Ariana may have gotten her first win of the year when she beat Ericka Moore at the last Climax Control but getting her second win of the year wasn’t going to be any easier as she took on two faces from her past, namely? Seleana Zdunich, someone Ariana beat in her first ever SCW Title defence and the only woman to challenge Ariana for the same title twice, and the Golden Briefcase Holder Georgie Robertson who had been a lighting rod of controversy as of late and had beaten Ari at last year’s Summer XXXTreme, can Ari win?

Ariana’s new home, Las Vegas, Nevada
Thursday the 4th of April 2024. 17:00pm

Not even halfway through the year yet and I feel like this year has been a bad one for me already.

Aside from mistakenly thinking that Athena (technically our oldest pet and we only say that because we’re not sure how old the feral Peaches is) was pregnant (and that’s a long story), this week has been pretty uneventful aside from getting Athena spayed so that we don’t have to worry about her getting pregnant, we thought she was spayed when we first got her but the vet told us that she hadn’t and that she was a healthy cat otherwise.

We still had the three dogs checked, Zeus is scheduled to be neutered next week (and the jokes I could make about Greek Mythology are hilarious to anyone who knows Greek Mythology), Echo’s too young to have that kind of treatment and so is Oreo (though that will be the top priority once those doggos are old enough) but yeah this week has been pretty quiet by wrestling standards, especially considering Blaze of Glory is next week.

Speaking off.

Last year’s events are just that, the past, it did make me reevaluate my friendship with a certain Aussie but I’m past it and that’s what matters but this year’s event has still managed to drag up old memories again, not only am I in a second Triple Threat Match at this show following last year’s clash with Kayla and Melissa but I’m facing two women I’ve fought before, Seleana and Georgie.

Selana, as much as I respect her as a wrestler, is someone who may as well be the poster girl for one hit wonder in the Bombshell Division, her World Bombshell and Roulette Title Reigns feel like distant memories at this point yet she still fids herself in title contention, as for the other woman in this match? Well, she at least has a legitimate reason to be in the title scene, even if she’s getting attention for the wrong reasons.

I’ll give Georgie credit for going out there and making a statement against the three singles champions in the Bombshell Division a couple of weeks ago but if you ask me? In the end she just pissed off Bobbie, Tempest, and Juliana and if she does cash in at Blaze of Glory? I’ll be happy to soften her up for them.

I’m not even expecting a title shot in return for the deed (though I wouldn’t exactly be complaining either), I just know how I’d feel if Georgie attacked me like that if I was one of the champs, spoiler alert: I’d be livid!

”Has it been a year already?!” I wondered as I leaned back in the sofa, Athena laying on her back purring away as she did. ”Feels like even more time has passed.”

”Times flies, doesn’t it?” Francisco asked and I quickly nodded in agreement. ”Not to mention how much time has passed since you last wrestled Georgie and Seleana.”

”If we’re talking purely one on one? Sure, but Seleana was in the Open Invitational Match that ended my Roulette Title reign and the Battle Royal for the Bombshell Internet Title after Aleesha vacated it due to injury.” I responded as I shook my head and Francisco nodded. ”I’ve only had only match against Georgie and that was at last year’s Summer XXXTreme, which she won.”

”And that show was more about us getting married the week before anyway, at least as far as we were concerned.” Francisco nodded in agreement and I sighed as I looked towards the ceiling, Echo and Oreo entered the room with their tails wagging but Athena continued to pay he two dogs no mind. ”Who knows? Maybe Blaze of Glory could be the start of something new for you?”

”How?! The Triple Threat may as well have filler match written all over it,  and after I lost the Mixed Tag Title Match I’m not exactly on any champion’s radar right now.” I point out that fact and Francisco nodded. ”Then again that didn’t stop Krystal at last year’s event.”

”Definitely don’t go as extreme as her but it’s still something to think about.” Francisco responded and I nodded before I started stroking Echo and Oreo with one hand each.

The Disaster Diaries, Ariana’s office, Las Vegas, Nevada
Friday the 5th of April 2024, 14:00pm

(on camera, start vlog, promo time)

As I started the Vlog I had a lot on my mind.

”Blaze of Glory is almost here! And it’s going to take a lot for this year’s show to be worse than last year’s, at least for me anyway!” I commented with a frown as I addressed the camera. ”At least last year I was in a title match, only thing this match has in common is that it features two opponents who I’ve wrestled before and one of them is a former champion, though I will still say that Seleana and Georgie are steps down from Kayla and Melissa!”

Yep.

”At least that match had something other than bragging rights at stake but considering it’s taken me nearly four months to win my first math this year? I’ll take what I can get to be honest!”  I added and as I brushed some hair over my shoulder. ”Way I see it? This match may as well be the Georgie Robertson show! Me and Seleana are practically distractions for Ms. Controversy as she decides which champion to cash in on, would be a shame if she was too beat up to even think about it, wouldn’t it?”

And Seleana?

”We may be afterthoughts in this match Seleana but we may as well make the most of this, am I right? Everyone expects this to be an easy ride for Georgie given our respective records, I say we spoil Georgie’s party, what do you think?” I asked with a cheeky grin as I leaned my head back. ”I’d say that I don’t care who wins as long as it’s not Georgie but I’d be lying, I want this win, no, I NEED this win!”

It's that simple.

”It’s like I said, I just picked up my first win of the year after three months of trying, I’m not about to lose again.” I stated as I flipped some hair over my shoulder. ”And Seleana and Georgie are all that stand between me and that goal! At least I won’t have to worry about Georgie weaselling her way out of this one like she did against Mercedes and Seleana will be a great match as always! But in the end?”

And with that I decided to wrap things up.

”I have the most to gain from winning this match and trust me, I’m going to do everything in my power to not only spoil any plans Georgie might have but put Seleana down for the count as well!2 I added as I folded my arms in the x shape showing my fingerless gloves. ”And whilst Georgie and Seleana bask in the glow of the Golden Angel’s light I will do what I couldn’t last year and win! See you in the ring at “New Year, New Angel Part IV: For Glory!” at, well, Blaze of Glory girls!”

I turned off the webcam as the scene fades.

(Miles and Carter were used with their handlers’ permission)

The Anticipated Mixed Tag Team Title Match between Team Go and the Wolves of Gheimhrioth was set to take place on the first Supercard of the Cycle where it would’ve served as the Main Event, however when Carter came down with a case of Bronchitis the match was postponed for two weeks whilst the competitors who were fit and healthy sat on the hands waiting for the match to be re-announced.

Well the match was back on this week and once again it was serving as the Main Event, albeit whilst doubling as the only title match on the show this time around, Carter had said that he was done with titles even though Ariana clearly wasn’t but that begged the question: can Team Go dethrone the Wolves and win their first tag team titles in years? Or would the Wolves’ reign continue and if so, who was next?

Ariana’s home, Las Vegas, Nevada
Monday the 11th of March 2024, 18:00pm

If I had to describe the past couple of weeks of the current cycle in one word, it would be “boring”.

After that whole mix-up at the Supercard regarding the date of me and Carter’s Mixed Tag Team Title Match against the Wolves I thought the date would be set in stone, and to be fair the reason for the match’s delay wasn’t announced until the Friday before the first Climax Control of the cycle, to make a long story short, Carter caught a case of Bronchitis the same week as the Tag Team Match was set to take place, I almost thought it was a ploy to get out of it because Carter had declared that he was done with title matches but then he Miles facetimed me and I saw the state Carter was in.

He couldn’t even attend Jessie’s Gender Reveal Party last week even with the prospect of eating Shane’s food, as for me? I wasn’t planning to go anyway, never really been a fan of the whole Gender Reveal Party to be honest, I know Jessie confirmed that she’s having a girl and is trying to pick names but that’s about it.

But anyway, after two long weeks of waiting the match is finally set, and unless something happens that upends everything we’re set to Main Event this week’s Climax Control.

So yeah, let’s talk about these wolves shall we?

My history with Kayla Richards should be well known at this point, we’ve practically been at each other’s hips since we signed our SCW Contracts in 2022, every time I’ve faced off with that woman I’ve gotten angry because she’s always managed to get under my skin and every time we’ve faced? I’ve ended up the losing end, Kayla’s second match? Lost, the first time I was in a Battle Royal Match for the Bombshell Internet Title? Lost that one too, wasn’t even the last one eliminated, when I first dipped my toes in the Internet Title division after I lost the Bombshell Roulette Title? Lost both the non-title match and the Triple Threat.

It's telling that I didn’t even win that title until after Kayla moved onto the Mixed Tag Team Championships instead! Hell, her current feud with Julianna over the World Bombshell Championship is he closest she’s gotten to a singles title in months, Finn I’m pretty neutral about to be honest, I know he’s a hell of a wrestler and he’ll give Carter a fight that’ll show why he’s the World Heavyweight Champion but that concerns the male division, not me and Kayla.

Off course there’s one big caveat to all that, one I mentioned earlier, Carter’s attitude towards him getting title shots and how rotten it is, I know it’s his choice but just because he’s done with title shots doesn’t mean I have to be and frankly? I’d rather not team with anyone else in the division!

Besides, are there any available guys right now who aren’t already in a Mixed Tag Team and have been here a while? Not to my knowledge.

”I can finally get this damn match out of the way.” I grunted to myself as I glanced over at Francisco. ”Seriously even if I didn’t get the basic info of when the match was taking place wrong to begin with? Carter’s illness has made it felt like this match was announced at the beginning of the year!”

”Don’t jinx it Ari, otherwise we might get COVID and it’ll be delayed again.” Francisco advised me and I had to admit, he had a point there. ”But with any luck Carter’s bronchitis will be the only piece of misfortune to hit our camp!”

”Now look who’s jinxing it!” I responded with a scoff and Francisco shook his head in response. ”At least after this match is done we can start the moving out process, the house is practically becoming an animal sanctuary since Echo moved in.”

”Hopefully that’ll stop when we move out, two cats and three dogs is enough for me.” Francisco responded with a grin before Athena jumped up into and sat in my lap, I starting stroking the cat and she purred in response. ”And that’s if we can convince Peaches to come with us since she’s feral.”

”Not even sure how we’re going to go about that, half tempted to leave her to the new owners and let them figure it out or taking her to a shelter.” I admitted as I shook my head and Francisco nodded in agreement. ”Then again if we’re going to do that then we may as well take her to the new house with us.”

”True enough and I’m sure we’ll figure something out.” Francisco responded before the topic shifted elsewhere.

The Disaster Diaries, Ariana’s office, Ariana’s home, Las Vegas, Nevada
Tuesday the 12th of March 2024, 15:00pm

(on camera, start vlog)

Here we go.

”You know, I never thought I’d use the word boring to describe the wait between the Mixed Tag Team Title Match’s delay and the match actually taking place but here we are!” I commented after I started recording and made myself comfortable. ”Hell no one in the match saw action in the intervening weeks, granted, Carter’s case was justified as his bronchitis was the whole reason the match got delayed in the first place but how does that explain something like the new World Heavyweight Champion missing several weeks of action? Or the #1 Contender for the World Bombshell Title being left off cards too?

Or me? Who had been asking for literally any match but got ignored? Guess that’s what I get for not being the bosses’ golden girl.”

I shook my head with a frustrated sigh.

”I guess the bosses were worried about more bad luck befalling the match and were saving me, Finn and Kayla until Carter got cleared but it’s still pretty frustrating.” I commented before letting out a deep breath. ”So, now that the wait is finally over, let’s talk about this match, shall we? And I open this segment with another question, a big one at that.

Do I really need to go over my history with Kayla at this point?”

I asked honestly.

”Seriously, it’s about as well documented as my history with Courtney Pierce and Jet City in general, and there’s even more history here considering that me and Kayla have practically been joined at the hips since our SCW Debuts two years ago!” I commented as I brushed some hair over my shoulder. ”Will this be the match that finally breaks my losing streak against you Kayla? Honestly I’m not even sure, and that’s for one good reason.

My tag team partner’s under the impression that he doesn’t deserve this match, I’m out to prove him wrong but it takes two to tango in this sport, especially in tag team wrestling, and I’m not even sure where my partner’s at mentally as far as this match goes and knowing Finn and especially Kayla? They’ll pounce on any weakness like vultures.”

(end vlog)

Ariana’s home, Las Vegas, Nevada
Wednesday the 13th of Match 2024, 18:00pm

So yeah, remember the whole “I’m moving out to North Vegas so my pets can run free unimpeded” thing? Yeah, we’re hosting a special moving away party here at my home.

I suspect it was an excuse for Cartner and Miles to meet Echo admittedly but any chance for me to cook for my friends is a good one.

“Have to say Ari, that smells delicious.” Miles called out from the dining room and I grinned as I glanced up from the stovetop. “Are you sure you’re not going to turn it into a recipe for disaster?”

”Nah, this is meant to be a nice occasion.” I called back before checking on the chicken I was cooking in the oven, thank god I got the Chef IQ Thermometer through a recent sponsorship because it’s been a godsend since I started using it. ”And besides, the tag match just got rebooked, do you think I want to compromise Carter’s health?”

“Fair point.” Miles admitted and once I confirmed that the chicken for Miles was perfectly cooked I took it out of the oven and started plating everything. “Need my help with anything?”
”Food’s just been plated up, I’ll be bringing it through in a sec but if you want to grab yours and Carter’s dishes, feel free.” I called back and Miles came into the kitchen a few seconds later, I pointed out which plates were for him and Carter and he grabbed both before helping me bring the food in. ”Okay, lemon and honey chicken for Miles, pork chop for Carter, steak for me and duck for Francisco.”

”And I’m sure he’ll go quackers for it.” Carter joked and we all rolled our eyes at how bad it was. ”Yeah, that was bad! Anyway, cheers?”

“Cheers!” We all responded before clanging our glasses together and I made myself comfortable.

”I still can’t believe your moving Ari, and further away from me too.” Carter commented and I shook my head with a sigh. ”I know it’s your choice and it’s for the animals’ benefits but I’ll miss this place.”

”I’ll miss it too but at the very least we sold it for a good price so we’re getting a good amount of money out of it.” I responded as we started eating our food. ”Besides, even with Echo coming into our lives, we’ve wanted a change of scenery for  a while and don’t worry, I’ll text you our new address you can still come.” I assured Carter and he grinned in response. ”Hopefully with the new Mixed Tag Team Championships.”

”And I’ve already made my feelings known on the match, I won’t go into further detail here.” Carter responded with a frown before he continued to eat his food. ”Especially when my opinion isn’t valued.”

”I’m not going to get into that Carter, I just want a chance to relax before our big match.” I responded with a sigh ad Carter nodded in agreement. ”And after how my Internet Title Reign Ended? I’m not letting this slip through my fingers I hope you understand.”

”I do! But instead of trying to find a new partner, you tried calling out te Bombshell roster.” Carter pointed out and I let out a heavy sigh. ”If we win the titles on Sunday? Fantastic! But let’s focus on the food for now.”

”Right.” I responded before the topic (thankfully) shifed elsewhere.

The Disaster Diaries, Ariana’s home, Las Vegas, Nevada
Thursday the 14th of March 2024, 21:00pm

*start vlog, promo time, on camera*

After I started the new vlog I got ready to speak my mind.

”I’m gonna be honest unless I’m booked next week regardless of the Tag Title Match’s result? This will be my last vlog at the house because I’m moving to North Vegas next week, that said? Let’s talk a bit about Finn.” I commented as I leaned back. ”Finn’s been calling himself “Finn Two Belts” since he won the World Title at the end of that tournament but how long can that last? He is the first double champion since the Mixed Tag Titles were reactivated but how long will that last? If you ask me? Until Sunday, if you ask the Wolves they’d tell you that they are just getting started.” I grinned a bit as I brushed some hair over my shoulder. ”Good thing my opinion is the only thing that matters in this vlog!”

It's that simple.

”What? It’s my vlog/promo!” I said after I flipped some hair over my shoulder. ”And as much as I love my bestie, I don’t care what Carter’s thoughts are about title matches, he’s not dragging me down with his self-depreciative crap just because he lost a few title matches, sorry Carter but that’s just how I view this thing, you may be done with titles but I’m not and I will drag you kicking and screaming to a Mixed Tag Team Title reign!”

And with that I decided to wrap things up.

”Sorry if I sounded rude but I’ve wanted to get that off my chest since this match was originally announced!” I added with an aggravated sigh. ”It’s like I said, it takes two to tango in this sport and my partner’s heart clearly isn’t in it, if I have to carry Team Go to a Mixed Tag Team Title reign I will because at New Year, New Angel Part V: Putting the Wolves Down those titles are coming home to Team Go whether Carter likes it or not and we will Go The Distance!”

Ariana turned off the camera as the scene fades.

(Gabriel was used with Mark's permission)

Ariana has experienced a lot of things in her five years as a professional wrestler but Team Go’s Match against Ben Jordan and Sam Marlowe provided her with the first of two firsts, namely her first ever draw as the Mixed Tag Team Match ended in a time limit draw and led to a match between Ben and Sam and Kayla and Finn for the Mixed Tag Team Titles which Kayla and Finn retained, Team Go were set to be the next challengers at Climax Control 386 (and not My Bloody Valentine as Ari initially believed) but where did that leave the four participants?

Kayla, Finn and Carter had it relatively easy as they were in singles action (and in Finn’s case, competing for the World Heavyweight Championship) but Ari? She had been swapped out with Georgie Robertson to take on Bella Madison, Mercedes Vargas, and Crystal Zdunich in the first ever Blood Bath Brawl! The match would take place in a domed steel cage and two Bombshells would start the match with a new participant entering every five minutes, elimination occurred via pinfall or submission and with an assortment of weapons hanging from the ceiling you knew things were gonna get messy, can Ariana get the win?

Backstage at Climax Control 385, Reno, Nevada
Sunday the 4th of February 2024, 21:00pm

Don’t you love it when life throws you a curveball?

