Off-Camera

Friday, April 5, 2024
Office of Seleana Zdunich
Zdunich Zoological Gardens
Los Angeles, California
9:01 PM  PDT





Inside the office, Seleana stands, waiting for her friend and zoo head veterinarian, Dr. Michelle “Chavy” Chavez, to come in and discuss what she’s found in her return. She had spent the last few months on maternity leave since giving birth to a daughter, Marlene, in October. Now she was back at work and ready to see how things had kept up in her absence. As she walks into the room, Seleana can’t help but smile at seeing her friends in the office gain.

Seleana Zdunich: How’s it, Chavy?

The doctor smiles brightly.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: I’m happy to be back working again. I missed the animals so much when I was off with Marlene.

Seleana can’t help but smile broadly.

Seleana Zdunich: How is motherhood?

Tears of joy start to well up in Chavy’s eyes.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: I had no idea I could love someone like this. Teddy’s been so good with her. It would surprise people so much given what everyone usually thinks of him.

Seleana nods, visibly impressed as her opinion of Teddy Warren did not tend to be very positive at all.  . 

Seleana Zdunich: Is he?

Chavy nods happily.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: He’s taken to her like e another with a cub, it’s so cute!

Seleana nods slowly, seemingly taken aback by her opinion being apparently proven so wrong about Chavy’s husband.

Seleana Zdunich: Juliet had said he was being different now that he had you. I am happy to see he is sticking to that, ja?

Chavy nods.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: He’s been trying to talk me into trying physical competition things now too.

Seleana cocks her head slightly, frowning just a little at this.

Seleana Zdunich: Like what?

Chavy knickers.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: He’s talked about me trying wrestling and he’s talked about buying a football team in that league that Brittany, Brayden, Sofism Halo, Christina and Alex are all involved in.   

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, that is me as well. Christina has asked me to come play in that league the way I did in the other one she played in. We were on the same team.

Chavy beams.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: How’d you do?

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: She was the quarterback, I was a receiver. I do ok, I think. I not hurt the team but we did not go all the way to the championship either.

Chavy nods.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: I don’t know what all Teddy has in mine but he’s been trying to talk me into playing. He seems to think I can play quarterback but I don’t know if I’d do that great.

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: He probably thinks you have steady hands for this job so you would be good at throwing the ball.

Now it’s Chavy’s turn to shrug.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: Yeah, but the animals don’t try to hit me here. How bad would it be if I played and got hurt? I wouldn’t wanna lose this job because I tried another on the side. I’d miss the animals so bad…

She looks down, sighing.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: And what would I do about Marlene? 

Seleana moves over, smiling and pats her friend on the shoulder.

Seleana Zdunich: You do wonderful. If you do not want to play, just tell him.

Chavy nods.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: You all seemed to manage without me well enough. The animals are all in good shape, the check-ups have been performed in a timely manner. Everything seems in order.

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, because you set everything up and were available whenever a question arose. We had all the help we needed thanks to you.

Chavy smiles brightly.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: I just wanted to keep this place going, I love it so much.

Seleana beams back at her.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, that is me as well.

Chavy hugs Seleana.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: Thank you for keeping my seat warm for me.

Seleana hugs her back.

Seleana Zdunich: Of course, who else would I want in this job but you? You are wonderful and you are wonderful at it.

Chavy nods gratefully.

Dr. Michelle "Chavy" Chavez: I love you, Sel.

Seleana Zdunich: I love you too, Chavy.





On-Camera
Saturday, April 6, 2024
City Park
Adjacent to Zdunich Zoological Gardens
Los Angeles, California
4:21 PM  PDT





The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich sitting outside on a bench in the park that was built next door to the Zdunich Zoological Gardens. Seleana looks around, enjoying the scenery as she contemplates the future.   

Seleana Zdunich: I admit, I did not expect this to last.

A small, wry smile comes to her face.

Seleana Zdunich: They do not just build such things here often.

She looks up slightly.

Seleana Zdunich: Usually, it is another building for commercial use, or a building for high-end apartments. Something that will be tall, ugly, and for someone to make obscene money by stealing the area from those who can least afford it, ja?

Looking around even more, Seleana takes in all of the surrounding area.

Seleana Zdunich: I expected this to be another promise to be broken like so many have been before.

Looking back uo, Selean’s gaze falls directly on the lens of the camera

Seleana Zdunich: I have lived here for nearly ten years’ time now and I cannot remember how many times something like this was promised in this city. It seemed like every time it was talked about, something else would happen to be used to explain why it would not happen after all.

A small sigh with more anger on it than she intended escapes her lips.

Seleana Zdunich: It is like the first idea that was used to get me to try professional wrestling.

She nods as she pats her chest.

Seleana Zdunich: I was promised a tag team that has still not happened yet.

She shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: Plans change, I know.

She almost laughs as she looks off into the distance across the grass.

Seleana Zdunich: I have been called a broken promise myself as I have won two championships but at my age, experience and length of service in SCW, I should have won more, ja?   

Looking back into the camera, Seleana glares harshly.

Seleana Zdunich: As if the problem is I just have not tried hard enough to put in enough work or otherwise have exerted the popper effort, ja?

She shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: För fan i helvete! Ni jävla idioter! Ni gör alla sådana höns av fjädrar!

Looking momentarily angry with herself for her little outburst, Seleana shakes her head again.

Seleana Zdunich: Skit också!

Still visibly annoyed, she looks back up into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: I have watched a great many of you promise many things.

She nods grimly.

Seleana Zdunich: Things you could never hope to deliver.

The anger washes over her, seemingly almost rippling as it goes.

Seleana Zdunich: You promise to end me. You promise to run me out of this sport. You promise to win all the championships. You promise I will never amount to anything because you will make certain it never happens. You promise you will break me.

An almost wicked grin comes across her face.

Seleana Zdunich: You all break those promises every time you get in the ring with me.

She raises a hand to stop the inevitable response and retorts.

Seleana Zdunich: Some of you won matches, ja?

She nods as if the answer is obvious.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, you win, but you broke your promises to end me, to break me, to run me off. You break your promises to humiliate me beyond all repair.

She shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: None of you have done it.

Glaring even more harshly, her eyes narrow.

Seleana Zdunich: None of you CAN do it.

Her hand balls into a fist, threatening to slam down on the bench.

Seleana Zdunich: Now I come to a match with Ariana Angelos and Georgie Robertson.

She nods.

Seleana Zdunich: I have been in the ring with you before, ja?

Sitting forward, Seleana folds her hands across her lap.

Seleana Zdunich: You have both promised such things before, not as vehemently as others but…

She shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: I shoul laugh at the very idea of such promises now. They have been made so many times, so often and always end up broken.

She snickers as she shakes her head again.

Seleana Zdunich: It is almost like an addict who has not yet hit bottom yet and makes promises they know they will not keep, but do anyway because they cannot help themselves. It is part of their addictions and they will do anything they have to try and feed it.

She nods, the grin fading away as she glares into the camera and points to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: Whether anyone wishes to acknowledge it or not, I am their addiction. Even when they try to blow me off or disrespect me, they cannot help themselves.

She nods pointing to herself even more emphatically.

Seleana Zdunich: I am everyone’s broken promise and I will go on making everyone break those promises because they fail to realize that you cannot break what is wild at heart.

She smirks.

Seleana Zdunich: Välkommen till djungeln. You cannot tame a wild cat that refuses to come in from the jungle.

She stands up, glaring pointedly into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: It is my home and I will not leave.

Off-Camera

Thursday, March 14, 2024
Gym
Shieldmaidens Clubhouse
San Clemente, California
9:01 PM  PDT





The warehouse the gym was inside of was massive and filled with every kind of workout equipment imaginable as well as four wrestling rings and even a practice MMA fighting cage. Having seen it many times and being invited to try it out several times, Seleana Zdunich had come here looking to vary her workouts leading to her golden opportunity of facing the champion, Julianna DiMaria on Sunday.

As she walks over to a heavy bag, Seleana starts pounding away, hammering at it with her taped fists.

Seleana Zdunich: Skit också!

She curses at herself for not bringing fight gloves of any kind and just continues to punch away.

Seleana Zdunich: Du skiter i det blå skåpet, Julianna!

She pounds on the bag as if she can see Julianna’s face in front of her and just hits it again and again and again.

Seleana Zdunich: Du gjorde höns av fjädrar, din jävla fitta!

Her punches get harder and nastier with every shot.

Seleana Zdunich: Det här är min jakt! Jag ska dra ut mitt pund kött!

As she continues on hitting the bag, she never notices the second woman who walks into the gym in a pair of workout pants and a sports bra under her Shieldmaidens kutte. The second woman watches as Seleana works over the bag for a minute before nodding to herself.

Woman: You’re Halo’s mother-in-law right?

Seleana turns, both startled by the sudden second voice and a lack of immediate recognition. It takes a second to register what was just asked but as it does, Seleana nods apologetically.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja…

She look at the woman, frowning momentarily.

Seleana Zdunich: How…?

The woman smiles.

Woman: Did I know?

Seleana nods.

Woman: We don’t hear much Swedish in here, much less somebody cursing the back out in it like that. I figured, the only Swedish woman any of us knows is Halo’s mother-in-law so I figured, that must be you.

Seleana nods and the woman walks over, extending her hand.

Woman: Cori Bayne… call me Doc.

Seleana nods, accepting the handshake.

Seleana Zdunich: Seleana Zdunich.

Doc smiles welcomingly.

Cori "Doc" Bayne: You got a fight this weekend?

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Julianna DiMaria.

Doc whistles at the name.

Cori "Doc" Bayne: Big match.

Seleana nods again.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, I was just looking for a way to vary my preparation.

Doc nods knowingly.

Cori "Doc" Bayne: Good plan. I was just coming in from work. It’s only five minutes away so I just figured it was a good way to get ready for the fights this weekend here. I might just get to throw down myself.

Seleana nods knowingly. She knew the Maidens hosted fight night in their venus called the Palladium nearby.

Seleana Zdunich: I thought…
 
She frowns.
 
Seleana Zdunich: You do not work in San Diego?

Doc shakes her head.

Cori "Doc" Bayne: I work a couple days a week at a local clinic here in San Clemente and I work at the Palladium on most fight nights.

Seleana nods slowly as she takes in the sight of the well-built tattooed blonde woman. 

Seleana Zdunich: You fight as well.

Doc nods.

Cori "Doc" Bayne: Some, usually I’m the on-call doctor.

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: You want to work with me then? I could use the help, ja?

Doc smiles and nods.

Cori "Doc" Bayne: Love to.

Do walks over and takes up position, holding the bag as Seleana gets ready to rain punches again.

