“I really wish you boys had been able to make it.” Devona said with a tender sadness in her voice, as she laid down on the bed inside of her luxury cabin, one of each afforded to the men and women booked during this acclaimed Summer XXXTreme XI cruise. Devona had been on this event in times past, and she was always booked a comfortable room, but this time around she was guested inside one of the mini suites with a balcony just outside of a sliding door. She had thought that perhaps there had been some mistake or Gabriel and Odette Stevens played a hand in her getting one of the best suites for anyone who wasn’t a champion, but it wasn’t the case. She had even wondered privately whether or not James aka J2H had a hand in it but quickly threw that idea out of her head. This was simply how it worked during this event for the SCW hierarchy. Mark and Christian got the best suites, the champions were next, their challengers and so on down. Devona had reigned once upon a time as the Internet Champion of the Bombshell division , but this was the first time where she had been so close to the top of the food chain, and do you know something?

She felt like she could get used to it.

But for the moment she was feeling the pangs of a loneliness on this cruise, a feeling that she was all too familiar with. It was why she had found more time to seclude herself inside of this suite when she had nothing else to due where her SCW duties were concerned, and she had gone back to old reliable; namely calling her boys back home in New Orleans. She was sprawled out on her side, her head propped up in the palm of her hand while she gazed at the screen of her open laptop in front of her, and there was the unforgettable face of her “brother from another mother,” the gargantuan known as Beast. Not his real name, of course, but the last person who wasn’t family discovered and used his given name, well – let’s just say the rest is history. Hm?

“I wish we could have made it, too.” Beast said from his end of the video chat. “But I had work and I had already used my last vacation this year for Mama’s birthday week. My boss is great but I just couldn’t take another unpaid week off for a week-long cruise.”

Devona smiled, albeit with a touch of sadness she had resigned herself too.

“And that brother of yours?” Devona asked. “Couldn't our boy get some time off from that job you got him?” And by ‘that job’ she meant the male go-go dancing job Beast had tricked his dim-witted younger brother into working at a gay bar. All of this time and he still has yet to put two and two together and figure out why the women are always elsewhere and the guys in that club are such great tippers.

Devona then questioned, “He is still working there, right?”

“Yes, and I have to admit I think I pulled one over on myself.” Beast grumbled. “Damn brother of mine is pulling in more dancing there in one weekend than I do at my job in one week!” He shook his head as Devona just smiled, remembering how Beauty had innocently commented on how good a tippers the guys who go to this place were.

“But…” Beast went on to answer her question. “Beauty probably would have been able to go but you would have been busy with your duties promoting your big match and wouldn’t have been able to keep a very close eye on the dipshit. He was just as likely to get thrown overboard by the women as he would have been to get molested by one of those guys.”

“It’s not as bad as all that.” Devona reasoned, to which Beast acknowledged with a sigh. He then smirked, never a good thing when the subject of his brother was concerned. Beast went on to say, “Besides, he got a wrestling gig booked.”

“Wrestling?” Devona leaned up on the point of her elbow, her head no longer supported by her hand. “Beauty is wrestling and nobody told me???”

“Easy, Didi!” Beast laughed. “It’s not what you think! His boss at the ManHole booked is behind it. He added a male Mud Wrestling night at the club and he got Beauty to sign up for it.”

A bark of laughter escaped Devona before she could clap a hand over her mouth to smother the growing smile. She slowly lowered her hand, her lips pressed tightly together as she asked, “Does he know?”

“Didi, please.” Beast tilted his head to the side with ‘that’ look on his face, the same one that he wears whenever they’re discussing his brother’s arterial flow problem from above the neck. Beast said, “He’s been dancing on a stage in a rubber thong for over two years now with guys constantly reaching into his jock to stuff cash. If he hasn’t figured THAT one out yet, I don’t think this will faze him!”

Her eyes closed, Devona trembled slightly with the laughter she held inside. The bright, wide smile on her face was evidence enough of the mirth she felt, another reason she had to make the call. When she felt down, her boys could always find a way to cheer her up.

Devona said, “I imagine when the initial surprise wears off, he’ll think the mud is just good for his skin.”

“Yeah, that’s what Mama said too.” Beast acknowledged. He then said, “But c’mon Didi. I know we all wish Dipshit and I were there, but that’s no reason for you to keep yourself all holed up in your room.”

She all but rolled her eyes at her ‘big brothers' assumptions about her behavioral patterns and she said, “I am not holding myself up in my room!” To which Beast just stared at her and that one eyebrow slowly rose up in questioning disbelief.

“Didi…”

“Okay, maybe I am.” Devona finally yielded. “A little bit. But I still go out!”

“Yeah, when you’ve been scheduled by the bosses for an interview or to meet fans!” Beast shook his head. “And as soon as those activities are over, you’re right back into your room ordering room service or sneaking back into the corner of one of the room tables!”

Guilty as charged, not that she needed to admit to any guilt. She just said with a faux sense of indifference, “You don’t know me.” To which Beast countered with, “Didi, I know you better than you know yourself.”

Fact!

“Go on out!” Beast pressed. “Have some fun! If not with the fans, well there’s got to be some folks in SCW you can hang with! What about the GGG - an affectionate term Beauty had coined that Beast had (much to his chagrin) picked up as the GO Gym Gang.”

“Well, Carter and Ariana seem to be doing their own thing.” Devona mused as her eyes gave Beast pause to think she was mulling things over. “Plus Carter has his family with him on the cruise and Ari did just get married last week.”

“Did she?” Beast broke out into a smile that some would think uncharacteristic for a man his size. Some, but not to those who knew and loved him. He said gleefully, “Well good for her!”

“Aron and Fenris are on the ship.” She then contemplated. “Aron is a sweety but he’s busy with Zoey Lukas and keeping his brother wrangled. Besides…” She fidgeted before she admitted, “I always felt intimidated trying to talk to that fella. Although… I had considered asking him for a little help preparing for this match. I mean, he teamed with Courtney. He knows her in a sense so I thought if anyone outside of Jet City could help me…”

“Well there you go, then! But…” Beast then countered, “It can’t be all business, Didi. You have to have some fun too!”

“Where is that stated in my contract?” Devona joked, to which Beast smiled appreciatively. She then looked sideways in thought and said, “Maybe I’ll see how James is doing, see his family.”

“I suggest having fun and your answer is to visit J2H…” Beast looked heavenward as he shook his head.

“Don’t go there, dear.” Devona smiled, her eyes again. “I know I may not be James’s favorite – nobody really is. But he did open up – a LITTLE bit. He’s not so bad.” Beast just stared at her with a disbelieving quiet gaze. Devona huffed and rolled her eyes before she continued, “Okay, he’s an ass of the highest order, by his own admission! But… even if there’s a small crack in the wall, he’s tolerable.”

“If you say so!” Beast murmured, clearly not believing a word she was saying about her former tag team partner. Devona sighed, glancing up at the sliding glass doors and noting the sun was beginning to set down into the ocean waters.

“I suppose I best let you go.” Devona said with resignation. “I should go get ready.”

“For?”

Devona looked back at the screen and smiled, “You just told me to go have some fun and there’s a pool party tonight once the stars come out so…” She shrugged. “I think I can manage!”

“That’s my girl.” Beast smiled, gifting her with a wink for his ‘little sister’. They exchanged their pleasant goodbyes for the night, Devona blowing him a kiss before closing the laptop. She groaned lightly as she forced herself to her feet and looked outside at the darkening sky.

“Well SCW…” Devona said as she kicked off her high tops. “Let’s see if this girl has it in her…”

And just over an hour later… Devona broke through the crowd at poolside where the party was in full swing for both fans of the SCW Universe, as well as the Bombshells and Superstars! And heads turned as this was most definitely NOT the tomboyish Devona that they had grown accustomed to, but a striking figure made up and wearing a glimmering black mini dress, slit up the thigh and matching high heels.

She all but strutted past as heads turned with admiring expressions, the beat of the music almost perfectly matched to her walk as she headed toward the bar. Beast wanted her to have some fun before her big title match this coming Sunday…

It was time to prove to her ‘big brother’ that she was more than capable!

---

“So here’s the thing. Life isn’t fair. There you have it, lesson learned. Goodbye. The end. Class dismissed.”

2013 Blast From the Past champion and the current number one contender for the World Bombshell title, Devona, stood beneath the starry sky on deck of the Princess Cruise. Most passengers had called it a night by this time, and she was all but alone save for a few spotted here and there. Devona paced along the rail, her arms wrapped around her upper body as her chestnut brown eyes looked out over the black waters that reflected the stars above.

Devona leaned her hands on the edge of a table and stared directly at the camera.

“Simple, yes? I know, it’s something that everyone has heard at least once in their lives, and I can say from personal experience that there are a number of people who might have heard it, but have never really taken it to heart. They think things like ‘so life isn’t fair but why isn’t it ever fair in my favor?’. That right there is a little something called the ‘Woe Is Me’ act, and we’ve all been through a mild case or two of it because, well that’s life. We don’t always get what we want from life and when we don’t, we imagine slights as the cause against us. We find any reason that we can for being in the spots we find ourselves, rather than accept that sometimes…”

She held up a hand, forestalling any potential objections.

“Sometimes – it is nobody’s fault but our own. I should know. I find myself in something of the same boat as we speak – pun intended considering the fact that we’re on a cruise. You see, ever since James and I became the 2023 Blast From the Past Champions, I was looking forward to nothing more than facing Roxi Johnson for the Championship this coming weekend at Summer XXXTreme XI. Some people have criticized her for not doing enough to hype the championship or the Bombshell division itself, and there were times I was one of those people. But, faults aside, Roxi is and remains one of the single most heralded women on the Bombshell roster – period. You might not agree with everything the woman says or does, but you can not deny her success rate inside of the six-sided ring.”

“I should know first-hand. I had been a critic of sorts of her but then look at who I got saddled with as my tag team partner this year. None other than J2H himself – the former “Brat Prince” of Sin City Wrestling. Only he remains a Brat in character, but he has risen from Prince to King where it matters most in his career. You go out and find me one man – one – who has accomplished half of what J2H had accomplished throughout his active career.”

She shrugged.

