~*~

The soft glow of a single candle flickered atop the small cake set on the kitchen island. It was a quiet, intimate moment, just as Malachi had requested. This year, for his birthday, he didn’t want anything extravagant—just a small, simple gathering with his wife and daughter in their new home.

Bella stood next to him, smiling as she balanced their energetic daughter, Máire, on her hip. The little girl clapped her hands excitedly, her bright blue eyes locked onto the candle's flame.

“Alright, sweetheart,” Bella whispered to their daughter. “Help Daddy blow it out.”

Máire leaned forward, her tiny cheeks puffing out as she gave a determined blow, and with a little help from Mal, the flame extinguished. The room was filled with soft laughter, Mal shaking his head with an affectionate grin as Bella kissed his cheek.

“Happy Birthday, love,” she murmured, before turning her attention to their daughter. “Now, what do we say to Daddy?”

“Hoppy Birfday, Daddy!” Máire squealed, throwing her little arms around his neck.

Mal chuckled, hugging her tight before shifting his gaze to Bella, who was already stepping away. “Alright, baby girl, help Mommy with Daddy’s present.”

Máire wiggled out of Mal’s grasp and rushed over to the doorway, where an impressively large, neatly wrapped box was waiting. Bella crouched down, guiding their daughter’s small hands to help push it across the floor toward Mal.

“This was all her idea,” Bella teased. “She insisted that she be the one to deliver it.”

Mal laughed, watching as his little girl struggled but remained determined, her small hands pressing against the colorful wrapping paper. “Oh yeah? Did you pick out my present too, a stóirín?”

“Uh-huh!” Máire nodded vigorously. “Mommy help.”

Mal glanced at Bella with amusement before finally kneeling to unwrap the box. Before he could pull the paper completely away, the front door opened, and a wave of voices filled the house.

“Are we late, or did we make it just in time?” Alanah’s teasing voice rang out as she stepped in, carrying a tray of desserts. Behind her, Jack followed, wrangling their three kids inside. The moment the cousins spotted Máire, the room erupted into delighted squeals and laughter as they raced over to play.

“Perfect timing,” Bella said with a smirk, stepping aside to greet her sister-in-law. “He hasn’t even unwrapped his present yet.”

“Well, don’t let us stop you.” Alanah grinned, setting her tray down on the counter. “But just so you know, the real party has officially arrived.”

As Mal continued to open his gift, another round of arrivals came through the door. Bella’s family followed shortly after—her mother Laura, stepfather Nick, and younger brother Aaron. Laura immediately enveloped Mal in a warm hug, wishing him a happy birthday while Nick and Aaron gave their own greetings.

With everyone now gathered, the house buzzed with warmth and laughter, a true home filled with family and love. Mal glanced around, his heart swelling at the sight of everyone together, celebrating with him. It was exactly what he had wanted—a birthday surrounded by the people who meant the most to him.

As the evening carried on, conversation and laughter filled the house, but soon Laura cleared her throat, drawing everyone’s attention. “Since we’re all here, I have an announcement,” she said with a small smile. “I’ve decided to come out of retirement—temporarily—to be part of the Blast from the Past Tournament.”

A wave of surprise swept through the room, but no one seemed as taken aback as Bella. Her eyes widened, and she pressed her lips together, clearly not thrilled by the revelation.

After a few congratulations and murmured reactions, Bella quietly slipped away into the kitchen, with a quiet “Excuse me”, needing a moment. It wasn’t long before Laura followed, leaning against the counter with a knowing expression.

“You don’t look happy,” Laura observed, crossing her arms.

Bella exhaled sharply, setting down the glass she had been holding. “It’s not that I’m not happy, Mom. It’s just… you and Nick both put your bodies through hell for years. I know you’re still in great shape, but wrestling takes a toll.”

Laura smiled, reaching out to touch her daughter’s hand. “Sweetheart, I appreciate the concern, but when wrestling is in your blood, it’s hard to walk away completely. I’ve taken care of myself, and I’ve been treating my body with kindness. In fact one could say that I am in the best shape of my life since my PWSWF days. Besides, this new format for the tournament intrigued me, and I wanted to see what I could still do.”

Bella searched her mother’s face for any hesitation, but there was none—just the familiar fire and determination that had always been there.

“I just don’t want you getting hurt,” Bella admitted softly.

Laura squeezed her hand. “I know. But I also know that stepping in that ring again is something I need to do—for me. I promise, I’ll be careful.”

Bella sighed, nodding reluctantly. “Fine. Just do me a favor?”

“What’s that?” Laura chuckled.

“Win the damn thing this time?”

“Deal.” Laura smiled, reaching out to touch her daughter’s hand.

Bella’s fingers tightened around the glass. “I just don’t want you getting hurt,” she admitted softly. “But… I get it. Wrestling is in your blood.”

Laura squeezed her hand. “And it’s in yours, too. I see the same fire in you that I had in my prime. That I still have. You’ve got a fight ahead of you, Bella, and I know you’ll do whatever it takes.”

Bella swallowed, thinking of Harper. Of the war that was coming. She met her mother’s gaze, finding strength in the woman who had paved the way for her.

“I just don’t want to see you get seriously hurt and then dad and Aaron have to constantly push you around in a wheelchair,” Bella said.

Laura chuckled. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

With a small smirk, Bella shook her head before pulling her mother into a hug. She still had her reservations, but if there was one thing she knew for certain—it was that Laura Phoenix never did anything halfway. And neither did she.

Neither did her daughter.

~*~Quiet Resistance to Push to the Future~*~

As the quiet of the night settled in, Bella and Mal lay in their massive bedroom, the warmth of the blankets wrapped around them. The house, once filled with laughter and the chatter of family, had grown silent. Máire was tucked away in her room, fast asleep after an exciting day, leaving just the two of them in the dim glow of the bedside lamp.

Bella lay on her back, staring at the ceiling, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns against Mal’s arm. He had noticed the shift in her demeanor the moment the last of the guests had left. She had been confident and poised earlier, but now, in the stillness of the night, she was deep in thought.

“You’re thinking,” Mal murmured, his voice thick with sleep but laced with curiosity.

Bella let out a small huff of laughter. “I always think.”

“True,” he admitted, turning onto his side so he could look at her. “But this is different.”

She exhaled, rolling onto her side to face him. “It’s not doubt, exactly,” she started, hesitating. “I know I can beat Harper. I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again. I refuse to let her take what I’ve earned. But sometimes… I feel like I could be even more.”

Mal studied her for a moment, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face. “What do you mean?”

Bella sighed. “Being the SCW Bombshell Internet Champion—it means something. It’s not just a title to me. I want to take it even further, make it matter in ways people haven’t before. I don’t want to just be a placeholder champion—I want to be one of the best. And I don’t just mean one of the best Internet Champions… I mean one of the best, period.”

Mal smirked. “You’re already on your way.”

“Maybe,” she said, her fingers absentmindedly brushing over his. “But I don’t want to get complacent. I refuse to be a champion that just coasts. Harper is going to come at me with everything she has, and I know she’s hoping that this time, she’ll succeed. But she won’t, because I won’t let her. And after I retain, I want to prove that this championship is as prestigious as any other.”

Mal let out a small chuckle. “So what I’m hearing is, you’re already planning for what’s next, before you’ve even finished with Harper.”

Bella smirked. “Always. But that does not mean I’m overlooking her either. But I need to get past her to take it to that next level.”

He shook his head with a laugh, then leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “That is a wonderful mindset to have, mo ghrá. That’s why you’re gonna hold onto that title for a long time. You never stop pushing forward.”

Bella smiled, curling closer into his warmth. “Damn right.”

~*~Rules of Engagement: Don’t Be That Step Stool~*~

The streets of Tucson hum with life as the desert sun dips low, casting long shadows over the sidewalks. The warm breeze stirs the dust as Bella walks, her boots striking against the pavement with purpose. This city, like the wrestling business, is a mix of old and new—history written in the cracks of the buildings, while fresh faces rush in, eager to make their mark.

“You ever notice how the young and hungry always think they’re entitled to everything? They step into this business with fire in their bellies, full of piss and vinegar, thinking that’s all it takes to reach the top. I respect the drive, I do. I’ve been there. I’ve been the one looking at the champions and thinking, “That should be me.”

But there’s a difference between wanting something and actually earning it.”

She stops at a street corner, leaning against a weathered brick wall, arms crossed as she exhales.

“Harper Mason, you’ve got talent, I won’t deny that. You’re fast, you’re relentless, and you’ve got that chip on your shoulder that makes you dangerous. But the thing about being young and hungry is that you’re also reckless. Impulsive. You think your speed and raw talent are enough to carry you past me? That’s where you’re wrong.

You see, I know what it’s like to want something so badly it keeps you up at night. I know the sting of frustration when things don’t go my way. I also know what it means to be patient. To put in the work, to take the losses, to learn from every single mistake and come back stronger.”

She steps forward, walking past a neon-lit window where the reflection of her past stares back at her—a younger Bella, eager and reckless, thinking passion alone was enough.

“It took an entire fanbase voting for me to realize that I had it in me to become a champion. They believed in me before I fully believed in myself. And when I finally got my hands on that SCW Bombshell Internet Championship, I didn’t rest. I didn’t bask in my own success. No, I sharpened my skills, I pushed myself harder, and I made damn sure that I wasn’t just a champion—I was a force to be reckoned with.

And now you think you’re going to step up and take what I’ve worked so hard for? Think again, sweetheart.”

She turns down a quieter street, the sounds of the city fading slightly, her voice firm and unwavering.

“Harper, your time will come, I have no doubt about that. But that time is not now, and it sure as hell won’t be at my expense. I’m not here to be anyone’s stepping stone. I’m not here to be some lesson in your journey to greatness. If you want to get to the top, you’re going to have to find another way, because I’m not moving for you.

You remind me a lot of myself when I was younger—so eager, so sure that nothing could stand in my way. But let me tell you something, Harper. I learned the hard way that in this business, fire alone isn’t enough. It burns bright, it burns hot, but it also burns out if you don’t know how to control it.”

She stops at the edge of a streetlight’s glow, the city stretching out behind her.

“So bring everything you’ve got, because I promise you, it won’t be enough. I’ve fought too hard, I’ve sacrificed too much, and I’ve learned too damn well how to survive in that ring. I am not just another challenge for you to overcome—I am the roadblock that you won’t be able to move.

You might think you’re ready, but I know for a fact that you’re not. And when that bell rings, I’m going to make sure you never forget it.”

~*~Oi, Toddler Years~*~

Bella pulled into the driveway of their new home, exhaling a long, contented breath as she leaned back against the seat. The day had been productive—Mattie and Alanah had helped her pick out some final touches for the house, small details that would make it feel more like theirs. But there was still plenty of work to be done. Moving in was one thing, but settling in? That was a whole other battle.

She grabbed her bag and stepped out, the crisp air filling her lungs as she walked up the front steps. The house, standing tall and proud just outside of the city, was everything she and Mal had dreamed of—a place with space, a place where they could breathe, and a place where their daughter could grow up surrounded by more than just the noise of New York City. There was a stable for the horses, a gym with room for a full wrestling ring, and enough space to finally feel like they weren’t stacked on top of each other. It was theirs.

Pushing open the front door, Bella stepped inside, setting her things down before making her way into the living room. What she saw stopped her in her tracks.

There, in the middle of the room, was Mal—her ever-loving, sometimes too-laid-back husband—dancing. And not just a casual sway, but full-on moving to whatever song was playing from the speaker. And right there with him, standing—yes, standing—on the coffee table, was their one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Máire. She wobbled slightly as she giggled, her tiny hands flailing in excitement, her dirty blonde curls bouncing wildly. But Mal was right next to her, hands at the ready, encouraging her with that signature grin of his.

Bella’s heart leapt into her throat.

“Malachi Noah O’Connell!”

Her voice cut through the music, and Mal immediately froze, eyes going wide like a kid caught stealing cookies. Máire, however, clapped her hands, clearly enjoying herself far too much.

“Uh, hey, Bells,” Mal said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. “You’re home early.”

“I am home exactly when I was supposed to be!” Bella shot back, crossing her arms. “And what exactly are you doing letting our daughter dance on the damn coffee table?”

Mal glanced at Máire, who looked up at him with the biggest, most innocent smile. He let out a small chuckle. “Well, technically, she got up there herself. I just... supervised.”

Bella pinched the bridge of her nose. “Supervised? Mal, she’s not even two yet!”

“She’s got great balance,” Mal defended, lifting Máire off the table and setting her onto the couch instead. She immediately pouted, but a quick tickle from her father had her giggling again. “She’s a natural, mo ghrá. She’s fearless. I mean, look at her.”

Bella sighed, shaking her head as she stepped forward, gently brushing Máire’s wild curls back from her face. “I know she is,” she murmured, pressing a kiss to her daughter’s forehead. “But she’s also our baby. And our baby does not need to be standing on furniture and giving her mother a heart attack.”

Mal smirked, wrapping an arm around Bella’s waist, pulling her in close. “Noted. But you gotta admit... she’s got moves.”

Bella rolled her eyes, but the fight was already lost. She leaned into him, sighing as Máire crawled into her lap, snuggling against her. “Yeah, yeah. Just... let’s keep the dancing on the ground from now on, okay?”

“Promise,” Mal said, holding up a hand in mock solemnity before pressing a quick kiss to her temple.

Bella shook her head again, but she couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips. Chaos or not, this was home. And she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

After settling Máire down with some of her toys, Bella wandered through the house, letting herself take it all in. Even with the moving boxes still scattered around, this place already felt like home. It was theirs.

Her footsteps took her to the room that was meant to be her office-slash-library, though right now, it was still a mess of sealed boxes and half-unpacked shelves. There was so much to do, but something caught her eye—the faint smell of sawdust, a few stray wood shavings on the floor, and tools neatly stacked in the corner. Someone had been in here earlier, working.

She stepped further into the room, her brows knitting together. Mal. It had to be him. But what exactly was he doing in here?

“Mal?” she called out, glancing over her shoulder. “What exactly have you been up to in here?”

A few seconds later, Mal leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. “Was wondering when you’d notice.”

Bella folded her arms. “Notice what?”

He nodded toward the far wall, and that’s when she saw it. A partially built wooden structure, sleek and sturdy, taking shape against the wall. It wasn’t just any shelving unit—it was a trophy case.

Her breath hitched as she took a few slow steps forward, reaching out to run her fingers along the smooth, unfinished wood. The edges were precise, the foundation solid. He had put real effort into this—more than just a quick project.

“Mal…” she breathed, turning back to look at him.

He pushed off the doorframe, stepping beside her, his hands slipping into his pockets. “You’re a two-time SCW Bombshell Internet Champion now, Bells. Figured it was time you had a proper place for everything you’ve earned. Not just the titles, but all of it—the plaques, the medals, the moments that matter.”

Bella swallowed hard, a lump forming in her throat. “You didn’t have to do this.”

Mal shrugged, ever the nonchalant one, but she could see the pride in his expression, the way his eyes softened as he looked at her. “Yeah, I did. You’ve busted your ass for everything you’ve got. You deserve a place to see it all, to remind yourself who the hell you are when you need it.”

Bella let out a shaky breath before stepping closer, pressing herself against him, arms wrapping tightly around his waist. “You’re such a sap,” she muttered against his chest, her voice thick with emotion.

“Only for you,” he murmured back, his arms securing around her as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

She closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself just exist in this moment, in his warmth, in the weight of what this meant. She thought about the journey—every setback, every victory, every time she’d doubted herself, wondering if she was good enough, if she was meant for this life.

And now here she was. A champion. Again.

She took a small step back, looking at the case once more. It wasn’t just about the titles. It was about everything she’d fought for—her name, her legacy, her ability to stand tall in a business that never made anything easy.

“I want this to be more than just for titles,” she said quietly, running her fingers along the wood again. “I want this to be for everything that’s made me who I am. Every match that changed me. Every moment that reminded me why I do this.”

