SCW Boards
Roleplay Boards => Archived Roleplays => Supercard Archives => Topic started by: Christian Underwood on February 22, 2015, 08:27:51 PM
-
Post your RPs here.
First RP Period Deadline:
United States: 11:59pm EST Saturday 02/28/2015
England: 04:59am Sunday 03/01/2015
-
The scene opens inside Pure Gym, in Cardiff, late in the morning of Monday 21st April 2014. In amongst the cross-trainers, treadmills, and suchlike, the camera is focused on an exercise bike - an exercise bike that is being used by the then SCW Heavyweight Champion, Simon Jones; Simon is wearing a pair of navy blue shorts and a grey t-shirt. While most of the men and women of SCW were in Cairo the previous night, for Climax Control, Simon was in the Welsh capital, guesting on a show in his adopted hometown, that was staged by a wrestling promotion based in the UK.
Unbeknownst to Simon, he is being watched with intrigue, by one of the gym's personal trainers; stood a few yards away from Simon - out of his line of sight - wearing the gym's uniform of a pair of black trousers and a white polo shirt, is Natalie McKinley. When Simon's pedaling slows to a stop, Natalie sees her opportunity; she walks over to where Simon is, and stands next to the exercise bike.
Natalie: 'Excuse me.'
Remaining seated on the bike, Simon turns to look at Natalie, somewhat startled by her sudden appearance at his side.
Simon: 'Yes?'
Natalie smiles nervously.
Natalie: 'Hi. I'm sorry to bother you, but are you...are you Simon Jones?'
Simon: 'Well, I'm a Simon Jones; which one are you looking for - the cricketer?'
A look of confusion crosses Natalie's face.
Natalie: 'What? Cricketer? No, I...I thought you were a wrestler...I...'
As Natalie struggles for words, Simon puts her out of her misery.
Simon: 'Yes, love - I am a professional wrestler.'
Natalie breathes a sigh of relief.
Natalie: 'Oh, thank goodness - I was beginning to think that I had the wrong person.'
Simon smiles reassuringly at Natalie.
Simon: 'I'm sorry about that - I guess I probably made that more difficult for you than it needed to be.'
Natalie: 'No, it's okay.'
Natalie laughs awkwardly.
Natalie: 'I'm sorry for disturbing you, I just...well, after seeing you wrestle last night, I just didn't expect to then find you here today.'
Simon: 'You were there last night then, down the bay?'
Natalie nods her head.
Natalie: 'Yes - whenever there's a wrestling event here in Cardiff, I try to attend; congratulations on your win last night.'
Simon: 'Thank you.'
Simon steps off the exercise bike, and stands opposite Natalie.
Natalie: 'I was wondering, once you've finished your workout, could I maybe buy you a coffee?'
Simon: 'I'm flattered, love, but I'm a married man.'
Simon holds up his left hand, showing off his wedding band; Natalie then shakes her head frantically, and her voice takes on an almost apologetic tone.
Natalie: 'Oh, no - I didn't mean it like that.'
Natalie cringes.
Natalie: 'Sorry - I just realised how that sounded. No, what I meant was, I'm not just a fan of wrestling - I'm also an aspiring wrestler.'
Before she can say any more, Natalie is interrupted by Simon.
Simon: 'You definitely look like you could be a wrestler.'
Simon then looks her up and down.
Natalie: 'The weight training actually started before my wrestling training did.'
Simon: 'Well, whichever came first, it's impressive to see a young woman who is as dedicated to working hard in the gym as you so obviously are.'
Natalie: 'Thanks.'
Natalie smiles again.
Natalie: 'So, as I was saying, the reason why I asked you if we could get a coffee, or something, is because I'm an aspiring wrestler, and so I was hoping that maybe I could pick your brain.'
Simon: 'About anything in particular, or just about wrestling in general?'
Natalie: 'I'm aware that you've managed to carve out a successful career for yourself in wrestling, whilst I'm still trying to get my break in the sport, so any advice that you can give me would be appreciated.'
Simon nods his head.
Simon: 'Okay, sure. But if I'm going to help you, then I probably ought to know your name.'
Natalie: 'Oh, of course; sorry. I'm Natalie - Natalie McKinley.'
Natalie extends her hand towards Simon, which he shakes.
Simon: 'Nice to meet you, Natalie.'
Natalie's smile broadens slightly.
Simon: 'So, when do you want to get that coffee, then?'
Natalie: 'I'm due to go on lunch at midday, so we could go someplace then, if that's okay with you - or do you have somewhere else that you need to be?'
Simon: 'No, that's fine - that will give me enough time to finish off what I had planned for my workout.'
Natalie: 'Okay, great.'
Natalie jerks a thumb over her shoulder.
Natalie: 'Well, I think I ought to get back to work.'
Simon just smiles at Natalie, as she turns away from him; when she then begins to walk away from Simon, he calls out to her.
Simon: 'Oh, and Natalie...'
Natalie stops, and turns back to face Simon.
Natalie: 'Yes?'
Simon: 'I don't drink coffee, so if you're going to buy me a hot drink, I'll have tea, please.'
Natalie chuckles.
Natalie: 'Sure thing, Simon.'
As Natalie turns away from Simon again, the scene then switches from the gym to a coffee shop around two hundred yards away, called Coffee#1, where the two of them are now sat opposite one another, at a small table, each with a mug in their hands; Natalie is still dressed in the uniform of her employer, while Simon's shorts have been replaced by a pair of navy blue tracksuit bottoms. Both of them are sipping from the drinks in their respective mugs - Natalie has coffee in her mug, whereas Simon has tea in his.
Simon puts his mug down on the table, as he asks Natalie a question.
Simon: 'So then, when did you decide that you wanted to be a professional wrestler?'
Natalie has another sip of coffee, before placing her drink on the table.
Natalie: 'I started working out in July 2010, because I wanted to be healthy, and to take care of my body. And to supplement my weight training, I needed to do some sort of aerobic exercise. I didn't want to just do the usual kinds of cardio workouts, though, so I turned to combat sports. I tried my hand at a few different sports - such as boxing, and kickboxing - but once I got my first taste of wrestling, it did not take long for me to realise that wrestling is the sport for me.'
Simon: 'You already told me that you're a fan of wrestling...'
Just as Simon is about to ask another question, he is interrupted by Natalie.
Natalie: 'I've been a fan long enough to be able to remember when you wrestling in the UK was a common occurrence, rather than a one-off.'
Simon: 'That's going back more than a decade.'
Natalie: 'Yep; I guess I must have been eight or nine, when I started watching wrestling.'
Simon picks up his mug of tea.
Simon: 'May I ask, how old are you now?'
Simon takes a sip of his tea, as Natalie replies.
Natalie: 'I'm twenty-one.'
Simon then takes another sip from his mug, before putting it back on the table.
Simon: 'Okay, so, I was going to ask you, with you being a fan of wrestling, how come it wasn't the first sport that you tried?'
Natalie: 'Well, at that time, I wasn't considering wrestling as a possible option for a career - I was simply looking for a suitable form of exercise; if back then my mind had been set on wanting to become a wrestler, then I'm sure wrestling would have been the first sport that I tried.'
Natalie picks up her coffee, to take a sip of her drink; she then puts it back on the table, and continues her answer to Simon's question.
Natalie: 'Really, though, it was an issue of convenience - there are plenty of boxing clubs, and kickboxing clubs, in South Wales, but wrestling schools are few and far between.'
Simon: 'So, returning to my original question, when did you decide that you wanted to be a wrestler?'
Natalie: 'Only recently - within the past few months. When I graduated from university last year, I had long since decided that I wanted to be a personal trainer - with me being passionate about health and fitness, I suppose it was an obvious choice.'
Natalie lets out a slight sigh.
Natalie: 'And I do enjoy my job at the gym, but as I've continued to watch wrestling shows, I've found myself wondering more and more, after all of the training that I've done, whether I could be a successful wrestler. I mean, I see some girls that are purported to be wrestlers, who look like they don't even belong in the ring, and I think, surely I can do better than them.'
Simon nods his head in understanding.
Natalie: 'Plus, I imagine it must be great to perform each week in front of a live crowd, that is packed with frenzied fans.'
Simon: 'Oh, it is, I can assure you - getting to entertain a group of people, while doing something that you love, is a tremendous experience. Of course, if you lose, then it isn't so wonderful - but still, you'll struggle to find anything to match such an experience.'
Natalie: 'And I want to get to experience that - after all of my training, I want to be able to finally put it into practice, and become a professional wrestler. But first I need to find a wrestling promotion that is willing to give me a chance to show what I can do - which is where I was hoping that you might be able to help me.'