I should’ve seen this one coming to be honest, the card preview did say “Climax Control after My Bloody Valentine” but I assumed that Finn and Kayla were going to defend their titles, why? Because I know from personal experience that being a champion is usually a good way to guarantee yourself a spot on one of SCW’s PPVs and it’s not like the Mixed Tag Champs haven’t pulled double duty before.

But even that didn’t stop the bosses from throwing me a different curveball because I’ve been swapped out with Georgie in the Blood Bath Brawl  against Crystal, Bella, and Mercedes, on one hand this should be a fun match at least, my style compliments the other three Bombshells’ styles nicely and the addition of weapons and the domed cage should make for a fun match! On the other hand though? Look at what the others in the upcoming Mixed Tag Team Title Match are doing!

Kayla vs. Seleana, Carter vs. Rodrigo and off course, Finn vs. Goth in the tournament finals, they all got regular matches, I can’t help but feel like I drew the short end of the stick here!

”Welp, so much for that segment I filmed.” I grumbled as I looked at the newly released card for My Bloody Valentine. ”At least I don’t hate Bella, Mercedes and Crystal as much as Kayla, then again Courtney is the only one on the Bombshell Roster who I hate more so what do I know?”

”I take it you’ve seen the news then?” Francisco asked as he walked up to me having gone off to get the car ready for the ride home. ”How exactly do you prepare for a match like that?”

”Good question, draw on my experience as the Bombshell Roulette Champ maybe?” I offered as an answer after thinking for a few seconds. ”First defence was that submission match against Seleana, then I had that Falls Count Anywhere Match with Melissa, then my rematch with Seleana was a Spider Web Match which was followed by my last successful defence against Jessie.” I added after thinking back to my time as Bombshell Roulette Champ, whilst ignoring everything that went on in my personal life at the time because that was a mess. ”Do I even count the open invitational match? It had a similar concept.”

”Yeah, and a lot more participants, and at least that match had a clear prize.” Francisco responded as he folded his arms. ”The winners of the Bombshell and men’s Blood Bath Brawl Matches won’t find out about the prize until the next Climax Control.”

”And if I win this then my attention will be divided between that and the Mixed Tag Team Title shot, bosses like keeping me and Carter on their toes don’t they?” I asked with a frown as I brushed some hair over my shoulder. ”My Bloody Valentine will be a wild night for sure, but as weird as it sounds? I’m more focussed on getting my first win of the new year.”

”No, I get it, between the loss to Courtney at the beginning of the year and the draw in the Mixed Tag Team Match you definitely need to get back on the winning track.” Francisco responded with a nod of understanding. ”So, shall we go?”

”Let’s.” I nodded in agreement before we walked off towards the parking lot.

The Disaster Diaries, Ariana’s home, Las Vegas, Nevada
Monday the 6th of February 2024m 18:00pm

(on camera, start vlog)

After I ate dinner I got ready to shoot my first Disaster Diary for the PPV.

”So, where do I even begin? I won’t go into the initial confusion regarding my upcoming Mixed Tag Team Title Match with Carter because I’ve already been raked over the coals for making the simple mistake of skimming through a card preview.” I commented as I shook my head. ”Not like Christian’s ever made a mistake, am I right? Speaking of Christian, has anyone recommended him to a psychiatrist yet? Because this Blood Bath Brawl is apparently his creation and we’ve all seen the horrors he can come up with!

Scaffold over a Piranha Tank anyone?”

I shook my head.

”As for my opponents, I’m familiar with them, Crystal was the one who ended my Roulette Title Reign and Mercedes and Bella have been stalwarts of the division for a while, and at one point bitter rivals but that was ages ago.” I added as I leaned forward on my desk. ”We’re all entering a brutal match where the Last Bombshell Standing gets a mystery prize at the next Climax Control so I won’t even know what I’ll be almost killing myself for! At least when I was Roulette Champion I knew what I was fighting for.

And there’s a reason why I’m bringing that up, because I’ll be drawing on my experiences from when I was the Roulette Champion to get me through this Blood Bath Brawl, either way? This is going to be a brutal match between two of the most respected Bombshells in the division and Mercedes and Crystal! And believe me, I’ve got a lot to say about each of my opponents but until then? I’ll leave you with these words.

At New Year, New Angel Part III: Change of Fate? I will be the last woman standing!”

(end vlog)

Go Gym, Las Vegas, Nevada
Thursday the 8th of February 2024, 11:00am

The Go Gym, years ago it was my one respite from my toxic homelife, where I was among like minded individuals with one goal, to become the best wrestlers we could.

Fast forward five years later and the only thing that’s changed is that my parents are no longer part of my life, hell, I didn’t even invite them to my wedding to Francisco last year! And I do come here when I need guidance on an upcoming match from Gabriel and guess what? This Blood Bath Brawl is one such match.

”Okay Gabriel, I gotta ask, what the heck happened to Kelly’s nose?” I asked as I entered Gabriel’s office and my mentor sat down at his desk. ”Did she break it during training?”

”Strictly speaking? Yes, and that’s all I’ll say about that incident.” Gabriel responded with a nod and I frowned, because that usually meant that Kelly had started whatever had earned her that broken nose and given her attitude problems? That could mean anything. ”Now then, I believe you have a match to talk about?”

”Yeah, the Bombshell Blood Bath Brawl at My Bloody Valentine.” I responded with a nod as I leaned back. ”Me vs. Bella vs. Mercedes vs. Crystal, never shared a ring with Bella, the last time I shared a ring with Mercedes was in that Bombshell Internet Title Battle Royal back in October and this is my first meeting with Crystal since that Open Invitational Match that ended my Roulette Title Reign last year.” I added as I let out a deep breath. ”Off course Bella was meant to be in that invitational but she got pregnant.”

”But I know you are familiar with her work you were at Krystal’s side for most of her Roulette Title Reign and that included her defences against Bella.” Gabriel pointed out that fact and whilst that era had left a bad taste in my mouth due to everything that happened with Krystal last year? He was right. ”And that’s not discounting the match’s stipulation, I see Christian has gotten creative again.”

”That’s one way to put it, at least he’s not limiting his cruelty to the Bombshells this time unlike the Open Invitational match!” I responded with a scoff as I flipped some hair over my shoulder. ”I wasn’t even meant to be in that damn match, Georgie was in that spot originally but now she’s taking on that newcomer Taylor Sweet, maybe they want to keep her as fresh as possible in case she decides to cash in her briefcase on any of the three Bombshell Title Matches.”

”That is a possibility, especially when you look at who is in those matches, Georgie would have a tall task ahead of her no matter who she cashes in on.” Gabriel nodded in agreement as I shifted my weight. ”My question to you is, how do you plan to prepare for the Blood Bath Brawl?”

”I know it’s been a year since that reign ended but the best strategy that me and Franky could come up with was to draw on my experience as the Bombshell Roulette Champ.” I responded with a nod as I leaned back in my chair. ”Even then the only defences that really apply themselves to the brawl are the Falls Count Anywhere Match against Melissa and the Black Friday Brawl against Jessie, at least this match will just be confined to one spot.”

”One very dangerous spot but one spot none the less.” Gabriel responded with a nod as he leaned forward. ”And I take it you don’t know what the prize is?”

”No, only that the winners of the men and womens’ matches will get it at the next Climax Control.” I responded as I shook my head and Gabriel nodded. ”I was tempted to ask Cass to put her computer skills to use and see if Christian has those plans written down anywhere on a word doc but to be honest? I’m less concerned about the prize and more concerned about getting my first win of the year.”

”Good, at least you have your priorities straight.” Gabriel nodded in response before I stood up. ”I believe we’ve covered everything so feel free to go train.”

”Thanks, I will.” I responded with a nod before I left Gabriel’s office to go train.

The Disaster Diaries, Ariana’s car, outside the Go Gym, Las Vegas, Nevada
Thursday the 8th of February 2024, 18:00pm

(on camera, start vlog, promo time)

”Almost feels like I’m some conservative about to go on a rant about millennials and the world changing, only thing missing is a bad haircut and sunglasses.” I chuckled to myself after setting up the phone film me with my hands on the steering wheel. ”If there’s anything I should be ranting about it’s how people seem to have forgotten about how a certain champion is parading a title she stole from me after trying to break my hand just because she is going after the woman who broke her wife’s arm, if only her wife had stayed gone, but that’s not what I’m here to vlog about, this Blood Bath Brawl will be my key to getting my first win of the year and no one else in this damn match will stop me.”

And what a lineup.

”Two of the brightest, youngest talents in the Bombshell Division and Crystal and Mercedes, that’s basically how I’m viewing the match between me, Bella, Crystal and Mercedes and how I’m not letting anyone get in my way of this win!” I stated as I flipped some hair over my shoulder. ”Throw in the fact that this is the first such match of its kind and I’m definitely feeling the pressure in this one, and I hope that the other Bombshells are feeling it as well because this is not going to be pretty!”

Starting with Crystal.

”Crystal Zdunich, the cockroach of the Bombshell Division, why do I call you that? Because no matter what happens to you, you always come back with some new persona, in this case “The Winter Rose” which makes me wonder if you’ll change it to “The Spiring Rose”, “The Summer Rose” and “The Autumn Rose” to match the seasons, either way, your back yet again.” I stated as I shook my head. ”So far your return has been a successful one because you’ve only lost one match, but if I have any say in it Crystal? You’re about to lose another.”

Next up is Mercedes.

”Speaking of old Bombshells who are clinging onto their relevancy for dear life, it’s Mercedes’s turn next! Tell me, is your ego still bruised from your loss to Harper Mercedes? Has to hurt losing to someone who isn’t even old enough to drink yet, right? Oh wait, you lose of often that you’re used to it.” I added as I shook my head. ”We’re at least in the same boat, in that we’ve yet to have our first win of the year, but it won’t happen in this matchup Mercy!”

Last but not least, Bella.

”Lastly is the only Bombshell in the match who I’ve never wrestled before, and the only one who’s had some kind of recent success really, Bella? You have any idea how long I’ve been waiting for a chance to  wrestle you?” I asked rhetorically as I leaned on the steering wheel. ”Too long but the main point is? We’re getting that chance now, if it comes down to between the two of us then it’ll at least be a far more interesting match than either of us against Crystal or Mercedes or, god forbid, Crystal and Mercedes, but I’m still coming away with the win.”

It's that simple.

”We are getting the distinct honour of competing in the first Blood Bath Brawl ladies and trust me? I’m not letting this chance go to waste.” I added as I made a fist with the hand that had been injured by Courtney. ”And whilst there is a prize at stake? That’s not my main concern, my main concern is scoring my first win of the year. Whatever this prize is? I’ll happily take it when the dust is settled but until then? We’d better get ready for war!”

And with that I decided to wrap things up.

”This will be a brutal match but we’re all Roulette Division veterans so in theory? We should do just fine, right?” I asked as I leaned back. ”But there is a prize at the end of this bloody rainbow and I will claim it! And as Bella, Mercedes and Crystal are basking in the glory of the Angel’s Descent whilst blinded by its glow? I will take that prize and cherish it! See you in the cage!”

I started to drive off as the scene fades.

Ariana was once again screwed out of a title match against Courtney Pierce and her wife Ruby, made worse by the fact that she was defending the title against Courtney in her second defence! But all was not lost for Ariana as she was getting her rematch and on the first Climax Control of 2024 in Colorado, as for Ruby? Christian had put her fate up to a Twitter poll: either she was banned from the building, locked in a cage above the ring or handcuffed to the dreaded Twisted Sister! Can Ariana win her title back?

Ariana’s home, Las Vegas, Nevada
Saturday the 30th of December 2023, 13:40pm

So, how have your holidays been?

I’ll admit, I’ve been in a rut since Courtney screwed me out of the Bombshell Internet Title at December 2 Dismember, not helped by Courtney outright saying that she didn’t even want the title in the fist place, she just wanted to punish me for costing her the World Bombshell Championship Rematch against Juliana.

Conveniently forgetting the fact that she had screwed me out of that same title with the help of her wife but I digress.

I tied to keep a positive mindset as I headed into the Christmas Holidays, even though my hand brace still limited what I could do around the house which naturally included gift wrapping and well, my options there included either A: giving the gifts unwrapped and motioning to my injured hand hoping that they understood or B: having that be yet another chore Francisco’s had to take over since Courtney’s attack, I went with the latter.

Speaking of my hand, it is feeling a lot better, especially simpered to the week after the attack, but I’d rather play it safe than risk the injury getting aggravated and having to take time off from SCW as a result, and with Blast from the Past right around the corner? Yeah, I’m not risking that.

And what punishment did Courtney get for attempting to break my hand? Oh, just  being my next challenger after Bea Barnhart! U swear, the bosses don’t even try to hide their bias sometimes!

”The bosses will be announcing the first card of 2024 tomorrow.” I muttered to myself as I went through my Twitter feed, I mean, the return date is scheduled for the seventh of January and that’s a week tomorrow so if they’re not announcing that? I’ll be surprised. ”Wonder what…………” My train of thought was interrupted by a notification on my Twitter app and I tapped on it, thinking that it was probably Carter mentioning me in a tweet, but no, it was Christian making a big announcement, my rematch with Courtney was set for the first Climax Control of 2024.

Needless to say my husband came running when he heard me fall out of my computer chair from shock, alongside our two dogs Oreo and Zeus. ”Ari, are you okay?” Francisco asked as he came over to me, and then he saw the big smile on my face right before the dogs started licking it. ”Don’t tell me, Jenny left you a New Year’s Bonus in your account?”

”I wish!” I responded with a laugh before Francisco pulled me up with my good hand and then righted my computer chair. ”But Christian did just give me a belated Christmas gift, I’m challenging Courtney Pierce for the title she stole from me!”

”Oh really? Wow, that’s great news!” Francisco responded as he grinned broadly. ”But what about Ruby? The last two times you faced Courtney she’s found a way to screw you over.”

”I think Christian has a way around that, he specifically mentioned Ruy in the tweet.” I responded before showing him the tweet in question, as I turned the phone back towards me though? I spotted it. ”And he has a poll up, options are  A: Ruby is banned from the building, B: Ruby is handcuffed to Twisted Sister or C: Ruby is suspended above the ring in a shark cage.”

”Only one I don’t like is that last option, too much potential for Ruby to smuggle a weapon in and drop it to Courtney when the ref’s back is turned.” Francisco pointed out and I had to admit, Franky had a point. ”What about Twisted Sister? I thought she disappeared alongside Iron Maiden after you and Krystal beat the Metal Maniacs at last year’s Summer XXXTreme?”

”Like that’s ever stopped her! And besides, the bosses seem to be the only ones who know how to find them most of the time!” I pointed out and Francisco nodded as he realized that I had a point. ”Either way I’ll talk to Gabriel about getting some light work outs in, don’t want to have to pull out of the match because I reinjured my hand during training.”

”True, and that was how Aleesha lost the title all those months ago.” Francisco reminded me and I nodded in response, the rest of the card would be announced on New Year’s Eve with the first match of the year featuring the returning Crystal Zdunich taking on Harper in the first Main Event of the year and my rematch with Courtney taking centre stage as the first Main Event of the year, I wished Harper luck in that match knowing that Crystal was unpredictable but aside from that, I was focussed on my own thing.

The Disaster Diaries, Ariana’s room, Las Vegas, Nevada
Thursday the 4th of January 2023, 18:00pm

As I turned on my webcam I got started on this little vlog series.

”This is basically me trying something new for the New Year, don’t know if it’ll stick through to the end of the year but we’ll see.” I commented with a shrug as I brushed some hair over my shoulder. ”A hypocrite, webster’s dictionary defines a hypocrite as a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion and a person who acts in contradiction to his/her stated beliefs or feelings.” I stated before my frown deepened. ”In my dictionary? There’s a picture of Courtney Pierce right next to the word Hypocrite, and I bring this up because Christian has finally listened to reason, he has booked another rematch between us after you screwed me over not once but twice.”

I stated as I shook my head.

”To say nothing of the fact that you attempted to break my hand, yes I’m still bringing this up Courtney because guess what? I’ll still have this brace on my hand for another month! The doctors say that I’m on course to completely heal by February but that’s not for another twenty eight days, assuming off course that they’ll call me in for the final checkup on my hand on the first day of February.” I added before grinning broadly. ”But I’m not the only one entering this match with a handicap Courtney, because apparently Christian’s just as sick of Ruby’s constant interference in our matches as I am!” I added as I held up three fingers with my good hand. ”Banned from the Building, Suspended in a Shark Cage above the ring or my personal favourite: handcuffed to Twisted Sister, those are the three fates that potentially await Ruby on Sunday whilst we go at it for the third time, in other words?

The one and only reason you have two wins over me will be a non-factor, face it Courtney, you’re screwed.”

Very much so.

”I bet I can predict what Courtney will say about this: oh, I would’ve beaten Ariana without Ruby’s help because I’m a badass bitch and BLAH! BLAH! BLAH!” I couldn’t roll my eyes any harder if I tried. ”You were a paper World Bombshell Champion and you’ll be an even weaker Bombshell Internet Champion because at least your reign at the top ended after you stunk up the screens for months on end, this time? Your reign will be nothing but a blip on the history of that belt.

But I have a question for you Courtney, if you’re so apathetic towards holding the Bombshell Internet Championship, why not just vacate it right away? Why go through all this trouble just to lose it back to me? Because your ego won’t allow it, you have to be the centre of attention no matter what and that can only mean one thing, I need to use your ego against you to win.”

Go Gym, Las Vegas, Nevada
Wednesday the 3rd of January 2023, 15:00pm

It didn’t take long for the Go Gym to open back up after the Christmas Holidays ended, which was convenient for me because I needed as much training as I could get for this rematch against Courtney.

Luckily, the Go Gym had several students and graduates I could use, me and Krystal may have had a truce but she wasn’t in the building tonight for reasons that escaped me, guess the loss in the Golden Briefcase Match hurt her ego more than I thought, luckily I had other options.