Seleana Zdunich: Det här är mitt gyllene tillfälle, Julianna och jag ska göra det rika!

Doc can’t help but grin at the words.

Cori "Doc" Bayne: With punches like that, I have no doubt! 

Seleana nod and continues to fire off, Doc giving her pointers every so often to make them hit more precisely and harder as they go.

Seleana Zdunich: Det finns ingen ko på isen, jag ska vara redo!





On-Camera

Friday, March 15, 2024
Parking Lot
Zdunich Zoological Gardens
Los Angeles, California
11:21 AM  PDT





The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich standing by a sidewalk that leads into the building that houses the main officers and the entrances for the Zdunich Zoological Gardens.

Seleana Zdunich: So we finally meet in the ring, Julianna, ja?

She nods as if the answer is obvious.

Seleana Zdunich: The funny part of this to me is that now we get to see two opposing thoughts of yours collide. On the one hand, you think I am old, obsolete and beneath you and thus this match is both unnecessary and a waste of your time. On the other, it was you that said my name and picked this fight so you obviously wanted it on some level.

She pauses and grins.

Seleana Zdunich: Which will win, I wonder?

A playful smirk adds to the sense of wonder going on here.

Seleana Zdunich: Eh, as you would likely say, it does not matter, ja?

She nods knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: Thi is a Golden Opportunity match. If I win, I get you again for the championship which several former champions can attest…

Almost laughing, she points to herself knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: I only need one chance with the championship on the line.

A knowing and almost playful smile comes over her face.

Seleana Zdunich: I am certain there are those, yourself likely included, who will say I do not deserve this and I would say…

She shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: What does deserve matter? 

She nods, pointing to herself again.

Seleana Zdunich: I have the opportunity regardless of what you think. It is here, it is mine and there is nothing anyone who does not like it can do about it.

She runs her hands together anticipatorily.

Seleana Zdunich: I would say I do not care and it would not be a lie because this is not just a golden opportunity because of the chance at a championship match.

She shakes her head even as the smile turns suddenly sinister.

Seleana Zdunich: This is the opportunity I have been waiting for. Ever since you opened your mouth and allowed my name to sound, I have waited for this chance.

Nodding, Seleana slowly cocks her head to the right.

Seleana Zdunich: I am who I am and you will see that the woman who plays with lions for fun is not just someone to call out because you were bored and thought you could score cheap and easy points with people who do not matter and would not piss on you if you burned in front of them! 

The sinister smile starts to fade away, replaced with an icy anger.

Seleana Zdunich: I have been waiting for this opportunity, Julianna, ever since you said my name for no reason and could not stop yourself from retreading ground that is so well worn by others that it should have been paved over by now.

The anger manages to intensify even as it becomes more visible.

Seleana Zdunich: It is sad whenever you do this, you cannot mention me without bringing up my wife as if somehow anything she does is somehow also me even if I was not there or it happened to others completely unrelated to either of us.

She shakes her head in disgust.

Seleana Zdunich: You must remember when this happens, Julianna…

She nods and points into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: You did this.

She nods even more pointedly.

Seleana Zdunich: You picked this fight.

She steps forward, still pointing accusingly into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: You picked this fight by mentioning and talking down at me and then running away because you thought you would never have to worry about me because we would never stand across the ring from each other. I was too old, too far gone, too far below you for you to ever need to worry about me.

Shrugging, Seleana allows her hands to rise up as if she is showing how Jualianna would react to the idea of fighting her.

Seleana Zdunich: You are the champion and thus would never need to waste yourself in dealing with me, ja?

She nods knowingly, again as if the answer is self-evident and obvious.

Seleana Zdunich: Well here we are, Julianna, and you DO have to deal with me.

The anger rises yet again.

Seleana Zdunich: This is a golden opportunity, Jualianna, because I do not have to win anything to get my hands on you.

She grins, her eyes flashing hungrily at this idea.

Seleana Zdunich: I do not need to win anything to face you because I already get to.

She nods grimly.

Seleana Zdunich: This is my opportunity to take every word you said, every insult you hurled, every dismissal you gave..

She pantomimes balling things up together.

Seleana Zdunich: Do you realize I can get what I want, win or lose in this match, Julianna?

She nods knowingly, the anger simmering underneath everything.

Seleana Zdunich: You need to win this match or I prove you to not just be wrong, but so wrong that it almost makes you a liar. You need to win because if you do not, I prove that you were wrong and I get another match with you where the championship is on the line AND I get to beat on you some more.

She nods and then points to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: But I…

A venomous smile cracks through the rage.

Seleana Zdunich: I do not need to win anything to get what I want because all I want is to smack you around until my hand hurts and then smack you around some more for making my hand hurt. All I want is to beat on you until I have had my fill and enjoyed myself to the fullest.

A mirthless chuckle escapes her lips.

Seleana Zdunich: Du skiter i det blå skåpet när du gjorde höns av fjädrar och nu får jag plocka fjädrarna tills jag fångar ditt skägg i brevlådan!

She nods coldly.

Seleana Zdunich: I will enjoy this Julianna because you are caught in a trap of your own making. You designed this and caught yourself.

Collapsing her hands together, Seleana glares directly into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: All I had to do was be patient and the hunt came to me…

She nods, rubbing her hands together in excited anticipation all over again.

Seleana Zdunich: Välkommen till djungeln…

The sick smile returns to her visage.

Seleana Zdunich: The lion does not sleep tonight with this opportunity. She just eats. 
   

 

Off-Camera

Friday, February 16, 2024
Office of Seleana Zdunich
Zdunich Zoological Gardens
Los Angeles, California
9:47 AM  PST



It was a usual Friday before a supercard trip and Seleana Zdunich was sitting at her desk, looking over a few things before heading off to the airport for her match in Las Vegas on Sunday at the Mandalay Bay casino with Kayla Richards. As she sits there, a voice rings out from the doorway.

Voice: Seleana Zdunich?

Seleana looks from her paperwork and nods in the direction that the voice had come from, the door to her office.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja?

Two dark-skinned men step into the office and close the door behind them.

Man 1: Your payment is late.

Seleana frowns in confusion.

Seleana Zdunich: Payment?

The man nods grimly.

Man 1: You know your wife owes a lot of money.

Seleana just looks at him.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja?

The man nods.

Man 1: You know her spending habits.

Seleana nods slowly, knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: Did she promise anything as collateral?

The man shrugs, his compatriot almost laughing.

Man 1: You think this is just as simple as…

Seleana cuts him off.

Seleana Zdunich: I want to know two things, how much and if she pledged anything else. If you cannot tell me those things, then tell me who can or get out and stop wasting my time.

The man’s smile fades.

Man 1: Rig, please ask Buck to join us now

The second man nods and turns to the door. Opening it, he nods to a third man, who steps into the room even as the second man closes the door again.   

Man 1: Buck, we gon need a demonstration for Ms. Zdunich here.

Seleana stands up before the third man can make a move. She activates a monitor that shows her long-haired pig handler, Razorback, standing next to the animals with a large African-American man and two Japanese men.

Seleana Zdunich: Do you recognize them?

The three men in her office look up at the four on the screen.

Man 1: Them’s Dragons?

Seleana nods.

Man 1: And… no…

Seleana nods and presses a second button on the remote. On the screen, all four men suddenly get  messages on their phones. All four men turn and start walking towards the building.

Man 1: Yo, you dirty bitch!

They watch the four men coming even closer.

Man 1: We gotsta go… now!

The three men leave the office as Seleana slowly turns around, clearly not amused at what has just happened. Five minutes later, the four men from the screen come into the office.

Sam "Razorback" Matthews: What’s goin’ on, Miss Sel? 

Seleana nods and turns and presses a button that changes the screen from the view of where these four just were to a view of the office. She shows the footage of what just happened inside the office with the other three men.

Seleana Zdunich: This is the third time someone has come to ask for money because of Christina’s activities. These did not identify who they were, though I did hear two names. They did not say who they work for. They did not name a figure or anyone else who could. They saw you on the screen and were immediately frightened. This is good, ja?

All four nod quickly.

Seleana Zdunich: Is it possible to find out who they are, who they work for and how much is wanted? I am tired of this happening every so often because Christina’s habits are publicly known.

The men nod and quickly, calls are made. A few minutes later, Razorback gets a message back.

Sam "Razorback" Matthews: Their names are Darnell “DC” Coles, Laroy “Rig” Riggins and Christopher “Buck” Flowers. They technically don’t work for anyone directly. DC and Rig distribute and deal both in Pasadena and primarily in Vegas. Buck is their muscle. Supposedly, their operation in Pasadena is winding down and they’re getting ready to make the move full time to Vegas because they are aware of Koichi-san’s views on such things and do not wish to run afoul of him. They do work for but are affiliated with T-Will. 

Seleana sighs heavily.  Just what she did not want to hear.

Sam "Razorback" Matthews: It would appear they know what happened to the others who came knockin’ on your door and wanna avoid that while still collectin’. The rumbling is there ain’t no figure to be named because they wanna use it as a cudgel to keep comin’ back for more.
 
The two Japanese men scowl in disgust at such tactics. Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: So there is no way to satisfy their desires?

Razorback shakes his head and Seleana sighs again.

Seleana Zdunich: Am I permitted to speak with Koichi-san?   

The two Japanese men nod and razorback grins.

Sam "Razorback" Matthews: It appears that meeting can be arranged.

Seleaa smiles back at them.

Seleana Zdunich: Tack.





On-Camera

Friday, February 16, 2024
Parking lot
Zdunich Zoological Gardens
Los Angeles, California
4:21 PM  PST





The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich sitting on the same bench as last week, facing the cars in the parking lot again, this time dressed like she’s ready to go to the airport to catch her flight to

Seleana Zdunich: I must admit, I am…

Her teeth grit slightly, threatening to grins as she searches for the right answer.

Seleana Zdunich: Disappointed…

Exhaling heavily, Seleana shakes her head exasperatedly.

Seleana Zdunich: Kayla Richards…

She nods as if ticking off a list.

Seleana Zdunich: The Dreamkiller…

She hits another on the list.

Seleana Zdunich: The supposed Pinnacle, ja?

She sniffs derisively at the notion.

Seleana Zdunich: And I get…

She inhales sharply, frustration visible in her entire body’s countenance.

Seleana Zdunich: I get the same others have said, the same low-hanging fruit attacked because…

She shrugs in annoyance.

Seleana Zdunich: I am disappointed because I expected better. You have been to the top. You are a current champion. And yet, you could not talk about me without mentioning my wife. You could not talk about things without complaining about many others that you will need later to give you validation. You could not talk about me without saying exactly what I said you would say and act as if I was so far beneath you…

Seleana looks down at her feet and then shakes her head almost sadly.

