomplished as Roxi. 

Looking up to the camera again, she nods pointedly.

Seleana: Kia kaha.

She nods to herself and then stands up.

Seleana: They are just starting out and do not know what strength they have inside.  They have not yet been tested and so have to find the strength just to get started.

She points to her own chest again.

Seleana: I have been tested. I know what strength I have.

Her hand falls away to her side.

Seleana: Kia kaha.

She points back at the door.

Seleana: For them, it is to remember to stay strong and overcome their fear. For me, it is not fear I must overcome.  I did that long ago.

She nods, her hand moving back to her side.

Seleana: For me, I have to overcome other things. Fear struck out against me when I started taking care of lion cubs and other animals. Doubt stood against me, both from within and without…

Her face becomes hardened.

Seleana: Doubt is why people still try to tell me I do not belong any more now than I did in 2018. Doubt is what holds some of us back but pushes me on.

She points to herself again.

Seleana: I have made a career out of battling and overcoming doubt. I did it when I stepped into the ring the first time.  I did when I stayed in the ring and came to this company. I did it when I faced down everything Christian Underwood mustered. I did it when I took the World Bombshell Championship off of Alicia Lukas and I did it when I climbed back up to face her again after she took it back.

The point becomes a fist but remains in front of her chest.

Seleana: Kia kaha.

She bounces the fist off her chest.

Seleana: I battled doubt when I was able to win the Roulette Championship. I battled doubt when I defended it. I battled doubt when I kept it for months. I battled doubt every time I step into the ring and every time I win, doubt loses ground.

Her eyes flash as she nods firmly, the fist still against her chest. 

Seleana: Just as it is the motto for the city I used to call home, kia kaha takes on special meaning for me. I stand before Roxi Johnson now, ready to face her for the World Bombshell Championship in the same way I always have everything else. When I faced down the idea of working with animals, when I faced down the idea of moving halfway around the world to New Zealand for them, when I faced down the idea coming to America and when I faced down the idea of stepping into the ring, I overcame. Roxi Johnson is a superhero, she has overcome much and is now a four-time Champion! He is everything everyone should aspire to be, both as a competitor and a mother. She has been a friend and supporter of me since I came to SCW and for that, I thank her.

She nods, swinging her fist away to brush away all other thoughts.

Seleana: But now I step into the ring ready to overcome again!

She nods harshly.

Seleana: This is what I do. I overcome. I welcome the test and wait to see if I pass or get knocked down and have to fight my way back to the test again. There is no failure!

She leans into the camera for a momentary close-up

Seleana: Do you hear me?

She nods, looking around, her hands moving up to encompass all that is around her.

Seleana: Everyone tends to ask me why I do this?

She glares back into the camera.

Seleana: Kia kaha.

She nods hard, pointing at herself.

Seleana: I do this for me. I do this because I have to know I can pass the test! Roxi will be a great test and I am keen to find out one more time!

Her eyes flash again as she smirks.

Seleana: Välkommen till djungeln.  Kia kaha.

Off-Camera

Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Zdunich Residence
Hollywood Hills
Los Angeles, California
10:14 AM  PST



Aurora Zdunich: When does Mommy come home?

This was not the first time eleven-year-old Aurora Zdunich had been forced to ask this question of her adoptive mother, Christina. Hearing it never became easier, especially when there was no real answer to be given in response as was usually the case.

This time was no exception.

Christina had been “back home” in Detroit with on-again, off-agan friend Stephanie Sullivan, nominally for their school reunion. It was also for an effort to be made to bury the hatchet between them from what had happened during the fall in Mile High Wrestling when Stephanie had sided with Jenny Williams and Brittany Williams-Annis against Christina and her eventual saviors, Kate Steele and Jenni Taylor, then working as a tag team called Union Jacked. Given that Brittany was Christina’s daughter, Jenny was Brittany’s aunt and Christina’s ex-sister-in-law and that Kate and Jenni were apparently cousins and Jenni’s sister ws set to become a sister-in-law to Seleana’s sister Zenna, this made the whole thing one large intra-family clusterfuck that had led to Christina deciding she was really to blame for many things and walking out the family “for their own good.” Aurora had to ask then when and if she was coming back and Seleana had been forced to admit that there was no answer to be had.

Just like now.

Looking across the sofa at second wife, Alexandra Caldwell-Zdunich, Seleana swallows hard and then turns back to Aurora. The Swede smiles and takes the little girl’s hands into her own. 

Seleana Zdunich: You want her to return soon, ja?

Aurora nods quickly, hesitantly. The young girl was already no stranger to loss and was visibly worried at what the answer would or would not be this time.

Aurora Zdunich: Yes.

Seeing this, Seleana resists the urge to just pull the young girl into her arms and start crying. Instead, she nods and quizzes Aurora’s hands lovingly.

Seleana Zdunich: Maybe we can speed up her return?

Caught off-guard by this response, Aurora frowns in confusion.

Aurora Zdunich: We can?

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Mommy Alex has a match on Saturday in Chicago. She is main event for her championship with Trxie Decker. I think if you ask Mommy Alex if she would like us to come see her for this, she would say it would be a good idea, ja?

Aurora’s little eyes light up with excitement as she starts almost jumping up and down on the spot. She turns to Alexandra and scurries over to her.

Aurora Zdunich: Can we come see you, Mommy Alex?  Can we? Can we? Can we?

Smiling quite contentedly, her eyes glistening slightly, Alexandra nods. 

Alexandra Caldwell-Zdunich: I think that would be a wonderful idea!

Aurora squeals as she jumps up and down again and then hugs Alexandra happily.

Seleana Zdunich: I will message Mommy and tell her to meet us in Chicago and then we can all fly home to Las Vegas for our match on Sunday.

Aurora’s eyes go even wider as she turns to Seleana.

Aurora Zdunich: I get to go to both???

Seleana nods quickly as if this was a forgone conclusion.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja…

She pauses playfully.

Seleana Zdunich: Unless you are not keen?

Aurora squeals agan, her arms outstretched. Alexandra and Seleana both take her into their arms and embrace her, each kissing her on a cheek as they do so.

Aurora Zdunich: I love you, Mommies!!!

Alexandra Caldwell-Zdunich: I love you!

Seleana Zdunich: Jag älskar dig!

Aurora hugs them both back tightly.

Aurora Zdunich: Are Freja, Lucy and Nadja coming too?

Seleana smiles.

Seleana Zdunich: You can ask them. I am certain Freja and Lucy will be keen to get back to Lucy’s flat. 

Aurora gets even more excited than she already was! 

Aurora Zdunich: I’m gonna go upstairs and ask Freja and Lucy right now!  How long are we going for?

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: Pack for a few days. You know we have other things to use in Las vegas, ja?

Aurora nods.

Aurora Zdunich: OK!

She turns and runs to the stairs to hurry and get her current business underway. 

Alexandra Caldwell-Zdunich: Ok, that was cute, you little genius you!

Seleana nods her agreement.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, it was.

Alexandra reaches down and takes hold of one of Seleana’s hands.

Alexandra Caldwell-Zdunich: Is this going to work?

Seleana turns back to face Alexandra.

Seleana Zdunich: She will not miss a match. Chicago is close enough to Detroit, she should be keen for this.  She will feel like we are coming to her.

Alexandra smiles.

Alexandra Caldwell-Zdunich: So two birds with one stone then?

Seleana shakes her head behind a smile.

Seleana Zdunich: Nej, three.

Alexandra snickers back, equal parts amused and impressed.

Alexandra Caldwell-Zdunich: Look at you, finding ways to solve a problem before it actually becomes one.

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: I love you, want you to be happy.

Blushing slightly, Alexandra can’t help but smile.

Alexandra Caldwell-Zdunich: I love you too.

The two kiss lovingly, passionately.

Seleana Zdunich: Jag älskar dig…

Nodding, still clearly impressed, Alexandra softens her smile.

Alexandra Caldwell-Zdunich: Do you think Christina will find what she’s looking for in Detroit?

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: I have faith.

The smile returns to Alexandra’s face.

Alexandra Caldwell-Zdunich: Then I will too.

The two kiss again, both hoping beyond hope that their faith is not misplaced and that Christina will come through again.





On-Camera

Friday, March 4, 2022
Zdunich Suite
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
Chicago, Illinois
7:01 PM  CST



The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich standing inside her room in the Hilton Chicago, Alexandra Caldwell-Zdunich holding it in place for her as they wait for Christina to arrive.

Seleana Zdunich: So here I stand, ja?

She smiles to the woman holding the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: Tomorrow, I watch one of my loves main event here in Chicago in a championship defense. The next day, I will stand with my other love in a tag team match in Las Vegas.  There will be four former World Champions standing in that ring that night.

She nods, holding up four fingers.

Seleana Zdunich: Two of us are married…

Two fingers fall away leaving the other two still standing for the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: The other two…

She pauses to cock her head slightly to the left.

Seleana Zdunich: One ended the other’s reign as champion.

Nodding skeptically, Seleana almost smirks.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, you should work well as a team…

Exhaling heavily, Seleana nods firmly to the camera again

Seleana Zdunich: I realize my wife is not either favorite person.

She pauses to chuckle to herself and nod in acknowledgement.

Seleana Zdunich: In fact, I would say you both hate her, either on general principle or because of past encounters. I know Andrea has never been a fan and took great pride in taking the championship from her.

Her gaze becomes a glare.

Seleana Zdunich: And now we all face off in this match and I know I am keen to get my hands on Andrea. I know Evie is keen to get in the ring period and make a statement. That alone should be enough to make this matcha  must-see event!

She nods, her index finger almost pointing, almost wagging.

Seleana Zdunich: But when you remind everyone that all four of us have been to the top…

She raises her hand high above her head.

Seleana Zdunich: We have all climbed the mou7ntain just because it was there.

Her hand drops back down out of the shot to her side.