“You can’t, and do you know why? Because there is no man quite like J2H. He might have been born into wealth, but he busted his butt to earn his spot in wrestling history. And no, it wasn’t always like that. He – wasn’t always like that. He started off his career as a joke, a literal joke to any serious wrestling enthusiast. He thought he could just strut into an SCW ring with his skinny ass and buy his path to success. Only – it didn't work out that way. When he first started, he was little more than an opening act. A JTTS (Jobber To The Stars) if you will, and when he suffered those losses, he could see no fault of his own. At least, not at first. It didn’t take all that long before James grew tired of being a joke and he wanted to succeed legit and he did the one thing he never had to do before; he cast aside his wealth and ego and he worked for it. James went back to square one as a student of the game and there was simply no looking back. Tag tam titles. Singles gold! The longest reign as World Champion in SCW history! Hall of Fame! Multiple Year End Awards! That is the man that the ‘Brat prince’ rose to be, from out of relative obscurity. Now, by now you have to be asking yourself what J2H has to do with me and where I find myself on Sunday. Well, I’m coming to that.”

“It’s all a matter of perspective, of respect due. I admit that when I got paired with J2H, I groaned. I looked for a way out or to trade partners with someone – anyone. And you know something? Had I done so successfully I would have looked back on 2023 with nothing short of regret. Because I might not have wanted to deal with his ego or his attitude, but I was being exposed to someone who has really been there before, someone that wanted to succeed more than I did, and that reason alone was enough for HIM to push ME to get even better. And THAT is where I find myself this coming weekend!”

“Courtney, girl I applaud you. I have to. When you and Fenris won the 2018 Blast From the Past, the two of you made history because you were two legit rookies making your wrestling DEBUTS! That tournament, those matches, were the very first times either of you set foot inside of a wrestling ring, and you succeeded. No, you did more than succeed. You exceeded any and all expectations for what to expect from two students who graduated from Jet City and the GO Gym, my own alma mater. You two beat opponents with more experience, former champions in their own right. When few actually expected the two of you to make it out of the opening round, you two won the whole. Damn. Thing!”

Devona then applauded Courtney, clapping her hands together. First quickly, but then she slowed down until the applause stopped entirely.

“And then…?”

Hands tucked in her jean short pockets, she shrugged.

“That’s pretty much where your momentum ended. Fenris went on to become the World Champion, and is second only to J2H where reigns are concerned. You …? Disappeared. Now granted, you had an excuse. You suffered an injury that some people wondered if you’d ever make it back from, and obviously you did. But at the time, it was as if you had fallen off the face of the earth and ghosted everyone in SCW; both fans, peers and staff alike. I’m sure a few people knew about your whereabouts, but to the majority it was as if you had never existed. The young woman who so many believed would be the next big thing – wasn’t. You didn’t call, you didn’t write… you know you could give a person a real complex for not keeping in touch. You could have been laying in a ditch for years but I imagine there was no phone in the ditch. But then, from out of nowhere…”

She separates her clasped hands and mimics an explosion,

“Poof! Your name begins to creep up again. First on social media as a side piece for your now-wife, then you begin making your own presence felt with your own posts and tweets until it ultimately happens – you signed a shiny new contract with SCW. You entered the Blast from the Past and even though you didn’t go the distance, it was enough to show the higher ups I suppose just why you were so highly regarded for your last run around the block. And it might have taken five years, but you did it girl. You beat the woman to become the woman. Would the same thing have happened five years ago had you not ended up injured at the hands of Kris Ryans? Who knows? It really isn’t healthy to dwell too long in the past. This is the present, and sugar, you are the reigning World Champion. But…”

She held up a forefinger to stall.

“But… what have you really done since becoming champion? What have you accomplished? What have you done to truly make the Bombshell Championship rise to where it once was?”

Hands now pressed down on the surface of the table, Devona leaned over at the waist to stare directly into the camera.

“Absolutely nothing! You spent all that time talking down about Roxi Johnson as both a champion and a competitor. You totally and completely disregarded her role as a locker room leader, and look at you now. You beat her, and then you became her. Did you celebrate your title win with pomp and circumstance on the next show like most new champions before you? You did not. Did you honor the women that came before you, that held the very same title that you now wear around your waist? You did not. Did you discuss your plans for the future with the title, possible new horizons you wanted to climb and women you wanted to defend against? Well if you did then I must have been asleep and missed out on the whole thing because I saw you do literally nothing to truly make that championship something to revere and to fight for. Roxi might have told the world that she held no interest in a rematch for the gold but Courtney … you didn’t even extend an olive branch and offer one in the first place! The moment you won that title, the very moment your wife put that belt around your waist … you know that I was next in line. You knew I was guaranteed a shot at stripping you of that championship. And – you did nothing.”

Devona looked to the side with a wistful expression and sighed.

“And that is where my own fault comes into play. I listened to J2H’s words. I took them to heart and that was why he and I won the whole prize. But, then I made the mistake of stepping back to see where you stood. I took a seat and thought, ‘Well the ball is in her court. Pun not intended. Let’s see where she runs with it.’ Only, you didn’t run. I might have had a name drop or two, but that’s it. Literally our only interactions were on social media and it was because of your wife, not the championship. Because your wife more or less disrespected me, and you defended her for it. Now I get what you were saying, that you felt obligated to defend her even when she was the one who started the conflict. But girl…? You are literally doing her NO favors! And the proof is in the recent weeks because she thought she was just going to strut back into SCW the wife of the World Champion, and wins and championships were just going to fall into her lap! Because she felt as your wife, it was owed to her! And let’s face the truth Courtney – your wife has crashed and burned ever since she returned.”

“She learned that if she wanted to get to the level that you’re at, she would have to accomplish it the old fashioned way; through hard work. Through blood, sweat and tears. Except, that just wasn’t how she did things it would seem. If she couldn’t be handed success and titles by proxy then she just wasn’t going to try. She thought she was going to go for the Roulette Championship just because she publicly stated so? But when she had the chance to earn her way into the Ultimate X, she choked against a FAR superior athlete. Now she stepped up, willing or not, to be the tag team partner for another woman and so far she has let that woman down. If it were anyone other than Krystal Wolfe, I’d legit feel sorry for her. She acts like one of those Millennial's who thinks that they deserve to be given an award in school for participation when they literally did NOTHING to warrant or deserve it. But as those kids have their parents defending their every entitled action, Ruby has you. I even spoke up and pointed out to you how SHE disrespected ME and you could have just as easily let her fight her own battles, but no. You not only got involved, but you even said that you do it because you can. Because it's expected of you. Well…”

Devona stood upright and shrugged, sticking her thumbs through the belt loops of her jean shorts.

“That’s on you, Court, But don’t go crying to anyone other than yourself or Ruby over what’s going to happen on Sunday because I’m telling you now, your wife is the one that lit a fire under me. Not you. Your wife is the one that made me determined to unseat you as the World Champion, not you. You have done nothing as champion to really make the SCW Universe invested in our match in what could have been the Main Event."

"Now I admit it, I played just as big a role at NOT playing a role in hyping our match for this event. You go and look at everything that has went on between Michael Harris and J2H, and then you look at us. What do you see by comparison? Nothing. Zero. Zilch. Nada!"

We have got one shot at this Courtney, literally one! The boys follow us, and we have to make them regret it. We have to give those fans something to remember! We have to make Michael Harris and J2H watch what precedes them and think to themselves 'How in hell are we going to follow that!?' "

"You may not be leaving Summer XXXTreme XI the same way as you came in, but you will have the satisfaction alongside me of knowing we set the bar for the fellas to live up to. Otherwise, if that doesn't tickle your fancy? We might as well be the opening act!"

That being said, Devona takes her que and exits. Stage left.

London, England

It was raining – in London. Go figure, right?

During their stay in the Romanian forest of Hoia, the weather had been, in the words of many Superstars and Bombshells - abysmal. Not to Devona though. While she had a love for bright sunshine and clear, blue skies, the fact that the majority of the SCW’s stay in Romania had been coupled with an overcast sky and perpetual rain only seemed to heighten the experience of being in a haunted forest. The weather had (typically) cleared up following Climax Control, but now that SCW had arrived here – in London, Devona felt as though she would have been somehow disappointed were it not raining to some degree. London was known for its rainfall, having anywhere between eleven to fifteen rainy days PER MONTH. Devona didn’t mind so much. She felt pretty certain that there was little chance that the rain would stretch out over the entire two weeks that SCW would be staying in London for their Into the Void XII festivities, right?

Devona sat comfortably in the Boeing 737-8200 as the jet had landed at Heathrow Airport in London. Her thoughts strayed from watching the descent and landing on the runway, to wondering how much extra care the pilot must be working under to deal with the landing in such circumstances. Devona had thought the weather could have certainly been worse. Rather than a heavy rainfall it could have been a literal storm and that would have been uncomfortable/distressing to experience at 42,000 feet. Not to mention were they to descend through stormy clouds amidst thunder and lightning. So she would take the small blessings where she might. The flight had been smooth, and not too long at just over three hours between Romania and London. She had certainly been on longer.

As her jet had pulled up to the ‘jet bridge’ which led to her gate, she felt the vibration of her phone go off – again. She had been experiencing that for the last two hours of this flight, the calls growing non-stop and seemingly more insistent. While in the air, she had checked to see who was calling, figuring it to be her Grandmother or perhaps one of her boys but she didn’t recognize the number. According to her missed calls, the same number had been calling practically since take-off and did not seem to be slowing down. Were she not on the flight, it would have been a small matter to answer and find out who was trying to get in touch.

Finally, she would have her chance but as the jet had slowed to a full stop and the gateway secured, the usual post-flight ‘chaos’ of everyone on board suddenly on their feet and grabbing at their luggage. Devona was a patient woman and she waited until the majority of the passengers had already retrieved their belongings and exited before she went about doing the same. Unlike others, she had a single carry-on, the majority of her luggage waiting within baggage claim. Taking a moment’s pause to thank the crew for everything, she walked into the airport, silently pleased to be returning to England. And no sooner did she step off of the plane and make her way inside of the airport itself at the gate, than a handful of fans who had apparently been scoping out the traveling accommodations of their favorites lie in wait. And while Devona put on her best and brightest smile, remaining polite with those that supported her, a small part of her was disturbed when fans would seemingly stalk their favorites, invading their privacy for the sake of a photo op or an autograph. Before, during or after the shows itself, she would make all the time in the world for the fans, young and old. But there were just some times when it was downright inappropriate for the fans to approach, at least in her opinion. While with family, when out to eat or, as in this case, at the airport. Wrestlers traveled – a lot. And for fans to go to such extremes as to wait for you at the airport or your hotel (!!!), was just downright obsessive and rude. How some even found out where they were staying boggled the mind!