”Right, so we’re clear on the roles, right?” I asked Hayley and Kelly as Hayley warmed up in the ring and Kelly chilled out on the outside. ”This is going to be a test run in case any of the following happens in my match against Courtney, Ruby sneaks into the building, gets free of the shark cage or gets away from Twisted Sister.” I stated as I looked the two rookies over. ”That and I couldn’t replicate Ruby’s situation exactly in this sparring match.”

“Aye, I’m not waiting outside whilst you go at it with Hayley, I don’t think Gabriel will let us bring a crane with a shark café into the Go Gym and he definitely won’t let Twisted Sister into the Go Gym.” Kelly nodded in response as she glanced over at Hayley. “Not that we want to even luck for that crazy bitch in the first place!”

”Considering I don’t even know how the bosses find her half the time? Definitely for the best.” I responded with a nod before I turned to Hayley. ”Hayley, you’re a nice girl and all but try to act like Courtney during this sparring match? Not too much that I mistake you for the real thing because I don’t want to get in trouble with Gabriel for hurting a Go Gym Student but try to be just convincing enough.”

“I mean, the last bit of acting I did was for my High School’s drama club but I’ll give it my best shot.” Hayley responded a sheepish grin before we started sparring, Kelly’s roll was to run interference whenever Hayley got in trouble and, well, look, I know that the only thing Hayley and Courtney have in common is the fact that they share the same weight and height (hence why I picked her) but it’s not like either of those idiots were allowed in the Go Gym (meaning Courtney and Ruby off course) so I had to make do.

As for how they did? Hayley did her best to mimic Courtney’s mannerisms and tactics in the ring but considering she was still a fairly new student? There was a clear disconnect between Courtney’s skill in the ring and Hayle’s, Kelly played her role well as well, even if she intentionally half assed her interference because she didn’t have as much at stake as Courtney and Ruby will on Sunday but after a few minutes I caught Kelly with a clothesline and hit Hayley with the Angel’s Descent for the imagined 1………2……..3!

”Well, that was a fun workout.” I commented as I helped both girls back up to their feet, Hayley looked winded from taking the Angel’s Descent but she was otherwise fine and Kelly was kay too. ”I don’t know if it’ll accurately represent how the match will go on Sunday but it was good to shake off any ring rust I picked up over the Christmas Holidays at least.”

“There’s only so much I can do considering how much experience Courtney and Ruby have on me and Kelly.” Hayley admitted as she caught her breath and Kelly nodded in agreement. “But hopefully we did what we could to help you out Ari.”

”Hopefully, but until then I’ll keep doing what I do best, whilst waiting for this hand to heal!”  I responded as I gave my hand a bit of a flex. ”So, you girls up for a regular three way sparring match?”

“Thank god you said sparring match, then again I think Francisco would only ask for popcorn if that did happen.” Kelly joked and I shook my head before we had a three way sparring match.

The Disaster Diaries, Ariana’s Room, Las Vegas, Nevada
Thursday the 4th of January 2023,  18:30pm

”I’m sure you’re going to say that you earned that ego but did you really? All due respect to my fellow Go Gym Graduate but does anyone really remember your defence against Devona? Or against Zoey? Your most notable defences were against me and Keira and I’d be here all day if I had to get into all the shit surrounding your match against Keira and you had to cheat to beat me!” I added as folded my arms. ”It’s time we faced facts about your reign at the top, you were a champion that barely anyone cared about until we met! You broke the monotony of the title being passed between Roxi, Amber and Masque but what have you done since then? Paraded around the title like it was your baby, threw a fit when I cost you your ill-deserved title match, tried, and failed, to break my hand, your nothing but a spoiled brat who doesn’t know what to do with herself when she isn’t getting her way.”

I shook my head.

”And off course, you stole the Bombshell Internet Title from me to punish me right before the holidays, punish me for what exactly? Oh right, for getting my own back against you.” I said with a frown as I started off listing things. ”You were a boring World Bombshell Champ, your carrying around a title you don’t even want yet you refuse to vacate because apparently I need to be punished some more? Let’s not forget, I never tried to maim you, you were the one who tried to break my hand, yet I’m the one who needs to be punished, that is why I opened this vlog by calling you a hypocrite Courtney!”

It's that simple.

”And as we get ready to clash in the first Main Event of the year, the question persists, can you win without your wife? Ot is Ruby the one who wears the pants in your relationship with her Courtney?” I asked simply as I looked at my nails playfully. ”Oh sure, you do all the heavy lifting in the ring even though she’s been cleared to wrestle for months now but whenever you were in trouble it was always Ruby that saved the day, at least in matches that you cared about, lest we forget the time you almost got pinned by a rookie, but please, continue to call me the joke.”

And with that I decided to wrap things up.

”It’ll just make the clown makeup look better on you after I take back my title from you on Sunday.” I stated plainly as I flipped some hair over my shoulder. ”That concludes my first vlog, New Year, New Angel Part I: The Price of Revenge and for you Courtney the price is a steep one, because it’ll cost you your pride, a title you don’t even want and your winning streak against me when you bask in the golden angel’s light! See you on Sunday bitch!”

I turned off the webcam as the scene fades.

The time had finally come, Ariana was set to defend the Bombshell Internet Title against Courtney Pierce in a rematch from Violent Conduct with the roles reversed! But there was still one big question hanging over everyone’s heads as Ariana headed into her first PPV Defence, namely? Would her hand, injured by Courtney before Ariana could defend the title against Tempest, be able to stand up to the punishment? Ariana made it past the first defence but Bea Barnhart was nowhere near Courtney’s calibre as an opponent, can Ariana retain?

Local hospital, Las Vegas, Nevada
Thursday the 7th of December 2023, 18:00pm

Yeah, this is a fun way for me to spend the first week leading up to the Supercard.

Then again, if Courtney had succeeded in her attempt at breaking my hand, this match wouldn’t be happening, I wouldn’t be the Bombshell Internet Champion, I’d be at home, recovering from a broken hand for months on end.

Never been happier to just get a sprain.

But the dust is about to settle, my next defence is a rematch I’ve wanted for months now! Ariana vs. Courtney II and this time the roles are reversed, I’m the defending champion, Courtney’s the challenger!

Really the only thing that sets it apart from our first match is the fact that I technically didn’t chose my challenger! If anything? Courtney named herself as my challenger after I cost her the World Bombshell Championship.

An eye for an eye and all that.

Right now I’m at the hospital having a checkup on my hand, the thing won’t completely heal until about mid-February but it was good to get a status update on it.

”Oh no!” Francisco commented cutting off my train of thought and I glanced over at hi, we were in the doctor’s office waiting for word from the doc which was taking some time. ”Jessie’s been hospitalized.”

”Hospitalized for what?” I asked Francisco and he passed me his phone which I tool with my good hand, after reading through the tweets regarding the matter I shook my head. ”It sucks but given her prior drug use? I’m not really surprised that it’s to do with her heart, I don’t mean to sound insensitive but Jessie has been open about that fact for years.”

”True but it’s not something I like to see happen to a co-worker, and especially sad since Harper was there to see it.” Francisco responded as he shook his head and I nodded in agreement, ”She’s a sweet kid and she got on great with all of us at Thanksgiving, but she’s had a rough year.”

”I know I’d just want the year to be over if I was in her shoes.” I sighed as I brushed some hair over my shoulder before the door opened and the doctor entered. ”So what’s the word doc?”

“Your hand is healing fine you should be on the fast track to recovery by the New Year.” The doctor responded and I grinned in response. “Though that might be complicated by your upcoming match against Ms. Pierce, I understand that she was the one who injured your hand in the first place.”

”Yeah, that’s a long story that I’d rather not get into.” I responded as I shook my head and the doctor nodded. ”Any other tests to run or can I head home?”

“Your free to go, and your visit will be covered by the insurance company that Sin City Wrestling uses.” The doctor nodded in response to my question and I grinned in response before passing Franky’s phone back to him. “You’re not the only SCW Bombshell we have here, Jessie Salco was hospitalized last night.”

”Yeah, I saw that on Twitter.” I responded as I motioned to Franky’s phone and the doctor nodded as he got the idea. ”Mind sending her my regards? We’re no-workers after all and she’s been a bit of a mentor figure to me.”

“I shall pass your message along.” The doctor responded politely before we made our way out of the office and towards the parking lot.

”My injury? Jessie’s heart problems? Roxi unofficially retiring and Keira getting pregnant? I’m beginning to think that this time of year is cursed.” I commented as I shook my head and Franky turned to me. ”I’m not normally a superstitious person but you have to admit, this many things that can stall or stop a career happening at once is quite spooky.”

”For mow let’s treat it as a coincidence, until another Bombshell, retired or not, gets incapacitated in some way.” Franky responded as he shrugged his shoulders and I nodded in response. ”Besides, your injury didn’t stop or stall anything, you’ve been able to work through it.”

”I know but it could’ve! The card preview for my defence against Bea outright stated that I’d have to vacate my title if the attack had succeeded in breaking my hand.” I pointed out before pausing. ”Almost makes me wonder what match would’ve taken its place if that did happen? Somehow I doubt they would’ve given the vacated title to Bea.”

”I mean, they have been talking about swapping out Krystal with Bea in the Golden Briefcase Match after she made those tweets but nothing’s really come of that.” Francisco responded with a shrug before we made our way to the parking lot. ”Do you think you can beat Courtney with one hand though?”

”I was THIS close to ending her reign at Violent Conduct, the only reason she held onto that belt until High Stakes was because Ruby interfered in the match.” I pointed out as I brushed some hair over my shoulder. ”The fact that she only JUST got her manager’s licence makes that even worse, still, I’ll have Tempest backing me up and if anyone can keep that idiot at bay, it’s her.”

”To be fair Tempest can also keep most guys at bay, I’ve heard the stories of her strength and you saw the lengths Alesandra had to go to so she could retain the title in the Roulette Title Match last Sunday.” Francisco responded as he shook his head and I nodded in agreement. ”A tree and all that stuff pinning her down and Tempest still managed to get up once the match was over, I swear that woman isn’t human!”

”I’ll be sure to tell her you said hat the next time I’m at the Go Gym.” I teased Franky before we reached the parking lot, Franky got in the driver’s side as I hadn’t been cleared to drive yet due to my hand and I hopped in the passenger side. ”Until then, I have to figure out how I’m going to get out of this whilst wrestling essentially one handed and still have my title.”

”I get the feeling that this isn’t something you were trained for by Gabriel and Odette?” Franky asked and I nodded in response. ”I suppose you’ll think of something.”

”Yeah, if my Roulette Title Reign proved anything it’s that I am good at thinking on my feet and adapting to situations.” I nodded in response before sighing. ”I just need to figure out how I’ll apply that to a woman who spent a good few months as the World Bombshell Champ!” I added before Francisco sped off.

Ariana’s home, Las Vegas, Nevada
Friday the 9th of December 2023, 13:00pm

If you ask me? The Christmas break can’t come soon enough.

Not only will it be the perfect time for me to give my hand the resting time it needs but this year has been so chaotic in general that I’m just ready to see it through to the end.

It’s had it’s highs and it’s lows, my highest points being the two times I challenged for the World Bombshell Title (especially the first time around against Roxi) and winning the Bombshell Internet Title at High Stakes, but the low points definitely speak for themselves.

For one thing one of the lowest points resulted in my hand being put in a brace for the last two months of 2023/first two months of 2024 and that’s if I’m lucky considering who I’m facing at December 2 Dismember VI! And off course the SCW Brass showed their bias towards Courtney in the card preview.

So yeah, this is almost enough to make me wish that SCW was ending the year with a Climax Control like they did in 2021 and 2022.

”Thank god I’ve got the food team running the channel for me whilst my hand heals.” I muttered to myself as I watched the analytics for the last Recipe 4 Disaster video I uploaded to the channel, that wasn’t to say that I wasn’t appearing on camera, but my hand injury had basically reduced me to a hosting role whilst the food team did the work for me. ”The sooner I’m able to cook again, the better, my hand injury has left me dying of boredom most days.”

”Gee, thanks.” Francisco responded teasingly and I glanced up at him as he entered my office, Athena was perched up on a desk and she purred when Francisco stroked the cat. ”I know you haven’t been as active around the house since Courtney injured your hand but it’s either that or you risk aggravating the injury and end up having to vacate the Bombshell Internet Title.”

”Which hasn’t exactly stopped me from getting in the ring.” I commented as I shook my head and Franky nodded as he got the idea. ”Granted my only match since Courtney’s attack was the title defence against Bea Barnhart but if I wanted to end the year without a championship I would’ve vacated the title and let the other Bombshells figure it out amongst themselves whilst I healed, but after the year I’ve had? I vowed to end the year as Bombshell Internet Champion after I won it from Luna at High Stakes and I plan to see that through to the end, especially since the hundred day mark for this reign will be on the 30th of January.”

”A feat that would’ve been easier if High Stakes was the final SCW PPV of the year like everyone was expecting.” Francisco nodded in agreement before he sat down on a nearby chair. ”But we both know that even if the reign survives Courtney, the bosses will want to book you in another title defence in the New Year, it happened to you during the Roulette Title Reign and it has already happened during this reign.”

”Even if the Bombshell Roulette Title wasn’t the first title I won in SCW, I was at Krystal’s side for most of her Roulette Title Reign and she defended her title pretty often, sometimes at her request.” I responded with a nod as looked towards the ceiling. ”Off course that was before everything that happened this year!”

”Hopefully you can repair your relationship with her in the New Year, time heals all wounds and al that.” Francisco responded with a reassuring nod but I shook my head, as much as I loved Franky it was going to take a lot more than just his words to repair the relationship between me and Krystal, especially since she was in the Golden Briefcase Match and who knows what she could do with that after winning. ”So, what’s the plan for Christmas anyway?”

”I haven’t asked Carter yet but I think I’ll know more once December 2 Dismember VI has come and gone.” I responded with a shrug before Athena hopped off the desk and left the office. ”I want to get past it with my title intact and Carter wants to get that win over Goth, in other words? We both want to end the year with a mark in the win column but we both know that it won’t be easy, especially since we’re both facing former World Champions.”

”Yeah, only difference is Goth’s a lot older than Carter and there’s only a few years between you and Courtney.” Francisco pointed out that fact and I nodded in response to his statement. ”Real question is, will Courtney’s ego recover enough from the loss to Harper? I know Mercedes prevented Harper from scoring the pinfall win on Courtney but it’s still a former World Bombshell Champion losing to a rookie.”

”Harp’s a wrestling prodigy, that’s been obvious from the moment she graduated from Hero Academy earlier this year, but your right, that definitely hurt Courtney’s ego a lot.” I nodded in agreement as I brushed some hair over my shoulder. ”Maybe I can use Courtney’s bruised ego against her.”

”Psychological warfare? I’ve heard worse tactics since I started dating you.” Francisco responded with a shrug before I started looking at other videos.

Wondering through the streets of Las Vegas, Nevada
Saturday the 9th of December 2023, 00:00am

*promo time*

What a turn around.

”I have to admit something Courtney, when you came out of nowhere to challenge Roxi for the World Bombshell Championship just a couple of weeks after I failed to take the title from her in London, I thought that the bosses had given Roxi an easy challenge to warm her up foe Devona.” I admitted as I brushed some hair over my shoulder. ”How wrong I was, you not only broke the monotony of the title being passed between Roxi and whoever she’s feuding with but ushered in a new era for the Bombshell Division, at first I respected you for what you had done but that went out the window when we faced off at Violent Conduct.”

Yep.

”How the bosses let that slide is still a mystery to me, especially since Ruby only just got her manager’s license! But here we are, three months later, and the roles are reversed! I’m the reigning champion and your my next challenger, only if you had had your own way? This match wouldn’t be happening because I’d be on the shelf with a broken hand.” I held up my bad hand to the camera to illustrate my point. ”And for what? Because you pulled the same stunt I did after Julianna took the title from you and I decided to give you a taste of your own medicine? And whoever wrote the card preview for this match is clearly in your back pocket because they failed to consider that you are the one that’s at fault here and not me!”

Typical.

”I guess that’s what I get for “jumping the line” right? Tell me, where will that same energy be when Courtney tries to break the tie? Because you know she’ll want too after I kick her ass at December 2 Dismember VI! And somehow the bosses will have no problem with it, I just know that their bias towards Jet City will be on full display when I retain my title over you Courtney.” I put my good hand up to my ear in a mocking gesture. ”Oh, what’s that? You won’t have too because you’ll end 2023 as the new Bombshell Internet Champion Courtney? No, I don’t think so.”

Not at all.

”You see Courtney, you made one huge mistake when you tried to break my hand, you took what should’ve been a regular title defence for me and made it personal.” I commented as I shook my head. ”If you had succeeded, then not only would I have been forced to vacate a title that have spent a good chunk of the past year chasing but I would’ve missed months of action whilst I waited for my hand to heal! The only reason why I’m able to compete right now is because you didn’t get the job done correctly, you merely gave me a really bad sprain and whilst that does mean that I have to keep this hand in a brace until February at the latest? I can still wrestle even with this injury, and if you paid attention to the defence against Bea?” I held my bad hand up the camera before making a fist with it. ”That hasn’t affected my performance one bit!”

Too bad.

”And what has that left you with Courtney? You with the realization that you’ve made the biggest mistake of your wrestling career,, you see? I already hated you for everything that happened in the wake of our last match, but now I’m even angrier at you than before.” I added before sticking up the middle finger using my bad hand. ”This could’ve just been a rematch between us with the roles reversed, this could’ve just been a title defence where I’m more motivated than usual to put down my challenger, but no, you had to go and try to maim me, try to take months off my wrestling career, all because I took matters into my own hands and served you justice on a silver platter.”

Big mistake.