Seleana Zdunich: We have all climbed other mountains and proven we can do it. Andrea has done it, Evie has done it, Christina has done it and I…

She nods, pointing to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: And I have done it.

The point moves towards the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: And now we see how keen you are to work with each other. We know you can both perform. We know you are both top competitors and we know that if was just one of you against anyone, it would not be smart to bet against you.

She nods, her finger pointing three times in succession.

Seleana Zdunich: But this is not that, ja?

The point bounces one more time for emphasis

Seleana Zdunich: You team together, two who not that long ago fought for the richest prize there is. Andrea came in as champion, still on high after taking it only to lose and drop to Evie.

A look of deep concern passes over her countenance.

Seleana Zdunich: Are you certain you can trust?

She nods, begging the answer.

Seleana Zdunich: Are you certain you can work with each other knowing that Andrea will be looking for every opportunity to stab everyone in the ring to keep us all from challenging her?

Her head cocks to the right.

Seleana Zdunich: Are you certain you can work with each other knowing Evie is looking for every opportunity to make a statement on all of us to announce that she is back and has lost nothing in the interim between runs?

The point returns to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: I know I can trust my partner. I know I can trust my wife because we are united now like never before. We want the same things in this match. We both want to win, we bo0th want to succeed and we both want to take down Andrea Hernandez.

She raises her hand up, palm open to stop the response she knows is coming.

Seleana Zdunich: I know many will look at me and call: FOOL!

The hand quickly turns right back into a pointer.

Seleana Zdunich: You do not understand. There is nothing in it for my wife to look away while there is everything for both Andrea and Evie to mistrust each other.

The point returns to her own chest.

Seleana Zdunich: My wife and I have worked together as a championship team before.

She nods again in acknowledgement.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, it was a trio with my sister, but we were still champions together regardless of others involved. I know how we work together when we are both ready to go and while it is true that my wife has hit an unusual skid lately, she is still a woman who has won many championships. She has achieved many accolades and is one of the more decorated competitors here in SCW!  Knowing that and knowing we can be champions together means if we come as we can, we are unstoppable!

She glares harshly into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: What do you two know of this? What do you know of each other but competition and games of one upmanship with each other?

Seleana moves in closer to the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: We are coming for you!

She moves in even closer.

Seleana Zdunich: We are coming to show the world that we will not be stopped by petty words from petty people. We are coming to show the world what the Hollywood Angels could be if we were allowed to be that here. We are coming to stretch our wings and fly like we know we can!

The glare intensifies.

Seleana Zdunich: See you Sunday, ja?

Off-Camera

Thursday, February10, 2022
Playground
Zdunich Zoological gardens
Los Angeles, California
10:01 AM  PST



Watching children at play was always a wonderful experience. Today was no exception though it was made even better by the fact that the children were family that had come to visit. Seleana Zdunich’s eleven-year-old daughter, Aurora, was enjoying her time with her ten-year-old cousin, Scarlett, Scarlett’s nine-year-old sister, Amber, and their nine-year-old cousin, Kaari. Scarlett and Amber’s trio of six-year-old brothers, Jesse, Elias and Eric, were seemingly off in their own little world playing separately from the girls.

Smiling as they look on were the trio of mothers, Seleana, her cousin, Alexi Zdunich-Priest and Alexi’s sister-in-law, Angelyka Levén-Valentine. Sitting next to them were also Seleana’s coworker at the Zoological Gardens, Dr. Michelle “Chavy” Chavez, and her sister, Melissa Chavez.

Melissa Chavez: Aurora looks so happy!

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: She needed this. After Christina got covid last month, she has been isolated from us. Aurora was not best pleased with this especially after Juliet’s parents…

Her head bows at the situation.

Seleana Zdunich: I knew Teddy was a bad man but…

Alexi and Angelyka both frown in confusion.

Angelyka Levén-Valentine: What happen?

Seleana looks back up.

Seleana Zdunich: They divorced last year, Teddy and Kate. Now Teddy is keen for full custody.

All four of the other women’s mouths fall open at the very idea.

Alexi Zdunich-Priest: What???

Angelyka Levén-Valentine: That is… för fan i helvete! 

Chavy shakes her head.

Dr. Michelle Chavez: What a dirty…

She stops herself short of cursing him out but her sister doesn’t bother doing the same.

Melissa Chavez: Fucking asshole!

Seleana nods her agreement with the sentiment.

Seleana Zdunich: Aurora talks to Juliet every day. They are inseparable even though they live two hours away from each other. Her father making this play is just…

Shaking her head, Seleana looks at her little girl happily running with her cousins.

Seleana Zdunich: It is not good for either child, ja?

Alexi and Angelyka almost immediately nod their agreement.

Alexi Zdunich-Priest: Ja!

Angelyka Levén-Valentine: Ja!

Chavy just shakes her head.

Dr. Michelle Chavez: Why would he do such a thing?

Melissa shrugs.

Melissa Chavez: He sounds like a grade A douche canoe.  Do those ever really need a reason other than it’ll piss somebody else off?

Angelyka nods quickly.

Angelyka Levén-Valentine: And divorce does things to people.  If they are already jävlar, it make worse.

Alexi sighs.

Alexi Zdunich-Priest: Ja, is true.

Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: I once led coworkers to shut his mouth. He walk into shows asking, “Where the white women at?”

She pauses long enough to nod in acknowledgement.

Seleana Zdunich: Brittany’s father does the same, though Teddy seem to think it funny. He think we are all keen to hear him say that and will think he is enjoyable company for it.

Melissa cringes in disgust.

Melissa Chavez: Tell me you fucked him up for it?!!?

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: I just knock him out at the end. The others got to beat him up more. We all get fined for it, though another party paid them for us.

Melissa grins.

Melissa Chavez: At least someone got him!

Seleana nods slowly.

Seleana Zdunich: I got him elsewhere.  He and Kate once stole Christina’s company from her. I do not know how, I did not ask. I just assume he outmaneuvered her when she was not looking. But then I worked through the stock market and bought it back piece by piece. We got it back and I put Melissa on the Board to help vote him out.

Melissa’s smile turns broader and brighter.

Melissa Chavez: I did enjoy that!

Seleana smiles to her and nods happily.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, it was enjoyable see the look on his face.

Melissa Chavez: You basically got to Batman him with the whole, “Didn’t you get the memo?”

Alexi almost laughs in her seat.

Alexi Zdunich-Priest: You did not!

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: I… I might have said that, ja…

Alexi, Angelyka and Chavy all laugh as Melissa nods her agreement, backing up that Seleana had, indeed, done this.

Melissa Chavez: I mean, it was hilarious!  He never saw it coming and when she just kept hitting him with the paperwork that said he was done…

She gives a chef’s kiss.

Melissa Chavez: Priceless!

The women all laugh again together and then turn their attention back to the children.

Seleana Zdunich: I hope that resolves itself soon.

Alexi Zdunich-Priest: Ja.

Angelyka Levén-Valentine: Ja.

Chavy nods.

Dr. Michelle Chavez: I’m sure it will.

Melissa Chavez: Here’s hoping!





On-Camera

Friday, February 11, 2022
Dressing Room
Rebel Star Arena
Rome, Georgia
7:01 PM  EST



The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich standing in the dressing room of the Savage Revolution show for SRW in Rome, Georgia. She nods and beckons it to enter as she appears to be alone and standing there in jeans and a “Gutter Ballet” t-shirt.

Seleana Zdunich: Welcome to where my heart is tonight. My daughter-in-law, SCU wrestler Halo, is in the main event tonight for the world championship. I am here to support her in her endeavour.

She rubs her hands together as she looks into the camera directly.

Seleana Zdunich: Last week, I went out to the ring and I spoke about how keen I am to have the match I have coming at our next pay-per-view. Andrea Hernanez listened to me talk for what seemed like no time at all before she was not keen to hear me speak anymore.

Nodding to herself, Seleana glances at the door and then moves her gaze back to the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: She came out and tried to laugh me off. To laugh me away. To dismiss me as nothing as if she could just wave her hand and I would no longer be there to challenge her.   

Her right hand rises to slow any response that might be brewing.

Seleana Zdunich: All of that I expected. I was waiting for all of that because it is standard…

She starts to turn, looking down almost sadly.

Seleana Zdunich: But then you mentioned my daughter and gave me the same tone of voice that Christian once did.

Her head lifts up slightly.

Seleana Zdunich: “What are you going to do about it?”

Turning to face the camera again, Seleana glares harshly.

Seleana Zdunich: I have been asked that by three people here now.

She raises her index finger.

Seleana Zdunich: Christian Underwood.

A second finger joins its brother.

Seleana Zdunich: Teddy Warren.

A third finger completes the set for the count.

Seleana Zdunich: And now, Andrea Hernandez.

The hand falls away out of the shot.

Seleana Zdunich: Christian got his face broken and a move named after him. Teddy got knocked out and now you….

She shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: You felt it as well, ja?

The glare turns angrier.

Seleana Zdunich: I am surprised you did not attempt to have me arrested and banned from the building for it. I am surprised that you did not threaten a few other things but…

She pauses to nod in acknowledgement.

Seleana Zdunich: That would mean you have to admit I am a threat in some way and that you are unwilling to do. So, perhaps…

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: I should not be surprised at all. 

The glare returns in full force.

Seleana Zdunich: Laugh at me all you want, Andrea, it will not stop me.

Now the glare softens.

Seleana Zdunich: That was last week and this is now, ja?  Johanna Krieger…

She nods knowingly to the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: The Wolfslair's war machine.  The woman who was challenging Amber Ryan not long ago. The woman who has destroyed many an opponent and has come for me before.

She nods again, this time more firmly.

Seleana Zdunich: We have faced off before and I will admit, it did not go well for me. You showed me who you were and it was an impressive and fearsome sight. The ferocity reminded me of other things I work with. The Wolfslair is aptly named if you are an example of its tenants.