Simon: 'I'm not sure quite how much assistance I'll be able to provide, but I'll help you if I can. Do you want to stay in the UK, or would you be happy to relocate?'
Natalie shrugs her shoulders.
Natalie: 'I don't mind; like I said, I need someone to give me the chance to prove myself, so if that means me having to move away from home - overseas, even - then I'll make that sacrifice.'
Simon: 'Well, if you don't have any issues with moving to another country, then the obvious option would be SCW. I know that SCW is looking to recruit new bombshells - although there is one thing that could be a major stumbling block.'
Natalie: 'What's that?'
Simon: 'They are only looking at world class bombshells; I believe those were the words that Mark Ward used.'
Natalie's disappointment is evident from the change in her tone of voice.
Natalie: 'Oh.'
There is a momentary silence, before Natalie speaks again.
Natalie: 'Could you persuade them at all, to make an exception? I mean, you are the Heavyweight Champion - surely they'll listen to you.'
Simon smiles wryly.
Simon: 'I may be the champion, but I'm not sure how much that counts for as far as the company's recruitment policy is concerned.'
Simon picks up his tea, and takes another sip, before then putting it back on the table.
Simon: 'Do you have a Twitter account?'
Natalie: 'No - why?'
Simon: 'I would recommend that you sign up for one.'
Natalie doesn't say anything, but her apprehension is displayed by her curled upper lip and wrinkled nose.
Simon: 'Hey, before I signed up to Twitter, I was sceptical about it too, but it really is a good tool for networking with people. Or for sharing funny pictures - you know, whichever you prefer.'
Natalie smiles at Simon's quip.
Simon: 'But seriously, if you were to sign up to Twitter, it would be a good way for you to get in contact with promoters from around the globe.'
Natalie: 'Okay, Simon - I'll take your advice.'
Simon: 'Good - hopefully you'll get something out of it. And if in, say, a month, you've still not had any luck, then I promise you that I will see if I can an open a door for you in SCW.'
Natalie: 'Thanks, Simon.'
Simon: 'You're welcome.'
Simon gets up from his chair.
Simon: 'Right, I'm just going to nip to the toilet, and then when I get back, I'll try to give you some more general advice, on things that might aid your prospects of being a successful wrestler.'
Natalie: 'Okay.'
Simon then walks away from the table, and as Natalie picks up her mug of coffee again, we move forward to this year, with the scene switching to the evening of Thursday 26th February, to show Natalie now in the St. David's shopping centre, in Cardiff.
Natalie - who is wearing a pair of pale blue jeans and a red jacket - is stood on the upper of the two floors of the Grand Arcade section of St. David's, leaning back against a wall; she moves away from the wall, taking a step towards the camera, and then begins to speak.
Natalie: 'Each Thursday, the stores in the city centre of my hometown stay open past their usual closing time, allowing people to enjoy late night shopping. However, the item that I most want to procure right now, more than anything else, won't be found in any shop, no matter how long they stay open for. This item is priceless. And it's one of a kind. But fortunately for me, in ten days' time, I will be able to acquire this item - all I have to do to get hold of it, is defeat Mercedes Vargas for a second time in less than a month, and if I do that, then the SCW Bombshell Roulette Championship will be mine.'
Natalie puts her hands on her hips.
Natalie: 'I know that I surprised a lot of people last Sunday, in Stockholm, when I pinned Mercedes - in fact, I might have been the only person that wasn't shocked by the outcome. I'm well aware that most people, if not everyone, will have viewed me as being the underdog in that match four days ago - and probably justifiably so, given the difference between the two of us in terms of experience. But I never doubted that I could beat Mercedes; I don't mean that in arrogant way - I know that I'm still a bit rough around the edges, and that I still have flaws that need to be worked on. Yet, while I'm not quite the finished article, I know what I'm already capable of achieving, and I knew that if I worked hard enough, then I could beat Mercedes, as I showed.'
Natalie grins.
Natalie: 'Maybe Mercedes underestimated me last weekend; prior to the match, she reminded everyone that she had pinned me in our only previous encounter - back in September, at Violent Conduct II - and so maybe she thought that it was going to be easy for her to do so again. I did tell Mercedes, though, that the Natalie McKinley she would be in the ring with was different to the one she saw at Violent Conduct - maybe she didn't take heed of my warning. You can still count on two hands the number of matches that I've competed in so far in my career, but I've definitely improved since last September. I've shown a few glimpses of what I can do, inside of the six-sided ring, and my performance last Sunday was my most impressive to date. But I aim to top that one in ten days' time, at Blaze Of Glory IV, by defeating Mercedes again, this time when the roulette title is at stake.'
Natalie relaxes her arms, taking her hands off her hips.
Natalie: 'With how vocal I had been about my aspirations of becoming the Bombshell Roulette Champion, I had to defeat Mercedes last Sunday, if only to show that I wasn't full of hot air. And of course, by winning that match, I earned myself a shot at the title that is currently held by Mercedes. Regardless of whether or not Mercedes did underestimate me last weekend, I'm expecting our match at Blaze Of Glory to be very different to the match that we had at Climax Control - and not just because this time we will be competing under roulette rules, but also because with her title now being up for grabs, Mercedes has a greater incentive this time. But with extra incentive comes extra pressure; four days ago, the pressure to win was all on me - at Blaze Of Glory, Mercedes will have her fair share of the pressure. Admittedly, Mercedes wouldn't have achieved as much in her career as she has done if she couldn't cope when under pressure, but I've now shown everyone that I too can thrive under pressure - I'll do it again at Blaze Of Glory, when it will be one title defence too far for Mercedes, and time for a new champion to be crowned.'
The camera pans to the right, following Natalie as she walks to the edge of the upper floor balcony; she stands by the railing, with her back to the camera.
Natalie: 'After what happened last weekend, I guess that people are now starting to sit up and take notice of me. I mean, at the start of this month, how many people - other than my family and my friends - were interested in my return to SCW? Not that many, I expect. But now, I'm proving that I belong inside the six-sided ring, and that I can be be a challenging opponent for any of the other bombshells in SCW. I would also like to think that I've shown enough to the fans to make them believe in me, and to make them want to give me their support - and not just when my opponent is someone that they love to hate, such as a member of the Mean Girls. I'm sure there are plenty of people that want to see me defeat Mercedes Vargas at Blaze Of Glory, just so the Mean Girls have one less title in their possession - and I don't intend to deny them that pleasure; I'll beat Mercedes, and show any newfound fans I have that they are right to believe in me.'
Natalie puts both her hands on the railing, and leans forward, looking out over the lower floor.
Natalie: 'You know, where I'm stood, I'm a couple of minutes walk away from the Build-A-Bear Workshop; I think the staff there have just about recovered from Drexel Matheson's escapades of a few weeks ago.'
Natalie takes her hands off the railing, and then turns around to face the camera again.
Natalie: 'I'm sure most people are familiar with the saying, "Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it." Well, as of late, I've been getting what I wanted: I wanted to return to SCW; I wanted to compete in a match when SCW was here in Cardiff; and I wanted to have the chance to earn a shot at the Bombshell Roulette Championship - I got all of those things, and having earned a shot at the roulette title, the next thing that I want is to go one step further and win the title. But I'm not the only one that got what they wished for: last week, Mercedes said she wanted me to try my "darndest."'
Natalie smirks.
Natalie: 'Well, she got what she wanted - she got it in spades. And it's too late for Mercedes to turn back now - at Blaze Of Glory IV, she'll get it again. For five months, Mercedes has been defending her title, in her words, "without too much trouble" - but then she came up against me. Now, it's up her to show that what happened at Climax Control was merely a blip - it's up to me to show that it wasn't a fluke.'
Natalie gazes upwards for a moment, towards the ceiling, before looking back to the camera, and continuing.
Natalie: 'I knew that I could beat Mercedes - and now she knows it too. And at Blaze Of Glory, I'll show that what happened four days ago wasn't a one-off, but a sign of things to come. Because a week on Sunday, there will be a changing of the guard in the roulette division.'
Natalie turns away from the camera again, and places her hands on the railing.
Natalie: 'And SCW will have its first Welsh champion. Nos da.'
As Natalie stares off into the distance, the scene fades to black.
-
S|C|E|N|E| 001
[O P E N I N G | S T A T E M E N T]
[For someone who just suffered a tough loss recently, Mercedes Vargas shows no visible sign of disappointment or guilt from her most recent match at Climax Control 108 in Stockholm. The Argentine Mean Girl stares back at us through the camera in her kitchen as we find her as always representing her Mean Girls pride, sporting a black t-shirt with the iconic Mean Girls logo on it, high-rise jeans, and the occasional baseball cap. Sitting on her kitchen counter, she looks down a bit, waiting for the words to come to her. When she has the words at the tip of her tongue, she lets out a breath, then begins.]