But still, they were there for her and Devona took a few extra moments to indulge them, save for the one man who had a literal armload of merchandise he wanted her to sign. Gabriel had warned her from the start on fans such as this, the majority of the goods (if not all), finding its way onto EBay to make a fast and easy buck. The man was more than a little disgruntled when Devona told him that she could/would only sign a couple of things as she had to get to her luggage and catch a cab to the hotel. AS she hurried away to get to the baggage claim, she overheard him grumbling to his friends and was quite surprised he didn’t follow her – and wouldn’t have been surprised were he to end up in her hotel lobby to resume his pitch!

But as she stepped off of the escalator and weaved her way through the hundreds of travelers going to and fro, she felt her phone vibrate again, bringing her back to her senses and remembering she had intended to find out who had been calling her – or attempting to. She moved over to a corner by the Royal Air carousel, taking a seat. She fished her phone from her jeans pocket and proceeded to answer…

“Hello?”

The voice on the other end of the call practically barked, “It’s about damn time you answered!”

Devona quickly pulled the phone from her ear by instinct, rather than have her eardrums battered. She frowned, leaning back in and covering her other ear with the palm of her hand to drown out the surrounding noise, “Excuse me? Who is this?”

“Oh you have to be shitting me!” The voice on the other end responded, bringing about a familiarity to her senses. “It hasn’t been that god damn long and you don’t recognize my voice!?”

Ah, there it was! Like nails to a chalkboard, she remembered. “James?” She asked to be certain. Her 2023 tag team partner, J2H.

“Cookie for you!” J2H said from his end of the call. “Why didn’t you pick up before!?”

“Oh maybe because I was on a flight?” She replied, her brow arched but the logic was lost to one who was all too used to getting his own way. J2H simply responded, “So?”

“So you can’t answer a call or use your phone like that on a flight!” Devona tried to reason with the hard headed young man, but she could FEEL J2H roll his eyes all the way from – wherever he was. He said, “Maybe YOU can’t. You should get yourself a private jet like I have.”

“Oh gee!” Her voice was filled with sarcasm. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

J2H said, “We can discuss your lack of planning ahead some other time. Where are you?”

“In London, where do you think I am?” Devona then paused, asking the obvious. “How did you even get my number?”

“I'm J2H!” The star replied. “I can do anything. And don't roll your eyes at me!”

Devona frowned, stopping from doing just that. She looked into the phone and then asked, “Where are you?”

“Beverly Hills.” J2H answered as if it were the most perfectly logical thing to have flown from Romania back to Beverly Hills, a city in the Los Angeles County of California, knowing he’d just have to fly to London. J2H continued, “Where any civilized person would be. Now I need you to get back on a flight and get your ass here!” He said it as if he expected her to simply carry out his wishes just because he said so.

“Beg pardon?” Devona shook her head, unsure whether or not she had heard him correctly.

“You heard me!” J2H replied. “I have a private jet reserved, ready to bring you…”

Devona interrupted him, “James! I just landed in London! What in hell makes you think I’m going to get back on another flight and travel another twelve hours!? Why do you even want me to…”

But this time it was J2H who interrupted her - far more acceptable in his kind, as he hotly said, “I don’t! … My son does.”

“Your son…” Devona knew in passing that J2H and Melody had a son together but having been away from the sport, she knew little about the boy other than the fact he was a massive wrestling fan.

“Loves wrestlers – ANY wrestlers!” J2H stressed. “And he was more than a little disappointed that I came home for a break and didn’t bring you with me!”

Devona closed her eyes, knowing J2H had hit her right in her weak spot. Not just a fan, but a child. And knowing how manipulative James could be – he mostly likely knew it as well. She drew in a deep breath and asked, “And how exactly am I meant to get back to London? I’m not like you; I’m not made of money.”

“You’ll be flying back when I do, on my jet.” J2H answered. “Consider it repayment for my being your tag team partner!”

Devona reared her head back, staring at the phone in her hand. She quickly retorted, “What are you going on about!? You didn’t have any choice in who…”

“The jet leaves in an hour!” J2H interrupted. “Be on it!” And before she had the option of shooting back a reply, the call ceased from his end. Devona stared again at the phone and the audacity of J2H ordering her around like that! Who the hell did he think he was!?

She shook her head, determined not to do as he asked when the answer to her own question struck her. Who did he think he was? A father, that’s who.

“Damn it…” She mumbled as she stood up and went to retrieve her luggage. She had a flight to catch – again!

---

“Wow! Deja vu, huh? It’s funny how sometimes the things that you really never piece together are the ones that hit you right between the eyes. Here I am, alongside J2H, in the 2023 Blast From the Past Championship round - in London, England - at Into the Void XII. Now the moment I knew that I’d be traveling to London for this epic event, I thought back to the last time that I was in London, the only other time I was in this lovely country, and that’s when I had my dawning moment of realization. It was 2019. The event was London Brawling II - and the match? The Blast From the Past Finals, with the wonderful Alex Jones as my partner. Now… unfortunately, the match did not go the way that we would have preferred. We lost to Kale Smith and Brittany Williams, and that was the last time I set foot inside of the ring until I met Jessie Salco at Blaze of Glory XI.”

“Now! I don’t mind admitting just how disappointed I was when Alex and I lost. We were both denied the guaranteed World title shots promised to the winners, but I think what stung even worse was the fact that the winners - Kale and Brittany, totally wasted theirs. Of course, the fault can’t lie entirely with them. They were up against a couple of incredible champions! Austin James Mercer and Alicia Lukas, and if Kale and Brittany are out there watching, sorry guys. But Wolfslair took you both to school. I mean, it was two matches with two veteran stars as champions, facing two inexperienced rookies by comparison. And to put it like my partner J2H might? The both of you got spanked.”

“But that was four years ago. My, how times have changed! Oh we still have a couple of insane veteran World Champions this time around in that dirtbag Michael Harris and the Hall of Famer Roxi Johnson – but that’s also not taking into account we could very well see new champions at the end of the night in London! Miles? Ariana? Rooting for you! But – should the titles not change hands, and Michael and Roxi retain, that would only benefit J2H and myself because it would give us a chance to repeat history in a sense - and correct it. It would give us the chance to step up to two great World Champions and walk out with the gold that J2H wants to hold again, and the title that every little girl entering this sport dreams about! Myself included. But in order to do that, we have one more step to climb. One more obstacle to overcome; that being Calvin Harris and Dawn Warren in the Finals.”

“J2H and Calvin? That match up is certainly going to prove interesting because J2H and Calvin have more in common than one might expect. Or rather, they did before Calvin had a change of heart so-to-speak. The last time Calvin was a force to be reckoned with in SCW? He was something of… oh what’s the word I’m looking for? A toe rag! Sorry Calvin, but you've grown as an honest man and honestly? The term couldn’t be more accurate. You might even say that way back when, you and your uncle were like two rotten peas in a pod. I can only imagine the chaos the two of you would have caused had you both been here at the same time, but lucky for us, it was just you. And you caused enough chaos for the both of you. To your credit, however, like J2H, you too were a two-time World Heavyweight Champion. However… your second reign would never have happened had James not vacated the World Championship and you won the title in a Battle Royal. Now some might say that even had j2H kept the title and defended it, you might have captured it from him for your second reign anyway. Might have. We’re none of us prophets so we’ll have no way of ever really knowing. I’m just speaking from actual past experience. At the time, the World title scene was your Achilles heel, almost as much as Dmitri was. But that was a time when you had an entirely different attitude and a fairly nasty disposition to match.”

“Look at you now. Pleasant company. Respectful. And unless I’m mistaken, the one chance you were given to turn your back on everyone and ally with Uncle Michael? You turned him down flat and preferred to remain on everyone else’s good side. And chere, it paid off for you! Look at how well you’ve done for yourself since your return. You have held your head up high, win or lose, and gotten yourself this far. But… the problem is that this time you’re not up against Tommy Crimson or Dmitri. You’ll be facing the best of the best - J2H. Hall of Famer. Longest reigning World Champion in HISTORY! And, as much as it pains me to admit, a young man whose confidence carries him over to success like no other. When he wants to win, he wins. When there’s a championship lined up, he has this way of mowing over whoever is standing in his way to get that gold back around his waist! I mean, look what happened when Teddy Warren goaded him out of retirement almost three years ago. Teddy said ‘bye-bye’ to the Internet title and J2H was a champion again! That’s his reputation! That is his legacy, and that is what you’re going to have to find a way to contend with. And honey, I wish you luck because nobody has found a way to truly overcome the legacy of that tag team partner of mine!”

“But for me, I find myself in a bit of an interesting situation. While this is a tag team match, and J2H has to handle Calvin in the ring, I have a pretty impressive young woman by the name of Dawn Warren opposite the ring with me, and honey, once again - Deja vu. It’s a small world out there, especially where professional wrestling is concerned! You remember what I was just saying about J2H’s past with Teddy Warren and how Teddy was silly enough to coax J2H back inside of the ring and the cost was his Internet Championship? Well Ms. Dawn is just so happens to be the sister of Teddy, so maybe we have a little past history bubbling up to the surface here? Maybe Dawn sees this match as a means to an end, a way to get a little payback for her brother by hopefully winning this match and costing J2H not only the 2023 Championship, but also a possible third run as World Champion? Maybe Teddy sees it the same way and is hoping to use his sister to rub a possible loss in J2H’s face. Well, whether that’s the case here or not, allow me to present to you the hurdle that’s going to end that thought process before it has a chance to get started.”