”And tell me Courtney, does Ruby really love you enough to risk incurring the wrath of Tempest? Because I have a Bombshell who can lift cars on my side, you have a failed Blast from the Past Winner who’s clinging on to whatever relevancy she can find by hanging out with you, who do you think will win that clash, hmmm?” I asked pointedly as I patted the Bombshell Internet Championship that was around my waist. ”But at the end of the day this is what it’s all about, the Bombshell Internet Championship, you called this a consolation prize after I won it from Luna but after I cost you a chance to win it back suddenly you want it? And they say that there aren’t any fickle women in wrestling! But you need to realize one important thing about me Courtney!”

One big thing.

”Sure, I’m angry at you for what you tried to do to me, but nothing stays broken, this hand will eventually heal and this title isn’t going anywhere for one simple reason, I’m a woman who learns from her mistakes.” I added as I brushed some hair over my shoulder. ”Don’t believe me? Ask Alicia Lukas, she beat me in my first official match as an SCW Bombshell, fast forward a few months later to last year’s Violent Conduct and what happened? Oh yeah, I got that win back, a win that I think helped lead to the Bombshell Roulette Title Reign because she, like you, is a former World Bombshell Champion! Off course, Alicia didn’t suffer a fall from grace as quickly as you have.”

It's that simple.

”How did your last match go again? You know, the one against Harper? The spunky young rookie currently enthralled in a feud with Mercedes Vargas? Oh that’s right, if Mercedes hadn’t interfered on your behalf, Harper would have a pinfall win over you!” I added with a big grin on my face. ”Don’t get me wrong, I think Harper’s a sweet girl but who saw that coming? Not you, not Mercedes, not the bosses when they made that match, but I did, because you’ve been on a downward spiral since I cost you your ill-deserved rematch for the World Bombshell Championship!”

And with that I decided to wrap things up.

”And if you think for a second that you’re going to end that downward spiral by taking this title from me?” I asked before removing the title from around my waist and holding it up with my bad hand. ”Think again because I’m not just holding it up to show you what’s in your future Courtney, I’m holding it up with my bad hand to show you just how resilient I am! And at Golden Angel Part III: Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold you’ll learn the hard way that I’m a hard bitch to put down when I have a tile in my grasp and as you bask in the glory of the Golden Angel’s Light? You’ll regret ever choosing me as your challenger at Violent Conduct Courtney because that one choice led you to making the biggest mistake of your life! I’ll see you at December 2 Dismember VI bitch!”

I walked off after slinging the title over my shoulder as the scene fades.

The opening guitar riff to "In the Middle of the Night" by Within Temptation hits the speakers and the crowd comes unglued as Ariana emerges from the back her street clothes and carrying her newly won title in one hand.

Justin Decent: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the new Bombshell Internet Champion Ariana Angelos!

Ariana spins around right as the song kicks into high gear with the opening lyrics with the Bombshell Internet Championship held high above her head, she poses for the crowd as she makes her way down to the ring before rolling into the ring.

BS: It’s been a long and difficult road for that young lady this past year but at High Stakes XII Ariana finally ended her losing streak and won the Bombshell Internet Title in the process.

JA: The question is who will Ariana’s first challenger be?

Ariana takes a mic from a stage hand and rests the title over her shoulder.

Ariana: Too think, so many people thought we’d never see this sight again but here I am! Holding my second ever singles title and proud of it!

Ariana says as she gives the title a pat.

Ariana: I’ve only wrestled Luna three times but our match at High Stakes was our first time facing off in singles competition, and honestly? I wouldn’t mind going for round two with her, albeit with the roles reversed.

BS: I’d love to see that match!

JA: Ariana and Luna tore the house down at High Stakes XII, a rematch between them would be epic!

Ariana: And the bosses have all but confirmed that there will be a rematch between me and Luna down the line! But that won’t be my first match as champion, because that match is tonight!

Ariana brushes some hair over her shoulder with her free hand.

Ariana: Me and Carter have practically been inseparable since we graduated from the Go Gym and tonight we get another chance to shine as Team Go taking on the former Mixed Tag Team Champions Eiley and Oliver Zahn, now let’s not beat around the bush, my problems with the graduates of Jet City and their cheating ways are well documented, just look at Queen Hypocrite herself Courtney Pierce as a prime example off this! But make no mistake, just because this is a non-title match doesn’t mean I’m taking this lightly and Team Go will go the distance!

Ariana says before leaning on the ropes.

Ariana: And Luna? Good luck against Kat tonight, I’ll be watching!

“In the Middle of the Night” hits the speakers again and Ariana holds up her title proudly before heading to the back.

(Keira was used with her handler’s permission)

It was the week of the biggest event of the SCW Callender: High Stakes XII and Ariana’s quest to win her second SCW Title (and singles title) continued as she challenged Luna Vanity for her recently won Bombshell Internet Championship! Luna and Ariana were the final two competitors in the Bombshell Battle Royal for the vacated Bombshell Internet Championship and due to the rules of the match Ariana would serve as Luna’s first challenger at High Stakes! But Luna had bad luck with titles previously after she lost the Bombshell Roulette Title in her first defence to Jessie Salco during the Unsolved Mysteries tour, will history repeat itself for Luna? Will Ariana end her title drought?

Ariana’s home, Las Vegas, Nevada
Sunday the 15th of October 2023, 14:00pm

So, how has your week been?

Normally the final two weeks before a Supercard means one thing, training, and lots of it, and even if I wasn’t competing for the Bombshell Internet Championship against Luna at this year’s High Stakes? It would go double for High Stakes.

Why? Do I really need to explain why? It’s the biggest SCW show of the year, this will be my second High Stakes and my second time competing for a title! Now granted, last year I was entering my first High Stakes as the Bombshell Roulette Champion set to defend against Seleana Zdunich in what ended up being the only successful title defence on PPV during that reign and this year the shoes on the other foot as, like I said, I’m challenging for the title but it still rings true.

And hell, after chasing after the Bombshell Internet Championship for the better part of the year, winning the title on the biggest show of the year was going to be the perfect way to end it, so, why am I not training?

The incident at the Go Gym that happened last week.

Everything about it really, my argument with Kelly, the chat with Gabriel, I was keeping my distance from the Go Gym until I had everything figured out with my mental health, it didn’t matter how long it took me, until the day of High Stakes or until the end of the year, I didn’t want to go back there until I felt I was ready.

Besides, Keira and Roxi had been gracious enough to let met use Hero Academy in spite of my argument with Keira after Taylor Parker attacked me, their facilities would have to do for now.

”At least you guys don’t judge me.” I sighed as the Golden Labrador Zeus and the Boarder Collie puppy Oreo lay down beside the couch I was lying on whilst I was playing on my Nintendo Switch, I was soon joined by Athena as the cat leapt onto my stomach before laying down just beneath my breasts. ”And thanks for making me glad that I’m not wearing a crop top Athena.” I sighed as I set my switch to the side and started scratching Athena behind her ear, the cat purred in response and I grinned enjoying the moment of bliss.

The moment ended sooner than I would’ve liked because the front door started to unlock and the dogs raced off to greet whoever was at the door, I had an inkling that it was Franky for one reason: he had gone off to the shops to grab some stuff that we had forgotten during the weekly shop on Friday. ”Ari, I’m home.” Francisco called out confirming my suspicions and Athena was gracious enough to jump off me and move to another chair where she lay down on the arm rest, allowing me to stand up and greet my husband. ”Did you check Twitter today?”

”I checked it once and the only thing I saw was that pissgate nonsense.” I responded as I shook my head and Francisco nodded, trust me, you don’t want to know what I’m talking about. ”Why? Did another gross thing happen when I wasn’t looking?”

”Fortunately no.” Francisco responded before he moved into the kitchen with the shopping bags in hand and I made sure to close the door before either of the dogs got out. ”Unfortunately Carter’s father has taken a turn for the worse, he lost his battle with renal failure.”

”Oh no, that’s awful!” I gasped in response and Francisco nodded solemnly. ”Where’s Carter now?”

”His last update was when he announced his dad’s death, he also said that he was flying out to Seattle.” Francisco explained and I quickly got my phone out without a second thought. ”Are you booking a flight to Seattle for us.”

”No, it’s too last minute and I didn’t really know the man aside from his strained relationship with Carter, besides, I need to train for the match with Luna.” I responded as I shook my head and Francisco nodded in understanding as I started typing a text message. ”What I am doing is sending him my condolences via text, if Carter will allow me to go to the funeral with him then I’ll go but given our recent falling out?”

”I’d suggest calling him but he might still be on the plane for all we know.” Francisco nodded in understanding and I agreed before adding “call me ASAP” to the text and hitting send. ”It’s bittersweet isn’t it? That this might be the key to salvaging your friendship with Carter.”

”I guess it is, especially given the timing, what with me going after the Bombshell Internet Title and Carter being one of the six wrestlers competing for the World Title.” I nodded in agreement as my text went through and I pocketed my phone again. ”I never wanted my friendship with him to become this strained but I was under so much emotional stress after that confrontation with Courtney that I was just lashing out at anyone and everyone.”

”And it hurt me to see you like that, because I knew that wasn’t the woman I married.” Francisco sighed and I gave him a sad look as it set in. ”Maybe you should try mending that bridge with Keira? She’s only been trying to help you.”

”You’re right, but I need to think about how I’m going about this.” I grumbled as I flipped some hair over my shoulder. ”You were there when she told me about the Battle Royal that main evented the last Climax Control, you saw how fiery I got! Granted, us Greeks can be a passionate lot but still.”

”She’ll understand, in the meantime, do you want to help me unpack?” Francisco offered and I nodded before doing just that.

Hero Academy, Las Vegas, Nevada
Monday the 16th of April 2023, 11:00am

There was an undeniable buzz in the air as I entered Hero Academy this morning.

It didn’t take me long to figure out why either, between Team Hero’s final match against Whisper and Kat Jones at High Stakes and Harper winning her second ever championship at FCW’s event in New Orleans on Saturday there was plenty of reason to be excited, but I was here to speak with Keira first and foremost and with Harper being out of town for her match on EWC’s Prime brand? That did make things significantly easier for me.

Especially when it didn’t take me long to find Keira or convince her to have a chat with me in her office, it was hard to miss a legend like Keira in a sea of trainees and perspective wrestlers after all.

”Look. I know we had that blow up the other week after the Battle Royal was announced but Gabriel threatened to ban me from the Go Gym if I didn’t seek help.” I explained bluntly after closing the door to Keira’s office and the blonde Hall of Famer nodded as she got the idea. ”And no offence but you are a hell of a lot cheaper than any psychologist.”

“I’m just gonna put this disclaimer up front, I’m not a mental health professional by any means nor do I claim to be one.” Keira stated matter of factly and I nodded before I sat down opposite her. “I’ll here you out Ari but if what you have to tell me concerns me enough? I’ll recommend you to a psychologist I know, maybe even get Jenny to front the bill.”

”Giving her an excuse to give out money like it was candy in the process.” I muttered to myself and Keira chuckled before nodding. ”Where do I even start? I don’t think I need to remind you of how my last Supercard ended.”

“No, you don’t.” Keira responded as she shook her head and I said nothing as she continued. “And the same goes for everything that lead up to it, after you snapped me and Roxi went over the past few months of your SCW Career starting from your first World Bombshell Title Match onwards, if you ask me? The problems really started there.”

”You mean when Roxi told me that I wasn’t ready and I felt my childhood dream shattering around me?” I asked with a frown on my face and Keira nodded in response. ”Don’t think I really need to go over that either, you saw how badly I took Roxi’s words for yourself and those words plagued me in the months that followed, Gabriel thinks that the fact that I let Roxi’s words get to me like that is what led to my declining performances since that match, me? I’m not sure, because it definitely felt like the bosses kept putting me in no win scenarios for a while.”

“Is that how you really feel about your matches in SCW?” Keira asked pointedly and I gave her a confused look. “Because they have tried to put you in situations where you can thrive, that’s how I see it at least.”

”How many times have I been booked against Kayla? Every time I’ve faced that bitch she’s beaten me! It’s gotten to the point where I’m her personal punching bag!” I exclaimed in frustration as I ran a hand through my hair. ”Or hell, just look at the past few months in general, I asked for that match against you, I could’ve qualified for the Mixed Tag Team Championship Match instead but no, I instead chose to wrestle my idol and when I did finally get another shot at entering that match, me and Carter got cheated! That combined with my losses to Aleesha and Georgie set my momentum back big time and just when I had recovered some of it with me and Carter’s win over the Barnharts? Boom, another god damn match against Kayla because god forbid something actually goes right in my career!”

“Are you really that focussed on winning that you can’t even focus on the great matches you’ve had? You’re one of the best young wrestlers on the SCW Roster Ari!” Keira pointed out and I just glanced to the side without a word. “Your not the first one to be cheated out of a match, your not the first one to be cheated out of a title match, it’s how you bounce back from those setbacks that matters Ari.”

”I’ve been trying to bounce back! I’ve been trying to take control of my destiny for once! And what did it get me? Bosses that think they know better than me and are perfectly willing to overlook me getting cheated out of my moment! A roster that thinks that I’m entitled just because I’m the only one who speaks out about it! For fucks sake, The Troll got on my case and it took that moron two fucking years to win one match!” I exclaimed as I leaned back in my chair with my arms crossed. ”And I bet they would’ve been all too happy to leave me off the High Stakes card if it weren’t for the rules of the Battle Royal dictating that the runner up would serve as the new champion’s first defence! I put up with so much shit from my parents because of love of this sport, I didn’t nearly break my leg sneaking out of my bedroom window to go train at the Go Gym to put up with all that bullshit!”

“Ariana, I understand your frustration but you are going about it all………” Keira trailed off as she heard the last part and I raised an eyebrow at her. “Wait, what?!”

”You’ve heard the stories about how I got disowned by my parents for wanting to go into wrestling, right?” I asked Keira and she nodded in response. ”When I refused to give up on that dream, they turned abusive, emotionally, physically, it got to the point where the Go Gym was my only respite.” I sighed as I brushed some hair over my shoulder. ”In hindsight? I know that I couldn’t keep it up forever, but my parents did eventually find out and followed me to he Go Gym, don’t ask me how they got past Despy, I never really got around to asking him, when they got physical with me? Gabriel got pissed off and they gave me the ultimatum, my wrestling dream, or my family.”

For the first time since I’ve met her, Keira was speechless, I knew Keira was a mother herself so I could only imagine what was going through her head. “The fact that we’re having this conversation in the first place tells me everything I need to know about how you reacted, but where you homeless after that?” Keira asked and I quickly shook my head.

”Gabriel wasn’t about to let one of his students go homeless, so he made an arrangement with Carter as he was in the same Go Gym class as me.” I explained as I leaned back in my chair. ”I stayed with him for a few months until I found a place of my own, but it was during those few months that me and Carter became best friends, the same best friend who I snapped at when I went off the rails.”

“That’s good at least, Gabriel’s a good man and your lucky to have such a good friend in Carter.” Keira nodded in response as she started looking for something. “Have you talked too anyone else about this?”

”Mostly the other students at the Go Gym and by extension, the graduates.” I sighed as I brushed some hair over my shoulder. ”Growing up I thought all that was normal, that all parents treated their kids like that, it wasn’t until I started talking to the other students at the Go Gym ad they reacted either with shock, horror or anger, at my parents that is, that I realized that I was being abused.” I added as I glanced at the floor. ”That same year Gabriel invited me to Christmas dinner with his family, too see what a normal Christmas was like for lack of better word, and since my graduation I’ve been spending it with Carter and his family, even after I met Francisco.”

“Francisco’s a good man, he’s lucky to have you.” Keira assured me and I grinned in response. “And for what it’s worth? Your parents don’t deserve a daughter like you, despite all the crap you went through you’ve grown into a beautiful and intelligent young woman, though I do wonder if that’s the cause of your mental health issues.”

”It goes deeper than that, there’s a history of mental illness among the women in my family, it was never bad enough for any of them to be institutionalized but I worry that if/when I have a child with Franky and it’s a girl? Well, I don’t think I need to say anything else really.” I sighed as I brushed some hair over my shoulder. ”But there’s a problem with me, it’s the fact that I’m the first woman in the family to be in the national spotlight through my work with SCW.”

“And it’s putting your family’s struggles in the spotlight by extension?” Keira asked and I nodded without hesitation, it was at that point that Keira handed me a business card. “I’m sorry Ai, not just for what your parents put you through but for letting it go this long without having a chat like this, I’m not a mental health expert but this woman is, she’s good, she can help you.”

I took the card and looked at it, after looking it over I pocketed the business card. ”I guess that’s everything.” I commented before I stood up and made my way to the door. ”I have a title match to train for if you don’t mind.”

“Just one last thing Ari.” Keira said as she walked up to me and I turned to my childhood icon and before I knew what was happening, Keira held her hand out for a handshake. “Friends?”

I looked at Keira’s hand for a few seconds before nodding. ”Friends.” I responded before accepting the handshake at which point Keira pulled me into a tight hug. ”Thanks again for hearing me out Keira.”

“No problem, and for what it’s worth Ari?” Keira asked as I turned to her. “I believe you’ll be a fantastic mother one day I should know., I am one myself.”

I had nothing to say to that, I just headed out to the training room so I could get some reps in against some of the students, both new and old, starting with a student from Australia called Jazz (short for Jasmine) who had just started.

Who knows? Maybe this would be enough to break my title drought.

Ariana’s home, Las Vegas, Nevada
Monday the 16th of October 2023, 21:00pm

*promo time*

It’s all come down to this.

”Luna, Luna, Luna, you think you’ve got me all figured out, don’t you?” I asked as I stepped into view having commandeered the garage for my promo. ”You think that idle threats about breaking my bones and doing everything you can to retain the Bombshell Internet Championship scares me? I’ve experienced the fear of growing up with abusive parents who had very specific ideas for what they wanted their only daughter to grow up to be, they didn’t give a damn what I wanted, it took me following my dream to see them for the monsters they are Lua, and I’ll do everything in my power to prove that wrestling is my future!”

This will be good.