[REC•]
“On January 5, history was made when I surpassed Necra Octavian Kane's 1st reign of 112 days. Now, for all of you people that's slow, that maybe needs a little help, it means that no one – NO ONE! - has held the Bombshell Roulette Championship longer than me. A month later, on Groundhog's Day, my 3 combined reigns as Bombshell Roulette Champion set the record for the longest combined Bombshell singles reign surpassing Misty's 3 reigns as World Bombshell Champion. The following week, not only did Delia surpassed Gothika's 147-day reign to become the longest reigning World Bombshell Champion, but she and I became the longest Bombshell singles champions and overall second-longest singles champions, male or female, in SCW history.”
[That's quite a mouthful. A small smile appears on her face as she continues.]
“There was also my combined reigns as Bombshell Roulette Champion surpassing Nick Jones and his two reigns with the SCW World Championship to set the record for longest combined singles reign by a champion and the overall second-longest combined reign. Fast forward to Valentine's Day. It's now been five months. As a matter of fact, Delia and I are the ONLY Bombshell singles champions to have a title reign that long. Not to mention, but I'll mention, that we've joined some elite company – Spike Staggs, Nick Jones, Equinox – as one of the few singles champions to have a five-month reign."
[Just as she finishes, Mercedes jumps up from off the counter. She changes locations as she pulls back a laden-back chair near her breakfast table.]
“It goes without saying, nothing succeeds like success. And let's face it, the Mean Girls have been everything but successful in SCW. We have beaten everyone that there is to beat in the Bombshells Division. We have defeated practically everyone on the roster. The fans watched as we conquered their heroes and crushed their favorites. We've been called everything under the sun: Hags, crabs, rats, cheaters, the list goes on and on and on and on. We don't like being called those names very much, but one name we do like being called is champion.
"In less than two weeks, the Mean Girls will be defending our titles once again on pay-per-view. And if you've been following our success lately, you know that when the stakes are high, we always overcome the odds. I know Delia has her match in hand with Amy Marshall, it's a foregone conclusion. I, on the other hand, have to deal with the upstart Natalie McKinley, who, I will admit, did impress me in our non-title match at Climax Control 108. No excuses here. She didn't get lucky, she didn't cheat, she pinned my shoulders to the mat for the 1-2-3. She beat me, she won, she's gets a title shot. The question is, can she do it again? When it counts. On the biggest stage. For all the marbles."
[She opens her hands, letting the question hang there for a brief moment.]
“What you people don't understand is that we have the power in the Bombshells Division, and no one can tell us different. SCW puts challengers in front of us, and we beat them handily. They ban us from each other's matches, we still end up with our hands raised. People bet on us losing our titles and not only do we prove them wrong, but we overcome the odds. Each and every time.
“At Blaze of Glory IV, nothing is going to change. Delia, Vero, Mandy, and myself will be winning our respective matches at the supershow. That's not a threat, that's not a promise or guarantee, that's not even a spoiler, that is a fact. But, more importantly, that's a MEAN GIRLS fact. This is what you call domination. And one look at our opponents, and you can see why. In any event, Natalie McKinley, I'm sorry to say, but like Amy Marshall will also find out in her own match, your golden opportunity is only going to turn out to be a wasted opportunity."
[Mercedes waves her hand in a dismissive gesture toward the camera. Fortune may favor the bold, but against the Mean Girls, it's going to take more than that to unseat them from their place on top of the division.]
“But you don't have to take my word for it. I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.”
[She pauses, tilting her head to one side and making an exaggerated sad face.]
“Sorry, not sorry.”
Fade.
• • •
S|C|E|N|E| 002
[A R R I V A L S | A N D | D E P A R T U R E S, P A R T X]
Previously...
MIAMI, FLORIDA.
LAW OFFICES OF REINHARDT, PLEASANT, AND SCOTT. MORNING.
[Andrea and Matt walk and talk.]
Andrea: So did you hear about the Reyes-Shepherd case?
Matt: You mean the case that was delayed like five times because reason? Yeah, I heard about it. I don't know why they just won't get it over with. Holidays and all. Thank God I'm not tied with that case.
[Andrea and Matt walk down stairs.]
Andrea: Do you take anything seriously?
[Matt says nothing. When Andrea waited for an answer he gave a puzzled expression, then figured it out.
Matt: Oh, that wasn't rhetoical? I work around the clock for fun!
[Expose skyline shows a beautiful sun. Andrea and Matt walk, skyline in foreground.]
Matt: Guidelines tattoos on my back.
[Matt and Andrea stop at catering where they both get tacos. Andrea and Matt eat.]
[Andrea and Matt walk.]
Andrea: “Matt...”
[Andrea and Matt end journey outside meeting room.]
Andrea: Matt. You don't know...That case is being handled by Irene Martinez, the toughest attorney on the firm.
Matt: Oh crap. That can't be good.
• • •
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.
[Irene enters the double doors of the building holding an envelope and simply walks straight past the switchboard. Behind tinted sunglasses, she mainted a direct expression. Her body wrapped in a dark business suit. Black heels. Blonde hair that hung just past her shoulders. The secretary quickly looks up and calls out to her.]
Secretary: Excuse me, miss? Can I help you?
[The linoleum floor reflected the sunlight from the large windows. Above was an atrium, which reached several feet up, the apex arching into a glazed skylight. Irene stops, but doesn't turn to acknowledge her.]
Irene: Yes, you can help me. I am here to see Helen Shepherd. I believe her office is on the third floor?
[Irene starts walking to the elevators.]
Secretary: Do you have an appointment?
Irene stops and turns around.]
Irene: Excuse me?
Secretary: Do you have an appointment? Mrs. Shepherd is in a very important meeting right now.
[Suddenly, her hand, which a moment ago went to remove her sunglasses, holds up an envelope.]
Irene: Oh, I won't be very long, but thanks for asking.
[Irene smiles at the secretary before turning her back on her as her expression changes to one of disgust as she heads towards the elevators. Kathryn goes to stop her but the switchboard is firing up again. The elevator door opens. A male employee exits as he is talking on his cellphone while a female employee is not too close behind carrying paperwork in one hand and distracted by a PDA tablet in the other.]
Irene: Third floor, please.
[She gives a pensive smile at the secretary, who glances at her while taking a call, then turns to the other riders as this is the last we see of Irene as the elevator door closes.]
• • •
Continues...
EXECUTIVE BUILDING, THIRD FLOOR. MORNING.
"I'm sorry things didn't work out, Mrs. Shepherd. We were so close to a deal. And on your birthday, too."
"Well, there's always next time. And thank you for the well wishes."
[Helen Shepherd offers what she considers a sincere smile as sitting across from her is her client, one Mr. Rupert Collins. For a middle-aged man, the years have been kind to him as he appeared to be in his late-thirties. He is dressed business casual, sitting in a chair aloof, though takes great care to hide the look of disappointment on his face. This meeting have been for quite awhile.
Standing to his feet at the same time Helen does, they exchange pleasantries. The meeting nearly ends when Irene burst into Helen's office unannounced. She stands in front of her desk without so much a glance in the direction of her client, who looks dumbfounded.]
Irene: Are you Helen Shepherd?
Client: What is the meaning of this?
Helen: I don't know. I thought I told Kathryn no interruptions!
Irene: Yeah, sorry about that. My name is Irene Marti-
Helen: Who the hell do you think you are to barge into my office like this? Get the hell out before I call security and have you thrown out!
Irene: Well, before you send me on my way, I represent the law firm of Reinhardt, Pleasant and Scott and I wanted to leave something with you.
Client: What is that?
[Irene ignores Helen's client and doesn't take her eyes off Helen as she slams the packet on her desk.]
Helen: What is that you put on my desk?
Irene: You've been served.
[Irene starts to walk towards the door before turning around.]
Irene: I'm leaving now, Ms. Shepherd. Oh, and happy birthday.
[She slams the door as she leaves.]
• • •
S|C|E|N|E| 003
[ M A K E | O R | B R E A K|]
[REC•]
“There isn't a day that goes by that we Mean Girls get a truckload of hate-mail directed at us. It's not our fault that we're that damn good or that we sellout arenas or that our merch crushes everyone else or that we win a lot. And on the rare occasion that we do lose, it's not because that Bombshell got lucky, it's that the fans wanted to see us lose that night. So, on to Natalie McKinley.”
[We've changed locations now as we find Mercedes standing in her living room. She has also changed her wardrobe, now wearing a Welsh soccer kit. The iconic red dragon logo is embossed on the white t-shirt.]
