It is around 8 am on Saturday 1st December 2018, and Lowri Moss is stood in her hotel bathroom in Cardiff, with her hands on the rim of the sink, looking at herself in the mirror. For someone who has had barely five hours sleep, on the back of consuming a not inconsiderable amount of alcohol, Lowri does not look too bad, and although she feels a bit worse for wear, thankfully for her, she is not hungover.

Last night had definitely been a good one. It had included a stop off at Caroline Street - referred to colloquially by locals as Chippy Lane, due to the number of fast food restaurants along the street - before finishing up at Live Lounge, therefore fulfilling the two requirements for any good night out in Cardiff. Together with her boyfriend, Neal Durden, Lowri had left Live Lounge shortly after 2 am. She would have liked to have remained there until it closed, at 4 am, but she also wanted to get back to their hotel, to attempt to get some semblance of a good night’s sleep, especially knowing that they would have to check out by 11 o’clock.

Lowri runs a tap and splashes some water on her face. After drying herself with a towel, and then pouring herself a glass of water, Lowri switches off the bathroom light, as she makes her way back towards the bed. She sits down gently on her side of the bed, being careful to avoid disturbing Neal, who is still asleep. She then gulps down some water, before placing the glass on a nightstand beside the bed.

Last night had actually been a good one for Lowri before the first drop of alcohol had even passed her lips. In fact, it had been better than simply good - it had been one of the best nights of her life so far. And part of the reason for that can be seen on the nightstand, next to the glass of water. Ten or so hours ago, Lowri had been in the main event of a show in the Welsh capital, at the Motorpoint Arena, not all that far from where she is now. And in that main event, in front of a sold-out crowd that included plenty of her family and her friends, she had won the HKW North American Championship.

The memories of the show are of course still fresh in Lowri’s mind, and as she looks proudly at the championship belt, with a broad smile on her face, the happiness that she feels is enough to dull any headache. It is a title that she had been chasing for nearly six months. Her first shot at it, back in June, had ended in defeat, with Lowri’s cause not having being helped by a longtime rival of hers sticking their nose in where it did not belong. The following month she was part of a fatal five-way for the title, and although it did change hands on that occasion, it was not Lowri that left with the belt, as she instead found herself in the position of being unable to break up the pin in time, while someone else won the match and the championship. Two months later, she had another opportunity to win the title, this time in a four-way elimination match, and after Lowri had eliminated two of her three opponents, it came down to her and the defending champion. However, just when it appeared that she was set to win, Lowri was struck in the face with a baseball bat by the former champion, costing her the match, and once more dashing her hopes of claiming the title.

In retrospect, perhaps it was fate that she had been forced to wait until last night to become the North American Champion. Winning the title would have been a memorable moment for Lowri wherever it had occurred, but for her to win it in her native land, in front of her family and her friends, that had made it extra special. And as she lies back down next to Neal to try to get some more sleep, still with a smile on her face and still staring at the championship belt, there is no doubt in Lowri’s mind that what happened last night is something that will stay with her for the rest of her life.

---

A few hours later, and Lowri is now sat in a cafe, somewhere else in Cardiff city centre, gorging herself on a fried breakfast. Having checked out of the hotel, she has a trolley case with her, which is next to the table, but her other half is conspicuous by his absence. However, Lowri is not sat alone for much longer, as she is approached by a man who was a recent inductee into the SCW Hall of Fame: Simon Jones. He smiles pleasantly at Lowri, as he greets her.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> Good morning, champ.

She responds in kind with a smile of her own.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Good morning. How are you?

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> I’m alright, thanks.

He pulls out a chair, taking a seat opposite Lowri.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> How are you feeling after last night? Where did you go to celebrate?

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> I’m not hungover, if that’s what you’re getting at.

Lowri takes a sip from a cup of coffee, as Simon gives her a wry smile, not entirely convinced by her statement.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> We only went to a couple of places: Tiny Rebel first, then Live Lounge.

Simon chuckles.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> Of course.

Although originally from Birmingham, having been a resident of Cardiff for a number of years now, he too has spent many a Friday or Saturday night in Live Lounge.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> And what time did you stay out until?

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Just after two.

While Lowri cuts off a piece of egg white, Simon scans the cafe, as he looks expectantly for someone, but is unable to spot them.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> Neal not with you?

Lowri swallows the egg white, before replying.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> No, he has gone to see his family. I offered to go with him, but he told me it was something he wanted to do on his own. Hence why I’m here, instead.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> Didn’t he see them last night - weren’t they there at the show?

Lowri shakes her head.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> His parents aren’t exactly supportive of his chosen career. They’ve never been to a show to see him wrestle live, so it isn’t exactly surprising that they wouldn’t go to a show to watch his girlfriend wrestle.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> Fair enough.

As Lowri cuts off part of a sausage, a waitress appears at the table, looking in Simon’s direction.

Waitress: Can I get you anything?

He looks up at the waitress.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> Could I just have a cup of tea, please?

Waitress: Sure.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> Thanks.

The waitress walks off to prepare a cup of tea for Simon, and Lowri finishes ingesting the piece of sausage, just in time for him to ask her another question.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> So, has it sunk in yet? What you accomplished last night, I mean.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Yeah, actually, I think it has.

Lowri’s face bears that same broad smile from earlier, as she again recalls the previous night’s events.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> You looked a bit shocked when the referee handed you the belt.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Well, I think that was it sinking it - you know, the realisation of what I had just done. I had been chasing that championship for however many months, and I finally got to get my hands on it - it was finally mine.

The waitress reappears, carrying a mug.

Waitress: Here you are.

She places the cup of tea on the table, together with a milk jigger, a sugar sachet, and a plastic stirrer.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> Thank you.

Waitress: You’re welcome.

She then goes to tend to other customers, and Simon carries on his and Lowri’s conversation, as he pours the milk into his tea.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> Where does winning the North American title rank amongst everything that you’ve achieved this year?

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> It’s definitely near the top.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> How does it compare to winning the World Cup?

Lowri puts down her cutlery, and while she takes a second or two to consider his question, Simon pours the sugar into his drink, before then stirring it.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> I don’t know. Those are probably the top two.

As Lowri pauses to think about it further, Simon has a sip of his tea.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> The World Cup was really special, but last night might’ve topped it. Anyone who knows me knows how proud I am to represent Wales, and winning the World Cup for my country was the pinnacle of that, but… the finals of the World Cup were in Puerto Rico, which is a beautiful place and all, but…

Simon interjects.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> But it’s not your homeland?

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Right.

They each consume some of their respective hot drinks, before Lowri continues.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Winning the World Cup was one thing, but winning a title here in Cardiff, in front of my family, my friends, and all of those fans, that was something else. And the noise after I won - that was breathtaking.

Simon nods his head in agreement.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> Yeah, I think it must’ve been one of the loudest reactions I’ve heard from any crowd in all of the years that I’ve been involved in wrestling.

Lowri raises an eyebrow.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Was it louder than any reaction you ever received?

Now Simon is the one who pauses for thought. He then gives another nod.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> I would probably say so.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Did you ever get to wrestle in Birmingham during your career?

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> Yes, once, seventeen years ago. It was early on in my career, one of my very first matches, when not many people would’ve been familiar with me, so the reception I got was nothing like the one you received last night. In fact, if I hadn’t been announced as being from Birmingham, I probably would’ve gotten little more than a golf clap from the crowd.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> I seem to remember you getting a pretty good welcome when you were the guest ring announcer for the main event of that one show.

“That one show” being Inception, back in January of 2015.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> I did, but it still wasn’t anywhere near the level of the reaction that you got.

Lowri picks her knife and fork back up, and as she eats another piece of sausage, Simon drinks some more of his tea.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> I bet your parents were so proud of you last night.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Yeah, they…

She suddenly stops in mid-sentence.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Did you see me going around ringside after the match?

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> When you were slapping hands with all the fans in the front row, and taking pictures with anyone who wanted a selfie with you? Yeah, I saw that. I didn’t have anywhere that I needed to be in a hurry, so I stayed until you disappeared backstage, savouring the moment.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Did you see me when I was crying then?

Simon shakes his head.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> No. Why? What happened?

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Nothing bad.

It is Lowri’s turn to let out a chuckle.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> As I went around ringside, eventually I made it to where my family was, and the last two people that I saw were my parents. My Dad was first, and he gave me a big hug, congratulated me on my win and told me he was proud of me. And then I came to my Mam. And she was in tears. And seeing her crying set me off as well.

Lowri pauses to take a breath.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> We hugged, crying over one another, and through the tears, she told me how proud she was of me.

She takes another breath, trying to prevent herself from getting over emotional right there in the cafe.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> It’s the first time they’ve gotten to see me win something live, rather than watching it from a distance, and it meant so much to me to have them there last night. My relationship with my parents is pretty much the antithesis of Neal’s relationship with his parents. They’ve always been so supportive of me, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> I know what you mean. My parents were the same, even if at first they weren’t too impressed when I decided to try my hand at wrestling.

As Lowri drinks most of what remains of her cup of coffee, Simon thinks about something that brings a smirk to his face - which does not go unnoticed by Lowri.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> What are you smirking at?

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> I was just thinking about a conversation I had with you in June or July of last year, when you were still yet to win the first title of your career, and you had just suffered some more disappointment, in your attempts to end that wait.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> That would’ve been after that seven person ladder match I was in, the one that ended with me being knocked off the ladder and crashing through two tables - a loss that probably hurt me even more emotionally than it did physically.

There is a slight sigh from Lowri, after recalling what is not a particularly pleasant memory for her.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> Right. I had told you previously that you’re a more talented wrestler than I was, but by that stage, with the state of mind that you were in, I think you were finding it harder and harder to believe. I think I also told you that you were too talented a wrestler to have to wait too much longer to win the first championship of your career, and well… look at you now! In the past ten months you’ve won, what - half a dozen titles, plus two tournaments?

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Three tournaments.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> I stand corrected.

Simon smiles wryly.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> Seriously though, Lowri, there can’t be many people in this sport who are having a better year than you. And at the rate you’re going, it won’t be too long before you eclipse what I achieved during my career.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Maybe I will in terms of total number of titles won, but as far as world titles are concerned, you’ll still have me beat for a while yet.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> In the immediate future, perhaps, but I’m sure that in the years to come, there’ll be plenty of world titles with your name on them.

Lowri shrugs nonchalantly, not wanting to take anything for granted.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> You’re gifted, Lowri. You’re already a remarkable wrestler, and you’re only going to get better.

Now she grins at the praise from Simon.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Thanks, Simon.

<FONT COLOR="#664300">Simon:</FONT> I mean it. I’m really pleased for you, no one can honestly say that you haven’t earned all of this success you’ve had, and I’m glad that I was able to be there last night to see your latest big win up close.

The two exchange smiles, before Simon drinks some more of his tea, and Lowri eats some more of the little that is left of her breakfast, following which, their conversation then moves on to other, non-wrestling matters.

---

A camera finds Lowri inside the living room of the apartment in Orlando that she shares with Neal Durden. Dressed in a pair of jeans and a replica Wales rugby union jersey, she is sat on a sofa, leaning towards the camera, and she starts by offering her usual greeting.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Hey, what’s occurring?

With a smile on her face, she then sits up straight.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> After shows in Dublin, Belfast and Edinburgh, it’s now only a matter of days until SCW’s tour of the British Isles stops off in Cardiff, which means that’s it’s also now only a matter of days until I’m going to be competing inside the six-sided ring, for the first time in fifteen months. And in the main event, no less.

Her smile widens slightly, as she continues.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Yes, that announcement at the end of last Sunday’s show caught me by surprise a bit. I’ll admit I had hoped that my match would be in a prominent position on the card, but I would’ve settled for being in the opening match of the night, if it meant me getting to be wrestle on a show in my home country. I certainly didn’t expect to be in the main event though, seeing as I’m not even a full-time member of the SCW roster, so now not only do I need to thank Mark Ward and Christian Underwood for inviting me to be part of the show, I also need to thank them for giving me the honour of headlining it.

She does something resembling a bow, in an attempt to show her gratitude to the two SCW owners.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> I’m sure they’re both aware that there’ll be a number of people in the crowd on Sunday who aren’t hardcore SCW fans, some of whom might simply be there to watch yours truly, and I guess that would’ve been a factor in their decision. It takes two people to make a match though - well, a minimum of two - and the fact that my opponent on Sunday is an SCW Hall of Famer probably also contributed to Mr Ward and Mr Underwood deciding to have the match be the show’s main event, so perhaps I should be thanking Mercedes as well.

A smirk crosses her face.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> When I was originally offered the chance to be involved in this Sunday’s show, I had no idea who my opponent would be, whether someone would be selected for me, or whether I would be asked to handpick who I wanted to face. For all I knew, the plan could’ve just been to find a rookie from somewhere local to be my opponent, with the expectation that I would make short work of them, and while that would’ve been better than nothing, it might not have been the most competitive or most entertaining of matches for the fans. I’m more than satisfied with the way that things have worked out though.

She nods, before quickly continuing.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Mercedes Vargas is a more than ideal opponent for me to be facing in this match. With the exception of Jessie Salco, and possibly Amy Santino, I don’t think there’s anyone who has been a member of the SCW roster longer than Mercedes has, so I think it’s fitting that she’s the one I’ll be in the six-sided ring with on Sunday, in Cardiff. Mercedes has been part of SCW for so long that when she first arrived, I hadn’t even started university yet, let alone started training to be a wrestler; when she had her first match in an SCW ring, it would be another three and a quarter years before I would have my first match in any ring. I think she has been wrestling for about four times as long as I have, but it’s not uncommon for me to be in the ring with opponents who are more experienced than I am, some of them considerably more experienced, and despite that, more often than not, I’m the one who gets their hand raised in victory at the end of the match; I’m planning on having that be one of the final sights people see during Climax Control, this Sunday.

Lowri lifts up one of her arms, as if to give a preview of that.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Not only is Mercedes one of the longest serving members of the SCW roster, I believe I’m right in saying that she’s also the most decorated wrestler in SCW history. Now, obviously the more time someone spends in a promotion, the more chances they’re going to have to become a champion, but not everyone is able to take advantage of those opportunities when they come their way - I think there’s probably a greater chance of me becoming the World Bombshell Champion than there is of Jessie Salco ever winning that title. Mercedes though… she has made the most of a large percentage of the opportunities that she has had, which has resulted in her holding more gold than anyone else in SCW’s history, and ultimately, it’s what got her an induction into the Hall of Fame.

She then runs a hand through her hair.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> As I mentioned two weeks ago during Climax Control, the last time I was in the six-sided ring, I had a chance of my own to become a champion in SCW. It wasn’t to be though, as Mackenzie Page and Charlotte Elliot defeated me and Natalie McKinley, to leave Full Circle with the bombshell tag titles still in their possession. At the time of that match, I had yet to win a championship in any promotion, and while I would’ve liked to have won those tag titles, I wasn’t too disappointed afterwards following the loss, mainly because I believed that Full Circle would be SCW’s last ever show, so if Natalie and I had won the titles, we never would’ve gotten to defend them anyway.

She gives an indifferent shrug, before moving on.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Of course, rather than shutting down operations permanently, SCW merely lay dormant for a few months, and while I’ve only made a handful of appearances in SCW in the past, I’m pleased that Full Circle turned out to just be the start of a short hiatus and that it wasn’t actually SCW’s final show. Everyone that’s part of SCW now will have their own reasons for being glad that its doors were reopened - in my case, it’s that if SCW had remained closed, I wouldn’t have this rare opportunity on Sunday evening to wrestle in my home country. This match with Mercedes is going to bring my number of matches in the six-sided ring to a total of five, and although this one is going to be especially noteworthy, for obvious reasons, it still probably won’t outrank my first ever match in SCW in terms of significance.

There is a shake of the head from Lowri.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> When I set foot inside an SCW ring for the first time, two and a half years ago, I was a virtual unknown. I only had a couple of matches under my belt, and it was my first time wrestling in the US, but more importantly, it was my first ever singles match. You see, for the first four months of my career, I wrestled almost exclusively in tag team matches - and I was on the winning side in nearly all of them. However, that match in Arizona - my debut in SCW - it showed that I could be successful on my own, as well as part of a tag team. It might not have been pretty at times - as was always likely to be the case, given that my opponent that night was Twisted Sister - but I was able to get the job done, and that was all that really mattered; not only did I win my first match in SCW, I also won my first match as a singles wrestler.

Lowri takes a breath.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Looking back to that match, it’s kind of amazing to see my development as a wrestler since then. Last Sunday, Mercedes tried to claim that beating me will be the easiest win of her SCW career, and while I don’t think she genuinely believes that, if we had been opponents two and a half years ago, her statement might actually have been true. Now though, I’m going to confidently say that Mercedes is going to be in one of the toughest one-on-one matches that she has had in a long time. For the people who only watch SCW, and who haven’t seen me perform elsewhere, I’m looking forward to showing them how much I’ve improved since my only singles previous match in SCW. Comparing me now to the me of two and a half years ago is like night and day, I’ve come on leaps and bounds since then - as Mercedes will soon find out, to her cost.

Following the briefest of pauses, she continues.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Even in the fifteen months since Full Circle, I’ve made big strides. Five weeks after Natalie and I failed to become tag champs, I finally won the first title of my career, and since then I’ve gone on to win several more. I may not yet have accumulated quite as many accolades as Mercedes has, but the past year or so has exceeded all my expectations, as I’ve managed to win multiple titles and multiple tournaments, both on my own and as part of a team. And now, as my reputation continues to grow, I’m returning home, to main event a show in Cardiff; from an unknown in my first SCW match, to a main eventer this time round - I certainly have come a long way.

Lowri leans forward again.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> A few minutes ago, I said that this match on Sunday is a rare opportunity for me to wrestle in my home country, and it really is, as it’s going to be only my fourth time wrestling in Wales. Furthermore, it’s going to be only my second time wrestling in Cardiff, a city where I spent five years of my life. I’m originally from Llanelli, which is about fifty miles to the west of the Welsh capital, but Cardiff is my second home; it’s where I went to university, it’s where I trained to wrestle, and it’s where I lived until just a year ago, when I relocated to the US to further my career. I’ve also attended numerous shows in Cardiff in the past, including being in the crowd the last time that SCW was in the UK, four and a bit years ago. That night, I watched as Natalie had a victorious homecoming; this Sunday, I’ll be the one filling that role.