“Hi! I’m the hurdle! I think the mistake so many people made where Dawn was concerned was thinking she was some wet-behind-the-ears rookie, just because she slipped into SCW quickly and quietly, making little noise save for racking up one IMPRESSIVE win-loss record! Unlucky for them, but lucky for me because I did my homework. I know the chick has been competing since 2014 which would have been exactly one year longer than myself, had I not taken my extended leave from the sport. So this lady is no rookie. I’d consider her a full-blown veteran of this business, and it’s no small wonder why she’s made such an impact since her start. She’s beaten women like Krystal Wolfe, Seleana Zdunich and Luna Vanity, all women who have held SCW gold at one time or another. She’s even held her own in this year’s tournament and is as much a reason for her team getting to the finals as Calvin is. Now some might say her being able to pin Bobbie last time around was just dumb luck because of Bobbie’s accident, but you take the openings God hands to us inside of the ring and you USE THEM! Dawn saw such an opening, and she got her team to London. That’s the young woman I get to go up against. A proven commodity to this sport. A future champion in her own right. Just – not this time around. Not yet, Dawn. And if you’ll indulge me, let me explain why just between us, girl to girl.”

“You are as impressive as hell, Dawn. There’s no denying what you’re capable of, and anyone who says otherwise is, quite frankly, a liar or a blind fool. Some who are your size at just over five feet might have thought they were too small to make it in the business and called it quits from the very start. Not you. If anything, you took your size **air quotes** disadvantage and turned it completely against your opponents, not yourself. You’ve turned that aerial arsenal of yours into an art form. I should know. I went through the same thing when I started because I am not that much bigger than you are. I had some critics tell me that I was too small to be a success in this business and my biggest claim to fame is the fact I beat MIkah herself for the Internet Championship! Now we all know Mikah said she wanted to lose and she wants the world to believe I didn’t really beat her but… that ranks right up there with a teenage boy doing something accidentally dumb to impress a girl and then telling her he meant to do that. My point is, I did not let those critics deter me from doing what I wanted, what I dreamed of. I wanted to be a wrestler, I wanted to honor some of the women who came before me, and I’d like to think I did well for myself.”

“Why then did I leave the business just over five years ago and end all of my hopes and dreams? Let’s just say personal reasons that are best left unsaid. But much like J2H is using this tournament to again rise to the top, I am using it to prove something to myself, and to everyone else out there. That I have what it takes! That whether I left in `17 or not, what could have been - will be! The only thing I have to do to accomplish this is get. Past. You! And respect aside, I have all the motivation to do just that Dawn. I have the perfect mindset to be the first one to pin your shoulders to the  mat. And that factor goes by the name of J2H. My partner. Since this whole event started, he’s treated me like his little sidekick, not his partner. He’s told me more than once to stand back and just enjoy the ride while he gets us to the 2023 Championship, ignoring the fact that I was the one who got us to the Semi-Finals when I got the win over Ariana Angelos. He's told Mikah, told the world, that he would be the reason why we were going to win. Therein lies your downfall, Dawn. There is the exact reason why I am going to be not only the first to beat you inside of the ring, but also the reason why James and myself walk out of London as the 2023 Blast From the Past Champions and having title shots in our pockets!”

“I will not give him the satisfaction of not getting the win for us!”

---

Beverly Hills, California

“Toto, we are not in Kansas anymore!”

That was the cliche but startlingly accurate reaction for Devona as she had exited the limo that J2H had sent for her at the LAX Airport. It might seem somewhat of an extravagant gesture on the part of J2H, considering the outlook he’s taken toward his partner thus far, but this did not have anything to do with him or her; it was all about his and Melody’s son; JJ. It was well known by enough stars backstage that the little boy of this power couple was a HUGE wrestling fan, and he loved every wrestler that happened across his path - be they heel or face, Bombshell or Superstar. And when JJ expressed disappointment that his dad did not bring Devona to Beverly Hills with him, it was a small matter to correct that on the part of the father. Dismissive as J2H was to the world around him, he was the exact opposite where his immediate family was concerned. Not only did he have Devona flown to California in a private jet, but a stretch limo met her at the airport to deliver her here where she stands in open awe at the home of one of the most powerful couples in the business.


Finally Devona picked up her bag to approach the double doors that were twice her own height when they swung open seemingly of its own accord, giving her pause. But the answer came easily enough as there stood a bald, behemoth of a man dressed in a smart suit that had to be specially tailored for a man his size. And unlike the stoic demeanor of the typical Hollywood butler, this man had steel in his eyes but a kindness in his soul. A trait Devona recognized as easily as the man for his own sake…

“Simpson!” Her smile was infectious as J2H’s (in)famous butler/bodyguard stood in the open frame of the door, giving her a polite nod.

“It is nice to be remembered.” He said and stepped back against the door, bidding her a welcome entry into the home that by professional he was responsible for. Devona started to pick up her bag, saying “How could I forget James’s ‘other’ better half?” But before she could grasp the bag, Simpson stepped up from the door and took it into his own hand, saying, “Allow me.”

“You don’t have to do that Simpson.” Devona tried to assure the big man but due to duty and his own nature, Simpson wouldn’t hear of it.

“Nonsense.” He stated. “If you’re going to be staying here as a guest until you and Master James fly back to England, it’s my job to ensure you’re as comfortable as I am able.”

“Well then you have nothing to worry about.” Devona stated simply as she stepped past the big man and into the foyer of the mansion. “Because I’m… not…” But whatever else she was about to say in protest was drowned out by the very sight before her.


As old school and retro as the mansion was on the outside, it was the exact opposite on the inside. Everything everywhere as far as Devona could see was a sleek and modern look. The entirety of the interior had a marble feel to it, a black and white theme to make it appear more smooth and elegant. It was professionally designed to attract the eye which should come as no surprise, considering this was the home of J2H. if there was anything the man loved, it was drawing attention to his wealth and sense of style.

SImpson himself was bemused at Devona’s reaction to the interior of the mansion, having come to expect it from anyone new that was lucky enough to set foot within the walls of the estate. He was about to escort her further inside when they both heard the squeal of the lady of the house…

“Devona!” Melody came running across the threshold, throwing her arms around Devona’s neck in a reunion of the two GO Gym graduates. The time period between Melody’s own graduation from the Gym and the beginning of Devona’s was not that far apart. The two knew one another well enough and the Gym had a way of bringing forth bonds between those that attended as teacher and student alike. Devona picked Melody up in her arms and swung her around briefly before setting her back down on her feet. Melody gushing the entire time, “Oh it’s so great to see you!”

“It is, isn’t it?” Devona joked, causing Melody to laugh, “You’ve been hanging around my husband too much!”

“Speaking of which…” Devona said as J2H made his entrance from the parlor. “Where’s the man of the house?”

“I’m standing right here!” J2H said in his snarkiest tone of voice, arms spread wide in case she couldn’t see him. “What are you, blind?”

Devona turned her head and gave him her best smile, replying, “Actually I was referring to your son. You know, the little gentleman I’m here to meet?”

J2H sneered, but he knew in good humor (for him at least) he couldn’t respond as he might want to. She was here as an invited guest and it was to meet his and Melody's son, James Junior. In fact… - excuse me. We’ll have to finish that thought later.

“Oh WOW!” The young voice turned their attention away from one another and instead to the arched door frame that led to the annals of the mansion’s further interior. There stood a small boy, only a few years of age - not even five if Devona were to guess? She really should have asked J2H earlier but the moment had passed as the ‘man of honor’ ran right up to Devona with eyes as wide as his smile was bright!

“You’re Devona!” JJ exclaimed with the delight only a child fan of the sport could truly muster, and that which a parent could appreciate. Melody was silently wishing she had her camera (of course) and even J2H himself had a smirk of a father's pride on his own face. The proud parents watched as Devona lowered herself to one knee so she could meet the boy on more even terms.

“Yes I am!” She said, giving him a little poke in the shoulder with her extended finger, eliciting a giggle from the boy. “And you must be JJ!” JJ smiled and nodded eagerly, allowing Devona the chance to add, “I hear you’re a wrestling fan?”

Again, James Junior nodded with childlike enthusiasm, prompting Devona to hold her arms out, “Can I have a hug?” And being asked for such by a wrestler was all the invite the child needed as he threw his arms around her neck, and Devona scooped the boy up in a big embrace. She cast a glance toward the parents and Melody was near tears as was her nature, and J2H simply watched - avoiding showing any emotion should he be able to help it.

Devona then looked to JJ and smiled, “You’re a pretty handsome guy, you know that?”

“Yes.” Was the boy’s reply, prompting a round of laughter from Devona and Melody. Devona looked at J2H and she quipped, “He really is your son!” Receiving a smirk from the man himself, and a cocky shrug of the shoulders.

So, be honest with yourself? Have you read the J2H roleplay yet? Well, if you hadn’t, take my advice; go do so now because if you proceed things might not make a lick of sense. In fact, let me lend you a helping hand;

https://www.scwrestling.net/boards/index.php?topic=17249.0

There! That’s better! And now you don’t have an excuse!

---

Cairngorm Ski Centre -
Scotland

The sleek, black Ford Fiesta slowed to a crawl in the gravel drive that led to the Cairgorm Ski Center, pulling into one of the vacant spots and the engine shut off. In the passenger seat, a visually annoyed J2H turned his head to look toward his Blast From the Past partner, Devona, and she could read his obvious annoyance as if it were a book etched upon his face.

Devona appeared confused and asked, “What?”

“A hike.” J2H said with no emotion to his voice whatsoever. “That's your brilliant bonding idea?”

Devona could only roll her eyes in faux indifference. She quipped, “What's the matter, James? Leave your gold plated hiking boots at home?”

J2H barked, “I didn't bring any hiking boots, and you damn well know it!”

“Oh my God!” Devona fell back against the driver seat, her head fallen back against the head rest as well, her eyes in the air and she shook her head. “You've complained about everything from my car of choice to the activity!”

“Well I'm sorry!” J2H huffed. (Newsflash - he really wasn't.) “But I'm not exactly accustomed to what you consider a lap of luxury for a car! I could have done without a two-hour ride in this cheap tin can!”

Pushing her driver side door open, the bonus slipped her legs out but cast a little over her shoulder back at James. She said, “And I could have done without two hours worth of your going ‘Are we there yet? Are we there yet?’ Like some small child!”

“Hey!” J2H protested with a sneer. “My son is a small child and he doesn't do that!”

“Which just goes to show who's the more mature between the two of you.” She smiled, quite satisfied that she got the final word in between her volatile partner and herself. Devona jumped the rest of the way out of the vehicle, shutting the door and she moved to the back of the Ford so that she could retrieve her packed back, feeling somewhat guilty because, having sprung this on J2H at the last minute, he hadn’t been able to make the same preparations. Fortunately, she had thought ahead and taken some precautions.