“The preview to our match couldn't have said it better. Many were shocked when you pinned me in Stockholm, Sweden this past Sunday at Climax Control and, yes, you have yourself a championship match with me just like that. But herein lies the question: Can you beat me again, or will you become a footnote to my historic reign?
“I noticed you liked to talk about the world's game, football. And if there is anyone who loves football, it's me. Ask Simon. He will tell you how I watched every moment of the last World Cup, from the opening round to Argentina's bitter defeat to Germany in the title match. Nonetheless, I am proud to support a very successful national team who has won two world cups and are always favorites in every edition. Unlike your country, well, it really says something when they have qualified just once for the World Cup, and that was before either of us were even born.
“Natalie, do you understand the opportunity you've been given? You can accomplish something your national team has never done in almost six decades, and that's by winning a championship. And I know that day by day you're feeling confident. Day by day you are preparing yourself for the match at hand, the moment, your moment, as our match gets closer. Can you picture it? You, standing in the center of that ring, the championship in your hand, the Copenhagen crowd chanting your name..."
[Mercedes begins chanting with her fist in the air]
“NATALIE! NATALIE NATALIE!”
[Then makes a crowd cheering noise to the theatrics.]
“Here's your chance to accomplish that goal, to make your dream become a reality. You did make an interesting point, though. If there is anyone under pressure leading into this match, it's me. You've got nothing to lose, and everything to gain. I have everything to lose, and nothing to gain. And that's a scary thought. To lose to someone like you twice in two weeks would be devastating. I'll never be able to live it down. But, see, that's what being a champion is all about. I'm not counting the days, Natalie. Instead I'm going to make them count. I've done that for six years now. Whether I was a tag team champion, television champion, world champion...it didn't matter. When my feet was put to the fire, I walked on hot coals and survived. When I was put to the test, I passed with flying colors, and when there's an obstacle in my way, I remove it from my way.
"So, I'm not surprised that there's a target on my back and everyone wants at me for my title. I'm not getting eight hours of sleep a night, it's usually four, if at all. Constantly wondering and worrying what new challenge awaits me, who will be coming next to end my title reign, what Bombshell will be gunning for me now. The expectations..."
[Mercedes raises a hand above her head.]
“...are that much higher."
[Her voice was scarcely more than a whisper, but just enough to still be heard.]
“So are the stakes."
[Mercedes makes her hands go limp as she crosses her arms in front of her.]
“See, I live for matches like these. Because no matter how high the stakes are, no matter what the odds are, no matter how intense the pressure, I always answer the bell. The question is, will you? Will you meet those expectations, Natalie? Because if you think that you will meet them at my expense, then you couldn't BE more wrong. At Blaze of Glory IV, the world will be watching and waiting and wondering if you can pull off an encore performance. And at the end of the night, they will have their answer. You're going to let a lot of people down that night: your fans, your fellow Bombshells, your mentor, your country, but, more importantly, yourself.
"You will not be able to live up to the expectations let alone the reputation of being the greatest Bombshell Roulette Champion in history like I am."
[Mercedes points to herself.]
“A little history lesson? There has been 19 title reigns by 13 different Bombshells. The difference between me and the other twelve?"
[She smirks. and holds out her hands in a defiant manner.]
“I've outlasted them all. Well, most of them anyway."
[This was a true statement, as aside from Mercedes, only Jessie Salco and Amy Marshall were the only Bombshell Roulette Champions still with SCW today.]
“You're going to disappoint once again. And it starts ten days from next Sunday in Copenhagen, Denmark, Natalie. Because when you and I meet in that ring, yeah, it will be very different than our last match six days ago. It will be different than our first match five months ago. You're going to realize that you won't be getting out of this match that easy. But I also want you to think that this match is in your favor. Train to your little heart's content. Kick back and relax a little. I want you to visualize reaching for the SCW Bombshell Roulette Championship until you can almost taste it. I want you to keep this fascination you have with my title until it keeps you up at night. I want you to continue in pursuit of my title until you break down and then realize that you should have taken my foolish advice and gone after the Bombshell Internet Championship, your best bet, and maybe your only bet, at having gold around your waist."
[Mercedes walks over to her trophy case where the SCW Bombshell Roulette Championship is displayed on a wooden pedestal. Mercedes opens the case, takes out the title and places her championship over her shoulder as she faces the camera.]
“I want you to be consumed with the notion that you will beat me, and then realize that you can't. And then, that's where I take over. I end you, I defeat you, in whatever Roulette Rules match that's chosen for us. And after that final bell, my hand will be raised in victory, a sixth title defense under my belt. And as for you?”
[Mercedes points at the camera, offering a smirk at the camera.]
“All you'll be leaving with are bumps and bruises, stitches, your wounded pride, and a paycheck. Oh, and a lonely flight back to that second-rate country you call home.”
[Placing her championship on the floor, she takes off the Wales jersey to reveal an Argentine one underneath it. She throws the first jersey aside, picks up her championship and replaces it over her shoulder. Mercedes fluffs and straightens out her hair and then slowly cross her arms.]
“I guess what I'm really trying to say Natalie, is I'm going to make or break you at Blaze of Glory.”
Fade.
-
The first RP period is over.
All RPs posted now will go towards the second RP period.
Second RP Period Deadline:
United States: 11:59pm EST Friday 03/06/2015
England: 04:59am Saturday 03/07/2015
-
The scene opens outside a terraced house in the Gabalfa district of Cardiff, early in the evening of Thursday 27th November 2014. Stood by the front door of the house, in mostly darkness - a nearby street light providing the only illumination - is Natalie McKinley; she is wearing a pair of dark blue jeans, and a green moleskin coat.
Natalie reaches out to press the doorbell. She then crosses her arms, trying to protect herself against the cold weather. Several seconds pass before the door is opened - and when it is opened, it is instantly apparent whose house this is: Simon Jones; Simon - who is wearing a pair of black trousers and an untucked purple button-up shirt - is clearly surprised to see Natalie stood on his doorstep, as is made obvious by the expression on his face, and the tone of his voice.
Simon: 'Natalie?'
Natalie unfolds her arms.
Natalie: 'Hi, Simon.'
Simon: 'What are you doing here? I thought you weren't going to be back in the UK until a couple of days before Christmas.'
Natalie: 'That was what I thought, too. But after our exchange on Twitter last week, when I told you that I would pay you a visit the next time I was at home, I decided that I didn't want to leave it until next month - and so, here I am.'
Simon: 'Alright, well, come in, then.'
Simon steps to one side, and gestures to Natalie for her to enter the house; he then shuts the door behind her.
Natalie: 'Where's Jacqui?'
Simon: 'She's gone to Tesco; she took Matty with her, so I'm here on my own at the moment - or at least, I was until you arrived.'
The camera follows Simon and Natalie, as they walk from the hallway of the house, into the living room. Simon motions for Natalie to take a seat on a black sofa, which she does; Simon then sits down on an adjacent, matching armchair. An uncomfortable looking Natalie quickly glances around the room, before turning her attention back to Simon.
Natalie: 'So...'
Uncertain of what to say, Natalie's voice trails off; Simon is quick to speak.
Simon: 'So, two and a half months ago, the day after Violent Conduct II, I see a tweet from SCW, reporting that you and a couple of other wrestlers - whose names escape me - are no longer members of the SCW roster; what happened, Natalie?'
Natalie lets out a sigh; there is then an awkward silence, as Natalie pauses, before she replies.
Natalie: 'I assume that you watched Violent Conduct.'
Simon: 'Well, I was hoping that I would get to see you win the Bombshell Roulette Championship, so of course I watched it.'
Natalie: 'As I expected you would. So when I lost that match, not only was I gutted that I had failed to win the title, I also felt that I had let down everyone that had gone out of their way to help me - in particular, Spike, and even more so, you.'
Simon leans forward, towards Natalie.
Simon: 'Is that why you left SCW - because you felt that you had let me down, as well as the other people that had helped you?'
Natalie says nothing, and instead looks away from Simon, as she gazes down at the floor.
Simon: 'Natalie, trust me, you didn't let anyone down at Violent Conduct. Okay, so you didn't win the title - but no-one was expecting you to win it. It was only the third match of your career, and you were in the ring with Joanne Canelli, Necra Octavian Kane, and Mercedes Vargas - three wrestlers that are all vastly more experienced than you, and who have all been champions on multiple occasions. You had done well just to qualify for that match.'
Natalie: 'Maybe you're right...'
Natalie raises her head, making eye contact with Simon again.
Natalie: '...but in the immediate aftermath of the match at Violent Conduct, I didn't feel that way - all I felt was disappointment, and shame.'
Natalie sighs again.
Natalie: 'And so I left SCW; I returned home, and shut myself off from wrestling - I even deleted my Twitter account, so as to leave one less way for people to attempt to contact me.'
