London, England
When? Your guess is as good as mine.London has long been seen as one of the premier cultural capitals of the world, ranking up there alongside tourist top destinations such as Paris, Tokyo and Rome, among others. And why not? Look at some of our more beloved actors of stage and screen; names such as Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart.. Dame Edna ..? And with such historical landmarks as Westminster Abbey and the British Museum, well over eighteen million people visit this city PER YEAR.
And one of the most celebrated social events of THE YEAR was set to take place in a mere matter of days.. The SCW ITV Gala! Wait - you’ve never been? You’ve never heard of this annual event? Well! In just two short days wrestlers from all over the globe - men and women alike - converge onto Central London where a large, six-sided wrestling ring would be erected at the very center, surrounded by hundreds upon thousands of rabid wrestling fans. And spanning from the ring itself would be a runway where those very wrestlers mentioned earlier would be walking, showing off the latest fashion trends from their beloved industry. This, of course, serves as a double vision, as it was also a charity fundraising event where the top fashion houses that serve the athletes would be accepting donations from not just the fans in attendance, but also from a bevy of celebrity attendants - actors, models and musicians, and even politicians were expected to be there - everyone from the recently crowned King William to President Kathy Bates of the United States.
Lost yet? I really can’t say as how I blame you. But when you deal in such a combined industry as not only professional wrestling, but fashion as well, things would slowly become cutthroat and the top two fashion houses would pull out all stops to raise the most funds for their respective charities. That is what brought us here to where we are right now - at the towering skyscraper that served as the HQ of one such fashion house - House DeVil. The building was crafted of black marble and purple-tinted glass, so as not to allow prying eyes from capturing glimpses of the secrets inside.
And parked at the forefront of the building beneath a canopy, surrounded by velvet ropes to allow the looky loos but no touchy, was the black and purple Panther De Ville Saloon, the prize vehicle of none other than Devona DeVil - owner and proprietor. Once one of the wrestling business’s most sought after female stars, now having branched out into an altogether different business where she found even more fabulous wealth and success. But as sleek and stylish as this particular vehicle was, the same could not be said for the brown and rusted Citroen 2CV truck that chugged and choked its way into the vacant parking spot to its left. This vehicle had clearly seen much better days (about fifty odd years ago) as it had a broken fender and headlight as well as a cracked wing mirror on its right hand side. Once the truck came to a stop and the engine turned off, a loud exhaust backfired, belching out a thick, black cloud of smoke, causing everyone nearby to jump almost out of their skin.
The driver’s side door opened and an impossibly large brute of a man with an uncharacteristically kind face stepped out, causing the truck to bounce up a good foot from the ground. How on earth he fit in such a cramped front seat is unexplainable, but considering this tour … well, you get the picture. But the question was compounded considering he was not alone as a much smaller young man accompanied him, handsome in appearance but what could only be best described as a perpetually “duh” expression etched on his face. The larger of the two men shoved a briefcase into the arms of the smaller man and on they marched toward the revolving doors that led into the lobby of House DeVil. The larger man entered fine with no trouble but the smaller man simply walked in a wide circle in the revolving door and ended up right back on the street where he looked thoroughly confused. That was, until the larger man reappeared and grabbed him by the collar and jerked him almost off of his feet to drag along behind him.
The pair made their way easily through security and past every secure checkpoint until they arrived at the very peak of this monolith. They stepped off of the elevator and walked along the hall until they arrived at the doors to the executive suite of House DeVil they walked right in, as family. As brothers. And no sooner did they do so than they were bombarded with questions from the woman herself, owner and proprietor…
Devona DeVil: Did you get it!?
The smaller of the men smiled brightly and held up the briefcase.
Beauty/Horace: We got…
But the larger of the two men pulled the briefcase from his hands and presented it to her, held out like a golden prize for her while the smaller man frowned up at the larger of the pair.
Beast/Jasper: *I* got it, yes.
Devona DeVil: Show me!
The sleek, beauty of a woman hurriedly walked forward, a picture of perfection all unto her own right. Her black and purple hairstyle spiked and wild, wearing an ankle-length black gown and her shoulders draped in a purple fur. Taking a wisp of a puff from the vintage cigarette holder held between her fingers, Devona’s impossibly high heels clattered on the marble tile of her office as she hurried over to see what would be the lead to her prize. She undid the clasps on the briefcase and opened it, removing the folded over papers. She then laid out the paper on her desk and spread it out and all eyes gathered for a look see. She practically gushed like a schoolgirl!