She gazes down towards the floor momentarily. She then looks back up at the camera, and continues.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> I don’t remember much about that match Natalie had, when she teamed with Simon Jones, against Jessie Salco and Steve Ramone, but as someone who had ambitions of becoming a wrestler, it was somewhat inspiring for me to see two British wrestlers - and in particular, a female Welsh wrestler - being featured in the penultimate match on a show staged by a pretty sizeable American promotion. Since then - since my own career in wrestling has begun - I have of course gotten to know Natalie, but I’ve also gotten to know Simon as well. Come to think of it, it’s kind of ironic that Mercedes, of all people, would often refer to Simon as being Natalie’s mentor. In truth, I think he has been more of a mentor to me than he ever was to Natalie. Since the first time I met him, he has always been there whenever I needed him, to lend and support and advice. He’ll be there on Sunday too, and I know that he has a lot of respect and admiration for Mercedes, with the two of them having debuted in SCW at around the same time, but I also know that he’s going to be arriving at the Motorpoint Arena wanting to see me win, and I have no intention of disappointing him, nor any of the thousands of others who’ll be there to cheer me on in the main event of Climax Control.

She shakes her head again.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> When I laid out the challenge to Mercedes last Sunday, for this match, she alluded to what happened when Ella Singleton challenged her to a match. And I know that after Mercedes beat her last month at Blaze Of Glory, Ella Singleton packed her bags and ran off to SCU. But here’s the thing, Mercedes. With all due respect to Ella Singleton, she’s no Lowri Moss. When she was in the ring with you, she was out of her depth; I won’t be. I’m well aware of who I’m going to facing on Sunday, and I know that I’m more than capable of getting the better of you. If you want to underestimate me though, Mercedes, go ahead and do so. That’s your mistake. Because this match isn’t going to be easy for either of us. I’m prepared the challenge that you’re going to present, but I’m confident that I can outwrestle you. Me beating you on Sunday isn’t going to be a surprise like when Venezuela defeated your beloved Argentina a few weeks ago. It’ll be more like, say, any of my country’s recent matches in the Six Nations - a hard-fought contest, with the Welsh coming out on top.

She pats the badge on her rugby jersey.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> The last time I wrestled an Argentine, it was in the final of a global tournament - and I won. The last time I wrestled in Cardiff, I was in the main event of a show at the Motorpoint Arena, challenging for a championship - and I won that match too. Now I’m set to wrestle another Argentine in the main event of another show at the Motorpoint Arena, and while there’s no trophy or no title at stake this time, that doesn’t in any way lessen my desire to win. Nor does the fact that I’m not a full-time member of the SCW roster. Mercedes, you said that I “don’t even go here,” and you’re right, I don’t. After this Sunday, I won’t then be in Manchester next week, and I won’t be in London at the start of next month, either. However, the reason my appearances in SCW are few and far between isn’t because I don’t belong here - it’s because of my commitments elsewhere. This Sunday, Mercedes, you’re going to find out how good I really am; you’re going to find out that not only am I as good as I say I am, I’m as good as everyone else - fans, pundits, and my peers - say I am. I expect you plan to put my name on your checklist, but trust me, Mercedes, you won’t be getting to cross it off. Only one of us is going to be victorious on Sunday, and the fire from this dragon is going to make your best-laid plans go up in smoke.

Lowri snaps open a pinched hand, and silently mouths, “Poof.”

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> You know, Mercedes… I never denied being selfish. Maybe it is selfish of me to come in and take up a spot on the show that could’ve gone to someone who’s an SCW regular. In which case, I guess it’ll be even more self-indulgent of me when on Sunday, rather than allowing SCW’s most decorated wrestler to pick up a win in the main event, I instead go on and beat her. If that makes me selfish, then I don’t mind one bit.

She then gets up from the sofa.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> I’ve wrestled in big stadiums like Safeco Field in Seattle and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, but as amazing as it is being in venues like those, getting to wrestle in the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, in front of a few thousand of my compatriots, is something special for me. I know that most of the pressure is going to be on me this weekend - I was the one who asked for this match, and I’m going to be wrestling in front of an expectant home crowd. However, I wouldn’t have been able to have the success that I’ve had so far in my career if I couldn’t cope with pressure, and on Sunday, I’ll rise to the occasion once again. You aren’t just going to be up against me, Mercedes - you’ll be up against an entire arena, and with support like that, I can’t possibly lose.

She utters something in Welsh.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Cartref melys cartref.

Before reverting to English.

<FONT COLOR="#00b052">Lowri:</FONT> Home sweet home indeed, Mercedes.

And as Lowri looks towards the camera confidently, with a smirk on her face, the scene fades to black.

 The scene opens inside the sports bar on the Sun Princess cruise ship on the morning of Monday 1st August - the morning after Summer XXXTreme IV. The bar itself is not yet open, but despite that, one of the nearby tables is already occupied: sat opposite one another, keeping clear of the hustle and bustle of the breakfast dining currently taking place on the two decks immediately below, are Natalie McKinley and Simon Jones.

Natalie is dressed in a pair of light blue jeans and a yellow sleeveless t-shirt, while Simon is wearing navy blue jeans and a red t-shirt. The two have only been there a short time, and as Natalie adjusts an ice pack that is attached to her left shoulder, Simon asks her a question.

Simon: 'How's your arm this morning?'

Just twelve or so hours earlier, in their contest for the SCW Bombshell Roulette Championship, Kate Steele had forced Natalie to tap out, using her Shipwrecked (seated Fujiwara Armbar) submission hold.

Natalie: 'It doesn't hurt quite as much as it did last night, but it's still very sore.'

Instinctively, Natalie touches her left arm.

Simon: 'I assume you're not going to let that stop you from working out, though.'

Natalie: 'Of course not.'

Natalie smiles.

Natalie: 'I'm going to wait until we're back on dry land though, to do my work out today, so that I can use a proper gym, rather than the poor excuse for a fitness center that there is on this ship, with its limited equipment.'

Natalie glances around the room, before returning her attention to Simon.

Natalie: 'Is it okay for you to be seen with me in public?'

That question causes Simon to frown.

Simon: 'What are you talking about?'

He then gazes around the room as well, before looking back to Natalie.

Simon: 'There's no-one here apart from us, anyway.'

Natalie: 'Maybe not at present, but what if someone - say Mikah, for example - was to happen upon us? She might call you Mr. McKinley again!'

Simon smirks, having been reminded of something that Mikah had teased him about the night before.

Simon: 'Mikah can say whatever she wants about the friendship that you and I have, it doesn't bother me - does it bother you?'

Natalie gently shakes her head.

Natalie: 'Not really.'

Simon: 'Good. Mikah will say anything to try to get a rise out of me, but she doesn't do it to be spiteful, she just does it to amuse herself - at least, I hope that's why she does it.'

There is a brief silence, before Simon speaks again.

Simon: 'Following on from the chat we had after your match last night, have you thought about what you're going to do next? Besides get back in the gym, I mean.'

Natalie laughs softly at Simon's remark. She then gives him an answer.

Natalie: 'I've been thinking about disappearing off into the wilderness.'

Simon: 'Does "the wilderness" mean North Dakota?'

Natalie: 'It might.'

Simon smirks again.

Simon: 'So you will be commuting each week from North Dakota to wherever SCW is staging a show that Sunday, then?'

Natalie: 'Not in the immediate future.'

Simon frowns.

Simon: 'What do you mean?'

Natalie: 'I want to take some time off, although it won't be as long as any of the hiatuses that you had from wrestling during your career - my break will be measured in weeks, not years.'

Simon: 'Have you spoken to any of the powers that be about this?'

Natalie: 'Yes, I have; unsurprisingly, Christian didn't try to dissuade me from taking time off from SCW.'

Natalie tucks a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

Natalie: 'Taking a few weeks off will give me time to rest up, as well as allow me more time to ponder my future - including whether my future lies in SCW, or somewhere else.'

Simon: 'You're considering quitting SCW - is this because you lost last night?'

Natalie gives a non-committal shrug.

Natalie: 'I'm not going to deny my mindset would be different if I was now the new Bombshell Roulette Champion, but mainly the reason why I'm considering my future - and whether that is going to be in SCW, or elsewhere - is because of how things have changed in the past few months, since someone...'

Natalie points at Simon.

Natalie: '...convinced me to agree to be Melody's tag team partner.'

She then lets out a sigh.

Natalie: 'When I accepted Kate Steele's challenge for a match at Summer XXXTreme, I wasn't interested in taking the roulette title from her, I just wanted to beat her. Fighting her has though ended up making me now want to be a champion again - like we talked about last night. However, after my loss to Kate, I don't think there's much prospect of me winning me a championship in SCW any time soon.'

Simon: 'What happened to taking J2H's advice of just keep ripping people apart?'

Natalie replies to Simon's question without hesitation.

Natalie: 'He didn't specify that I had to do that in SCW.'

Simon nods, begrudgingly accepting Natalie's statement.

Simon: 'No, I suppose he didn't.'

Another brief silence follows, until Natalie speaks again.

Natalie: 'With Kate's reign as the Bombshell Roulette Champion set to continue for who knows how long, I can't see myself being given another shot at her title for a while. And obviously, if I can't win the roulette title, then I'm not about to be given a shot at the bombshell world title - although I'm not sure that I would want to challenge Crystal for her title anyway. Similarly, I have no desire to challenge Melody for the internet title - as I've stated a number of times in recent weeks - and as I'm sure she is going to hold on to that title for a long time, that leaves me without a partner to try to win the tag titles.'

There is another sigh from Natalie.

Natalie: 'So yeah, like I said, I don't think I'll be winning a championship in SCW any time soon.'

Simon takes a moment to think over everything Natalie has just said, before responding.

Simon: 'You may be right; it's certainly hard to pick fault with what you said.'

Natalie: 'Does that mean you think it might be best for me to consider a future in wrestling away from SCW, then?'

Now it is Simon's turn to let out a sigh.

Simon: 'I'm not going to tell you to leave SCW, but if you think that's what would be best for you, I'm not going to try to convince you to stay, either.'

Natalie replies in a surprised tone.

Natalie: 'Really? I was expecting you to give me a list of reasons why I should stay in SCW.'

Simon: 'Not this time, Natalie.'

Natalie: 'Oh, okay.'

As Natalie falls silent, Simon can tell that she is still surprised by his current demeanour.

Simon: 'Like I said, Natalie, it's hard to argue with your reasoning, so if you want to be challenging for a title in the near future, perhaps you should explore options outside of SCW.'

Natalie this about this for a couple of seconds, before replying.

Natalie: 'Well, okay. Nothing's for definite yet - this could all end up with me being back inside the six-sided ring in a month or so - but it's something for me to think about in the coming weeks, while I'm resting up.'

Simon: 'You should take as much as time you need - make sure that the decision you make is the right one for you.'

Natalie nods.

Natalie: 'I will do, Simon; thanks.'

She then smiles at Simon.

Simon: 'You're welcome.'

Simon smiles back. Natalie readjusts the ice pack on her shoulder, and as their conversation continues, we leave things there, to switch to the present day, where Natalie is now seen sat on a chair in a nondescript room; she is wearing a pair of dark grey GymShark leggings and a black zip up hoodie.

Natalie covers her mouth, as she coughs. She then looks to the camera, and speaks.

Natalie: 'In two days' time, I will be setting foot inside the six-sided ring for the first time since Summer XXXTreme IV, for a match against Twisted Sister. This match - my first one in twelve weeks - promises to be an unusual but interesting one, and one in which I'm not willing to accept anything other than a win.'

Natalie smiles confidently for a moment, but she then sighs.

Natalie: 'Before I go any further, I want to let you know that this video of me talking about my forthcoming match will probably be much shorter than normal. The reason for that, is that I'm currently suffering from a cold, and I don't think that talking for a long period would do my sore throat much good.'

As if on cue, Natalie coughs again.

Natalie: 'I believe Simon is suffering from a cold as well at the moment - how's that for a coincidence?'

She winks at the camera.

Natalie: 'So, anyway, my match with Twisted Sister - and yes, this is a match that I specifically asked for, in response to what Twisted Sister did following her match twelve days ago, against Lowri Moss.'

Natalie runs a hand through her hair.

Natalie: 'About a month and a half ago, I sent a tweet in which I said that I though SCW could do with more Welsh wrestlers on their roster. However, I didn't genuinely believe that I would see another Welsh wrestler in the six-sided ring, especially not that soon, so I was pleasantly surprised by the appearance that Lowri Moss made in SCW. Now, I've seen Lowri referred to as being my friend, which is stretching the truth a bit - we have exchanged pleasantries over Twitter, but that's about it; I think describing us as acquaintances would be more accurate than saying that we are friends.'

Natalie smiles pleasantly at the camera.

Natalie: 'Friends or not though, after watching the attack on Lowri by Twisted Sister that followed the end of their match, I couldn't just sit idly by - that's when I decided it was time for me to set foot in the ring with one of SCW's most...let's say, unique, characters. The joy of seeing my compatriot win her match was short-lived, through no fault of her own, and while I doubt that a psychopath like Twisted Sister fears retribution, or that she even understands the concept of it, that's what I'm going to be seeking this weekend.'

Natalie covers her mouth, as she coughs again.

Natalie: 'Since arriving in SCW, Twisted Sister has left some sort of a mark on each of her opponents. I'm not like any of her previous opponents, though - none of them have my unmitigated power, and on Sunday evening Twisted Sister will feel the full force of it.'

Natalie clenches - and then unclenches - her hands.

Natalie: 'Jessie Salco, Veronica Taylor, Amy Marshall, and Roxi Johnson: just a few of the women that Twister Sister has been inside the six-sided ring with. I've been in the ring with each of those four as well - and furthermore, I've defeated each of them; they were all overcome by strength, and this Sunday, things will be no different for Twisted Sister.'

Natalie coughs once more.

Natalie: 'Fuck.'

She then lets out another sigh.

Natalie: 'I'm going to wrap this up, and save you all from having to continue watching me cough every couple of minutes.'

Natalie gets up from her chair.

Natalie: 'I've heard it said that, "You can't fight crazy," but I'm not about to let that stop me. On Sunday evening, in my first match in almost three months, I will willingly get in the ring with Twister Sister, to deliver my own brand of punishment. Some people may think that I'm the crazy one, for wanting this match, but I'm not worried about what Twister Sister might try to do to me. Besides, unlike her, I don't need a chainsaw to tear someone apart.'

Natalie grins.

Natalie: 'Nat will tear you apart again.'

She stands smiling at the camera, but within a matter of seconds, another cough comes.

Natalie: 'Oh, for fu...'

And on that note, the scene abruptly goes to black.

 OOC: This RP is set on June 30th of this year, and follows on from the events of two previous RPs, which can be read here and here.

---

Inside the terminal of Grand Forks International Airport in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Edie Frederik is seen awaiting the arrival of someone. She did not have to wait for much longer, as the person that she was expecting soon appeared - that being Natalie McKinley, whose face lit up upon spotting Edie. Pulling a trolley case behind her, Natalie then quickly walked over to where her friend was stood, and used her free hand to greet Edie with a hug.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “It’s so good to see you again. Thank you so much for coming to pick me up.”

Edie shrugged hugging back, greeting her warmly.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “You did call me the ambassador of North Dakota, or something like that, right? Didn’t want the trek from here to Pembina to be boring. I know these old roads like the back of my hand. How have you been? You look like you’re taking good care of yourself.”

Breaking off the hug, Natalie took a step back from Edie, and looked her up and down.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “As do you. And I’m good, thanks. Japan was great. The weather there was similar to how it is here - much more agreeable than the heat in Vegas.”

Natalie smiled despite herself, as she realised what she had just said.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “Listen to me, talking about the weather like a stereotypical Brit.”

She then laughed softly at herself.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “How are things with you, Edie?”

Edie laughed along, brushing her hair from her face.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “I’m doing okay, I guess. My brother’s been depressed more lately so I’ve really been focusing on him. I did talk him into going to a local facility during the day where he can socialize with other disabled people. I think it’s important for him to know he’s not alone. And they can speak more on it than I can. Even though I love him I don’t know what it’s really like to be disabled. My knee injury doesn’t count. That was just a setback.”

She waved her hand in the air.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Listen at me, once I get started on him I never stop. And since you mentioned it, people around here remark on the weather all the time. Mostly the old farmers over breakfast at McDonald’s. Maybe I should take you over there, you’d fit right in!”

Edie stuck out her tongue, giving Natalie a bit of a ribbing.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “Not because of the ‘old’ part, I hope.”

Natalie laughed at Edie’s quip.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “I don’t mind hearing you talk about your brother, you know. It’s nice to hear how much you care about him, Edie. I know his situation isn’t easy for either of you.”

Edie nodded, pausing in thought briefly, then shifted gears.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Shall we head to the car? Do I need to grab anything? Tell me about Japan, how was it?”

Edie was talking rapidly to change the subject, and getting rather flustered. She stopped.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “I’m sorry…I missed you. I’m usually a lady of few words and here I am babbling away.”

Natalie smiled at Edie, and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “It’s okay, Edie. I‘ve missed you too. It’s been too long since we last saw one another in the flesh.”

Natalie looked behind herself, over her shoulder, at her trolley case.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “I’ve only got the one case with me...”

She then looked back to Edie.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “...so I should be able to manage by myself, thanks. How about you lead the way to the car? Then we can talk about whatever you feel like talking about.”

Edie rubbed her hands together and nodded. She motioned off in the opposite direction she had come in.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Very well, this way then.”

Edie and Natalie headed away from the baggage area out past the food and shopping terminals in the airport. She held open the door for Natalie so she could clear her bag through.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Talking on the phone or texting just isn’t the same as in person, I agree. I hope you don’t mind, I told some of the kids in town you were coming. I bet they’ll want an autograph or two. I used to be the hero around here, now they all want muscles like you!”

Edie laughed as they arrived at her silver Acura.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “Really? It still surprises me that there are people that want my autograph, or that anyone would want me to pose for a photo with them because of what I do for a living.”

Edie popped the trunk for Natalie to put her case in.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Well, you know…for you or me doing what we do, it’s just a job. Something we love sure, the hard hours in the gym, lifting and training. But for the fans, and kids especially we’re like something beyond normal. Closest thing to real life superheroes maybe. Even though people like police, firemen, doctors, even their own parents are the real heroes. Maybe they take that for granted a little bit. But if I can make someone smile, maybe forget their problems for an evening because I’m in there fighting…it sweetens the deal, you know? And just talking about it makes me miss the ring a bit.”

She frowned slightly.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Are you all set? Ready for the drive? You can control the radio if you like…”

A sarcastic smile crossed Natalie’s face.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “I’m not sure that I can handle such a responsibility.”

Edie started the car and pulled out of the parking spot.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Really? Well, I think we can start you at the entry level position instead. How does monitoring the air conditioning sound?”

Natalie nodded.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “I think I can manage that.”

As suggested, Natalie checked the settings for the car’s air conditioning. She then stared out of the window, as the drive from Grand Forks to Pembina got underway.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “Do you really miss the ring, Edie? I had gotten the impression over the past few months, that you were happy enough with how you were spending your time away from wrestling.”