J2H ground his teeth in frustration and the attempt to bury whatever scathing retort he had in mind for what she had said before he followed suit, practically throwing off his seatbelt and opening the door to climb outside. He felt immense relief almost immediately from escaping the confines of such an inferior mode of transportation. He practically slammed the door shut in a display of his vast annoyance at the given situation that he had just found himself in

“So…” He started to say. “If we’re supposed to act like… (air quotes) ‘partners’, then how about you be honest with me for a change?”

“What exactly is that supposed to mean?” She asked as she hefted her bag over her shoulder, shutting the door behind her and locking the vehicle for good measure. “What are you talking about?”

J2H walked around from the passenger side to confront his partner at the rear of the vehicle. He stood there and stared hard at her, saying simply, “I gave you every indication that I’m not the sociable sort. I told you how many times that I wasn’t into the whole ‘bonding experience’ and yet here we are! Hiking up a so-called haunted mountain, of all things!”

“Your point?”

J2H retorted with, “My point is … why? Why the hell didn’t you listen to me? And why the hell this, out of all things we could have done?”

Devona looked heavenward and sighed, trying to find the right words to explain. She finally yielded and said, “Because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. You? You could come here anytime you please…”

J2H scoffed, “Like I’d ever come to Scotland willingly…”

“Be that as it may…!” Devona countered. “I can’t. I’m not rich, by any means. I love Unsolved Mysteries like this, and this one sounded fascinating out of all the tour stops.”

“Mmmm hmmm…” J2H drew out his response of disbelief, his eyes narrowing. Finally Devona admitted defeat and said,”And… I didn’t want to go by myself.”

J2H’s eyebrows rose in surprise, not that she didn’t want to go on this little excursion by herself but over the fact that she wanted to go with him. Out of everyone in SCW…

He said, “You know you have an entire women’s locker room that you could have invited?”

“Yeah…” She replied dryly. “That worked out well for me in the past.” And she brushed past him and headed for the ranger’s office, J2H frowning at the cryptic statement as his eyes followed her before he finally relented and went inside.

Once inside, the ranger at the front desk greeted them in a thick, Scottish accent, “Afternoon. You folks looking to make the climb?”

“Christ, you can smell the cheap Scotch on his breath from here!” J2H muttered, earning him a sharp jab of Devona’s elbow into his arm. J2H grumbled and rubbed at is arm subconsciously, casting a glare in Devona's direction as she approached the man behind the desk.

“Yes sir.” She answered respectfully. “This is where we start, yes?”

“Indeed it is.” He smiled. “If it’s your first time experiencing it, might I suggest stopping by the gift shop to pick yourself up a map and a compass?”

“Compass?” J2H sneered. “Map??? What is this, Pirates of the Caribbean!?” Earning him a look from Devona. Is it any wonder why these countries dislike Americans so much?

Devona turned to the man and gave him her best and brightest smile. “Sorry about my … friend.” She said, overhearing a snort of derisive laughter from behind her. “But we should be fine. We have our phones.”

“Aw you don’t want to rely on a phone on Ben Macdui, lass.” The ranger said, leaning on his desk with his forearms. “It ruins the entire experience. Especially on your first time!”

“Well we wouldn’t want that, now would we?” J2H murmured with as much sarcasm as he could muster – which just so happened to be a great deal. “Indeed not!” The man confirmed, the sarcasm all but bouncing off of him.

“We’ll take that under advisement.” Devona smiled at the man, taking James by the arm and steering him forcibly toward the exit. “Thank you!”

And no sooner did they step outside and the door shut behind them, than did Devona turn to him and say, “Could you have been any ruder!?”

“Yes.” He answered simply without so much as blinking. This briefly caused the young woman to have a lapse in a reply, until she nodded. Simply accepting the inevitable truth behind his words.

“Still…” She reasoned as they walked past the Ford and toward the small shop that was marked by signs in the window as the aforementioned souvenir shop. “What’s the harm in going ‘old school’ for this and just using a map and compass?”

“Oh gee, I don’t know!” J2H barked. “Maybe because we’re hauling our asses up a four thousand plus foot mountain on a five hour hike, never been here before and….” He didn’t finish but Devona leaned over, teasing, “And is supposedly haunted?”

“That’s not what I was going to say and you damn well know it!” J2H walked in front of her to barge into the shop, saying, “Let’s just get this goddamn day over with!”

---

And off the two most unlikely of tag team partners went off on this a grand adventure. One was all excitement and enthusiasm – and the other was J2H. Although to his credit, J2H was holding his own on this physical endeavor just as well as Devona was, despite the fact she had been prepared and he had not. It wasn’t altogether that difficult to wonder why. One of J2H’s greatest weapons inside of the ring was his stamina. That was how and why a young man his size, a relative junior heavyweight, was able to outlast and defeat men who were two to three times his size inside of the wrestling ring during his historic run as the World Heavyweight Champion. Even when he was suffering a dreadful beating by much larger men, he simply bided his time until they had all but worn out their best efforts. That was when he would strike.

And the two partners had made good time, all but ignoring the time that had passed. It was estimated to be over a five hour hike each way until they reached the highest point available of Ben Macdui, and they had easily outpaced some other straggling hikers who had also made use of this journey to fashion some memories. Mostly strangers, perhaps tourists such as themselves, as they saw no familiar faces.

Strangers or no, the presence of anyone else had rubbed the former “Brat Prince” wrong and he said loud enough for Devona to hear, “I thought you said this would be away from other people!”

“I said it would be away from other SCW people – most likely.” She corrected him. “But we can’t just tell people they cant take the same simple pleasures as ourselves. What do you want to do – rent the entire mountain???” She cast a look toward J2H who had a thoughtful expression on his face, before she did a double take and pointed out, “Even you don’t have that much money!”

She walked on, not noticing J2H’s mouth hanging open at the audacity of implying he didn’t have enough money to do something that he wished.

To J2H’s credit, he was more patient with his ‘hiking partner’ than perhaps anyone would have believed him capable. While he wanted to get this over with as fast as possible, meaning reaching Ben Macdui’s summit and back down again in record time, he found himself stopping consistently for Devona to stop and take in the breathtaking views laid out before everyone. She even broke her own personal code by pulling her phone from her pocket so that she could take some pictures for her grandmother and friends back home in Louisiana.

They crossed a moor and found themselves traversing a boggier path than either one of them would have liked, but they had made it this far and now James’s pride was his own worst enemy because he wasn’t about to let this mountain get the best of him. Plus, he imagined that he would never hear the end of it from Devona – or Austin for that matter, were he to call it quits before they had reached their goals.

And it was when they had crossed a plateau and reached Lairig Ghru, that their path became clear in order to reach the very summit of the mountain. Spot Cairn Toul and Braeriach rose triumphantly and they prepared themselves to maw across the rocky terrain. But it was the view. The breathtaking view that even gave J2H pause, and he wasn’t the sort to admit admiring any natural beauty that wasn’t his wife. But as Devona (again) pulled out her phone to take as many discreet photographs for everyone back home, J2H had managed to slip his own hone out for a picture to gift Melody with back home; Devona none the wiser.

By now, several hours later after they had begun this journey, the climb had just started to take a toll on both of their knees and feet, although neither would admit it to the other. Until finally – ULTIMATELY, the two reached their journey’s end. The summit of Ben Macdui! Setting her bag down on the ground, Devona found the softest rock in which to sit and she settled in, closing her eyes and simply enjoying the cool air as it wafted across the horizon, kissing her skin and blowing her long hair around. And to her surprise, J2H had a seat as well – and not as far away from her side as she might have expected.

She opened her eyes and smiled at him, “Thank you, James. For coming with me.”

“Don’t mention it.” He said calmly, before turning his head to meet her eye. “Ever. Again!”

She chuckled and turned back to glance down at her bag, this time as J2H closed his eyes again for a brief moment of relaxation. It was then that J2H started to feel a discomfort, although he could not exactly explain why. It was almost as if an icy chill had went straight down his back, from the nape of his neck to the tailbone and it caused him to feel unsettled in a way he had not felt in years.

He shook it off, reasoning it to just be a matter of the weather at this high altitude, although the weather was seemingly mild and had stopped the drizzle that he had experienced down in the city.

“What say we have a fast bite before heading back down?” Devona suggested kindly, to which J2H responded, “I didn’t bring anything to eat or drink!” he looked at her pointedly. “Thanks for that too, by the way!”

“Relax.” She said simply as she unzipped her bag and reached inside, pulling out a small feast of packaged sausage and cheeses, granola bars, trail mix, apples and two bottles each of Fiji water and orange juice. “I brought enough for both of us.”

“You had this planned from the very beginning, didn’t you?” He accused her with narrowed eyes, to which she smiled as she passed over the food and drinks, replying, “I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.”

J2H accepted the food and beverages – if he could call it that. Devona was obviously used to this sort of thing but he was the sort to eat such finery as Kobe steak, gold truffles and South African Tristan lobster. Not … this. But, he was hungrier and thirstier than he cared to admit. Austin and Ms. Angel both had taught him during his stay in Georgia not to take offered food for granted and some lessons last longer than others, so accept it he did.

And yet the chilling sensation he had experienced only moments ago had not faded away with his imagination. If anything, it had grown. Intensified, but he still fought to maintain his composure, knowing that if there were anything to it, surely the woman beside him would be reacting the same way that he was. Unless, of course, she was hiding it as well. But Devona couldn’t be that good of an actress and she went about her way, indulging the healthy snacks she had brought for them both seemingly without a care.

Then, he had heard what sounded like a footstep on the gravel, causing him to start. “Did you hear that?”

Devona looked up as she was using crackers to make a snack sandwich with the sausage and cheese, offering him one and she said, “I didn’t hear anything.”

“I thought one of the other hikers had made it.” He thought quick enough to shield his discomfort as he took the offering to eat, fighting this sense of dread that was now threatening to overtake him. But again – again, he would not allow that. He had overcome so many threats and  challenges in his life and career, he wouldn't let some fairytale on a goddamned mountain be his own undoing.

“That is strange though, now that you mentioned it.” Devona mused, popping the cap off of her juice to take a drink.

“What is?”