Mal nodded, a slow, knowing smile tugging at his lips. “Then that’s exactly what it’ll be.”

“And I want your titles in there too.” Bella stated matter-of-factly, “We are a team after all.”

“Really?” Mal said and she just nodded with a smile, “Well I was just going to put my stuff up out in the new workout area but...Ok then, I’ll make sure to add space.”

Bella took a deep breath, steadying herself. “Good,” she said, her voice firm, resolute. “Because I’ve got so much more to add to it.”

Mal smirked, looping an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close once more. “Damn right you do.”

And with that, Bella felt it—an unshakable certainty, a fire burning deep inside her. This was only the beginning.

~*~The Fire That Never Dies~*~

Bella sat on the back enclosed deck at her mother’s home, her fingers curled around a steaming mug of tea as she watched a late winter, slightly warm wind whipping around the loose leaves that somehow missed the clean up before winter had fully hit. The night was quiet, save for the rustling leaves and the occasional distant howl of something wild. She had always found solace in the stillness, but tonight, her thoughts refused to settle.

Across from her, Laura "Phoenix" Madison sat with her own cup, her sharp blue eyes scanning her daughter's face, reading her like an open book. Decades in the business had taught her to recognize the storm brewing inside a fighter before they even spoke a word.

Bella sighed, staring into the liquid in her mug like it held the answers she was looking for. “I don’t get it, Mom. I worked my ass off. I fought tooth and nail to win that title, and just like that—it was gone. I lost it before I even had the chance to build something with it. I mean at least I got it back but...” She shook her head. “Where did I go wrong?”

Laura took a long sip of her tea, the warmth spreading through her chest, before leaning back in her chair with a knowing smirk. “You’re asking the wrong question, kid.”

Bella frowned, glancing up. “What do you mean?”

Laura exhaled slowly, her mind drifting back—way back—to a time when she was in Bella’s shoes. When she was young, hungry, and questioning herself in the wake of a loss.

“Let me tell you something,” she began, her voice low but steady. “When I first stepped into PWSWF, I wasn’t some big name. I wasn’t handed a damn thing. But then I got my hands on the X-Division Championship.” A small chuckle escaped her lips. “That damn title changed hands more times than I could count, and every time I lost it, I fought like hell to get it back. Five times, to be exact. Five times, I fell. Five times, I clawed my way back.”

Bella sat up a little straighter, listening intently.

“And then, one day, I stopped losing it. I held onto it so damn long that the company couldn’t ignore me anymore. They saw me for what I was. Not just a champion—but the champion. The one who set the damn standard. I built my name on that title, made it mean more than even some of the so-called main eventers. They couldn’t touch me, not in that ring, not in reputation.” Laura’s fingers tapped against her mug, her gaze distant as memories flickered through her mind. “I stood toe to toe with the elite, Bella. I was almost burned alive for it, and you know what I did?”

Bella’s brow furrowed. “You got back up.”

Laura’s lips curled into a proud smile. “Damn right, I did. And I came back even harder.” She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “It’s easy to sit in doubt, to let yourself question everything. The world wants you to do that. They want you to believe you aren’t good enough, that you can’t hang, that you’re just another name in the shuffle. But you?” She pointed at Bella. “You have built a world where you survive on the idea of pissing those naysayers off. So do it. No hesitation. No fear.”

Bella swallowed hard, feeling the heat in her mother’s words.

“You don’t wait for them to ask ‘How did she do it?’ You don’t let them breathe long enough to doubt you. You go out there, and before they even have a chance to whisper your name, you prove it. You live with the audacity and gumption that the Gods themselves gave you.”

A shiver ran down Bella’s spine—not from the cold, but from the fire in her mother’s words.

Laura smirked, leaning back again, her job done. “So stop asking where you went wrong. You didn’t go wrong, Bells. You just hadn’t finished the job yet. Now you got it back, now you don’t give them the fucking chance to do it again.”

Bella exhaled, a slow, steady breath. The weight in her chest wasn’t gone—but it had shifted. It no longer felt like failure. It felt like fuel.

And she was ready to burn.


~*~Rules of Engagement: The Queen Stands Her Ground~*~

Bella Madison sat forward, her SCW Bombshells Internet Championship draped over her shoulder like a badge of honor—no, like a warning sign to anyone daring to take it from her. The glow of the camera lights reflected off the gold plate, but it wasn’t the title shining the brightest in this moment. It was her. The fire in her eyes. The sheer determination etched across her face. The undeniable presence of a woman who wasn’t about to let anything be taken from her.

"Alright, Harper. Let’s talk."

Her voice was steady, unshaken. But there was something behind it—a quiet, brewing storm waiting to unleash itself the moment that bell rang.

"When I became SCW Bombshells Internet Champion, I didn’t just take a title—I took a responsibility. A responsibility to stand my ground, to prove that I’m not some transitional champion, not some flash-in-the-pan success story that fades before her name is even carved into history. I dared this locker room to step up. I put out the challenge to every single woman back there who thought she had it in her to take me down. And you? You answered the call."

A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips, but it wasn’t one of amusement. It was one of anticipation.

"That means something, Harper. That means you’re not afraid to fight. It means you want to stand in this ring and prove you deserve to be here just as much as I do. And you know what? I respect that. I respect you. But respect?"

She let out a small chuckle, shaking her head.

"Respect doesn’t mean I’m about to let you take this from me."

She leaned forward, her grip tightening on the championship, fingers tapping against the gold plate as she measured her next words carefully—words that would burn their way into Harper Mason’s mind long before the fight even started.

"Do you know what it feels like to lose something just as fast as you gained it? To fight, to claw for something, only to have it slip through your fingers before you even have the chance to breathe it in? I do. And I refuse—absolutely refuse—to let it happen again. I am not just hungry for gold, Harper. I am starving to keep it. And that? That makes me more dangerous than I have ever been."

Her smirk faded. Now, there was only cold, calculated truth.

"You stepping up isn’t a challenge to me—it’s a confirmation. It confirms what I already knew: I’m the one running this division. I am the standard. I am the one standing at the top of this damn mountain, and I dared the best to come and fight me. And you did. So congratulations, Harper—you get the honor of trying. But that’s all it’s going to be. A damn attempt. Because let me tell you something right now—you are not taking this from me. Not now. Not ever."

Bella tilted her head, the fire behind her eyes burning even hotter.

"I don’t care how much heart you have. I don’t care how much fight you bring. I don’t care if you’re coming at me like a bat out of hell, looking to light this whole damn ring up like it’s the Fourth of July. Because the only fireworks that are going to matter when it’s all over? Are the ones celebrating me still standing here as your SCW Bombshells Internet Champion."

She adjusted the title, letting the weight of her words sink in before continuing.

"You can try, Harper. You can come at me with everything you’ve got, and I hope you do. I want the fight. I want the challenge. I want you to push me, to make me dig deeper, to test every ounce of skill, strength, and willpower I have. But at the end of the night, when you’re staring up at those bright arena lights, gasping for breath, you’re going to realize what I already know."

Bella stood up, holding the championship in front of the camera, making sure the entire world saw what she was fighting for.

"You don’t get to hold this. Not yet. Not while I’m still breathing, fighting, standing. You can get close. You can give me everything you have. But you will not break me. You will not take this from me. Because I have fought to be here. I have bled for this. And I will be damned if I let this slip away without one hell of a war."

She placed the title back over her shoulder, running a hand over the plate as if reaffirming her claim.

"So bring it, Harper. Bring everything. Make me fight like hell to keep this. Because that’s exactly what I plan on doing. And when the dust settles, and the match is over, and you’re left wondering where it all went wrong… you’ll understand that you never stood a chance to begin with."

She exhaled, stepping back from the camera, the weight of her words heavier than ever.

"See you at Climax Control, Harper. And trust me—you're going to wish you never answered my call."

And with that, Bella turned and walked off, leaving nothing but her words, her fire, and her undeniable dominance behind her.

~*~Backstage Acceptance~*~
Climax Control 414 — After the Show

The hum of backstage activity filled the air. Crew members bustled about, breaking down equipment and rolling away cables, their voices blending into a low, indistinct murmur. Bella Madison stood in the corner of a quiet lounge area, the glow of the TV screen illuminating her face. Her hair was still damp from the earlier match with Bobbie Dahl, her gear slightly scuffed, a badge of honor from the hard-fought battle that had just ended.

On the screen, Aleesha stood in the middle of the ring, her SCW Internet Championship glinting under the arena lights as she delivered her closing words. Bella’s arms were crossed over her chest, a towel slung over her shoulder, her eyes locked onto the screen.

Aleesha: “Seeing as I feel like we need to find out which one of us is truly a better wrestler... Here’s what I propose. You and I meet up at Inception. I’ll put my championship on the line. We’ll see once and for all who is truly the better woman!”

The mic hit the mat with a definitive thud, and the shot cutting to Aleesha hoisting the championship high, a confident smirk on her face as the screen faded to black with the SCW Copyright logo signalling the end.

Bella exhaled deeply, a mix of emotions swirling within her. Pride. Determination. A flicker of exhaustion from the night’s events. But above all, a spark of excitement.

“She really knows how to put on a show,” Bella muttered to herself, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

The door creaked open behind her, and Bella turned to see Malachi stepping in, a bottle of water in one hand and an ice pack in the other.

“You’re still watching that?” he asked, handing her the water before pressing the ice pack gently to her shoulder.

Bella chuckled. “What can I say? I like a little validation after a hard night’s work. Besides, did you hear her out there? She called me out, Mal. She wants me at Inception.”

Malachi smirked, taking a seat on the couch beside her. “Of course she does. You gave her one of the best matches to end off the year. And tonight? You took down Bobbie Dahl. Hell of a way to kick off the year, don’t you think?”

Bella nodded, her smile growing. “It’s more than that, Mal. She didn’t have to say any of that. She could’ve just walked off with the title and let it be. But instead, she’s giving me another shot. A real shot. She wants to prove she’s the better woman, and you know what? So do I.”

She turned back to the screen, her expression hardening into one of determination. “Bobbie was step one. Tonight, I showed everyone that I’m not going anywhere, that 2025 is going to be my year. But this? Aleesha? This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for. A chance to reclaim what’s mine.”

Malachi leaned back, watching her with a knowing look. “You sound ready for this.”

Bella turned to him, fire in her eyes. “Oh, I’m more than ready. Aleesha’s right—our last match, it didn’t feel complete. I’ve been replaying it in my head ever since. Climbing that tree, watching her snatch the title out from under me. I’ve been waiting for this chance, Mal. And now, I’m not going to let it slip through my fingers.”

She stood, pacing the small room as she spoke, her voice growing more impassioned.

“She wants to see who the better wrestler is? Fine. At Inception, I’m going to bring everything I’ve got. All the pain, all the frustration, all the fire I’ve been holding back—it’s all coming out. This isn’t just about the title. It’s about proving to myself, to Aleesha, to everyone, that Bella Madison isn’t a fluke. That I’m not just a placeholder. That I belong at the top.”

Malachi smirked, crossing his arms as he watched her. “If Aleesha’s watching this, she’s probably already second-guessing herself.”

Bella grinned, the fire in her eyes now tempered with confidence. “She should be. Because at Inception, I’m not just fighting for a championship. I’m fighting for redemption. And I’ll do whatever it takes to get it.”

“Ah, there you are!” a male voice popped up from the doorway, that caused Bella and Mal to turn to see Christian Underwood, co-owner of SCW and despite popular opinion, a pretty nice boss...but don’t pass that around.

Bella wouldn’t pass it around but she couldn’t help but put on a sweet smile, “Hey Christian, what’s up?”

“Did you happen to get a peak at the next week’s CC in Henderson?” he asked as he leaned against the door, “It’s go home time and I’m sure you just heard what Aleesha said before we went off the air.”

“That I did,” Bella motioned towards the screen, “I accept of course, but I seem to feel like that’s not why you’re here. I hadn’t seen the card yet, I was going to on my way back to the ladies locker room.”

“Well...” Christian shifted, “I know you weren’t exactly thrilled with Cassie as well and I wasn’t about to deny you both the satisfaction of getting a chance so next week is a tag match, Harper and Cassie versus you...and your opponent at Inception.”

Bella’s eyes go slightly wide for a moment followed by a laughing smirk, “An interesting set-up.”

“I know,” Christian smirks, like the devil's advocate that he is, “I think it could be a hell of a match and it seems like you and Aleesha have this...mutual respect thing going on and I know Cassie and Harper are both sniffing around both of you and getting into your business. So handle it like I know you both can so you can focus on Inception. Cool?”

“As a cucumber.” Bella nodded, “Thanks for the heads up, Christian.”

“Of course, see ya next week and safe travels.”

With that Christian takes his leave and Mal looks at Bella and you can just see the wheels just turning already. “Bells? You good, love?”

She just smiles brightly, grabbing her towel and slinging it over her shoulder, turning to Malachi. “Come on. Let’s get out of here. I’ve got work to do.”

As they walked out of the room, the screen in the background replayed Aleesha’s words one last time. Bella didn’t need to hear them again. She knew exactly what she had to do.

At Inception, the reset button would become a launchpad—and Bella Madison was ready to take off.

But first, they’ll take care of a boil on the the whole damn thing.


~*~Revisiting the House~*~
Just outside of New York City

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the sprawling yard of the house Bella and Mal were considering. The property seemed even more picturesque now than it had during their first visit. Bella stood on the wraparound porch, her arms crossed as she watched Mal and her stepfather, Nick, walk around the perimeter of the house. Mal gestured animatedly at something near the foundation while Nick, ever the meticulous one, crouched down, inspecting it closely.

Inside, Bella’s mom, Laura, was entertaining Bella’s little brother, Aaron and of course little Máire, the toddler’s laughter occasionally filtering out through the windows. It was the kind of sound Bella imagined filling this house for years to come.

Nick straightened up and exchanged a few words with Mal before making his way toward Bella on the porch. His hands were slightly dusty from the inspection, but his expression carried a mix of warmth and seriousness.

“So,” Bella started, a small smile on her lips. “What’s the verdict, inspector?”

Nick chuckled, shaking his head. “Give me a minute, will ya? I’ve got a whole rundown of notes I’ll get to. But first…” He leaned on the porch railing beside her, looking out at the yard. “You know, I gotta say, kiddo… I can’t believe we’re standing here, looking at a house for you and your family. Feels like yesterday you were climbing all over that jungle gym in the park, telling me you were gonna grow up, be just like your mom and have a mansion someday.”

Bella laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Yeah, well, this isn’t exactly a mansion, but it’s close enough for me. Especially those stables.”

Nick turned to her, his expression softening. “Kid, hear me out. You’ve done good. Better than good. You’ve built a life—a beautiful one—with Mal and Máire. And now you’re moving out of the city, trading in the hustle and bustle for this…” He gestured toward the open snow covered yard, the distant currently bare trees swaying gently in the breeze. “I’m proud of you, kid. More than you know.”

Bella’s smile faltered for a moment, replaced by something deeper. “Thanks, dad. That means a lot. But… I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t scary. Moving out here, leaving behind everything we’ve built in the city—it feels huge, you know?”

Nick nodded, his eyes thoughtful. “It is huge and big steps like this always feel bigger than they actually are. But sometimes, huge is exactly what you need. You’ve outgrown that old place, Bella. It served its purpose, gave you a solid foundation. But this?” He tapped the railing lightly. “This is where you start building the next chapter. For Máire, for yourself, for Mal. And honestly, I think you’re more ready for it than you realize.”

Bella looked down at her hands, gripping the porch railing tightly. “What if I’m not? What if we’re making a mistake? What if this place turns out to be… I don’t know, a disaster?”

Nick let out a hearty laugh, earning a puzzled look from Bella. “Oh, Bella. I’ve been crawling through every nook and cranny of this house for the last hour. Trust me, it’s no money pit. In fact, it’s one of the most solid properties I’ve seen in a long time. Whoever owned this before you took care of it—really took care of it. If you ask me, you’d be crazy not to put in the final offer.”