Seleana Zdunich: I really expected more. I thought you would be different… but you were not…

Looking up into the camera again, Seleana glares accusingly.

Seleana Zdunich: The saddest part was the way you used the word relevancy since you suck relevancy from everyone else and then decry others for it.

She reaches her arms out in either direction.

Seleana Zdunich: Who would you be without everyone else, Kayla? Who would you be without the rest of us to measure yourself against?

She nods, sitting forward and pointing to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: And where would you be without me?

She nods again and allows her hand to drop back down to her side.

Seleana Zdunich: You say this match is only good for me and is worth nothing to you, so, you would rather not be on the card at all then, ja?

She nods interrogatively.

Seleana Zdunich: That is where you would be without me, Kayla. You would have no place on this card. You would be sitting at home while your partner tries to take over the world and you whine to anyone who would listen that you should have the same opportunity and it is an abomination that you do not.

Disgust crawls across her face as Seleana scowls into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: Boo hoo, poor Kayla does not get the shiny toy she wanted exactly when she want it.

Her eyes narrow in anger.

Seleana Zdunich: What happen to you, Kayla?

Her head starts to tilt slightly to the right, her eyes still glaring into the lens.

Seleana Zdunich: You are supposed to be the unstoppable force that slashes everyone else’s dreams just for fun, but here you are whining like a small child because your friend got the new bicycle and you have to make do with the perfectly good one you already have.

She looks down, shaking her head in disgusted disappointment again.

Seleana Zdunich: You sad, spoiled child…

Her gaze remains on her feet and the sidewalk the bench is sitting on.

Seleana Zdunich: Why am I in this match?

She nods slowly almost to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: This is what you must be thinking considering I am so far beneath you that I need to work with you to regain relevance while you bask in it despite everything, ja?

Seleana looks back up into the camera

Seleana Zdunich: Somebody noticed I have won elsewhere and it was in a tag team situation.

A small, mirthless smile crosses her face.

Seleana Zdunich: You being one half… the other half… of the SCW Mixed Tag Team Champions… are familiar with this situation, ja?

She nods, knowing the answer that will come, the smile fading as quickly as it arrived.

Seleana Zdunich: And since I have experience in that, maybe, just maybe, someone thought perhaps it would be an intriguing spot sine without that you be reduced to nothing more than complaining that deserve to be handed an opportunity while also whining that you never get anything handed to you while trying to wear that as a badge of honor.

Seleana just shakes her head yet again.

Seleana Zdunich: Are you incapable of speaking without such hypocrisy or is that simply your natural state of entitlement? 

Seleana stands, glaring even more intensely than before.

Seleana Zdunich: Well I am sorry that I do not have the toy to give you that you so wanted to win. I am sorry I cannot crown you the princess of the ball and give you the crowd you think you so richly deserve. 

She nods, her eyes flashing fire.

Seleana Zdunich: You think this is beneath you? Well get used to it because I might just decide to stick around and try my hand at another tag team just to annoy you and once you have wallowed in the muck that those beneath you dwell in for long enough, we might just decide we like having you here and make certain you can never leave. 

The small smile returns.

Seleana Zdunich: Oh, would that not be a shame for you, Kayla?

She nods approvingly.

Seleana Zdunich: Good let us make that happen, ja?

The smile fades one last time.

Seleana Zdunich: Välkommen till djungeln, du kommer inte att lämna.

Off-Camera

Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Office of Seleana Zdunich
Zdunich Zoological Gardens
Los Angeles, California
9:45 AM  PST



It was a cool day in Los Angeles and things had been looking up lately.

Her wives had both returned to their family, Christina from her drug and alcohol-fueled bender and Alexandra from her moment of darkness and doubt.

Now, Seleana Zdunich was at her office at the Zdunich Zoological Gardens, going over paperwork or the recent additions to the security team. As Seleana sits there, a knock comes on the door to the office.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja?

The door opens and two latino men stand there looking none too pleased at something. The two men walk into the office and close the door behind them.

Man #1: You know why we’re here?

The second man scoffs at the notion of Seleana’s ignorance.

Man #2: You know she does. Chica ain’t stupid…

The first man shrugs.

Man #1: Doesn’t mean she does.

The second man shakes his head.

Man $2: Putas estúpidas.

Seleana looks up and stares at the two, visibly taken aback to see them there.

Seleana Zdunich: Can I help you?

The first man starts to nod but the second one glares at her hatefully.

Man #2: ¿Eres realmente tan estúpida?

The first man nods to his compatriot.

Man #1: Calmate… calmate…

Seleana presses a couple of things on her phone and nods to them, placing her hands on the desk in front of her.

Seleana Zdunich: Was your visit to the zoo unsatisfactory?

The second man starts to get agitated all over again but the first one puts a hand up to slow him.

Man #1: It’s alright, Lalo, she might really not know what we are here for…

He pauses to nod to her in acknowledgment.

Man #1: Or she has an idea but is waiting for us to confirm before jumping to any crazed assumptions, which…

He nods his head in the same manner again.

Man #1: Is not a bad idea in her place. When you have a nice establishment like this, several other businesses, two wives and a child to worry about and you’re going to be in Henderson on Sunday, you never know what might happen when you’re gone.

Seleana nods knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: ¿Cuánto?

The tw turn to each other, Lalo looking certain this proves she was faking while the first man still seems certain that she was not.

Lalo: ¡Puta!

The first man puts both hands up to calm his companion.

Man #1: Calmate, Lalo, calmate. She’s ready to talk business so we can get to it without any bullshit involved now. 

Lalo points accusingly.

Lalo: You know what she did to Héctor and Geo!

Before anything else can be said, Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: I did nothing to either of them. I did not even have a go at them. Geo came here first, alone, and left on his own. What happen to him after, I do not know, though I was told a rumor. Héctor came later, after whatever happened to Geo. He was not pleased to hear a call was to be made. What happen after, I do not know. I did not need to know in either case. It was not my business so I did not ask.

Lalo glares at her, his hatred seemingly intensifying with every second that goes by.

Lalo: You think it’s funny what happened to them? Do you know who we are?

Seleana nods slowly.

Seleana Zdunich: You are their brothers, Lalo and Joaquín Rondón. You are connected to the group in Jalisco, ja? Your uncle run things in Mexico and thinks Héctor and Lalo are too reckless and cause too many problems for business. Geo is usually better but got into his own supply too much and get sloppy. Joaquín and cousin Tuco are the better choices for things. Joaquín because he is smart, Tuco because he makes the least noise.

Lalo is almost shaking while Joaquín stares at her, momentarily dumbfounded by the information dump she just performed for their benefit.

Joaquín Rondón: We need to go.

Lalo turns to look at his brother, incensed and shocked by what he’s just heard leave his brother’s lips.

Lalo Rondón: The fuck? This puta owes us how much and you…

Joaquín Rondón: She's stalling…

Lalo Rondón: What?!!?

Joaquín nods to Selena.

Joaquín Rondón: She’s stalling, someone is coming. There’s no way she should know this much unless somebody warned her we were going to come and collect because her wife owed us as much as she did and we were told to invoke her little girl’s name. We need to go…right now.

Lalo Rondón: Why?

Joaquín starts to back up towards the door.

Joaquín Rondón: Because she’s connected to people too. Her daughter-in-law’s the VP of the Shieldmaidens. She has some Maidens and Chrome Dragons who work here. She was family friends with Dean Matthews and I’m pretty sure some of the Japanese Maidens are friends with a Takamoto…

Lalo shakes his head again.

Lalo Rondón: So what?

Joaquín Rondón: ¡Cállate y vámonos!

As Joaquín starts to reach for the door handle, the door opens to find Chrome Dragons Full Patch Sam “Razorback” Matthews along with his sgt-at-arms Carlton “Cerberus” Martin standing there with several Japanese men right behind them.

Sam “Razorback” Matthews: Hey… where y’all goin?

Joaquín’s head droops down in defeat.
 
Joaquín Rondón: Shit…

Cerberus shakes his head.

Carlton “Cerberus” Martin: Y’all know she’s got a match to prepare for, right?

Sam “Razorback” Matthews: Vanya’s gonna be pissed he has to call Salazar and T-Will all over again and I can’t imagine Koichi is gonna take this challenge to his authority very well. 

Cerberus shrugs.

Carlton “Cerberus” Martin: How hungry is them pigs?

Razorback grins.

Sam “Razorback” Matthews: Starving…

The two Dragons step aside as the Japanese men come into the office and escort the Rondón Brothers out and to the back door of the facility.

Seleana Zdunich: Pobrecitos…

She shakes her head almost sadly as the two are taken away to wherever guys like that go to.






Off-Camera

Friday, February 2, 2024
Master Bedroom
Zdunich Residence
Hollywood Hills
7:45 AM  PST



It had been a nice night the previous evening when Seleana and Christina Zunich had managed to surprise their wife with a small party for her birthday. Now, after sleeping the glow off, Seleana walks back into the room, her workout clothes set out before her as she quickly starts getting dressed. Her wife, Alexandra “Diamond” Caldwell-Zdunich sits up on the bed squinting and confused.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: Sel?

Seleana turns to face her, smiling, her hair still damp with a smile shining through.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja?

Alexandra manages to force one eye fully open.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: What’s goin’ on?

Seleana smiles even more brightly.

Seleana Zdunich: I am getting ready for a workout while Christina attends a session after she took Aurora to school. We both thought we should allow you to sleep in after we spring party on you yesterday, ja?

Alexandra ponders this as she slowly comes to full consciousness whether she really wants to or not and a smile crosses her face.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: You did surprise me.

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: How often do you turn twenty-nine?

She moves over and kisses Alexandra lovingly.

Seleana Zdunich: Besides, we had to show you we love even after…

Seleana trails off as Alexandra kisses her back. 

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: Thank you for that. Aurora was too cute!

Seleana nods as she sits next to her wife on the bed.

Seleana Zdunich: Sometimes she forgets she’s not a toddler, ja?

Alexandra nods her agreement.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: Hearing her say “Happy birthday, Mommy!” is just…

She trails off shaking her head. Seleana nods knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, it is. Hearing her voice like that…

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: Warms ya in ways you didn’t know you needed?

Seleana nods her agreement. Alexandra scans her workout clothes and frowns in confusion again.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: You have a match this week?

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: I thought SCW didn’t like to book you in back to back weeks?

Seleana nods again.

Seleana Zdunich: They do not but my match last week got canceled on Friday so they book me again this week to allow me to keep the rust off.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: Who was it supposed to be last week?