A slight smile crosses Simon's face.
Simon: 'So you did come back to Cardiff, then.'
Natalie: 'Yeah - it's not like I had anywhere else to go.'
Simon: 'I assumed that you must have come back here, but...'
Simon leans back in his chair, and pauses briefly, before continuing.
Simon: 'If you were back in Cardiff, then how come I didn't see you at the gym?'
Natalie: 'Because instead of going to Pure Gym, I started using another one - an independent gym, not far from my parents' house.'
Simon: 'Were you trying to avoid bumping into me?'
Natalie nods her head.
Natalie: 'Like I said, after Violent Conduct, I felt that I had let you down. And then I compounded that, by quitting SCW, so yeah, I wasn't exactly eager to see you.'
Natalie frowns.
Natalie: 'If you had guessed that I was back in Cardiff, then how come you didn't try to contact me?'
Simon: 'I did think about phoning you - or at least sending you a text - but I noticed that you had deactivated your Twitter account, and so presumed that you wanted to be left alone.'
Natalie: 'Oh.'
There is another small sigh from Natalie.
Natalie: 'I'm sorry, Simon.'
Now it is Simon's turn to frown.
Simon: 'For what?'
Natalie: 'For quitting SCW - and for then not getting in touch with you sooner, to discuss what happened.'
Simon chuckles.
Simon: 'You don't need to apologise to me, Natalie.'
Natalie: 'You're not mad at me?'
Simon: 'Does it sound like I'm mad at you?'
Natalie replies in a softened tone.
Natalie: 'No, I suppose not.'
Simon: 'So you quit SCW, after losing a match.'
Simon shrugs his shoulders.
Simon: 'You acted in the heat of the moment; Natalie, you're twenty-two years old - you're going to make rash decisions. You know what I did when I was twenty-two? I left behind the love of my life, to move to the US, so that I could pursue a career as a professional wrestler. Now that was something to apologise for; thankfully, Jacqui forgave me - eventually.'
Natalie manages a smile.
Natalie: 'Thanks for understanding, Simon.'
Simon: 'No problem.'
There is a moment of silence, before Simon speaks again.
Simon: 'So then...New Jersey?'
Natalie: 'Yeah - it's a bit different from being in Vegas.'
Simon: 'How did you wind up there?'
Natalie: 'Do you remember telling me that Twitter would be a good way for me to get in contact with wrestling promoters?'
Simon: 'Yeah - I think that was something I said to you the first time we met.'
Natalie nods her head.
Natalie: Right. Well, in mid-October, my desire to wrestle returned...'
Simon interrupts Natalie.
Simon: 'I knew it would.'
Natalie: 'How did you know?'
Simon: 'If you weren't going to go back to your job as a personal trainer, then what else were you going to do - try a third career path, while keeping yourself hidden away from everyone other than your family and your closest friends?'
Natalie: 'No, I suppose not. Anyway, as I was saying, in mid-October, I signed up to Twitter again, and that was what led me to the promotion that I'm now working for on the East Coast.'
Natalie turns her head away from Simon, and stares off in the opposite direction for a few seconds; she then looks back to Simon, to ask him a question.
Natalie: 'Has Jason told you that he came to see me last week?'
Simon shakes his head.
Simon: 'No, he hadn't mentioned it.'
Natalie: 'He tracked me down to a gym in Jersey, and turned up there wanting to know why I disappeared from Vegas.'
Simon: 'Yeah, that sounds like the sort of thing that Jase would do.'
Natalie: 'Well, unlike you, he did think that I had something to apologise for. But, after talking it through with him, I then actually managed to convince Jason to stay in Jersey for a few days, to help me prepare for the upcoming match I had.'
Simon: 'So, how are things going for you in Jersey, then?'
Simon leans forward slightly.
Simon: 'I believe that you've been in two matches so far, with one win and one loss - is that right?'
Natalie nods her head.
Natalie: 'Correct.'
She then too leans forward.
Natalie: 'It's going okay for me there, but...it's just not the same as SCW.'
Natalie scratches the back of her head.
Natalie: 'I miss SCW. And I would love to go back there, but I fear that I have burned my bridges beyond repair.'
Simon: 'I wouldn't be so sure of that. Natalie, if you really do want to return to SCW, then I would be happy to have a word with them on your behalf, to see if they would be at all interested in welcoming you back.'
Natalie: 'Really, Simon - you would be willing to do that for me?'
Simon: 'Yes - if you're serious about wanting to succeed in wrestling, then I would prefer to see you do so in SCW. And besides, having another bombshell to rival the Mean Girls wouldn't be a bad thing.'
Natalie's smile broadens into a grin.
Natalie: 'Thanks, Simon.'
Simon: 'You're welcome.'
The sound of a door opening can then be heard, and as both Natalie and Simon turn their heads to look towards the entrance to the living room, the scene changes to show Natalie stood outside the entrance to an apartment building in Las Vegas, on the morning of Saturday 24th January 2015. Natalie is wearing a pair of denim shorts, a black t-shirt, and is carrying a white handbag.
Natalie presses one of the buzzers, that are next to the building's entrance. Within a few seconds, the Irish accent of Simon Jones' long-time confidant, Jason O'Neil is heard over the intercom.
Jason: 'Hello?'
Natalie: 'Hi, Jason - it's Natalie.'
A hint of surprise can be detected in Jason's voice.
Jason: 'Natalie? What are you doing in Vegas?'
Natalie: 'I'm getting some respite from the weather in New Jersey.'
A chuckle can then be heard from Jason.
Natalie: 'So, are you just going to leave me to stand outside, or are you going to let me in?'
Jason: 'Yeah, sure.'
The scene then changes to show Natalie stood in a corridor, outside the door to Jason's apartment; Natalie knocks on the door, and it is soon opened by Jason, who is wearing a pair of black jeans and a green t-shirt. Jason steps aside, to allow Natalie to enter the apartment.
The camera follows Natalie, as she enters the apartment, and walks into the living area, which is just inside the the door. A sofa and matching armchair can be seen in the living area, together with a wooden coffee table, as well as a television; as Jason shuts the door behind her, Natalie points at the coffee table.
Natalie: 'That's new, isn't it? I don't remember you having that the last time I was here.'
Jason: 'Yes, it's a recent purchase.'
Beyond the living area, a kitchen and dining area is visible, as well as doors to other rooms. Natalie takes a seat on the sofa - placing her handbag next to her, on the sofa - while Jason sits down on the armchair.
Jason: 'So, Natalie, are you really just here to escape from the weather in Jersey, or do you have another reason for being in Vegas?'
Natalie: 'Well, the warmer weather, and change of scenery, was my main reason for coming here - although I was hoping, while I was here, that maybe you could help me prepare for my next match.'
A smirk crosses Jason's face.
Jason: 'Sure, I'll help you. When is the match - a week today?'
Natalie gives a short reply to Jason, as she reaches into her bag for something.
Natalie: 'Yes.'
From her bag, Natalie retrieves two CD cases, both of which contain discs.
Natalie: 'These are DVDs of last week's show, and of the show from three weeks ago.'
Natalie leans forward, to place the two DVDs on the coffee table.
Jason: 'I didn't think you had a match on the show that took place three weeks ago.'
Natalie: 'I didn't - but my next opponent did; that's two matches you can analyse with me - plus whatever else we might be able to find on the net.'
Natalie then leans backwards.
Jason: 'So how has New Jersey been, since I saw you two months ago?'
Natalie: 'It's alright, I suppose.'
Natalie gives a noncommittal shrug; she then lets out a sigh, before speaking again.
Natalie: 'During your career, did you ever feel like you were just treading water?'
Jason: 'No, not really. But then, I only ever worked for one promotion in my career, and I solidified my position in the company early on, by winning their top title. Why do you ask?'
Natalie: 'Because, I've had four matches so far, against wrestlers that are at varying levels in the promotion's hierarchy - and the match next Saturday will continue that trend. I suppose I just can't see what direction my career is heading in there.'
Jason: 'You've been there, what - two, three months? I'm sure they're just testing you, to see how you fit into their roster, ability-wise.'
Natalie: 'Yeah, I guess you're probably right.'
Natalie looks away from Jason, towards the other side of the apartment.
Jason: 'I'm assuming this must be the first time that you've been back in Vegas since you left SCW.'
Natalie turns back to look at Jason, as she responds to him.
Natalie: 'Yes, it is; do you know that I went to their show in Birmingham, two weeks ago?'
Jason: 'Yeah, Simon told me that you went with him.'
Natalie: 'And I expect that he'll be at their show two weeks tomorrow, in Cardiff.'
Natalie sighs, loudly.