Bella’s shoulders relaxed, and a small laugh escaped her. “You really think so?”

Nick placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I know so. And hey, even if it were a disaster, you’d figure it out and you’ll have help. That’s who you are, Bella. Just like your mom, you’re a fighter. You’ve got this and we’ll all make sure that you do.”

She turned to him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Thanks, dad. For everything. For being here, for always being in my corner…”

Nick pulled her into a hug, patting her back gently. “Hey, I’m just the inspector but you know I got you, kid. Always, kiddo. Always.”

From the yard, Mal called out, “Hey! You two gonna join us, or what?”

Bella pulled back, wiping her eyes quickly before grinning at Nick. “Come on, inspector. Let’s go see what other notes you’ve got for me. And then we’re gonna go celebrate your birthday.”

“I told you you didn’t have to do anything!” Nick exclaimed, as she took his arm, “Of course, I told your mother the same and I should have known something was up when she told me to make sure my schedule was completely cleared today.”

As they walked down the steps together, Bella couldn’t help but feel the weight of her doubts lifting. With Nick’s reassurance and her family by her side, the next chapter didn’t seem quite so daunting anymore.

Bella laughed as they rounded the stairs to where Mal was waiting for them, “Hey, I was in Nevada last weekend and we’ve both been super busy. You deserved to be celebrated, dad. End of story.”

Nick just sighs out loud, shaking his head, he should have known his girls would make sure that he was gonna have some sort of a birthday celebration, “Fine, just no crazy songs.”

“Well there goes my big zydeco plan, guess I’ll have to cancel. Hope I can get my deposit back.” Bella said with a smirk, “Maybe karaoke.”

“Jesus, you really are your mother’s daughter.”

This house wasn’t just a house—it was the start of something new.

It was gonna be home.


~*~Rules of Engagements: The Enemy of my enemy is potentially a friend`*~

The scene opens in a quiet park near Henderson, Nevada. The sun is setting, casting hues of orange and gold across the sky. Bella Madison is seated on a weathered wooden bench near a small pond. The faint chirping of crickets and the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze provide a serene backdrop, but Bella’s demeanor is anything but calm. She’s dressed casually, ripped jeans and a leather jacket, her expression serious as she stares at the rippling water. The camera moves closer as she begins to speak, her tone measured but carrying an undercurrent of frustration.

"You ever just sit back and wonder how people think they can get away with anything? I mean, really. You try to do things the right way, handle your business, and then someone’s gotta come along and stick their nose where it doesn’t belong. That’s what I’m dealing with right now." Bella shakes her head, letting out a bitter laugh. "Cassie Wolfe and Harper Mason. Young Justice. I swear, just saying the name makes me laugh. Justice? What exactly have either of you done to embody justice? Because all I see are two people trying to play hero in a story they don’t belong in."

She leans back on the bench, her eyes lifting to the sky briefly before settling back on the camera. "Cassie, I’ll give you credit where it’s due. You earned your shot. That’s not in question. But what is in question is your timing. You couldn’t just wait, could you? You couldn’t let Aleesha and I finish what we started without butting in and trying to make everything about you. And that’s where you lost me. That’s where the respect I might’ve had for you? Gone. Because let me tell you something, Cassie—earning a shot doesn’t give you the right to jump the line. And now, you’ve made it personal."

Bella sits forward, resting her elbows on her knees, her voice lowering slightly. "And Harper… I don’t even know what to say to you. What are you doing here? Are you just along for the ride, hoping Cassie’s spotlight will somehow shine on you too? Because that’s all I see when I look at you. A tagalong. An extra. And trust me, I’ve seen plenty of people like you in my time. They come and go, never making any real impact. You might want to think about that before you step into the ring with me."

She pauses, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as the faintest smirk crosses her lips. "And then there’s Aleesha. Look, I know what people are thinking. ‘Bella, how can you trust her? Isn’t she your opponent at Inception?’ Yeah, she is. And I’m not naive. I know alliances in this business are as fragile as glass. But here’s the thing—Aleesha didn’t have to offer me a rematch. She didn’t have to do anything, but she did. That tells me something about her character. And for now, I trust her. For now, we’re allies. But I’m not stupid. I know how quickly things can change."

Bella stands, pacing a few steps as the intensity in her voice builds. "But Cassie and Harper, let me make one thing crystal clear. This isn’t about Aleesha or me trusting her. This is about the two of you thinking you can step into my business and not face the consequences. You think you’ve got something to prove? You think this match is your chance to shine? Guess what—it’s not. This match is about me reminding everyone exactly who I am. Someone who’s tired of being disrespected. Someone who’s done being overlooked. And someone who’s ready to put you both in your place."

She stops and turns back to the camera, her voice calm but laced with steel. "At Climax Control, you’re going to find out exactly what happens when you mess with someone who’s got nothing left to lose and everything to prove. Young Justice? The only thing young about you is your naivety. And justice? It’s not coming for you. Reality is. And reality? Her name is Bella Madison."

With that, Bella walks toward the pond, her silhouette outlined by the setting sun as the camera fades to black.

~*~In My Grasp, At Last~*~
During High Stakes
Bella emerged through the curtain into the gorilla position, clutching the SCW Bombshell’s Internet Championship against her chest. The adrenaline from her hard-fought victory still coursed through her veins, and the deafening cheers of the crowd echoed in her mind. Her body ached, her lungs burned, but none of it mattered—she had done it. For the first time in her SCW career, she was a singles champion.

Tears welled up in her eyes as the gravity of the moment hit her. She had climbed the mountain and conquered it.

“Bells!”

Before she could take another step, she was swept into the arms of her husband, Malachi. He wrapped her up tightly, lifting her off her feet for a moment as she buried her face into his shoulder.

“I knew you could do it,” he murmured, his voice full of pride. “You were incredible out there.”

Bella pulled back slightly, her face streaked with tears and a wide, triumphant smile. “I can’t believe it, Mal. I actually did it!”

He cupped her face with both hands and kissed her forehead. “Believe it, champ. You earned this.”

As they parted, the next to greet her were none other than the SCW bosses, Mark Ward and Christian Underwood. Mark stepped forward first, his usual sharp demeanor softened by a genuine smile.

“Hell of a match, Bella. You’ve made us all proud,” Mark said, extending his hand.

Bella shook it firmly before Mark pulled her into a brief but heartfelt hug. “Congratulations,” he added as he stepped back.

Christian was next, his expression kind but more reserved. “You’ve proven yourself tonight,” he said, offering his hand. Bella shook it, feeling the weight of his words.

“Thank you,” she replied earnestly.

Christian hesitated for a moment, then sighed. “Alright, fine. Come here.”

Bella laughed as he gave her a quick hug, his begrudging warmth clear despite his usual stoicism. “Congratulations, Bella. You’ve earned it,” he said, patting her shoulder as they parted.

And then she saw her mother. Laura Phoenix stood a few steps away, holding Bella and Mal’s daughter, who was squirming excitedly in her grandmother’s arms. Bella’s heart swelled at the sight—her mother’s pride was unmistakable, mirrored in the bright, curious eyes of her little girl.

Without a word, Bella rushed over, tears spilling anew as she reached out to gently touch her daughter’s tiny hand.

“You did it, sweetheart,” Laura said softly, her voice full of emotion. “We’re so proud of you.”

Bella leaned in, pressing a kiss to her daughter’s forehead before wrapping her free arm around her mother. “I couldn’t have done it without you, Mom,” Bella said, her voice breaking slightly.

Laura shifted slightly so Bella could look at her daughter again, the championship belt still gleaming in her other hand. “She’s been watching you on the monitor. I think you’ve got a number one fan right here.”

Bella laughed through her tears, resting her forehead gently against her daughter’s. “Looks like Mommy brought home some gold, huh?”

Her daughter let out a delighted giggle, reaching for the shiny belt in Bella’s hand. Laura chuckled, adjusting her hold on the little girl. “She’s already got good taste.”

The three of them stood there for a moment, a perfect picture of love, pride, and triumph. Bella knew she’d never forget this feeling.

Laura stayed close, gently bouncing Máire in her arms as Bella began to come down from the adrenaline rush of the match. “Why don’t you go cool down? I got her and you two deserve to share this moment a little bit.”

The championship belt hung from her shoulder, its weight a constant reminder that this moment was real. “Thanks mom. We won’t be too long.” As she stepped out of the gorilla position and into the backstage hallway, she suddenly heard an excited squeal.

“BELLLAAAA!!!”

Before she could react, Helluva Bottom Carter came flying at her like a human missile, literally leaping into her arms. Bella staggered back a step, laughing despite herself as she instinctively caught him.

“You DID IT!” Carter practically shouted, hugging her tightly as his legs swung off the ground.

Bella laughed, her heart swelling at his uncontainable enthusiasm. “Carter, I just wrestled a match! You’re gonna knock me over!”

Carter ignored her mock protest, his smile wide and infectious. “You’re the Internet Champ now! My Internet Champ twin! We’re gonna DOMINATE this division together!”

Bella couldn’t help but grin at his exuberance, her chest tight with gratitude for his support. “Thanks, Carter,” she said, hugging him back before gently setting him down. “I couldn’t have asked for a better division partner.”

Carter beamed, his eyes shining with pride. “You’re a star, Bella. I always knew it. Now you’ve got the gold to prove it!”

As Carter stepped aside, Bella turned to find Miles standing nearby, his arms already open. Without hesitation, Bella stepped into his embrace, and Miles wrapped her up in a huge hug, lifting her slightly off the ground in his excitement.

“You did it, Bells,” Miles murmured, his voice steady but full of pride. “I knew you could.”

Bella hugged him tightly, her tears threatening to spill again. “Thank you, Miles. You’ve always believed in me, even when I doubted myself.”

He pulled back, his hands resting on her shoulders as he gave her a warm smile. “You earned this. No one can ever take it away from you.” Miles stepped aside, glancing over at Carter. “Come on, champ,” he teased. “We’ve got matches to get ready for. Can’t let Bella hog all the glory tonight.”

Carter struck a dramatic pose, grinning ear to ear. “Oh, please, darling. The Internet Championship spotlight is all ours now!”

With one last hug from Carter and a quick tap of their respective titles and a playful pat on the back from Miles, the two headed off. Bella stood there for a moment, watching them go, her heart full.

She turned to find Mal beside her, his steady presence grounding her amidst the whirlwind of emotions. His hand slipped into hers, and she gave it a gentle squeeze.

“It’s really sinking in now, isn’t it?” Mal asked, his voice quiet but filled with pride.

Bella nodded, her free hand brushing over the golden faceplate of the championship belt. “Yeah. I actually did it. The chase… it’s finally over.”

Mal smiled, pulling her close and pressing a kiss to her temple. “And now, you get to show the world what it means to be Bella Madison, SCW Bombshell’s Internet Champion. This is just the beginning, love.”

Bella let out a deep breath, her tears threatening to fall again, but this time they were tears of pure happiness. She looked at the belt, at Mal, and then over at her mother holding Máire, and she smiled.

“I’m ready,” she said softly, determination shining in her eyes.

~*~Holiday Madness~*~
Back in New York

The last few weeks had been an unrelenting blur for Bella Madison.

Her championship win was still fresh, the weight of the Bombshells Internet Championship a constant reminder of what she’d accomplished. But Aleesha’s words during their face-to-face on Climax Control still hung in the air like a storm cloud. Aleesha had framed Bella’s triumph as if it was only temporary, a placeholder until she reclaimed what was hers.

That didn’t sit right with Bella. It was like all the blood, sweat, and tears she’d poured into her journey were being diminished. Bella didn’t care if Aleesha respected her tenacity or her never-say-die attitude—her subtle condescension had lit a fire in Bella. But as much as she wanted to channel that frustration into her preparations, life had other plans.

With Climax Control’s Winter Wonderslam taking place in Las Vegas, Bella and Malachi were juggling their responsibilities as parents, wrestlers, and holiday planners all at once. As soon as the show wrapped up, the family was heading straight to Waterford, Ireland, to spend Christmas with the entire O’Connell clan. The prospect of traveling internationally with a year-and-a-half-old was daunting enough, but the logistics of packing for themselves, Máire, and their pets left Bella’s head spinning.

“Mal, I swear, if we forget the diaper bag, I’m going to lose it,” Bella called out as she frantically sorted through Máire’s things.

“It’s already packed, love,” Mal replied from the kitchen, his voice calm as always. “Checked it twice.”

Máire, meanwhile, was doing her best to ensure that nothing stayed where it was supposed to. The toddler’s giggles echoed through the apartment as she darted between Bella’s legs, clutching one of her stuffed animals. Bella shook her head with an exasperated smile.

“And the green sweater?”

“Laundry pile by the couch!”

Bella groaned, finding it after a few minutes of digging. But before she could take a breath, her phone buzzed on the counter. She glanced at the screen, seeing the name of their realtor pop up.

“Ugh, now? Of all times?” she muttered before answering. “Hi, Brenda. What’s up?”

Brenda’s voice was chipper, almost too much for Bella in her frazzled state. “Bella, I know it’s crunch time for you, but I just couldn’t wait to call. I’ve got something you need to see. A property just came on the market, and it’s everything you’ve been looking for. Big house, lots of land, space for the whole family—two cats, one dog, and even more, if you decide to expand!”

Bella blinked, caught off guard. “Expand? You’ve been talking to Mal, haven’t you?”

Brenda laughed. “Just a little. He seems very excited about the potential.”

Bella glanced toward the kitchen, where Mal was now balancing Máire on one hip while stirring something on the stove. His casual hints about adding to their family had been sweet but subtle—never pushy. It wasn’t that Bella didn’t want to consider it, but she wasn’t ready yet. Wrestling was a part of her soul, and after taking a year off to have Máire, this run in SCW felt like reclaiming a piece of herself. She wanted to savor it, to enjoy the challenge and the spotlight a little longer.

Still, the thought of a house like that—a place where they could grow, where Máire could play in a big yard with their pets, and where they could truly settle in as a family—was undeniably appealing.

“Can you send me the details?” Bella asked, a touch of excitement creeping into her voice.

“Already on its way. And if you’re interested, I can try to schedule a showing for when you’re back from Ireland.”

“Thanks Brenda, let’s plan on this. I’ll keep you updated when we’ll get back.”

“We’ll talk then! Safe travels!”

Bella hung up, her mind racing. She walked into the kitchen, leaning against the counter as she watched Mal finish up. Máire reached for her, and Bella took the little girl into her arms, planting a kiss on her forehead.

“What’s that look for?” Mal asked, his eyes narrowing playfully.

“Brenda just called. She says she found the house.”

Mal’s eyebrows lifted. “Yeah? Big enough for the zoo and then some?”

“And then some,” Bella echoed, a small smile tugging at her lips. “She even hinted about expanding the family.”

Mal shrugged, his grin teasing. “Well, I might’ve mentioned it once or twice.”

“Of course, you did.” Bella rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. She shifted Máire on her hip, her gaze softening as she looked at him. “You know I want that someday, right? Just… not yet.”

“I know,” he said, his voice gentle. “I’ll never push you on it, Bells. You’ve worked so hard to get back here, and I want you to enjoy every second of it. Just know I’m here for whatever comes next—whenever it comes.”

Bella nodded, feeling the weight of his words settle warmly in her chest. They had a lot on their plate right now—Aleesha, Christmas, the move—but for the first time in a while, she felt a spark of clarity. They’d get through it all, together.

~*~At the Heart of the Spirit~*~

In the heart of Rockefeller Square, amidst the winter wonderland of twinkling lights and festive cheer, Bella Madison glided gracefully across the ice rink. The crisp winter air kissed her cheeks as she practiced her twirls and spins, the only sound the rhythmic scrape of her skates against the ice. Yet, her mind was far from the serene scene around her. It was consumed by the impending storm - Winter Wonderslam, where she would defend her hard-won Internet Championship against Aleesha.

The silence of the rink mirrored the solitude of her journey. Countless hours of grueling training, the sting of defeat, the ache of injuries - all had led to this moment. The Internet Championship wasn't merely a belt; it was a testament to her unwavering dedication, a symbol of the promise she had made to herself nearly a year ago.