Edie drove on and nodded, offering a bittersweet smile.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “I guess you could say I’m torn. I think about it alot. And doing what I’ve been doing, it’s been pretty gratifying. I love my brother very much, and I’m glad to be strong for him now when he needs it most. He was strong for me when we were younger. I don’t know, I guess I’m more spurred on by the idea of family legacy in the business. All those generations, and the ones living still try and get me going. At the end of the day I have to do what I feel is best for me; not what any of my relatives would like. I don’t think I’d wrestle full time but a relaxed schedule, perhaps some spot bookings here and there I could swing.”

Edie shrugged, making a turn.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “How do you feel about your career so far? Oh, and before I forget to mention it, I seem to recall someone has a birthday coming up, don’t they?”

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “They might have.”

Natalie smiled coyly.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “But to answer your other question, I’m not really sure how I feel about my career so far. At the beginning of August, it will be two years since I competed in my first match, and the number of matches I’ve won in that time - in SCW and elsewhere - does outweigh the number that I’ve lost. Most people measure success in championships though, and I’ve only got one of those to my name - and it was a reign as champion that lasted just eight weeks.”

Natalie sighed, recalling her short-lived reign as the SCW Bombshell Roulette Champion.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “If I had to use a phrase to sum up my career so far, I would probably say, ‘could do better.’”

Edie patted her knee.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Well, that humbleness and modesty is refreshing. I’ve always admired that about you.  But you know, there are plenty of people who’ve wrestled for two years and never won any titles. I guess we can always do better, that is very true. You’ve got nothing to be ashamed of as far as I’m concerned. Don’t ever sell yourself short. I don’t need a crystal ball to know that more titles and victories are in your future, Nat.”

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “I hope you’re right, Edie.”

Natalie smiled again at Edie.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “And if I did let what little success I’ve had go to my head, I’m sure I could rely on you to bring me back down to earth quite swiftly.”

Edie smirked and gave her a light-hearted punch to the shoulder.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “I’d do my best…I don’t know, if you were an egomaniac you might be unstoppable. Let’s not find out, shall we? Ah, we’re almost there now.”

They passed a Pembina City Limits sign.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “It looks exactly how I remember it. I mean, it’s been, what - two and a half months since I was last here? It looks like nothing whatsoever has changed in that time. I guess that’s part of why you like living here - part of its appeal.”

Edie nodded.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “I guess it’s one less thing to worry about, there’s comfort in the familiarity. I’m just a small town girl who was a hop and a skip away from being Canadian. Some people leave but most of the families have stayed here their whole lives. Some go off to college. I’ve been all over the world and it draws me back. It’s home. It’s what I know. I’ll have to return the favor and see your hometown one of these days, maybe…if you’ll have me?”

Edie looked at Natalie with a quiet smile.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “If you want to take a trip to Cardiff with me some day, Edie, I would be more than happy to show you around. It...errr…”

Natalie paused. She then smiled back at Edie.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “It would be a lot different to what you’re used to - not just the size of the city, but the culture as well, compared to here in North Dakota.”

They had come to a side road now, and she turned right onto a long driveway lined on either side by barbed wire fence. Cattle grazed in the fields. Edie waved her hand.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Dad still leases the land out to local farmers who need the extra pasture land. He was never really a farmer at heart. When granddad got too old for it, he let the land out for others. Still it’s nice to see some cattle around.”

They pulled up by the house.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “I’m just an old hayseed farmgirl at heart, don’t ya know? And I have left this place a time or too, I’m not worried about others cultures, Nat.”

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “Yeah, I know, Edie. I mean, if Japan wasn’t too big of a culture shock for you, then South Wales definitely won’t be. And I know you say that you’re not much of a drinker, but after what I’ve seen, I think you could fit right in on a Friday or Saturday night out in Cardiff.”

Natalie winked at Edie. She then looked around at the surrounding fields and animals.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “I think I’ll always be a big city girl at heart. Living somewhere like here would certainly be a change of pace for me.”

Edie opened her door and started to get out.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Oh come on, you’ve got a good strong back for hard farm labor, lady! And don’t remind me about the drinking, remember what happened the last time in Japan.”

Natalie retorted with a rhetorical question, as she exited the car as well.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “How could I forget?”

She then smirked, looking across at Edie.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “If it’s all the same to you, I think I’ll stick to using my back for lifting my opponents."

Edie closed her door and popped the trunk.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Suit yourself, the farmers around here are going to miss out. Your idea is probably more lucrative anyway. And forget I mentioned Japan.”  

Edie met Natalie at the back of the car with a mischievous wink; Natalie grinned at Edie in response.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “Too late.”

She then gave Edie a playful dig in the ribs, before retrieving her case.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “So is your brother out at the moment - at that facility you mentioned?”

Edie looked at her watch.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Yes, Billy...my brother.. He should be back in a couple hours actually. You’ll get to meet him finally. He’s in better spirits these days. And seeing you might put a smile on his face. He was something of a playboy…popular with the ladies.”

Edie laughed and shook her head, closing the trunk. She started toward the front door.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Come on in, relax. Get you something to drink?”

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “Sure. Have you got any wine?”

Edie threw a mock glare at Natalie, who laughed softly.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “I’m kidding. Water will be perfectly fine.”

Natalie then followed Edie towards the house, pulling her case behind her; Edie opened the door and held it for Natalie, waving her in.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “It’s a bit early for wine yet. Maybe later. Water, we have plenty of. And ice…cubed or crushed! Nothing but the best for MY guests…”

Edie followed her in and closed the door.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “You’re in luck. I did a nice clean on the place yesterday, so it’s not its typical run-down state.”

She winked and elbowed Natalie gently.  

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Just set your case over in the corner for now, we can take it upstairs later.”

While Natalie places her case out of the way, as instructed, Edie heads to the kitchen to prepare the ice waters; Natalie calls out to her.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “Would you like me to give you a hand?”

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Oh it’s fine, really. Have a seat and get comfortable. Don’t know about you, but I’m about to kick my shoes off for a bit.”

A short time later she returned with the ice waters and handed Natalie one.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “That does remind me though, I got you a couple of things for your birthday. Here we are..”

Edie went over and pulled three packages out from behind a chair in the corner.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “It’s not much, but they say it’s the thought that counts.”

Edie handed the packages to Natalie, who then carefully open the first one, to discover a pair of leggings and a crop top.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “Workout gear? You know me so well.”

Natalie smiled at Edie. After putting her new clothes to one side, she then opened her next present: a back massager.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “This will definitely help me relieve some tension following a back session; thanks.”

Natalie placed the back massager beside her items of clothing, and then opened her final present: a pair of vinyl records.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “Oh, these are very cool; thanks, Edie.”

Natalie put the records with her presents. She then smiled warmly at Edie.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “Thank you so much, Edie. That was really thoughtful of you; you didn’t need to go to so much effort.”

Edie shrugged and fooled with a lock of hair.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “It was nothing, I like to do nice things for people I care about. It’s your birthday after all. Nobody should outgrow presents or the joy of getting them. I was at a bit of loss on what to get at first so I just bought a bunch of stuff to cover all the bases.”

Edie smiled at her.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Plus you got to come all the way to glamorous North Dakota to get them.”

Natalie smiled wryly.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “I know you’re being sarcastic, Edie, but while North Dakota might not be as flashy as, say, Nevada or California, it does have a certain charm all of its own.”

Natalie then took a drink from her glass of water.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “There’s something I want to tell you while I’m here, before I have to leave to return to Vegas for this Sunday’s show, and, well, I know I’ve only just gotten here, but now seems like as good a time as any.”

Edie looked at her focused.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Oh, nothing too serious I hope; everything okay?”

Natalie smiled at Edie, trying to put her at ease.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “Don’t worry, it’s nothing serious - well, nothing bad at least.”

Still smiling, Natalie shook her head gently.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “Okay, so, as you already know, with SCW back in the States, following the tour of Japan, I’m now calling Vegas home again for the time being. But, I’ve been thinking that perhaps I should move away from Vegas...to, say, North Dakota - you know, so that I can be closer to you.”

Edie listened intently and then her mouth dropped open, a bit shocked. A bit of a smile crept at the corner of her mouth as she relaxed from her momentary stiffened posture.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Wow… I mean, wow. You'd really want to do that? Or at least been thinking about it.  I...well obviously I'd love that, Nat. Any reason to get to see your face more often.”

She leaned forward and touched her knee.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “I guess I never have been great at voicing the thoughts that roll around in my head. But I do miss you….a lot sometimes.”

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “And I miss you as well, Edie - I especially missed seeing you when I was in Japan, however many thousands of miles away. Even Vegas is the better part of two thousand miles away from here.”

Natalie placed her hand on top of Edie’s.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “I wouldn’t necessarily have to find a place in Pembina to live, just somewhere in this neck of the woods that would enable us to see one another more regularly. And with there being direct flights from Grand Forks to Las Vegas, I wouldn’t have any difficulty commuting to SCW shows.”

Edie smiled wide, nodding.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “This is such a pleasant surprise, really. I can barely even think right now…I just…”

Edie impulsively leaned in and kissed Natalie on the lips.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “Sorry, I just got too excited.”

Natalie patted Edie’s hand affectionately, as she smiled at her.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “It’s alright, Edie, you don’t need to apologise for that - not any more.”

Edie took her hand and squeezed it, looking down and then back up to meet her eyes.

<FONT COLOR="#0084b4">Edie:</FONT> “For that, I’m grateful. For whatever this might be, and whatever the future might hold…I am glad you are my friend, Natalie. Those are few and far between in my life sometimes. You’re special to me.”

Edie and Natalie gazed into each other’s eyes.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “I’m glad to have you in my life too, Edie.”

Natalie continued to smile fondly at Edie; after a few seconds of quiet, she then spoke once more.

<FONT COLOR="#d21034">Natalie:</FONT> “In the coming days, I’ll have a look for somewhere nearby for me to rent; I’ll try to find somewhere that’s available from the beginning of August - if not sooner - and so then, in a few weeks from now, you can expect to start seeing a lot more of me.”

Edie and Natalie maintained eye contact, staring longingly at one another.

 The video opens with a blank, black screen. A male voice, with an English accent, can then be heard singing:

#Don't take me home,
#Please don't take me home,
#I just don't want to go to work;
#I want to stay here, and drink all your beer,
#Please don't,
#Please don't take me home.

After pausing to take a breath, he begins to sing again:

#Don't take me home,
#Please don't take me home,
#I just...

The song is interrupted by the instantly recognisable voice of Natalie McKinley.

Natalie: 'I'm going to punch you.'

As the man responds to Natalie, his voice can now be recognised as being that of Simon Jones. Simon is fully aware that Natalie's statement was meant to be taken in jest, but he apologises to her nevertheless.

Simon: 'Sorry.'

The scene fades in to show Cooper's Field in Bute Park, in Cardiff, on the afternoon of Thursday 16th June. Natalie and Simon can be seen stood in the foreground, dressed in the same clothes that they had been wearing a few hours earlier, when they recorded the video that would be aired three days later during the one hundred and fiftieth episode of Climax Control: Natalie is wearing a pair of pale blue jeans and a replica Wales football jersey, while Simon is wearing a pair of jeans of a darker shade of blue, plus a replica Birmingham City F.C. jersey.

In the background, there is a giant HD screen. The space between that screen and the spot where Natalie and Simon are stood is occupied by a sea of people wearing red. Having just watched Wales take the lead against England, only for them to then lose by two goals to one, everyone has been left feeling a bit disappointed - well, everyone except a certain Englishman.

Simon: 'Shall we go?'

After posing the question, Simon looks to Natalie, awaiting a response.

Natalie: 'Yeah, okay.'

The two of them then turn and make their way towards the footpath that runs around the perimeter of Cooper's Field.

Simon: 'You know, despite that result, Wales may well still finish top of the group: I expect that they will beat Russia on Monday, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if England only manage to draw with Slovakia.'

Natalie: 'I know, and it would be nice to top the group, but I don't really mind whether Wales come first or second - simply qualifying for the next round would be an achievement in itself.'

Upon reaching the footpath, Natalie and Simon begin to head in the direction of Bute Park's north gate.

Natalie: 'I'm not too down about the result - it is gutting to see your team lose to their biggest rivals, especially when the winning goal is scored so late on, but a lifetime of supporting Cardiff City has taught me how to cope with disappointment. I suppose now I know how the Swansea fans must have felt when we beat them so late on a few years ago.'

Simon: 'I remember watching that match on TV. If I recall correctly, the winning goal in that one came in around about the ninety-second minute, too. It was Michael Chopra that scored, wasn't it?'

Natalie smiles, remembering the moment fondly, and it is now her turn to sing, to the tune of "Monster," by Cardiff-based band The Automatic.

Natalie: 'What's that coming over the hill? It's Michael Chopra! It's Michael Chopra!'

After she finishes her song, Natalie's smile broadens slightly; Simon smiles too. There is then a momentary lull in the conversation, until Natalie speaks.

Natalie: 'Do you want to carry on talking about the football, or do you want to talk about something else?'

Simon: 'Like what - the other sport that we share a passion for?'

Natalie shrugs.

Natalie: 'Sure, if you want to.'

Simon: 'Okay, so, are you going to go to Las Vegas for this Sunday's Climax Control?'

Natalie shrugs her shoulders again.

Natalie: 'I don't know. I'm sure you'll tell me that I ought to be there - to show my commitment to SCW, or something along those lines - but I had thought about stopping in Cardiff until the middle of next week.'

Simon: 'You're right: I do think that you should attend Climax Control - if simply to support the new Bombshell Internet Champion.'

Natalie: 'Melody doesn't need me to look after her.'

There is a small sigh from Natalie.

Natalie: 'Although, I did tell her that I would have her back, so maybe I should be there, in case Jessie Salco, or Amy Marshall - or anyone else, for that matter - decides to take a swing at Melody.'

Simon nods his head in agreement.

Simon: 'Melody being the Bombshell Internet Champion obviously rules you two out as far as contenders for the tag team titles are concerned, so what are you going to target instead?'

Natalie: 'I don't know. I seem to recall you were the one that challenged me to set my sights on winning the tag titles - as part of your argument in favour of me agreeing to be Melody's tag team partner - so what do you suggest I do now, oh wise one?'

Simon gives Natalie a mock glare, before he replies.

Simon: 'Well, you don't have any desire to challenge Melody for her title, do you?'

Natalie shakes her head vehemently.

Natalie: 'None whatsoever.'

Simon: 'As I thought.’

Simon has a look at his watch, checking the time.

Simon: 'As for the World Bombshell Championship, I know you aspire to hold that title one day, but I can't see you being given a shot at it any time soon.'

Natalie sighs again, knowing that what Simon has just said is true.

Natalie: 'Yeah, I know what you mean. Crystal is getting a one-on-one match for the title on Sunday; then you have Mercedes Vargas, who is entitled to a rematch for the title, and Mikah, who is yet to have her return match for the title. Plus, if Crystal beats Sam Marlowe on Sunday, Sam will also be due a rematch for the title, so there are at least three or four ahead of me in the reckoning for the World Bombshell Championship - and that's before you include Keira Johnson, and anyone like her, who thinks that they should be given a shot at the title.'

Simon: 'I'm not so sure that Keira is ahead of you in the pecking order - not after your impressive recent win against Roxi and Alexis Edwards. And besides, I know Mark Ward well enough to know that he hates it when people demand title shots they haven't earned - Keira could well come to regret making such a request.'

Natalie: 'Yup, probably.'

There is a brief silence, before Simon speaks again.

Simon: 'I suppose then, there's only one championship in SCW that you can realistically have designs on.'

The championship that Simon is referring to is of course the Bombshell Roulette Championship.

Natalie: 'I know, but I don't really want to have to compete in roulette rules matches - not if I can help it.'

Simon: 'Why not?'

Natalie: 'Simon, you watch Climax Control each week, so you see the amount of blood that regularly gets spilled in roulette rules matches - I don't want my body to end up being covered in scar tissue.'

Natalie then smiles despite herself.

Natalie: 'Whoever is responsible for deciding what match types go on the roulette wheel - whether it is Mark Ward, Christian Underwood, Erik Staggs, or someone else - they must be a sadist.'

Natalie stops and grabs Simon's arm, causing him to turn round to face her.

Natalie: 'You remember what type of match I had to compete in when I the won the roulette title, don't you?'

Simon nods.

Simon: 'Yes: it was an inferno match.'

Natalie: 'Right. As pleased I was to win the title, my overriding emotion at the end of that match was relief - relief that I...'

Natalie pauses; she quickly glances around, before looking back to Simon.

Natalie: 'That I didn't get fucking burned. I have no wish to compete in a match like that ever again.'

The look in Natalie's eyes tells Simon all that he needs to know. The two of them then resume their walk along the footpath.

Simon: 'So what are you going to do then? I know that you yearn to have a title around your waist once more - and don't try to pretend otherwise - but if you’re not going to pursue the roulette title, which would be the most feasible option for you, then what are you go to do?'

Natalie: 'I don't know.'

Simon: 'You have said that a few times now.'

Simon smirks.

Natalie: 'Because it's true - I really don't know what I'm going to do. At present, all I can think to do is to keep winning matches, and see where that gets me.'

Natalie smiles meekly.

Natalie: 'I know you're right that if I want to be a champion again, then in the immediate future, the roulette title would be my best bet, but I really don't want to expose myself to the dangers of the roulette division - and by "dangers," I don't mean Kate Steele; I don't want to put myself in harm's way. For the time being, I'll forget about titles, and just concentrate on trying to win my matches - I assume I'll be back in the six-sided ring in ten days from now, so my immediate focus will be on winning that match, against whomever my next opponent is.'

Simon: 'Or opponents, possibly.'

Natalie: 'True.'

Simon: 'Before that though, there's the one hundred and fiftieth episode of Climax Control to come first.'

Natalie: 'Indeed.'

Natalie smiles more positively, as she thinks about the then-forthcoming episode of Climax Control.

Natalie: 'I hope Crystal wins on Sunday - not because I have anything against Sam Marlowe, but because I know how much winning the world bombshell title would mean to Crystal.'

Simon: 'I still find it hard to believe that you and Crystal Millar are now friends.'

Simon shakes his head in disbelief.

Simon: 'This time last year, the two of you genuinely loathed one another.'

Natalie: 'My relationship with Crystal has come a long way since then.'

Simon: 'It really has. When most of the bombshells turned on Crystal after she insulted Despayre, you were one of the few that didn't.'

Natalie: 'That's because I don't want things between Crystal and I to go back to the way they were.'

Natalie and Simon turn right, onto a short path that takes them way from Bute Park, and towards North Road - one of the main roads into/out of the city centre.