Nodding yet again, Seleana glances at the door.

Seleana Zdunich: You have shown again and again what it is to be a true competitor. You strike fear into the hearts of those who would stand against you. You have climbed mountains and shown you are willing to climb them again if the need is there.

She moves her gaze back to the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: You are not like the others. You do not seek to dismiss, you seek to destroy those that would dismiss you. You are the thing others warn about…

She points into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: You are what goes bump in the night. You are why dark alleys are avoided. You are what parents warn their children about. You are the baba yaga.

She nods pointedly.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja?   

Nodding again, she continues to point.

Seleana Zdunich: I approach you the same way I would any other wolf or large predator. I give you the respect you deserve, I take care not to put myself in certain positions but I do not show you fear.

The hand falls away out of the shot again as Seleana nods determinedly.

Seleana Zdunich: I walk into the match on Sunday knowing full well what you are capable of, Johanna. I know the damage you can do. I know the devastation. I know Andrea will be watching and smirking every time you land so much as a punch, ja?

She nods knowingly, almost angrily.

Seleana Zdunich: She will stand watching, hoping that you will end me so she does not have to bother with me. She will want you to do things to me that you have always wanted to do. She will want you to treat me as a wolf would treat its prey when it is starving and desperate for a meal. She will want you to treat me as a competitor that has violated the sanctity of your territory. She will wish you to tear me apart and leave nothing behind.

She points into the camera, almost wagging the finger as she does so.

Seleana Zdunich: She will hope to use you as the tool to remove the nuisance that is me from her schedule and be able to move on to others.

Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: But that will not happen.

She points to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: I will not allow that to happen.

The hand falls away out of the shot.

Seleana Zdunich: I have waited too long, worked too hard to gain this opportunity and I will not be denied the chance to step in the ring with Andrea Hernandez again! I will not allow you or anyone else to get in my way as I go down the road to the match I am so keen to take.

Seleana’s eyes harden.

Seleana Zdunich: I know you need this win, Johanna. I know you see me as you did before but you will not end me. I have dealt with beasts such as yourself all my adult life and this will not be the final act in this story!

She takes a step closer.

Seleana Zdunich: I am ready, Johanna. I am ready for the fight that will come from you. I am ready to survive. I am ready to show the world. I am ready to meet you in what will no doubt be fierce combat.

She points to herself again.

Seleana Zdunich: Jag är redo. Det finns inga höns gjorda av fjädrar här. Det är dags att gå ut i det djupa vattnet och se vem som tar vatten över huvudet.

She steps forward to the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: Välkommen till djungeln Johanna. Vi kämpar alla här.

 

On-Camera

Friday, December 3, 2021
Encounter Enclosure
Zdunich Zoological Gardens
Los Angeles, California
5:01 PM  PST



The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich watching as the lioness, Sarabi, is allowed out the open doorway and ushered back to her rightful territory utilizing a special cart to get her there. Seleana smiles and waves as the big cat is driven back to her area. .

Seleana Zdunich: It is always a wonderful sight, to watch a lioness at home, in her element.

She nods ever so slightly, her gaze still affixed in the direction the lioness had gone.

Seleana Zdunich: Sarabi is a particular love affair for me. As many know, I raised her as a cub in New Zealand. She still sees me as Mamma.

Looking out longingly at the spot where Sarabi had been, Seleana swallows hard.

Seleana Zdunich: I love seeing a lioness in action, when she sees what she wants and goes out to grab it. She stalks her prey, waist for the opportune moment and then sinks her teeth in just the right place to take it down.

Turning to finally face the camera, Seleana nods affirmatively.

Seleana Zdunich: That is what this match should be, ja?

She nods again for emphasis.

Seleana Zdunich: Four lionesses, four from the top of the food chain stalking rivals in their territory, battling for dominance in position!

She pays her chest with her fist.

Seleana Zdunich: Three of us have held that top position, between us.

She raises an index finger.

Seleana Zdunich: I have.

A second finger joins its mate.

Seleana Zdunich: Dani has.

A third finger joins its two brethren.

Seleana Zdunich: Alicia has.

She nods as her hand falls away out of the shot.

Seleana Zdunich: And we all know Jessie would kill to get there after everything she has been through. She and I have been in the ring more than any of the others and it has not gone well for you, has it Jessie?

Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: As much as you get along with my sisters, when it came to us it was always a different story. I understand that I am not as well-versed in things like Havok and Warbringer as Zenna and Katra and I am not a guitar enthusiast as you are but I never did anything to earn your enmity, Jessie. All I ever did was come to work and accept what was given to me but that acceptance was never enough for you, was it?

She shakes her head even more emphatically.

Seleana Zdunich: No, instead you attacked me for things. You attacked me for being married to someone you did not respect and you attacked me for even attempting this sport. You attempted to block my progress at any turn you could and all you accomplished by doing that was to end blocking your own instead of mine!

An accusatory finger joins an equally accusatory glare.

Seleana Zdunich: You could have been a multi-time champion as the rest of us are now if you had focused on that instead of whatever it was you were doing before. 

An anger enters her voice.

Seleana Zdunich: You should have been what I was! As long as you have been grinding away, as long as you have been at this and as much work as you put into this, it should have been you that ended up where I did!

She points again.

Seleana Zdunich: You should have been the one climbing the mountain! You should have been the one managing a shock victory and you should have been the one able to climb back up again and again after!

The hand falls out of the shot again.

Seleana Zdunich: You should have been able to take those chances from me and you should have been able to stop me from winning the Roulette Championship. You should have been the one to stop me from ever amounting to anything here in SCW and yet given opportunity after opportunity to stop me, you could not do it and you could not claim any prize that Christian offered you to do so!

Seleana shakes her head, looking away from the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: You were given the chances you wanted and you did what many said I would. Many call me a choke artist because I won the championship and then lost it right back to Alicia but at least I can say I got there! I can say when I was given an opportunity to win my way that title shot, I got there! When I was given other opportunities like that, I got there again! And when we were both given the chance at the Roulette Championship, I was the one who got three as well! 

Her arms sweep out wide.

Seleana Zdunich: You could have stopped it… more than once, ja? But you never did and now here you are, staring down the barrel of another chance that should be yours to take and everyone will wonder if this is the time you finally do it.

She shakes her head, a level of disgust on her face.

Seleana Zdunich: As for our other two opponents, Alicia should be angry with you for how you complained about things and could have spared her ever having faced me. She had that speed bump in her championship reign and it was because you allowed me to be that speed bump. Alicia…

She pauses and almost laughs to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: You were one of the few that did not attack me just for being married to someone you do not respect. You attacked me for things that only had to do with me and my respective skill. You gave me respect when you did not need to and when no one else did and I thank you for that. You and I had a trilogy of world title matches and they were a wonderful song to sing. I might have come out on the short end in the end but the journey to get there taught me so much that I will never denigrate it as anything less than glorious!

She nods once again.

Seleana Zdunich: Now we stand here again, facing each other and the last time we were in a multi-person match, it did not end well for me. You and Dani were both there and you were the two in the ring when the match ended.

Clapping her hands together, she looks dead into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: I will work to make sure there is not a replay of that this time!

She looks down and then nods to the outside of the enclosure.

Seleana Zdunich: You were the lioness then and you still are. I am proud to try this again.

She nods and then considers the last opponent.

Seleana Zdunich: Dani Weston…

Seleans sighs almost sadly.

Seleana Zdunich: I admit, we have been in the ring together before and yet I know very little about you in comparison to the other. Jessie and Alicia I have fought wars with both but you…

She shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: You were the champion before Alicia took it from you and then you came back and were the fourth wheel in the match where Alicia took it back from me. You have not attacked me and I have not attacked you…

Shrugging, Seleana nos to the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: We should be fine with each other and yet we are nothing. I cannot say we are friends, I cannot say we are rivals and I cannot say we are enemies. We will step in that ring for this opportunity to meet Andrea Hernandez, whom I still loathe, and it will be a fourway just as that championship match with Alicia and my wife was. The only difference is this time, Jessie Salco is in the fourth slot instead of my wife and this time, the winner gets a championship opportunity instead of a championship.

She pauses and then nods.

Seleana Zdunich: I admit, the chance to make Andrea the prey is a worthy one to compete for and the championship only makes it sweeter to me.

Her jaw clenches as her teeth grind at the thought.

Seleana Zdunich: Andrea is one that has attacked me in every way that Jessie has; only she did it to further enrage my wife. She used me as a pawn and then moved on like nothing happen! I would be glad to pay her back for that, ja?   

She nods firmly.

Seleana Zdunich: I will walk to that ring and fight with everything I have to get to Andrea and if I do, I will fight with everything I have to pay her back for what she has done!

She turns to look abc to where sarabi had been.

Seleana Zdunich: Sarabi taught me well….
 
 

Off-Camera

Friday, October 22, 2021
Hilton/Zdunich Residence
Hollywood Hills
Los Angeles, California
9:23 PM  PDT



Two weeks…

Well, more accurately sixteen days, that was how long it had been since Seleana and Aurora Zdunich had watched Christina Zdunich walk out the door and drive away after taking her wedding ring off.

Not quite a week later, ten days ago now, she had been followed out the door by Alexandra Caldwell and the household had gone from a polycule throuple, to a single mom and her daughter.

Tonight, Seleana was sitting on the couch watching the Lakers on ESPN with her two friends, Dr. Michelle “Chavy” Chavez and Chavy’s sister, Melissa Chavez. 

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: I didn’t know you were into the Lakers, Seleana.

Seleana nods slowly.

Seleana Zdunich: It was one of things Christina say when I come here. I have to support same teams she do. 

She nods almost sadly at the screen.

Seleana Zdunich: She love Lakers.

Both Chavez Sisters both stare at her and then the television and each other, alarm on both faces.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: Oh, Honey…

Melissa Chavez: We don’t have to watch this if it’s going to upset you.

Seleana nods to the television.