As she executed a flawless Lutz jump, a surge of adrenaline coursed through her veins. "Aleesha," she spoke into the frosty air, her voice firm yet laced with emotion, "you think this is a game? You think you can just waltz back in and reclaim what you lost?"

Her breath formed wisps of white mist in the cold air as she continued, "You held that title once, but times have changed. The Internet Championship isn't just handed out; it's earned. And I've earned it."

A steely glint entered her eyes as she envisioned her rival. "You may have had it once, but your reign is over. This is my time now. I've fought for this, bled for this, and I'll be damned if I let you take it away."

Her voice echoed across the empty rink, carrying the weight of her determination. "You say I don't deserve respect? Respect is earned, Aleesha, not given. And on Sunday, at Winter Wonderslam, I'm going to show you exactly what I've earned."

"Aleesha thinks she can just waltz back in and reclaim what was once hers. She's wrong. So wrong. This isn't some hobby or even some game to me. This business is my LIFE, I live it and I breathe and it is my legacy. This championship represents countless hours of sweat and sacrifice. It symbolizes the respect I've earned, the battles I've won, the doubters I've silenced. Just like you said, I didn’t rely on my family history, I did it ON MY terms."

“But here’s the catch Aleesha, you got this shot at High Stakes and you could have EASILY gone after Victoria...or even Kayla but you came after me. You called me out, you fed my ego and then it was about what you had once had that you lost. The Internet Championship under you was a spectacular time. I remember it fondly. But Aleesha, it’s not the same anymore.” Bella paused, her breath visible in the cold air. "Aleesha might have held this title once, but she clearly doesn't understand its weight, its significance. She lost it because of injury and yeah that sucks but.... She seems to think it’s like a trinket, a trophy for her ego. I have only had this championship for a short time and even when I came out on that first Climax Control everyone saw that I carry it with the reverence it deserves, knowing every day I have to prove I'm worthy. And don’t get me wrong"

Her voice hardened. "She thinks she's entitled to respect? Respect isn't handed out like candy, Aleesha. You have to earn it. And I've earned it through blood, sweat, and tears. On Sunday, I'll show her, I'll show everyone the true meaning of respect."

“Aleesha, listen up. You made your bed when you left SCW, and now you've got to lie in it. And yes I get it, you didn’t have a choice in the matter. Injuries suck but....You think you can just waltz back in here and pick up where you left off? Well, you've got another thing coming.

I've worked too hard for this. I've sacrificed too much. I've bled, sweat, and cried for this championship. And I'm not about to let you just come along and take it away from me.”

“You were gone for months, healing up, living your life, while I was here, day in and day out, busting my ass to even get a sniff at a championship shot. When I came back from having my daughter, I had to build it back up, I didn’t just walk in and boom, a title shot. And I’m not saying that you did that, you won that Rumble, you earned it but sweetheart...once again, it is not the same division you left behind.”

“So please Aleesha, please don't come in here acting like you're entitled to the Internet Title just because you never lost it. You're not. And you did. You gave it up when you ended up getting poked and prodded by the docs. And now, I'm the one who's going to keep it.”

“You think I'm scared of you? You think I'm going to back down just because you're back? Well, you're wrong. I'm not afraid of you, Aleesha. And I'm not going to let you bully me into giving up my championship.

I'm Bella Madison, and I am the Internet Champion. And you're not going to take that away from me.”

With a final spin, she came to a graceful stop, her chest heaving with a mix of anticipation and resolve. This wasn't just about a title; it was about proving her worth, silencing the doubters, and solidifying her place at the top.

The ice beneath her feet was a battleground, and Winter Wonderslam was her war. Aleesha was in for the fight of her life, because Bella Madison was not just a champion; she was a force to be reckoned with. And come Sunday, the world would witness her reign supreme.

Over 5 years ago
Late Morning
Early April 2019
London, UK

Bella’s time in London was coming to a fast end as much as she didn’t want it to.

On the school’s dime, she and several other graduate students had made their way from Paris to London for a whole week for different reasons strictly for educational purposes.

But with the hard work also comes the fun.

She was invited to a wrestling show by Malachi with the promise of dinner later. She couldn’t even begin to explain to herself why she was so attracted to this man but she wasn’t about to turn down a chance to watch him at work. Enthralled is a wonderful way to put it with how Bella looked at Malachi and when Mal looked at her, she had felt that wall that she had put up around her heart before she left for Paris coming down piece by piece.

But when the show hit intermission, she stood back and watched as he stepped out from the back, toweling himself off and quickly switched out to just a pair of shorts and she had to laugh a bit a the pair of slide-on sandals with the socks and had made a mental note to poke at him later. She was just about to step up when she saw a tiny little brunette step up with a look on her face that she was ready to sink her claws into him and immediately could tell that Mal was already extremely uncomfortable. But what she saw next, it shocked her and it made her realize that he wasn’t at all what everyone else had said.

He turned the brunette down flat and as soon as she stormed away Bella took her place rightfully at his side, and with a little flirtatious power instead of going out to eat, they ended up ordering room service.

And let it grow cold.

The next morning, while Bella was finishing up in the bathroom, Mal had ordered them room service and while he waited, he decided to check his phone. As he went to pick it up, he accidentally had tipped over Bella’s purse, “Shit.”

He quickly had put the phone down and had grabbed at it and managed to sit it right again with everything in it but one thing, a pink stone that was smooth all around and even in its corners. And it caught Mal’s attention and picked it up and was staring at it.

“It’s a rose quartz,” Bella said when she came out of the bathroom and found him staring at it in his hands. Mal turned around on his heels, looking like he had been caught. “I got it a while ago to help with my creativity and whatnot.”

“I didn’t mean to umm...I went to grab my phone and the purse just tumbled.” Mal fumbled to explain.

“Mal, it’s fine.” Bella reached out and touched his arm, “I know you sat your phone over here and well there is so much in that bag, it constantly tips over and besides it’s not like I have anything to hide, especially from you. You like the stone?”

“Yeah, it’s pretty.” Mal hands it back to her, “And definitely you.”

She rolls the stone over in her fingers and looks up at him, “You could have it, if you’d like.”

“No, love. It’s yours.” Mal said with a smile, “So how long until your train?”

“Umm...about 4 hours. What about you?”

Mal does the math in his head, “Shortly after yours, I think. I ordered breakfast but we could just cancel and have a late morning brunch before I see you off.”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea.”

So that’s exactly what they did. And before too long they were standing at the train station with all their bags.

Bella stood there looking a little sad but not sure how much she wanted to really say, “Ok, so I promise that I will message you as soon as I get back to Paris. And...we will talk and hopefully it won’t be too long until we can see each other again.”

Mal just grabs her face, “Bells, you don’t need to worry about anything. I promise that we will see each other again and it’s probably not going to be as long as we even think.”

Bella’s eyes light up, “Really?”

Mal smirks, “Really. If I could throw a repeat on a weekend like this, I so would.”

It was Bella’s turn to smirk as she wrapped her arms around Mal’s neck, “As would I. Maybe with a little more food but I did have a lot of fun.”

“Yeaaah that was such a waste of food.” Mal quipped back before placing a gentle kiss on her lips.

“Attention passengers, the 2:20 train for Paris is now boarding...”

And that caused her to sigh and only wrap Mal up a little tighter. After a few he leans her forehead against his lips and simply mutters, “It’ll be okay, Bells.”

“Still sucks.”

“ALL ABOARD!”

Bella finally peels herself away and walks over to the train with Mal’s hand in hers. He helps her with one big bag up the steps before giving her one more kiss and then helping her up into the train. He watches her enter the car and takes a few steps down as she finds her seat, sitting next to the window. He gives a quick wave as does she before he goes to turn. But is stopped when she knocks on the window and puts up a piece of paper that simply says “Check Your Pocket”.

Mal looks confused but searches through his pockets of his coat, and then to his pants where he stops when he feels something and pulls it out as the train whistle blows. It’s the rose quartz. And he just looks up with shock as Bella gives him a simple wave as the train begins to depart and he just stands there. And watches as it leaves.


Closer to the present day
5 years later
O’Connell Home

Bella stood in their spacious Manhattan apartment, meticulously organizing every detail for their trip. Bags were lined up by the door, neatly packed for their upcoming flights. Mal had been bustling around, ensuring their daughter, Máire, had everything she needed, while Bella, being the perfectionist she was, decided to pack Mal's bag herself.

“Make sure Máire’s ready, Mal!” Bella called from the bedroom as she pulled out his travel bag from the closet. As she placed the clothes she had laid out inside, something small and familiar tumbled out of one of the side compartments. The soft thud caught her attention, and her heart skipped a beat when she saw what it was.

The rose quartz.

The same stone she had given Mal all those years ago in London. Time seemed to stand still for a moment as she stared at it, the memories flooding back—their whirlwind weekend, the promise that they would see each other again, and all the love that had grown between them since. Alongside the stone was a small, slightly worn photo of her and Máire, back when she was just a couple of months old, taken just a few months after their daughter was born. Her heart swelled as she realized he still carried these tokens with him, through all the travels and matches.

She sat down on the floor, clutching the rose quartz in her hand, tears welling up in her eyes. Despite everything that had changed—the moves, the careers, the victories, and the losses—Mal had remained her constant. Her rock. And right now, with her own uncertainties looming large, it felt like this little stone was the only thing grounding her.

She hadn’t felt herself since her match at Violent Conduct. The sting of her loss still lingered, as did the scars, and the frustration of not knowing what came next was eating away at her. She wasn’t sure what her future in the ring looked like, or if she even had a place anymore. She was supposed to be packing, preparing for her upcoming match against Diamond Steele, a former multi-time champion. But instead, she found herself sitting on the floor, overwhelmed by a flood of emotions.

As if sensing her unease, Mal walked into the room. He paused when he saw her sitting there, the rose quartz clutched tightly in her hand, tears threatening to spill down her cheeks.

“Bells...” His voice was soft, filled with concern. He knelt down beside her, his hand resting gently on her back. “What’s going on?”

Bella looked up at him, her voice breaking slightly. “You still kept it... after all this time.”

Mal glanced at the stone in her hand and smiled softly. “Of course I did. It’s part of us.” He reached over, brushing a tear from her cheek with his thumb. “Well of course, you and this stone... you keep me grounded, even when we aren’t in the same company, so having a reminder of my favorite girl and now girls...well I consider it almost like my good luck charm now.”

She sniffed, trying to compose herself. “You’ve always been my rock, Mal. And I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’m just—” She paused, struggling to find the words. “I’ve been feeling so lost since Violent Conduct. I don’t know what’s next for me. And here you are, getting ready to go back, to team with Lach... I just—”

Mal shifted so he was sitting beside her on the floor, pulling her into his arms. “Bells, you’re not lost. You’ve just hit a rough patch. It happens. But you’re Bella Madison... you don’t quit. You don’t give up. And whatever happens next, we’ll figure it out together.”

Bella leaned into him, her head resting against his chest as his words sank in. “I just... I don’t know if I’m good enough anymore.”

Mal tightened his hold on her. “You’re more than good enough. You’re one of the strongest people I know, and I’ve seen you bounce back from worse. This is just another chapter. And you’ve got this match against Diamond Steele, right? You’re gonna show her, and everyone else, that Bella Madison is still here. Still fighting.”

She smiled weakly, her fingers tracing the edges of the rose quartz. “You always know what to say.”

“Because I know you,” Mal replied, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “And I know you’re going to go out there and remind the world who you are. But first... we need to get packed.”

Bella let out a small laugh, wiping her tears. “Right. We have a flight to catch.”

“Exactly. And don’t worry about the rest, okay? Just focus on being you. I’ve got your back, always.”

Bella stood up, her hand still gripping the rose quartz, feeling its familiar weight in her palm. She gave Mal a grateful smile as they finished packing his bag together. Whatever came next, she knew she wouldn’t be facing it alone.


~*~Nothing Left to Lose~*~
Rules of Engagement: Fuck the Rules

The scene opens with Bella Madison sitting in the locker room, a single light casting shadows over her face. She looks calm, but there’s a glint in her eyes that speaks of something much darker—like someone who’s gone beyond caring about what anyone thinks of her anymore. She leans forward, elbows resting on her knees, as she begins to speak.

"Let’s get something straight… I’ve spent weeks—months—tearing myself apart to prove a point. And what do I have to show for it? At Violent Conduct, I went out there and poured everything I had into that match against Victoria Lyons. I pushed myself to the limit—hell, I damn near broke myself—because I believed that was my moment. I believed if I just gave everything, it would be enough.

Turns out, I was wrong."

Bella pauses, a bitter chuckle escaping her lips.

"But that’s the funny thing about hitting rock bottom, isn’t it? Once you’ve already given everything, once you’ve already felt the pain of losing it all, what’s left to lose? Nothing. And that’s where I’m at now.

I walked away from Violent Conduct with nothing. No title, no victory, just the reminder that in this business, nothing is guaranteed. It doesn’t matter how hard you work, how much blood you spill, how far you’re willing to go—sometimes, the universe just doesn’t give a damn.

So yeah, I’m lost. I’ve been feeling lost ever since that night. I don’t know what’s next for me, and I don’t know what the future holds. But in that loss, in that uncertainty, I’ve found something terrifying within myself. Something I didn’t know was there until everything else was stripped away…"

She leans forward even more, her tone sharpening.

"I don’t care anymore."

"You hear me? I. Don’t. FUCKING. Care. I don’t care what people think of me. I don’t care about being liked, or about playing nice. I don’t care about the rules or the expectations you people try to place on me. What I care about now? It’s simple.

Winning. And making sure that no one ever forgets what happens when you cross me."

She holds her hand up, staring at it as if visualizing the violence she’s prepared to unleash.

"I’ve hurt myself before. I’ve thrown my body into the fire, and it wasn’t enough. But this time? This time, I’ll burn everything down if I have to. I’ve got nothing left to lose, and that makes me more dangerous than I’ve ever been. Do I care if I hurt myself again? Not even a little bit. Because I’m willing to go further than anyone else, and that’s what it’s going to take to get what I want.

That starts with you, Diamond Steele."

Bella smirks, though there’s no humor behind it—only cold determination.

"You think you know what you’re walking into? You think you’ve faced tough opponents before? You haven’t faced me. Not like this. I’m not the Bella Madison everyone knew. I’m not here to play by the old rules. I’m here to tear down anyone in my way, and unfortunately for you, Diamond, you’re first on my list.

This match with you? It’s more than just a win or a loss. It’s a statement. A statement that I don’t care anymore, that I’ll do whatever it takes. So yeah, bring everything you’ve got, because I’m not walking into that ring to just beat you—I’m walking in there to remind everyone that Bella Madison isn’t some nice girl waiting for her moment. I am the moment. And I’ll make damn sure you know that when I walk right over you."

She stands up now, pacing slightly as her intensity builds.

"I promised myself that by High Stakes, I’d have my first singles title in SCW. I’ve waited long enough. I’ve played the game long enough. And now, the game is done. I’m coming for what’s mine. I’m coming for that title, and I don’t care who’s in the way. You, Diamond Steele? You’re just the first step. After you, I’ll keep going. One by one, I’ll take down anyone in front of me, and I won’t stop until that gold is around my waist.

This isn’t about getting respect anymore. This isn’t about proving a point to anyone but myself. I’m doing this because I said I would. Because I will keep my word. I’m going to take that title, and I don’t care if I have to burn down SCW to do it.

So to everyone watching? Take a good, long look. What’s coming next? It’s not the Bella you think you know. It’s something far, far worse."

Bella stops pacing, locking eyes with the camera, her voice cold and final.

"I’m done playing nice. I’m done caring. The only thing that matters now is winning, and making sure everyone who ever doubted me regrets it. Diamond Steele, you’re the first... but you won’t be the last. High Stakes is coming, and I will claim what’s mine—by any means necessary."