Natalie: 'I will admit, though, that if push came to shove, and I had been forced to choose between favouring Crystal or favouring Despayre, I would've come down on the side of Despayre - he was, after all, responsible for getting my suspension from SCW lifted. Just don't tell Crystal that.'

Simon: 'Don't worry - I won't.'

Simon winks at Natalie, who smiles back at him.

Natalie: 'I saw Crystal at Into The Void - following her match, I mean. She was so despondent, so crestfallen - I hadn't seen her like that before; I hope that this time, come the end of Sunday night's show, she will be at the opposite end of the emotional spectrum.'

Simon: 'Well, whoever wins, whether it's Crystal or whether it's Sam, I just want to see a good match.'

Natalie: 'I think it's bound to be a good one.'

Natalie and Simon come to a halt, as they reach the end of the path; they turn to face one another.

Simon: 'Do you want to come back to mine? You can see Jacqui and Matty, and we can watch Northern Ireland play Ukraine.'

Natalie: 'Thanks for the invite, but I think I'll go back to my parents' house, and watch the game there.'

Simon: 'Okay then. I guess I'll see you tomorrow, in the gym.'

Natalie: 'You can count on it.'

Natalie and Simon then share a friendly hug.

Natalie: 'See you tomorrow, Simon.'

Simon: 'Bye for now.'

Natalie and Simon turn to head off towards their respective homes, and as they go their separate ways, the scene changes to show Natalie now in Las Vegas, on the afternoon of Friday 24th June. Natalie - who is wearing a pair of denim shorts, a grey t-shirt, and a blue Las Vegas 51s cap - is stood outdoors, in the blazing sun.

A few yards behind where Natalie is stood, there is a wooden sign. At the top of the sign, in large white letters, are the words "CITY OF LAS VEGAS;" below that, is the name "ANGEL PARK."

Natalie takes a quick glance up at the sky. She then looks to the camera, and begins to speak.

Natalie: 'A couple of weeks have passed since the tour of Japan came to end, and while part of me wishes that it would've gone on for longer, I know that SCW had to return to its home turf eventually. This Sunday, I will be back inside the six-sided ring, three weeks on from Into The Void V, for something that has been a long time coming: this weekend, I will finally get to compete in a match in SCW's home state.'

Natalie smiles.

Natalie: 'At the start of August, it will be two years since I first set foot in the six-sided ring. In the weeks and months that have followed, I have wrestled on SCW shows in California and Arizona, as well as various places overseas, but never before have I wrestled a match in Nevada. Now yes, I did participate in the game of musical chairs that took place on the show in Reno at the beginning of this year, but that doesn't count - I joined SCW to wrestle, not to play party games, and my match this Sunday will finally bust my wrestling-in-Nevada cherry; after an unexpectedly long wait for a match in the home state of SCW, I've been training hard all week - as I always do - to give myself the best chance possible to have my first match in the Silver State be a successful one.'

Natalie turns to look behind her, over her shoulder, at Angel Park.

Natalie: 'And given who my opponent is this Sunday, I thought that this would be an appropriately named backdrop for me to use while I discuss my forthcoming match.'

She then turns back to face the camera.

Natalie: 'In the almost two years that have passed since my first ever match, I don't think I've been involved in a match that I didn't look forward to. My match this Sunday is no different: it's another one that I'm eagerly awaiting - and not just because it will be first time wrestling in Nevada, but also because of who my opponent is. You see, since I made my return to the six-sided ring, on the first day of last month, my opponents have all been people that I have had prior encounters with: Jessie Salco and Amy Marshall had both been opponents of mine before, Roxi Johnson and I had once been tag team partners, and while Alexis Edwards and I hadn't previously been in a match together, we had had at least one run-in backstage. However, I can't recall having had any sort of interaction with any of the members of The Angel Clan until now; Lucy Seraphina is a new challenge for me - a challenge that I will rise to, and one that I intend to overcome.'

Natalie sits down on the ground, crossing her legs.

Natalie: 'When The Angel Clan arrived in SCW last year, they certainly didn't waste any time making an impact: barely two months after debuting, Melanie Gabrielle won the Bombshell Roulette Championship, nearly three months to the day since I lost the same title; not to be outdone, the following month, Lucy won the Bombshell Internet Championship. Arguably though, The Angel Clan's greatest achievement came earlier this month, when Lucy and Uriella Abaddon ended Team Hero's record breaking reign as Bombshell Tag Team Champions. There's no denying that Lucy Seraphina and the rest of The Angel Clan have a track record of success, and so I know that Lucy will provide me with a stern test; I've had success of my own in SCW though, and I know this is a test that I can pass - I believe it's a test that I will pass.'

Natalie nods her head confidently.

Natalie: 'Lucy is the Wisdom Angel of the Clan. Now, if I was cockier, I might tell Lucy that I'm going to drop some wisdom on her, but the reality is that I'm twenty-three years old - well, for another six days I am - and Lucy probably knows far more about life than I do, while I still have plenty to learn. I'm aware, Lucy, that you like to observe people, and I know that you are well traveled, but I dare say that you have never come across anyone quite like me before me. I assume you have spent the past few days studying me, as I have been studying you, but no matter how much preparation the two of us do, there will still be things during the course of our match that can catch either of us by surprise, and whichever of us reacts better to those surprises could well be the one that goes on to win the match - and I'm sure I can be that one. As far as my skills as a wrestler are concerned, I'm best known for my power, and while that is undoubtedly the most prominent aspect of my abilities, there is more to me than that - I do possess the capability to adapt to different situations, and I'm confident that I will be able to cope sufficiently with whatever Lucy throws at me, so that I can come out on top in our match.'

Natalie adjusts her cap, before continuing.

Natalie: 'Some of my behaviour in the past year or so has been far from angelic, none more so than my actions at Summer XXXTreme III, which led to me subsequently being suspended from SCW for nearly five months; there have also been other instances of me displaying wicked behaviour, but that one is the most notable example. As stated ahead of my match at Into The Void though, I'm trying to rebuild the reputation that I damaged - and I would like to think that I'm going about it the right way. In a tweet a few weeks ago, Melody Grace described me as a "beautiful angel" - which I believe was her way of thanking me for helping her. And after helping Crystal Millar last Sunday, when she was assaulted by Kate Steele, I am starting to feel a bit like a guardian angel; first I saved Melody from being attacked by Jessie Salco and Amy Marshall, then I came to Crystal's aid - perhaps I'm not such a bad person after all. This Sunday, however, won't be about me being a guardian angel - it will be about me clipping the wings of the Wisdom Angel, and pinning her for a count of three.'

Natalie counts one, two, three with her fingers.

Natalie: 'Speaking of Crystal, I know that she is going to be in my corner on Sunday, while Lucy will of course have Uriella in her corner. I just want to say that I hope this match doesn't fall victim to any shenanigans: I want it to be a clean match that the fans can enjoy, with a decisive winner - ideally, me.'

Natalie looks towards the ground for a moment; she then looks back up at the camera, and continues.

Natalie: 'A few minutes ago, I mentioned the two titles that Lucy has won so far during her time in SCW, but something else that I have to mention is Lucy's recent triumph against Mikah. Now sure, some pundits would say Mikah's performance in that match was below par, but I think that does a bit of a disservice to Lucy. A win over Mikah is not to be sniffed at, whatever the circumstances, and Lucy's victory in that match just serves to emphasise what a tricky opponent she is going to be for me. I remain confident though, that following some recent good results, I can bring Lucy back down to earth on Sunday, by handing her a defeat.'

Natalie gets up from the ground, rising to her feet.

Natalie: 'My match with Lucy Seraphina will be the second sporting contest in a week to feature representatives from Wales and Russia. And just like Gareth Bale and company dismantled the Russian football team this past Monday, on their way to a comprehensive win, I plan to pick apart the Russian bombshell this Sunday, to achieve a victory of my own.'

Natalie takes a couple of steps towards the camera.

Natalie: 'This weekend could be a truly monumental one in the history of Welsh sport, and I'm ready to play my part in it, at Climax Control. Cymru am byth!'

Natalie stares at the camera, with a wide smile on her face, and after a few seconds, the scene then fades to black.

 The scene opens inside the main concourse of Cardiff Central railway station, on the afternoon of Tuesday 12th April. Sat at a table by a branch of Upper Crust, looking at something on his mobile phone while awaiting the arrival of someone, is the recently retired Simon Jones; he is wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a black coat.

As Simon swipes the screen of the phone with his thumb, scrolling through whatever it is that he is reading, the person that he is waiting for arrives: wearing a pair of pale blue jeans and a red jacket, and pulling a purple trolley case behind her, is Natalie McKinley. Having been alerted to Natalie's presence by the sound of the plastic wheels of her case rolling on the concourse's tiled floor, Simon puts his phone away.

Simon: 'Alright, Natalie?'

Natalie places her case next to Simon's table, and then sits down opposite him.

Natalie: 'Yeah, I'm alright. How are you?'

Simon: 'I'm good, thanks.'

Natalie: 'You look like retirement is treating you well.'

Simon laughs off talk of him being retired.

Simon: 'I'm only retired from wrestling, Natalie; I'm not well off enough that I won't ever have to work again - I'll soon have to get another job doing something else.'

Natalie: 'Well, until then, you should make the most of your free time.'

Simon: 'I am, trust me. I've been spending plenty of time with my family, plus I've been going to watch the Blues play, as well as watching SCW and other wrestling promotions; well done on your win on Sunday, by the way.'

There is an appreciative smile from Natalie.

Natalie: 'Thanks.'

Simon: 'I watched the show live, online.'

Natalie raises an eyebrow.

Natalie: 'I wasn't aware that the show would be streamed online.'

Simon: 'Well, it was. And it was good to see you inside a ring again - it would be even better to see you inside the six-sided ring again.'

Natalie: 'Yeah, well, whether or not that will happen is out of my hands, isn't it?'

Simon: 'That may be so, but if you do still hold out hope of wrestling in SCW again, then failing to attend their biggest show of the year might not have been your wisest decision.'

Natalie replies curtly.

Natalie: 'I doubt that anyone missed me.'

She then sighs.

Natalie: 'I was offered the chance to appear on that show in London by the promoter, and yes, it meant be not being present at Blaze Of Glory, but having gone four months without a match, I just wanted to be back inside a ring - any ring.'

Simon: 'I understand that, but I just think that you might have been better served by being at Blaze Of Glory, and displaying your commitment to SCW.'

Natalie shrugs, unconvinced. A brief lull in the conversation then follows, until Natalie speaks.

Natalie: 'I watched Blaze Of Glory yesterday afternoon, and you know, I heard the message that you had for Melody. So go on, then - try to talk me round.'

Simon smiles wryly.

Simon: 'By asking you to be her tag team partner, Melody is trying to help you find a way to get to set foot inside an SCW ring again.'

Natalie: 'I know that, but...'

Before Natalie can say any more, Simon interrupts her.

Simon: 'Then why are you reluctant to agree to be her partner?'

Natalie: 'Because Melody has a bright future ahead of her, and her being associated with me could jeopardise that - she could end up beside me, in the SCW wilderness.'

Simon scoffs at that notion.

Simon: 'I find it hard to believe that is what would happen. I mean, Melody said it herself that Mark Ward likes to punish her with matches.'

Natalie frowns.

Natalie: 'That's something that Melody tweeted - how did you see that? I thought you deactivated your Twitter account.'

Simon: 'I did - but that doesn't stop me from looking at what certain people have been tweeting about.'

Natalie: 'Have you been stalking me on Twitter?'

Simon gives a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders.

Simon: 'I prefer to think of it as keeping a watchful eye on you.'

Natalie: 'Snooping, more like.'

Simon holds up both of his hands, protesting his innocence.

Natalie: 'If you saw that tweet from Melody, I'm guessing then that you must have seen all the ones she has bombarded me with, trying to persuade me to be her tag team partner.'

Simon nods his head.

Natalie: 'She's nothing if not persistent.'

Simon: 'Is her persistence wearing you down though - are you going to give in to her?'

Natalie sighs again.

Natalie: 'I don't know, Simon - I'm not sure that Melody and me forming a tag team would be a good move for either of us.'

Simon: 'Why not? And don't repeat that line about the pair of you ending up in the SCW wilderness.'

Natalie stares at Simon, saying nothing.

Simon: 'I think that the two of you would make a very good tag team. Plus, Team Hero need new opponents - who better than you and Melody?'

Simon grins mischievously.

Simon: 'In fact, I think that - given the opportunity - you and Melody could be the ones to end Team Hero's record breaking reign as the Bombshell Tag Team Champions.'

Natalie: 'It almost sounds as though you're challenging me to set my sights on the tag team titles.'

Simon: 'I don't know; maybe I am.'

Simon shrugs again.

Simon: 'It took me fourteen and a half years to become a champion in the tag team ranks - and that included me having a long wait to find a suitable partner. You, on the other hand, already have someone that wants to be your tag team partner - and Melody would be a very good partner for you - and so you could potentially win a Tag Team Championship in a fraction of the time that it took me.'

There is a pause in the conversation, as Natalie considers what Simon has just said.

Natalie: 'Supposing I was to get a shot at the tag team titles, how would you feel about me being in a match against your friend Roxi Johnson? I know that Melody wouldn't want to have to do battle with one of her best friends.'

Simon: 'I'll deal with that dilemma if and when it arises.'

Natalie: 'There you go, dodging the question yet again.'

Simon rubs his chin.

Simon: 'Alright, fine; you want an answer?'

Natalie nods.

Natalie: 'Yes - I do.'

Simon: 'Okay, I'll admit that, if you and Roxi were opponents, I would be torn. But, if I had to choose, I would want you to win.'

Natalie: 'There, that wasn't so difficult now, was it?'

Natalie smiles, satisfied with Simon's answer.

Simon: 'How long are you going to be here in Cardiff for?'

Natalie: 'Only for a couple of days, and then I'll be off to New York.'

Simon raises an eyebrow.

Simon: 'What are you going to be doing in New York?'

Natalie: 'Annie Zellor's birthday party is on Saturday evening, in Queens.'

Simon: 'I assume that Melody will be going to the party, as well.'

Natalie: 'Yes, of course - and I believe that she is going to be dragging J2H there with her.'

Simon laughs at the SCW World Heavyweight Champion's predicament.

Natalie: 'So before you ask, yes, if I see Melody at the party, I will talk to her about her wanting me to be her tag team partner.'

Simon: 'You read my mind.'

Simon smiles.

Simon: 'Even if you don't agree to be Melody's partner, will you still be making the trip to Japan, for SCW's tour there?'

Natalie: 'Absolutely - regardless of whether or not I actually get to set foot inside the ring, I will be there, at each of the shows; Christian Underwood and Amy Marshall aren't the only people connected with SCW that have an affinity for Japan.'

Natalie quickly glances around the station concourse, before looking back at Simon.

Natalie: 'Well, I can't stay here all day.'

Natalie gets up from her chair.

Simon: 'Are you going to visit your parents at some point, before you leave for New York?'

Simon then stands up as well.

Natalie: 'That's what I was planning to do next; I want to go and see my Dad.'

Natalie puts her hand on the handle of her trolley case.

Simon: 'What about your Mum?'

Natalie: 'She'll be there also, and I'm sure that there will be some tension in the air, but hopefully things won't be too awkward.'

Simon: 'You ought to make an effort to try to smooth things out with your Mum.'

Natalie looks away from Simon, and gazes down at the floor for a brief moment; she then looks back up at him.

Natalie: 'Simon, after what you've been through recently - losing your own Mam - I can understand why you would suggest that, but I think that me trying to build a positive relationship with my Mam is a lost cause.'

Natalie smiles meekly at Simon.

Simon: 'Maybe you're right.'

Simon gestures towards the exit, and as he and Natalie make their way out of the station, we fast forward to Wednesday 27th April, to now see Natalie in the kitchen of the apartment in Tokyo that she has rented for the duration of SCW's tour of Japan. Wearing a pair of dark grey shorts and a cyan crop top, Natalie is stood at the sink, pouring a glass of water.

After turning off the tap, Natalie turns to face the camera, and speaks.

Natalie: 'I had begun to think that I would never do something like this again - that I would never again record a video to talk about an upcoming match of mine in SCW. I had accepted that I was unlikely to ever set foot in the six-sided ring again, and while that disappointed me, I was okay with it - there are plenty of other wrestling promotions out there where I could ply my trade. But then all of that changed, and now, I'm just a matter of days away from what will be my first match in SCW since the end of May last year - and at this moment in time, I'm not sure that I could be any happier.'

Natalie smiles; she takes a sip of water, and then continues.

Natalie: 'Before I go any further, there is something that I want to get straight: unlike my opponent for this Sunday - Amy Marshall - my appearance on Climax Control this past weekend wasn't me making my return to SCW.'

Natalie shakes her head.

Natalie: 'While you may not have seen me at all in an SCW ring in the past few months, I have still been under contract. Since my suspension was lifted in mid-January, I have been in attendance at every show - with the exception of Blaze Of Glory - waiting to be given an opportunity to get back in the ring to compete. And now, having waited patiently for more than three months, I'll finally get that chance this Sunday, as I look to avenge Melody Grace, when I do battle with Amy Marshall; if I had known that what I needed to do to be granted a match was to come to the aid of someone in need, perhaps I would have done it much sooner.'

Natalie takes another sip from her glass of water; she then walks over to a nearby table.

Natalie: 'If it wasn't for Melody Grace, I probably would have asked to be released from my contract with SCW by now. As I just mentioned, ever since my suspension was lifted back in January, I had been waiting to get to set foot inside the six-sided ring again. There's only so long though that even the most patient of people can wait for before they get fed up, and I had reached the point where I had started to explore options elsewhere; the reason why I didn't attend Blaze Of Glory, is because I was over five thousand miles away from Phoenix that night, in London, making a guest appearance on a show staged by a fledgling promotion, competing in a match against former SCW Bombshell Katherine Kensington - a match that I'm pleased to say I won.'

Natalie puts her glass down, on the table.

Natalie: 'I had also been in discussions with another promotion, based on the opposite coast of the US from SCW, about joining their roster; I was set to appear in a gauntlet battle royal eleven days ago, which, had I won, I would have earned a shot at their top title - just like a certain Brummie did three years ago, on his debut in SCW.'

Natalie winks at the camera.

Natalie: 'But then Melody intervened.'

Natalie then takes a seat at the table; she drinks some more of her water, before continuing.

Natalie: 'About a month and a half ago, I saw Melody tweet that she was looking for a tag team partner; then, two weeks later, Melody indicated that she had a specific person in mind, when she said that, maybe I would stop playing hard to get and become her partner. I was surprised to hear Melody say that, but at the time, I didn't think anything more of it - I thought it was simply a throwaway comment; oh, how wrong I was.'

Natalie laughs to herself.