Devona DeVil: The Pink Puppy!
A small snort of merriment was heard and she, and the larger man turned to look at the smaller who was trying to not laugh, his face scrunched up tightly like a high school boy who had just heard a dirty joke.
Beauty/Horace: Pink Puppy… get it? I-EY!
He cried out, having earned a swipe upside the head from the larger man. The smaller frowned, rubbing the back of his head in pained annoyance.
Beast/Jasper: If I might ask mum, why are you after this Pink Puppy so badly?
Devona DeVil: Because it is the prize of Sunday’s show. The star attraction of the auction, and prime material for my latest creation. She’ll make me millions.
Beauty/Horace: So … you’re going to bid on her?
Devona and Beast looked at each other with pained expressions before they both looked toward the dim bulb of a man. Devona sighed but smiled her best, while Beast had no qualms at all in shaking his head with haughty derision, openly showing his annoyance.
Devona DeVil: My dear sweet Beauty… why would I ever risk not winning an auction, or waste the money in winning, when you two can simply acquire the Pink Puppy for me.
She held up her purple gloved hand, one fingertip extended for emphasis.
Devona DeVil: Discreetly, of course.
Beast/Jasper: Of course.
Devona DeVil: The last thing I need is for any bad publicity caused by your actions to ruin what will be the biggest day of my career.
Beast/Jasper: We understand.
Beauty/Horace: Yeah Beast, so don’t blow it! OW!
He rubbed his head, once again glaring at his larger cohort. Beast then turned to Madam DeVil and cleared his throat, somewhat intimidated by this smaller woman at questioning her decisions and the reasoning behind them.
Beast/Jasper: Erm, Madam? If I may?
Devona looked to her man and made a wave of the hand, indicating that he could speak.
Beast/Jasper: The Pink Puppy? Is she not an endangered species?
Devona DeVil: One of a kind, as a matter of fact. There is no other quite like her.
She then looked toward the camera and shook her head.
Devona DeVil: And thank god for small favors.
She then turned back to Beast and took a seat on the edge of her desk.
Devona DeVil: Why do you ask?
Beast/Jasper: Well, it’s just because… if she’s endangered.. One of a kind… somehow it seems just wrong that we… that you…
Devona took another puff from the extended end of the cigarette holder and blew the purple smoke through her pursed lips. She said nothing, she simply looked up at Beast until he started to fidget and then pointed down at Beauty.
Beast/Jasper: He wanted to know!
Beauty/Horace: Hey!
Devona shook her head, eyes closed and pointed toward the door.
Devona DeVil: Just GO! Get that Pink Puppy! Do NOT fail me!
Beast/Jasper: Yes mum!
Both men backed quickly toward the door… Beast backed right through but Beauty hit the door frame with a clatter. He staggered forward and turned around – and ran right into the frame again. The beefy arm of Beast shot through the door, grabbed him again by the collar and YOINK – leaving Madam DeVil in her office, wondering what she ever did to deserve…
Sunday
The SCW GalaThousands lined the main square of central London, as the fashion elite of the wrestling business strutted their stuff, all in the name of charity – snort! Yeah, right! Monsieur Harris of House Harris (duh!) had just completed his elite runway walk, much to the admiration of the press, generating donations in the hundreds of thousands for his chosen cause “No Bible Thumpers Left Behind”. But now it was time for the star of the hour, as House DeVil was set to present!
Devona DeVil herself walked the runway, sporting a fallen angel motif. But after her successful walk, came the more unique stylings of her house for the sport that she had loved as a small girl…
The veteran and Hall of Fame femme fatale Alexandra Calaway walked the runway, in a rainbow sports bra top and thigh-high shorts, with every inch of her exposed flesh covered in rainbow pop rocks and Skittles candy. A very tasty treat of a success!
Then along walked the relatively young newcomer to the business - Ariana Angelos! With her renowned love of cooking as an inspiration, Ariana more so resembled a female version of the Swedish chef from the Muppets fame!
And bringing up the rear - pun intended - was none other than Bobbie Dahl who drew gasps and shocked expressions at her new ring attire, a soft pink lingerie two-piece with blinking heart lights on the breasts and just below the navel. Bobbie reached the end of the runway before she posed, hands on her knees and popping her booty out when sudden screams were heard and the crowd started to scatter!