Seleana Zdunich: It fine, I watch basketball anyway.

She allows herself a small smirk.

Seleana Zdunich: Not as good as hockey.

Chavy smiles.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: You have a favorite team there?

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: I have followed…

She starts counting to the amusement of both sisters.

Seleana Zdunich: Red Wings, Rangers, Canucks, Avalanche…

Melissa squints slightly in confusion.

Melissa Chavez: Why so many?

Seleana simply shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: Nicklas Lidström, Henrik Lundqvist, Sedin Brothers, Peter Forsberg.

She pauses and thinks again.

Seleana Zdunich: Markus Naslund as well.   

Chavy grins.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: So you followed Swedish players rather than teams?

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja.

Melissa nods.

Melissa Chavez: I can see it.

She nods again to the television.

Melissa Chavez: So did it work to get you to follow the Lakers?

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: I hear LaTroy talk them.

Chavy nods knowingly.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: He does go on and on about LeBron.

Melissa frowns.

Melissa Chavez: That’s not annoying? To hear that all day at work.

Chavy shrugs.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: You have to know LaTroy, it’s kind of endearing.  .

Seleana Zdunich: And he not do all day, just…

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: When he’s awake…

Seleana and Chavy laugh together.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, is truth.

Melissa shrugs.

Melissa Chavez: Does Aurora watch too?

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, she watch do anything that Christina do…

Both sisters sit back, looking almost apologetic as they do.

Melissa Chavez: Where is the little one tonight?

Seleana smiles again.

Seleana Zdunich: Maja come, Nadja and Freja ask take Aurora out with Maja and Lucy.

Chavy can’t help but grin.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: Aw, that’s so sweet of them!

Melissa shakes her had.

Melissa Chavez: Dear God, so you mean there’s three hot Swedish Sisters out there with a ten year old and only one significant other?

Seleana shrugs.     

Seleana Zdunich: Matthias be here tomorrow. Stephanie no come here now. Not since attack.

Melissa nods slowly.

Melissa Chavez: Have any of them tried to talk to you since?

Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: Jenny no talk anyway. Barely ever. Stephanie no. Brittany…

She shrugs, shaking her head slightly, sadly.

Seleana Zdunich: I try. She no want hear. She busy be Princess.

Both sisters cannot helpt note the lack of anger or resentment in Seleana’s voice as she says this about her step-daughter, only sadness permeating everything in her.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: What about Christina or Alex?

Seleana sighs.

Seleana Zdunich: Alex has called as said would and talked to Aurora. Christina no call. Text once.

Her head bows as she looks to the floor.

Seleana Zdunich: I miss her...
 
Melissa Chavez: How is Aurora?

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: She miss too. So strong, take better than me. I do not know how...she…do...

Her voice cracks and trails off as the tears start. Chavy quickly hugs her friend, Melissa moving to do so as well.

Seleana Zdunich: What I do wrong, Chavy? Why no good enough?

Chavy just holds her friend.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: I don’t know, Honey. I don’t know that you did anything wrong. I don’t know if there’s anything you could have done different.

As Seleana cries, Mlissa shakes her head. 

Melissa Chavez: It’s alright, let it out…

The two remain seated with her as the Swedish woman cries into the night, neither really knowing what to say to make their friend feel better.





On-Camera

Friday, October 22, 2021
Guest Bedroom
Zdunich Residence
Hollywood Hills
Los Angeles, California
11:57 PM  PDT



The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich sitting on the bed in a guest room, looking even more dejected than did the week before.

Seleana Zdunich: I thought would feel better. I get in ring with Amber and fight better. I get in ring with World Bombshell Champion and get… close…

She shakes her head

Seleana Zdunich: Now I go Boston, fight Krystal Wolfe, Bella Madison, Johanna Krieger and Bea Barnhart for Bombshell Roulette Championship in Graveyard Match…

Seleana starts to look up only to stop halfway up and just nods to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: Krystal is good champion. She defend with honour. She take on whatever come and not blink.

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: She good champion.

Swallowing hard, Seleana nods to herself again.

Seleana Zdunich: Johanna Krieger take championship from me. She badass wolf woman. There nothing take away from. She good fighter. Be good champion.

She almost laughs to herself mirthlessly while thinking of the others on the list of opponents.

Seleana Zdunich: Bella Madison be good champion too. She show all qualities needed.  Just need opportunity to become champion always meant be.

She nods to herself again.

Seleana Zdunich: Bea Barnhart….

Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: I do not know what say here.

She nods almost accusingly.

Seleana Zdunich: You should be better. You should be in same conversation.

She nods almost apologetically.

Seleana Zdunich: You could be in conversation, but almost like no try. Have all tools, no use!

After shaking her head sadly again, she turns to the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: Five wrestlers, one match, one championship…

Nodding to herself, she stands up.

Seleana Zdunich: We walk into Graveyard Match and we fight until no can! We fight until only one stand above others. We fight until one champion!

Her right hand shoots up with the index finger extended.

Seleana Zdunich: One!

Her hand lowers.

Seleana Zdunich: I come show world I ready!  Krystal, Johanna, Bella, Bea all do same! Bea will fight on level or we drag out!

She nods pointedly.

Seleana Zdunich: We ready, we bring fight!

She leans in ready to turn off the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: It is time.

Off-Camera

Friday, September 24, 2021
Alta Classe
Los Angeles, California
3:12 PM  PST



Alta Classe was a restaurant that had opened relatively recently in Los Angeles by a former wrestler family friend of Seleana’s named Dean Matthews. It was a very nice place and Seleana had taken to coming here regularly whenever she was at the office at the Zoological Gardens for a late lunch. Today was to be no different except that when she’d walked in, the usual smile was not there. As she sits down at her usual table, Dean walks over and sits down with her.

Dean Matthews: Hi.

Seleana Zdunich: Hej.

Considering her usual “hello” is usually much more enthusiastic, Dean can’t miss that something is obviously amiss here.

Dean Matthews: How are things?

Seleana shrugs, her native accent coming through slightly heavier than normal as well. 

Seleana Zdunich: One of cats is sick but Chavy say he will be alright.

Dean nods almost absently, more for show than anything else.

Dean Matthews: And the little one, what’s her name again?

A small smile manages to creep onto Seleana’s face.

Seleana Zdunich: Aurora. She is good…

She trails off, the man who had visited her at the Zoological Gardens’ words sticking in her memory and choking off her momentary joy at the mention of her little girl. Seeing this, Dean glances away and nods absently again.

Dean Matthews: That’s good.

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja… but for…

She pauses and Dean remains silent, waiting for what is really worrying his friend. Seleana swallows hard.

Seleana Zdunich: Some man come to zoo. He say he knows my wife’s spending. He say I owe him tax for business operation. He say I no pay, something happen to Crystal, the he say something happen to Aurora…

Suddenly, Dean’s head turns on a swivel.

Dean Matthews: I’m sorry, I wasn’t listening and it’s rude of me to not give you my full attention.

He stands up and motions at his number two, Stephen Rossi to come over. Rossi does as bidden.

Dean Matthews: Stephen, I need you to take over the reports I was working on here.

Stephen nods and sits down where Dean had previously been sitting. Dean nods to Seleana.

Dean Matthews: I apologize again, could you repeat what you said please?

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: At zoo today, a man come in. Call himself Geo Rondón. He say he know I go to Orlando this weekend for title match. He say he watch all customers than say Christina know him. He never say her name. He says I have been playing game too long without paying tax. That I owe him new tax starting next week. He say I owe five hundred next week then a thousand ever two week after. He say if I no pay, I lose another like one I lose in hurricane in Florida. Then he say…

She trails off again, looking down as her emotions start to take over her again.

Seleana Zdunich: He say be shame if little girl beat cancer have accident and lose.  Then he leave like nothing…

Dean Matthews: Had you ever seen this man before?

Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: Never seen him or heard him before.  Chavy did not know name either.

Dean and Stephen share a look as Seleana stares at the floor. Stephen stands up and he and Dean step away for a second, just out of earshot of Seleana.

Dean Matthews: Handle it. She’s a friend.

Stephen nods and vanishes. Dean turns around and sits abc down at the table.

Dean Matthews: I think I’ve heard the name before. He’s probably just some whackjob who thinks he’s a bigger deal than he is and snuck in to play badass.

Seleana looks up.

Seleana Zdunich: You think so? 

Dean shrugs.

Dean Matthews: How many fake BMFs have you seen in wrestling?

Seleana nods, a laugh trying to force its way out.

Seleana Zdunich: Many, ja…

Dean nods to her.

Dean Matthews: He’s probably one of those. I’d feel sorry for him if I didn’t know how doing this will probably end for him?

Seleana nods knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: Poorly, ja?

Dean nods, looking like he can’t decide if the guy is pitiable or not.

Dean Matthews: If he keeps this up, sooner or later he’s going to inadvertently cross a real BMF and when he does, that BMF will react as real BMFs do and young master Geo will end up on the news as just another who got caught in a drug deal gone wrong or something. He’ll be a pathetic statistic and nothing will ever have come from his visits to anybody.

Seleana considers this and then nods hopefully.

Seleana Zdunich: I hope you are correct, Dean. I do not know what I would do without Christina or Aurora. I am puzzled by one thing though…

Dean Matthews: What’s that?

Seleana looks at the table.

Seleana Zdunich: He say he follow, he know, but he never mention Alex at all. If he know about my match in Orlando, he know about Christina and her spending habits…

She pauses and then nods acknowledgement.

Seleana Zdunich: Which have been legendary and I am not keen to label them as awesome…

Sighing heavily, she shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: He know about Aurora but he not know Alex?

Dean almost snickers.

Dean Matthews: See!

Seleana looks up at him in confusion.

Seleana Zdunich: See?

Dean nods, the smile on his face looking almost amused.