She lets the silence hang in the air for a moment before walking off screen, leaving nothing but her dangerous words behind.

"I've thrown my body into the fire, and I’ve walked through hell and back for this. But now? Now, I’m ready to hurt others. I’m ready to make the pain I feel something tangible—something you can see, something you can taste, something you’ll never forget. Because when you’ve got nothing left to lose, you’re dangerous. You become something more than just a competitor. You become a force of nature. And trust me when I say… you don’t want to be on the wrong side of a storm like that."

Bella's expression darkens as she straightens up, her eyes locking with the camera, full of intensity.

"So here we are, Diamond Steele. I hope you’re ready for this match, because I’m coming in with nothing holding me back. No restraints. No chains. No more second-guessing. I’m coming into this match like my life depends on it because, honestly? It feels like it does. You’re standing in my way, and that’s the worst possible place to be.

You see, Diamond, I respect what you've done in this business, but right now? I don’t care about respect. I don’t care about accolades, or how many times you’ve held a title. The only thing I care about is making sure you leave that ring knowing you’ve been in a fight—a real fight. I’ve been at the bottom, and I’m clawing my way back up. You? You’re just the next obstacle in my way. And if I have to break you to remind everyone what I’m capable of, then so be it."

She stands up, rolling her shoulders as if getting ready for battle, the determination on her face now undeniable.

"I’m done playing nice. I’m done being the underdog. I’m done questioning myself. It’s time I stop looking for validation from anyone else and start taking what’s mine. Diamond Steele, you’re about to find out firsthand what happens when someone has absolutely nothing left to lose.

I’ll see you in that ring, and when it’s all said and done, you’ll remember the name Bella Madison. Because this? This is just the beginning of my next chapter. And trust me... it’s going to be written in blood."

Bella’s final words hang in the air as she walks out of the locker room, the camera lingering on the empty space she leaves behind. A storm is brewing, and it's clear Bella is ready to unleash it.

~*~Fuck Your Games~*~
Stockholm, Sweden

The hallway was a blur as Bella Madison stormed through it, her fists clenched, the tension radiating off her in waves. She was sick and tired of it all—the disrespect, the taunts, and now, her own mother stepping in. She felt like she was about to burst.

Her boots thudded against the floor as she made a beeline toward the office door of Mark Ward and Christian Underwood. Her mind was already spinning with who she would pick to destroy Victoria Lyons in the "Pick Your Poison" match next week. The thought of knocking that smug grin off Victoria’s face was the only thing keeping her from losing it completely.

"Bella!" Laura Phoenix’s voice echoed down the hall as she rushed after her daughter. "Are you seriously pissed off with me right now?"

Bella didn’t slow down, didn’t even turn around, her voice sharp as she spat back, "Oh, you think?"

Laura caught up with her just as Bella’s hand shot out, ready to knock on the door. Laura grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

"Wait," Laura said, her voice steady but firm. "You need to cool down, kid."

Bella whirled around, yanking her arm back. "Why, Mom? Why should I cool down when Victoria Lyons gets to walk around here like she’s untouchable? She thinks she’s some God damn Queen, like she’s fucking owed something, and no one’s knocked her down a single solitary peg since she won Queen for a Day and that damn Roulette Championship from Alexandra! And then tonight...You showed up, and now I look like I need saving, like I'm too weak to handle it myself!"

“I did it because Mark and Christian ASKED me to. Not for any other reason!” Laura sighed, her eyes softening as she looked at her daughter. "I’m sorry. I get it. I’ve been there. You think I didn’t want to lash out when people like Victoria disrespected me? I know that rage, Bella, I’ve lived that rage. But you’ve gotta understand—this is what she wants. She wants you to lose control."

Bella’s glare didn’t soften. If anything, her anger bubbled hotter beneath the surface. "And what if I don’t care anymore? What if I’m done playing by the rules and sitting back while people like Victoria step all over me? I am DONE giving a whole flying fuck about what other people EXPECT of me, mother."

Laura didn’t back down. "Bella! Believe me, I understand. I had people try to hold me back from being a main event star too. You know what I did? I went out there and destroyed an entire set once. I brought myself to their level and proved I wasn’t going to be pushed around." She stepped closer, locking eyes with her daughter. "But you know what? That wasn’t the answer."

Bella's jaw tightened as she shook her head. "No, but it was effective with what you were going for. You’re forgetting mother, I watched the whole damn thing with my own eyes and I remember it very well. And well, maybe it’s time I bring myself to that level for the first time ever. Maybe it’s time I show them that if they want a fight, then they’ll get one. Because if I’m ever going to break out of this—out of never holding a singles title in SCW—then I’m gonna have to pull out every damn stop from here on out."

Laura’s expression softened, but the fire in her eyes still burned. "I know how far you’re willing to go. Hell, I went there too. But you’ve got to stay smart about it. You don’t want to lose yourself trying to prove something to someone like Victoria. You can beat her at her own game, Bella. I know you can."

Bella’s chest heaved as she took a breath, the fire in her eyes not quite cooling. "Oh, I’m gonna play her game. But I’m going to do it my way. Starting with whoever the hell she picks for me next week—and then at Violent Conduct X, I’ll show Victoria Lyons exactly how far I’m willing to go."

Bella brushed past Laura, her hand reaching out for the door handle. Laura didn’t stop her this time, but her voice called after her softly, "Just remember who you are, Bella. Don’t lose sight of that."

Without looking back, Bella pushed open the door to the office, her mind set. Victoria Lyons had no idea what was coming.


~*~Home To Calm Down...HA!~*~
New York

Bella stormed through the front door, slamming it shut with a little more force than necessary. The sound echoed through the house, momentarily startling Malachi, who was sitting on the floor playing with their daughter, Máire. The little girl, now thirteen months old and walking, was on the move, constantly getting into everything. Whether it was the dog’s food and water dishes or the trash can, nothing was safe from her curious hands. Bella barely noticed the chaos as she paced the room, her mind still buzzing with frustration from earlier in the day.

"I can’t believe her, Mal," Bella muttered, her voice simmering with anger. "I can’t believe my own mother thinks I need her help. Like I can’t handle Victoria myself. And to top it off, she has been blowing up my phone SINCE trying to talk and I’m sorry, but I am still too upset to entertain a conversation with her right now."

Malachi glanced up from their daughter, half-smiling as he reached out to redirect her from the dog’s water bowl. "Mo gra, you know Laura was just trying to look out for you. She’s been in your shoes."

Bella let out a frustrated sigh, running her hands through her hair. The tension from the day still clung to her like an uncomfortable weight, and she couldn’t shake it off. She stopped pacing long enough to watch their daughter, who giggled as Malachi scooped her up just before she could make a mess of the dog’s dish.

"Gotcha, little troublemaker," Mal said, smiling down at the toddler, who wriggled in his arms, clearly enjoying the game.

For a brief moment, Bella’s lips twitched into a smile, watching the two of them. But the smile didn’t last long. Her mind quickly drifted back to what had transpired.

"I know," Bella said, her voice quieter now but still tense. "I just… Victoria picked Kayla Richards for me for Climax Control. Out of the entire roster, she picks the Bombshell World Champion."

Malachi raised an eyebrow. "The World Champ, huh? That’s a big match."

"Yeah," Bella muttered, folding her arms across her chest as she resumed pacing. "And you know what’s worse? I know for an absolute fact that despite her dragon-like demeanor, Kayla actually respects me. The last time we faced each other she said as much, and I know she’s not the type to play games. She may be an absolute bitch but she is also a fighter, and she’s not going to let me walk in there and make her look weak."

Malachi nodded thoughtfully, keeping an eye on their daughter as she crawled toward the dog’s dish again. "You don’t need her to go easy on you. You’re tougher than that, and you know it. Kayla might respect you, but she’s not gonna hold back. Neither should you, especially if you are out to show Victoria that she should be afraid of you."

Bella’s eyes softened for a moment as she watched their daughter splash her tiny hands in the dog’s water dish. The innocence and joy in the little girl’s giggles brought a brief moment of calm. But it wasn’t enough to completely quiet the storm inside Bella’s mind. There was too much at stake, and she couldn’t afford to lose focus, not now.

"No, she’s not. In fact, I don’t think Kayla fears a damn soul and that includes Finn. In fact, I’m pretty sure Finn is a little frightened of her to be truthful." Bella agreed, her tone resolute. "And I wouldn’t want her to. But this time, I’m going in there with something to prove—not just to Kayla, but to Victoria and everyone who’s written me off. I’ve had enough of being pushed around. It’s time they see what I’m really capable of."

Malachi gently set their daughter down again, watching as she toddled off to find her next adventure. He turned his attention back to Bella, his expression softening as he saw the fire in her eyes.

"Bells, you’ve got this," he said, his voice calm but full of conviction. "Just focus on what you need to do. Block out all the noise. Kayla’s tough, but you’re tougher when you’re in the right mindset."

Bella let out a deep breath, some of the tension easing from her shoulders. "I know. It’s just... I have to get my head straight."

Their daughter’s laughter echoed through the room again as she reached for the dog’s dish, making both parents chuckle despite the weight of the conversation.

"At least we know who the real champ in this house is," Malachi teased, grinning.

Bella couldn’t help but laugh, some of her frustration finally giving way to a lighter moment. "Yeah, she’s got us both beat."

With a sigh, Bella crouched down beside their daughter, watching her play. Máire gave her a big, four-toothed grin, her joy infectious. For now, Bella allowed herself a moment of peace, but in the back of her mind, the gears continued to turn. She knew the battle ahead was going to be tough, and she would have to be ready for anything. Starting with Kayla Richards.

And when Violent Conduct X came, Victoria Lyons would learn exactly how far Bella was willing to go.


~*~Rules of Engagement: When All Else Fails....Scorched Earth~*~

The camera focuses on Bella Madison, standing alone in a dimly lit room, her gaze intense as she stares off into the distance. Her expression is unreadable, but the weight of her thoughts is evident. She takes a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment as if collecting herself, and then begins to speak, her voice steady yet filled with determination.

"So, I named my poison for Victoria. Luna Pasilno." Bella smirks, her eyes opening with a fire that burns deep within her. "Someone who’s completely unhinged. Someone who’ll do anything, anything, to rip Victoria apart before Violent Conduct X. And make no mistake, Luna will rip her apart. But I’m done worrying about what happens to Victoria this week. That’s not my focus at this particular moment."

Her gaze sharpens, her jaw set with resolve as she shifts her focus to the challenge that truly lies ahead.

"My focus is on Kayla Richards. The SCW Bombshell World Champion. Respect can be given, sure, and believe me, I do respect her. Kayla's tough, she's a fighter, and I know she respects me too. But when that bell rings, respect means absolutely fucking squat. It doesn’t matter. All that matters is who’s willing to fight harder, dig deeper, and leave it all on the table."

She pauses, remembering the last time she faced Kayla, the moment that still stings at the back of her mind.

"The last time we went toe-to-toe, I ended up passing out in one of her submissions. I didn’t tap. I didn’t quit. My body just simply gave out, but my spirit never did. And I’m going to use that as a reminder—not just to her, but to me. That no matter how hard I get hit, no matter how tough things get, I’m not backing down. Not to the Bombshell Champ. And certainly not to someone like Victoria Lyons."

Her fists clench at her sides, her intensity growing with every word.

"I am so fucking tired of being overlooked. Tired of being underestimated. I am so fucking exhausted from getting so GOD DAMN CLOSE only to trip at that line. So let me make something crystal clear: I’m coming out swinging. I’m going to give everything I’ve got, and I’m going to leave it all on the table. Win or lose, I’m making damn sure that Kayla—and everyone else watching—knows that Bella Madison is here to fight. To take what’s hers. To rip apart anyone who stands in my way."

Her voice drops, low and dangerous, as she delivers her final words with absolute conviction.

"This isn’t just about respect, because the likes of Victoria Lyons gives none and the Bombshell Champ will make you fight tooth and fucking nail for it. I’m living PROOF of that. And I have been in the shadows for way too damn long now to expect anything more at this particular moment. I’m coming out of the shadows with a fire so hot under my ass that even the SCW Bombshell Champion, Kayla Richards is going to go into the match with me and then come out and tell Victoria Lyons that if she knows what is good for her, she will simply fucking run and never look back. This whole thing, since I began it after Summer Xxxtreme, is about FINALLY standing up and not being that cute girl with the shit ton of potential and all the praise in the world but not a fucking thing to show for it. This is about survival. Climax Control is just the beginning. And at Violent Conduct X in two weeks, when it’s all said and done, the world is going to see exactly what I’m capable of. I’m done being the one who’s stepped on. I’m about to make sure that anyone who tries learns the hard way… that Bella Madison is ready to tear this division apart, piece by piece."

Bella’s eyes gleam with a fire that can’t be extinguished. She turns her head slightly, as if speaking directly to the camera now, a final message to her opponents—and the world.

"If you think you can stop me, then you don’t know who you’re dealing with. Kayla. I’m not that bright eyed girl that seemingly had her shit together the last time. No, see...I’m out for blood this time. I don’t care who’s it is, mine, yours, pick ANY giving bitch in the bombshell locker room or- or even Victoria. All of you. I’m coming for every single one of you. And when I’m done, there’ll be nothing left but ashes."

With that, Bella walks off into the shadows, her steps steady and unrelenting, leaving an unmistakable air of determination in her wake.

~*~Let’s Go To A Wedding~*~
McKinney Residence
Olympia, WA

To say Bella and Mal’s jaws dropped when they pulled up in their rental on Tuesday evening for the rehearsal dinner for the wedding of Miles and Carter, it was a massive understatement. They both had seen pictures both shown by the boys and even on twitter but seeing it in person made it very obvious that those pictures did not do it justice.

With their outfits in tow, as well as Mal carrying Máire, they crossed the threshold of the house and Bella was immediately engulfed in a hug by Miles’ sister, Brianna. They hadn’t seen each other in what felt like forever, the duo quickly became friends actually following the forever-ago whatever it was between Bella and Miles and instead decided to to be just strictly friends even from all the distance between the two. Bri would introduce Bella to not only her husband Garrett but her young son Riley and in turn Bella introduced Bri to Mal and Máire and they started catching up as they worked their way into the house.

She got another engulfing hug from Mora Kasey the moment she entered into the living area who was sitting and chatting up with who she was assuming was Carter’s mother and grandmother, Mora took care of the introductions for Bella and of course they all got hugs around.

“The boys are upstairs helping the crew that already arrived. Bri, will you take Mal and Bella up and if you want we will gladly keep an eye out for your precious little one while you take care of that.” Mora said, offering her hands out to Máire who practically lunged at Miles’ mother. Máire was getting crowded anyways and was ready to be let down and explore herself, “Don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of practice with Riley so she’s in safe hands.”

“Thank you Mora. We shouldn’t be long but with that whole crew who knows.”

“It’s quite fine, you guys take your time.”

Máire looked at her momma and Bella blew her a kiss before she left the room which prompted Máire to follow with an open mouth but a blown kiss back. “Behave yourself little one.” Mal said as they followed Bri up the long and beautiful stairs, “This house is huge.”

“Yeah it was Carter’s father’s before he passed away. Left it to him in the will. I’ve been here since Monday and I’m still discovering new spots around here. It’s insane.” Bri said ascending the stairs, “Wait til you get up here and you’ll see the shot of the backyard where the ceremony will be tomorrow. The tent hasn’t been set up just yet, they’re about to though.”

And sure as they reached the second floor they stopped and Mal and Bella’s eyes grew wide with the picturesque window, “Holy-”

“I’ve seen some amazing views in my life but this...” Bella said, still trying to take it all in, “I get why he and Carter have been coming up here more often. THIS is what I would really like with wherever our next house is, babe.”

“Yeah well this one is already taken,” a voice with that damn British accent perked up, which caused Bella and Mal to turn with a start as they were still taking in the scenery to see Miles standing there, actually cleaned up instead of looking like he was slumming it for the evening, “Glad to see you guys made it.”