“Look out!”
“What's happening!?”
“Pink Puppy is out!”
“Okay haven’t we had enough of that joke!?”
Devona was almost thrown back and off of the stage as the crowd surged in every direction, running as the Pink Puppy raced to safety and freedom, weaving through legs of the running crowd! But that one Pink Puppy was not enough to cause such chaos! It was the fact that the dilapidated old truck of beauty and Beast was in hot pursuit, paying little mind to the crowd in its path but hey! It’s an RP dream sequence so nobody is going to get hurt! Devona watched in both shock and horror as the truck barreled past in hot pursuit of her prize catch, but not so much as she was surprised when the gargantuan Beast ran past her, pausing just long enough to catch his breath.
Beast/Jasper: W-w-we ran into a little problem!
Devona DeVil: What happened!? Who is driving your truck!?
Beast/Jasper: Who do you think!?
Beauty aka Horace was behind the wheel, tearing through the streets in hot pursuit of the Pink Puppy. A remarkable feat considering he’d never driven before in his beautiful life!
Devona grabbed Beast by the coat and shook him while screaming bloody murder…
Devona DeVil: GET OFF OF THIS STAGE! GET YOUR DIM WITTED BROTHER AND CATCH THAT PINK PUPPY!!!!
Beast/Jasper: Right away mum !
And he bounded off the stage and into the fleeing crowd! She then turned to spot her own vintage car parked right in the square… What a remarkable coincidence! Devona growled through clenched teeth!
Devona DeVil: If you want something done right…!
The wheels of her black and purple Panther De Ville Saloon spun around, burning smoke and she tore off behind the wheel in mad pursuit! Chasing after both her two bumbling brothers and the Pink Puppy! She could see Beast/Jasper hoofing it on the pavement, his thick, tree-trunk legs pumping like mad as he ran to try and catch up with his brother behind the wheel!
Suddenly a group of nuns crossed the street and Beauty slammed on the brakes! Devona was so distracted that she did not see in time and she rear ended Beauty - pun not intended! Beauty hurriedly pushed open the driver’s door – and Beast ran right into it - tearing it right off! The big man stumbled forward and right into the nuns, sending them flying like bowling pins – with accompanying sound!
Devona simply sat behind the wheel, hands on the steering wheel in a tight-gripped shock, eyes wide as she just watched the Pink Puppy happily trot across their path as beauty turned around with a smile and waved at her, while Beast stood upright, the little birdies circling his head as he proceeded to help the Nuns to their feet…
Officer J2H: Okay lady, you’re coming with me!
The hand swiftly grabbed her by the upper arm, pulling her from the classic car!
Devona DeVil: Unhand me you cretin! Do you know who I am!?
Officer J2H: No! Do you know who
I am?
Devona looked up at the officer and her face blanched in shock and confusion as there stood the young officer with a cocky smirk, and his badge read “Officer James2H”....
Officer J2H: You’re under arrest! You have the right to remain silent and considering you only have 5k for this RP, I strongly suggest you use it! You have the right…
Suddenly Devona awoke with a start, on the private jet that her Blast From the Past tag team partner J2H had hired on for the shared travel accommodations of he and his family as well as her own, to get them all the way from Beverly Hills to London for this coming Sunday’s event. While he could have left her to her own devices, the former World Heavyweight Champion had his own reasons for bringing her with him directly - one of which he was taking no chances she’d not arrive in time having to take some last minute flight in … (shudders) coach.
Devona sat upright in the seat she had dozed off in and wiped the sleep from her eyes, wondering privately to herself how far they were from London. The lights in the cabin were dimmed, and she looked out one of the windows to see infinite darkness across the skyline. Her thoughts then drifted back toward the very strange dream she had just had, and how it had ended just before she woke up. She frowned, then looked about the cabin and saw J2H himself fast asleep, laying full back on one of the many lounge sofas on the jet. She gave J2H her best “stink eye” impression and grabbed the nearest pillow, wound up and POW! Right across the head! Her strength was impressive as the blow from the pillow almost - ALMOST -sent J2H toppling off of the sofa and to the cabin floor but even in his sudden surprise, he was alert enough to prevent the fall. His in-ring training she imagined.