Dean Matthews: The guy didn’t know near as much as he wanted you to think he did. He probably got all that watching your company’s television show. I mean, your wife isn’t exactly shy about doing things big, is she?

Agan, she pauses to take stock of the situation.

Seleana Zdunich: No, never.

Dean nods emphatically.

Dean Matthews: And Aurora has been on the show before, yes?

Seleana nods, looking slightly annoyed at the memory.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, and it was dangerous because of her immune system.

Dean raises a hand in Seleana’s direction, palm up.

Dean Matthews: There you go, the guy’s a whacknut and probably going to get himself in deep shit with people he wishes he was. You probably have nothing to worry about with him.

For the first time, Seleana’s usual smile returns to her face.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja! I hope this is the truth of things!

Dean sits back in his chair.

Dean Matthews: I’m sure it is.

He smiles at her as her mood lifts and they talk like normal, just another visit to Alta Classe.





Off-Camera

Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Alta Classe
Los Angeles, California
12:01 PM  PST



Seleana Zdunich walks into Alta Classe, only this time, something else was different besides the lack of a smile on her face. This time she had little ten-year-old Aurora Zdunich with her as well. The two walk hand in hand and walk to the table that is already waiting for them. The two sit down and a man walks over.

Man: Welcome to Alta Classe…

Aurora looks up at him.

Aurora Zdunich: You look like a badass.

The man just looks at her, momentarily caught off-guard by the child’s candor. Seleana smiles knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: This is the Mister Espositio I told you about. He always has things ready before I even walk through the door.

The man nods.

Man: Please, call me Giovanni.

Aurora’s eyes light up.

Aurora Zdunich: Oh, I like that name!

Giovanni smiles right back.

Giovanni Esposito: Me too.

He leans down and nods to the menu.

Giovanni Esposito: Did you find anything you like yet?

Aurora shakes her head.

Aurora Zdunich: No, but I haven’t really looked yet.

Giovanni smiles.

Giovanni Esposito: I hear you like carnitas.

Aurora nods enthusiastically.

Aurora Zdunich: I love, love, love, love, LOVE carnitas!

Giovanni smiles as if he knew that answer was coming all along.

Giovanni Esposito: A little birdy also told me you are interested in seeing how are prepared.

Again, Aurora starts to nod enthusiastically.

Aurora Zdunich: It’s so cool!

He nods towards Seleana.

Giovanni Esposito: Well, with your mother’s permission…

Giovanni stands up straight, bows and dramatically extends a hand to Aurora.

Giovanni Esposito: I would escort you to whee the magic happens.

Aurora looks to her mother.

Aurora Zdunich: Can I, Mommy Sel?   

Seleana nods to her.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, if you are keen.

Aurora squeals excitedly and takes Giovanni’s hand. He leads her towards the back of the place. As they disappear toward the kitchen, Dean Matthews walks over to the table. 

Dean Matthews: Gianni working his magic then?

Seleana nods sadly.

Seleana Zdunich: He is, ja…  tack…

Taking in the sight before him, Dean considers a gambit.

Dean Matthews: Did that whacjaloo actually come back?

Seleana looks up at him in shock.

Seleana Zdunich: What?

Dean nods to her.

Dean Matthews: You look…

Seleana nods knowingly before he even finishes the thought.

Seleana Zdunich: No, it is not that. I have not heard another word from him. It looks like you have called it on him, Dean.

Dean nods, his stone exterior belying his pleased internal thoughts.

Dean Matthews: Then what is…?

Seleana sighs.

Seleana Zdunich: Personal, not business.

Dean nods slowly. Taking in another deep breath, Seleana braces for the words that are about to come out of her mouth.

Seleana Zdunich: Christina…

Her bottom lip begins to tremble.

Seleana Zdunich: She… free… me…

Dean just looks down at her in confusion.

Dean Matthews: What?

Seleana nods, looking down at the table to try and stifle the torrent she knows is coming.

Seleana Zdunich: She free me and Alex both. Took off her rings and leave them on table at house. She say she go to stay at Zoey’s apartment in Las Vegas

Dean sits down next to her, never taking his eyes off of her.

Dean Matthews: What happened?

Still not looking up, Seleana nods to the table.

Seleana Zdunich: Brittany…

The torrent tries to break through but Seleana is able to hold it back, at least momentarily.

Seleana Zdunich: She decide that she want inheritance now. She want spotlight now. She want her mother’s place in world now. So get her Aunt Jenny to help her attack Christina on MIle High show on Sunday night. Jenny kick me as they do it so I could not stop them. Stephanie Sullivan, Christina’s best friend, woman who has been to our home and is dating my cousin Nadja who works at zoo for me, joined in saying the same thing. She was tired of being tied to Christian and Christina stealing her spotlight.

Her hand balls into a fist.

Seleana Zdunich: Kate Steele and Jenni Taylor come to help but it already done…

Her fist opens and hovers above the table like it’s searching for something to do but is unable to release what it’s holding inside.

Seleana Zdunich: Christina thinks she is a failure at life now so she take off ring and leave. She free me and free Alex to save us from being painted in her stink anymore.

Dean shakes his head.

Dean Matthews: I’m sorry to hear that happened.

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: So am I. It has not hit Aurora yet, she thinks Christina is just going to Las Vegas like normal. Alex and I are waiting for when the wall come down and she find out she’s not intending to come back.

Dean nods slowly.

Dean Matthews: Well, Gianni seems to be doing a good job of entertaining her right now.

Seleana nods, looking past Dean in the direction Giovanni and Aurora had gone.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, thank you for that.

Dean raises his hands up in defense.

Dean Matthews: Hey, he just works here, I don’t have to tell him how to do hospitality. He brought that here with him.

Seleana manages a small yet still sad smile.

Seleana Zdunich: Even so, thank you for being friend, Dean.

Dean smiles back at her.

Dean Matthews: It’s what I do. 





On-Camera

Friday, October 8, 2021
Driveway
Zdunich Residence
Hollywood Hills
Los Angeles, California
7:00 PM  PDT



The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich standing in a strangely empty driveway in front of the Hollywood Hills home she shares with the rest of her immediate family. Seleana too looks strangely subdued today, dressed in a pair of distressed jeans and a Zdunich Zoological Gardens t-shirt but not her customary smile.

Seleana Zdunich: Hej…

She nods ever so slightly, barely moving her head at all.

Seleana Zdunich: Washington, D.C. and I will meet Bea Barnhart again as I did not so long ago. 

Looking into the camera, Seleana barely registers any emotion at all.

Seleana Zdunich: Do you remember what I said to you then, Bea?  About doing things on your own apart from Bill?

She nods grimly.

Seleana Zdunich: You will need to think that doubly now, Bea.

Looking down to the ground again, Seleana nods to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: Bill has proven that he can win championship gold… without you. Something that so far, you have not been able to do for yourself.

She looks back up and nods slightly.

Seleana Zdunich: I speak from experience when I say to you, Bea, it is something that will be hammered on you as if it is a nail being driven into a piece of wood to build a roof over your head. A roof that also holds a sign that says you are not worth anything because you needed help…

Her lips press together momentarily as she’s about to lose it but she somehow pulls herself together.

Seleana Zdunich: This is what everyone save a select few have said to me because of how I achieved being the Bombshells World Champion.

She points to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: I pinned Alicia Lukas to win that championship but my wife made sure that would never be what people remember about that night. Then my reign was just dismissed, especially when it ended on my first defense in a fourway where my wife made sure I was not involved in the decision.

Her hand falls away out of the shot even as her expression never changes.

Seleana Zdunich: Do you want that to be you because that is what will happen if you do not find a way to do things without Bill.  You will be the person who has a championship to your name but no one acts like, no one remember. They will all dismiss it as a bad night for your opponents and Bill doing all the work.

Both of her hands rise up and come together looking almost as if she is about to pray.

Seleana Zdunich: You need to walk into Washington, D.C. and act like your entire career depends on this match, Bea. You need to need to win this match. You need to need to climb that mountain with no safety gear just because it is there and just because you can!

A nod and her eyes start to fiercen.

Seleana Zdunich: You need to do what I did and go through every obstacle that is thrown at you and keep begging for more to be thrown at you. You need to jump every hurdle, go over, under or through everything they can think of and then come back and do it all over again and dare everyone to stop you.

Her hands start to wave slightly even as they remain pressed against each other.

Seleana Zdunich: You need to have that need, Bea. You need to have that need to walk out there to prove that you did not need Bill, Bill needed you!

Her fingers curl inside so that only the index fingers remain extended.

Seleana Zdunich: You need to look at everyone in this company from Jessie Salco to Alicia to Merecedes Vargas to Christian Underwood and everyone in between and practically beg them all to line-up against you. You need to go through them like you are coldest steel ever and then walk into thee any champion you can get into the ring and put them down.

Her hands fall back down out of the shot again, separating from each other on the way down. 

Seleana Zdunich: Only then will you get the respect you deserve, Bea. You are talented and you are skilled but you will never be seen as such until you have completed your Herculean Labors list and stand aloft with your prize being shown to the heaven!

She nods grimly again.

Seleana Zdunich: But you must be careful, Bea. Do not allow this championship to go to Bill’s head or you will forever be looking over your shoulder, waiting for the knife you never see coming from him.

She inhales sharply, her gaze momentarily falling to the ground..

Seleana Zdunich: And then people will wish you to be free of him whether you want it or not.

She nods again and then looks back into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: Stay the course, Bea, walk into Washington, D.C. and show me and everyone else that they were wrong about you! 

She starts walking towards the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: Do that or be consigned again, it is your choice.

As she reaches the camera, Seleana bends down so that she’s in an extreme close-up.

Seleana Zdunich: It has always been your choice.

Off-Camera

Friday, July 30, 2021
Home of Crystal and Seleana Zdunich
Hollywood Hills
Los Angeles, California
3:00 PM  PDT




The drive to San Clemente had been a nice one.