Natalie: 'If you follow both Melody and me on Twitter, you are likely to have seen that for a number of weeks, she sent me tweets on pretty much a daily basis, imploring me to become her tag team partner. At first, I dismissed the idea, but as the tweets continued, and after talking to Melody about it, as well as some mutual friends, I eventually decided to agree to be her partner - although I didn't reveal my decision to Melody until last Sunday evening, when I prevented Jessie Salco and Amy Marshall from doing any further harm to her.'

Natalie takes another drink from her glass.

Natalie: 'And so that brings me onto my match this weekend against the aforementioned Amy Marshall. This isn't quite the most high profile match I've had in SCW, but it is certainly one of the most important: around eleven months on from my last match in the six-sided ring, I'm finally going to make my return to competition in SCW, and after having had such a long wait - and especially after having been so vocal about wanting to be back inside an SCW ring - it's crucial for me that my return match doesn't end up being a damp squib; I'm determined that won't be the case, and that on Sunday night, I will be the one to get my hand raised in victory.'

Natalie nods her head.

Natalie: 'One thing that I think is for sure, is that my match against Amy Marshall will be the biggest challenge of my time in SCW - never before have I had a Grand Slam Champion for an opponent, or a Hall of Famer. But there is no challenge that I can't overcome when I put my mind to it, and this Sunday, I will get the better of Amy Marshall - my return to the six-sided ring will be a triumphant one.'

Natalie consumes some more of her water.

Natalie: 'Under any other circumstances, I would've been glad to see Amy Marshall make her return to SCW; I've previously said that I respect Amy for what she has achieved in SCW - and I still do. However, after what she did last Sunday, attacking Melody, not only do I want to beat her in our match, I also want to hurt her; Melody has told me to smash Amy "right in the face," and I've promised her that I will - and that is a promise that I aim to keep.'

Natalie nods once more.

Natalie: 'In the past twenty-four hours, I have seen Amy tweet that she was aching from having hit the gym too hard. Well, Amy, if you think you were in pain after going to the gym, just wait until you get to the arena on Sunday - once our match is over, then your body really will be aching, because I'm going to hit you harder than any workout ever could.'

Natalie smirks.

Natalie: 'I've seen it suggested that Amy and I will both be affected by ring rust, but as I mentioned a few minutes ago, while it may have the better part of a year since my last match in SCW, I was involved in a match elsewhere as recently as two and a half weeks ago, so if anyone is going to be affected by ring rust on Sunday, it won't be me - it will be Amy Marshall; that's merely another thing that is going to play into my hands - I just hope that Amy doesn't use it as an excuse, after I defeat her.'

Natalie finishes off the contents of her glass. She then gets up from her chair, and walks around the table, to stand closer to the camera.

Natalie: 'There's just four days to go until Climax Control - four days until Amy Marshall versus Natalie McKinley: The Punk Princess versus...'

Natalie's sentence trails off, as she pauses to think; a few seconds pass before she shrugs slightly, and continues.

Natalie: 'Well, I don't need a nickname - I just need these.'

Natalie flexes both of her biceps.

Natalie: 'Amy, when you look across the ring on Sunday evening, staring back at you will be the most powerful specimen in the Bombshell division. I'm going to make you regret attacking Melody; maybe I will even make you regret returning to SCW. Because, Amy, I am going to tear you apart.'

Natalie cracks her knuckles.

Natalie: 'See you at Climax Control, Amy.'

As Natalie stares towards the camera, with what can best be described as a look of confidence mixed with a glare, the scene fades to black.

 OOC: This is what I started writing last week, for Simon's match with Sean Jackson, but did not then finish before the deadline. I did not want to abandon it completely, and leave it unfinished, so here is what would have been the first scene - or part of it, at least - of the rp that never was.

---

Thursday 3rd September, 8:00 p.m.

The scene opens outside Kennet Valley Free Church in Calcot, Berkshire. Stood near to the entrance is Simon Jones, who is wearing a pair of pale blue jeans and a red t-shirt. Simon's focus is on a mobile phone, which he is clutching in his right hand.

As Simon swipes the screen of the phone with his thumb, scrolling through whatever it is that he is reading, the doors of the building open, and out walks a group of people, one by one. The identities of these people are all unknown - with the exception of one person: Natalie McKinley; Natalie - who is wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a black t-shirt - walks over to Simon.

Natalie: 'Have you been waiting here the whole time?'

Simon looks up from his phone, to see Natalie now stood by him; Simon puts the phone away, in the pocket of his jeans, before then responding to Natalie.

Simon: 'Not for the whole hour, no - I had a wander around, but I wanted to be back here by eight, so that I wouldn't keep you waiting.'

Natalie: 'You could've just waited in the pub for me.'

Simon: 'And how would I have killed an hour there? I can't have a drink - I'm the one who's driving.'

Simon glances towards the other people that exited the building, who are all now gradually leaving the area; he then looks back to Natalie.

Simon: 'How was it, then?'

The "it" that Simon is referring to is a Gamblers Anonymous meeting - this particular meeting was one that was more aimed towards newcomers.

Natalie: 'It was good - it was good to hear other compulsive gamblers share their experiences, as well as getting to speak to them about my problems, and have them offer advice.'

Simon: 'Well, I'm pleased to hear that coming here was worth your while.'

Natalie: 'It definitely was; it's just a start, but it's a step in the right direction for me.'

Simon nods.

Natalie: 'And now it's time for me to show you my gratitude for coming here with me, by buying you dinner, as promised.'

Simon smiles.

Simon: 'Let's go, then.'

Simon and Natalie move away from the building, and then turn right, as they head along the road outside Kennet Valley Free Church.

Natalie: 'After what I did at Summer XXXTreme, I wonder what people would think if they could see you here with me now.'

Simon: 'I told you I would see to it that you get help, and that's what I'm doing.'

Natalie: 'What does Jacqui think of you supporting me?

Simon: 'At first, I think she thought that I was mad for wanting to help you, but she has since said that she understands why I feel the need to help you.'

Natalie: 'I'm guessing that Jason has a different opinion on the matter.'

Simon: 'You're not wrong there. But you know what? I don't care what Jason, or anyone else thinks - there was no way that I was going to abandon a friend of mine in her hour of need.'

Simon and Natalie cross over an adjacent street.

Natalie: 'I expect Sean Jackson will blame me for him not regaining the heavyweight title.'

Simon: 'I'm sure he will - he'll blame you, me, Kain, Jasmine St. John, the timekeeper, and anyone else that he thinks he can apportion blame to. The reality, though, is that he didn't do enough to deserve to win the match at Summer XXXTreme.'

Natalie: 'Are you looking forward to your match with him on Sunday?'

Simon: 'Very much so.'

Simon pauses momentarily, before speaking again.

Simon: 'You know, before I left SCW last year, Sean Jackson and I were opponents twice - once in a tag team match, and once in a one-on-one match. But now, I find myself preparing for my third match since returning to SCW, and my third consecutive match against Sean Jackson - it's funny how things have worked out like this.'

Natalie: 'I remember you winning that one-on-one match - it was about a month after we first met.'

Simon: 'Yeah, well, Sean Jackson is yet to beat me - come Monday morning, hopefully that will still be the case.'

Natalie: 'I'm sure it will be - you'll be the one to get the win, and put yourself in the frame for another shot at the title.'

Simon: 'That's the aim.'

Simon casts a quick glance towards Natalie.

Simon: 'I don't suppose you've had a change of mind, about accompanying me to New Zealand for Climax Control, have you?'

Natalie shakes her head.

Natalie: 'After what Christian tweeted last week, about how I will be lucky to ever see the inside of a building that SCW appears in again, it would probably be a wasted journey, anyway.'

Natalie lets out a sigh.

Natalie: 'I've not yet heard anything officially, to say I've been suspended, or even sacked - but regardless of that, my prospects in SCW don't look too promising.'

Simon: 'Perhaps not right now, but time heals all wounds; you just need to be patient, use this time to take care of your problems away from the ring, and then, eventually, you'll be back in the six-sided ring.'

Natalie sighs again.

Natalie: 'I hope so.'

As Simon and Natalie continue their walk in the direction of a nearby pub, the scene fades to black.

 Tuesday 26th May

The scene opens outside Stratstone Aston Martin Cardiff - a car dealership located on North Road, in Cardiff, which specialises in Aston Martins.

The front door of the building opens, and out walks Natalie McKinley - she is wearing a pair of pale blue jeans, a red jacket, and is carrying a white handbag. Natalie descends the five steps outside the car dealership, down to the the pavement; she then stops, glances to her left, before reaching into her bag, and pulling out a mobile phone.

As Natalie looks at something on her phone, she is quickly approached - from her right - by Simon Jones, who is wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a royal blue Birmingham City F.C. jersey, and who is pushing a predominantly black pushchair; asleep in the pushchair, wearing a pair of pink leggings and a white tunic, is Simon's nineteen-month-old daughter, Matilda. Simon greets Natalie.

Simon: 'Good morning.'

A startled Natalie turns towards Simon.

Natalie: 'Oh...errr...Simon; hi.'

Natalie hurriedly puts her phone back in her handbag.

Natalie: 'Are you not having to work today?'

Simon: 'No, I booked the day off, so as to give myself a four-day weekend - you know, following on from the bank holiday yesterday.'

Natalie nods her head.

Simon: 'I saw you come out of there.'

Simon then casts a quick glance towards the car dealership, before looking back to Natalie.

Simon: 'What were you doing in there?'

Natalie: 'I was enquiring about buying an Aston Martin.'

Simon laughs, assuming Natalie must be joking, thinking that she could not possibly afford the price of an Aston Martin.

Simon: 'Yeah, right.'

Simon shakes his head, as he chuckles a bit more.

Simon: 'Seriously - what were you doing in there?'

Natalie: 'I am being serious - I'm looking into buying an Aston Martin.'

Realising that Natalie is telling the truth, Simon's tone of voice changes.

Simon: 'Wow; really?'

Natalie nods her head again.

Natalie: 'Yep.'

Simon: 'My dream car is an Aston Martin.'

Natalie: 'A DB9 - if I remember correctly.'

Now it is Simon's turn to nod his head.

Simon: 'You are indeed correct.'

Natalie: 'Well, after discussing the different models with one of the salesmen, I'm leaning towards buying a V8 Vantage Roadster.'

Simon: 'Nice.'

An impressed Simon nods his head once more.

Simon: 'And how much is that going to set you back?'

Natalie: 'I'll have to pay a deposit of twelve grand, and thereafter, £779 per month.'

Simon replies with a smirk.

Simon: 'Where are you going to get twelve grand from - are you planning to rob a building society?'

Natalie: 'I've got money saved up - I took the advice that you gave me last year, about opening up an ISA, and I've been saving money each month since then.'

Simon: 'Yeah, but...twelve grand? I know how much you were being paid by SCW when you first started there, last year, and unless you've been given a significant pay rise since then, I find it hard to believe that you've managed to save up at least twelve grand.'

Natalie: 'I did get paid more while I held the roulette title.'

Simon: 'I know that, but still...twelve grand?'

Natalie: 'Trust me, Simon - I can afford the deposit.'

Simon holds his hands up.

Simon: 'Okay, fair enough.'

Simon then mutters something under his breath.

Simon: 'Maybe you got the money another way, by doing something that you shouldn't have.'

Natalie: 'What did you say?'

Simon: 'Oh, nothing.'

Simon waves his right hand dismissively.

Simon: 'I was just talking to myself, thinking out loud about something else.'

Natalie replies in a tone of voice that suggests she is not entirely convinced by Simon's explanation.

Natalie: 'Okay then.'

Simon changes the subject.

Simon: 'So, unless I missed it, I didn't see you make an appearance during Climax Control.'

Natalie: 'No, you didn't miss anything; I had intended to be at Climax Control, but then something happened, which prevented me from being there.'

Simon's facial expression changes to one of concern.

Simon: 'Why - what happened?'

Natalie: 'Nothing you need to worry about, just something that caused a change of plans, and resulted in me spending the weekend somewhere other than Tunisia.'

Simon: 'Alright. Are you looking forward to your match this coming Sunday, though?'

Natalie nods her head.

Natalie: 'I am; I'm looking forward to getting back in the ring, and - after my recent disappointments - trying to get my first win in seven weeks.'

Simon: 'You may no longer be the Bombshell Roulette Champion, but your reign as champion was still better than my first reign as SCW's Heavyweight Champion - you did at least manage to successfully defend the title, before you then lost it.'

Natalie: 'Yeah, I did. On the other side of the coin, though, when you finally got your return match for the heavyweight title, you regained the title, whereas in my rematch with Crystal, I failed - again.'

Natalie sighs.

Natalie: 'But as I said to you a few weeks ago, I would have liked to get a win under my belt against a different opponent first, before then attempting to regain the roulette title.'

Simon: 'Oh well, there's nothing you can do about that now. You just need to try to get back on track, with a win this Sunday, against the Metal and Punk Connection.'

Natalie: 'I know. And that's my aim. It won't be easy, though, against a team that have held the SCW tag team titles twice - although my last win did come in a tag team match, so I suppose I can have some cause for optimism.'

Simon: 'And that win was against the current champions, wasn't it?'

Natalie nods her head once more.

Natalie: 'Indeed it was. My partner on that occasion was Roxi Johnson, though, whereas on Sunday, Traci Patterson will be my partner, so...'

Natalie's sentence trails off.

Simon: 'Don't sell Traci short - she has also twice held one half of the tag team titles.'

Natalie: 'I know, I know - there are lot worse people I could have as my tag team partner.'

Natalie chuckles to herself.

Simon: 'What's tickled you?'

Natalie: 'I was just thinking about how last month, Mercedes Vargas referred to me as "the brunette version of Traci Patterson" - and now Traci and I are going to be teaming together.'

Simon: 'The pair of you are arguably the two most physically imposing bombshells on the SCW roster - I expect the powers that be have been waiting for a suitable opportunity to put you two together in a match, either as opponents or as partners.'

Natalie: 'And now that opportunity has arisen, I guess.'

Simon: 'Yup; I'm sure the two of you will make a formidable team.'

Natalie: 'Hopefully, we'll make a successful team.'

Simon glances down at the pushchair, and his daughter; he then looks back to Natalie.

Simon: 'Well, I ought to get home - Matty will be wanting her lunch, once she wakes up.'

Natalie: 'At least you haven't got very far to go.'

Simon: 'True; do you want to come in for a cup of tea, or something?'

Natalie shakes her head.

Natalie: 'No thanks.'

Simon: 'Okay, well, if I don't see you again before the weekend, good luck for your match on Sunday.'

Natalie: 'Thanks.'

As Natalie and Simon go their separate ways, the scene fades to black.

---

Friday 29th May

The scene opens to show Natalie McKinley stood next to Pompey's Pillar, in Alexandria; she is wearing a pair of denim shorts, and a red sleeveless t-shirt.

Natalie glances towards the pillar; she then looks in the direction of the camera, and begins to speak.

Natalie: 'After back-to-back losses to Crystal Hilton, this Sunday I will be trying to rediscover that winning feeling. And with Sunday's show being the final event of the African leg of the SCW World Tour, I also want to avoid departing Africa with a record of three matches, and three defeats. For that to happen, though, myself and my partner for the night - Traci Patterson - will have to get the better of the Metal and Punk Connection: Amy Marshall and Jessie Salco.'

Natalie smiles.

Natalie: 'While Traci has in the past been part of a duo that has twice held the SCW tag team titles, I doubt that many people expect me and her to be victorious, come Climax Control - not only am I the odd one out in this match, as the only participant not to have had their hands on the tag titles, but also, our opponents on Sunday are a very accomplished pair. As a team, Amy Marshall and Jessie Salco have held the SCW tag titles twice, and they have also both been champions with a different partner. In contrast, the match on Sunday evening will be only the fourth tag team match of my career so far - or to put it another way, the number of times that Amy and Jessie have each held the SCW tag team titles is equal to the number of times that I have competed in a tag team match.'

Natalie lets out a slight sigh.

Natalie: 'So yeah, like I said, I doubt that many people expect me and Traci to win on Sunday - but that won't stop me from trying. Besides, I've already been involved in a few surprise results during my time in SCW - both in my favour, and not - so hopefully my match this Sunday will produce another surprise outcome.'

Natalie takes a few steps away from Pompey's Pillar, before stopping, to speak again.

Natalie: 'Speaking of surprises, Amy Marshall certainly caused a stir with her actions five days ago. In the aftermath of last Sunday's show, Amy tweeted that it was nothing personal, it was just business, and while I don't condone what she did, I suppose I can understand why she did it.'

Natalie gazes down at the ground for a moment; she then looks back towards the camera, and continues.

Natalie: 'Regardless of how other people now feel about you, Amy, I am still looking forward to stepping into the ring with you for the first time, and having the chance to test myself against one of the only two bombshells that is an SCW Triple Crown winner - being a Triple Crown Champion is quite an achievement, and something that I would like to be able to emulate one day. For now though, I'm not thinking about winning more titles; I'm simply thinking about trying to put together another run of wins - like the one that I had prior to Mayhem In Morocco - and I aim to start it this Sunday.'

Natalie nods her head.

Natalie: 'Amy, you may have your sights set on challenging Roxi Johnson for the internet title at the supercard, but that is still another four weeks away. I, on the other hand, having been relieved of the roulette title, have not given any thought as to what might lie in store for me at the end of next month - I'm back to just taking things one match at a time, one win at a time, and then waiting to see where that leads me. So, Amy, while you may have aspirations of completing the SCW Grand Slam in the near future, my only goal right now is to win our upcoming match, this Sunday; I know that defeating you and Jessie on Sunday will stunt your momentum, ahead of a prospective match for the internet title, but as you said, Amy, it's nothing personal - it's just business.'

Natalie moves further away from Pompey's pillar, and the camera follows her, as she walks towards one of the nearby sphinxes.

Natalie: 'On the subject of Triple Crowns, come Sunday evening, Jessie Salco and I will complete our own Triple Crown, of sorts: we have already been opponents in a mixed tag team match, and a one-on-one match, and now we are scheduled to clash in a regular tag team match. And having been on the winning side in both of our previous encounters, I'm aiming to complete a hat-trick of wins against Jessie, this Sunday.'

Natalie puts her right index on her chin, as she thinks of something.

Natalie: 'A victory in a one-on-one match, a victory in a mixed tag team match, and a victory in a regular tag team match - I wonder, would that be classed as a "perfect hat-trick"?'

Natalie taps her chin, momentarily contemplating that thought, before continuing.

Natalie: 'Never mind.'

Natalie then shrugs her shoulders.

Natalie: 'Jessie, it was two months ago today that we were opponents in Bucharest - although with everything that has happened, at times it feels like more than two months have passed since then. I just mentioned what the outcomes were of each of our previous two matches, and I'm sure that on Sunday, you will want to make up for what happened in those matches. In fact, the match this Sunday will probably provide you with your best opportunity - so far - to get the better of me; I assume that you prefer having Amy Marshall as your tag team partner, rather than Steve Ramone - although after what Amy did last Sunday, perhaps your opinion of her has changed now...'