“We saw, what? A dozen others on the trail behind us?” Devona said thoughtfully. “Now none of them are behind us. None of them made it up here.”

J2H scoffed, “Wimps.” Despite the thought also having crossed his own mind, and it had gone somewhere else that Devona’s had not. J2H had … experiences, years ago. That he had thought he had buried down deep in his psyche, but this mountain had started to unearth what should have remained buried. No sooner did the word escape his lips than did J2H have a sudden feeling that he was being watched. He cast a look at Devona, but her attention was on the food in front of her. He ‘casually’ glanced around but it was flat terrain and no trees or over-sized rocks to shield anyone, or anything, from his field of sight. Which only made this all the more unnerving.

Drawing in a deep breath, J2H let it out smoothly to steady himself and he said, “We should probably start back.” And much to his surprise (and relief), his companion did not object. In fact, she looked around much the same way as he had done so, and she sighed, “I suppose so.”

And as she proceeded to clean the area up and stuff the remnants in her bag, J2H casually said, “It’s going to be dark by the time we reach the bottom. If you break your neck, you’ll have only yourself to blame!”

Standing up and slinging her bag back over her shoulder, she smiled at him, saying, “That almost sounded as if you gave a damn.”

“Of course I give a damn!” J2H said hotly. “I’m not doing all the work myself on Sunday!”

“Why not?” She quipped as they started their trek back down the mountainside. “That’s pretty much what you said you did anyway last time.”

“Just go!” He barked, and the two started their descent. As they did so, the sound of footsteps on the rocks underfoot continued, seemingly following them. Until they suddenly … stopped. They just stopped. J2H cast a look back over his shoulder and started at what – who, he saw.

An old woman, gray hair long past her shoulders and wearing a tattered, brown robe, stood at the summit. Her cold, gray eyes met his own and she smiled, holding a conspiratorial finger to her lips. Baba Yaga…

---

Ben Macdui…

The rain that had plagued her tag team partner in the town of Grantown-on-Spey had finally reached the mountains of Ben Macdui, the featured attraction of this week’s Unsolved Mystery in the aptly named 2023 tour. The sky had been completely overcast by the time she and J2H had finally reached the bottom, and now Devona stood and looked up in admiration at the second highest mountain in Scotland, umbrella in hand to shield herself from the weather. It was not as dark as she had assumed it would be by the time she and James had reached the base, but the way down was by far easier than the one going up.

“I knew going into this event that things would only get tougher, the further J2H and I made it, and I couldn't have been proven more right. The first time around, we were put to the test against a newcomer in Eiley and Kain, who has held every championship in SCW and a member of the Hall of Fame. But this week…?"

She pursed her lips, eyes closed and shook her head.

“Oliver Zahn is all but a mystery to me, ironic given the theme of this tour, but he’s more for J2H to worry about, not myself. And I’ve come to learn and understand that J2H doesn’t worry about anything. He is pointed in the direction of whatever man stands across the ring from him and the rest is history. He does what made him a household name here in SCW, and that’s win, far more often than not. But what I do know about Oliver is that he originates from Jet City.”

She nodded, a saddened expression crossing her face.

“That’s right. The very same Jet City that Kris Ryans made famous the world over.”

She quickly held up her hand.

“I know, I know. I am well aware that there are more names associated with Jet City than just Kris Ryans, but let’s face facts. He’s the name most remember, and not because of his name being associated as the epitome of success inside of the six-sided ring. But also because of how he was taken away from us, how his life was cut so tragically short. The students, any students, who call Jet City their home, have a lot to live up to. Big shoes to fill, and Oliver Zahn is no different. In his opening round match, I’d like to think he did Jet City proud with his team’s success, but unfortunately, that success ends here in the Quarter-Finals. The story ends for he and Ariana. Proof is in the pudding, as they say. Kris Ryans was the proverbial godfather of Jet City, and J2H – my partner – bested him in their historic match.at High Stakes XI. J2H beat the teacher, now it’s the student’s turn.”

She winked and turned away, her face now looking directly into the camera.

“But this isn’t about my partner and Oliver. This time around it’s about Oliver’s partner, and myself. Ariana Angelos and I getting to stand across the ring from one another and simply put everything that Gabriel and Odette taught the both of us to the ultimate test. And I refuse to pretend that this will be anything but a test for the both of us. I was there, Ariana. Do you remember? I was there in the GO Gym the very day that you and your now-BFF Carter kick started your respective careers in the sport of professional wrestling. I watched as this shy, underage schoolgirl introduced herself to everyone there - myself included, wanting nothing more than to be recognized and accepted. And you were!”

She nodded, pleased with the memory.

“I remember you having the type of personality that just drew people to you, made them like you. You and Carter both. I can see what the two of you see in one another and how you became the best of friends. You asked me on Twitter what my first impressions of you were, and I gave them. I was honest. I stood back and watched a young woman with some of the rawest determination walk through those doors, determined to succeed when loved ones and family tried to hold you back and punished you in the harshest ways possible when you would not be denied. You took to that ring like a duck to water, chere. And while you made mistakes just like every new student did - myself included, you didn’t get embarrassed. You didn't get angry or discouraged. You made the most of those mistakes and learned from them. That is why you impressed and rose so quickly. You were - and are - realistic in what you can accomplish from a physical standpoint inside of the ring. You knew what your limitations were. You didn’t try to deny or overlook them like so many students would. Men and women who thought they were the world and the sport would revolve around them. Adapting to who they were and what they offered, rather than the other way around. I watched you learn. I watched you evolve. I watched you grow. That is what I saw, my first impressions of you when you came to Las Vegas to fulfill your dreams and ambitions.”

“And that is also what gives me the edge in our match on Sunday when you and I have the opportunity to face each other. I watched you become the strong, ambitious young woman that the world has fallen in love with. I watched you learn every step of the way. And even if I wasn’t the one in the ring training you, I was still able to watch and observe.”

She shrugged.

“Call it a learning curve. In watching where you grew and how your strengths became predominant, I was also able to see where your weaknesses stood out for someone to take advantage of. Not that the average eye could pinpoint something like that because girl, you are on fire and have been ever since your graduation! But my point remains the same. Watching your journey every step of the way puts me in a blessed position that you are denied where I’m concerned. Oh yes, you can watch the matches I’ve had when I competed in SCW, and you can pick apart my style in doing so. But there’s an edge in watching someone grow from the ground up, and Ari?”

She tapped a purple painted nail to her sternum.

“I have that advantage. Not that I pretend you’ll be someone easy to overcome, no matter if it a mixed tag match or if we were to compete one on one. I watched your professional journey begin down in SCU and honey… you made so many people so proud with the successes that you experienced. You may not have won every singles encounter you were in, but you served notice to every woman you were in the ring with that you were there! You made them understand that you were - are - Ariana Angelos! And, I have to admit… your success with Carter with the Pride tag team titles. That does give you quite the edge where mixed tag team matches are concerned. You’ve all but made a career being a mixed tag team champion down in SCU, and you bring that success to the Blast From the Past.”

“Now, here is where we have to be realistic, Ari. This is where the tough love lesson comes into play. I personally think that had you just waited a little while longer before making the move to SCW, that you would have eventually been the Women’s Underground Champion, but you got impatient. You listened to some of the armchair critics when they told you that Carter was the main reason behind your mixed tag successes and you wanted to prove yourself, on your own. But before you even did that, you made obvious overtures to team again with Carter to get the Pride titles back, despite his saying he wanted to focus on his singles career. At the time, you were more concerned about your own ambitions than you were about your best friend’s career and desires. Of course, that was then. This is now. And hon, you had one of the most impressive Roulette reigns that I can personally remember. True, it might not have lasted as long as some others, but you earned that! You blossomed into a bad ass butterfly and you soared! Gabriel and Odette could not be more proud of you. Watching you grow, I couldn’t have been more proud. But now you have to ask yourself, what comes next? What comes after the 2023 Blast From the Past because our match, the Quarter-Finals, is where your part in this story comes to an end. Whether it’s J2H defeating Oliver, or my putting your shoulders down on the mat, the end result will be the same. But respect, girl!”

Devona smiled brilliantly, a shining beacon in this abysmal weather.

“Let’s tear this house down!”

She winked, and turned and walked toward her car rental as the world could hear J2H leaning on the horn to get her to hurry the hell up!

The GO Gym -
Las Vegas, Nevada

He had checked the digital clock on the far wall of the gym’s interior for what had to be the hundredth time, but why? He wasn’t entirely certain. His next “guest” wasn’t due for several minutes and she certainly wasn’t known for ever having been late when she was in training. In fact, if anything she was more known to his wife and himself for being quite early for every rigorous training regime that they put her through. Such was her dedication toward the business that she wanted to be a part of - and her loyalty toward them as her mentors. She wanted to make a good impression, no matter the cost - and quite often managed to accomplish just that. Perhaps that was the origin of why he was finding himself almost fidgeting at her not being here yet. It had been a very long time since she had set foot inside , and so, he went back to what he was doing while he had been waiting - evaluating the latest group of students during his down time and their progress.

His eyes roamed over the surface of the clipboard at the notes that Odette had taken and given him on the previous session with the three men and two women, and while most had obtained positive reviews from his wife who was just as much a stickler for their ways as he was, if not more so – there was one who was having growing difficulty with making any notable progress. The lad came to them with stars in his eyes and such high hopes in his heart, yet he was having more difficulties mastering the basics. Kid could come off the top with a beaut of a moonsault, but he damn near gave himself a concussion just practicing falls and taking a bump.

"Well…" Gabriel thought silently to himself as he added notes to the kid's profile for Odette to go over. "The kid is going to be in for it." And not in a bad way, mind you. The Stevens did not give up on any students. If they didn't think he had it in him, they never would have taken him under their mutual wings. The boy would realize his dream if it was the last thing they did.

But whatever else might have been going through his mind was placed on the back burner when he heard what he had been waiting for; the buzzer from the gym's lobby went off and the telltale sound of the automatic lock on the doors being released. Gabriel looked up to see the doors being pushed wide open and the towering monolith form of his student at one point in time, the Beast, stepped through. Ever the gentle soul for a man that was damn near 6'8" and close to four hundred pounds of nada but muscle, the Beast acted the part of the gentleman and held the door open for the one Gabriel had been waiting for.