Seleana hesitates for a second before answering.

Seleana Zdunich: Alexandra Calaway.   

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: That… Alexandra Calaway?

Seleana nods slowly.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: But it’s not this week?

Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: No, this week it is Bea Barnhart. I assume Calaway still has problem from last week.

Alexandra sighs heavily.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: Is she still the same bitch she was before?

Seleana almost laughs.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja.

Alexandra laughs right along with her.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: Some things never change, eh?

Seleana and Alexandra giggle together.

Seleana: Ja, now I just need to get ready for Bea Barnhart. We have been in the ring together many times and she never fails to bring me.

Alexandra nods.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: Who are you working out with for that?

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: I will find someone when I get there.

Alexandra nods slowly.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: You got time to wait for me?

Seleana can’t help but smile.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja.

Alexandra smiles back.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: Alright, then let me get up and get ready and I’ll be the one.

Seleana nods and kisses her again.

Seleana Zdunich: Jag älskar dig!

Alexandra smiles back.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: I love you too.

 

Off-Camera

Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Entryway
Zdunich Residence
Hollywood Hills
Los Angeles, California
9:01 AM  PST





Would this be the day?

Alexandra “Diamond” Caldwell had walked out of the relationship at almost the same time that Christina Zdunich had walked back into the abyss of alcoholism and drug abuse that she had pulled herself out of before.

Alexandra had found herself in a hole of sorts as well and now was coming back for at least a meeting with Seleana and Christina.

Chritina Zdunich: I’m so nervous!

Christina shakes her head as she paces between the couch and the doorway. Her wife, Seleana Zdunich, can only watch on from the couch as Christina’s anxiety manifests itself like this.

Chritina Zdunich: What if this isn’t…

Trailing off, Christina’s mind kicks into overdrive, ideas crashing into each other at a million miles per hour.

Chritina Zdunich: What if it’s too late? 

Her hands seem to dangle in midair as if she and they are unsure of what they should be doing right now. Should they crash to her face? Should they come down on her thighs? Should they clasp together? Should they wave around in some crazy display of loss of control?

Chritina Zdunich: What if I destroyed this and she’s just coming to tell us this time it’s for real?

Seleana raises her hands and shrugs, trying to calm Christina even knowing that it is a losing battle at the moment.

Seleana Zdunich: We owe it to her, to ourselves and especially to Aurora to see what this is, ja?

Christina  looks away from her wife, unable to look her in the eye.

Chritina Zdunich: You know I don’t talk about…

Seleana nods, stands up from the couch and takes her wife into her arms.

Seleana Zdunich: It will be alright, Estrellita. This might not be about your feelings as much as you worry. It might be more about hers and it will be about all of us.

Christin nods sadly to herself and then finally looks up into her wife’s eyes.

Chritina Zdunich: Aren’t you worried about how it will look if we take her back again? How many times…

Seleana raises a finger to her wife’s lips, shaking her head and gently shushes her.

Seleana Zdunich: It is alright, Estrellita. If they think me weak and wish to test their theory they have always been free to do so. When I married you, I did not say I would only marry you when things were glittering in gold, ja? What do I care about their opinions? They do not matter when it comes to *OUR* marriage.

A smile crosses Seleana’s face.

Seleana Zdunich: I love you, Christina. Not just when it is convenient or easy, but always. I love our family and if it is possible to repair it, we will. I have no doubts.

Christina embraces her wife, burying her face into Seleana’s chest.

Chritina Zdunich: I love you, Seleana!

Fighting back tears, Chirstibna tightens her grip on her wife.

Chritina Zdunich: I don’t know where I would be without you…

Seleana holds Christina tight and ptas the back of her head.

Seleana Zdunich: You do not have to find out, ja?

Christina nods against Seleana as they hear a car pull into the driveway.

Seleana Zdunich: Someone arrives…

Christina pulls away and walks to the door. Looking outside, she visibly stiffens right back up.

Chritina Zdunich: It’s her. She’s here.

Seleana nods to her and Christina opens the door just as Alexandra Caldwell comes walking up the sidewalk. She stops in her tracks and nervously waves.

Alexandra Caldwell: Hi.

Christina returns the nervous wave.

Chritina Zdunich: Hi.

Both fall silent, staring at each other, neither really seemingly able to believe this is really happening. Christina maintains her grip on the door as she stares out at Alexandra. Alexandra remains stock still as she stands there staring straight ahead at Christin in the doorway. After what feels like years, Seleana steps forward to Christina.

Seleana Zdunich: Estrellita, invite Diamantecita in, ja?

Christina snaps out of it and nods slowly, stepping back to allow Alexandr to make entry. Seleana smiles at her sweetly.

Seleana Zdunich: Please… come in?

Alexandra nods and moves to come in, Seleana stepping back from the doorway behind Christina. Alexandra walks by them into the den and Christina closes the door behind her.

Seleana Zdunich: Heya, Chickie, how’s it?

Alexandra sucks in a deep breath, still contemplating her answer even though she’s ben anticipating this question since the idea had been put forth to come here.

Alexandra Caldwell: I…

Her face droops, her head dips and her gaze falls to the floor.

Alexandra Caldwell: Lonely…

Christina shakes her head, almost shaking bodily as she does so. 

Chritina Zdunich: I‘m sorry!

Alexandra shakes her head without looking up.

Alexandra Caldwell: It wasn’t your fault.

Christina frowns in confusion and curiosity more than anything else even though the words come out of her mouth in retort in a much more harsh tone than she meant them to be.

Chritina Zdunich: Whose was it then?

Still unable to look up from the floor, Alexandra’s eyes snap shut as she stands there trying not to just bawl.

Alexandra Caldwell: It was mine.

Her hands start shaking as she moves them up to her face.

Alexandra Caldwell: I didn’t know who I was anymore.

Her hands fly down in exasperation.

Alexandra Caldwell: I still don’t. I feel so dead inside without you and I don’t know… how…

Christina just stares at her, shock setting in as she hears words that sound eerily similar to her own. Before she can answer, Seleana’s voice fills the void.

Seleana Zdunich: You do not know how to fix it, ja?

Alexandra nods, the tears welling up in her eyes. Seleana moves closer to her and takes Alexandra into her arms.

Seleana Zdunich: You just come home. We are here for you.

Alexandra clamps onto Seleana as Seleana holds her lovingly.

Seleana Zdunich: We are a family, Diamantecita. It is ok to question sometimes. As I told Christina, I did not accept you into our marriage only when it is easy.

She kisses the top of Alexandra’s head.

Seleana Zdunich: I love you, Alexandra. Aurora loves you.

Christina moves in and joins the embrace.

Chritina Zdunich: I love you.

Alexandra can’t take it anymore and starts bawling.

Alexandra Caldwell: I love you all!

Seleana hugs them both, tears coming into her eyes as well.

Seleana Zdunich: We’ve missed you, Diamantecita. I will never stop loving either one of you… even when you do not think you deserve it.

With Christina bawling just as much as Alexandra, the three clutch each other even tighter than before.

Seleana Zdunich: Välkommen hem.





On-Camera

Saturday, December 9, 2023
Living Room
Home of Crystal Hilton
Hollywood Hills
Los Angeles, California
2:01 PM  PST





The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich sitting on the family couch, wearing a plain black t-shirt, black workout pants and her hair pulled back into a ponytail.

Seleana Zdunich: December 2 Dismember V, Tucson, Arizona…

A smile crosses her face.

Seleana Zdunich: In two days’ time, four of us will meet for the Golden Briefcase Ladder Match to see which of us can climb the Stairway To Heaven between myself, Georgie Robertson, Luna Pasilno, and Krystal Wolfe.

She leans forward, her arms crossing as her hands clasp together between her knees.

Seleana Zdunich: Three of us have been champions before and the fourth has had bad luck.

Seleana shrugs as she sits back against the back of the couch.

Seleana Zdunich: The winner can challenge for a championship and thus the intrigue comes into play, who will they challenge?

She shrugs at the uncertainty.

Seleana Zdunich: When will they challenge?

She smiles knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: No one knows.

She chuckles to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: Especially not with this foursome.

Shaking her head, Seleana remains to appear amused at the very idea of asking those questions even knowing they will be asked regardless.

Seleana Zdunich: Luna would never tell anyone if she had any plans because she doesn’t think it would matter. Her inner Vanity would still be showing.

She nods slightly as if that answer had been obvious.

Seleana Zdunich: Georgie would look to be smart so as to make this shot count. She has received several and they have all gone awry for her. If she were to obtain this one, she would not wish to set it up to fail by telling us all when it was coming.

She nods again as if that answer had, once again, been obvious.

Seleana Zdunich: Krystal…

She laughs again.

Seleana Zdunich: Krystal would be duplicitous whether she means to or not. She would use deception to try and win the championship and earn redemption in her own eyes if not in anyone else’s.

She shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: It is one of many things with her. She complains about being called whiny and entitled as if she either does not want them to be true about her or wishes to prove they are no longer true…

Seleana nods pointedly.

Seleana Zdunich: And then she proves those words right to an extent by whining and complaining about nearly everything. How many times must we hear about how Bella is unworthy and got lucky?

She nods, her eyes widening as if begging for the answer she already knows is coming.

Seleana Zdunich: How many times must you come at anyone that Bella has defeated by complaining because she got you?

Seleana shakes her head in disgust.

Seleana Zdunich: You are oftentimes exactly what everyone says about my wife, my stepdaughter and my daughter-in-law. Crystal, Brittany and Sofia have all made mistakes and you are currently still making those same mistakes no matter how much you scream to the heaven to the contrary.

She sits forward and points accusingly into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: Whether Bella got lucky or not is irrelevant. She won, you did not and now you underestimate her and you underestimate all of us in this match with you as well.

She shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: For all of your talk about not being that person anymore, you sure talk like her still. Was that all just a story to get everyone to sympathize with you instead of thinking of you as a fitta?

Seleana exhales heavily.

Seleana Zdunich: You call Georgie a huge choke artist and compare her to Bella even though Bella is the one getting the championship opportunity you feel should be yours.

She shakes her head in utter disbelief.

Seleana Zdunich: You call them such things as if beating the best is just something that is so easy to do all that is needed is to show up. Like all that is required is to turn up and victory is assured and thus anyone who does not is a “choke artist”...

Glaring into the camera, Seleana points accusingly again.

Seleana Zdunich: Does that not mean you are such a beast just being in this match yourself?

She nods gravely.

Seleana Zdunich: And would that not mean you should shut your mouth and get to work since your old plan did not work against Bella?

She waves her hand dismissively.