Natalie: 'Oh how I would love to be involved in that show, in my hometown.'
Jason: 'Now I see what's really going on, with this talk of how you're "just treading water" in Jersey - it's because you don't want to be there, do you? You want to return to SCW.'
Natalie nods her head, silently.
Jason: 'Have you spoken to anyone about a possible return to SCW?'
Natalie: 'No-one apart from Simon; I spoke to him about it at the end of November - a week after you came to see me in Jersey, as it happens - and he said he would look into whether the powers that be had any interest in re-hiring me, but I've not received any positive indications since then.'
Jason: 'I've just remembered something from the video of Simon's that aired on the one hundredth episode of Climax Control: during his speech, he said something along the lines of that he had been visited recently by a former member of the roster, who wanted to make a return to SCW - that was you, wasn't it?'
Natalie grins.
Natalie: 'I guess it must have been.'
Jason: 'When you attended Inception the other week, did you not speak to any of the men in charge then?'
Natalie shakes her head.
Natalie: 'No, I just spent my time there mingling with some of the wrestlers, and watching the matches backstage.'
Jason rubs his chin.
Jason: 'Your show next Saturday - where is it?'
Natalie: 'White Plains - that's in New York.'
Jason: 'And SCW is in Belfast a week tomorrow, for Climax Control - correct?'
Natalie: 'Yes, I believe so.'
Jason nods his head, as a plan comes together in his mind.
Jason: 'Okay, if you're serious about wanting to return to SCW, here's what you do: you go to White Plains next weekend, hand in your notice, and then have your match; after the match, you get yourself on the first flight you can, get your arse to Belfast, show up at Climax Control, talk to whoever you need to talk to, and implore them to re-hire you.'
Natalie: 'Do you think that will work?'
Jason: 'It might, and it might not. But if you want to return to SCW, there's a greater chance of it happening if you seize the initiative, and put your case forward in person, rather than sitting around hoping for a phone call that might never come.'
Natalie nods her head in understanding.
Natalie: 'Okay, Jason - I can see your reasoning; I'll give it a go.'
Jason: 'Good - then we'll have you back on the SCW roster before long.'
We leave Natalie and Jason, as they continue their conversation, with the scene switching to inside Sunhealth Gym, in Newport (Wales), on the evening of Wednesday 4th March. The camera shows a section of the gym that is configured for the purpose of wrestling training, with a wrestling ring and mats visible amongst the facilities. Natalie can be seen sat in front of the ring, on a black steel folding chair that is directly opposite the camera; she is wearing a pair of dark grey leggings, and a cyan crop top.
Natalie sits up straight, looks to the camera, and begins to speak.
Natalie: 'Twice in the past month, I've stated that at some point I would talk about why I left SCW abruptly, last September, and where I had been, prior to returning to SCW at the start of February. Well, with me being just days away from arguably the biggest match of my career so far, now is probably as good a time as any to discuss those subjects.'
Natalie leans forward, towards the camera, but she then lowers her head, and looks at the floor; after a few seconds have passed, she looks backs to the camera, and speaks again.
Natalie: 'The match on Sunday, at Blaze Of Glory, will be my third match since I returned to SCW - going back six months, to Violent Conduct II, that night I competed in what was only the third match of my career in total. At Violent Conduct, I was a challenger for the Bombshell Roulette Championship - just as I will be this Sunday, at Blaze Of Glory. When I became a member of the SCW roster, two months prior to Violent Conduct, not for one moment did I think that, in just my third match, I would be challenging for a title - but lo and behold, that was what happened. However, although things seemed to be going better than I could have wished for, soon everything started to unravel: having been presented with the opportunity to become a champion, I then bottled it - I choked. And having blown that opportunity, I felt ashamed, so I fled Las Vegas, to return home to Cardiff.'
Again, Natalie briefly gazes at the floor, before then returning her attention to the camera.
Natalie: 'I arrived back in Cardiff not knowing when, or even if, I would set foot in a wrestling ring again - competitively, anyway. But while I was feeling sorry for myself, there was something that I hadn't reckoned with: wrestling had gotten under my skin. And barely just over a month after quitting SCW, I got the urge to wrestle again, which resulted in me joining a wrestling promotion based on the East Coast of the US.'
Natalie leans back against the chair.
Natalie: 'By joining a promotion based on the East Coast, on the opposite side of the US from SCW's home territory, I hoped that I would be able to leave behind what had happened in SCW - but I had no such luck. I made my debut for my new employer on the 8th November, on a show in Secaucus, New Jersey - twenty-four hours later, High Stakes IV was staged around fifty miles away, in West Point, New York; try as I might, SCW was hard to avoid.'
Natalie quickly glances over her shoulder, at the wrestling ring in the background, before looking back to the camera.
Natalie: 'Even when I was in the ring - with different wrestlers, surrounded by different fans - there were times when I couldn't escape what had happened in SCW. At the event in Secaucus, I was involved in a tag team match. And there came a point in the match when I had one of my opponents lifted up in a fireman's carry. Then, all of a sudden, I had flashbacks to my previous match - the match at Violent Conduct II - and again...'
Natalie's sentence trails off; she then sighs, before continuing.
Natalie: 'I choked - I had choked at Violent Conduct, when I had the chance to become the Bombshell Roulette Champion, and there I was again, choking when I had the chance to finish off my opponent; this time, my opponent took advantage of my hesitation by freeing herself from the hold, and rolling me up to get the pin.'
Natalie gets up from the chair, rising to her feet.
Natalie: 'When I joined the promotion on the East Coast, I actually claimed that I had never competed in a match before, as if pretending that my time in SCW hadn't happened would make it easier for me to forget about. But instead, throughout my time there, SCW was never far from my thoughts - it didn't take long for me to realise that, if I'm going to be a professional wrestler, then SCW is the place for me. And that's why I'm now back, doing battle again inside the six-sided ring.'
Natalie turns away from the camera, to walk towards the ring; she stops by the ring, and then turns back to face the camera.
Natalie: 'After a couple of matches in Jersey, I admitted my past. Opening up about my past failings helped me to learn from them, and helped me to become a better wrestler. In fact, while I was only on the East Coast for three months, the time that I spent there was still very beneficial to me, as I got to compete against a different set of wrestlers, with different styles, and I got to train with different people. And that's why the Natalie McKinley that Mercedes Vargas was in the ring with during the most recent episode of Climax Control, was different from the one that she was in the ring with at Violent Conduct - it's why the outcome of the match was different from the one at Violent Conduct, and it's also why the outcome of the match at Blaze Of Glory will be different from the one at Violent Conduct; I left Violent Conduct ashamed - I will leave Blaze Of Glory a champion.'
As Natalie clambers up onto the ring apron, the scene changes to the following evening, where Natalie can now be seen stood by Sloper Road, in the Leckwith area of Cardiff; she is now wearing a pair of dark blue jeans, and a black parka. Natalie is stood in front of the Ninian Park Gates; beyond the gates is a deserted car park, and behind that is Cardiff City Stadium.
Natalie puts her hands on her hips; she then begins to speak again.
Natalie: 'Taking into consideration the respective nationalities of myself and Mercedes Vargas, it would have been nice if I could have visited Y Wladfa - a Welsh settlement in Argentina - to record a video there, of me discussing our upcoming match. But as I'm not in a position to be able to afford to travel to anywhere in the world, on a whim, the streets of my hometown will have to suffice as a setting, instead; perhaps I will get to visit Y Wladfa later in the year - I assume that South America will be included in the SCW world tour.'
Natalie gives a slight shrug of her shoulders.
Natalie: 'And after Mercedes chose to sport a replica Wales football kit last week, it seemed fitting for me to come to the venue where Wales have played the majority of their recent home matches.'
Natalie takes her hands off her hips.
Natalie: 'As Mercedes pointed out, in contrast to her country's national football team, Wales have only ever once qualified for the World Cup - and that was fifty-seven years ago. But then, Mercedes, Argentina should expect to be more successful than Wales, as they have a greater number of players to be able to call upon; the population of Argentina is fourteen times that of Wales - actually, there are almost as many people in Buenos Aires alone, as there are in the whole of Wales. However, when it comes to the wrestling ring, and the SCW Bombshell Roulette Championship, all that is needed for you reign as champion to be brought to an end, Mercedes, is a win from just one Welsh female - me. And at Blaze Of Glory, I will win.'
Natalie turns to look behind her, taking a glance at the gates, before then turning back to face the camera, and continuing.
Natalie: 'To continue the references to football, with all of your facts and statistics, Mercedes, you're starting to sound like Rafael Benitez did a few years ago, when he was feeling the pressure, as his Liverpool team began to capitulate, and were eventually overhauled at the top of the Premier League by Manchester United. Now, I don't suppose that you're feeling the pressure - you've held your title for going on six months, after all - but you are about to be a casualty in an overhaul. Because the roulette division is going to be revamped, with the crowning of a new champion.'