Devona was the sort whose smile and energy would ignite any room, and this was no exception. The moment she looked over from Beast and whatever was happening behind them in the lobby and toward Gabriel, her face practically glowed in a brilliant smile, pearly whites showing and her eyes sparkling. Gabriel returned the smile and stood upright from where he was seated on the ring apron as she approached him, carrying her hefty gym bag over her shoulder. And the closer she got to her mentor to this sport, the faster her pace picked up until the last few were at a sprint and she jumped into Gabriel’s open arms for a welcoming embrace between student and teacher.

After a lengthy moment, they separated and Devona stepped back, shaking her head, saying, “God, it has been too long!”

Gabriel nodded his head playfully, responding with, “Yeah? And whose fault is that?”

“Guilty.” She admitted and then turned her head to the mountain of a man beside her and she smiled, and the Beast extended his own skillet-sized hand to Gabriel, a gesture the Gym’s patriarch accepted. It never failed to impress Gabriel just how huge this man’s hand was and how his own practically vanished in his. It also made him feel regret that things didn't work out the way that he had hoped where Beast and his younger brother Beauty were concerned. Speaking of…

After grasping the gargantuan hand of the aptly named Beast, it was only then that Gabriel noticed that there was someone missing from the small party.

He looked from Devona to the Beast and asked, "Where's that brother of yours?"

"Oh…" Devona covered her face with a hand but the tremor of her shoulders did little to hide the fact she was struggling to refrain from a light hearted laughter.

Beast, however, had no such issues as he openly barked a loud laugh that reverberated across the gym floor. He jetted a thumb back over his shoulder and toward the double doors to the lobby. "Despy won't let him in!" Beast explained with delight at his brother's expense. "Says he looks too much like that guy from High School Musical so he doesn't buy that he belongs here!"

Gabriel hung his head, but the act did not hide the obvious smile on his face to neither Beast nor Devona. Despy loved to help his pseudo “big brother” Gabriel out at the gym in whatever way he could. Gabriel would often use him against students in sparring matches but it was difficult to utilize his chaotic ring style in actual training sessions as it was a style that the students were unable to duplicate. So when he wasn’t assisting in the more conventional ways, Gabriel and Odette “allowed” him to work the front desk rather than hire someone from outside. That way Despy could watch TV and play on the computer to his heart’s content, but he was also surprisingly adept at the duties they needed of him - and he kept out the riff raff like nobody else! The only issue was that at times he would take his duties TOO seriously and keep out people who were actually meant to be let in.

Such as Beauty!

Gabriel stepped over toward the near wall where an intercom system was set up, connecting the main gym to the lobby floor and he pressed in, saying aloud, “Despy?”

“Yo?” Came the response from the other side.

“Is Beauty out there?”

“Well… I wouldn’t call him a Beauty…” Causing a snort of laughter to escape from both Beast as well as Devona, not to mention a howl of protest from the aforementioned Beauty who had always remained confident in his appearance.

“Despy, you can let him in.”

“Are you SURE?”

“Yes, Despy. He’s meant to be here.”

“Well… if you say so…” And although the little guy didn’t sound altogether convinced, he did as he was instructed and they heard the buzzer and the lock’s release once again, and a very confused and disgruntled Beauty managed to push his way through the doors and into the main gym floor. Constantly looking back over his shoulder, the handsome young man started as he saw Despayre poking his head through the doors and doing the universal sign for “I got my eyes on you” before allowing the doors to close.

“Are you okay?” Devona asked with a slight chuckle, to which Beauty nodded in the affirmative, but jetted a thumb back over his shoulder and toward the lobby, stating, “He kept asking me to sing ‘Gotta Go My Own Way’ for some reason!”

 “Don’t mind him, Beaut.” Gabriel waved off his concern. “Despy just thinks you look too much like that Zac Efron guy.”

“Psht!” Beast rolled his eyes at the mere thought. “He wishes!” Then turned and looked into the camera knowingly before returning to the matter at hand.

Gabriel turned and rested a hand on Devona’s arm and he said, “Listen, I know that you’re fairly anxious to get into the ring and work off some of that rust, but before you do, I want to talk to you. Just us.”

“O-kay?” Devona shared a look of curious concern between the brothers before she allowed Gabriel to lead the way from the gym’s main floor and toward the office. Gabriel gave a look back over his shoulder toward Beauty and Beast and called out, “We won’t be long! Play nice!” Prompting Beast to give the man a thumbs up - right before he playfully pushed Beauty off-camera and to the floor.

“Have a seat.” Gabriel instructed as he closed the office door behind them, and she did so, taking a seat in the middle of the three cushioned chairs opposite the desk where either Gabriel or Odette would sit while performing the more mundane business tasks behind the gym, or interviewing potentials. Devona could not help but feel that familiar twinge of the butterflies in her tummy as her eyes watched Gabriel as he walked around the desk and took a seat. He pulled in the chair and clasped his fingers together on the surface before Devona finally broke the silence, asking, “Did I do something wrong?”

And despite his reasons for wanting this talk, Gabriel found himself smiling and shaking his head no. “No,” He said, then partially amended the previous by adding, “Not really. I just wanted to have a talk with you. We keep in contact like I do with all my students, and we spoke the last time you were in the Blast From the Past a few years ago. But we’ve never really had a really close talk ever since the day that you didn’t renew your SCW contract and went back to New Orleans.”

He then leaned in and he asked, “And I was wondering – why did you not renew your contract and stay in SCW?”

And there it was, the twenty thousand dollar question. Out of all the things that Gabriel could have wanted to talk to her about, this was something that she was neither expecting nor was she prepared for. She fidgeted in the chair she was seated in, feeling like a kid in trouble at school in the principal’s office.

“Wow,” She exhaled. “Straight to Final Jeopardy, huh?” Sitting straighter in her chair.

“I know, I know.” Gabriel nodded reassuringly, holding up a hand. “I did kind of spring this on you but it’s something I’ve wondered for… well for a fair few years. Both Odette and I have. When things don’t work out with our students for whatever reasons, we try to give you privacy. Especially if there are personal reasons like medical issues or family at home…” Gabriel then looked closer toward her and he raised an eyebrow inquiring, “Is there…?”

“No, no.” Devona answered. “My Nan is fine. In fact, she just had her most recent checkup with her doctor and she said she was in amazing health.”

“Good.” Gabriel nodded, satisfied with that particular answer. Then he went on with his previous thought, “Thing is Devona, as far as we knew, you didn’t have any of the above going on. You were winning matches, held the Internet Championship… then after you dropped the belt to Diamond, it was as if everything just fell apart and then - bam! You were gone. You had the whole world at your fingertips, at least O and I thought so. You had some of the most untapped potential of all of our students and…”

“You’re wondering why I threw it all away?” Devona took the chance at finishing his thought for him, to which Gabriel gave a slight shrug of the shoulders. He said, “I don’t know if I would phrase it quite like that… but yes.”

“I am actually surprised you haven’t asked me this before.”

Gabriel said, “We wanted to, but common sense prevailed on the off chance that something was wrong. Then when you accepted Mark Ward’s offer to be in this year’s tournament, I had a sit with Odette and she thought it a good time to clear the air.”

“No, I understand, and you do deserve to know the whole truth.” Devona admitted, adjusting her position in her chair to get more comfortable because this talk might go on awhile. “The truth of the matter is that there were a number of reasons why I got frustrated and left.”

“Does it have anything to do with your loss to Diamond?” Gabriel asked. “Because you left almost right after, and I have to be honest; it wasn’t a good look.”

“I know, and it wasn’t the fact that I lost.” She explained. “It wasn’t my first loss. It was more how I lost, or things that led up to it. I did my best in the ring and shot what I thought was a great promo, but what Diamond aired?” She shook her head. “Any promo that lasts THAT long and takes multiple commercial breaks…” She shook her head. “I have to admit. It broke me, at least at the time.”

“Okay.” Gabriel nodded that he understood, then pressed on. “What else?”

“Well, when things didn’t work out with my boys…” She sighed. “I admit that played a big part in it. They had just managed to complete their training when SCW announced that it had deactivated the tag team titles. That was always the plan for us; the boys dominate - hopefully - the tag team division while I work my way up the singles. When the tag titles were no more, it kind of just … ruined everything we had hoped for. I know they were spoken to about trying their hands at the singles ranks – but they just weren’t interested. It’s not what they had signed up for.”

Gabriel offered, “What about the Mixed Tag titles? You could have made a go at those? Do what London Underground did and had a Freebirds thing going?”

“Yes and where are the mixed tag titles now?” Devona countered. “And even then, having competed in mixed tag matches the last time I did this tournament, they’re more like singles matches than they are tag teams. Plus – both my boys would want to be in there with me and having to tell one to sit the night out just didn’t sit right with me, one way or the other.”

Gabriel smiled. He was unable to hold it back. If there was anything that rivaled Devona’s dedication, it was her loyalty to both friends and family. And where the brothers were concerned, they were as close to brothers as they possibly could be. Proving to him that like his own relationship with Despayre, you did not have to be blood relation in order to be family.

“I can understand that.” He admitted. “And I appreciate it. But something tells me that it’s not the entire story.” He nodded for her to continue. “Or at least the ‘big’ story. What else?”

“The fact that I was alone, really.” She finally found herself admitting with a shrug of her shoulders. She went on to further explain, “I don’t know how else to explain it. There was a locker room filled with women, and yet I never felt more alone.”

“Because the brothers weren’t with you?” Gabriel asked, but Devona shook her head in denial. She said, “No, even that I could have worked through if I had to, if I had anyone else to possibly rely on or at the very least, to talk to. But… I didn’t. I mean, I tried - but no matter what I did or said to any of the women at the time, none of them wanted anything to do with me it seemed. I remember on that cruise when I tried with women like Jessie Salco and Amy… I asked them to go with me to a wine tasting or sit with me for one of the jazz shows but they just blew me off. Said it wasn’t their thing. I mean, I can’t exactly fault them for that but I was willing to hit a bar with them for a beer or sit through the concerts that were more to their tastes, but it just didn’t seem…”

“I think I’m beginning to understand.” Gabriel admitted, feeling like his heart was breaking for this young woman. He had absolutely no idea she was going through any of this during her first foray in this rough and tumble sport. He had always had a support group surrounding him when he was an active competitor; Synn, Despy…others. But to feel like you had no one…

Devona broke the uncomfortable silence between them, wiping a finger along her eyes as drumming up these memories was not doing her psyche or self confidence the best. She said, “I was eating alone during the pre-show catering. Getting dressed in the far corner. Traveling without a single person for company most of the time… after a while it just got to be too much and I just gave up. I don’t understand how anyone can make it in this business without having at least one person they can talk to… rely on, y’know?” To which Gabriel could only nod.