There is a very brief pause from Natalie, before she continues.

Natalie: '...or perhaps not - it's not really of my concern.'

Natalie shrugs her shoulders again.

Natalie: 'Whether or not you and Amy are singing from the same hymn sheet, my approach to Sunday's match remains the same: I'm preparing with the expectation that you and Amy will be working together like a well-oiled machine - if you turn out to be anything less than that, all that will do is increase the chances of me and Traci walking away with the win.'

Natalie looks over her shoulder, towards Pompey's Pillar; she then turns back to face the camera, and continues.

Natalie: 'Amy and Jessie, I respect what the two of you have achieved in SCW, both as a team, and separately. And I'm expecting this contest to be one of the most challenging matches that I've had during my time in SCW - but I believe that Traci and I are capable of causing an upset; we'll find out soon enough, whether or not we can do just that.'

Natalie takes a quick glance at the sphinx, before looking back to the camera.

Natalie: 'See you on Sunday, ladies.'

Natalie stares towards the camera for a few more seconds, before she then walks out of view, and as she does so, the scene fades to black.

 The scene opens to show one of the platforms at Gatwick Airport railway station, late in the morning of Monday 6th April. The attention of the camera is drawn to a bench, sat on which is Natalie McKinley; she is wearing a pair of pale blue jeans and a red jacket, and is holding a white handbag. Also sat on the bench, alongside Natalie, is her new boyfriend, Jack Brown; he is wearing a pair of black jeans, and a navy blue jacket. A black travel case can be seen on the floor, near to Jack.

Having been in Athens the previous evening, for Climax Control, Natalie and Jack are now back in the UK, and awaiting a train, as they journey back to Cardiff. Natalie reaches into her bag, and pulls out a mobile phone; she taps the phone's screen a few times with her thumb, and a smile soon forms on her face.

Natalie: 'Simon has sent me a text, regarding next Sunday's show.'

Jack looks towards Natalie.

Jack: 'What has he had to say about it?'

Natalie turns to look at Jack.

Natalie: 'He just said how much he is looking forward to seeing Roxi and I as tag team partners, and that he is considering booking next Monday off work, so that he can be in Milan to watch the match live and in person.'

Natalie turns her attention back to her phone; after sending a reply to Simon, she puts her phone back in her bag, and then turns to look at Jack again.

Natalie: 'I think Simon might be more excited than I am, about me being in the main event next Sunday.'

Jack: 'You are excited about it though, aren't you?'

Natalie nods her head.

Natalie: 'Of course I am.'

Jack: 'What is Simon's connection to Roxi - I mean, why is he looking foward so much to seeing you and her be a tag team? I know about Simon befriending you, obviously, but what is his relationship with Roxi?'

Natalie: 'From what Simon has told me, he and Roxi were put together as partners for a couple of mixed tag team matches, and their friendship developed from there; Simon and his wife attended Roxi's wedding last year, and before he left SCW, Simon requested that he and Roxi be allowed to reprise their tag team, in one of his final matches.'

Natalie smirks slightly.

Natalie: 'I'm sure Simon will be relieved that Roxi and I are not on opposing sides in the match next Sunday.'

Jack: 'So that he doesn't have to decide whose team he wants to win, yours or Roxi's?'

Natalie nods.

Natalie: 'Exactly. I've asked him at least twice, who would he want to win, if Roxi and I were opponents, but I'm yet to get a definitive answer from him.'

Jack: 'Do you think that yourself and Roxi will be opponents, one day?'

There is a small sigh from Natalie.

Natalie: 'I think it's inevitable that, eventually, we will end up being opponents, as we both harbour the same ambition.'

Jack: 'Which is?'

Natalie: 'To be the SCW World Bombshell Champion. Roxi has held the title twice previously, and wants to regain it; as for me, I'm working hard, and striving to progress to that level - a first appearance in a main event is another step in that direction.'

Jack: 'Now you just need to make sure that your first appearance in a main event is a successful one.'

Natalie: 'Yes, but that will be easier said than done - Amanda Cortez and Veronica Taylor are the Tag Team Champions, after all.'

Jack begins to laugh, which causes Natalie to frown.

Natalie: 'What are you laughing at?'

Jack: 'I was just remembering the shocked expression that you had on your face, when you saw that you had been booked in the main event.'

Natalie: 'It was quite a surprise - albeit a pleasant one.'

Natalie lets outs a laugh of her own.

Natalie: 'I remember looking down the card and - after seeing six out of the seven matches - thinking that I had a second consecutive week off. But then, lo and behold, I see that I'm going to be in the main event - I wasn't expecting that.'

Natalie shakes her head.

Jack: 'Hopefully it will be the first of many for you.'

Natalie: 'Yeah, hopefully. I need to show, though, that I belong in such a prominent position; Amanda and Veronica will be tricky opponents, but I would struggle to find a better tag team partner than Roxi Johnson.'

Jack: 'It sounds like Simon isn't the only one that is looking forward to you and Roxi being tag team partners.'

Natalie frowns again.

Natalie: 'What?'

Natalie then realises what Jack was hinting at.

Natalie: 'Oh, right, yes. Along with Misty and Vixen, Roxi Johnson is one of the SCW bombshells - past and present - that I admire the most. So yes, I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to be on the same team as Roxi - I just hope that I don't let her down.'

Jack: 'I'm sure you won't; I'm sure the two of you will make a formidable team, and that you will provide those Mean Girls with a tough challenge - one that they won't be able to overcome.'

Natalie: 'That will be our aim.'

The sound of a train approaching is heard; within a matter of seconds, the train comes into view.

Jack: 'This is our train.'

While Natalie and Jack get up from the bench, the sound of the train's brakes being applied can be heard, as it comes to a stop at the station. After waiting for those passengers that are getting off the train, we follow Natalie and Jack as they step onto the train; Natalie leads the way - ladies first - with Jack behind, carrying the case.

As Jack puts the case on a luggage rack, Natalie walks along the carriage, until she finds a table at which there is not currently anyone sat. Natalie sits down, taking the seat next to the window, that is in the direction of travel, and places her handbag on the table; she is soon joined by Jack, who takes the seat opposite her. Jack then reaches into the pocket of his jeans, and pulls out a mobile phone; a groan can be heard, as he looks at his phone.

Natalie: 'What's the matter?'

Jack: 'Oh, nothing - nothing serious, anyway.'

Jack holds up his phone.

Jack: 'Seeing the time that the alarm on my phone is set for, for tomorrow morning, reminded me that the long weekend is almost over, and that in less than twenty-four hours I will be back in work.'

Natalie: 'Yup; this time tomorrow, you will be back in your office, and I will be in my office.'

Jack: 'By your "office," I presume you mean the gym.'

Natalie grins.

Natalie: 'Of course; I will be hard at work, getting myself ready for Amanda Cortez and Veronica Taylor.'

As Jack puts his phone back in his pocket, the train leaves the station, and the view of the station's platform that Natalie and Jack had through the window is soon replaced by other sights.

Natalie: 'So, have you enjoyed our first weekend away?'

Jack: 'Absolutely - it's been great; it's just a shame that it had to come to an end.'

Natalie: 'You didn't mind that I forced you to attend an SCW show with me?'

Jack: 'No, not at all - there's worse places than Athens that you could have made me go to.'

Jack then has to raise his voice so that he can be heard, as the train's conductor makes an announcement over the tannoy.

Jack: 'But seriously, I didn't mind attending the show with you.'

Natalie: 'Good. Because with my chosen career, the majority of my weekends require me to be at a show somewhere, away from home.'

Jack: 'Which is something that I have quickly become aware of. But it's okay. As one of SCW's champions, I know you feel that if there's a show, then you're expected to be there - and I understand that; it is better for you to be in demand, than to not have anybody be interested in you.'

Natalie: 'And like my reign as the Bombshell Roulette Champion, long may that continue.'

Jack: 'Hear, hear!'

The announcement by the conductor comes to an end, and Jack and Natalie are able to lower their volume, as they continue their conversation.

Jack: 'And I did have a good time there, seeing what it's like backstage, and getting to watch a great show. The only thing that could have made it better, is if I had gotten to see you in action.'

Natalie: 'Really - you would have liked to watch me compete?'

Jack: 'Yeah - why wouldn't I?'

Natalie: 'I don't know. I guess I just thought that, maybe you wouldn't want to have to potentially see me get hurt.'

Jack: 'I wouldn't be worried about that possibility - I know that you can handle yourself in the ring, just like I know that you and Roxi will be able to handle Amanda and Veronica; your record in SCW is what now - six wins from seven matches?'

Natalie nods her head.

Jack: 'And I'm sure that by this time next week, your record will have improved to seven wins from eight matches.'

Natalie: 'That's what I'm aiming for.'

Natalie peeks through the window, before quickly looking back to Jack.

Natalie: 'Come to think of it, the next SCW supercard coincides with the next bank holiday weekend - if you really want to watch me in the ring, live, you could come with me to Morocco at the start of next month, to see me defend my title.'

Jack: 'Are you sure that you would want me to be there, on what would be such an important weekend for you? I wouldn't want to distract you from your reason for being there.'

Natalie: 'I don't think there would be any danger of that; you wouldn't be a distraction - having you at the show would give me added incentive to win.'

Natalie smiles flirtatiously; Jack smiles back.

Jack: 'Alright then; when we get back to Cardiff, I'll take a look at flights for that weekend, and make sure that I will be able to get back in time to be in work on the Tuesday.'

Natalie then gazes out of the window.

Jack: 'There's something that I've been meaning to ask you; it's to do with wrestling - and you, in particular.'

Natalie turns back to Jack.

Natalie: 'Ask away.'

Jack: 'Well, whenever I see you on camera, talking about a match, or an opponent, it's almost like watching a different person.'

Natalie frowns.

Natalie: 'What makes you say that?'

Jack: 'The things you say, the tone you use - when you're on camera, you sound cockier than the Natalie that I'm used to.'

Natalie: 'When I was in the ring last night, on the microphone, did I come across as cocky then?'

Jack: 'Okay, no, last night you didn't. But since we started going out, you've been in two matches, and I've seen the videos that you released prior to both of those matches - the way you spoke in those videos, it was as if you thought that your opponents had no chance whatsoever of defeating you.'

Natalie grins broadly; she then responds to Jack.

Natalie: 'You're right, Jack - when I film one of those pre-match videos, or when I'm interviewed backstage, I portray myself a bit differently to how I act usually.

Natalie sighs slightly, before continuing.

Natalie: 'I know that anyone who sees me discussing a match might get the impression that I believe the outcome to be a foregone conclusion, but in reality, I know that my opponent - or opponents - has more or less the same chance of winning that I do. However, when I'm on camera, I try to paint myself as a picture of confidence.'

Jack: 'What about when you say, "Nat will tear you apart again"?'

Natalie: 'I've got Jason to thank for that one - or perhaps I should say, to blame for it.'

Now it is Jack's turn to frown.

Jack: 'Who is Jason?'

Natalie: 'Jason O'Neil; without going into too much detail, he is a semi-retired wrestler, who I met through Simon. It was Jason that came up with "Nat will tear you apart again," which Simon then subsequently encouraged me to use as a catchphrase of sorts.'

Jack: 'I think it would look good on a t-shirt.'

Natalie smiles at Jack's remark.

Natalie: 'Again though, in truth, just because I may have beaten an opponent previously, there's no guarantee that I will beat them next time around - no two matches follow exactly the same pattern. But when I say "Nat will tear you apart again" on camera, I say it like I believe it, because that's the image that I want to convey.'

There is another small sigh from Natalie, before she continues.

Natalie: 'Jack, at some point later this week, I will record a video, in which I'll speak about my match next Sunday. And if during the course of that video, I state that Roxi and I will defeat Amanda and Veronica, well, that will simply be rhetoric. But I can promise you that I will be working as hard as I can, so that come Sunday evening, it will hopefully be more than just rhetoric - I will be doing what I can, to try to ensure that Roxi Johnson and I will be able to defeat Amanda Cortez and Veronica Taylor, at Climax Control.'

Jack: 'Well, you might not yet be completely certain that you're going to win, but you've got me convinced.'

As Natalie and Jack continue their journey back to Cardiff, we leave them and fast forward to the afternoon of Friday 10th April, to now see Natalie stood in Parco Sempione - a large city park in Milan; a triumphal arch can be seen in the background. Natalie is wearing a pair of dark grey leggings and a cyan sleeveless t-shirt, and is holding a bottle of water in her left hand.

Natalie smiles at the camera, and then begins to talk.

Natalie: 'After three months, the European part of the SCW World Tour is now a mere nine days away from drawing to a close. However, before we move on to Africa, there are still two shows to come, with one due to be staged in Malaga, next weekend, but first, there's one here in Milan, this Sunday, on what promises to be a big night for yours truly, as I team with Roxi Johnson, to take on Amanda Cortez and Veronica Taylor, in what will be the first main event match of my career.'

Natalie unscrews the cap on the bottle of water and takes a drink; she then screws the cap of the bottle back on, and continues.

Natalie: 'Tomorrow it will be three months to the day since the first show of the World Tour took place, in Birmingham. And how things have changed since Inception, in January: although I was at that event, I wasn't an active member of the SCW roster - I was there as a guest; now, I'm just over a month into my reign as the SCW Bombshell Roulette Champion - the first championship that I've won - and two days away from another landmark moment in my career.'

Natalie glances up at the sky, before quickly looking back to the camera.

Natalie: 'And another thing that has changed since Inception, is the weather.'

Natalie raises her arms, stretching them wide open.

Natalie: 'Spring has sprung - the sun is even shining in Wales!'

Natalie turns her head to look to her right for a moment, and then to her left; she then lowers her arms, and looks back to the camera.

Natalie: 'Before I say any more about my match this Sunday, I quickly want to say something to Mercedes Vargas.'

Natalie sighs, before continuing.

Natalie: 'Mercedes, if you really don't want there to be a third one-on-one match between us, then fine, I'll stop pursuing it. I suppose I can understand you being reluctant to agree to another match, knowing what the outcome was the last two times. And besides, our paths are bound to cross again, eventually.'

Natalie gives a nonchalant shrug of her shoulders.

Natalie: 'As I've already mentioned, my match this Sunday at Climax Control, will be my first ever appearance in a main event. I know that Roxi is accustomed to being in the main event - as are Amanda and Veronica - but for me, this will be a new experience. However, I can assure everyone that, this being my first time competing in such a high profile match, will not put my team at a disadvantage - I won't allow it to.'

Natalie taps her chin with her right index finger.

Natalie: 'You know, this brings me back to something that I said two weeks ago: I want the spotlight in the bombshells' division - the one vacated by Misty. I'm getting a taste of it, and I want more - the match on Sunday may be my first time competing in a main event, but I'm determined to put in a performance that will ensure it won't be my last. I won't let Roxi down - I can't; I won't turn out to be a weak link - I'll be the just partner that she needs, to help her defeat Amanda Cortez and Veronica Taylor.'

Natalie turns away from the camera, to look at the arch in the background.

Natalie: 'That is the Arco della Pace...'

She then turns back to face the camera.

Natalie: '...which translates as "Arch of Peace." Come Sunday evening though, when the Mean Girls arrive at Club Alcatraz, for Climax Control, it's likely that the peace will be well and truly disturbed.'

Natalie sighs again.

Natalie: 'Try as I might, it seems as though I can't avoid being dragged into the events involving the Mean Girls. I know that some of the other bombshells want to bring about the end of the Mean Girls, but that's not a cause that I'm interested in fighting for; it's not that I'm fearful of the Mean Girls - far from it - it's just that the Mean Girls court drama, and I have very little desire to get caught up in that. When I set my sights on Mercedes Vargas, after I returned to SCW, it wasn't because she's one of the Mean Girls - it was because of the title that she held at the time. However, it would appear that I can't escape the rest of the Mean Girls, as this Sunday I will be in the ring with two more of their members: Amanda Cortez and Veronica Taylor. But while others may relish having the opportunity to inflict punishment upon the Mean Girls, I'm not setting out to do any serious damage to Amanda and Veronica, I just want to do enough for me and Roxi to be victorious; I'm not looking to injure anyone, regardless of whether or not they are a member of the Mean Girls - I'm just looking to win a wrestling match.'

The scene changes to show Natalie now stood in a different part of Parco Sempione, with Sforza Castle visible in the background.

Natalie: 'And on the subject of hurting people, that brings me on to talking specifically about Amanda Cortez, who earlier this week tweeted that she will make me and Roxi suffer, and that this match will be our end.'

Natalie sits down on the ground, crossing her legs.

Natalie: 'Amanda, I would like to be able to take your words seriously, but these are the same sort of threats that you make to all of your opponents, and I can't recall any of your past opponents having been hurt so severely that they were forced either to retire, or to take an extended break from wrestling. As for me, I have done a good job lately of backing up my words. Since returning to SCW, I've competed in four matches, and prior to each of those matches, I told my opponent that I would win - and sure enough, all four matches concluded with me being victorious; can you see how you fit into this pattern, Amanda?'

Natalie pauses, as if expecting an answer; after a moment's silence, she then continues.

Natalie: 'I am aware that a video featuring Amanda speaking about Sunday's match has already been uploaded, but I have yet to watch it. However, I'm sure I can hazard a guess at one or two things that she had to say: she probably called me and Roxi losers - despite the fact that our win-loss records say otherwise; I can say for certain that she called me an idiot - despite the fact that I'm university-educated. So, you know, the same things that Amanda says about all of her opponents - although I suppose at least she is doing her bit for the environment, by recycling her insults.'

Natalie unscrews the cap on the bottle of water and takes a drink; she then screws the cap back on, and looks back to the camera.

Natalie: 'While Amanda might have a limited vocabulary, I can't belittle her wrestling ability, given what she has achieved: as well as being a multi-time Tag Team Champion, she has also held the top title in the bombshells' division - that is something that I aspire to achieve one day, and a win over a former champion such as Amanda Cortez would be another positive step for me. Amanda may be ticklish, but I know that I'll need to use more than a feather to get the better of her on Sunday - thankfully, my array of suplexes, and other power moves, should be enough to get the job done.'

Natalie nods her head confidently.

Natalie: 'Amanda Cortez isn't alone in being afflicted with verbal diarrhoea - her tag team partner, Veronica Taylor, suffers from the condition, too. Over four weeks have passed, but I'm sure that if you were to ask her, Veronica would still claim that the losses each of the Mean Girls suffered at Blaze Of Glory were flukes - and if you think differently, then that makes you a hater.'

Natalie unscrews the cap on the bottle of water and takes a drink.