”For too long have other roster members taken advantage of my nice nature, “oh it’s just Ari, she’s the girl scout of the Bombshell Division, sure she’s talented but she doesn’t have the killer instinct” and yet the moment where I finally grow a backbone and start standing up for myself after years of being treated as a doormat they trat me like I’m lower than dirt, like an entitled brat jumping the line because she lost a World Bombshell Title Match, this division is full of fickle fools!”

To say the least.

”How quickly they forget that the only reason why I’m not the World Bombshell Champion right now is because Courtney relied on her injured wife to win the match for her! Some champion, right? But because I refused to go to the back of the line after getting screwed. They are all too fucking happy to overlook it, is it any wonder why I snapped Luna?” I asked pointedly as I folded my arms. ”Take a piece of advice from me Luna, when I beat you for the Bombshell Internet Championship on Sunday, don’t go straight to the bosses and demand a rematch, otherwise? They’ll trat you the same way they treated me! Like an entitled brat.”

Disgusting.

”And I bet they wonder why young Bombshells like you and me can’t even crack the top of the card, what with their blatant favouritism towards the World Bombshell Champion! Luna, we are allies with a common goal, to break that glass ceiling and show the world what we can do, but this Sunday? The only thing that’ll matter is that Gold Belt that you’ve been carrying around with you for the past two weeks.” I said as I made a belt motion around my waist. ”I don’t need to go into how this match came about, at this point, even my pets, two dogs and two cats, know the circumstances that led to this title match, but there is one thing I need to get into, my own personal history with High Stakes.”

History lesson time.

”Let’s go back a year, a few months before you signed your SCW Contract, I was defending the Bombshell Roulette Championship against Seleana literally one day before my twenty second birthday, I off course retained the title in what ended up being the only successful title defence on PPV of that reign but more to the point Luna? It’s proof that I’ve got a good track record when it comes to title matches at High Stakes.” I added as I brushed some hair over my shoulder. ”I will grant that I thought the same thing about Violent Conduct heading into my title match against Courtney, but I’ve ranted enough about that injustice at this point, but it does leave a big question hanging over my head doesn’t it Luna?”

And that question is?

”Can history repeat itself almost a year later? Can I succeed in a title match for the second High Stakes in a row?” I asked as I leaned against a wall. ”As far as I see it? The only difference between this match and my match against Seleana from last year’s High Stakes is the fact that I’m serving as the challenger rather than the defending champion, it’s still a title match at the biggest show of the SCW Callender that I’ve found myself in, sure it’ll be higher up on the card as opposed to my last title match which opened last year’s event and the title itself is higher up on the totem pole than the Bombshell Roulette Title but those differences don’t matter much to me.”

Why?

”Because history’s about to repeat itself in two more ways, your reign will end after one defence again Luna and my next title reign will come at one of the last Supercards of the year. Albeit THE last one unless the bosses are planning to bring back December to Dismember.” I commented as I flipped some of my long back hair over my shoulder.  ”As for how I plan to celebrate my championship win Luna? I might pop down to Jessie’s bar actually, heard they serve good food there, but let’s not get to far ahead of ourselves, not when we’re not even at the halfway point of the week.”

What does the future hold?

”Don’t get me wrong Luna, you are an excellent wrestler and if it was anyone but me serving as your first challenger? I’d be happy for you, but you had to eliminate me last, you had to win the title that way, you had to ensure that the Bombshell Internet Tile Match at High Stakes XII would be contested between two young women who have had crappy luck all year.” I added as I folded my arms. ”Personally? That’s fine by me, it’s much better than me being stuck with a filler match or worse, being left off the biggest show of the year entirely, a fate being suffered by two of the women from that Battle Royal, but this is where the ride stops for you Luna.”

But for me?

”To be frank? That Bombshell Internet Title has had my name on it since I lost the Bombshell Roulette Championship at Inception VI, I just had a few hurdles to overcome along the way to get where I am.” I added as I brushed some hair over my shoulder. ”But High Stakes XII will be the end of that road for me, the end of a long, painful road filled with obstacles, roadblocks, and false hope because Luna? When we wrestle on Sunday that title will be leaving the arena with me one way or another!”

My condolences.

”I know you’ve worked hard to get here Luna, I emphasize, I really do, but so have I and I’ve been an SCW Bombshell for a year longer than you have.” I stated as grinned broadly. ”At the end of the day Luna? You’ll become what you feared, a two time transitional champion, and at Fallen Angel Part IV: History WILL Repeat I will ensure that I will end the worst year of my wrestling career as the Bombshell Internet Champion.”

It’s that simple.

”Ever since we found a common connection through our respective frustrations with the other Bombshells and/or bosses, you’ve called me your darling angel Luna, I’ll admit, it’s a nickname that’s taken some getting used too, not even my husband calls me that and, well, we’re married!” I commented with a slight chuckle as I shook my head. ”But our friendship won’t amount to much once that bell rings Luna, I’ve wrestled people I’ve respected before, friends, co-workers, even my idols, and they all got the same treatment from me, outside the ring I’ll be the best friend you could ever ask for, inside the ring?”

And with that I decided to wrap things up.

”It’s all business I’m afraid, even when a title isn’t at stake I strive to be the best wrestler I can be and to put on the best matches I can, no matter who my opponent is.” I added as I made a belt motion around my waist. ”But at the end of the day, this match is all about the gold and you and I Luna are destined to put on one of the best matches of the night, who knows? Maybe it’ll show up as a candidate for Match of the Year in a year’s time when High Stakes XIII rolls around? But there’s one thing I do know, as you writhe in agony from the Dark Angel’s light? I’ll be carrying my newly won title well into the new year! See you on Sunday Luna!”

I exited the garage as the scene fades.

(Keira was used with her handler’s permission)

Following her loss to Julianna DiMaria earlier in the cycle Ariana seemed to be up shit creek without a paddle, her only chance at getting on this year’s High Stakes Card being the open challenge for a tag team match against Team Hero that Keira and Roxi had put out several weeks ago, however fate had other plans for the Greek American Bombshell among others because a shock injury to the current Bombshell Internet Champion Aleesha Jones would result in the title being vacated and the bosses scrambling to not only find a new champion but her challenger at High Stakes, their solution?

A Battle Royal where the winner would not only win the title but would face the runner up at High Stakes! And Ariana’s competition in this match? The returning Kat Jones, Ariana’s new found ally in Luna Vanity, her fellow Go Gym Graduates Tempest and Krystal Wolfe. Mercedes Vargas, Seleana Zdunich, Sam Marlowe, and Zoey Lukas! Can Ari take advantage of this unexpected opportunity and win her first title in over a year?

Backstage at Climax Control 374, San Francisco, California
Sunday the 1st of October 2023, 21:45pm

You know a night’s been chaotic when someone who doesn’t even work for the company gets into the arena, attacks a contracted talent, and leaves just as quickly as they arrived and it’s the least talked about thang that happened on the show!

But that’s exactly what happened tonight, following my argument with Keira I got attacked by Taylor Parker and for those of you who are going “who?!” Taylor is a failed Hero Academy student who was expelled for injuring other students and happens to have a younger sister at Hero Academy who is a far better student.

I swear this sport is just a magnet for dysfunctional families!

The bosses said that they’d investigate how Taylor got into the arena in the first place but that got quickly overshadowed when the World Heavyweight Champion Michael Harris got fired and stripped off his championship for attacking Jasmine St. John following his loss to HB Carter and then laying out the rest of the referee core! If you ask me? They should hurry up and find an excuse to fire Courtney whilst they are at it if they want to purge the top of the mountain of bad actors!

At least my bestie scored the biggest win of his career in the process!

”Ugh! How much longer are you going to make me wait?!” I asked as I glared at the medics whilst they did their jobs, I had been cooped up in the medic’s office since the attack and my only company so far had been Francisco and Krystal when they brought her in following her loss in the Street Fight against Roxi (not that I talked that much with my fellow Go Gym Graduate). ”You let Krystal go forty five minutes ago and what she went through in that street fight was a lot worse than what that idiot did to me!”

“Sorry Ari but it’s the bosses’ orders, Taylor dropped you on your head, we need to make sure that you are healthy and don’t need to go to hospital before we can let you go.” The medic explained to me as he ran his test and I rolled my eyes, what exactly did he expect to find? It’s not like arenas come with x-ray machines just in case of emergency! “The good news is you should be good to go so soon.”

”The bad news is that if SCW hired competent security we wouldn’t be having this conversation!” I snapped at the medic who just shook his head, I rested my chin in the palm of my hand before resting that arm on my leg and glancing up at Francisco. ”I’m guessing everyone else has left Franky?”

”I haven’t checked since I left to get you a snack, but the ones I did see were Krystal and Team Hero.” Francisco explained and I frowned at that piece of information. ”No idea if either of those three women are still around.”

”Krystal has three daughters at home, it stands to reason that she would’ve left at the earliest opportunity.” I responded as I shook my head before the door to the medics office opened, I didn’t bother looking up because I thought it was a custodian asking when he could start cleaning up the room or something. ”And I likewise would like to leave as soon as fucking possible.”

“What did I tell you about calming down?!” I grunted in annoyance upon hearing Keira’s voice and when I glanced up I saw the blonde half of Team Hero entering the office. “I’m sorry for what happened with Taylor, I should’ve kept a closer eye on you.”

”Oh fuck off Keira!” I snapped at the Hall of Famer as I glared at her. ”That moron just happened to attack me after our argument, you honestly expect me to believe that you didn’t put Taylor up to it?!”

“I haven’t had any contact with Taylor since she was expelled from Hero Academy and you should know better than to assume that I’d resort to something like that!” Keira responded angrily before she walked further into the medic’s office until she was standing directly opposite the bed that I was occupying. “So how about you cut the attitude and be honest with me for the first time since the first Climax Control of the cycle, what has gotten into you?!”

”What? You think that I got possessed by Sin as well? Give me a break, I never even interacted with Matthew and his cronies that much when they were managing Krystal.” I responded bitterly as I shook my head and Keira’s frown deepened. ”Besides, I’ve been nothing but honest since Violent Conduct! The bosses have let the likes of Courtney and Michael get away with bending the rules as they see fit for too long and it’s about fucking time that someone stepped up and did something about it!” I added as I flipped some hair over my shoulder. ”I wasn’t about to go to the back of the line whilst some bitch who needed brass knuckles to beat Roxi got an undeserved title shot! And besides, the bosses need to learn to be a bit more lenient when it comes to their previous plans!”

“I’m not even going to get into how many things are wrong with that statement because otherwise we’d be here all night.” Keira sighed as she ran a hand down her face and I rolled my eyes. “And besides that, have you even seen the card for the Go Home Show? Roxi told me that Krystal got the new card text not long after she was discharged.”

I had to admit, I was curious as to why Keira was bringing that up, as the medic was closer to my phone than I was I motioned to him to pass my phone to me and he complied. ”Okay, looks pretty uneventful for a Go Home show, especially considering the other shows of the cycle had title matches on them but………” I tailed off when I saw the last two matches, the first one was the second match in the Best of Three between Calvin Harris and Miles Kasey, I had expected that because they had announced the men’s Internet Title Match for High Stakes which, surprisingly, wasn’t a tie breaker and instead a Triple Threat between the winner of that match and Eddie Lyons and BRADDOCK but you don’t need me to tell you that that wasn’t the match Keira was talking about, not with SCW’s intergender rules in place.

No, it was the Main Event and when he saw the look on my face? Francisco came over to get a look for himself. ”Battle Royal for the vacant Bombshell Internet Title, you vs. Kat Jones, Luna Vanity, Tempest, Krystal, Mercedes Vargas and Seleana Zdunich?!” Francisco asked with a look of surprise on his face and we both nodded. ”What happened to Aleesha? I think we would’ve heard something about two champions being fired on the same night.”

“She got injured during training, details haven’t been made public but the injury is severe enough to force her to relinquish her title.” Keira explained and Francisco nodded as he got the idea, me? I was still going over the list of talent involved in the match. “Penny for your thoughts Ari?”

”I think you can guess what my thoughts are Keira, this will be my third attempt at winning the Bombshell Internet Title this year, I need to make this count.” I responded with a frown before I put my phone to the side, at which point the medic cleared his throat. ”Only reason I have any interest in what you have to say is if you either heard anything about Aleesha’s injury or I’m free to go so out with it!”

“I was just about to say, the test came up clear and your free to go.” The medic explained and I wasted little time in hopping off the medical bed and grabbing my jacket and phone. “Take it easy for the next week, you’ve got that big match coming up.”

”Thanks Captain Obvious.” I muttered under my breath as I rolled my eyes before I left the medics room with Francisco not realizing that Keira wasn’t that far behind me. ”Franky? The sooner we’re back in Vegas, the better! I’ve got a title match to train for!”

“Don’t you want to talk?” Keira asked and I glanced over my shoulder at the Hall of Famer before shaking y head and continuing down the hallway. “You idolized Team Hero! You said as much when you challenged Roxi for the title in London……….”

”AND SHE WAS RIGHT! I never should’ve met my heroes!” I snapped at Keira as I spun on my heel to face her. ”My SCW Career has been miserable ever since that title match! Yet I’m the bad girl fir wanting to be in control of my own destiny for once in my god damn life!”

“You really think you’re the first one to be screwed out of a title match?!” Keira asked pointedly as she marched up to me. “SCW’s been around since you were a pre-teen Ari, you are hardly the first one to be screwed out of a World Bombshell Title Shot! Can’t you see that I’m trying to help you?!”

”And where the hell was that help during the Violent Conduct cycle?! When my self-confidence was at rock bottom and no one bothered to reach out to me?!”  I snapped at Keira as I let out several deep breaths. ”Oh wait, you were busy with Krystal’s demonic possession! I guess you only help young Bombshells like me when it’s convenient too you!”

“That’s not true and you know it!” Keira insisted and I rolled my eyes in response. “How many times did I try to pick your confidence up during that tour? When you said that the reason you didn’t answer Jessie’s open challenge for the show in Rome because you didn’t think that you’d be a worthy challenger I was right there trying to motivate you!”

”Oh yeah! Thanks for helping me that one fucking time!” I responded as I rolled my eyes before I stormed off without giving Keira a chance to answer back, before she knew it? I had left the arena and was on a Kayfabe Airlines flight back to Vegas after stopping by the hotel for an early checkout and to grab my stuff, Keira may have been my idol once upon a time but for now? I needed to focus on the future.

And that future started with this title match.

Ari’s home, Las Vegas, Nevada
Monday the 2nd of October 2023, 13:00pm

If there’s anything in my life that’s keeping me from going completely insane? It’s my pets at home.

For those who are keeping count? I have two cats, a domestic female cat called Athena and a slowly being domesticated feral cat called Peaches alongside a Golden Labrador called Zeus and the newest member of the household, a Boarder Collie puppy called Oreo.

Yeah, I know, calling a black and white puppy Oreo isn’t exactly the most original idea in the world but I was hungry when I came up with that name.

But back to the point, whilst I was initially taken aback by the insane amounts of exercise Oreo’s breed required (seriously, three hour walks?!) I decided to take her in because I figured what better way to get some exercise in when I’m away from the Go Gym? Plus, Oreo is an adorable puppy so in the end I couldn’t say no.

And speaking of insanely long walks, guess what we just got back from?

”Oreo I swear, you have energy for days.” I sighed as I returned to the house and after closing the door behind me I unhooked her lead from her collar, naturally Zeus was right there with us reacting excitedly to my return whilst Athena was chilling out on a coffee table. ”Franky I’m home!”

”Good, I was just about to call you.” Franky responded as I walked around the two dogs in front of me. ”Just after you left a visitor stopped by to see you, she said that she’s one of your relatives from Greece.”

”That doesn’t narrow things down, I come from a large family and most of them live in Greece.” I responded as I put down Oreo’s lead and Franky poked his head out of the kitchen before pointing to the living room, when I entered the living room it didn’t take me long to recognize the Greek woman. See my mom has two sisters, my aunt Laraine who I learned about my family’s history of mental illness on the woman’s side last December and my aunt Sylvia who lived in Greece and rarely came over to the US, in fact the last time I saw her was when she came over for my wedding, well, this was the second time I saw her and I grinned upon seeing her before greeting her with a big hug. ”Sylvie!” I greeted the older woman happily and she greeted me warmly. ”What brings you all the way from Corfu?”

“Several things Ariana but let’s catch up first.” Sylvia responded before I sat down opposite her. “I see you have settled in well since your wedding, even if your house seems to be turning into a zoo.”

”My neighbours know that I take in strays and I’m usually their port of call before they go to the ASPCA.” I responded as I shook my head before Zeus and Oreo joined us. ”Would be nice if they asked us once in a while but Oreo here is our latest addition.” I added as I picked up the puppy and let her sit on my lap. ”What about you?”

“Ahh, same old, same old, Corfu is still as beautiful as when you last visited it.” Sylvia responded and I had to sigh a bit because that was when I made my SCW debut and so much had changed since then. “But the rest of your family is concerned about your recent behaviour on Climax Control.”

”I should’ve known.” I sighed as I messaged by forehead with the hand with that wasn’t stroking the puppy. ”Sylvie, I’m not a kid anymore! I’m turning twenty three at the end of the month, the last time you were in the US was when I married Franky, I don’t need my family checking in on me like this.”

“That is true but you also suffer from the same mental health problems as the other women in our family.” Sylvia reminded me and I sighed as it sunk in. “And being the only one who is on TV every week? You are drawing more attention to it.”

”No offence Sylvia but shouldn’t that be a good thing?” I asked pointedly as I ran a hand through my long dark hair. ”Yes, I have the same issues as the other woman in the Angelos family, but I’m showing that it’s possible to still be a success in spite of it!”

“That is true, but your neglecting how others on the roster have been reacting too it, you’ve turned away your idols, your friends, and those who don’t like you are using it to attack you.” Sylvia responded as my eyes narrowed. “And yes, I’m referring to that Italian American woman’s comments on Twitter, Julianna DiMaria might be a bad apple but she is right that you need help.”