He looked around with wide eyes, the shock of being woken up so suddenly evident on his face as he looked up and found her standing over him.
J2H: What the hell… did you just hit me with a pillow!?
Devona: Yes and you deserved it too!
J2H: What the hell did I do!?
A sleepy voice from across the cabin drew their attention from each other and toward a sleepy Melody with an even sleepier JJ in her arms, both having been woken up from the slight commotion.
Melody: What’s going on?
J2H: That’s what I want to know! She hit me with a pillow!
Melody then looked from her husband to Devona in confusion.
Melody: Why did you hit him with a pillow?
Devona: Because he got me arrested and thrown into jail, that’s why!
Devona stormed off to the other side of the cabin, J2H now even more confused than he had been before. But that was nothing compared to when he turned away from the retreating Devona and he did a double take at the sight of Melody shaking her head at him, clucking her tongue.
Melody: James!
JJ: Daddy!
J2H: Are you
KIDDING me right now!?....
Inside of the Copperbox Arena, Devona - one of the four remaining wrestlers in the 2023 Blast From the Past Memorial tournament, sat in the upper balcony, far enough away so that she could watch and observe the workers below as they went about their business; putting the finishing touches on the stage, the ring, the lightning and everything in between. All to make ready for Into the Void XII in just two days. Soon enough, the building would be packed with thousands of fans of all ages, while many more, many times over would be watching live from across the globe on the Sin City streaming service. But for now, it was only Devona here in the seats, lost in her own thoughts as she contemplated what was soon to come.
“Lao Tzu was the legendary, ancient Chinese philosopher who first said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Some people have taken this quite literally but to me, it has simply always meant that every goal has a single starting point, and if you want to accomplish your hopes and dreams, then only you can take that first step forward. Only you can start down that path because no one else can do it for you. It’s a philosophical saying that I have taken to heart all of my life, throughout school and in both of my careers. Nobody else was going to be able to make me take that first step forward on the path to be a wrestler and fulfill a dream that I’ve had in my heart ever since I was a little girl. Just the same as working as a vet tech. I’ve always loved animals and have worked with them from high school as a volunteer. And when I was getting dirty and smelly cleaning cages at the Humane Society, all I could think was how I could be doing more to help animals. That’s why I started working in a pet adoption center, finding cats and dogs their furever homes. And then I moved on, and up, and started working as a vet tech so I could help those beloved fur babies get well when they were sick. Neither journey was easy. They both had their hurdles that I had to cross. Challenges to overcome and pains and frustrations that I had to get past and succeed against. But the one thing that both of those paths had in common … was that one step that started it all.”
“The same could be said with where I stand now, ready to enter the ring one more time in the finals of the 2023 Blast From the Past. I hate to admit it, but James was right when he said to me I came into this wanting more than just to prove I could still hang inside of the ring if I wanted to. Every little girl who dreams of entering this sport, also dreams of one day rising to the very top as the World Champion. I mean, if you don’t want to be the best at what you do, then is there really much of a point in doing it? And this one step, the step that James and I are about to take together, brings this little girl just one step closer to achieving that goal and fulfilling a dream. And the journey? I can’t deny that it has been nothing short of one thrill ride after another. My first match back in five years against Jessie Salco was the icing on the cake. It was facing such a great veteran and a reigning champion as we speak that truly made me realize what I wanted from this sport. The tournament has been great and so much fun, but finding myself in the ring alone, testing myself against one of the best that the Bombshell division has to offer – and winning? Jessie was here before I ever even started my training and I can only imagine that she’ll be here long after I’m gone.”
“But when it was time to get down to business, I know I am going to hate myself in the morning for saying this, especially considering how he and I first started things, but James? It really has been my honor to get to team with you. When you agreed to stand in my corner for my match against Jessie at Blaze of Glory XI, I admit it. I was on Cloud 9. Differences aside, you have been one hell of a partner to stand by me. All the jokes that have been made at your expense by the men that you’ve been up against not only your entire career, but since our first match together in Barbados? To hell with them. You have proven yourself time and again, not only to your critics, but to me as well. I’ve watched you since your first time inside of the ring – which was admittedly embarrassing? But you are the picture personified of hard work and determination. You busted your ass to become the young legend that you are, and no amount of wealth can buy that sort of prestige. When we were paired together, I admit a part of me groaned considering how different we are in every aspect of life between us. You've done so much more than just light a fire under me. You might even say that you’ve been something of an inspiration.”She held up a hand and playfully waved the thought off.