The scene then changes to show Natalie now sat inside Cardiff City Stadium, in one of the blue seats in the otherwise-unoccupied Grandstand.
Natalie: 'While Violent Conduct II was the lowest point of my short career, it was also the night when the Mean Girls took possession of all of the gold on offer to the ladies of SCW. And it's hard to argue that since then, they've been anything other than dominant. I daresay the Mean Girls believe that the Internet Championship was introduced simply to give the other bombshells something to fight over; Mercedes has already opined that I would have been better off aiming for that title, rather than the roulette title - maybe she will turn her attention towards that title following Blaze Of Glory, once she's no longer the Roulette Champion.'
Natalie quickly glances around the stadium, before looking back to the camera.
Natalie: 'Like most of the other SCW bombshells, I've had run-ins on Twitter with each of the Mean Girls - past and present - which have seen them call me "hunty," and other similar names. And, they can call me whatever they want, I don't care - I'm thick-skinned. I'm not a hunty, though - right now, I'm a hunter; I'm hunting down Mercedes Vargas, and I'm going to capture her roulette title.'
Natalie gets up from her seat.
Natalie: 'I'm aware that a lot of people want to see change in the ranks of the bombshells - they want to see the Mean Girls knocked off their perch. As for me, though, my only concern is the roulette title - but if people want change, then I'm willing to play my part in it. Perhaps me taking the title from Mercedes will be the catalyst for more widespread change - I know that later in the evening, Amy Marshall will be doing everything that she can to dethrone Delia. The Mean Girls will definitely leave Copenhagen with the tag team titles, regardless of what happens at Blaze Of Glory, but I can promise, that by the end of Sunday, the Mean Girls will have one less championship than they began the day with.'
Natalie turns to her right, and walks to the end of the row; she then stops, and turns back to face the camera.
Natalie: 'And speaking of the other members of the Mean Girls, Veronica Taylor thinks that my win against Mercedes eleven days ago was a fluke; Veronica, even Mercedes admitted that luck had nothing to do with the outcome of that match - why can't you accept that?'
Natalie puts her right hand on the back of the seat in the row in front.
Natalie: 'You know, when the roulette wheel is spun, to determine the type of match that Mercedes and I will compete in on Sunday, I hope we end up in a match that can only be won by pinfall or submission - I think that would be the best way for me to show Veronica Taylor, and anyone else that doubts me, that what happened at Climax Control was no fluke. I'm also hoping for a match with such stipulations as I don't want Mercedes to have any excuses, once I defeat her. After her first reign as Roulette Champion was ended by Amy Marshall, Mercedes told Amy that because she had won by escaping a cage, or putting her through a table - rather than pinning her, or making her submit - that she didn't deserve to be the champion; when I win our match on Sunday evening, I want it to conclude with me pinning Mercedes, as that way, she won't have any grounds to make such claims about me not deserving the title.'
She then puts her left hand in the pocket of her jeans.
Natalie: 'Mercedes, I'm not going to be "a footnote" to your reign - I'm going to be the one that ends your reign; this is one test that you can't pass, Mercedes - I'll prove it at Blaze Of Glory.'
Natalie lifts her right hand off the seat in front, and takes her left hand out of her pocket; she then steps to the right, so that she is stood in the aisle.
Natalie: 'On Sunday evening, there isn't going to be a repeat of what happened at Violent Conduct; I won't wilt under the pressure of the spotlight - not this time. At Blaze Of Glory, I'll show that I belong in that six-sided ring. I'll show that I belong in matches where titles are at stake. And on Sunday, when I defeat Mercedes Vargas, I'll show that I have what it takes to be a champion in SCW.'
Natalie walks down the aisle, to the front row of the stand.
Natalie: 'I know how you like your statistics, Mercedes - I mentioned it earlier - so I've come up with a few, specially for you: one - the number of times that I've beaten you, at present; two - the number of times that I'll have beaten you after Sunday; three - the number of days until I take the roulette title from you. One, two, three - it really is that uncomplicated.'
"Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Division then begins to play over the stadium's PA system.
Natalie: 'As if on cue. Well, Mercedes, I guess there's only one thing left for me to say.'
Natalie smirks.
Natalie: 'Nat will tear you apart again.'
As Natalie stands, smiling, and staring confidently at the camera, the scene fades to black.
-
S|C|E|N|E| 001
[A R R I V A L S | A N D | D E P A R T U R E S, P A R T XI]
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
HOME OF HELEN SHEPHERD
"God is great and God is good.
And we thank him for our food.
By his hands we all are fed.
Thank you, Lord, for our daily bread.
God is great and God is good,
And we thank him for our food. Amen."
[Scene opens on a family gathered around a dinner table. A large space is reserved for a birthday cake with all the frosting and decorations. The cake is for Helen as everyone waits for her to make her wish. One of her granddaughters, a blond girl at about age 9, urges her to blow out the candles, but Helen keeps staring at the cake. Everyone continues to badger her on to blow out the candles after which she kept staring at the cake. Helen's daughter looks on in concern.
Daughter: Something wrong, mom?
Helen suddenly breaks down crying and the room gets quiet. Her daughter and husband talk amongst themselves wondering what is wrong until a yellow packet falls onto the floor. Helen's daughter picks it up and, seeing no address on it, opens the sealing. She reads the contents silently, then covers hr mouth in shock. She looks up at her mother, puzzled.]
Daughter Mom, what's this about a lawsuit? Are you being sued?
Granddaughter: Mom, what's a lawsuit?
Daughter I'll explain later, Abby. I think it's time for for you to go to bed.
• • •
S|C|E|N|E| 002
[S H O U L D | I | S T A Y | O R | S H O U L D | I | G O?]
[REC•]
AFTERNOON
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
[A light rain falls as Mercedes Vargas can be seen walking along one of the tourist areas here in Copenhagen. It was a cold, gray afternoon yet most of the usual haunts were still doing business. Mercedes walks with her head down, perhaps counting all the cobblestones as the camera films her. Deep in thought, she doesn't exactly look up at the camera as yet.]
“Things change, it's a part of life. You can't escape it. Weather change. Gas prices change. Seasons change. People change..."
[She looks up at the camera.]
“But if you're expecting a title change this Sunday, I'm afraid you all are going to be very disappointed."
[Disappointment is something else that's a part of life. For most of the fan base of Sin City Wrestling, they continue to be disappointed on a weekly basis. No thanks in part to the Mean Girls and their winning ways.]
“Now, I know a lot of you like the Metal and Punk Connection, especially Amy Marshall. I can't tell you how many fans I see wearing her merch, and that's awesome. Let's not kid ourselves, she's one of the most popular Bombshells in SCW. But let's face it, two weeks ago, Amy may have won the lottery, but if you're expecting the Punk Princess to walk out of Blaze Of Glory with the Bombshell Championship, please seek therapy. If you're placing a bet on Keira Fisher winning her debut match, go to your local booker, seek out that friend, roommate, family member, neighbor, what have you, and get your money back. Cancel that bet if you have to, especially if it's on the mortgage. Trust me."
[Foolish advice? Maybe. This isn't the stock market we're talking about. This was two surefire victories in the Mean Girls pocket that even the so-called "experts" had to agree on. It was no secret the fans wanted anybody but the Mean Girls to win the two titles at stake the night of the supershow, so you had those going against the grain. Wishing and hoping and praying that Delia or Mercedes, maybe both, would slip up this time. That would be something, wouldn't it? In her mind, anything less than a dominant victory would be failure.]
“And if you are looking for the Bombshell Roulette Championship to change hands again this year..."
[Mercedes wags her finger at the camera, then stops as a smile appears.]
“I'm going to leave that thought right there. I'm going to let you entertain that thought, Natalie. Because the history is there. History says that for the past two years at this very event, the Bombshell Roulette Championship has changed hands. Vixen beat Necra last year to win the title, while also making history as the first-ever, and so far only, double champion in the Bombshells division while holding the Bombshell Championship. Jessie Salco survived a triple threat at Blaze of Glory II to walk out with the title two years ago this past Tuesday."
[Mercedes brushes her long hair out of her eyes and stops to look at the many outdoor cafes. People are drinking and eating salads. Children are eating ice cream. As she walks further along, she pasts a market as a store owner watches from inside his window.]