”Oh sure, take advice from the woman who told me to get help whilst making a joke about my mental health in the same tweet.” I responded as I rolled my eyes. ”Besides, I’ve got a title match to worry about on Sunday, a title match that literally just had a wrestler added to it, this is the last thing I need to hear right now.”

“Is it? Because we’ve taken notice of how miserable you’ve been since that title match in May.” Sylvia responded and my frown deepened. “I’m not saying that you should drop everything and go to a psychologist now, I only ask that you take my advice to see help as soon as possible Ariana, you are a beautiful and intelligent young woman and I don’t want to see you fall victim to the family’s curse.”

”I’ll think about it.” I sighed in response and that seemed to calm down Sylvia for now, I set Oreo on the ground before standing up. ”Come on, you’ve come all this way, I may as well make you lunch.”

“Oh no, no, no, no, you leave that to me Ariana.” Sylvia insisted as she stood up and marched towards the kitchen. “I’ll make lunch for all three of us! Besides, we both know that I’m the best cook in this family.”

Yeah, I wasn’t about to argue with her.

Go Gym Parking Lot, Las Vegas, Nevada
Tuesday the 3rd of October 2023, 21:00pm

*promo time*

Oh boy.

”Let’s just get this out of the way, did anyone see this coming?” I asked the camera after I turned it on. ”One champ fired and forced to relinquish his title, another champ injured and forced to relinquish her title? It’s definitely going to be a chaotic time in Sin City Wrestling but obvious reasons I’m more interested in the Bombshell Internet Title situation, a situation that’ll be resolved when I step into the ring against Kat Jones, Zoey Lukas, Luna Vanity, Krystal Wolfe, Tempest, Seleana Zdunich, Mercedes Vargas, and the newly added Sam Marlowe in a Battle Royal to determine the new Bombshell Internet Champion and her first challenger! Let’s not waste any more time, Kat? You’re up first on the chopping block!”

Here we go.

”Why start with Kat? Why not? She’s been so critical of me since the cycle began and now that she’s making her in ring return she’s being thrown right into this title match?” I asked as I brushed some hair over my shoulder. ”I guess they felt the need to include two Bombshells who’s Roulette Title Reigns ended anti-climatically, huh Kat? Well, three if you count Krystal considering how long her reign was! Either way? I’m looking forward to throwing your tired old ass out and showing that a win over Keira doesn’t mean much anymore!”

Next up Zoey.

”And from one disappointment too another, albeit for different reasons, tell me Zoey, does the sting of knowing that you lost out on a Wotld Bombshell Championship Match to me after you got yourself counted out still hurt? Yes? Good!” I asked as folded my arms. ”And what have you done of note since them? Turned Mercedes into a human pancake with Tempest’s help only to choke when you squandered your Queen for a Day privileges? Why does that sound so familiar? It’s not like you have a sister who did the same thing with the same outcome? Oh wait, you do! Only Alicia’s done everything you can’t! this match? It won’t be any different.”

Next up Tempest.

”And whilst we’re talking about Tempest? See the building behind me? The Go Gym? Me and Tempest have sparred there more times than I care to count and the last time we were in a Battle Royal together didn’t end well for me.” I stated before frowning. ”Who knows? Maybe the other Bombshells will actually use common sense and try to get the Bombshell who once injured her back lifting up a car out as soon as possible? Either way, you’re going to choke again Tempest!”

And now for the elephant in the room.

”Can’t really avoid talking about this person can I? I have to go from Tempest to the woman Tempest wrestled at Into the Void, that’s right Krystal, your up!” I stated as I shook my head. ”Frankly? Your chances of restarting our friendship are lower than the chances of Bea Barnhart ever winning the World Bombshell Title and whilst I wanted a match against you Krystal? I wanted it to be one on one, not in a Battle Royal like this! who knows? Maybe we’ll make that match a reality at High Stakes but I’ve got a title to win in the meantime.”

Next up is Sam.

”Sticking within that time period? I’m moving onto Sam next, because the last time I faced Sam was in the Blast from the Past Tournament where I eliminated her and Teddy Warren.” I stated as I thought back to that match. ”One of the favourites to win out in the first round, off course that was before I was eliminated by THE favourites to win but besides that Sam? This match won’t end any differently for you because I’m through being denied as a champion!”

Next up is Luna.

”You know what’s funny? Through all my recent struggles, the one person to stand by my side is someone who I never interacted that much with and guess what? Luna’s in the Battle Royal too.” I stated as I started playing with my hair. ”Whilst I thank you Luna for being my sole light in my recent darkness? It’ll be every woman for herself in this Battle Royal and as one of the two women in this match who I’ve never wrestled? I’ll admit, a title defence against you excites me, but we have to be the final two first!”

Next up is Mercedes.

”Speaking of people I’ve never wrestled, let’s talk about the other person in this match with that distinct honour, the old washed up bitch herself, Mercedes Vargas!” I said as I folded my arms. ”You’ve been around forever Mercedes and everything that you have to show for it is in the distant past! Yet the bosses keep giving you opportunity after opportunity, guess it’s okay to get infinite title chances when you don’t give a shit and just so up to wrestle so you can collect a pay check, right Mercedes? Well, this match is going to be the latest in a long line of failures for you!”

Last up is Seleana.

”And whilst we’re on the subject of failures, last up is a woman who has made a career out of constantly failing to live up to expectations, Seleana Zdunich!” I said as I shook my head in disbelief. ”Not only have you had a terrible year Seleana but you’ve had two big matches that you failed to capitalize on already, Roulette Title Match against Alexandra? Not only did you choke in the match but you almost choked on the fumes from the fire you started, Roulette Rules Match against Georgie just this past week? If that Falls Count Anywhere Match proved anything? It’s that you should stay away from tables, or maybe just title matches in general! But don’t worry, I’ll be on hand to reinforce that in this match!”

Big chance.

”Aside from Kat who literally just unretired, everyone in this match has had a title opportunity this year and came up short, me included! Far as I see it? Alessha’s injury gives me a chance to right a wrong from earlier this year!” I said as I flipped some hair over my shoulder. ”And if I have to outlast some of the best women’s wrestlers on the roster  along the way? So be it!”

It's that simple.

”If you ask me? There’s no-one hungrier for a title than me in this match! Some of the Bombshells have been in title droughts for months, even years, what sets me apart is that I was just cheated out of what should’ve been my moment!” I said as I let out several deep breaths. ”And just to rub salt in the wound they made that so called champion the special guest ref for a #1 Contenders Match that I never should have been forced to compete in! some might call this a consolation prize for me I call it righting a wrong!”

And with that I decided to wrap things up.

”And the bosses can go to hell if they think otherwise, it’s like I said, I’m through being a doormat and winning this Battle Royal will be a step in the right direction! Frankly? I don’t care who I face at High Stakes, only that I get my first title win at The Fallen Angel Part II: Not What I Expected…….” I trailed off as I clenched a fist. ”This match may not have been what I expected but make no mistake, “The Dark Angel” Ariana Angelos won’t let this slip through her fingers whilst my competition burns in my agonising light! I’ll see you all in the ring!”

I got in my car and drove off as the scene fades.

(Roxi was used with her handler’s permission)

Violent Conduct was finally here and Ariana’s second shot at the World Bombshell Title was right around the corner! However saying that the feel heading into the match against Courtney Pierce was different from the feel heading into the match against Roxi from the last International Tour was putting it mildly as whilst Ariana had great respect for Roxi as a direct result of Roxi being her wrestling idol growing up, none of that respect was present between Courtney and Ariana! Can Ariana win her first world title?

Ariana and Francisco’s hotel room, a town in Yucatan, Mexico
Monday the 21st of August 2023, 11:00am

You ever get a feel of de ja vue?

What do I mean by that? The last time SCW did an international tour I closed it out as the challenger for the World Bombshell Championship which, at the time, was held by Roxi Johnson, as frustrated as I got during the second week of the Into the Void buildup I can’t really deny that I learned a lot from my match against Roxi even in defeat! Well, I feel like the same thing is happening this time around, I’m once again the challenger for the World Bombshell Championship albeit this time it’s being held by the woman who dethroned Roxi and fought off Keira.

I think I’ve mentioned it enough times that Team Hero were, well, my heroes when I was a burgeoning wrestling fan, heck the title match between me and Roxi at Into the Void was a literal dream match! So once I got my confidence back after having it thoroughly beaten down by not just the awful Summer XXXTreme cycle but having any momentum gained from Team Go’s win over the Barnharts in Rome being thrown out the preverbal window by Kayla Richards I entered my first promo with one simple mindset:

I was going to avenge Team Hero!

It made sense at the time, Roxi was taking on the impressive newcomer Julia DiMaria and Keira was dealing with Krystal/Sin for, hopefully, the last time, but then I woke up this morning to find a notification on my Twitter account.

No I don’t care what Elon Mush rebranded it as, it’s still Twitter to me!

”I just barely miss breakfast this morning and Roxi’s criticising my approach to the match with Courtney.” I sighed as I read the tweet where Roxi mentioned me, as you can probably guess from that last statement, I didn’t get a chance to check my Twitter feed after I woke up because I slept in that morning and would’ve missed breakfast if not for Francisco practically dragging me out of bed. ”Well, at least this week is off to a better start than the week before my title match against her.”

”It probably helps that I told you not to watch Courtney’s promo until after your second one aired, let’s be honest we don’t want a repeat of Into the Void and Courtney is not nearly as nice as Roxi.” Francisco pointed out that fact that and I turned to my husband before nodding in agreement, so much had happened since I challenged Roxi for the title in London and getting married to Franky was definitely a highlight, as for the lowlights? I think I’ve gone over those enough already! ”What exactly did Roxi say anyway?”

”She said that this is my moment and that I shouldn’t be fighting for Team Hero, she didn’t mention Devona but I think it’s safe to say that the same principle applies to her and the other Go Gym Graduates not named Krystal.” I explained after getting the tweet up, I then copied the link and opened up messenger. ”You know what? Why don’t you read it for yourself, I’m sending you the link via your Twitter Page now.”

”I got it.” Francisco responded as he opened the link, as he read through it though he paused. ”Last year you were making your Violent Conduct debut as one of Melissa’s two challengers for the Bombshell Roulette Title alongside Georgie Robertson, now your challenging for the top title in the Bombshell Division and if you do dethrone Courtney then she won’t be able to claim a tainted win because you pinned the other person in the match.”

”Because the only other person in the match will be the ref and if I hit them with the Angel’s Descent then I’ll either be disqualified or the bosses will have to send another ref out.” I nodded in response as I got the idea before turning to Francisco. ”There are other differences that I’m thankful for, Lazarus faded from the public view after Carter broke up with him, Amer Ryan and Masque aren’t around anymore, as much as I respect Amber as a wrestler she’s definitely a woman I never want to wrestle again, same goes for Masque, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg, but am I really that different from how I was during that India tour?” I asked as I brushed some hair over my shoulder and Francisco nodded.

”But look at how far you’ve come, your luck’s been rotten but the bosses like you enough to give you these opportunities, you just haven’t been able to take them like you did against Melissa and Georgie.” Francisco assured me and I grinned in response. ”Hell, before Courtney finally dethroned Roxi you came the closest, I remember you wondering how you would’ve done against Courtney in Roxi’s place.”

”You mean when I took on Keira literally right after Courtney dethroned Roxi?” I asked and Francisco nodded.  ”I persuaded Carter to put off our Mixed Tag Team Qualifier so I could get that match, it may have coincided with his birthday but I can’t help but wonder if we would’ve done any better against either of the teams that wrestled that week instead of Kim and Peter.” I sighed as I shook my head. ”And now I remember how bad the Summer XXXTreme Cycle went for me this year.”

”I’m sorry Ari, didn’t want to remind you of a bad memory.” Francisco apologized and I gave him an appreciative nod. ”But you see what I mean by how far you’ve come right?”

”I guess so, I haven’t even been considered as a challenger in the Bombshell Roulette Division since I lost the title to Crystal Hilton and since then my time has been split between the Bombshell Internet, World and Tag Team Divisions.” I added as I leaned back in my chair. ”It almost feels like I’ve gone from a promising young Bombshell to a title division nomad, can’t even say that I’ve joined the ranks of the perpetual challengers because I haven’t challenged for either the Internet or World Bombshell Titles frequently enough as of this coming Sunday.”

”But if anything that just proves my point, your Bombshell Roulette Title reign did a lot to improve your stock in SCW, and pretty much the only person questioning your presence in the Main Event is, well, The Troll and he’s an idiot.” Francisco pointed out and I quickly nodded in agreement before I thought of something, "Something on your mind?”

”A few things really, do we know for certain that Roxi’s in Yucatan?” I asked and Francisco could only shrug his shoulders in response. ”I want to meet up with her, I met up with Keira last week so maybe she can help?”

”I suppose it couldn’t hurt, and looking at the tweet you sent me? She does bring up some good points, I have to admit, not saying this because I train at Hero Academy either.” Francisco admitted as he looked at the tweet and I set about sending Roxi a message to see if she was around so we could meet up, thankfully the answer was yes. ”Going to the woman you challenged for the World Bombshell Title in May for advice on your current World Bombshell Title Match is definitely a strange feeling, isn’t it?”

”Maybe, maybe not.” I responded before Roxi sent me a meetup location. ”At least Roxi picked a spot close to the hotel, let’s go.” I added and Francisco nodded before we left our hotel room.

Had I really been going about this all wrong? There was only one way to find out and that was to get advice from a woman who debuted for SCW when I was barely a teenager, fitting isn’t it? And who knows? Maybe it’ll be enough?

Walking through town, Yucatan, Mexico
Monday the 21st of August 2023, 12:00pm

If you had told me this would be happening to adult me back when I was a teenager, well I’d tell you to throw it in with the rest of the crazy stuff that’s happened to me since my Bombshell Roulette Title reign ended in January.

But still, coming up to Roxi Johnson and then being told to walk and talk with her? If my inner Team Hero fangirl wasn’t giddy (somehow) at the prospect of living the dream of challenging Roxi for the World Bombshell Title on PPV then she was giddy at the prospect of getting to pick her heroes mind before a huge match.

But that was just the problem, Roxi (and Keira off course) were my heroes, they had been since my wrestling fandom started all those years ago, but one thing was at the back of my mind.

”Annnnnnd that’s all the venting about my rotten luck since Into the Void out of my system.” I admitted with a sigh as I brushed some hair over my shoulder, yeah I wasn’t going to put you guys through that again, you’ve heard me complain about that god knows how many times since the cycle began. ”It took me getting some tough love from Carter whilst Miles played Good Cop to finally get me out of my emotional rut, but now I’m back to questioning myself all over again thanks to your tweet.”

“Sometimes best friends have to give each other tough love, and as playful as Carter can be? I know he’s more than up to the challenge.” Roxi nodded in response as I walked alongside her, we were the same height at 5ft 6 which off course meant that we were taller than most women but given the years of experience Roxi had over me? It felt like she was much, much taller than I was. “I know you meant well Ari but what I said was true, going into a World Bombshell Title Match, or any title match for that matter, is asking for trouble.”

”My thought process was that since Courtney had disrespected you and Keira, not to mention Devona but she hasn’t been seen since Summer XXXTreme and you didn’t bring her up either, was that I could fight for your honour whilst Team Hero dealt with its own battles.” I admitted as I shook my head before sighing. ”I was feeling good about that too until I saw your tweet this morning.”

“At least you didn’t take it so hard this time, right?” Roxi asked me and I quickly nodded in agreement, yeah I was seriously regretting flying off the handle like that in my second promo against Roxi. “But you can’t fight for others forever, you have to fight for yourself once in a while and that goes double for World Bombshell Title Matches.”

”I see your point but where do I go from here?” I asked as I brushed some hair behind my ear. ”I haven’t even watched Cortney’s promo yet, I wanted to avoid repeating the same mistakes I made against you.”

“At least you acknowledge where you went wrong.” Roxi nodded in response as she turned to me and I stopped in my tracks. “Courtney’s always been an arrogant woman, but since she ended my reign her arrogance has gone though the roof, use that against her.”

”By saying that her arrogance will cost Courtney the title?” I asked and Roxi nodded to confirm that that was what she meant. ”I mean, I won my first singles title last year when I dethroned Melissa to win the title, do you really think I can repeat history by winning my first World Title?”

“You have the talent to do it, you just need to believe in yourself more.” Roxi reassured me and I grinned in response, honestly? I was regretting not talking to my fellow wrestlers about my building frustrations over the past few weeks instead of using the last few Climax Controls to vent them. “Gabriel wouldn’t have taken you in if he didn’t see the potential you have Ari, you have to remember that as your wrestling career suffers its ups and downs and trust me, you’ll get a lot of ups and downs when you get to my age and experience level.”

”Doesn’t that kinda go without saying though?” I asked Roxi and she gave me a curious look. ”No one ever said that wrestling is a dangerous sport, they used to say that it isn’t ballet until the world realized just how tough ballet dangers have it, but since our title match it feels like I’ve had a lot more downs than ups.”

“Losing streaks are an unfortunate part of being a wrestler, it’s how you come back from them that matters.” Roxi responded as she shook her head and I nodded in agreement. “Krystal came back from a six month losing streak and went on to have a record shattering Roulette Title reign, this is your chance to possibly repeat what Krystal did.”

”If I do have a Krystal type reign with the World Bombshell Title can I at least have a better ending than Krystal’s did?” I asked with a sheepish grin as I ran a hand through my hair. ”The story behind Krystal’s last title defence ate away at her for the rest of 2022, that and the revival of Sin was what lead us to this current situation. And it’s one that I’m in no hurry to emulate.”

“First of all? Good, at least your learning from her mistakes.” Roxi responded and I nodded in agreement. “Second? I doubt the Bombshell Roster wants a repeat of what happened to Krystal, even the bitchier members will check in on you.” Roxi added before I felt my stomach rumble. “Did you eat breakfast?”