Seleana Zdunich: Göra en höna av en fjäder…

She looks away as the Swedish phrase, “To make a hen out of a feather,” comes out of her mouth before turning back to face the camera again.

Seleana Zdunich: Georgie…

She pauses to lick her upper teeth. 

Seleana Zdunich: Is an idiot without comprehension.

She just shakes her head in utter disbelief again.

Seleana Zdunich: Do you always make things up to drive yourself or just in this case where it concerns me?   

She cocks her head to the right.

Seleana Zdunich: I never said anything about people in this match being of no challenge to me. I never said anything about any of you being beneath me and I cannot fathom how you came to the conclusion that not only did I say that about one of you but I said it about all three of you.

She sits back waving one hand as if this is the single most absurd thing Seleana has ever heard in her entire life.

Seleana Zdunich: The only thing I can think of there is you needed something to anger yourself for the match and thus…

She waves her hand across the shot.

Seleana Zdunich: Out that came.

Her hand returns to its place on the couch as Seleana glares into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: I never said that and I never have about any other match. That would be incredibly stupid given how things tend to go around here, ja?

She stands up, pointing herself in the chest.

Seleana Zdunich: I know I am not supposed to be here.

She nods emphatically, still pointing at herself.

Seleana Zdunich: I know I am just the zookeeper who stumbled upon this because my wife asked me to follow her into it. I know I must work for every match I am in, every win I train because I started later in life than everyone else and this was not my first choice as a vocation. Pose no challenge to me?

She stares into the camera, the disbelief becoming full blown incredulousness as she does so.

Seleana Zdunich: Have you taken leave of your senses, Chickie? I am the one who must prove every match that I pose a threat to the other, more physically gifted with talent and better trained opponents I face every time I step into the ring. That I have managed to win multiple championships and even defended several times does not mean that has ever changed. The fact that I play with a full grown lioness for fun as if she is a house cat has never changed that and nothing ever will. I will ALWAYS need to prove myself every time I go out there because I will always have to show that I care about this even a part as much as everyone else does. I must show that I have the fighting spirit that the rest of you take for granted that it is automatically assumed you have in abundance. That will never be true for me because I did not start right out of school.

Seleana nods forcefully.

Seleana Zdunich: In two days’ time, I get my latest opportunity to show that I have that fighting spirit. I get to strive to show that I belong just as much as the rest of you do. In two days’ time I face the three of you, Krystal, Georgie, Luna and even though Luna has not deigned any of us worthy of anything at all from her, it does not take away from her ability. All of us are capable of winning this match. All of us are capable of climbing that ladder and grabbing the Golden Briefcase. No matter what anyone else says, whichever one of us climbs up and takes it will have earned it and will b able to go after whoever is champion. So you can all take those thoughts that we do not deserve to be in this match or that we are not a challenge or that you should be in a different match and you can shove them up your ass because we are all here, we are all worthy and whoever wins deserves to be in that championship conversation!

She walks over and takes hold of the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: You bet your ass I will do everything in my power for it to be me. Let us all show the world, ja?

 

Off-Camera

Friday, November 24, 2023
Master Bedroom
Home of Crystal Hilton
Hollywood Hills
Los Angeles, California
9:01 AM  PST





It had been a good Thanksgiving. This was a holiday that Seleana Zdunich discovered was a big thing upon coming to the United States and it had only gotten more important given its proximity to her wife’s birthday. Add in their daughter’s birthday not quite two weeks before and it was a busy time in the Zdunich Household.

Now, the day after was upon the place and Seleana had to just shake her head in shock that things had gone so well. Her wife, Christina “Crystal Hilton” had managed to make the trip for the second time in nine days. She had come in from New York City on the 14th for Aurora’s birthday making the little girl exceptionally happy. Now, she’d made it here for the 23rd and had not been alone. Both of her biological children, Brittany Williams and Brayden Hilton had arrived complete with their wives, Sofia “Coneja” Rojas Hilton and Haylie Jo “Halo” Annis. Brayden and Sofia had, of course, brought along their toddler daughter, Isabella.

It was Halo that had brought the surprise with her in the form of Seleana and Christina’s now ex, Alexandra “Diamond” Caldwell, which had also made Aurora exceptionally happy given that she still called her “Mommy” just like she did with Seleana and Christina and Diamond was doing her best to maintain a relationship with the thirteen-year-old.

Sofia’s sister, Ravenna “Cuervo” Rojas and her girlfriend, Brittany and Brayden’s cousin, Emily Williams, had also made an appearance.

Now, Christina had been up early to catch a flight to Peru for a show on Saturday. Ravenna and Emily had left Thursday to go over to Emily’s side of the family. Diamond had spent the night in a guest room and was still there playing a video game with Aurora. Sofia and Brayden had left with Isabella for their home. Brittany was downstairs with Diamond and Aurora while Halo was sitting in a chair opposite the bed where Seleana was currently sitting as well.

Seleana Zdunich: I wish to thank you, HayJo, for everything you have done. In two days’ time, you have done so much for the family, ja?

Halo leans forward and bows her head.

Haylie Jo "Halo" Annis: I didn’t really do that much, Mama Sel. I just… managed to not scream at anybody is all.

Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: First you make sure Alex is given care when she get piss drunk, then you bring her here and make sure she is included in family celebration. That is not nothing, HayJo. Blackout Wednesday is nothing to be happy about, especially in this family.

Halo nods knowingly.

Haylie Jo "Halo" Annis: Yeah, me and Mama Chrys kinda prove that, don’t we?

She shakes her head at herself.

Haylie Jo "Halo" Annis: Helluva family tradition, ain’t it?

Seleana raises a hand to try and slow her down and calm her.

Seleana Zdunich: You have put in work to overcome that. It has been years since you did anything like that.

Halo nods slowly, still visibly ashamed and disgusted with herself.

Haylie Jo "Halo" Annis: I’m still sorry y’all caught me doin’ that shit here in y’all’s house.

Seleana Zdunich: That was years ago, ja? It is not who you are now. Be proud of how far you’ve come and who you are now. I am proud of you.

Halo allows herself a small smile.

Haylie Jo "Halo" Annis: Thanks, Mama Sel.

She glances back at the door.

Haylie Jo "Halo" Annis: You think we gotta worry about Mama Alex and Mama Chrys now?

Seleana exhales heavily.

Seleana Zdunich: Alex looks to be a one-time thing. I think she learn nothing good come from that unless she enjoys having hangover. Christina…

She trails off, considering how much she should tell her daughter-in-law.

Seleana Zdunich: Is putting in work as well. She’s been in New York for football for the last few months’s time and Zenna went up to meet her. Got her to go to meetings again. 

Halo’s eyes go wide in shock.

Haylie Jo "Halo" Annis: Mama Chrys went to meetings?

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Z say she flush cocaine and dump out vodka as well. That is good, ja?

Halo nods slowly, still surprised by what she’s hearing.

Haylie Jo "Halo" Annis: Assuming she didn’t run out and replace her stash, yeah, it is.

Seleana exhales heavily again.

Seleana Zdunich: I hope…  I was not here when Zenna had this problem herself. I was still in Christchurch. I do not know what all to do with…

She trails off again, both at a loss for the proper words and overcome at the thought of what would happen if the worst happened. Halo stands up and slips over next to her mother-in-law on the bed, patting the older woman’s hand.

Haylie Jo "Halo" Annis: Mama Sel, you’re doing the best you can do. You’ve been supportive yet protecting Aurora. What more can you do? You hold this family together and there are many who have no idea how you do it.

Seleana nods to Halo.

Seleana Zdunich: You do last night during dinner. Brittany, Brayden, Sofia just…

Halo shrugs.

Haylie Jo "Halo" Annis: Mama Sel, that was as much you as it was me, if not more. Ain’t nobody in this family wanna fight in front of you. B-Brat’s tryin’ to be better and even started goin’ over to Miss Zoey’s to learn how. Sofia…

She sighs just as Seleana had earlier.

Haylie Jo "Halo" Annis: I don’t think Coneja really understood what all she was gettin’ into. I know Brayden didn’t. B-Brat’s still tryin’ to dig herself out of that hole she dug with the others and damn near everybody else out there with all the stupid shit she’s done in the last few years. Ain’t none of them the most patient fuckers on the planet and that tends to rub them all the wrong way.

Seleana nods understandingly.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, Brittany is her mother’s daughter and Brayden is his father’s son that way. Sofia…

She shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: I do not understand. She seem to try too hard to be a fit for the family.

Halo nods emphatically.

Haylie Jo "Halo" Annis: Ain’t that the truth!

She pauses and then smirks as she pivots the subject.

Haylie Jo "Halo" Annis: So I hear somebody done called you old in SCW, that true?

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, she did and talked about many things she knows nothing about. She say I hide behind Christina because Christina jumped on a tweet to respond.

Halo snickers.

Haylie Jo "Halo" Annis: Some people’s kids…

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: She make a hen out of a feather.

The special venom on the phrase strikes Halo.

Haylie Jo "Halo" Annis: She’ll learn. They always do.

Seleana smiles.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, is the truth.

She stands and nods towards the door.

Seleana Zdunich: Let us go see how the games go, ja?

Halo stands to join her.

Haylie Jo "Halo" Annis: Sounds good to me.

The two head out the door and go downstairs to see how everybody else is doing.




On-Camera

Friday, November 24, 2023
Master Bedroom
Home of Crystal Hilton
Hollywood Hills
Los Angeles, California
6:15 PM  PST





The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich standing in the bedroom next to the bed nodding slowly to the bed.

Seleana Zdunich: Sunday I meet Bella Madison with the winner facing Krystal Wolfe on the last show before the supercard. The winner of that match meets Julianna DiMaria for the World Bombshell Championship at the supercard.

She almost laughs to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: I do not know why Julianna cannot seem to keep my name out of her mouth like she is attempting to swallow something else but she cannot.

She nods pointedly into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: I do not understand why you focus on things you say you do not believe will happen as much as you do. If you do not believe you will face me, then why talk about me at all?

She shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: Why give me that much attention dn expend your time, energy and effort to speak of someone that is supposed to be unworthy of such things?

Seleana shakes her head in disgust.

Seleana Zdunich: Din jävla idiot! Göra en höna av en fjäder.

She looks away and glares at the far wall.

Seleana Zdunich: Du har skit i det blå skåpet!

Looking back into the camera, the anger has not left her eyes.

Seleana Zdunich: I know you expect Bella to win this match, or so you will say and you will laugh if she does and say it is more proof that I am what you say I am.

She points into the camera accusingly.

Seleana Zdunich: You have no idea what you are talking about the same way you said my wife is still fixated on somebody we have had no contact with in a long time.

She shakes her head, her hand falling back out of the shot.