The drive back had been typical Los Angeles traffic and not nearly as nice as the one down had been. What should have taken a little over two hours had taken closer to three and given the usual fare of drivers, it was probably a lucky break that it had not taken four or five.

But it had felt even longer

For Seleana Zdunich, it had meant sitting alone in a silent vehicle while the sounds of what she’d seen earlier in San Clemente with her daughter-in-law, SCU wrestler, Haylie Jo “Halo” Annis and her housemates, the SCU tag team of 2 Broke Chicks, Chiaki “Chi Chi” Sanada and “The Hammer” Jane Harper. 

#FreeSeleana2021 had never been shown to her quite like that before. She’d never been forcibly immersed in it so thoroughly and now she’d had to stew in it in traffic for several hours whether she liked it or not.

Now, she was home, Freja and Lucy had come from Las Vegas with them so that Aurora could be here all weekend through the show where Seleana would face Alicia Lukas. It had been entertaining watching Lucy take in the house, and even better to see how touched she’d been to be invited and how Seleana, Christina and Aurora had all acted like it was a given she was invited with Freja. The Syrian woman had been almost awestruck at the space and all too happy to see Freja’s room. Aurora had led her there with a “Come on, Silly!” and everyone else had just smiled.   

Seleana Zdunich: She is keen, ja?

Freja nods, smiling to herself.

Freja Lindstrom: Her family was not welcoming. This is new to her still.

Christina scoffs.

Christina Zdunich: Aurora will have her feeling at home soon enough!

No sooner have the words left Christina’s mouth, than Aurora comes running back and grabs Freja’s hand.

Aurora Zdunich: You too!

Aurora leads Freja into the room and Seleana nods approvingly.

Seleana Zdunich: Our family…

Christina starts to nod when they hear the front door open. The two turn to see their girlfriend, Alexandra Caldwell standing there, sitting a bag down as she closes the door. Both Christina and Seleana look on, shock taking hold of both of them. Alexandra turns to them and nods.

Alexandra Caldwell: Hi.

Christina manages not to fall over.

Christina Zdunich: Hi.

Seleana blinks twice to make sure she’s not hallucinating and then nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Hej.

As the three women stand there, staring at each other in silence, Aurora walks back into the room.

Aurora Zdunich: What’s going…

She trails off at the sight of Alexandra. For a second everyone holds their collective breath as they wait to see the little girl’s response. Before anyone can say anything further, Aurora runs over to Alexandra and hugs her.

Aurora Zdunich: I love you Mommy Alex.

As Aurora holds onto Alexandra, the taller woman just looks down at her, shock seemingly coming over her from head to toe at the little girl’s words. Slowly, a smile comes to her face as she embraces the child right back.

Alexandra Caldwell: Mommy Alex…

Aurora looks up hopefully and Alexandra’s smile broadens, tears brimming in her eyes.

Alexandra Caldwell: I love the sound of that. 

Aurora hugs her tightly, Christina and Seleana walking over and joining in the embrace.

Seleana Zdunich: Familj?

Christina Zdunich: Familia. 

Alexandra looks at them through her tears.

Alexandra Caldwell: Family.

Seleana kisses Alexandra and leans in so that the crying woman’s head is on her shoulder.

Seleana Zdunich: I love you, Alex. Welcome home.

Christina kisses Alexandra too.

Christina Zdunich: Welcome home.

Alexandra gos to talk only for Aurora to pull away and grab her hand.

Aurora Zdunich: Come on, we’re playing!

Christina and Seleana both release their grips and step back, giggling as they do so. Aurora pulls Alexandra towards the gaming area and sets to getting things going.

Seleana Zdunich: It is a beautiful sight, ja?

Christina nods happily, wiping away a tear herself.

Christina Zdunich: It is.

Seleana nods and motions at Alexandra and Aurora. 

Seleana Zdunich: Let us enjoy family time.

Christina smiles.

Christina Zdunich: Let’s!

The two wander over and sit down to watch whatever computer-generated mischief Aurora and Alexandra are going to get into.





On-Camera

Friday, August 13, 2021

Los Angeles, California
7:00 PM  PDT



The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich standing in a bedroom next to a bed with her usual wrestling gear laid out on it. She stares at it, shaking her head ruefully before turning to the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: So, our first round match for the Internet Championship and Bobbie Dahl and I will be Pretty In Pink for a ball gown match…

Almost shrugging, she cocks her head slightly to the left.

Seleana Zdunich: This pleases you, Bobbie, ja?

She nods knowingly, a look of mild disdain on her face.

Seleana Zdunich: Given what everyone tends to say about you, I am certain the last thing you wanted to do in a match with championship implications, was put on a ball gown and have a match that has nothing to do with wrestling, ja? 

Seleana nods as if she already knows what the answer will be.

Seleana Zdunich: Neither one of us is comfortable in ball gowns. I have worn one before but I was not comfortable the entire time I had to wear one and I cannot fathom how you would be either.

She shrugs again, almost apologetically.

Seleana Zdunich: But aside from not being keen about the gowns…

Her expression turns serious.

Seleana Zdunich: I have to ask which Bobbie Dahl am I getting?

She nods expectantly, seemingly waiting for an actual answer to come.

Seleana Zdunich: Please tell me I am getting the one I have always seen is in there and not the one everyone talks about. Please tell me I am getting the Bobbie Dahl that went toe to toe with Alicia Lukas and nearly beat her brains in, ja?

Nodding appreciatively, Seleana claps her hands together.

Seleana Zdunich: Please tell me I am getting the Bobbie Dahl that can dominate physically and rule the Bombshell Division if she wanted to just based on her physical gifts and solid basics. Tell me I am getting the Bobbie Dahl that looks like she could take half of the animals in my Zdunich Zoological Gardens. The Bobbie Dahl that is ready to cast aside all of her past problems along with all of the garbage skit that everyone has always said about her and prove that it was all just that!  Tell me I am getting the wrecking machine you should have always been!

Seleana nods pointedly to the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: Because that is who you should have been and would be if you did not spend every waking second complaining about the world not being built to fit you and therefore being set against you. If that is which version of Bobbie Dahl is coming, the whiner, complainer, spewer of conspiracy theories, then go sit down and just tuck yourself back into bed right now because that will get you nowhere, Bobbie.

She cocks her head sharply to the right.

Seleana Zdunich: Where has it ever gotten you?

She shakes her head disapprovingly.

Seleana Zdunich: You have been part of this company longer than I have, you are so much more physically gifted than I am. You should have done ten times what I have accomplished. You have taken runs at things and come up short and rather than pressing forward and seeing where you went wrong and building on what you did well, you sulked and pouted and whined and cried like a petulant child. If people are to be believed, I should find that sexually exciting based on how my wife is perceived and yet, even I cannot help but be turned off by the constant toxicity you bring yourself.

She motions with her hands to lower something as if talking to a child with a weapon.

Seleana Zdunich: Put the shovel down and stop trying to dig your way out of the hole you yourself started in the first place!

She points to her head.

Seleana Zdunich: If you never learn here, it will never matter what you do with everything you are already blessed with. Alicia Lukas did not defeat you because she was better able to do things physically than you. She did not defeat you because she was physically tougher than you. She defeated you because she was mentally tougher than you. Her mental game was on point, yours was defeated before you ever got in the ring and, in the end, that was the difference.

She nods disgustedly.

Seleana Zdunich: It has been the difference in every attempt you have ever made, Bobbie. You refuse to learn from your mistakes so you make them over and over and over again until you snap, angry at yourself, and perform the proper mental gymnastics to convince yourself that it was not you who came up short, it was the world standing against you.

She shakes her head again.

Seleana Zdunich: The only thing standing against you, Bobbie, has been you, and until you defeat yourself, you will never get where you are so keen to go!

She waves her hand dismissively through the shot.

Seleana Zdunich: If that is all you will bring to this match, do not bother because there will be nothing pretty about this. You will have shown you have learned nothing and championships will remain out of your grasp!

She nods gravely.

Seleana Zdunich: I await you in the ring, Bobbie, hoping to see the real you emerge from whatever this cocoon of bullshit was and stand tall. I am here to compete for a chance to get the Internet Championship, not babysit an overgrown child and if that is what awaits me, I am not above spanking you in front of the world!

Seleana glares into the camera, stepping forward to give herself her own close-up.

Seleana Zdunich: This is the Internet Championship, Bobbie, do not treat this like it is nothing or that is what you will always remain!

Off-Camera

Friday, July 2, 2021
Master Bedroom
Zdunich Apartment
Las Vegas, Nevada
7:01 AM  PDT



Packing for a quick trip for a show had become the norm for Seleana Zdunich, though they had gotten fewer and further between with the closure of several of the companies she had previously been working for. It had not been unusual for her to fly out and work an SRW show on Thursday, a WWA show on Friday, a WWR show also on Friday and then an SCW show on a Sunday.

The fact that her wife, Christina, worked all of those same shows and that her sister, Zenna, worked all but the SCW shows did not hurt her zeal for that number of shows.

But now, WWR had been closed for four months and WWA had also announced its closure as well. With rumblings of new rules in SRW, there was a question of whether people would be let go there as well so this little routine was quickly going the way of the dinosaurs.

As Seleana looks at her bag, little Aurora wanders into the room.

Aurora Zdunich: You have a show already again?

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Christina is not booked but will be there for Shenzi and I. We face a team called the Covenant and they like to employ numbers. 

Aurora shakes her head.

Aurora Zdunich: People who do that just don’t seem to really believe in themselves!  If you know you can beat somebody, why you need the others to do it? You should want to show your good that way, total domination!

Seleana can’t help but smile at her daughter.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, es la verdad.

Aurora nods happily before staring at the bag again.

Aurora Zdunich: So, you back tonight or?

Seleana nods affirmatively.

Seleana Zdunich: I have to come back quickly, I have a match here on Sunday against Char Kwan. There is a prize at stake so it is more important than usual. More than just bragging rights.