”I barely got down to the hotel restaurant in time because I slept in this morning but yeah, I had breakfast.” I nodded in response as I placed a hand over my rumbling tummy. ”I guess it is coming up to lunch though.”

“Come on, I know a good place to get some grub.” Roxi responded before leading me to a nearby restaurant.

Nearby restaurant, a town in Yucatan, Mexico
Monday the 21st of August 2023, 12:30pm

I’ll admit, I never really tried authentic Mexican cuisine before, I know Greek cuisine (obviously given my Greek heritage and all), I know American cuisine, but the closest I got to Mexican cuisine was Tex-Mex and that’s not really the real thing, is it?

So yeah, calling the past week or so that I’ve spent in Mexico an education in another country’s cuisine is about as accurate a description that you can get, the fact that I’m enjoying this meal opposite a woman I grew up idolizing isn’t lost on me either.

”Man that was so good.” I commented after polishing off my meal and Roxi nodded in agreement as she finished her meal, I was expecting the food to be a lot spicier based on everything I had heard about Mexican cuisine but whilst the spice was there? It wasn’t painfully spicy which suited my basic white girl spice tolerance levels just fine! ”Are you sure about covering the meal? I can pay for it.”

“I’m sure, and after the rough time you’ve had since our title match? You need to treat yourself Ari.” Roxi assured me and I grinned in response, though I wasn’t exactly happy about being reminded of my cycle long losing streak or the fact that my one qin since the match against Roxi was secured by Carter. “How does this compare to the build up to our title match? Just wondering.”

”Kinda similar honestly, Gabriel made the trip out to London so he could treat me to a meal at one of London’s best Greek restaurants for one thing.” I responded with a shrug before taking a sip of my drink. ”Being Greek American, I have high standards when it comes to Greek Restaurants outside of Greece but the food was really good! And getting to spend time with my mentor in the middle of the whole Krystal saga didn’t hurt either.”

“Gabriel’s a good man and a fantastic trainer, wrestlers like you, Fenris, Devona, Carter, Krystal, London Underground and Tempest are testimony to that fact.” Roxi pointed out and I quickly nodded in agreement, I may have been the youngest Go Gym Graduate currently wrestling but that didn’t mean that I wasn’t in good company. “But would you have trained at Hero Academy if me and Keira had opened the school four years ago?”

”All due respect to Gabriel and Odette? I wouldn’t have thought twice about it.” I admitted with a shrug of my shoulders and Roxi nodded as she got the idea. ”It was their training that turned me into the wrestler I am today, but I’ve seen what you’ve done with Harper and Cass, two girls who are around the same age I was when I graduated from the Go Gym, they won their first titles within months of their graduation, not unlike me and Carter with SCU’s Pride Tag Titles, I’ll admit, I have been wondering if I would’ve won my first singles title sooner if I had been trained by you and Keira instead.”

“Hard to say, me and Keira have tried to train our students to the same standard as the Go Gym and we’ve only had two graduates who have done anything with their talents.” Roxi responded and I nodded in response before I took a sip of my drink. “We do get fans that want to be trained by their favourite wrestlers but we don’t treat them any different from the other trainees, you would’ve been no different.”

”Makes sense, no trainer worth their salt wants to appear biased towards a student of theirs, especially if said student isn’t even old enough to drink yet.” I responded with a nod and it didn’t take Roxi long to realize what I was implying. ”Being a mother yourself, you must realize what I’m talking about.”

“Even if I wasn’t raising Nate with Keira, the meaning would’ve been clear.” Roxi nodded in response and I swiftly decided to change the topic before things got too awkward.

”So, do you think I have a chance at dethroning Courtney?” I asked Roxi and she nodded without hesitation. ”She’s been on a roll since she ended your reign and like I said during my first promo, she’s done something I couldn’t, she’s beaten both members of Team Hero and Devona, do I need to point out how much the deck is stacked against me heading into this Main Event?”

“It takes pressure to make a diamond Ari, and you’ve been under a lot of pressure since our title match.” Roxi assured me and I nodded in response. “you just have to grab this opportunity whilst you can.”

”I can at least try, thanks Roxi.” I responded before Roxi paid the bill and we left the restaurant to head back to the hotel.

Chitchen Iza, Yucatan, Mexico
Tuesday the 22nd of August 2023, 17:00pm

*promo time*

This is it.

”I guess there is something to be said about backseat promoting or whatever you’d call Roxi’s tweet, but she did have a point, I was going about this World Bombshell Title Match against Courtney all wrong.” I admitted with a shrug as I wondered around the wonder. ”I thought I was doing the right thing by entering this match with the mindset that I was going to avenge Team Hero, but Roxi put it best, I can’t make this about anyone but myself! This is my moment! This may be my second chance at the World Bombshell Title this year but I have to embrace it if I want to become the latest in a long line of Go Gym Graduates to win the World Title for my division.”

But can I?

”I’m not about to deny that Courtney’s a fantastic wrestler, you don’t beat Devona, Keira and Roxi without some talent, I should know, I’ve faced those women and failed to beat all three.” I stated as I folded my arms with a thoughtful look on my face. ”But if I can’t avenge my heroes, where does that leave me? It leaves me with one task, the very task I set out to do after Carter and Miles got me out of my rut, to be the youngest World Bombshell Champion to come along in a long time.”

Lofty goal.

”I signed with SCW when I was twenty one, several months later and one month before my twenty second birthday, I won the Bombshell Roulette Title at Violent Conduct VII, now, Violent Conduct IX is happening just under a month removed from my twenty third birthday and I once again find myself in a title match, albeit one with much higher stakes.” I added as I thought back to the moment where I hit the Angels Descent on Georgie to win the gold. ”Will history repeat itself? The Go Gym’s certainly earned its reputation as a school that trains future champions and I’ve already proved that several times over, yet Courtney is ready to dismiss me as a challenger, hell she outright said that she’d prefer it if Carter was a woman because she thinks she’d get a more interesting challenge out of him!”

I don’t think so.

”Look, I love my bestie and I know that he’s a hell of a wrestler in his own right, how he got left off two Supercards in  a row is beyond me, but a more interesting challenger? I know there’s a debate going on about who the better wrestler between me and Carter is but I’m not about to get into that Courtney, all I will say is that you’ve already made a critical mistake.” I added as I brushed some hair over my shoulder. ”You underestimated me because I didn’t earn this shot, you literally picked me at random from a list that included Julia, Luna, Eiley, Bea, myself, Seleana and Georgie, why don’t you ask Melissa how well that worked out for her last year?”

Go ahead, ask.

”In fact, I’ll save you the trouble Court, she underestimated me and her Roulette Title Reign ended that night, if you’re not careful then the same fate will befall you and the World Bombshell Title!” I added as I brushed some hair behind my ear. ”That’s your major weakness as a wrestler Court, your arrogance! You think the world revolves around you because Fenris nearly broke his back carrying you to the 2018 Blast from the Past Finals so it’s fitting really that your reign gets ended by someone who graduated from the same school as him!”

But enough about the past.

”Look, I think we can all agree that I harped on too much about the past in my first promo, and I don’t want to sound like a broken record either, but by the end of the night? You’ll wish that you had picked Bea Barnhart as your challenger instead Courtney! I mean, Bea might be the joke of the Bombshell Division but she’d still be a better champion than you any day of the week!” I made a mic drop motion with my hand to drive the point home. ”Why do I say that? Partially it’s to bruise your ego, I mean that thing’s so big that it has its own orbit at this point, but at least Bea is respectful towards her opponents both before and after a match!”

There, I said it!

”You called Roxi a disappointment, you blamed Keira for Krystal breaking your wife’s arm and just so we’re clear? I’ve never been a big fan of Ruby as a person but there’s no way in hell that she deserved that! And worst of all? You treated Devona like she was an afterthought after you narrowly beat her to retain your title! I know I said that I was deemphasizing the whole “avenging my heroes” thing after Roxi caught wind of it but I can’t let something like that pass without comment.” I stated as I folded my arms. ”The Roulette Titles may be the bottom of the totem pole in SCW but it was the title where I started to establish myself as someone to keep an eye on, and what’s more? I actually treated my challengers with respect for the most part! The one exception was the woman who ended my reign but let’s be honest, no one wanted to see Crystal Hilton come out of that Open Invitational Match as champion anyway! Well, no one except Crystal herself obviously.”

What separates us.

”As for what I’m getting at Court? We may be young guns vying for the top prize of the Bombshell Division but that’s where the similarities end! I’ve been humble since I graduated from the Go Gym in 2019 and I’ve been striving to better myself since my title reign ended, you’ve been an arrogant bitch since you arrived in SCW and having to wait five years to finally cash in your Blast from the Past win has left you with one hell of a chip on your shoulder, something that you’ve used to turn away everyone who’s stepped up to you!” I added before shaking my head. ”But your time has run out Courtney! Your reign is on life support and I’m about to sign the DNR order for you!”

Meaning?

”And what I mean by that is, I will be the new World Bombshell Champion! Roxi described my first challenge for this title as “preparing me for the next time”, fast forward three months and another International Tour later and that next time is now!” I added as I flipped some hair over my shoulder. ”And trust me Court, I have every intention of making good on my promise that I will be a future World Bombshell Champion, sure, I’ll have to deal with the Queen for a Day inevitably using her powers to book herself as my first challenger, but let’s look at who is in that match?”

Shall we?

”Mercedes? The only person in that match who I’ve never faced but someone who hasn’t been her old self in years, won’t be a problem for me, Zoey? She at least admitted that that’s her plan for Queen for a Day, I’ll give her credit for that, but I do hold a win over her! Even if it was by count out! Tempest? She’s the only one I’ve never faced one on one but we’ve trained together at the Go Gym, she’d be a tough opponent, that’s all I can say.” I said as I paced around for a bit. ”But that does come with a caveat, I need to beat you first Court, and trust me, I’ve never let readier to grab that brass ring and win the big one!”

But can I?

”I can’t deny that it’s a daunting task, having to defeat someone who has been a dominant champion, throw in the fact that this is my second chance this year at winning the gold? Who’s to say that I’ll get a third chance before the year is over?” I asked bluntly as I shrugged my shoulders. ”My point is? This might be the last chance I get at thus all year, and I plan to make the most of it! And it’s like I said before Court, I know how to take you down, I know I need to use your arrogance against you.”

But will it be enough?

”There’s some doubt in my mind about whether even that will be enough even when combined with my in ring talent and determination but there’s only one way we’ll know for sure Court, and that’s to meet in the ring for the Main Event!” I added as I ran a hand through my hair. ”I know second chances don’t come often, especially in wrestling, but just remember one thing Court: it was your hubris that lead to me getting this second chance, it was you drawing my name from a deck of cards that lead to this match being booked and it was your dismissal of me as a challenger that will be your undoing!”

Your biggest mistake.

”Maybe you could’ve gotten away with it if you had said “screw it, I’m defending my title against Ariana, Julia, Seleana, Bea, Luna, Georgie and Eiley in an Eight Pack Challenge!” and god help the ref who gets assigned to that preverbal match! But no, you went and picked me at random, and then had the gall to tell me that emulating the challengers that came before me would be my undoing?” I asked as I folded my arms. ”I will say this, as I enter this match will be wrestling for all the little girls who, like me, watched SCW with hopes and dreams of being in the Bombshell Division someday, winning the top title will just be validation that dreams can come true, and I didn’t even need to Wish Upon a Star to make happen!”

Funny that.

”Yeah I know that Disney reference was random but I can only blame myself for watching the original Pinocchio on Disney+ last night! How they got away with that donkey transformation scene is beyond me! But in a way it’s appropriate that I bring that up because once I dethrone you Courtney you’ll feel like an ass for being so dismissive of me in the first place!” I stated as I flipped some hair over my shoulder. ”And you’ll soon learn that, as nice as I am? I don’t suffer fools once the bell rings.”

No, I don’t.

”Just ask anyone who wrestled me during my Bombshell Roulette Title Reign, I often went the extra mile to secure the win in each of my five defences and guess what Court? The same will apply to this match as well.” I said as I folded my arms. ”I’m not denying that I’m the Underdog heading into this match Courtney, but there’s one thing that you need to know, The Underdog Bites Back!”

It’s that simple.

”And in this case? That bite will snatch the World Bombshell Championship from your fingers awarding me the top prize in the Bombshell Division.” I said before I stopped in the centre of the plaza. ”Courtney? No one’s denying that you’ve been a dominant champion but all good things must come to an end! And for your reign as the World Bombshell Champion? Your time is up!”

And with that I decided to wrap things up.

”But for me? My time has only just begun! I will be returning to Vegas as the new World Bombshell Champion Courtney and you can do everything in your power to try to stop me.” I said as grinned broadly before making a belt motion around my waist. ”It won’t work because my destiny won’t be denied! And as you bask in the glory of the Greek Goddesses light Court? You’ll wish that you had literally picked anyone else as your next challenger! See you on Sunday!”

I turned off the camera as the scene fades.

(Keira was used with her handler’s permission)

Ariana’s losing streak was over as she and Carter picked up the win over the Barnharts after Carter pinned Bill! However that still meant that Ariana had yet to pick up a win on her own since she earned her shot at Roxi at Into the Void, but that could soon change, she just had to beat someone who has defeated her twice in singles competition and once in a Triple Threat to do it, that someone was also a dominant champion.

That’s right, it’s Kayla Richards vs. Ariana Angelos III and whilst this was a non-title match, it held significance for both women! If Ariana won then she would go on to challenge Kayla for the title at Violent Conduct IX but if Kayla won? She would handpick her challenger for the event, can Ariana get the win?

Ariana’s hotel room, Amann, Jordan
Monday the 24th of July 2023, 11:00am

Where do I even begin when it comes to the past two weeks of SCW programming?

The good news is that my losing streak is over, me and Carter got the win over Bill and Bea Barnhart in Rome, the bad news? Carter got the pin on Bill, meaning that I was still winless, and you want to know the really bad news?

Sin was back.

I was on the outside looking in when Keira did away with Sin back in 2020, I was still part of the SCU Women’s Roster at the time after all, but what I saw chilled me to the bone and I was grateful that the threat of Sin was long gone before I even thought about jumping from SCU to SCW like Krystal did in 2021.

Ironic that the same woman who beat me to the punch as far as jumping from SCU to SCW would be the one to bring back Sin.

To be honest, I’m not entirely sure if I understand the Sin situation, Keira hasn’t really been forthcoming and looking back at the Climax Controls and PPVs from the original Sin Saga didn’t really help when it came to context clues, and that’s not even getting into what Krystal did to Ruby Steele last night in their match, to make a long story short? The match was stopped because Krystal broke Ruby’s arm.

And on top of that? I was facing Kayla again next week on Climax Control.

In some ways, this is like my first rematch with Kayla, in that it had Internet Title ramifications, however whilst our last match was about seeing who would head into the Triple Threat against Melissa at Blaze of Glory XI for the title, this time around I’m fighting for my right to challenge Kayla for the title at Violent Conduct! But if I lose Kayla gets to handpick her opponent! Which would possibly mean that I get to challenge Kayla win or lose but that would require Kayla to be a much nicer person than she is.

The fact that Kayla is the only Bombshell who I’ll openly call a bitch on camera should tell you how that will likely go down!

”I’m just gonna say this Franky.” I commented as I turned to my husband who was busy packing away our stuff and Franky looked up. ”I don’t know how the bosses are going to narrow down the selection for “Holy Crap/WTF Moment of the Year” come High Stakes!”

”Tell me about it! The attack on you and Cassie was shocking enough but Krystal seems to find new ways of topping herself each week! And that’s just talking about Krystal!” Francisco nodded in response as he finished packing away his clothes. ”That’s the last of my clothes, and you know how I feel weird about touching your clothes outside of sex, especially your underwear!”

”I’ll get on that in a sec, we’re not due to checkout for another couple of hours.” I responded with a shrug as I checked the time on my iPhone, frankly? I had a lot more on my mind than my husband feeling weird about handling women’s clothing even though we’ve known each other for a little over a year by this point. ”I feel like I don’t have a real grasp on the Sin situation.” I commented and Francisco turned to me. ”I was still in SCU during the original Sin saga, I caught the shows weekly but they didn’t really help with context clues.”

”In that case? Why don’t we head back to Vegas instead of straight to China and ask Keira?” Francisco suggested and I gave my husband a surprised look. ”She has Hero Academy to run, that’s why she always flies in a couple of days before the show, same with Roxi.”

”That might be my best bet, besides Jessie and Keira made plans to meet at Hero Academy to assess an underage student so it’s likely we’ll see her there.” I nodded in response and Franky nodded in response. ”By the way have you heard anything about Miles and Austin? Last I heard, Carter didn’t want Miles risking further injury by flying out to China.”

”That’s all the updates I’ve heard from either of them, but if the card preview is any indication? The bosses had a contingency plan on the off chance that any of the qualifiers ended in a draw.” Francisco responded as he shook his head and I nodded in response. ”More importantly, are you feeling any better since you and Carter beat the Barnharts?”

That was a good question to be honest, my self-confidence had been at rock bottom since we got off the Summer XXXTreme Cruise and whilst the win over Bill and Bea helped? I still have a long way to go. ”I don’t know to be honest, like I said, I’d feel a lot better if I had gotten the pin instead of Carter but I guess a win’s a win.” I sighed as I folded my arms. ”But that brings me to the other thing I said at Climax Control, I need to win my next match if I want to get my self-confidence back to the pre-World Bombshell Title Match level, I meant what I said when I said that I didn’t care what match it was, I just thought the bosses would give me a Queen for a Day Qualifier rather than a rematch with Kayla.”

”Against who though? Luna’s still finding her feet but she has pulled off shock wins, just look at how she ended her initial losing streak, but Kim’s a veteran of the industry and made Jessie earn her first title defence in London.” Francisco pointed out and I nodded with a frown on my face. ”Look, Ari? The bosses see a lot in you, that’s why they gave you that opportunity against Roxi in the first place, you’ll bounce back from this and you know it.”