Seleana Zdunich: That is what you fear, Julianna. That no one will target you despite you being the champion.

She pauses.

Seleana Zdunich: Is that why you mention me? Because the times I have been a champion, many wanted to take their shot at me and end that status? 

She spreads her arms out wide.

Seleana Zdunich: Now the company had to set up a mini-tournament just to get somebody to pay you attention?

She simply shrugs slightly, looking like she can’t decide if she should want to spit in disgust or feel pity for the champion.

Seleana Zdunich: I am sorry that you are not the likes of Alicia Lukas or Roxi Johnson or Kayla Richards or Sam Marlowe. I am sorry you are not my wife or me as we all seem to draw crosshairs with no trouble at all.

She nods slowly, knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: It hurts, ja?

A small almost playful smirk comes to Seleana’s face.

Seleana Zdunich: It hurts that to get Krystal, Bella, I or almost anyone else to say your name, they had to make you the prize we compete for because you could not do it yourself. 

She nods, the smirk fading away as she does so.

Seleana Zdunich: Bra, låt det göra ont.

Pausing, Seleana looks mockingly into the camera’s lens.

Seleana Zdunich: What? You do not understand?

She shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: I am sorry you are too lazy and too stupid to get it translated so I will help.

Seleans grits her teeth.

Seleana Zdunich: Let. It. Hurt.

She moves as the camera zooms in to frame her face.

Seleana Zdunich: Bella and I will fight as we were directed to. Tempe, Arizona will see us fight because it is our job and because it is what we do.

She shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: But it is not for you.

Her slowly tilts slightly to the right.

Seleana Zdunich: If you did not hold that championship, people would care even less about you than we already do. We fight for the opportunity to hold that. You just happen to be the one standing in the winner’s way. Whether it ends up being me, Bella or Krystal, we will be fighting to make that championship mean what it always has. We will be fighting to restore the dignity and the honor of that championship and what it meant to everyone else who has ever held it for you and that you besmirch and piss on just by existing.

Seleana glares angrily into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: You do not approve?

She shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: Let it hurt.   

Off-Camera

Friday, October 20, 2023
Gaming Floor
Luxor Resort & Hotel
Las Vegas, Nevada
11:11 AM  PDT





The appearance had gone well. SCW High Stakes was to take place across the street at the MGM Grand but the Mandalay Bay, Luxor and the Excalibur had all wanted a piece of the action so appearances had been set up in all three places. The Mandalay Bay one had occurred at ten that morning and been a resounding success and Seleana Zdunich was walking across Luxor towards the Excalibur where the second one would occur later in the day. The third one would happen on Saturday here in the pyramid shaped Luxor at a Saturday night party inside one of the bars the hotel boasted.

Saturday night in Las Vegas, what could possibly go wrong?

Now as she paused in the middle of the hotel, Seleana quickly dials the number back to the apartment up the street where her daughter, Aurora, was currently sitting with her best friend, Juliet Warren, Seleana’s cousin, Freja Lindström and Freja’s girlfriend, Lucy Osman.

Aurora Zdunich: Mommy?

Seleana smiles at the sound of her twelve-year-old’s voice.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja.

Aurora Zdunich: How was your thing?

Seleana glances back at the walkway that connects the Luxor to the Mandalay Bay.

Seleana Zdunich: It was wonderful. I was asked what I thought of this match, how important the show was, all the usual, ja?

Aurora giggles.

Aurora Zdunich: It must be weird, fighting somebody you are not angry with.

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: It is refreshing. There is no extra with it. Other matches are much more fight than competition. Those are not fun. Those tend to become dirty and hurt in ways no one imagined before the start.

Aurora Zdunich: This one won’t?

Seleana shrugs again.

Seleana Zdunich: Krystal does not seem to want that anymore. She is seeking a second chance and I intend to allow her that opportunity.

Aurora Zdunich: That’s good. Juliet and I have been playing games all morning. Freja and Lucy played some with us too!

A bright smile crosses Seleana’s face.

Seleana Zdunich: Did you enjoy yourselves?

Aurora’s excitement is unmistakable.

Aurora Zdunich: JA!!!!

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Good. I will return to you after the second appearance. I am on my way to the Excalibur now. Jag älskar dig älskling.

Aurora Zdunich: Love you too, Mommy!

Seleana ends the call and continues walking to the connector between the Luxor and the Excalibur. This was going to be a great weekend interacting with fans before having this straight competitive match with Krystal Wolfe. As Seleana peels off to the nearest restroom, she opens the door and slips inside. Finding it surprisingly empty given the number of people inside the casino, she makes her way to a stall. As she sits down, she hears the sound of somebody clearly snorting something and then coughing and sniffing away. 

Voice: Oh fuck! That’s good shit…

The voice both catches her attention and makes her go dead silent in the stall, frozen in the moment. It sounded familiar but…

The door to the stall next to her opens and someone steps out. Seleana leans forward and looks out through the small opening between the door and the frame to see her estranged wife, Christina “Crystal Hilton” Zdunich sniffling and rubbing at her nose. Seleana’s eyes go wide as Christina steps over by the sink and uses a key to have another bump. She snorts the drug and sniffs a few times before checking herself in the mirror.

Christina "Crystal Hilton" Zdunich: Better…

Christina leaves the restroom and Seleana sits down on the toilet in shock. Tears start to form in her eyes as the weight of everything starts to crash down over her.

Seleana Zdunich: Nej…

She shakes her head, her eyes snapping shut.

Seleana Zdunich: Nej, det såg jag inte bara! Det var inte sant! Jag gör höns av fjädrar!

She looks up and quickly finishes her business before leaving the stall. She steps outside the restroom and starts walking when she hears the voice again. Looking over at a bar, she sees Christina laughing with a glass in her hand. The glass gets set down where the bartender quickly starts to refill it with Grey Goose and cranberry juice. Seleana turns away and steps behind a post, tears in her eyes. She quickly pulls her phone out and texts Christina.

Seleana Zdunich: Please… no lie…

She quickly types the message.

“You still want to meet up? I am in Vegas this weekend for High Stakes.”

She sends the message and waits, hoping against hope. The answer ping comes back quickly.

“I’d love to but I can’t. I’m at a meeting and I don’t know how long it’ll be.”

Seleana reads the message and nods to herself. She glances back around and sees Christina still at the bar nursing her drink. Seleana nods to herself and types out the next message.

“You are certain?”

She looks back and watches Christina read the message and type out a reply.

“Yeah, I’m nowhere near there.”

Sighing heavily through her tears, Seleana types out her answer.

“I can see you, Stjärna.” 

She turns around and watches as Christina gets the message and suddenly looks up, frantically scanning the room. Their eyes meet and Christina almost drops her phone. Seleana stares at her wife, desperately trying not to just start sobbing right there, tears rolling down her face. Christina turns and pays for her drink before gathering her stuff and running out of the building. Seleana falls to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably, reality smacking her in the face.

Seleana Zdunich:  Hur fixar jag detta?

She shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: Jag kan inte.

Seleana pulls herself together and disappears back into the restroom, locking herself into a stall. She starts sobbing again, now screaming some as she does so. Reaching up at the door for someone she knows will not be there.

Seleana Zdunich: Jag är ledsen!

Her hand starts to close on the door.

Seleana Zdunich: JAG ÄR LEDSEN!

Leaning forward, her forehead leans against the door.

Seleana Zdunich: Vad gör jag?

Her eyes closing as she starts to shake her head.

Seleana Zdunich: Vad gör jag?

She bangs her head against the door slightly.

Seleana Zdunich: Hur berättar jag för Brittany, Brayden och Aurora?

As the thought of telling her children flows over her, Seleana takes a deep breath and shakes her head to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: Pull together. Kia kaha…

Another deep breath and Seleana pats the door.

Seleana Zdunich: The appearance will not wait…

Seleana takes a second and starts to pull herself together properly.

Seleana Zdunich: The match will not wait. Aurora will not wait.

Opening her eyes, Seleana nods to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: You… can… do!

Steeling herself to meet the public, Sleana stands up and opens the stall. She goes out and checks herself to make sure she remains presentable before stepping back outside.   


 

Off-Camera

Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Zdunich Residence
Hollywood Hills
Los Angeles, California
9:22 AM  PDT





This was the day that had always been dreaded. Ever since the revelations in 2020 had led to the formation of the SRT and Seleana, Christina and Alexandra as a romantic unit, there had been a constant worry that it couldn’t last propagated by repeated mistakes being made and the history of those mistakes. Christina had left once already, as had Alexandra and both had returned relatively quickly.

But the seed was not only planted, it was taking root.

Now the day had arrived, Alexandra “Diamond” Caldwell had packed up her stuff and taken her leave. Seleana Zdunich sits on her bed and shakes her head in shock, sadness and a million other feelings all at once.

This is not how this was supposed to go.

What made it all the more shocking was how undramatic it was. There was no screaming row or yelling fight. There was almost nothing at all that would seemingly explain a break-up aside from Alexandra breaking the news that she was leaving and not coming back. There had then been a discussion with twelve-year-old Aurora with Alexandra going out of her way to assure Aurora that this was not her fault and that their relationship would not be ending with this move.

Now an hour later, Seleana sits on the bed she shares with her wife, silence falling all around the room as she sits there staring at the window in disbelief.

Alexandra… was gone.

Christina had gone downstairs almost immediately while Aurora had been led to her bedroom by Selena’s cousin, Freja Lindström, and Freja’s girlfriend, Lucy Osman. Left alone in her room, Seleana can only sit there, waiting for the next shoe to drop. Suddenly, the silence is shattered by a small voice from the doorway.

Aurora Zdunich: Mommy?   

Seleana turns her attention to her daughter and smiles for her.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja?

Aurora’s face shows a child suddenly feeling her world coming down and coming apart all on top of her all at once.

Aurora Zdunich: Is Mommy Christina gonna leave too?

Selena stands and walks over to the twelve-year-old, kneeling down to lower herself to Aurora’s  eye level.

Seleana Zdunich: No, Älskling, no one else is leaving.

Aurora looks down, seemingly ashamed to even be worried about things.

Aurora Zdunich: I…

Selena exhales heavily.

Seleana Zdunich: Älskling, it is alright, ja?

Aurora starts to nod but slowly changes to shaking her head as tears start rolling down her face.

Aurora Zdunich: Why doesn’t she want me anymore?

Seleana takes Aurora into her arms as the girl starts sobbing inconsolably, looking much smaller and younger than her twelve years. Seleana hugs her daughter, speaking slowly, low and in a soothing tone.