Devona went on, “And this was well before Ariana or Tempest or even Krystal came onto the scene. I don’t care what Krystal says…” This gave Gabriel cause to raise an eyebrow in questioning, to which Devona stated, “It just always irked me the way she fudged her resume by telling the world she was your second student after Evie, when I came before her. So did Daniel and the others - and even Fenris!” She shook her head. “I just never understood why she thought it would help her standing by telling stories to jump the line, so to speak. Like nobody with any common sense could just check the facts to see it wasn’t true!”

Gabriel said nothing directly toward the allegation against Krystal, whether he sided with Devona or not. He did not want to do or say anything to come between either woman as all of his students were equally important to him as the other. He instead chose to go a different route to possibly bring this discussion to a close now that he got what he wanted out of it - the truth - and ease the troubled mind of one of those very people.

“So what made you decide to sign up this year?” He asked with a smile. “Last time you were teamed with Alex and you admitted it was less than ideal.”

“It at least started off that way, the way he was talking about me and our respective chances at the tournament. It changed though – he changed. And we did pretty well for ourselves, even if we didn’t win the whole thing.” She sighed. “Now look at me; repeating history in a sense. Teaming with a legit legend and he’s treating me the exact same way that Alex did at first.”

“Maybe not entirely.” Gabriel spoke up, causing her to look directly at him in questioning. He said, “If J2H really thought that way, he wouldn’t have agreed to stand by your side in this match against Salco. Kid doesn’t need the spotlight or crave it the way he used to. He does nothing without a reason, and a part of me thinks the reason behind this is he wants a first-hand look at his partner in action. See if you have any weaknesses that can be exploited by anyone else signed up - maybe help with them? Trust me; that’s not a bad thing.”

“I suppose.” She found herself admitting despite herself.

“So, the tournament…?” Gabriel prodded lightly, causing a smile to cross her lips once again. Mission accomplished.

She sighed and admitted, “It was mostly because Mark Ward went through all the trouble of contacting me to see if there was any interest – and there was. That’s why. Plus… I admit I missed it. A little bit.” She pinched a thumb and forefinger close together.

“Enough to make a comeback?” Gabriel leaned in on his forearms against the desk, his head turned slightly at the side with a smile on his face, a smile to which Devona warmly reciprocated but she said nothing else.

Gabriel sighed, “Can’t blame a guy for trying!” He then set his hands against the edge of the desk and stood upright, smiling down at her, “So… shall we go get that ring rust worked off?”

“I thought you’d never ask.” Devona stood up to join him as he opened the door and held out an inviting arm toward her.

“Excellent!” Gabriel beamed. “Mackenzie said she couldn’t wait to get into the ring with you.”

And the last thing seen and heard as the door closed were Devona’s head whipping toward Gabriel with wide eyes and her exclamation, “Oh son of a…”

---

Michelob Ultra Arena -
Las Vegas, Nevada

Everything was ready for Sunday, a mere two days away from the spring Supercard spectacular - the eleventh annual Blaze of Glory! The six-sided ring had been set up in the very center of the arena floor and even now, attendants were working a hectic schedule to finish setting up the ringside chairs in an ordering fashion. And inside of the ring stood none other than Devona in her street clothes consisting of a black tank top, denim jeans and tanned boots. Hands tucked in her pockets, the camera was in an undershot of her gazing up and around to every corner of the arena.

 "Wow. Deja vu, huh? I don't mind admitting that I'm still having a bit of a hard time grasping the fact that I'm standing here, getting ready to compete inside of this very six-sided ring in front of thousands of fans watching here in the arena and countless others watching from all across the globe. It seems like only yesterday where I was stepping foot inside of this ring in my very first match which was against Amy Santino, if memory serves me correctly. And if I am going to be perfectly honest with all of you lovely people out there, I am feeling almost as nervous now for this match as I did in my very first one. Small wonder because even though I took part in the 2019 Blast From the Past, I have not had a singles match since my Internet title loss to Diamond in December of 2017. Yeah, you heard me right. December - almost six years ago.”

She nodded and turned around in the ring and walked over toward the corner where she turned her back away from what would in two days be a capacity filled audience and she hopped up to take a seat, perched on the top turnbuckle.

“Well over five years between singles matches, which definitely gives Jessie Salco an edge going into this match, given the woman has been competing consistently and non-stop in SCW for over a decade. But – I have to go on record and clear the air that my time away from the ring and away from the SCW Universe… that is the catalyst for these butterflies which are currently playing hell right here…”

She rubs a hand along her midsection.

“I have had my supporters during my time in the ring; both friends and family and yes, if I want to indulge myself with the claim  - fans, as well. When you are so blessed to have such in your corner, how can you not have nerves when you come out into this very ring with the thought in the back of your mind that you might end up disappointing them? Oh I know, any wrestler will sound like a record on constant repetition when they claim that they know they won’t lose and that the only outcome is going to be their inevitable win. Then what happens? Two people go out to that ring, thinking the exact same thing – but only one of those two people get their arms raised at the end of the match. That is why I’m more nervous than a virgin in a prison rodeo. It’s been four years since my last match with Alex Jones at my side in the Blast from the Past, and five years since I went up against another woman alone. But… nervous about facing Jessie Salco herself?”

Devona closed her eyes and shook her head no.

“Not to intend any disrespect for Jessie. Quite the contrary, actually! I have nothing but mad respect for Jessie and everything she has accomplished and everything she still seeks to do before the inevitable hanging up of the boots. Her tenacity and tenure alone is what got her to where she is, inside of the ring and outside as a Hall of Fame inductee. Win or lose, there is just no quit in that girl, and she won’t stop until she reaches her own personal Holy Grail in the sport, which in this case just so happens to be the World Bombshell Championship. But see, here’s the thing…”

“I’m not entirely certain that I’m even facing Jessie, you know what I mean? All things considered, you could watch her and forgive me for mistakenly wondering if I might be up against Ariana or Krystal or one of the other multiple people that seem to find their way around her each and every week! If she weren’t retired, I could even believe for the briefest of moments that I might even be up against Keira Fisher-Johnson?”

The camera then did a close up shot off Devona as she leaned in with a hand cupped over the side of her mouth.

“Hint, hint Keira, if the urge ever strikes you again!”

The camera then returns to the regular shot.

“But no, here I am and it is against Jessie Salco and I could not be more excited. I can’t even say why I am in this match, why I volunteered except for the fact the opportunity presented itself and I took advantage of it. I could have been perfectly satisfied watching as a fan just like everyone else, but when Alicia Lukas had to bow out and Jessie started making noise about another Supercard match being taken away from her … I don’t know. I just raised my hand and told the world that I would do it. Or rather, I contacted Mark Ward and told him that I;d do it… Mark Ward… the world…”

She held out her hands, palms up, balanced like a scale.

“Same thing, really. And I admit that initially I was on the fence about stepping up. But then something happened that honestly burned my craw - and that was…”

She pointed directly at the camera.

“You - Jessie. Your actions, your behavior. I shouldn’t say that I am surprised, because whether you performed for the cheers of the fans or if you could have cared less, you always were very self absorbed in your outlook with a terrine case of the ‘Me, Me, Me’s’. And despite everything I said previously about genuine respect for your in-ring abilities, I have to say that after all these years, since the last time I've seen you, not a whole lot has changed - if anything at all. Jessie, no matter who you target, no matter who you oppose, you seem to be the same self indulgent person as I have last seen. Thinking only of yourself and your career and how things affect you and you alone. I mean…”

She held her arms out in wonder.

“That is why we're here, isn't it? Your scheduled match against Alicia was canceled and you pitched such a fit that Mark and Christian went in search of somebody to find you an opponent just so you would shut up. You showed absolutely no compassion or concern about Alicia or her family or others' well being. All you cared about was how this was going to affect YOU. How you had another Supercard match taken away from you. How you had to go without. Not what caused Alicia to pull out, although you certainly gave your theories to that, didn’t you? No, in your mind, it was all about you. It’s like the old story of the bride-to-be about to have her dream wedding when her soon-to-be husband drops dead at the altar and all she can do is cry why everything has to happen to her! That’s you, Jessie. That is the very attitude that you showed the entire world on social media after Christian Underwood canceled your match. And the moment, the very moment that this was undone and I stepped up and you were rebooked, oh the tears dried up and you were happy as a clam because you got what you wanted. To hell with anyone else so long as Jessie Salco is happy and satisfied!”

Devona then hopped off of the turnbuckles and walked over toward the ropes where she rested her forearms along the top rope.

“Riddle me this Jessie. You are going around, insinuating to anyone unfortunate enough to listen, that Alicia pulled out not because of a family emergency, but simply because she was too scared to follow through with another match against you on such a grand stage. But you two have met before, sometimes with a title on the line and others times no. And the end result was always the same! Why on earth would a woman who has bested you in every single one-on-one encounter the two of you have ever met in, be so afraid of you that she would lie about a family emergency just to avoid another encounter? I mean, seriously Jessie! I know that I don't know you very well and we were never particularly close backstage in the dressing rooms when I was signed and active, but I would have expected better from you! I mean the fact that you got lit up on social media for your implications should have been evidence enough that what you said was uncalled for and outright rude, but I have yet to hear an apology come from your lips and I have serious doubts that anyone ever will. You should be ashamed of yourself!”

She stopped leaning against the ropes and instead stood upright, flinging her purple streaked hair back over her shoulder.

“This one is on the table, Jessie, and despite all odds, the deck is stacked in my favor. I’m not doing this for me, I’m not even doing it for Alicia or the fans. I’m doing this for one person, and one alone; J2H. I have a partner in the coming weeks with doubts - and on Sunday, I’m putting those doubts to rest.”

She held up two fingers and smiled.

“Peace out.”

And the spotlight above the ring winked out, leaving only darkness.