”Thanks Franky, but it’s going to take a lot more than kind words to get my spirits back up.” I responded with a sigh before I stood up. ”I think it’s time I sorted out my stuff, my clothes, underwear, toiletries, everything, you good on your end?”

”I believe so, but I’ll double check.” Francisco responded before doing just that.

Kayla Richards, if there was one person who has haunted me since I made the jump to SCW, it was Kayla! Faced her in my fourth match as an official SCW Bombshell, met her again in an Internet Title Battle Royal at last year’s Violent Conduct Cycle, then I met her yet again after I lost the Bombshell Roulette Title and got promoted to the Bombshell Internet Division, and then again when I challenged her alongside Melissa for the Bombshell Internet Title.

What do those matches have in common? Kayla beat me each and every time! And I’m not sure if I can count the Battle Royal because whilst Kayla won that match? Tempest was the one who eliminated me, otherwise? The one-time Kayla didn’t pin me was in the Triple Threat with Melissa and that was because Melissa pinned me to win the title! The reign would end up being short lived thanks to Goth’s injury and Kayla would win it back the same week said injury was announced, but the point still stands.

As far as one on one matches went, we’ve only faced each other twice, three times counting our match on Sunday, will the third time be the charm? Will the third time be the one where I finally beat Kayla?

Hero Academy, Las Vegas, Nevada
Tuesday the 25th of July 2023, 18:00pm

Is this so wrong?

I’ve been coming to Hero Academy for a few weeks now getting some reps in when I had time away from SCW’s latest international tour, at Keira’s suggestion off course, the veteran Bombshell believed in me and wanted to see me reach my potential as a wrestler, but there was one glaring problem, my Go Gym membership.

On the surface there was nothing wrong with me going to Hero Academy, the Go Gym may have trained me but some members, including my bestie Carter, would say that I was being disloyal to the Go Gym, truth was? The Go Gym hadn’t been the same since Krystal was banned from it during the Unsolved Mysteries Tour and well, I needed to get new perspectives if I was going to home my craft as a wrestler.

Wrestlers react to losing streaks differently, Krystal grew more and more frustrated as the months waned on not helped by the fact that her losing streak coincided with the first few months of her SCW Contract, Jessie? I can’t remember her having a significant losing streak but she was the type who kept her emotions bottled up, I let my losing streak go to my head and now my self-confidence as at rock bottom.

Maybe this chat with Keira will be just what the doctor ordered?

“Sorry for the wait, I had to clear up the schedule with Cassie and Harper.” Keira apologized as we entered her office at Hero Academy and I nodded before sitting down. “Cassie’s last match with EWC happened last night in Thailand, they’ll be flying in tonight.”

”You mean from that island with the funny name? what was it? Phuket Island?” I asked awkwardly and yes, it is pronounced as you read it, I am famous for my dislike of swearing at this point so having to say a name like that was interesting. ”Surprised SCW has never done a show on that island! But on that subject, I am here to talk about SCW, more specifically Sin.”

Keira lowered her head and let out a deep breath when I said that because she was obviously deeply affected by this. “Look, I was just as surprised as everyone else when Sin revealed herself, and Ruby was an unfortunate victim of her, but why do you want to talk about this?”

”That’s just it though! I was on the outside looking in during the first Sin saga.” I admitted and Keira nodded as she started to get the idea. ”That whole saga happened when I was finding my feet in SCU, I feel like I was missing a lot of context clues after watching the Climax Controls and PPVs, even the ones from one I was representing SCU!”

“I guess I never considered how it looked to someone who wasn’t fully aware of the situation, but I can’t tell you the whole story, too many emotional wounds.” Keira sighed and I nodded as I got the idea. “If it’s any comfort? Sin in her current form is much weaker than Sin was when she had her own body, it’s pretty much the only reason I’ve been able to get the upper hand on her at all.”

”I guess that makes sense but do we even know how long Sin has been in Krystal’s body?” I asked and Keira just shook her head. ”Any advice?”

“I know this whole thing started when Krystal attacked you and Cassie but try to focus on your own thing.” Keira advised me and I gave the Blonde Bombshell a curious look. “Me and Roxi will handle the situation, you have a potential shot at the Bombshell Internet Title coming up in a few weeks if you beat Kayla and take it from someone who completed the Grand Slam by defeating Kayla at last year’s Violent Conduct, she is not an easy opponent!”

”I could’ve guessed that from all the other times she’s beaten me!” I responded as I shook my head and Keira frowned in concern at the tone of my voice. ”And you know I’ve been unable to regain any serious momentum since I lost to Roxi at Into the Void, the win over the Barnharts was a step in the right direction but it was Carter that pinned Bill, not me pinning Bea.”

“Francisco, would you mind leaving us alone for a few minutes?” Keira asked my husband who was initially surprised by her request but when we saw the look on Keira’s face, we knew she meant business and Francisco left the room closing the door behind him. “Ariana, why did you enrol at the Go Gym in the first place?”

That question caught me off guard, and what’s more? The look Keira was giving me told me she wasn’t going to take a generic “to be a champion” like answer. ”Where do I even start? My parents were emotionally and physically abusive, my prospects at getting a shot at the Olympics through gymnastics were slim, I saw wrestling as both my escape from them and my chance to do something with my athletic talents! I was disowned by my parents for following my dream but it ultimately worked out for the better.”

“But they gave you severe confidence issues along the way, didn’t they?” Keira asked and I paused before nodding reluctantly, it hadn’t even occurred to me until then that that was the case but now that Keira had said it? It made sense. “Let me make one thing clear, you are absolutely better off without your parents in your life, they don’t deserve a daughter as beautiful or intelligent as you and don’t you forget it.”

”Thanks but I don’t see how this has to do with my wrestling career?” I asked and Keira frowned as she sat down. ”I had to sneak out of the house to go train at the Go Gym, it took me talking to the other perspective wrestlers at the Go Gym for me to realize that that wasn’t normal.”

“Why do you think you self confidence took such a sharp downturn after one bad cycle?” Keira asked pointedly and I paused to consider it. “If they had encouraged you to follow your dreams, I’m willing to bet that your confidence would’ve bounced back already, instead? A cycle long losing streak tanked your self-confidence and it’s affecting your performance in the ring.”

”But what am I supposed to do?” I asked as I leaned back in my chair. ”You know how brutal Kayla can get when she’s cutting promos,, I’m just the nice girl of the Bombshell roster.”

“The nice girl who has shown more fire in her than most wrestlers I’ve met, your second promo against Roxi being a key example.” Keira responded and I nodded knowing that she was right. “Ari? The truth is? I’ve been in your shoes, I’ve had rough patches, you know what I did?” Keira asked and I  shook my head. “I fought, I kept fighting until I got back to where I was, it won’t happen immediately, but all you need to do is believe in yourself, in your own heart, mind and soul.”

”Is it really that easy? The World Title Match against Roxi was a definite high light of my career, but my next five matches, including the one against you, brought that crashing down.” I responded with a sigh and Keira nodded. ”I don’t know how I can bounce back from that.”

“You can bounce back from that by remembering everything you learned from Gabriel and Odette at the Go Gym, you can bounce back from that by remembering all the lessons you learned in SCU and SCW.” Keira added and I nodded as I got the idea. “You just have to believe.”

”I feel like I’m in a 90s PSA about believing in yourself and peer pressure and stuff.” I joked and Keira had a slight chuckle at that. ”But I’ll try.” I added before the door opened and Francisco stepped in.

”Sorry to interrupt but I have to ask, was Hero Academy always enrolling underage girls?” Francisco asked and Keira nodded.

“Ahh, I see you’ve met Sophie?” Keira asked and Francisco nodded. “Come on, I’ll introduce you guys proper.” Keira added before we left her office.

Hero Academy, Las Vegas, Nevada
Tuesday the 25th of July 2023, 13:00pm

You’d think nothing could surprise me at this point.

I’ve been apart of this sport for almost four years by this point, I’ve been betrayed by someone I thought was my friend, I’ve seen my bestie go through a horribly abusive relationship, I had to buy a white board just to keep track of all my challengers for an upcoming title defence and kept it around as part of my act, I’ve even wrestled my now former boss on PPV!

And yet, here I am standing in front of a wrestling ring, watching a high school sophomore aged girl train to be a wrestler! And holding her own against the older, more experienced students, you know, considering her obvious inexperience and all.

What can I say? The wrestling business is a strange beast!

“Sophie, Carrie, take five.” Keira called out to the two students and Carrie, who I recognised as one of the three Hero Academy Students attacked by Krystal during the last cycle, and the high school girl looked up. “You have someone who wants to meet you Sophie.” Keira added as she motioned to me and Sophie grinned upon recognizing me and left the ring whilst Carrie took up a spot in the far corner.

”Err, hi.” I commented awkwardly as the girl came up to me, aren’t there laws against this kind of thing? ”Nice to meet you Sophie.”

“Likewise.” Sophie responded with a grin before Keira nudged the youngster with her elbow, Sophie gave her trainer a confused look before it clicked. “And I should’ve told you my full name, I’m Sophie Ramone.”

If I had been drinking anything at that point, it would’ve ended up all over the girl, back when I was still a wrestling fan there was one male wrestler who always stuck out like a sore thumb on the SCW Roster, namely Steve Ramone, a guy who had originally retired to help raise his daughter, by the time of his SCW debut Sophie was around eight years old and that was in 2015/2016.

Yeah, I know aging is a thing that happens but it felt weird to see that same girl not only as a high school aged student but as a wrestling trainee.

”Well, that explains her young age.” Francisco chimed in and we turned to him. ”Nothing gets you in the front door faster than having a famous wrestling daddy, no offence.”

“None taken and besides, Steve was such a pariah towards the end of his career that I had to convince Keira to let me train using more than just my family history.” Sophie admitted and it started to click because saying that Steve had become a polarizing figure towards the end of his career was an understatement quite frankly. “I’ll spare you the details but I want to enter the wrestling business to redeem my family name, even going behind my mom’s back to do it.”

Hearing that? I couldn’t help but draw some correlation between the relationship between me and my parents and her relationship with her dad, but I had one question on my mind. ”When was the last time you spoke to your dad?” I asked and Sophie shook her head.

“We speak about once a year, usually when he sends me money or when my birthday rolls around, other than that? He’s not a part of my life.” Sophie sighed as she shook her head and I nodded as I got the idea. “Why?”

”I was curious, that’s all.” I responded as I shook my head before glancing over at Keira. ”You mind if I chat with Keira for a sec?” I asked and Keira gave Sophie the go ahead to resume her training with Carrie, once the two girls had resumed their training match I turned to Keira as we walked away from the ring. ”You introduced me to her because of our similar relationship with our parents, didn’t you?”

“Not exactly, Francisco bringing her up gave me the idea and I just let the conversation proceed like it did.” Keira explained as she shook her head and I nodded as I got the idea. “Sophie has the drive and passion to be better than her dad, you have to do the same with your parents.”

”No offence Keira but I’ve been doing that since I turned eighteen.” I responded as I shook my head and Keira nodded. ”These days, the only time I think about my parents is when I vow to be a better parent than they were to me if I ever get pregnant, Francisco thinks that I won’t have to try hard but part of me worried that I’ll go too far in the opposite direction.”

“Don’t! take it from someone who’s a mother, that will come naturally to you when the time comes.” Keira assured me and I nodded in agreement. “And I know you’re a good person, but you shouldn’t let your self-doubt cloud your judgment.”

”I’d almost make a comparison to Krystal if we were having this conversation before Summer XXXTreme, or the first Climax Control of the cycle for that matter.” I responded with a sigh and Keira nodded grimly. ”But I get it, not sure if it’ll be enough to beat Kayla on Sunday but we’ll see.”

“We will, won’t we?” Keira asked with a nod before sighing. “Just remember, Kayla’s a dangerous opponent, she won’t make it easy for you.”

”Can you name an SCW Bombshell who will?” I asked pointedly and Keira shook her head, conceding that I had a point. ”Heck, Chloe Benton was the closest thing we had and she hasn’t been on SCW TV for over a year?”

“I’m pretty sure the injuries Chloe suffered at last year’s Summer XXXTreme forced her to retire young anyway but your right on that front.” Keira responded with a nod before she motioned towards the rings. “You want to watch the rest of the trainees for a few hours?”

”I’m not flying out to China until tomorrow morning anyway, yay for Kayfabe Airlines!” I responded with a nod and Keira grinned before leading me to the rings.

Walking down the Great Wall of China
Wednesday the 26th of July 2023, 16:00pm

*promo time*

So I can’t do a white board promo because local surety wouldn’t let me pin it to the Great Wall, but I can improvise.

”You know, I have to wonder, does anyone on the SCW Roster know how much of a pain it was to build the Great Wall of China for the Ancient Chinese people?” I asked as I walked down the Great Wall with Francisco filming me. ”For the sake of time, I’ll spare you the details, but this thing was built over several dynasties with the various states of the Warring States period having already built extensive fortifications to defend their boarders, look, I know you guys aren’t tuning in for a history documentary from the girl who once tried to make a Cheesecake set by adding concrete to it.” As I said that last part two other tourists gave me an odd look but I didn’t see it until after the promo was posted. ”But there is a method to my madness, because in a way the trouble the Chinese people went too trying to build this thing? It’s a perfect metaphor for my struggles against Kayla Richards.”

How?

”Because after many hardships, they managed to build something magnificent in the end! Even if the Quin section of the wall is completely gone, as for how this ties into Kayla? Well, this Sunday I’m getting another rematch with Kayla Richards and whilst it is non-title? The implications for Kayla’s title are there.” I added as I brushed some hair over my shoulder. ”If I win this match? Then I’m getting a third rematch at Violent Conduct for the Bombshell Internet Title but if Kayla wins? She literally gets to hand pick her opponent for her title defence at Violent Conduct! Am I expecting her to pick me for the hell of it? Well for one thing, that would require Kayla to like me! And our dislike is mutual to say the least!”

Here we go!

”It takes a lot for someone to piss for me off enough for me to start referring to them as a bitch/bastard, Carter’s ex is one of them for obvious reasons, you want to know who else is in that category? You Kayla, you didn’t think I forgot that time you accused me of stealing Carter’s idea, did you?” I asked rhetorically as I held up a middle finger to the camera. ”Look, I’m not saying that what Carter went through this time last year is on the same level as Kayla spreading bullshit lies about me to get under my skin, that would be a horrible thing to say and trust me, the things I saw during that period will haunt me for the rest of my life! What I am saying is that Kayla made one very big mistake several months ago, she awoke the Greek Goddess within me.”

Meaning?

”In other words? We’re pretty much enemies for life and Kayla? You have no one to blame for but yourself! Now I couldn’t capitalize on that when me and Melissa challenged you for the title several months ago, but this time? It will be different!” I declared before curling up my middle finger and letting my arm fall to my side. ”Because not only am I pissed off at you Kayla but I’m also determined to pick up where I left off at Blaze of Glory XI, and this time? There won’t be anyone attacking me with a chair earlier in the show to give you an advantage over me!”

Still bitter over that.

”Bui even with the advantage Krystal’s attack granted you Kayla? You still couldn’t get the pin on me! That was Melissa who ended your second reign! Now, I won’t go into the circumstances surrounding how Melissa’s reign ended because we all know the story there, but I will give you credit for being a dominant champion Kayla.” I added as I folded my arms. ”Bot nothing lasts forever, and you’ve gone out of your way to ensure that there won’t be a repeat of your first reign with that title but sooner or later? You’ll find yourself against a force that you can’t overcome and just like that? Your third reign is over! And I’m going to be the one who does it!”

Stop laughing.

”I may be in China but I can already hear Kayla laughing her ass off, considering she’s beaten me twice in singles competition and once in a Battle Royal? And no, I don’t count the Triple Threat, as mentioned before, Melissa got the pin in that match! You have plenty of reason to think that you’ve got this in the bag.” I added as I thought back to the year before. ”During last year’s Violent Conduct Cycle, I was in a similar situation with a woman you know well, Alicia Lukas? Hell, that rematch happened the week after the aforementioned Battle Royal, point is? She also underestimated me and got pinned by me after a spear! And just to drive the point home? That match indirectly led to my Bombshell Roulette Title Reign.”

Coincidence?

”I know you’ve ragged on about the Bombshell Roulette Division despite only being in it for a cup of tea, but that’s beside the point Kayla, you have evidence of what can happen when an opponent underestimates me, yet you continue to do so! You ever heard of the phrase “those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it”?” I asked rhetorically before looking out at the view of the Chinese countryside. ”I bring it up because if you underestimate me, you fail to learn from history! More specifically? Alicia’s defeat at my hands! And it’s going to taste oh so sweet when I finally beat you on Sunday Kayla!”

It's that simple.

”Will this Sunday be the third time’s the charm? Will I finally beat Kayla? Those are the two questions that are running through my mind as we speak Kayla.” I stated as I flipped some hair over my shoulder. ”And I’ll admit, my self-confidence issues as of late haven’t helped! The only thing masking them is, ironically, how much hate I have in my body for you Kayla and whilst I do hope to channel that hate towards a win on Sunday? I’ve got other things on my mind as well, not just the self-confidence issues either! And I need to overcome them all to book my title shot for Violent Conduct XI!”

And with that I decided to wrap things up.

”Now, my husband Francisco, AKA the cameraman, happens to be from Rio de Jannero AKA the city hosting the Go Home Show for this Cycle, you’d better believe that I’ll be celebrating that win with him! And sometimes it’ll be in ways that I can’t describe on camera even when angry but I’m sure you get the idea! But to get to that celebration? I need to kick your ass first Kayla!” I added as grinned broadly. ”And this Sunday you will bask in the Greek Angel’s Light as she wins the match and earns her shot at the Bombshell Internet Title at Violent Conduct XI! See you then!”

Francisco stopped recording as the scene fades.