“Yeah well the airports are still insane after that outage last week.” Bella said as she gave Miles a big hug. “That and traveling anywhere with an almost 1 year old can prove to be tricky. Somehow even our bags made it, thankfully.”

“That is a really good thing, because we don’t have Mattie here to pull our asses out of the fire. Mal, man, thanks again for this.”

“It’s no problem, I’d pay to see Fenris in a tux.”

“To hell with the tux, what about the shoes? You should have seen the fire and hoops I had to go through, their super light, wide and almost a whole size bigger just to get him to wear the damn things and made him promise he’d wear them for the ceremony.” Miles said laughing, running his hands through those roughed up curls.

“Why did you just go with some fashionable slides?” Bella asked with a smirk on her face.

“Because I wasn’t about to have an argument with Carter in regards to K’s toes being out in the ceremony. Trust me, it was worth the argument with K to save the argument with my soon-to-be husband.” Miles nodded behind him, “Let’s get your outfits hung up, I’m sure dinner is almost all done.”

“We may need to pry Máire away from mum with a crowbar, by the way. Riley’s eyes lit up around her, so I have a feeling I’m about to have a 2 year old asking to be big brother eventually.” Bri said, following the whole crew into the room, “She really is beautiful, Bella. Is she walking yet?”

Mal hangs his bag first, “Not yet, but it’s only a matter of time. She’s been cruising every piece of furniture for almost a month now.”

“She’s about to be 1, right?”

“A few days after your birthday,” Bella smiled.

“Yeah, I was really hoping to win that pool when it came to picking her birthday.” Miles smirked before a crash was heard from the adjoining bathroom, “What the-? K? You alright, mate?”

The door gets damn near ripped open and we just see Kristjan flinging the shoes across the room, “Forget it, Kasey. It’s not happening.”

The 4 of them just stand there staring at him and Miles is the first to say, “That’s fine but you are going to have to cross the hall and into the room with Carter and his crew and tell him and then come back and tell me how that works out for you.”

“Gladly!” Kristjan says as he stomps out of the room. At that point Bella settles herself on the back of the couch with Mal on one side and Miles on the other, and with the door open and there is suddenly a whole lot of yelling....started off as K’s baritone and then it is without a shadow of a doubt that Carter is fully lighting into him. You hear a couple of ‘buts’ from K...and Carter continues cutting him off. Then it’s silence...pure silence and a slamming of a door. Followed by more silence and then the sound of footsteps, and K just coming back into the room, finding both shoes and setting them down gently.

“Well?”

K just looks at the three of them, “Shut up.”

~~The Next Day~~

“BEST BITCH IN THE HOOOOOOOOUSE!!!” Bella lets out as she steps out of the makeshift changing area in her fully customized tux that is similar to the guys up top but instead of pants she has a shimmering black skirt with a just enough of an opening to see the spiked black heel boots that she’s wearing.

All three of the men turn and smile at her as she does a little turn on the spot. Mal smiles and steps over towards her, “You look amazing, mo grá.” before he plants a kiss right on her lips.

“Bring it down love birds,” K barks, fixing up his tie.

As Mal smirks and Bella looks at her husband with a smile, “He’s grumpy because I beat him to the last chocolate chip waffle this morning. I do love this tux on you though, babe. You always knew how to wear a suit.”

“Bells, can you help me a moment? I seem to be having issues with these cufflinks.” Miles asked almost frantic, “Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate your da allow me to borrow these for the day but damn.”

“Hold on.” Bella sighs, walking over and holding Miles arm up, “I remember the day my dad wore these. Grandpa gave them to him as a surprise for the wedding. Figured it would cover the something borrowed from us.”

“It is appreciated, just a bit of a pain,” Miles grumbled. “I feel like an invalid.”

Bella smiles and gets the cufflinks finished up, “Let me guess, nerves?”

Miles looks and holds up his other hand and it’s trembling, “It’s not butterflies, it’s a herd of elephants.”

“Ah yes, that’s a familiar feel.” Mal piped in, “When I went to surprise Bella with the wedding, standing there seeing her looking beautiful in that gown, felt like I was going to lose everything then and there.”

Bella smiles, “Same, when I turned and saw you in that tux of yours.”

Miles looks between them, “So you both were nervous?”

“I think if we had planned it all the way through, it would have been worse for me to be honest.” she said as she finished up.

“But they say anything nerve wracking like that makes it worth it.” Mal said, taking her hand, “What about you, K?” That causes Miles to laugh, before he’s even able to answer and Mal looks confused, “Did I say something funny?”

“Oh, it’s not my place to say,” Miles says and nods to Kristjan who is looking like he is not amused at this moment.

“K, you are married right? To David?”

“Yes but....No there were no nerves. We were drunk and thought that Elvis chapel on the Strip was some dumb tourist attraction. We got back to the condo and we tell this asshole, Ben and my brother and well, we made a realization that it actually happened,” That causes Miles and Bella to laugh and Malachi gives him a look. “One word out of you and your ass will be back in New York before you are!”


~*~(Meg’s Part Title)~*~
Back to New York for a few

It was the Saturday following the wedding, and the O’Connells were now back in New York, reunited with their beloved daughter. While Máire had been present during the ceremony (providing a little babbling commentary much to the delight of the gathered crowd), she was taken back to New York by Laura and Nick while Mal and Bella stayed behind for the reception and the day-after festivities since they were part of the wedding party.

The little family decided to enjoy the beautiful summer day and have a picnic in nearby Central Park, bringing along their energetic husky Luka for some exercise. Mal had Luka off-leash since they were in an approved area, and he was tossing a ball for Luka to run after. Bella was relaxing on the blanket watching Máire (and trying to keep the nearly one-year old from eating fistfuls of grass), but she couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched. It was silly, she thought, since New York was such a massive city and they were (somewhat) well-known, so it would stand to reason that there would be eyes on them at any given time. But the feeling made her a little uneasy, so she tried to glance around without being too obvious. She spotted someone on a bench some fifty feet away who seemed to be particularly interested in their family, and it set alarm bells off in her head. She slowly turned her head back around and caught eyes with Mal. “I don’t want to seem paranoid or anything, but I think there’s someone watching us.”

Immediately she could see Mal shift into ultra-defense mode, his eyes narrowing as his gaze swept around. “Where?”

She subtly nodded her head backwards, towards the bench. “Guy over there, on the bench. Super blonde hair.”

Mal’s eyes darted over her shoulder, but instead of the fierce scowl she was expecting on his face, it started off somewhat searching, and then all of a sudden he broke out into a huge grin. “No fuckin’ way…” he said, immediately making a beeline over to the bench. Bella watched him go in utter confusion, one eyebrow raised.

She watched as Mal approached the man, and after a few quick words that she was too far away to hear, the two men embraced in a tight hug. Now, she was more confused than ever as she picked up Máire and approached the men.

“...what the hell are you doing here?” Mal said, the smile still on his face.

The blonde man shrugged his shoulders. “Ah, you know me, always going where the excitement is.” His accent was distinctly British, though it had a touch of something else that Bella couldn’t quite place. As she approached them, the blonde man’s eyes shot over to her. “And this must be the beautiful Bella I’ve seen so much of.” His grin was charming as he extended his hand towards her.

“Bells, this is my best mate Bodhi Bennett. Part of the crew from back home when we were wrestling across Europe.”

A glimmer of recognition sparked in Bella’s mind as she shifted Máire in her arms so that she could shake his hand. “Oh! You’re the one Mal talks about! I didn’t recognize you, he’s only shown me older pictures.”

“Yeah, I was just a scrawny kid back then,” Bodhi winked. “Not the handsome bloke you see before you today.”

Bella smiled, and Máire took the opportunity to let out a little squeal, her way of putting the attention back on her. Bodhi’s eyes immediately fixed on the little girl, and he smiled. “Ah, and the little princess herself! Gotta say Mal, she’s a little cutie.” He reached out and gently tickled her cheek, which sent the little girl into a fit of giggles. “Surprising since she’s got you for a daddy. Guess she gets all the cuteness from her mama.” He gave a cheeky wink to Bella, which made her giggle and Mal roll his eyes playfully.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up ya mug.” The group made their way back to the picnic set up. They all sat back down on the blanket, watching as Máire crawled around playing with some of her toys.

“So, how long are you in New York for, anyways?” Mal asked.

Bodhi gave a shrug of his shoulders. “Not really sure. I’m actually on a bit of a personal mission, and I was told that New York was the place to look. But I don’t wanna bore you with the details.” He waved a hand through the air. “But I could be persuaded to stick around a bit longer to catch up with my mate.”

“Well, we’re about to head west for a little bit. Bella’s got a huge match coming up in SCW.”

“Ah yeah. Heard about that place. Pretty wild. Having a show on a whole cruise ship? Definitely beats the pubs and back alley halls we used to compete in, eh?”

Mal laughed, clapping his hands together. “Yeah, where you were lucky if you even got paid, let alone leave without some weird rash.”

Bella laughed. “Oh, to have seen you in the good ol’ days.”

Mal snapped his fingers, looking over towards Bodhi. “Hey, just thought of something. We’re gonna be off on the cruise for pretty much all next week, what if you stay in the townhouse. Keep an eye on it for us, along with the pets?”

Bodhi rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Well, it would be nice to stay in an actual house instead of shacking up in these dodgy hotel rooms. You won’t mind?”

“I mean, if you’re OK with it, Bells?” Mal looked towards her. “Saves your parents from having to constantly run over to check on Luka and Salem, they can just keep Máire at their house.”

Bella nodded. “I’m OK with it.”

Bodhi flashed another charming smile. “Beautiful and generous, I’m truly grateful.I can see why Mal fell for you now. Just wondering how a gorgeous, intelligent girl like you fell for this grizzled git?” He pointed a thumb towards Mal, who promptly flipped him off while all three of them laughed together.


~*~Case In Point~*~

It is only a matter of time, dolls and dude.

Ms. Bella of the Brawl got her briefcase and she knows EXACTLY what she’s going to do with it.

It’s a first class ticket into the match that is practically a staple aboard the Princess Cruise Ship and it is always for the Roulette Championship. And with everything that I have done since my return, this could very well be the moment that we have all been waiting extremely patiently for.

Last year, I had to miss this show because I was extremely pregnant and ready to pop at any given moment. Now that my beautiful daughter is here, this is the big moment.

You see when I returned, I made a promise to myself and to all of you that come sometime this year, Bella Madison was going to gain her first singles gold in SCW. I have been frothing at this kind of opportunity and I am fully intending on making this one stick.

Let us look at all the wonderful competition.

First, let’s start right off with Mercedes Vargas: Hi Mercy, remember me? I remember you. I remember when you decided to try and use me as a stepstool to whatever the hell you had planned. However, when you pushed and pushed, I shoved you right into the back of the line where you belonged and I did it in my hometown. Part of me really hopes that you have learned something between then and now and realize how much of a threat I really am. I am not afraid to knock you right off that pedestal yet again if you attempt to get in my way.

I mean I know you’re going to get in my way. You have an amazing way of being an absolute pain in my ass and anyone else that has somewhere better to be.

Then we get to Alexandra Callaway. The former champion in this case and a woman that has the very ability to once again become the Roulette Champion. Ally is pissed and she has every right to be, especially with being on the streak she has been. It can mess with you at every single step when you try to change up where you may be going.

I actually like Ally, she’s a great friend and someone that I look up to. A lot of people could learn from her in the way she has come up as a competitor in the ring and the way she has grown as a human. I will never understand why people have issues with a person trying to grow and change for the better.

What I do take issue with is that we are coming through this and she’s not the champ on record. Instead that mess belongs to her Royal Hind-ass, Victoria Lyons. And don’t worry, bitch, I’ll get to you in just a moment.

Ally, all I can say is something this time around, it’s different and I really really like it. I get why you pushed me as hard as you did when we faced each other, because you knew that eventually I would grow to love putting it all on the line each and every time and how it has its rewards and even its defeats. We all play against the house and sometimes the house is just that much better. If you catch what I’m say.

NOW, let’s get to the bitch of the hour. I say bitch because it is lacking for a far more fitting term that fits you much better. Victoria Lyons seems to think she’s an actual Queen after winning one single solitary match that *I* turned down being apart of in a moment of weakness. I could have been a Queen and I would have treated people with way more respect than you did in your one chance to make a difference in SCW.

Instead you chose to be a Charlie Uniform Next Tuesday and attempted to destroy relationships and friendships. You have so much fucking talent that it makes me sick and you piss it away and trade it for this bitter bitch complex. And the thing that gets me the most is you don’t fucking care. You have no soul. You are without a shadow of a doubt a terrible human being and I cannot wait to punch you square in that face and knock you FULLY off that pedestal.

I am aiming directly for you in this match, I know with that Roulette Championship hanging above the pool that you have no championship advantage. But I am still coming RIGHT FOR YOU because you deserve to get hit from every single side. You earned this.

And then I’m going to finish the job and I am going to be the SCW Bombshell Roulette Champion.

Call it prophecy fulfilled and case CLOSED.

~*~Crazy stupid men~*~
Late May
NYC & O’Connell Home

You know, when in New York you usually don’t drive. Unless you have to deal with idiot friends and idiot husbands. Bella became used to this fact that sometimes she would just have to deal with the fact that she had both.

Early that Monday morning though, when she got the call from Carter not exactly sure where Miles may have gone and a few details about their last minute trip up the turnpike, up I-95 and right into the place that Miles had bought just before he left for Vegas, she knew that they were close to one particular place. A place that he had been avoiding for a while.

So she made sure Mal had Máire handled and she actually for the first time in forever got in her car and made her way to a building that held not only Miles’ place but Finn’s Wayward Home, and picked up Carter. She knew Miles was in good hands. The crew may be sour and make him run the gauntlet but he was perfectly safe. So she treated Carter to a quick trip to get coffee and breakfast and then straight to her best friend Mattie’s fashion house.

She wasn’t about to rush him to that gym and destroy whatever the hell Miles was trying to do and only rushing Carter there would have probably made it worse.

“Are you sure he’s ok?” Carter asked after Mattie had to go take care of a quick fashion emergency, leaving them alone amongst all the tule and shiny fabric.

“Carter, if I know anything about Wolfslair, they all treat each other like family. A fucked up family, but I don’t believe they would actually really hurt him. This is a good thing that Miles is doing. Thankfully it’s my day off so I’m able to take you wherever you wanna go.” Bella smiles and plays with a little bit of the fabric, “Tell me what you guys got so far for the wedding.”

“Well, it’s going to be at my dad’s house for one and we’ve got a date. I have Ari on my side. Miles asked Kristjan...”

“Miles is getting K in a tux? Did the 9th circle of hell open up?” and that brought a laugh to the both of them, “I will say I’m actually more interested to see if he compromised on the shoes, I know how he really can’t wear them.”

“I actually am surprised he hasn’t asked you.” Carter said rather matter-of-factly.

That threw Bella for a loop, and it was apparent that it shocked her, “Me? Why would he ask me?”

“Well, he has always said that you are one of the best friends he’s ever had. No matter what, there for each other through thick and thin and you were there to nudge him when he needed to be.”

She smirked and sat down next to him on the couch, “Well, when you could see how much his heart was fighting with his brain....and I’m glad I did. Knowing Miles for as long as I have, seeing what he was through before you... You make him deliriously happy and I was not at all shocked when I heard the news that he proposed when he did.”

“You don’t think it was too fast?”

“After a year and getting married 7 months later? Nah, Mal proposed to me a year after we started dating and sometimes, you just know. I knew with Mal that he was my forever. And Miles knew that too with you. He can’t help but smile like an idiot around you and that was even before you guys got together.” and she leans against him, and notices the shy smile on Carter’s face, “And that look right there is the exact same look I have with my husband. Embrace it Carter and you’ll have the happily ever after and I cannot wait to be there for it.”

After a few more hours, gallons of coffee and a few fashion show-offs later, Bella figured there was plenty of time that was given that was sufficient to end the day with her showing off the gym to Carter and allowing him to scrape up whatever was left of his fiance.