“Just don’t let it get to you. Your head is big enough as it is.”
“Now then… Calvin Harris. Calvin, I think I made it perfectly clear that I am looking forward to seeing you and James lock it up when it’s your turn inside of the ring. While you’ve had your past, and not all of it in a favorable light, you’ve proven yourself to be a success story as a two-time World Champion. Mad respect for that, and I’m not just saying that as lip service for all of those sweet things you said about me last time around. I think the nicest thing I can say to you or about you that does not pertain to your in-ring talent is the simple fact that you are the opposite of your Uncle. While he seems to take a great deal of delight in taking the easy way out and face as few actual challenges as he can, you are at the exact opposite of the same spectrum. You have lost none of the skill that you had when you were standing atop the SCW Mountain on two different occasions, but you now seem to thrive on proving yourself without having to stoop to the same levels your other blood here has stooped to. You don’t need to resort to stealing championships from rightful champions with chloroform or relying on your better half to save your butt when the going gets tough against a legit threat. You face that challenge head on, and you persevere.”
“Now… the not-so-nicest thing I can say about you is the way that you seem to just be glossing over my partner. And you know, that’s not such a bad thing because every other man who has set foot in the ring against us – against him – so far in this tournament has done the exact same thing and in case you haven’t noticed? They’re not in the Finals. We are. You can take J2H lightly and take all the shots at him that you want, but how many men made the exact same mistake, leading him to becoming not only a two-time World Champion, but also one of the most sought after and respected athletes SCW has ever had? J2H is the best, Calvin. And for you to think or say otherwise is going to be the proverbial nail in the coffin, and it is just going to lead us to the win and James into becoming a three-time champion.”
“But, you’re not alone Calvin. Dawn, I can’t speak highly enough for everything that you’ve proven to the world around you since all of this began. But respect aside, I have got to ask … what is it with this whole Pink Puppy thing you have going? Did you ever take the time to consider the adult nature of that ring nickname? Perhaps you haven’t taken that into account when you picked that name for yourself, but then again…”Devona tilted her head to the side with a knowing look.
“Maybe you did. People make the same mistake with you that they’ve made with me during my life. They look at our stature, our height, take our looks into account or our favorite colors – purple is mine, obviously. Then they think that maybe because we look soft, that we do business the same way. Maybe we’re soft inside of the ring and could be considered *air quotes* ‘easy pickings’ when nothing could be further from the truth. They might take one look at you, with the bright smiles and the elaborate gear that you wear. They may see you all in pink like a walking piece of bubblegum and see you behave in that perky, almost childlike manner in person or on social media and think to themselves…”She nodded, a smile on her face and tongue in cheek.
“...’Yeahhhh! This is going to be easy! I can’t fail!’ Well…!”She shrugged.
“Unfortunately Dawn, I’m not one of those poor schmo that would fall for such a trap. One, like I said – I’ve lived through the same misconceptions that you have. And two, unlike so many of the others that you’ve faced, I’ve been paying attention. You are living proof that dynamite comes in the smallest of packages and all the giggles and dancing isn’t going to make me take things any easier with you than any other woman I have to step foot inside of the ring against. You can skip and giggle and fawn over me as a fan… hell! You could surprise us all and fart pink glitter but sweetheart?”She shook her head with a knowing smile.
“It’s not going to work. Remember the stock I come from. Take a look at who I am teamed with. I have been inside of the ring with some of the very best!”She counted off of her fingers…
“Mercedes Vargas! Jessie Salco! Amy Santino! If women of their caliber couldn’t get under my skin and walk away the winner, you have a better chance at playing for the WNBA. And believe it or not, I say that with respect. Because your record in this event has earned it from me. But that’s where it ends. Once that bell rings, there is nothing between us. No respect. No friendship. No locker room camaraderie. All respect gets thrown out the door because I have every intention of claiming that World title shot for myself at Summer XXXTreme, and doing my part to make sure my partner gets the same. And I am going to do that by becoming the first woman to beat you in the center of the ring.”Devona winked, then picked up a can of beer that she had brought into the building and held it up high.
“And James? One last thing chere. Here’s to us. The 2023 Blast From the Past Champions!”