Seleana Zdunich: This is not your fault. Mommy Alex is having a go at finding herself. She is not abandoning us and definitely not abandoning you. We love you and we are not giving you up.

Aurora lifts her head up, looking her mother in the eye, years still streaming down.

Aurora Zdunich: Is this gonna make Mommy Christina drink more?

Seleana looks the girl in the eye again.

Seleana Zdunich: I cannot make that promise. Mommy Christina is a recovering addict, like Moster Zenna and Moster Linnéa. They cannot make promises about that.

Aurora Zdunich: Is she going to leave too?

Seleana kisses the small girl’s forehead.

Seleana Zdunich: She does not intend to. Neither do I.

Aurora’s bottom jaw vibrates as she looks at her mother in desperation.

Aurora Zdunich: Is she drinking bad now?

Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: I do not know. I hope she does not but I cannot say what he will do.

Pausing, Seleana smiles again for her daughter. 

Seleana Zdunich: I have a match in San Francisco on Sunday against Georgia Robertson. You would like to come with me?

Aurora’s eyes go wide.

Aurora Zdunich: You mean it?

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, Freja will as well. Lucy will return to Las Vegas and we could return there as well after the match. Freja will wish to see how her Lucy’s new job goes, ja?

Aurora nods slowly and Seleana embraces her again.

Seleana Zdunich: Jag älskar dig älskling.

Aurora hugs her mother.

Aurora Zdunich: I love you too, Mommy!

Aurora hurries off and Seleana remains on her knees in the hallway just outside her bedroom.

Seleana Zdunich: Jag älskar dig älskling…

Tears start to fill the Swedish woman’s eyes.

Seleana Zdunich: Jag saknar dig redan, Alexandra.

She slowly stands up and goes back into the bedroom, sitting down on the bed, singing quietly to herself. 

Seleana Zdunich: Jag kan inte leva om livet är utan dig.
Jag kan inte leva, jag kan inte ge mer
Jag kan inte leva, om livet är utan dig
Jag kan inte leva, jag kan inte ge längre



   
 

Off-Camera

Friday, August 25, 2023
Penthouse of Zenna Zdunich
Manhattan
New York, New York
8:01 AM  EDT





The key had come in handy.

She hadn’t planned on making this a multiweek trip but her wife, Christina “Crystal Hilton” Zdunich, had needed some extra time for a business deal and the family had been pleased to get to spend the extra time with her and the girls, Aurora Zdunich and Juliet Warren. Thank goodness that her sister, Zenna, had given each of the sisters a key to the penthouse should they need it.

The fact that Christina was willing to cover expenses had scored her some points as well even if it wasn’t necessary.

The penthouse had allowed Seleana to visit everyone in the area without the need for some other lodgings or imposing on any of the family be they the ones in Manhattan, Connecticut or New Jersey.


Seleana Zdunich: Where is Juliet?

Aurora nods back towards the back bedroom they’ve been sharing.

Aurora Zdunich: On the phone with Aunt Jenni.

Seleana nods, smiling to herself. Hearing that name come from her daughter was precious, especially given the recent revelations regarding Juliet’s family ties now as well.

Seleana Zdunich: Is it cute, ja?

Aurora nods her agreement.

Aurora Zdunich: Those two ladies at the clubhouse? Are they ok?

Seleana frowns.

Seleana Zdunich: Which two?

Pausing for a second, Aurora

Aurora Zdunich: Um, they were called Brick and Tuco?

Unfamiliar with the names, Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: Did they wear colours like Aunt Olive?

Aurora nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Did they have all the patches?

Aurora pauses to think and then shakes her head.

Aurora Zdunich: I don’t think so.

Seleana nods knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: They were likely squabs, it is what they call prospects who are not full members of the club yet.

Aurora frowns.

Aurora Zdunich: Why don’t they just call them prospects?

Seleana shrugs again.

Aunt Olive likes to do things her own way. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not but they are always her way and that means if they do not work, no one else is at fault.

Aurora just stares back at her mother.

Aurora Zdunich: Does she do that so if there’s a screw-up, it doesn’t get on anyone else?

Seleana starts to nod but slows herself down.

Seleana Zdunich: Some, ja. She does it because she has learned she must shield herself and others from when bad things happen. There are shadows in her mind, like a murder of crows waiting to fly out sometimes and she tries to keep them on their perch but does things like this to buffer the rest of us if they should get loose.

Aurora nods slowly, taking it all in.

Aurora Zdunich: Aunt Olive isn’t a bad person but sometimes it seems like she thinks she is. Mommy too.

Seleana nods both with pride and sadness at the thought of both Olive and Christina’s issues.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, that is why we do what we do. They need reminding sometimes.

Aurora Zdunich: I love them!

Seleana smiles and hugs her daughter.

Seleana Zdunich: Me too.

Aurora embraces her mother before sighing out loud.

Aurora Zdunich: Brick and Tuco didn’t seem happy with themselves either.

Taken aback, Seleana shoots her daughter a sideways glance.

Seleana Zdunich: No?

Aurora shakes her head.

Aurora Zdunich: They were talking about people taking advantage of them and how they should have seen through vanity or something. How it led them down a bad path…

She trails off.

Aurora Zdunich: Do they mean drugs?

Seleana sighs.

Seleana Zdunich: It is probable that they did. If they are squabs, they might be a part of the program Aunt Olive runs to help people in trouble. It is one of the ways she is trying to give back and atone for bad things in the past.

Aurora frowns.

Aurora Zdunich: But she helps people. 

Seleana nods sadly as the two sit down together on the couch.

Seleana Zdunich: Sometimes the shadows do not allow the light to shine through. That is when we must remind her without blinding her.

Aurora

Aurora Zdunich: Mommy too?

Seleana nods

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, Mommy too.

Aurora hugs Seleana again.

Aurora Zdunich: I want Mommy and Aunt Olive to be happy.

Seleana nods as she embraces her daughter in kind.

Seleana Zdunich: That’s me as well, Älskling.

She hugs her daughter, rubbing her on the head to try to soothe her.

Seleana Zdunich: That’s me as well.





On-Camera

Friday, August 25, 2023
Grand Ball Court of Chichen Itza
Yucatan
Mexico
9:01 PM  CST





The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich sitting on a folding chair she clearly brought with her in the middle of the grass. The chair has special pads on its legs to keep from messing up the field. Seleana nods to herself and looks up into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: I can understand being upset about Alexandra Calaway dismissing you.

A small smile comes across her face.

Seleana Zdunich: It happens to me quite often, ja?

Sitting back in her seat, Seleana shrugs, her arms spread out wide.

Seleana Zdunich: You mention you try to make things poetic, make them bigger than they are and that you need to stop but…

Her arms return to their original places.

Seleana Zdunich:  You still keep doing it.

She shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: You want so much to be more than just who you are. You want to be that which others speak of in hushed tones.

She sits forward in her seat.

Seleana Zdunich: You want to be what many used to say about the Wolf’s Lair, or Alicia Lukas or Masque, or Roxi Johnson…

She nods knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: You want to be in that number because you care too much about what others think of you.

She pauses and then points accusingly into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: But you would likely deny and dismiss this notion.

She nods pointedly, her hand dropping down to her lap again.

Seleana Zdunich: You would say that you do not give a fuck about what others think yet your very name tells the world otherwise.

Standing up, Seleana moves in a step.

Seleana Zdunich: You are Vanity in all the worst ways!

She points accusingly again.

Seleana Zdunich: You want therefore you should get, ja?

Her hand falls back out of the shot.

Seleana Zdunich: You want to be greatness, but more than that, you want to be THE greatness. You want to be what everyone talks about. You want to be…

She trails off.

Seleana Zdunich: You have already been a champion and rather than that being enough, rather than acting like it you walk around like you have not managed to do so yet and you should have been the second you walk in door.

Seleana nods as she points into the camera yet again.

Seleana Zdunich: Now you see the grind it is to show up every day and have to prove yourself over and over and over!

She sweeps her hand across the shot.

Seleana Zdunich: You do not have to like it but it is the truth!

She points to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: I have been here since 2018 and I am still proving myself!

Seleana nods pointedly.

Seleana Zdunich: As is everyone else on the roster. The only difference is some of us accept that we need to do this and some, you, are so full of themselves that they think they should not have to.

Shaking her head, Seleana welcomes a look of disgust to her face.

Seleana Zdunich: Vanity means you think you should not have to but that process never ends. We are always in the crucible, always burning away so that we prove who and what we are after everything else is stripped away.

The camera zooms in on her face just a little.

Seleana Zdunich: Too often, you are so busy worrying about what others think that you are caught with nothing on, naked in front of the world and you do not like it, ja?

She nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Be careful, or Vanity will cost you again!

She turns and walks over, snatching the chair with her as she goes.

Off-Camera

Friday, August 4, 2023
Room of Seleana Zdunich
Hilton Garden Inn Cusco
Cuzco, Peru
10:11 AM  Local Time




A chime sounds to signal a call coming in.

Seleana rolls off the bed and grabs her phone to quickly answer her familial wake up call. A beaming twelve-year-old face greets her.

Aurora Zdunich: Hi, Mommy!  Did I do it right?

Seleana Zdunich nods, making sure to show both approval and pride in her little girl as she does so.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, tack!

Aurora’s smile, already broad and bright, somehow increases in intensity at her mother’s answer. This had worried the young woman as it had seemed important to her mother for this trip especially without either of her wives, Christina “Crystal Hilton” Zdunich or Alexandra “Diamond” Caldwell, on the trip with her.

Aurora Zdunich: Happy wake up call, Mommy!

Seleana smiles at her daughter as she is joined by Diamond.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: She’s been awake for two hours just waiting to make this call for you. Somebody was excited to help!

Seleana laughs as Aurora shrugs.

Aurora Zdunich: Mommy needed my help!

Diamond nods knowingly.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: And you did great!

A third face joins them on the screen.

Christina "Crystal Hilton" Zdunich: She really was excited!

Seleana snickers again.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, she would be for you and Alex as well.

Crystal nods.

Christina "Crystal Hilton" Zdunich: I know.

She and Diamond hug Aurora.

Christina "Crystal Hilton" Zdunich: Monday?

Seleana shakes her head. 

Seleana Zdunich: The match is on Sunday, then we go to Rio. I do not think I return until after Violent Conduct in Mexico.   

Aurora’s eyes light up.

Aurora Zdunich: Isn’t your family from there, Mommy?

Crystal nods.

Christina "Crystal Hilton" Zdunich: My father’s family is, yes.

Aurora claps excitedly.

Aurora Zdunich: Can we go?

Diamond can't help but smile at the little girl’s exuberance. Crystal looks to Seleana, unsure of how to answer this. Seleana simply smiles back at all of them.