Technically she could have parked in the garage, and they could have walked but something told her otherwise to take the car...

Boy was she right.

She walked in, greeted Sonja and introduced her to Carter and they arrived just in time to see Miles laying on the canvas, soaked in sweat, and the most content smile. If she didn’t know better she would have sworn something else had gone down.

She helped Carter get him out of there, and into the car and right to her and Mal’s place.

“There you are, I called Mattie and she said you left to get this idiot.” Mal said looking at Miles who started to dry up, “Ran you through the gauntlet, ey mate?”

“Juuuust a bit. Worth it though.” Miles laughed as Bella shoved a bottle of water in his hands.

“Drink and rehydrate and we’ll figure out dinner.” Bella said.

“Already ordered a couple of pizzas, should be here in about 10 minutes.” Mal just simply said, “When you called and told me where he was, I had a feeling.”

Máire wandered over via crawling and pulling herself up next to Miles and Carter and waved, “Well hey, it’s the princess herself.” Miles said picking her up and putting her on his lap. “Hope it’s alright.”

“She’s getting a bath tonight anyways and she does it to me all the time after I get home from the gym anyways.”

Carter looked around and noticed the big Stitch had made it into the living room, “Oh wow, I see you guys still have it.”

“Are you kidding me, she hangs out on it and naps on it at least once a day.” Bella laughed, before she looks at Miles, “So let me get this straight. You showed up here, to get your ass kicked because you Miles Kasey, actually had a guilty conscience?”

“I always have a guilty conscience, love. I thought you knew that.” Miles smirked, “It’s all good though and actually this whole situation has helped me with a whole other set of things.”

“And that being?” Mal asked.

“Well, seeing as Carter and I are getting married here very soon, I was wondering if you two would also be a part of the ceremony?”

Both Bella and Mal just looked at one another and then back to Carter and Miles, Carter reaching over and tickling Máire’s stomach to make her laugh. Mal just shook his head and said, “Come again?”

“I want both of you in our wedding. On my side to be more specific.” Miles shifts ever so slightly as the adrenaline of the day has worn off, “Carter has his side all set but you two have been the closest I have to best friends since I arrived. Bella, for obvious reason and Mal, despite the fact that we have always given each other a rash of shit, and nothing but, I do see you as one of the closest friends I got in this world. I want you two to be there, you don’t have to agree to this if you don’t want to, but I think it’s the things I learned from your relationship, your marriage that helped me understand that the best things in life sometimes come from the greatest of unexpected chances.”

“I just have one question,” Bella spoke up.

“And that being?” Miles retorted

“Do I have to wear a tux too or can we let Mattie take the idea and run just a little wild with it?”


~*~Rules of Engagement: Don’t Underestimate The Downtrodden~*~

I’m going to admit this.

I don’t know where or what I am doing right now. Part of me really hates that and the other part of me fears what that will do to me. You see, I’ve been looking for that next thing. I’ve been feeling like nothing has been right. I have always been the next thing and always coming up short and it’s no one’s fault but my own.

The feeling of being lost can do one of two things to a person.

It can seriously destroy a person or it can make them even more dangerous.

It’s not even a maybe, this feeling is my own fault. I could have easily done something crazy already and been a bitter pain in the ass but no, I’m good little Bella always kicking back and waiting my turn.

We have seen so many people, superstar and bombshell alike, that have done the whole “I deserve better” pity party bullshit and I 100% refuse to do that.

I refuse because I know that I am better than that and if I’m going to have to go dark to get to that next level, I refuse to stoop to the levels like Krystal Wolfe has. It’s bad enough that that bitch tried to step all over my title shot in the past, who has the obsessions of someone that thinks they deserve better but refuses to take the proper steps to achieve that.

But it’s not about title shots this time around, is it Krystal?

It’s a petty match stipulation for you and the chance to keep me out of Summer Xxxtreme. And knowing our history the way we all do, I’m sure you are absolutely salivating at the idea of that.

Sorry, Krystal but I have some absolutely horrible news for you my dear.

I have absolutely nothing to lose but a title shot at the Roulette Championship.

Don’t get me wrong, I am hankering for a fight with the likes of Victoria Lyons. I’d give ANYTHING to punch that bitch in the face again. I would kill to go toe to toe with Alexandra Callaway again, a woman that has made the Roulette Division her personal bitch, impressively so.

Meanwhile it’s like the Sword of Damocles is swinging right for your head when you are finally getting the comeuppance that you have done EVERYTHING to deserve. You Krystal Wolfe have dug a grave so damn deep that you can’t even get out of it if you had a backhoe and a friend.

Do you even have any friends anymore? You have done just about everything imaginable to put yourself in that hole and I can’t think of a single person that would even remotely throw you a line.

You have done nothing but attempt to dismiss me at every turn, from everything that I have ever accomplished on down, only for you to find out the hard way that I am not one to be dismissed. I can trip a million times, I can fall a million times and I’m just going to keep getting up, I’m going to dust myself off and yell “FUCK” and try again. And it pisses you off like no other that I will never, EVER in a million years be like you.

I fucking hate cynicism. I have never been one to doubt where I truly belong.

The likes of you scoff and look down at me and think I am just wasting my time and I hate that I let it happen for even a moment.

I didn’t know what was next. I don’t know what is going to happen.

But do we ever? We could wake up the next day and have our whole world turned completely upside down by some idiot with a key and button to push. But we keep going.

Win or lose, even with my spot on Summer Xxxtreme on the line, I have nothing to lose. I’ll find my way just like I always have.

I’m not afraid of it, Krystal. Not of you, not of the unknown. But I am done being dismissed. I’m going to keep showing you and showing you exactly why I show no fear in that ring.

We started a game long ago that we haven’t finished, my dear. And this time, I’m out for blood. Your and mine.

We all bleed the same, Krystal. How much more are you willing to lose at my hands before you finally understand....

The Hardcore Pixie isn’t going anywhere.


~*~A New View On Life~*~

“I cannot believe that we are actually doing this.” Bella said as she looked back at her darling Máire and saw that she was sound asleep in her car seat. She and Mal had decided to take a day and make a trip somewhat north to White Plains, NY, just outside the major portion of New York City.

There was a small chat about it on and off for the last few months but it had only been talk.

Until one day, Bella got bored and began to browse. At first, it was just a curious glance at the front window of a real estate office as they passed by, Bella pointing out a few properties outside of the city that caught her eye. But then, it evolved into daily Zillow searches with accompanying commentary.

“Oh Mal, look at this one!” she exclaimed, thrusting her phone under his nose as they laid in bed one night. “2.5 acres, with a workshop and a pool! Oh, and the house looks so amazing!” She swiped through a few of the photos, and Mal gave her a sideways glance.

“What happened to ‘just browsing’?” he asked.

“What do you think I’m doing?” She stuck her tongue out at him as she clicked on another listing. “Oooo, this one is gorgeous! It looks like a French chateau! Only one acre, but it’s got a pool too. Oh my god, that kitchen is to die for!”

He glanced over her shoulder and nearly choked when he saw the price. “$1.6 million? Are you kidding me?”

“For this, that’s a hell of a deal. Besides, between the two of us we’ve put away a lot of money. At least enough for a good down payment.”

Mal held up his hands, putting down the book he had been reading. “Hold on just a second. You sound like you’re seriously considering this.”

She shrugged her shoulders. “I mean, Máire’s getting so big now, and it almost feels cruel to keep her cooped up in this townhouse in the middle of the city. I want her to have all the room to play. Maybe build her a little playground of her own…”

“Believe me, I want that more than anything as well, love…but do we really wanna rush headlong into this?”

“Why don’t we at least go see the place in person? I mean, the pictures look great and all, but who knows what the place will actually be like?”

He thought for a moment. “Well…you make a good point.”

She giggled happily and threw her arms around his neck, peppering his face with kisses.

And that was how the little family now found themselves pulling up to the house. Mal had to admit, it was impressive. It looked like it had been plucked from the French countryside circa 1700 and placed among a fairly decent amount of trees. After collecting Máire from the backseat (though she continued to nap), the couple made their way up to the front door, where they were greeted by an enthusiastic realtor.

For the next hour, they toured the home, going room by room as the realtor described all the recent renovations and upgrades the home had received. There were five bedrooms (“seems a little excessive when there’s only three of us,” Mal had quipped. Bella just gave him a knowing smirk. “For now.”), six bathrooms, a gorgeously landscaped backyard oasis with an inground pool and even a full office in the basement that they had discussed turning into their home gym. By the time the tour was over and Mal and Bella were walking back to their car, she turned to him with a glimmer in her blue eyes. “Well?”

“I admit, it’s pretty damn impressive,” Mal said, turning to take one last look at it. “Let’s go home for now and we’ll talk, alright?”

With a delighted squeal, Bella kissed Mal on the cheek and they headed back to their car.

~*~Mother’s Day Spa Day~*~
Waterford, Ireland

Malachi pushed open the door to the cozy guest bedroom in his mother's home in Waterford, Ireland. As he stepped inside, a soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips at the heartwarming scene that greeted him.

There, on the large queen-sized bed, lay Bella and Máire, both adorned in matching fluffy bathrobes and spa headbands, looking as though they were in the midst of a luxurious spa day. Máire giggled gleefully as Bella tickled her chubby little feet, the sound filling the room with warmth and joy.

"Hey there, my loves," Malachi greeted them, his voice filled with affection as he approached the bed. "What's going on here?"

Bella looked up from where she was lying next to Máire, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Just enjoying a little mother-daughter bonding time," she replied, her voice soft and filled with warmth. "I figured since it's Mother's Day back home and Máire's officially nine months old today, we deserved a little treat."

Malachi chuckled softly, his heart swelling with love for his girls. "Well, don't you two look absolutely adorable," he said, his gaze sweeping over them affectionately. "And here I was thinking about just serving you a little breakfast in bed, but it seems like you have a headstart on me. Is there a space for me to join in on my girls spa day?"

Bella grinned mischievously, patting the spot on the bed next to her. "Right here, babe," she replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "But you'll have to wait your turn. Máire and I were here first. That and we ran out of the face mask stuff but I’m sure we could fit in a nice little mani/pedi sesh before the day is through."

Malachi feigned a pout, but it quickly melted away as he climbed onto the bed, settling himself with Bella and Máire on the other side of his young daughter, with a contented sigh. Together, they watched the movie playing on the small television perched on the dresser across from the bed, basking in the simple joy of being together as a family. They even got Mal in on the spa treatments with the golden patches under his eyes.

Máire would pull herself up to poke at her daddy’s face every now and again which would give Mal all more reasons to wrap her up in his arms and blow raspberries on her little cheeks that would send everyone into a fit of giggles.

“Oh if I had a camera...” they heard from the doorway as they all turned their heads to see Malachi’s mother Aileen standing there with a smile on her face. “Oh wait, I do!” as she brings out her phone really quick and snaps a fun picture of her youngest son’s family. Máire has learned to give a big toothy smile for the few teeth that she has cut

“Aileen! Join us!!!” Bella smiled and patted a spot next to her, “We were just enjoying a movie.”

“I would love to, my dear, but I do need to borrow my son and granddaughter for just a brief moment. I’d hate to break this up but you should get changed as well.” Aileen said with a smile, “Don’t rush but dress comfortably.”

“Are you sure you don’t need my help? This is technically your day too!”

“Nonsense dear, we got it.” Mal gets up from the bed and hands her Máire who gives her grandma a big hug, “Good mornin’ to you too my sweet angel. Let’s get you ready!”

Bella watched them leave the room, her heart swelling with happiness. She took a deep breath, feeling grateful for the family she had, and started to get ready for whatever the day had in store.

As Bella changed into comfortable clothes, her mind wandered back to the last few months. The loss to Bobbie Dahl had been tough, but she had taken the time to regroup and refocus. The trip overseas for the SCW Battleground Tour had been a much-needed escape, allowing her to clear her mind and find her footing again. Appearing in front of the French crowd on the May 5th edition of Climax Control had felt like a homecoming of sorts. France had always held a special place in her heart, and performing there was a present she had given herself. Especially on what was her 26th birthday. And now that Bobbie was no longer holding on to that Roulette Championship, things have definitely taken an interesting turn.

But for now, as she prepared to step back into the ring, Bella felt a renewed sense of purpose. The time with her family had reminded her of what she was fighting for. Máire’s laughter, Malachi’s unwavering support, and the warmth of Aileen’s home had filled her with a quiet strength. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Bella emerged from the bedroom, feeling rejuvenated. She found Malachi and Aileen in the kitchen, preparing breakfast with Máire sitting in her high chair, babbling happily.

“Ready for the day, love?” Malachi asked, looking up from the stove with a smile.

Bella nodded, her eyes shining with determination. “More than ready,” she replied, her voice filled with conviction. “Let’s make the most of it.”

As they sat down to enjoy their breakfast together, Bella felt a sense of calm settle over her. She knew that whatever happened in the ring, she had the love and support of her family. And with that, she was ready to take on the world.


~*~Dreams of Troy~*~

Bella found herself standing on the cobblestone streets of ancient Troy, surrounded by towering walls and majestic buildings that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky. The air was thick with the scent of history and the echoes of battles long past.

As she walked through the ancient city, Bella couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at her heart. She glanced around nervously, her footsteps echoing in the empty streets.

Suddenly, she heard a voice behind her, low and ominous. "Who dares to tread upon the hallowed ground of Troy?"

Bella turned to see a shadowy figure emerging from the shadows, clad in armor that gleamed with an otherworldly light. It was Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare, her eyes piercing and unyielding. Bella immediately kneeled in front of her, not daring to look at one so strong. She was a Goddess afterall

"I...I am Bella Madison," Bella stammered, her voice trembling slightly. "I-I mean no disrespect. I only seek to...to find my place among the greats."

Athena regarded her with a stern gaze, her expression unreadable. "And what makes you think you belong here?" she asked, her voice like thunder rolling across the sky.

Bella swallowed hard, feeling the weight of Athena's scrutiny bearing down on her. "I...I don't know," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've come so close, but...but I always seem to fall short. Maybe I'm not worthy."

Athena's eyes softened slightly, and she reached out a hand to touch Bella's shoulder. The figure, swooped her hand under Bella’s chin and lifted her head gently. Bella’s eyes teared up when she saw almost a reflection of herself in the Goddess of wisdom, warfare, and strategy "Worthy is not a title bestowed upon you by others," she said gently. "It is earned through courage, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity. Do not doubt yourself, Bella Madison. Your journey is far from over, and your place among the greats is yet to be determined."

With that, Athena vanished into the shadows, leaving Bella alone in the ancient city. The weight of her words lingered in the air, filling Bella with a sense of clarity and purpose. She may have stumbled and fallen along the way, but she refused to let doubt and uncertainty hold her back any longer.

For Bella Madison, the journey to greatness had only just begun. Bella pressed on through the ancient streets, her heart filled with determination and her eyes set firmly on the horizon. The echoes of Troy whispered in the air, carrying her forward on her quest to fulfill her destiny and stand among the legends of the past.

And as she walked, the shadows of doubt and fear fell away, replaced by the radiant light of hope and possibility. For Bella Madison, the dream of Troy was not just a vision of the past—it was a glimpse of the future, where she would carve her own legacy and leave her mark on the world.

With that, leaving Bella standing alone in the empty arena, her heart filled with a newfound sense of purpose and determination. She knew that the road ahead would be long and challenging, but she was ready to face whatever obstacles stood in her way.

For Bella Madison, the dream of Troy had shown her that greatness was not a destination, but a journey—one that she was more than ready to embark upon.

And a dream that told her what she needed to know.

She was on the right path.


~*~Rules of Engagement: Preparation is Key~*~
Hotel in Troy

A quiet evening settled over the Madison room, a place that they temporarily made their home, the soft glow of lamps casting warm shadows across the cozy living room. Bella sat on the couch, her thoughts swirling with anticipation and uncertainty as she flipped through the pages of the Rules of Engagement, her own guiding principles for competition. Beside her, Malachi reclined in an armchair, his eyes fixed on Bella with a mixture of concern and support.