Aurora smiles brightly.

Aurora Zdunich: Are you keen?

Again, Seleana can’t help but smile, this time at her daughter’s usage of the word “keen” in the same way she tends to use it.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, I am keen for this. There is a Golden Ticket for the winner.

Aurora frowns on confusion and curiosity.

Aurora Zdunich: What’s it do?

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: I do not know, they are not informing us what the prize actually is in advance. Char Kwan and I will have no idea until Christian and Mark wish us to know…

She pauses and almost starts laughing.

Seleana Zdunich: And in their cases, they have probably argued about when that time will be because they enjoy being an annoyance to each other.

Aurora just stares at her mother in disbelief.

Aurora Zdunich: They do?

Seleana nods, snickering to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja. Christian and Christina have had a history of bickering that way as well. It led to things happening with me as well.

Aurora grins, visibly excited now.

Aurora Zdunich: Is that when you punched the guy for saying mean things about Mommy?

Seleana nods affirmatively again.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja… that was Christian.  He fired me for it.

Aurora frowns in confusion.

Aurora Zdunich: But you still work there.

Seleana snickers again in response.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, Mark hired me back almost immediately and made a new rule that Christian could not just summarily fire someone on his own again after that.

Aurora shakes her head and scowls

Aurora Zdunich: Why he not nice?

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: He can be but when he decides he does not need to be, it can be bad.

Aurora shakes her head.

Aurora Zdunich: Has he ever decided to do that to Char Kwan?

Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: Nej.

Aurora’s eyes narrow.

Aurora Zdunich: Just you?

Seleana shakes her head. .

Seleana Zdunich: No, he has also taken an interest in both Christina and Jessie Salco as well. Each of us for different reasons. He does not take the same tact with all of us. They are personalized for maximum effect.

Aurora nods slowly, seemingly unsure of what to say next.

Aurora Zdunich: Do they work?

Seleana considers this question for what feels like an exorbitantly long time. Finally, after what feels like years, she nods and looks down as if admitting a long held secret.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, on some level they tend to.

Pausing again, Seleana almost laughs.

Seleana Zdunich: Not always as he is keen to have them do…

Aurora nods and then hugs Seleana.

Aurora Zdunich: Well I hope he stays out of your business!  I love you, Mommy!

Seleana smiles as she hugs Aurora back.

Seleana Zdunich: I love you too, mitt kära barn.





On-Camera

Friday, July 2, 2021
Back Room
Rebel Star Arena
Rome, Georgia
7:00 PM  EDT



The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich sitting in a darkened room on what appears to be a small wooden chair under a single swinging light bulb.

Seleana Zdunich: Forgive the conditions, this was the best I could find as the show here tonight was beginning.

She pauses, looking around the room.

Seleana Zdunich: It is… not bad for short notice, ja?

Snickering to herself, Seleana again scans her surroundings.

Seleana Zdunich: And a wonderful metaphor for this match, ja, Char?

Sitting back in the chair, she waves her arms around, her hands disappearing into the darkness.

Seleana Zdunich: We are surrounded in darkness, the two of us. We go into this match knowing only a small portion of the larger picture. We fight, the two of us, for the Golden Ticket…

Her arms pull back in and her hands re-enter the shot, landing in her lap.

Seleana Zdunich: Even though we do not know what it is, or why we should desire it…

She cocks her head, a wry smile crossing her face.

Seleana Zdunich: But we also both know that if Christian and Mark have that look on their face, it has to be something good in the end.  They do do these things part way, ja?

She nods as if the answer reaching her ears is an affirmative one.

Seleana Zdunich: So you and I come together for this fight and I can hear the naysayers now. If they come for me, they say I have had my opportunities, I have had my chances and I do not need to receive another. They would question if my wife had something to do with this or I was selected just to keep her quiet because of how her usual reactions tend to go.

She sits back in the chair again, rolling her eyes as she goes.

Seleana Zdunich: If they came for you they would ask why has it taken someone like you this long to get one. You should have been able to earn this type of thing a long time ago. You are talented, you are skilled and you know how to get people’s attention so why have you not managed to achieve anything on your own yet? How have you not managed what others who are not as talented as you have?

Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: So now we come together to fight, both of us a chance to prove those people wrong. You to prove that you can and will do things on your own if just given the opportunity and I, the chance to once again shut those mouths that constantly try to deny me.

Seleana jumps to her feet and points to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: Like it or not, I have been Bombshells Roulette Champion and I have been Bombshells World Champion. I have been knocked to the bottom of the mountain and climbed my way back up. I have overcome obstacles multiple times just to stay where I am and even got fired and had to be rehired and that has happened in more than one company now, and still, I rise!

She points to herself a little more emphatically.

Seleana Zdunich: I walk into this match ready to see what you have to offer, Char. Truly, I wish to find out what the talk about you has been about. I know your name comes up and I have waited patiently to see first hand why that is!  This is my opportunity to both find that out and then walk on to see what the Golden Ticket stands for!     

Rubbing her hands together, Seleana smiles knowingly into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: Are you ready for this, Char? Are you ready to step into the ring with a former champion that is still hungry for more?

She nods pointedly off to the right.

Seleana Zdunich: Or will you shit in the blue cupboard at this?

She leans forward and snaps the fingers on her right hand.

Seleana Zdunich: It can happen just that fast, Char. One second, you think you have me and the next….

She snaps her fingers again.

Seleana Zdunich: One second, you are singing, “I’ve got the golden ticket… I’ve got the golden ticket….”

One more time, she snaps her fingers and this time, the light cuts out.

Seleana Zdunich: And the next, you are plunged into darkness with nothing to show for it. Let us wade through the darkness together and see which one ends up in the shining light, ja? 

A slight snicker comes from the darkness.

Seleana Zdunich: I know I am ready…

The snicker grows even more.

Seleana Zdunich: I am keen…

Silence covers the darkness.

Seleana Zdunich: Let us see how you are, ja?


 

 

Off-Camera

Friday, June 11, 2021
Living Room
Zdunich Apartment
Las Vegas, Nevada
6:01 PM  PDT



Sounds of video games were not unusual for any time of day in this apartment. Be it Christina, Brittany, Aurora, Freja, or some combination of all of them, if someone was home, there would be the sounds of animated violence ringing out.

Today was no different in terms of sounds, just in terms of who was causing them to ring out.

Today, sitting with Aurora and Freja and playing away was family friend, Stephanie Sullivan’s fifteen-year-old son, Tyler. As he and Aurora play together, Christina walks in to find Seleana Zdunich watching them contentedly.

Christina Zdunich: When did he get here?   

Seleana just keeps watching, not moving a muscle. 

Seleana Zdunich: Fifteen minutes ago. Stephanie and Nadja stepped out together so we volunteered to watch him for her.

Christina can’t help but smile.

Christina Zdunich: They really went?

Seleana nods affirmatively.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, Nadja was keen just as Stephanie was.

She pauses and nods to Tyler. 

Seleana Zdunich: If this works out, you and Stephanie might be “real family” in a second way. We should not get ahead of ourselves on that but...   

Before she can even finish the thought, Christina starts beaming excitedly.

Christina Zdunich: We really could!

Seleana nods slowly.

Seleana Zdunich: It is possible but we will have to see how this goes with Nadja.

Christina almost starts jumping up and down in giddy excitement.

Christina Zdunich: Stephanie’s dating your cousin!!!!

Seleana can’t help but laugh in amusement at her wife’s excitement.

Seleana Zdunich: She is… how we just have to hope Tyler remains keen about Nadja as well. He has a vote in this.

Christina shrugs.

Christina Zdunich: He looks like he’s happy right now!

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, he does. He and Aurora seem to get on well as do he and Freja.

The giddiness in Christina seemingly manages to expand and intensify.

Christina Zdunich: And that’s good since she would end up being his auntie, right?

Seleana just shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: You are really keen for this…

Christina turns to her wife and grabs both of her wrists.

Christina Zdunich: You have no idea, Sel!

With her wrists still fully in her wife’s grasp, Seleana’s amused smile widens as she nods slowly.

Seleana Zdunich: I can see it in everything today. We are just observing Tyler playing Mario Kart with Aurora and yet, you cannot stop yourself from…

Again, before Seleana can finish the thought, Christina takes over.

Christina Zdunich: It’ll be so fucking awesome! Do you know how long I’ve wanted this to happen? How long I’ve wanted to be able to call her family for real? How long…

Seleana reverses the grasp on wrists, pulls her wife in closer and kisses her. Christina melts in her arms and Seleana smiles, their lips parting.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, I know you are excited, Estrellita…

Christina nods, the smile seemingly unshakeable on her face.

Christina Zdunich: I am… I just want this to happen so badly!

Seleana nods understandingly.

Seleana Zdunich: Entiendo… pero…

Christina’s smile starts to fade at the but.

Seleana Zdunich: You have to understand that this will not happen overnight. We need to allow them the time and space to breathe and allow things to work their way out. It was like us, we did not happen right off. Stacy got us together and we started a slow dance that no one thought would last out that night. Then we danced another night and another and we kept on dancing and now we are still dancing.  It has been years…

The smile returns to Christina’s face only time with a touched tenderness that sees her eyes moisten. She squeezes Seleana’s hands and nods happily.

Christina Zdunich: Yes we are…

Seleana kisses her wife and then takes her into her arms.

Seleana Zdunich: Our dancing days are ongoing and strong. They are just beginning the first steps, just getting to the floor. We must give the music a chance to play before we declare an epic and grandiose waltz…

Christina allows her forehead to touch her wife’s.

Seleana Zdunich: I love how you’re trying to slow me down without shitting all over my dream in the process…

Seleana looks into her wife’s eyes.

Seleana Zdunich: It is a beautiful dream, there is no need to stomp on it when it could come true.

Christina looks into Seleana’s eyes as tears start to slow from her own.