Seleana Zdunich: If you want, it is alright with me.

Crystal frowns, worried.

Christina "Crystal Hilton" Zdunich: Are you sure? I mean, this could be a title match for you and do you really want me in the building for it? I…

Before he can finish, Seleana raises a hand to slow her down.

Seleana Zdunich: Calmate, Estrellita, calmate…

Diamond smiles knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: I love you, Stjärna, of course I would want you and our family there if that happens. I do not care what others will think or say about it. It is not for them, ja? It is for us and any chance we get to be together and show our daughter your father’s homeland is special.

Diamond nods, again, knowingly.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: Told you she’d be cool with it.

Aurora cocks her head lightly.

Aurora Zdunich: You did?

Diamond nods to the little one.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: Christina was worried that you would ask and Sel wouldn’t want her there. I told her she was worrying for nothing, that there was no way Sel would say no.

She holds out her hand towards the computer camera on them.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: So… yeah, I told her so.

Crystal nods, looking slightly embarrassed.

Christina "Crystal Hilton" Zdunich: You’d think I’d have learned by now…

Before anybody else can answer, Aurora looks up at her mother and shakes her head.

Aurora Zdunich: Mommy, no! None of that! You’re the Burning Rose! Mommy’s Dat Girl! None of this, “I’m horrible” stuff!

She clamps on and hugs Crystal tightly, lovingly, Diamond following suit almost immediately as well as Seleana smiles on from her hotel room.

Aurora Zdunich: We love you, Mommy!

Diamond kisses the top of Crystal’s head.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: She’s right.

Seleana smiles even more than before.

Seleana Zdunich: She does this often, ja?

Diamond and Crystal both nod in response.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: She does, bless her.

Christina "Crystal Hilton" Zdunich: She does and I love her for it.

Aurora shrugs.

Aurora Zdunich: Mommy needs to hear it!

Seleana smiles proudly.

Seleana Zdunich: Tack for saying so.

Diamond chuckles.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: Oh, come on Sel, let’s not kid ourselves about who taught her that!

Crystal nods her agreement with Diamond’s assessment but Seleana shakes her head slightly.

Seleana Zdunich: I did not have to, she already did it. I just encouraged and reinforced it, ja?

Diamond smiles knowingly even as Crystal starts to say something but thinks better of it and stops herself. Aurora simply smiles.

Aurora Zdunich: I love you, Mommy! Who is in the match you’re fighting on Sunday?

Seleana Zdunich: Bea Barnhart and Alexandra Callaway, whoever wins challenges for the Roulette Championship in Mexico.

Both Diamond and Crystal exhale heavily at the second name.

Christina "Crystal Hilton" Zdunich: Bea’s one thing…but Callaway?

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: She is a hateful thing.

Seleana nods sadly yet knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, I know.

Now, it’s Aurora’s turn to frown slightly for the first time since the call started.

Aurora Zdunich: Mommy, why does that lady hate you?

Seleana frowns at her daughter in confusion and slight worry. This was not a question he was prepared for. 

Seleana Zdunich: Älskling? I do not know what we are talking about.

Aurora just looks dead into the camera.

Aurora Zdunich: Alexandra Callaway. Wasn’t she part of the Queens of Chaos? Didn’t they help us?

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja…

She nods a second time.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja.

Aurora looks between all three of her mothers.

Aurora Zdunich: Then I don’t understand, why?

Diamond and Crystal both sit back slightly, visibly uncomfortable even as Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: Some people change, Älskling, ja? I do not know why, but it happens.

Aurora nods slowly.

Aurora Zdunich: I hope you kick her ass, Mommy!

Diamond and Crystal both smile proudly. Seleana nods to the camera knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: Who taught her that, I wonder?

Diamond and Crystal both grin.

Christina "Crystal Hilton" Zdunich: She’s a smart one.

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: Very!

Seleana nods her agreement.

Seleana Zdunich: It’s true. I love you!

Alexandra "Diamond" Caldwell-Zdunich: Love you!

Christina "Crystal Hilton" Zdunich: Love you!

Aurora Zdunich: Love you, Mommy!





On-Camera

Friday, August 4, 2023
Room of Seleana Zdunich
Hilton Garden Inn Cusco
Cuzco, Peru
2:01 PM  Local Time





The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich sitting on the bed, ready to look into the camera right off.

Seleana Zdunich: This morning, my daughter asked me a question.

She pauses, allowing her gaze to drift towards the floor and her shoes.

Seleana Zdunich: I admit, I was not prepared for the question.

Staring at her feet, Seleana inhales deeply, slowly letting the breath out after.

Seleana Zdunich: I do not enjoy speaking with my daughter about such things. It is not something I wish to instill…

She looks up into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: Bea Barnhart we have danced this way before. As I have said many times before, you have all the tools. You can physically handle anything thrown at you. You can battle with anyone. You have won tag team championship gold here. You have proven you can be a threat if you set your mind to things.

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: But that is what tends to be the problem, ja?

She nods knowingly, almost pointedly.

Seleana Zdunich: You do not set your mind to things. You lose the battle in the grey.

She points to her head.

Seleana Zdunich: You know all the moves, you know how to nominally fight but you do not put things together the way it is required if you want to stand on your own two feet and prove the world wrong about you!

Sitting forward slightly, her hands fold in front of her, her wrists resting atop her thighs.

Seleana Zdunich: I feel for you because much the same has been said about me and my wife, especially here in Sin City Wrestling. Many cannot help themselves but go to that almost like a crutch against me. They attempt to beat me over the head as if that crutch is actually a club that should splatter me and break me like a berserker on a rampage on the battlefield or a large worker wielding a sledgehammer against weakened and rotting wood.

She shakes her head, almost pleading.

Seleana Zdunich: It does not have to be that way, Bea, I am living proof.

She waves her hand through the shot.

Seleana Zdunich: Many a time someone has come at me like that and found their club is a child’s plaything that will not do the damage they envisioned.

A small, wry smile crosses her face.

Seleana Zdunich: Indeed, we are both about to see one with Alexandra Callaway…

She nods, the smile fading as she glares into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: You were the question I was not prepared for this morning, Alexandra.

She draws in a sharp breath.

Seleana Zdunich: My little girl asked me why you hated me and I had no reply for her because there should not be an answer. We have never had much of an occasion to interact. But..

She pauses slightly, anger festering underneath her words like an acid ready to start eating at anything in its path. 

Seleana Zdunich: My wives have.

She almost allows herself a mirthless chuckle.

Seleana Zdunich: And I know you hate Christina because…

She shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: Most do. They think she is overly entitled and overly assured of herself bordering on the kind of arrogance that one should have.

Again, Seleana almost laughs mirthlessly.

Seleana Zdunich: You can relate, ja?

She nods knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: You started a group in the company where you work with both Christina and my Alexandra that is called Legacies that is based on all of you being second generation wrestlers who think that just makes you better than everyone else. 

Seleana stands and motions as if someone else is standing next to her.

Seleana Zdunich: Lana Corvin says so much when she calls it “The Corvin Way.” Jamie Austin and Otto Nova both seem to have been gifted this thought process as well and there you stand at the front of that group because…

She shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: You are older than them and in wrestling terms, just old?

Seleana shrugs again, this time in acknowledgement.

Seleana Zdunich: Not that much older than me but others would not hesitate to use that, ja?

She looks down to her hand as if it has a long list on it.

Seleana Zdunich: You would now list off your accolades as proof that you earned your place at the head of this group however you would do that at the same time as waving off as irrelevant everything all three of my household have accomplished. Christna alone has accomplished enough to bury you and anyone else who would chastise her in her prizes and yet it is still not enough because you say so…

She waves everything else away.

Seleana Zdunich: The same as when others stand against you and you say they are irrelevant and do not matter. It is your favorite stance and is quite telling about you.

She nods to the camera, her eyes staring daggers through it.

Seleana Zdunich: You feel it coming for you, Alexandra. You feel that everyone else in that group is so much younger and coming for people like you and you do not like that your own friends are better than you. You felt this before, ja?

She nods slowly.

Seleana Zdunich: The Queens of Chaos, who you were previously a member of but no longer because you suddenly realized they did not necessarily hold your same beliefs and acted surprised even after they had already proven this was true six months earlier when they helped…

She holds her hands up as if to ask the question before turning them to point to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: Us!

She nods, pointing almost accusingly into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: That is the saddest thing of all about you, Alexander. You are not a child. You are a veteran competitor who should know better but you delude yourself. You delude yourself about Legacies, you deluded yourself for months about the Queens of Chaos and you delude yourself about SCW and me.

She shakes her head, anger starting to radiate from her.

Seleana Zdunich: Lana should have been your call to wake up that she still feels the need to prove herself every time she steps in the ring while you act the same way you and many others say Christina does because you think you should not have to any longer. The Queens of Chaos should have been your call to wake up when you suddenly realized in may that they were not all about hatred and destruction as you are even after they had shown that in December when they helped Christina, my Alexandra, my little girl and me against people who have seen harm done to our daughter in front of the world.

She pauses, looking down at her shoes again, shaking her head.

Seleana Zdunich: How it took you so long to get that memo, I do not know, aside from you simply did not wish to receive it because it played into your worst fear that you have become the old, obsolete and irrelevant being that you call everyone else!

Looking back up into the camera, Seleana steps closer.

Seleana Zdunich: Now you step into the ring with Bea Barnhart and I, two people you will declare beneath you and irrelevant and this should be your call to wake up again, ja?

She nods knowing the answer before she even asked the question.

Seleana Zdunich: Wake up, Alexandra because there is no winning this match for you. Even if you get your hand raised, you will not have really won because you will not get what you want. You will have beaten two people who you think of as not worth your time and irrelevant and thus if your hand is raised, so what? You were supposed to do that. You are the veteran with so much more training and experience so you will have only managed an “as expected” and gained none of that wondrous manna from heaven you crave so much called “relevance.”

A wicked smile comes across her face.

Seleana Zdunich: But if you lose to one of us and we are the irrelevant unworthies beneath your heel that is a woman who is nothing without her husband and a woman who without her wife is just a zookeeper covered in big cat shit, what does that make you?

Seleana nods pointedly one more time.

Seleana Zdunich: You delude yourself in thinking that you know me and what I am made of because of my wives but you fail to realize they are not me and I am not them. Hate me all you want, Alexandra, but you cannot end my wife here. She beat you to that on her own after her name was already inscribed in places that means it lives on forever whether you like it or not and you cannot end me.

Stepping forward, Seleana places both hands on the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: Wake up, Alexandra, your nightmare is upon you. Your bloodline cannot help or save you now!