"Bella," Malachi began, breaking the comfortable silence that enveloped them, "What's on your mind, mo grá?"

Bella glanced up from the rulebook, her expression troubled. "I'm just... I'm not sure if I belong among the greats," she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I've been so close to that moment so many times, only to fall short. Sometimes, I feel like I'm just disappointing everyone."

Malachi reached out, taking her hand in his and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Hey, listen to me," he said softly, his gaze unwavering. "You are not disappointing anyone. Not me, not Máire, not your mum, not your fans, and certainly not yourself. You've faced challenges that would have broken lesser competitors, but you've always risen stronger. You've proven time and time again that you belong in that ring, that you deserve to stand among the greats."

Bella's eyes met Malachi's, a flicker of determination sparking within them. "But what if I'm not good enough?" she whispered, the fear lingering in her voice.

Malachi's grip tightened, his voice firm and unwavering. "You are more than good enough, Bella," he said, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "You are fierce, you are resilient, and you are unstoppable. You have the heart of a champion, and nothing—not doubt, not fear, not even past defeats—can take that away from you. That’s just the tip of the iceberg as to why I love you."

Bella's resolve strengthened, fueled by Malachi's never ending belief in her. "You're right," she said, her voice steady and sure. "I am ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. And with you by my side, I know I can overcome anything."

Malachi smiled, a proud glimmer in his eyes. "That's my girl," he said, his voice filled with pride. "Now, let's go over those Rules of Engagement one more time. You've got this, Bella. I believe in you."

With Malachi's support bolstering her spirits, Bella turned her attention back to the rulebook, a newfound sense of determination burning within her. As she absorbed the words on the page, she knew that she was ready to step into the ring and face whatever challenges awaited her. With Malachi by her side, she felt invincible, ready to conquer whatever lay ahead on her journey to greatness.


~*~Return to the Ring~*~
Troy, Turkey

The ancient city of Troy, steeped in history and legend, provided a majestic backdrop for Bella Madison’s return. As she stood alone in the empty SCW arena, the sense of history and grandeur of Troy filled the air. The soft glow of the arena lights illuminated the ancient ruins projected on the screen, casting a mystical aura around her.

Draped in flowing, gold-trimmed robes reminiscent of a Trojan warrior, Bella looked every bit the part of a modern-day warrior queen. Her hair was braided with intricate golden threads, and her blue eyes burned with a fierce determination.

Stepping up to the microphone that sits on her stage, she took a deep breath, her voice resonating with the quiet strength of the ancient city. “Today, I stand in the legendary city of Troy,” she began, her voice firm and unwavering. “A city known for its mighty warriors, its unyielding spirit, and its legendary women. Women who fought with courage, who faced impossible odds, and who left a legacy that has endured through the ages.”

She paused, letting the weight of her words settle in the stillness of the empty arena. “Like those women, I am here to fight. I am here to defy the odds. I am here to leave a legacy.”

Her voice grew stronger, filled with conviction. “I’ve faced setbacks. I’ve faced doubts. But every time I’ve fallen, I’ve risen stronger. And now, with the spirit of Troy behind me, I am more determined than ever to fulfill my promise. A promise that I made in France, a promise that by the end of this year that I was going to be a singles champion.”

She took a step forward, the soft rustle of her robes the only sound in the quiet arena. “I will not be deterred. I will not be denied. I will fight with every ounce of strength in my body, and I will claim SCW singles gold. But I need everyone to understand something. This isn’t just about a title. It’s about proving to myself, to my family, and to everyone who believes in me that no matter how many times life knocks us down, we have the power to rise, to fight, and to conquer.”

Lifting her chin, her eyes blazed with determination. “So watch closely, SCW. Watch as I take my place among the warriors of Troy. Because this is just the beginning. Bella Madison is back, and I am unstoppable.”

“Climax Control, this Sunday,” Bella began, her voice steady and confident. “My first match back, and I couldn’t ask for a better opponent than Ariana Angelos. Ari, you and I have crossed paths before, but this time, things are different. This time, I’m coming back with a fire that’s been reignited by every challenge I’ve faced. You aren’t the only one that finds herself starting back at the very beginning bit sweetie, I’m sorry. I am so, so sorry.”

She smirked slightly, the corners of her mouth turning up with a hint of pride. “You see, I’ve gained a few nicknames along the way: ‘Bell of the Brawl’ and ‘Hardcore Pixie.’ Names that I carry with pride because they represent the fearlessness and tenacity I bring to every match. And while this isn’t a hardcore match, make no mistake, Ari—I’m bringing that same intensity and drive. I’m also hell bent on making every single match from here on out a statement.”

Bella’s eyes narrowed with determination. “I’ve made a promise to myself and to everyone who believes in me that I will not be deterred. Not now, not ever again. This match is the first step on my path to SCW singles gold, and it starts with you, Ari. I respect you as a competitor, but I need you to understand that I am more focused and more driven than ever before.”

She took a deep breath, her gaze unwavering. “I’ve learned from every setback, every loss. I’m not going to dwell on it but I am going to make it my teacher. Every single vet in this business knows exactly what I am talking about. All these matches...they’ve made me stronger, tougher, and more relentless. I’m ready to show the world what the ‘Hardcore Pixie’ is capable of. I’m ready to prove that the ‘Bell of the Brawl’ is here to stay. And she is thirsty for something far more than just a few small wins.”

Bella’s voice softened, but her resolve remained unshakable. “Ari, bring your best...I know you will, because you know damn well I’m bringing mine. And when the dust settles, everyone will know that Bella Madison is back and ready to conquer. I’ll see you in the ring.”

Bella turned and walked away, her robes flowing behind her like a warrior’s cape. The determination in her stride and the fire in her eyes left no doubt—she was ready to make her mark and begin her journey toward SCW singles gold, starting with Ariana Angelos at Climax Control.

With that, the silence around her filled with the echoes of her powerful declaration. She stood tall and proud, feeling the weight of history and the strength of the legendary women who had come before her. This was her moment, and she was ready to seize it with the spirit and resilience of a true Trojan warrior.

~*~Working Family~*~
Chicago, IL

We are there for one another. No matter what.

That has been our mantra in Mal and I’s relationship since the very beginning.

It was rare that the two of them had worked in two separate companies though, so this was something a little bit new for them both. Yeah, Mal had taken time to work in another company that didn’t have that long of life, while she was pregnant with Máire. She wasn’t about miss this for him or her brother-in-law Lachlan and sis-in-law Sierra. Especially with the brothers teaming up, just like they wanted to do.

There was a quick visit with Sierra and Lach before she was whisked off and was treated to a private box along with the other significant others that had come to watch the show but had no part in the promotion. Máire had been nothing but charming, if not a little shy to all the new faces that decided to dote on her about just how adorable she looked.

Máire spent her day turning officially 7 months old, getting spoiled and for the first time since she was born she watched as her daddy and Uncle Lach teamed up. In fact she had melted everyone’s heart when she looked at the scene in the private box and yelled out “DADA!”. As the match unfolded, the crowd erupted into cheers as Malachi and Lachlan teamed up in the ring. Bella watched proudly, her heart swelling with pride as she saw her husband and brother-in-law working together seamlessly. After a hard-fought victory, Malachi stands triumphantly in the ring, his eyes meeting Bella's as he throws up a kiss to their private box. Bella and Máire cheer loudly, with Máire even clapping.

They would be escorted to the locker room area following the match, much like the routine that Mal had established with her with Bella’s matches in SCW. As soon as they got down there they were greeted by a very happy Mal, who seemed to have all the stress knocked off of him just from one match.

“There’s my girls!” Mal let out, wrapping his arms around them both, and planting plenty of kisses on them both.

“You guys looked so amazing out there!” Bella giggled as Mal immediately gave her arms a rest and took Máire out of her arms.

“It felt spectacular. Lach and I just flowed even with the extra guy on the team.” he was beaming from ear to ear, something that had been missing when it didn’t have anything to do with her or their daughter.

“Just like old times, eh bro?” Lach spoke up behind him and gave his niece a quick little tickle which caused her to giggle and wiggle in her daddy’s arms. “What’s up cutie pie? You've gotten so big since the last time I saw you.”

“She’s growing so fast, she’s even crawling now.” Mal let out, the dad mode already kicking in.

“Well it’s more of a scooch-slash-army crawl and sometimes she’ll get on her knees and rock....” Bella said with a shrug

“Oohhh that’s the warning sign, she’ll be running before you know it.” Lach said with a sly smile, and a pat on Mal’s back.

“She chases the hell-demons already with the army crawl, and it’s like they encourage her.” Mal laughed.

Between all the excitement, Máire never made it to the main event to watch her Aunt Sierra wrestle but that was easily forgiven.

After following the show and the delightful dinner at one of Bella’s favorite pizza joints in Chicago, Bella, Malachi, and Máire return to their hotel room, their hearts full from a day filled with love and laughter. As they step into the warm, inviting space, Bella feels a sense of peace wash over her, grateful for the moments they've shared as a family.

Malachi gently sets Máire down in her playpen, where she immediately begins to babble and play with her toys. Bella watches with a smile, her heart swelling with love for her precious daughter. Apparently the nap she had earlier had been just enough to give her energy.

"Look at her go," Bella says, her voice filled with affection as she joins Malachi by the window, wrapping her arms around his waist. "She's growing up so fast."

Malachi nods, his gaze softening as he gazes at their daughter. "Seems like it’s too fast," he agrees, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "But every moment with her is a gift."

Bella rests her head against Malachi's shoulder, feeling the warmth of his embrace enveloping her. In this quiet moment, she finds solace in the simple joys of family.

"We're so lucky, Mal. There were times I thought about it but..." Bella murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper as she looks up at him, her eyes shining with emotion. "To have each other, to have Máire...I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world."

Malachi smiles, brushing a stray lock of hair away from Bella's face with gentle fingers. "Neither would I," he replies, his voice filled with love. "You and Máire are my everything, Bella. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Bella's heart swells with love at Malachi's words, her eyes brimming with tears of gratitude. In this moment, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family, she knows that she is exactly where she's meant to be.

Together, they stand by the window, watching the city lights twinkle in the distance as they bask in the glow of their love. And as they settle into bed, wrapped in each other's arms, Bella knows that no matter what tomorrow may bring, they'll face it together, as a working family, united by an unbreakable bond.

~*~Intensified Training~*~
Back to New York

As the date of her match against Bobbie Dahl for the SCW Bombshell Roulette Title loomed closer, Bella found herself consumed by an insatiable drive to push herself even further in her training regimen. Every moment outside of her responsibilities as a mother and a wife was dedicated to honing her skills, refining her techniques, and pushing her limits to the edge.

With each grueling session in the gym, Bella pushed herself harder, determined to be in the best shape of her life for the biggest match of her career. The thought of facing off against Bobbie, a formidable opponent with a reputation for ruthlessness in the ring, fueled her determination to succeed.

But before she could step into the ring with Bobbie, Bella had another challenge to overcome: a match against Alexandra Callaway, the former SCW Bombshell Roulette Champion. Alexandra was a respected veteran in the world of professional wrestling, a friend of the family, and someone Bella looked up to with admiration and respect.

As Bella prepared for her match against Alexandra, she knew that she couldn't afford to underestimate her opponent. Alexandra's skill and experience made her a formidable adversary, and Bella knew that she would have to bring her A-game if she wanted to emerge victorious.

With each day that passed, Bella threw herself into her training with renewed determination, pushing herself harder than ever before. She sparred with her trainers, studied tapes of Alexandra's past matches, and fine-tuned her strategy for the upcoming showdown.

As the day of the match drew nearer, Bella could feel the anticipation building within her. She knew that this would be her chance to prove herself against one of the best in the business, to show the world that she was ready to step up to the challenge and take her place among the elite.

But more than anything, Bella knew that this match was about more than just victory. It was about respect. Respect for Alexandra, for everything she had accomplished in her career. And respect for herself, as she sought to prove that she had what it took to be a champion.

~*~Becoming Alexandra~*~

“You know, they say that in this business, you're only as good as your last match. And that's true, to an extent. But for me, it's about more than just wins and losses. It's about legacy. It's about leaving your mark on this industry, about being remembered long after you've hung up your boots.”

“And when I look at Alexandra Callaway, I see someone who has left an indelible mark on this business. She's a multiple-time champion, a respected veteran, and a friend of the family. And yet, for all her accomplishments, there's a part of me that wonders why she hasn't gone further than she has in SCW.”

“Some may say that maybe it's because she's been content to stay where she is, to be a big fish in a small pond. Or maybe it's because she hasn't had the right opportunity, the right moment to seize her destiny and become the star that I know she's capable of being. But I know for an absolute fact that it is only a matter of time until she’s ruling the Bombshell Division, she just needs that right moment.”

“But as I prepare for my match against her, I can't help but feel a sense of... obligation. Like I owe it to her, to myself, to this business, to be the best that I can be. To push myself harder, to train longer, to fight with everything I've got.”

“Because when I step into that ring with Alexandra, I'm not just fighting for myself. I'm fighting to honor her legacy, to prove that she's not just a stepping stone on my path to greatness, but a worthy adversary in her own right.”

“And maybe, just maybe, if I can be half the wrestler that Alexandra is, then I'll have earned the right to call myself a champion. Not just for myself, but for her. Because in the end, it's not about winning titles or accolades. It's about earning the respect of your peers, and leaving a legacy that will stand the test of time.”

~*~Rules of Engagement: Leave it in the Ring~*~

The ring was silent, save for the faint echoes of the hard night of training still echoed off the walls of Wolfslair. Bella sat alone in the locker room, the weight of the Sunday evening's events heavy on her mind. Sunday night, she had to face off against Alexandra Callaway in a match that will push her to her limits in more ways than one.

As she peeled off her sweaty workout gear and settled onto the bench, Bella couldn't help but run her game plan over and over in her head. She will go toe-to-toe with one of the most respected veterans in the business, a woman she had looked up to for years, and held her own. But in the end, it wasn't just about the win or the loss. It was about something deeper, something more profound.

"You know, Ally," Bella began, her voice soft as she addressed the empty room, "I've always admired you. From the moment I stepped foot in this business, you were someone I looked up to. You've accomplished so much, achieved so many accolades, and yet... I don’t know... you are holding yourself back?"

Bella's words hung in the air, the weight of them settling around her like a heavy blanket. She knew that Alexandra was capable of so much more, of reaching heights that few could even dream of. And yet, here she was, still fighting in the trenches, still grinding away night after night.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is... I want to be like you, Ally. Like you and mom in a way but in my own way," Bella continued, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. "I want to reach the same heights, achieve the same level of success. But more than that, I want to earn your respect. I want you to look at me and see someone who's worthy of standing shoulder to shoulder with you in this ring."

Bella fell silent, her words hanging in the air like a challenge, a gauntlet thrown down at Alexandra's feet.

She knew that the road ahead would be long and difficult, filled with obstacles and challenges that would test her resolve like never before. But she was ready. Ready to prove herself, ready to show the world what she was made of.

"And so, Ally," Bella whispered, her voice barely above a whisper, "I promise you this. I won't rest until I've earned your respect. Until I've proven myself worthy of standing in the ring with you as an equal. Until I've reached the same heights of success that you have. Because in the end, that's what it's all about, isn't it? Respect."

With those final words hanging in the air, Bella rose from her seat, a fire burning in her eyes. Tonight may have been just the beginning, but she was determined to make it count. Determined to leave her mark on the world of professional wrestling, just like Alexandra Callaway had done before her.

As she stepped out of the locker room and into the dimly lit hallway, Bella felt a sense of purpose wash over her. The echoes of the crowd's cheers still lingered in her ears, driving her forward with renewed determination.

With each step she took, Bella knew that she was one step closer to her goal. One step closer to earning the respect of one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. And she would stop at nothing to make it happen.

For Bella Madison, the journey was just beginning. And she was ready to leave it all in the ring.