Christina Zdunich: I love you.

Seleana smiles and kisses her wife lovingly.

Seleana Zdunich: Jag älskar dig också! Jag gör inte häng av fjädrar. Det finns ingen ko på isen. Stephanie skiter inte i det blå skåpet.

Christina cries gratefully and almost joyfully into his wife’s shoulder.

Seleana Zdunich: Everything will be as it will be, Estrellita.  Keep dreaming. You found your castle, Stephanie will find hers as well.




On-Camera

Friday, June 11, 2021
Parking Lot
Zdunich Apartment
Las Vegas, Nevada
7:58 PM  PDT



The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich standing in the parking lot of her family’s Las Vegas apartment complex staring out at the shining lights of the Las Vegas Strip. She stares down the road for what seems like forever before slowly turning to face the camera. 

Seleana Zdunich: It is always a brilliant sight, ja?

She turns and nods to the Strip.

Seleana Zdunich: The bright lights and the colours…

Staring at the lights, Seleana leans against her car, folding her arms and leaning them on the hood.

Seleana Zdunich: You know there is a great multitude down there, running, playing, some dancing, some drinking, some taking their chances and some wishing they had done one or more of the others before it was too late.

Continuing to seemingly lose herself in the lights, Seleana shifts herself against the hood of her car.

Seleana Zdunich: Everyone comes here searching for something, fun, vacation, money, opportunity, competition, pleasure… 

Standing up straight she nods towards the end of the Strip.

Seleana Zdunich: There is an establishment built solely for that purpose a few miles up the road.  It is even called the PleasureDome. I have met several people who work there. Some even used to compete in the ring until they found the money there too much to deny.

She scans the length of the Strip, nodding along as she goes as if counting something along the way from end to end.

Seleana Zdunich: There are dances of all sorts, all types, all demarcations here…

She nods to herself and then turns to face the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: And on Sunday, Azurine Vebbins and I will engage in one.

Nodding almost solemnly, a hint of astonishment and awe creeps into her eyes.

Seleana Zdunich: It is amazing that after having worked in the same company multiple times, this will be our first encounter of any kind. We have never danced before…

A small smile crosses the Swedish woman’s face.

Seleana Zdunich: I am keen for this, Azurine.

She nods genuinely to the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: You have shown in many companies how good a dancer you are, be it waltz, cha-cha, rumba, mambo, tango, tap, ceremonial or any other form of dance…

Her right hand raises, her index finger extended.

Seleana Zdunich: You have shown you are a skilled technician that can dance with anyone if given the opportunity. You are skilled at multiple techniques and if you do not know a specific one, you can find a way to make it look as if you do on the spot! You dance with passion and hearts dn a will to make it the best it can possibly be!

She waves her hand forward, wagging the finger back and forth at the camera repeatedly.

Seleana Zdunich: You have gone to places and been constantly underestimated because of the way you look, the way you talk, certain idiosyncrasies and even by who you date.

The hand comes back and collapses into Seleana’s chest.

Seleana Zdunich: I can relate to many of these myself.

She nods pointedly.

Seleana Zdunich: We are both guest dancers in this great hall called the United States of America. We have been allowed to take up residence and dance here and though many have looked at us and cast doubts on our abilities and aspersions on our character, it has not stopped either one of us from continuing on!

She points into the camera again.

Seleana Zdunich: You go into every one of those places, get told you sound strange, that you will never amount to anything dn then you defeat people that others can only dream of. It has happened again and again and I am certain you are not finished doing this. You did it in a company where you were able to defeat their world champion and only one other had managed such a feat.

Again the hand moves in to allow the hand to touch her own chest.

Seleana Zdunich: We are mirror images of each other that way, Azurine, as the same happened to me here. I was not supposed to amount to anything. I was never supposed to be anything of consequence, much less a main event and yet, I have been multiple times just with Alicia Lukas. I was never supposed to challenge her and yet, at a time when Alicia had lost but once in this company dn was the most dominant champion seen in years, I was able to get my hand raised and take the championship home with me.

The hand falls away.

Seleana Zdunich: You are no different and this makes this dance all the more appealing to me, Azurine.

She motions between herself and the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: You and I are two of a kind. Both finding our way in everything as we go, both finding ways to thrive despite everyone else’s best efforts to hinder us, and both striving just to have a good dance with every outing.

She nods defiantly.

Seleana Zdunich: I am ready for this, Azurine. I am ready to walk to that ring and prove everyone wrong all over again! I am ready to show what I can do, all that I have learned and all that I have put together when I was never supposed to know the first thing about much of anything!

A smile comes to her face.

Seleana Zdunich: Dancing days are here…

Her hand reaches out to the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: May I have this dance?           
 


 

On-Camera

Friday, April 9, 2021
Living Room
Zdunich Apartment
Las Vegas, Nevada
8:37 AM  PDT



Seleana Zdunich brings her gear bag into the room and sets it on the couch. She opens it quickly to check and see that she has everything properly placed inside that she will need for the match that evening in Georgia.  Seeing all of her gear is stowed and properly taken care of, she nods and zips the bag closed, unaware that her wife is filming her as she does so. Suddenly, their ten-year-old daughter, Aurora, comes running in and clamps onto Seleana tightly.

Aurora: Do you have to go?

Seleana hugs her daughter back.

Seleana: Ja, we do. Shenzi and I have a title match tonight. Your sisters have a match against some strange women and mommy has a match with Kate and a man called Kash.

Aurora squeezes Seleana harder.

Aurora: Why can’t I go?

Seleana squats down and looks the young girl in the eyes.

Seleana: Georgia is not a good place for you right now, Chickie. Freja will be here with you. Kajsa and Valkyrja may come over as well.

Aurora nods slowly and looks up to her adoptive mother’s eyes.

Aurora: You have a match on Sunday too?

Seleana nods, a smile on her face.

Seleana: Ja, with five other champions for a chance to fight a sixth at Into The Void.

Aurora’s eyes go wide.

Aurora: Oh wow, really?!!?

Seleana nods.

Seleana: You know all of them as well. Samantha Marlowe, Alicia Lukas, Roxi Johnson, Keira Johnson and Lucy Seraphim. We compete to face Myra Rivers.

Aurora: Wow!

The little one looks astounded for a second before she frowns in confusion.

Aurora: But why is Lucy Seraphim in with the rest of you?  She doesn’t really match.

Seleana sits down on the couch next to her bag.

Seleana: Why not?

Aurora nods to her mother.

Aurora: The rest of you have all been Bombshell World Champion. You’re all multi-time champions. She’s… not.

Seleana nods sympathetically.

Seleana: Ja, but this is her opportunity to change that. She has been doing really well since she return and she earn this spot with her hard work. We all have. Alicia, Sam and I have never been internet champion.

She pauses and then nods, almost laughing as she does so.

Seleana: It seems like it is the only thing Sam has not managed in her career here yet.

Aurora nods slowly.

Aurora: It seems like it’s the same opportunity for all of you to do something like that.

Seleana smiles proudly at her daughter.

Seleana: Ja, det är sanningen! Alicia has never competed in other championship divisions. It is amazing that she has been at the top for so long since coming to SCW. She is just that good so any victories over her should be considered true accomplishments whether there is a championship attached or not. Sam is the same, she has done so much here for so long, accomplished so much that the only reason she has not added the Internet Championship to that list is that it was deactivated for some years and it was not available as an accolade for her. Roxi and Keira are both talented competitors with many accomplishments to their names. Lucy belongs on this list with us! One of us will take the step towards Myra and perhaps adding even more to our own legacy.

Aurora frowns again.

Aurora: Why isn’t Mommy in this match? She has that many championships too!

Seleana nods.

Seleana: Ja, she does, but she was just champion. There may be plans in place for her to challenge Amber again.

Aurora nods back again.

Aurora: That would be a good match. I know Mommy would really like to try to get that one back!

She pauses and then smiles in her own little way.

Aurora: For both of you!

Seleana nods sympathetically again.

Seleana: I know she does but that is her problem sometimes.

Aurora frowns in confusion yet again.

Aurora: It is?

Seleana nods.

Seleana: That would be fighting for the wrong reasons. It is like that Scott Pilgrim movie you watched not long ago. What happened when Scott tried to fight the last boss for others?

Aurora: He lost and died. 

Seleana nods knowingly.

Seleana: But what happened when he fought for himself?

Aurora smiles slightly.

Aurora: He gained the sword of self respect and won.

Seleana nods knowingly again to her daughter.

Seleana: Sometimes Mommy forgets this. She does not use the proper sword. You must search your box for the proper tool to solve the problem. You cannot tighten a loose screw with a hammer. You will simply make the problem worse if you bang on it like that and possibly break completely what you sought to repair. Mommy is a great athlete. She has the capability to be the greatest wrestler of all time but she gets in her own way often. If she can stop hindering herself, there is no limit to what she can achieve!

Aurora nods.

Aurora: Do you do that too?

Seleana smiles and nods to her daughter.

Seleana: Ja, I do, but I try to do better.

Aurora moves in to hug her mother again.

Aurora: I love you, Mommy!

Seleana takes the young girl in her arms and kisses Aurora on the top of her head.

Seleana: Jag älskar dig också älskling!

Aurora pulls back and looks at her mother again.

Aurora: Will you be gone long?

Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana: Nej, we will be back tonight. Aunt Li needs to be here for a match tomorrow in SCU so we will come right back home after the show in Georgia tonight.

Aurora nods.

Aurora: Can I watch it?

Seleana nods approvingly.

Seleana: Ja, if you watch it with Freja and her sisters.

Aurora nods happily and then scurries off. Seleana nods happily dn then looks up and sees her wife filming.

Seleana: ¿Estrellita? ¿Cuánto tiempo?

The camera shrugs.

Christina: Since you walked into the room.

Seleana laughs to herself and then shakes her head.

Seleana: Now what you do?

Christina: Uploading to the internet…. now!