Natalie: 'Veronica, I'm not a hater - I just don't like you. Now, as with your tag team partner, I'll give you credit where it's due: last year, in SCW's annual awards, you deservedly won the award for most improved. Since then however, well, you've kind of stagnated - you've not shown much more in the way of progress. I'm sure you just think that I'm jealous of you, Veronica, because while you won an award, I finished some way behind Delia in the voting for the future star award, but in truth, I'm not jealous of you, or Delia, or any of the other Mean Girls; there are a number of wrestlers on the SCW roster that have improved noticeably in the past six months, and are now at a level above you - I believe that I am one of those wrestlers, and I intend to prove that on Sunday, by defeating you and Amanda.'

Natalie takes another drink of water, before screwing the cap of the bottle back on; she then places the bottle on the ground, to the side of her.

Natalie: 'I'm aware, Veronica, that two days ago, at a show in Atlanta, in another promotion, you lost to Roxi, in a one-on-one match. I expect you will dismiss that loss the same way that you dismiss any other loss - by calling it a fluke - but all that will do is contribute to your downfall this weekend. To misquote George Santayana, those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it; I'm sure, Veronica, that you'll choose to ignore what happened on Wednesday in Atlanta, so don't be surprised then, if the match this Sunday has a similar result.'

Natalie rises from the ground, standing up again.

Natalie: 'As members of the Mean Girls, a superiority complex comes naturally to you, but while you may look down your noses at me, I warn you, Amanda and Veronica, that you underestimate me at your peril. If you want to know what I'm capable of in the ring - if you want to know how good I can be - you only need ask Mercedes; Mercedes didn't think that I could beat her at Blaze Of Glory, and yet who stands before you now as the SCW Bombshell Roulette Champion? It's no fluke that I've achieved what I have, and if Roxi and I win on Sunday, that will be no fluke either.'

Natalie puts her hands on her hips.

Natalie: 'Amanda and Veronica, the pressure to win this Sunday is all on you; right now, you are purportedly the best bombshell duo in SCW - and on Sunday, it will be up to you to show that. Roxi and I may both be singles champions, but two good wrestlers don't necessarily make the best tag team - sometimes it is a case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. Unfortunately for you two, I believe Roxi and I will make a more than capable team, and that as a consequence, you could find the pressure of competing in the Clash of the Champions to be too much to handle.'

Natalie looks down at the the floor momentarily, before turning her attention back to the camera, and continuing.

Natalie: 'I know that you successfully defended your titles two weeks ago, against another makeshift team, but this match will be a step up for you, as far as the quality of your opposition is concerned - different opponents, different result; your titles may not be at stake in this match, but Roxi and I will still have plenty to fight for, in terms of pride, and I'm confident that the two us will achieve our desired outcome.'

Natalie smirks.

Natalie: 'Roxi - and I - will tear you apart again.'

Natalie then takes her hands off her hips, and as she stands, smiling, and staring confidently towards the camera, the scene fades to black.

 The scene opens inside Pure Gym, in Cardiff, on the afternoon of Monday 16th February. An array of equipment can be seen, such as free weights, weight machines, and various other exercise machines. The camera, though, is focused on a flat bench - stood next to which is Natalie McKinley, who is wearing a pair of black leggings and a white crop top; on the floor, beside the bench, is a 115lbs dumbbell.

Natalie places her left leg on the end of the bench, before bending forward, and gripping the other end of the bench with her left hand. With her right hand, Natalie picks the dumbbell up off the floor, and she then proceeds to perform one-arm dumbbell rows. After five repetitions, Natalie puts down the dumbbell, which she gently rolls underneath the bench, as she switches sides.

As Natalie places her right leg on the bench, her attention is momentarily caught by the sight of a man alone at a nearby bench, who is adding weights to a barbell, seemingly preparing to perform a bench press. Natalie then carries on with her own exercise, picking up the dumbbell with her left hand, as she repeats the one-arm dumbbell rows with that arm, again doing five reps.

Once she has finished, Natalie gets up from the bench, and returns the dumbbell to the rack. She then turns to look again at the man attempting the bench press, and sensing that he may be struggling without the support of a spotter, Natalie decides to walk over to him; she calls out to him, as she approaches the bench.

Natalie: 'I think it looks like you could do with some assistance.'

Natalie then makes her way to the rack end of the bench, taking up the spotting stance.

Natalie: 'Here, let me spot for you.'

Natalie puts her hands underneath the bar, although not so close as to be touching it. The man, who is wearing a pair of white shorts and a red t-shirt, says nothing in response to Natalie, as he just continues to exert himself. Natalie looks on, guiding the direction of the bar with her hands, as the man does a couple of reps; after completing another rep, Natalie can tell that he is toiling.

Natalie: 'Think you can manage one more?'

Without saying anything, the man begins to lower the bar towards his chest once more; following a brief pause, he then breathes out, as he pushes the bar upwards. Once he finishes the rep, Natalie grips the bar, aiding in placing it back in the rack. The man takes a deep breath, before getting up from the bench; as he rises to his feet, it can be seen that he is fairly handsome, athletically built, with short dark hair, and looks to be in his mid twenties. He then looks in the direction of Natalie, who moves from behind the rack, and takes a step towards him; the man opens his mouth to speak, but there is a slight hesitation, as he is taken aback by Natalie's appearance.

Man: 'Thanks for your help.'

Natalie smiles politely.

Natalie: 'You're welcome.'

Man: 'I think I got a bit overambitious with how much I was lifting.'

The man gazes around the gym, before looking back at Natalie, with a frown.

Man: 'Do you work here?'

Natalie shakes her head.

Natalie: 'No - I used to, but I quit last July, for a change of career.'

Man: 'Oh, okay; well, you certainly look like you know your way around a gym.'

Natalie's smile broadens slightly.

Man: 'And what do you do know? If you don't mind me asking.'

Natalie: 'No, it's alright; I'm a wrestler.'

Man: 'Oh, that's cool; I used to watch wrestling when I was younger, but I stopped following it when I went to university. So, do you wrestle for a company in Britain, or elsewhere?'

Natalie: 'Wow, this is more questions than I was expecting to have to answer when I came to the gym today.'

The man responds in an apologetic tone of voice.

Man: 'Oh, I'm sorry. I bet I'm messing up your routine, aren't I?'

Natalie: 'No, you're okay.'

Natalie lets out a nervous laugh.

Natalie: 'I work for a wrestling promotion called Sin City Wrestling.'

Man: 'With a name like that, I presume they must be based in Las Vegas.'

Natalie: 'They are, although they have expanded from their base - so much so that that the company recently embarked upon its first world tour. In fact, just eight days ago, they staged a show here - in Cardiff.'

Man: 'A couple of friends said they were going to a wrestling show last weekend - I guess it must have been that one. Did you wrestle on the show?'

Natalie nods her head.

Natalie: 'I did - I was in a mixed tag team match.'

Man: 'And did you win?'

Natalie: 'Well, I was on the winning team, although it was my partner that got the pin.'

Man: 'Are you from Cardiff? You sound like you're local.'

Natalie gives a single nod of her head.

Natalie: 'Yes, I'm from Cardiff.'

Man: 'That must have been a special occasion for you, then. I mean, getting to wrestle in your hometown - and not only that, but winning your match, as well.'

Natalie: 'Yeah, it was a good night; hopefully it won't be the only time in my career that I get to appear on a show in Cardiff.'

Natalie breaks eye contact with the man, momentarily looking away from him, down at the floor; she then raises her eyes back to him.

Natalie: 'And what about you? Judging by your accent, you don't sound like you're from around here.'

The man chuckles.

Man: 'No, I'm not - I'm from Cheltenham; I moved to Cardiff at the start of the year, because of my work.'

The man quickly glances over his shoulder, before looking back to Natalie.

Man: 'You know, a friend of mine was supposed to be coming to the gym with me today, but he cancelled on me - which is why you found me doing the bench press without anyone to spot for me.'

Natalie: 'Well, I guess it was a good job that I was here to help you, then.'

Man: 'Indeed it was.'

The man smiles at Natalie.

Man: 'Look, I've only been in Cardiff a few weeks, so I don't know that many people here yet. And I've not visited many places, either - maybe you could show me around the city some time.'

Natalie: 'What, you mean, like a date?'

Man: 'It doesn't have to be a date - not unless you want it to be.'

Natalie: 'I don't know; I don't know anything about you, other than that you're from Cheltenham - I don't even know your name.'

Man: 'Well, I don't know your name, either.'

Natalie: 'Okay, that's true.'

Natalie lets out a slight sigh.

Natalie: 'Natalie - my name is Natalie.'

Man: 'I'm Jack, Natalie - Jack Brown.'

The man - whose name we now know to be Jack - holds out his hand, towards Natalie.

Natalie: 'Nice to meet you, Jack.'

Natalie smiles, as she shakes Jack's hand.

Jack: 'Nice to meet you too, Natalie.'

Jack smiles back at Natalie.

Jack: 'So how about it, then - will you be my tour guide? I'll even pay for everything.'

Natalie smirks.

Natalie: 'Now it really is starting to sound like a date.'

Jack: 'Is that a problem - are you seeing someone?'

Natalie: 'I don't currently have a boyfriend, if that's what you're asking.'

Jack: 'You still sound a bit reluctant, though - is something else the matter?'

Natalie: 'No, it's just...'

Natalie's sentence trails off; she then bites her lower lip.

Natalie: 'I'm not sure when I would be able to show you around Cardiff - I'm flying to Stockholm tomorrow, for a show that SCW is staging there this weekend.'

Jack: 'That's alright - it doesn't have to be this week; when will you be back in Cardiff?'

Natalie: 'In a week's time.'

Jack: 'Next week then, perhaps.'

Jack smiles reassuringly at Natalie.

Jack: 'So, are you going to be involved in a match in Stockholm?'

Natalie: 'Yes: I will be in a singles match, against an opponent by the name of Mercedes Vargas.'

Jack: 'Mercedes Vargas? Where is she from - Chile?'

Natalie: 'Argentina.'

Jack: 'Okay. And how does she compare to you?'

Natalie: 'Well, she's a far more experienced wrestler than I am.'

Jack: 'I bet she's not as strong as you though, is she?'

Natalie shakes her head.

Natalie: 'No; I think she's an inch or two taller than I am, but about twenty or so pounds lighter.'

Jack: 'There you go then; you've got nothing to worry about - she won't able to combat your power.'

Natalie laughs.

Natalie: 'If only it was that simple.'

Jack grins.

Jack: 'Come on then - you still haven't given me an answer.'

Natalie: 'I kind of get the feeling that you're not going to take no for answer.'

Jack gives a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders.

Jack: 'What I can say? I would like to get to know you better - you intrigue me; I've never met a woman before that lifts weights as heavy as I'm guessing you can. And I've never met a professional wrestler before - male or female.'

Natalie: 'Okay then, how about this: seeing as you have already decided it's a foregone conclusion that I'm going to beat Mercedes Vargas, if I do beat her on Sunday, then I'll agree to go on the date with you. However, if I lose the match, then it's a no. What you do say to that?'

Jack pauses to contemplate Natalie's proposal.

Jack: 'Okay - I'll go along with that. But make sure that you win.'

Natalie: 'Oh, I'll try.'

We leave Natalie and Jack, stood in the gym, and switch to a scene from a couple of hours later that day, to see Natalie stood outside an office building, elsewhere in Cardiff city centre; Natalie is still wearing the same leggings, but she now has on a green coat over her top.

Natalie is stood a few yards from the entrance to the building, watching on as a steady stream of people leave their office at the end of the working day. Within a matter of seconds, it becomes obvious who Natalie is looking for, when out walks Simon Jones; Simon - who is wearing a pair of black trousers, and a black jacket - soon notices Natalie, and walks over to her.

Natalie: 'Hi.'

Simon smiles pleasantly at his unexpected visitor.

Simon: 'Good evening. So, what brings you here?'

Natalie: 'Have you seen the line-up for next Sunday's Climax Control?'

Simon shakes his head.

Simon: 'No, not yet; why?'

Natalie: 'I've been booked in a match against...'

Before Natalie can tell Simon who her forthcoming opponent is, he interrupts her.

Simon: 'Wait; this isn't going to spoil what happened last night, is it? You know that I haven't had the chance to watch last night's show yet.'

Natalie: 'Don't worry, I'm not going to give away who is through to the semi-finals of the Blast from the Past tournament, or tell you who won any of the other matches last night.'

Simon: 'Okay; good.'

Natalie: 'So, as I was saying, next Sunday, I'm going to be in a one-on-one match, against Mercedes Vargas.'

Simon grins, as he digests Natalie's announcement; he then responds in an enthusiastic tone.

Simon: 'Really? That's great news. I bet you're glad now that I encouraged you to say something after me during that video I recorded, aren't you?'

Natalie: 'Yes, I am - thank you for insisting that I do that.'

Simon: 'You're welcome. So, are you wanting me to help you pore over footage of Mercedes' past matches?'

Natalie: 'Yes please. Actually, that's why I came here to meet you - I was hoping that we could get to work as soon as possible.'

Simon: 'I had planned to watched Climax Control once I got home from work - but I suppose that can wait. Come on, let's make a move.'

The camera follows Natalie and Simon as they begin to walk along the pavement outside the office of Simon's employer, moving away from the building.

Simon: 'When are you going to Stockholm, then?'

Natalie: 'Tomorrow evening, on a flight from Stansted.'

Simon: 'Tomorrow evening? That doesn't give me much time to help you.'

When Natalie and Simon reach the corner of a junction, they turn right.

Simon: 'I know why you're so eager to get to Stockholm: it's because you want to spend a few days working out in that gym you told me about, isn't it? What's it called?'

Natalie: 'Delta Gym - it's a hot spot for hardcore weightlifters, so yeah, I would like to spend a few days there, ahead of my match against Mercedes.'

Simon: 'Alright, well, we'll just have to make the most of what time we have this evening, then.'

Natalie: 'Simon, you helped me two weeks ago, when I was preparing for Jessie Salco, and now it's time for Mercedes Vargas; whatever guidance you're able to give me - however much - will be beneficial to me.'

Simon: 'Maybe so, but I still would have liked to have more time to work with you, before you fly out to Stockholm. I mean, this match against Mercedes, this is it, Nat - this is the opponent you wanted; you can't afford any slip-ups.'

Natalie: 'I know, Simon, I know; I wanted Mercedes, and I'm determined to beat her.'

Natalie and Simon walk under a railway bridge.

Natalie: 'I got asked out by a guy in the gym earlier.'

Simon glances at Natalie, but doesn't say anything.

Natalie: 'I spotted for him while he was using the bench press, then we got talking afterwards, and he ended up asking me out on a date.'

Simon: 'And what was your answer?'

Natalie: I don't give him an answer, per se.'

Simon again looks at Natalie, frowning.

Natalie: 'I told him that if I win my match against Mercedes, then I'll go on a date with him.'

Simon: 'This guy - do you find him attractive?'

Natalie sighs, somewhat reluctant to answer Simon's question.

Natalie: 'I'll admit, I think he's good-looking.'

Simon: 'So why are you putting an obstacle in the way of you going on a date with him, then, by making it contingent on the outcome of your match?'

Natalie: 'What - don't you think I can defeat Mercedes?'

Simon: 'Hey, I didn't say that - I know you can defeat Mercedes, and I'm going to help you work towards doing that. It's just that...well, it's none of my business, really, but it's been several months since you broke up with your last boyfriend, and most blokes seem too intimidated by you to ask you out. So if you think this guy looks attractive, then, well, I guess I'm just a bit surprised that you didn't say yes.'

Natalie: 'Well, he caught me by surprise - I wasn't expecting it. But right now, I want to focus on Mercedes Vargas. I want what Mercedes has - I want that roulette title; beating her on Sunday would be a significant step towards getting my hands on it. And so I didn't give him a definitive answer because I don't want any distractions; if I win my match against Mercedes, then I will happily go on a date with Jack - especially if I go on to win the roulette title.'

Simon: 'His name's Jack?'

Natalie responds with a nod. She and Simon then come to a stop at a pedestrian crossing, where they wait for the lights to change, to allow them to cross the road.

Natalie: 'A thought occurred to me earlier: if Roxi Johnson and I were opponents, who would you want to win?'

Dodging Natalie's question, Simon reaches into the pocket of his trousers, and pulls out his mobile phone.

Simon: 'I'm going to call Jacqui, to let her know that I'm bringing a guest with me.'

As Natalie and Simon continue to wait at the pedestrian crossing, with Simon on the phone to his wife, we leave them and fast forward to Thursday 19th February, to see Natalie stood in Vasaparken - a park in Stockholm. Natalie is stood next to a statue called Arbetaren (The Worker), looking towards the camera; she is wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a black parka.

Natalie turns her head to her left, to look at the statue for a brief moment, before she then looks back to the camera, as she begins to speak.

Natalie: 'I've been here in Stockholm for two days now, getting acclimatised to the city, ahead of this Sunday's Climax Control, and my match against Mercedes Vargas. I've spent much of that time at Delta Gym - which is a mere stone's throw from where I'm stood now - trying to make sure that I'm in the best condition possible for what is rather an important match for me.'

Natalie runs her left hand through her hair.

Natalie: 'The match this Sunday will be my second match since returning to SCW, and before I discuss my upcoming match any further, I first want to respond to a comment that was made by my most recent opponent, Jessie Salco. Prior to the mixed tag team match that we were involved in eleven days ago, Jessie claimed that, during my first stint in SCW, I had been a flop. Now, I'm curious to know what Jessie based that opinion on. The term "flop" would usually be used to describe a failure. However, my record during my first spell in SCW was two wins and one loss - not perfect, but not exactly dire, either.'

Natalie quickly glances over her right shoulder, before looking back to the camera.

Natalie: 'Actually, come to think of it, if I was to use Delia's logic, then I could declare that I'm unbeaten in SCW, as I wasn't the one that was pinned in the match at Violent Conduct II - but I didn't win the match, and therefore I'm not unbeaten. Still though, it was only one loss in three matches - not really enough for someone to judge me to have been a flop. Perhaps the reason Jessie thinks I was a flop is because I left SCW barely two months after joining the roster - if that is the case, then as I said two weeks ago, I had my reasons for leaving so abruptly, which I will talk about at a later date.'

Natalie turns away from the camera; the camera pans to the left, following Natalie as she walks in that direction. A wooden bench soon comes into view; Natalie stops by the bench, and then turns back to face the camera.

Natalie: 'Now that I'm back in SCW, I have no intention of disappearing again any time soon, which is why I made no secret of my aspiration to win the roulette title - if I was planning to leave again in the near future, then I wouldn't waste everyone's time by targeting Mercedes Vargas, and the title that is currently in her possession. And as for Jessie Salco, and anyone else who thinks that, up until now, I have been a flop during my time in SCW, I'm going to take inspiration from Brown Ideye.'