“These past two weeks, we've had to prepare our video submissions, exchange words, made vows, tried our best to psych each other out. And now, it all comes down to this. Come the eighth of March, the tweets stop, the time for talk is over. One match, one championship, one winner. The final stop on the Scandinavia leg of the SCW World Tour is just around the corner and we can almost feel the breezes from Copenhagen coming in. Some 16,000 plus fans will pack the Prismen in Copenhagen, Denmark, and some are saying this match will be one of many to steal the show. It just may very well be the greatest match in your career. Because standing across from you in that ring will be the end all, be all of SCW's first-ever Welsh champion. And that person who is standing across from you...is me."
[Mercedes continues walking again.]
“Remember when you said "be careful what you wish for'? Well, unless you're attempting to do what a Rock Rose or a Blanca Chastain, or even a Vixen – the only person to have pinned me in a singles match to date – has been able to do, it's going to be a tough act to follow trying to prove a point. I'm sorry Natalie McKinley, you really DON'T want me in a decisive singles match at Blaze of Glory, especially if it's in a Roulette Rules match, and I'll tell you why. The fact that we're going to be in a Roulette Rules match doesn't scare me. It's kind of the opposite, really, as they have kind of grown on me. At Blaze of Glory, I'll be coming up on my 19th Roulette Rules match. And in those previous matches, I've only lost this many matches.”
[Mercedes holds up six fingers.]
“And the last time I lost a Roulette Rules match? Well, as you rightly pointed out, Amy Marshall ended my first reign. That was back in December 2013 at December to Dismember II. Since then, I've been able to build up a six-match winning streak. And win number seven will be, unfortunately for you, very unlucky. Since you were kind enough to bring up Amy Marshall, when I said she didn't deserve to be champion at the time – my actual words was that she was only borrowing my belt, but whatever – she proved me right. You know how I knew that? Because I beat Amy on the first Climax Control of 2014 to start my second reign. You know why she has never beaten me in a DECISIVE singles match in what will be four years come April? Because I was in the same place she was in before we both came to SCW. Whether her name was Roxxxie or Amy Marshall, the result remained the same, and that's with me standing tall, victorious, over her lifeless body. The same scenario that happened when I RETIRED her from that very company and why she couldn't wait to stand by her phone in hopes of SCW offering her a contract. Little did she know, we ended up running into each yet again."
[Mercedes shakes her head.]
"And the rest, as they say, is history.”
[History always favors the winners, and Mercedes has won every time. She wrote the book, finished the latest chapter in the feud between her and Amy, but if SCW wanted for them to go another round, she had no problem taking up the pen and starting a new page.]
"Speaking of history, here's your chance to finally have your name into the record books. Nothing has changed, though. Just like our most previous meeting, the stakes are still the same. You get one shot at this. Only this time, if you do end up falling on your face - again - I just want you to know it's going to be OK, it's not the end of the world."
[Mercedes stops for a special hot dog at the many stands that also line the street. While the vendor tends to her order, she glances back at the camera.]
"Though, I'm willing to bet you'll probably have some second thoughts on Monday morning.”
[She turns back as she is handed a chili dog topped with cucumbers, relish, and onions, then back at the camera.]
""Should I stay or should I go?"
• • •
S|C|E|N|E| 003
[ W A T C H • T H I S • S P A C E ]
[REC•]
[We then switch scenes to a hotel room. Mercedes has fired up the camera again. For a moment, she fiddles with the camera until she is able to get a good decent shot. She backs up, makes a frame with her hands, tilts her head from one side to the other, contemplating if she has a good angle, then, with a blow off wave, just goes through with her promo.]
"They say that youth is wasted on the young. See, I don't know about that. I mean, you're only 23 and you still have a lot to look forward to. Some people say I'm on the wrong side of 30 and that I've reached the twilight of my career. Funny that, because those are the very same people – most of them twentysomethings like you – who are either no longer with this company or faded away altogether. You have the talent, you have the ability, now you have the opportunity. We're going to find out if opportunity knocks, Natalie. In fact, we're going to find out a lot of things this Sunday. We're going to find out if you have prepared enough for our match. We're going to find out if Simon's pep talks will have motivated you to success. We're going to find out whether you have that drive to finally achieve your dream in hoisting this title. Most of all, Nattie, we'll find out if you're really a contender...or a pretender. We're going to find out whether you will bask in the spotlight or end up looking up at the arena lights."
[Mercedes sits cross legged at the edge of the bed, one of her legs dangling and the other tucked up under her.]
""You want to prove everyone wrong, Natalie? Well, here's your chance. Unless, you prove everyone right. Unless you prove me right. All of that doubt, all of the uncertainty will be more than justified by the critics, doubters, and the naysayers. You said that you're going to usher in the winds of change in the Roulette Division? Here's your chance to do just that. You're likely to fail, but at least it's a nice little storyline that will make our match more interesting.
"Regardless of what happens on Sunday, when you survive this match we're about to have, you'll be stronger for it. So, I want you to do me a favor. On Sunday, March 8, when we get to Copenhagen, BRING. EVERY. THING. THAT. YOU. HAVE. Bring Simon Jones, bring your vitamins, bring your protein bars, bring your protein shakes, bring your shake weights, bring whatever motivational posters you have lying around."
[As she says this, Mercedes reaches for something offscreen, and when she brings her hand back in the image, we see that she is holding a rolled up poster. Mercedes doesn't waste any time as she unfurls the poster and turns it around to show the camera. Indeed, it is the iconic 'We Can Do It' recruitment poster from World War II. They sure don't make them like they used to.]
“You can actually pass for Rosie, you could probably pull it off. You don't know how many people tell me you look like her all the time and the resemblance is uncanny if you squint just a little."
[Mercedes rolls up her sleeves and mockingly shows off her biceps. It was no where to form of the poster, but it was all in good fun..]
“YES, WE CAN DO IT!"
[Mercedes rolls up the poster, places it to one side, then places a hand over her face, leading her expression to change from silly to serious.
“But most of all, Natalie McKinley, I want you to bring your best because I'm really going to hate myself for having to waste the time calling my travel agent, having to book the trip, paying the air fare and ridiculous extra fee for carry-on and then having to brave the cold to get into the venue only to stand over you victorious. I mean, I didn't come all this way to lose, but I didn't come here not to be challenged either. That would be anti-climatic, that would literally suck...”
[She pauses as a wry expression crossed her face.]
“That would be what I've had to deal with for the past five months.”
[Her face puckers sourly at this revelation, but then fades as she lowers her head and chuckles. Could Natalie McKinley finally be the status quo? That remained to be seen, but Mercedes was willing to give her opponent the benefit of the doubt. Because, you know, even though she was a Mean Girl, she was so nice.]
“In a sense, I guess you can say this is my match to lose. I mean, this isn't "Let's Make a Deal" here. I have very few options than seeing what's behind Door number one, two or three. For you, losing isn't an option. But for me, winning is inevitable. Maybe you've caught lightning in a bottle, but then lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place. Either you win Sunday or, like the fitting name of this supershow, you go out in a blaze of glory. What do you have to lose? Except another match and once again failing on the biggest stage, under the bright lights and in front of the entire world watching?”
[She holds up a finger in a wait-a-minute gesture.]
"Oh, and you might want to bring some note cards too. You'll need those, because come Climax Control 109 on March 22, if you even dare to show your face that night, you're going to have to explain to your family, your friends and all your fans on why you failed again. Those note cards will have all the excuses on why you failed to get the job done."
[Mercedes removes her glasses, folding them in her hands before she hangs it on the front of her tank top.]
“Things change. Weather change. Seasons change. People change. But one thing will NEVER change, Natalie, and that's this title leaving from my grasp. My reign as the Sin City Wrestling Bombshell Roulette Champion will end when I SAY it does. And even then, the only thing that will change...”
[Mercedes reaches for something off-camera. The camera focus in on it and we see that's it's one of those retro alarm clocks, complete with bell.]
“is my clock here. Sunday also happens to be Daylight Savings.”
[Mercedes then hits her forehead and laughs.]
“Of course. I better set the time. Don't want to wake up too early, or is it late? I don't know..”
[Adjusting the clock back one hour, Mercedes replaces it back on the nighstand bfore adressing the camera for her final words.]
"You may be bigger than me, you may be stronger than me, but I'm simply not going to hand you this title, I'm not going to drop it at your feet. To be the champion, you have to beat the champion. And from the looks of it, as of right now, where I'm standing....”
[Mercedes picks up her championship which had been previously sitting next to her and holds it at camera level.]
“I'm the champion. And, yes, not only will you end up as a footnote during my reign but you will be added to a nice little place I like to call my checklist. Watch this space.”
[Now placing her championship over her shoulder, Mercedes picks up her clipboard and as she show it to the camera, Mercedes makes emphasis with a red-felt marker where, it it assumed, Natalie's name will be placed.]
“But you don't have to take my word for it. I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.”
[Fade]