Natalie grins.

Natalie: 'For most of you watching this, I'm sure that Brown Ideye isn't a name that you're familiar with - so let me explain. Ideye is a Nigerian footballer, who last summer joined a club in the Premier League, in England - and as recently as two weeks ago, he was being labelled a flop. However, in his last three games, he has scored four goals; all of a sudden, there's no stopping him, and people's opinions of him have changed dramatically - no-one thinks he's a flop now. Coincidentally, the first of those three games - and the first of Ideye's four goals - came on the day that I returned to an SCW ring, when Simon Jones and I defeated Steve Ramone and Jessie Salco. And just like Brown Ideye has gone on to rack up the goals since then, thus proving that he isn't a flop, that victory eleven days ago will be the first of many for me, as I go about leaving no-one in any doubt as to my ability.'

Natalie takes a seat on the bench.

Natalie: 'So on to this Sunday - my second match since returning to SCW, and what I hope will be my second win since returning to SCW. And after explicitly stating that I wanted to earn another shot at the roulette title - so that I can make up for what happened at Violent Conduct II - what better opportunity for me to do that, than a match against the current champion? I didn't expect to be placed in as high-profile a match as this, so soon after returning to SCW - but now that I have, it's up to me to make sure that I take full advantage of the situation.'

Natalie leans forward, towards the camera.

Natalie: 'Come Sunday night, all of the pressure to win will be on me - which is not a scenario that I've ever faced before. As far as Mercedes Vargas is concerned, whatever the outcome of our match, she'll still leave Stockholm as the roulette champion. But for me, this match is a must win; I wanted the chance to show that I deserve a shot at the roulette title, and now that I have such a chance, I can't afford to let it pass me by - if I was to lose to Mercedes on Sunday, then how long would I have to wait to be given a shot at the roulette title?'

Natalie pauses, looking towards the camera as if she expects an answer; she shrugs her shoulders, before continuing.

Natalie: 'It's not really something that I want to contemplate; a loss on Sunday would be too much of a setback for me - if I lose to Mercedes, then how could anyone make a justifiable argument in favour of me deserving to be given a shot at her title? It would be a difficult argument to make, which is why, as I said, this is a must win. And I believe that I can win - I believe that I will thrive under the pressure, on Sunday night. It's a match that I have to win - it's a match that I will win.'

Natalie leans back, sitting up straight.

Natalie: 'Mercedes Vargas, I have so much riding on our match - more than you can appreciate. You may have emerged victorious in our only previous encounter, but the nervous rookie of six months ago is gone - well, I'm still a rookie, I'm just not so nervous now.'

Natalie gets up from the bench, returning to her feet.

Natalie: 'Mercedes, Sunday evening will see me put the first nail in the coffin, of your reign as the roulette champion. It's time for the winds of change, to blow through the roulette division.'

As Natalie looks confidently towards the camera, the scene fades to black.

 The scene opens to show Natalie McKinley stood outside the entrance to an apartment building; Natalie - who is wearing a pair of denim shorts and a red sleeveless t-shirt, with her long hair worn loose - is looking at a piece of paper, which she is holding in her right hand.

Natalie takes a look at the buzzers for the various apartments, that are next to the building's entrance, before turning her attention back to the piece of paper that is in her hand; she then folds up the piece of paper, puts it into the pocket of her shorts, and reaches out to press one of the buzzers. After a wait of a few seconds, a voice with an Irish accent is heard over the intercom; the voice is that of Jason O'Neil, a long-time confidant of Simon Jones, but someone that Natalie has never had any contact with - until now.

Jason: 'Hello?'

Natalie: 'Hi. Is this Jason O'Neil that I'm speaking to?'

Responding with a question of his own, Jason's wariness is evident in the tone of his voice.

Jason: 'Who's asking?'

Natalie: 'I'm Natalie McKinley - I...'

Before Natalie can say any more, Jason interrupts her.

Jason: 'Natalie McKinley? That Welsh bird, who Simon managed to convince SCW to offer a contract to?'

There is a momentary silence, as Natalie frowns, and mouths the words, "Welsh bird?" Getting impatient, Jason breaks the silence.

Jason: 'Hello? Are you still there?'

Natalie: 'Yes, I'm still here; and yes, I'm the female from Wales that is now an SCW bombshell, thanks in no small part to Simon.'

Jason: 'Okay, so what I can do for you, love?'

Again there is a brief hesitation from Natalie, before she replies.

Natalie: 'Simon suggested that I get in touch with you - he told me how much you helped him during his time in ACW and SCW, and so thought that you might be able to assist me, too.'

Jason: 'Why do you need my aid - you're a member of NXT, aren't you? Surely Spike Staggs is working on helping you to improve.'

Natalie: 'That's correct, but...'

Natalie's voice trails off; she then sighs, before speaking again.

Natalie: 'Look, is there any chance that we could have this conversation face-to-face, rather than me having to stand out here, talking to you over the intercom?'

Sounding less than enthusiastic, Jason reluctantly agrees to Natalie's request.

Jason: 'Yeah, okay; I'll buzz you in.'

The scene then changes to show Natalie stood in a corridor, outside the door to what is presumably Jason's apartment; Natalie knocks on the door, and when it is opened soon after, sure enough, stood in the doorway of the apartment is Jason O'Neil. Jason is wearing a pair of pale blue jeans and a white t-shirt; he steps aside, to allow Natalie to enter his apartment.

The camera follows Natalie, as she walks into the apartment. Just inside the the door is the living area, with a sofa and matching armchair visible, together with a television; beyond that is a kitchen and dining area, as well as doors to other rooms. Jason gestures for Natalie to sit down, and as she takes a seat on the sofa, he shuts the door behind her; Jason then turns back to face Natalie.

Jason: 'So, as I said, why do you need me to assist you, when you already have Spike Staggs helping you with your training?'

As Natalie responds, Jason takes a seat on the armchair.

Natalie: 'You're right that, in the past three weeks, since I became a member of the SCW roster, and subsequently joined the New XTremes, I've been fortunate to have Spike be heavily involved in my training. But what happens if, for whatever reason, Spike is unable to help me train?'

Jason: 'What, is Spike going off on holiday somewhere?'

Natalie: 'Not that I'm aware of - although, now that you mention it, Spike did just get married, so he and Vixen really ought to get away from Vegas, and go off on a honeymoon.'

Jason nods his head in agreement.

Natalie: 'But seriously, there are going to be times when Spike isn't around to assist with my training, and so I need to plan ahead for such occasions - I need to have a contingency plan.'

Natalie leans forward, towards Jason.

Natalie: 'I mean, I know that last month, in the week leading up to Into The Void, Spike was away from Vegas - obviously, that didn't have any effect on me, as it was prior to me joining SCW, but now, the next time that Spike has to take a trip elsewhere, it will affect me. And I'm just a rookie - I've only been in a single match so far in my career; I've got no issues working out  on my own, doing weight training, or cardio work - I know my way around a gym...'

Jason chimes in.

Jason: 'That much is obvious, simply from looking at you.'

Natalie continues, her train of thought not having been broken by Jason's observation.

Natalie: '...but when it comes to training in the ring, I don't yet have sufficient experience to be able to do it unassisted - I need guidance.'

Jason: 'Which is where I come in, right? In the event that Spike is otherwise occupied, you want me to help you, instead.'

Natalie nods her head.

Natalie: 'Like I said earlier, Simon told me about the role that you played in his success, and so I was hoping that I may be able to call upon you to help me too - if I need to.'

Natalie then smirks slightly, as she continues.

Natalie: 'Simon also told me he was certain that you would agree to help me - he said that, with him now back in the UK, taking a break from wrestling, you need something else to take up your time.'

This causes Jason to raise an eyebrow.

Jason: 'Oh he did, did he?'

Again, Natalie nods her head.

Natalie: 'Yep.'

Natalie then fidgets, anxiously, before asking a question.

Natalie: 'May I ask, how come you stayed in Vegas - when Simon went back to the UK, with his wife and daughter, why didn't you go with them?'

Jason: 'That's not something you need to concern yourself with.'

Natalie replies in an apologetic tone.

Natalie: 'Sorry - I didn't mean to pry.'

Jason: 'It's alright, love.'

Jason leans back against his chair, and rubs his chin, as ponders things.

Jason: 'Okay, I'll agree to help you, when you need me to - I'll act as a substitute, whenever Spike is unavailable.'

Natalie smiles, pleased with this news.

Natalie: 'You will? Oh, thank you.'

Jason: 'No problem.'

Natalie continues to smile, as she speaks again.

Natalie: 'You know, I think that, getting to train with you occasionally, in addition to my regular training with Spike, will be a benefit to my development as a wrestler.'

Jason: 'I don't know about that - Spike Staggs is a far more accomplished wrestler than I ever was.'

Natalie: 'That may be so - I'm well aware that Spike is well-versed in a few different styles of wrestling. However, you're a different kind of wrestler to Spike - during your career, you used a much more rugged style than him. And getting to experience varying styles of wrestling, as part of my training, will only help me to improve as a wrestler, surely.'

Jason: 'Yeah, I suppose you're right.'

Jason frowns.

Jason: 'How do you know what kind of wrestler I am - or was? Have you seen me in the ring, or is it just based on what Simon has told you about me?'

Natalie: 'You were right first time: I've seen you in the ring. I know that you've only competed in one match in the past decade, but while I may only be a rookie wrestler, I've been a fan of the sport for a lot longer, dating back to when you were an active wrestler. And with you having spent almost of your entire career in the UK, I saw numerous matches of yours on TV, when you were in your prime.'

Jason responds in a self-deprecating manner.

Jason: 'Or at least what constituted a prime for me.'

Jason frowns again.

Jason: 'If you've been a fan of wrestling for as long as you say you have, then why are you only now embarking upon a career in the sport? To again pass comment on your physique, you look like you've been training for it for a while.'

Natalie: 'I began training with weights several years before I began to train to be a wrestler. For reasons that I won't bore you with, a career as a professional wrestler only became a viable option for me last year - and having been a fan, it was something that I was eager to try. And so now, here I am.'

Jason: 'Okay. So when will you next be competing inside the six-sided ring?'

Natalie: 'My next match is this coming Sunday: it's a triple threat match, against Katherine Kensington, and La Paloma.'

Jason: 'La Paloma - wasn't she the one that you beat in your debut?'

Natalie nods her head.

Natalie: 'That's right.'

Natalie then taps her chin with her right index finger.

Natalie: 'So, if you know that La Paloma was my opponent for my debut, does that mean that you watched the match?'

Jason: 'Yes, I saw it.'

Natalie's eyes light up.

Natalie: 'And? What did you think?'

Natalie edges slightly nearer to Jason, eagerly awaiting his response.

Jason: 'You were impressive - for a rookie. You've clearly got potential, but there's plenty of work for you to do, if you want to fulfill that potential - you're still very rough around the edges.'

Natalie: 'I would say that's a fair assessment.'

Jason smiles slightly, as an idea forms in his mind; he leans towards Natalie.

Jason: 'Have you said anything yet, about either of your two opponents for Sunday?'

Natalie shakes her head.

Natalie: 'No, nothing - not even as much as a tweet.'

Jason's smile then broadens.

Jason: 'Good; I've got an idea for how you can address them.'

Natalie: 'Oh yeah? How?'

Jason taps the side of his nose with his left index finger.

Jason: 'You'll see.'

As Natalie sits looking at Jason, puzzled as to what he has planned, the scene fades to black.

---

The scene opens inside a nondescript room, which contains only two items of furniture: a pair of black steel folding chairs. Sat in one of the chairs, directly opposite the camera, is Natalie McKinley, who is wearing a pair of royal blue jeans and a black crop top. Sat next to Natalie in the other chair, to the right of the centre, is Jason O'Neil, who is wearing a pair of black jeans, a green shirt, and a stingy brim leather fedora.

Natalie's attention is currently on a laptop, which she has perched on her lap; Natalie presses a button on the laptop, and "Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Division starts to play. When the intro concludes, Natalie presses another button on the laptop, bringing the song to a halt, just as the lyrics are about to begin; she then looks up at the camera.

Natalie: 'That song may seem like an unusual selection, for a wrestler about to discuss their upcoming match; the reason for choosing to play that particular song will become apparent later.'

Natalie stands up, and places the laptop behind her, on the now unoccupied chair; the camera then zooms out, as Natalie takes a few steps towards it, leaving Jason to observe proceedings from the background.

Natalie: 'In a couple of days from now, I will be setting foot inside the six-sided ring again, for my second match as an SCW bombshell. Prior to my debut, I experienced many different emotions, some of which - such as disbelief and nervousness - were not exactly beneficial to my cause. Despite all of that, I was still able to emerge victorious from my match, and so as I now look ahead to my second match, I'm able to do so with a state of mind that is altogether more positive.'

Smiling, Natalie nods her head.

Natalie: 'My match two weeks ago wasn't just my first match in SCW - it was my first match anywhere. Although I had some confidence in my ability, having never previously competed in a match, I didn't truly know what I was capable of. But now, following on from that match, I have a better idea of how competent I am in the ring. And while I may only have just the one match under my belt, it is at least a match that I won, against a very creditable opponent - an opponent that I will find myself in the ring with again this coming Sunday.'

Natalie continues to smile, as her thoughts turn from her successful debut, to her next match.

Natalie: 'Yes, on Sunday evening, La Paloma and I will be opponents for a second time, as I aim to add to the win that I gained in my debut. But as if a one-on-one match with La Paloma isn't tricky enough, this time Katherine Kensington will also be in the ring with us, to make it a triple threat match. And it will also be a roulette rules match, that will determine one of the three women that will challenge for the bombshell roulette title, at Violent Conduct II.'

Natalie shakes her head, in somewhat disbelief.

Natalie: 'That last part certainly came as a surprise to me, when I saw the line-up for Climax Control - I never expected to be in the mix for a shot at a title, so early in my career. Even without the incentive of a title shot, I would have been happy to be in this match - I would have been happy to have the chance to try to continue to make a name for myself, while also getting my first taste of a roulette rules match; some wrestlers might not like the type of matches that a spin of the roulette can bring, but I'm looking forward to whatever situation the wheel puts me in, and getting to show that I can handle any challenge that is thrown at me. However, with the opportunity to compete for the bombshell roulette title at Violent Conduct being at stake, that has given me further motivation to be successful on Sunday evening.'

Natalie quickly glances towards the floor, before looking back to the camera, and continuing.

Natalie: 'I find Katherine Kensington to be an intriguing opponent: a fellow Brit, who is a few years younger than me, with not much more experience in the ring than I have. By my count, she has been involved in four matches so far in SCW, with an equal number of wins and losses. However, Katie is definitely not an opponent to be underestimated, as she displayed last month at Into The Void: beforehand, Jamie Dean was none too pleased about being forced to have Katie for a tag team partner - but after the match, Jamie had to begrudgingly admit that she had held her own. Having said that, though, I'm still confident that on Sunday, instead of unwittingly contributing to Katie getting another win, I'll be able to be responsible for her being handed another loss.'

Natalie sighs.

Natalie: 'Katie, of course, has different ideas - as she tweeted, earlier this week. However, I have to question some of her choices. I mean, how low is her self-esteem, that she wants to be one of the Mean Girls? At present, she appears to be spending most of her time attempting to convince the Mean Girls that she could fit into their group - if Katie really wants to be triumphant in the ring, perhaps she should divert some of that effort towards her training.'

Natalie shrugs her shoulders.

Natalie: 'I don't know - it's not for me to tell Katie how to live her life. It's just that, for me, the people whose opinions matter the most to me, are the people that I have a genuine relationship with. And on Sunday, I aim to impress them, by getting the better of Katherine Kensington.'

In the background, Jason can be seen taking a packet of cigarettes out of the pocket of his jeans; he removes one cigarette, and then puts the rest of the packet back in his pocket.

Natalie: 'And so on to La Paloma.'

Jason then pulls out a lighter, and as he ignites a flame, the sound made by the lighter draws the attention of Natalie, who turns and glares towards Jason - something that Jason looks somewhat surprised by.

Jason: 'What?'

Natalie shakes her head, as she turns back to face the camera. Meanwhile, Jason lights his cigarette, and then returns the lighter to his pocket, before taking a drag.

Natalie: 'As I've already stated, the match on Sunday will be the second time that myself and La Paloma have been opponents. Ahead of that match, La Paloma said that she was more concerned with putting on a show for the fans, than she was about whether she won or lost. Now, some wrestlers - Sean Jackson, for example - may not be able to appreciate that kind of attitude, but I absolutely can. Hopefully in our first meeting we were able to produce a match that the fans enjoyed; hopefully we can do the same again on Sunday. And hopefully - and I know I'm being selfish here - hopefully I'll be able to repeat the win that I got against La Paloma in our first meeting.'

As Natalie continues to discuss her forthcoming match, in the background, Jason can be seen continuing to puff away at his cigarette.

Natalie: 'Because of the difference in size between the two of us, our previous encounter was referred to as a David versus Goliath battle. La Paloma picked up on this, and said that she would be looking to slay the giant, like David did - but I still maintain that me beating La Paloma was the real giant-killing: a rookie defeating a wrestler with numerous years of experience - how that can be seen as anything other than an upset?'

Natalie shrugs her shoulders.

Natalie: 'Whatever your take on the David versus Goliath analogy, one thing is for certain: unlike La Paloma and I, David and Goliath did not have a re-match. And regardless of whether people think I'm playing the role of Goliath, or whether they think I'm David, all I'm interested in is having the outcome of my second match against La Paloma, be the same as the outcome of my first match against her; I know that just because I've beaten La Paloma once, that doesn't necessarily mean that I will beat her a second time - but I'll do be doing everything that I can, to try to ensure that I overcome La Paloma once more. Which brings me on to the reason why I began this by playing "Love Will Tear Us Apart," by Joy Division.'

Natalie puts her hands on her hips, as she pauses for a moment; she then turns to look at Jason.

Natalie: 'Do I have to do this? It's not really in my nature for me to say such a thing about myself.'

Jason sighs; he then rises to his feet, and walks to where Natalie is stood.

Jason: 'Alright, I'll do this bit - I'll be the one to say it. And in the process, I suppose I'll save you having to refer to yourself in the third person.'

Jason watches Natalie, as she takes a couple of steps backwards.

Jason: 'Besides, it was my idea, after all.'

Jason then turns to face the camera.

Jason: 'La Paloma, to paraphrase Ian Curtis - the lead signer of Joy Division: Nat will tear you apart again.'

Jason takes a long drag from his cigarette; he then repeats the statement.

Jason: 'Nat will tear you apart again.'

As Jason takes another smoke, while looking towards the camera, and with Natalie just behind him, the scene fades to black.