Krystal was one step closer to closing out a rather chaotic year with a World Bombshell Title Match against Julianna DiMaria, especially since the champ had successfully retained the title against Mercedes Vargas in this past week’s Main Event (though not without a little help from Harper Mason) but more importantly? On the same night as Julianna’s match against Mercedes the other World Bombshell Qualifier was held between two women who had challenged Krystal for the Bombshell Roulette Title, namely? Bella Madison and Seleana Zdunich.

That match was won by Bella and now, for the first time since Krystal’s Roulette Title Reign ended, the Go Gym Graduate and the second generation wrestler were set to face off one on one, the winner moving on to challenge Julianna for the World Bombshell Championship! Krystal was unbeaten against Bella though their first match, which was non-title, ended in a Disqualification after Mercedes interfered, a match that Krystal was out to avenge! Can Krystal win?

Backstage at Climax Control 379, Tempe, Arizona
Sunday, the 26th of November 2023, 21:00pm

Is it me or does SCW tend to get more eventful around the holiday season?

I’m not saying that because the biggest show of SCW Calander Year traditionally takes place around this time of year, for one thing this year’s High Stakes was several weeks ago and that wasn’t even the closing Supercard of the year! No, instead I’m talking about what’s been going on the past few weeks because it seems that most of the other members of the Bombshell Division have turned up the violence in their matches/encounters.

Who knows? Maybe that damn Mariah Carrey song about Christmas is to blame!

Jokes aside? After the chaotic year I’ve had, I’ve mostly been trying to keep it nice and simple, wrestle whatever matches got assigned to me, try to stay out of other’s business as much as I could, the whole shebang.

Off course, that was before me and Luna were booked in the first qualifier to determine Julianna’s first Supercard challenger.

Which is funny when you remember that I was Masque’s last challenger as World Bombshell Champion last year before Amber did away with her for good at Inception VI, and no, that didn’t end well either, honestly? I’m not sure how that match or the tag match between me and Ari against Masque and Blackthorn got nominated for Match of the Year either! But back on topic, there wasn’t any indication that there’d be another qualifier so when I beat Luna I assumed I had my ticket booked for December 2 Dismember VI, needless to say? The second qualifier between Seleana and Bella threw a wrench into that idea tonight.

At least I can say that I’m finally getting a rematch with Bella with the only real stip being that the winner will be Julianna’s next challenger, and with Bella just coming back from maternity leave and my bitch phase well and truly over? I’m glad that no one will interfere.

And speaking of interference.

”You know, it’s funny Harp.” I commented as I watched the teenage Bombshell walk past me and she stopped in her tracks. ”I could’ve sworn you said something about being booked for Empire Pro tonight.”

”Yeah, and I’m appearing on both shows thanks to the magic of Kayfabe Airlines.” Harper responded as she turned to me and I kicked off the wall to face her. ”I basically showed up here for me and Jessie’s interview with Rocky, then flew out for the Empire Pro show, which I won’t be able to talk about until it airs, flew back just in time for the finish to the Ariana/Bea match and used Julianna’s interview to sneak out there and get under the ring.” Harper explained as she shook her head and I nodded as I got the idea. ”Not something I’m in a hurry to do again because it’s seriously fucking cramped under that ring, I only knew when to strike because I was watching a live feed of the show on my phone with my headphones in.”

”And I’m guessing that’s how you kept up with the goings on in SCW whilst you were at Empire Pro tonight?” I asked and Harper nodded in response. ”Look, I get that you got your pride and ego hurt thanks to Mercedes’s antics these past few weeks, but I’ve got my own stuff with Julianna to worry about after I beat Bella, can you at least promise me that you’ll stay out of my business whilst you deal with Mercedes?”

”Well, it’s not like you have a match against Mercedes lined up anytime soon, besides, I’m not gonna deny that a Worl Bombshell Title Match is on my bucketlist but I’m still working on proving myself to the bosses, never mind something like that!” Harper assured me and I nodded in response. ”So, how was your Thanksgiving?”

”Could’ve sworn I covered this last week but I don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, what with me and Makayla being Australian and all.” I reminded Harp and she nodded as she got the idea. ”In other words, it was just a normal day for us, how about you? I know it was rough for obvious reasons.”

”It’s like I said on Twitter, I mostly spent it with Carter, Ariana, Miles and Carter’s mom and grams, Jessie literally missed the deadline to offer something similar by a second but she was okay with it because it meant I was socializing with other SCW Talent.” Harper responded with a shrug before sighing. ”Honestly? I’m more worried about my first Christmas without my parents, that going to be ten times as rough as my birthday and Thanksgiving rolled into one!”

”Take it from someone who lost her mom when I was in my teens, it never gets easier, the only thing you can do is try to stand proud and honour their memories.” I assured Harper and she gave me a thankful nod. ”That said? I know you follow me on Twitter, drop me a DM if you ever need to talk.”

”Thanks, I appreciate it.” Harper responded with a small smile and I nodded in response. ”So you think you can beat Julianna? And will you use the loss to Mercedes against her?”

”Have to get past the qualifier first, and Bella’s no slouch in the ring, as for that idea if I do get that far? No.” I responded as I shook my head and Harper gave me a curious look. ”That would be a low blow for one thing, and besides, I know what it’s like to have something like what happened to Julianna happen to me, if anything I sympathize with her, you?”

”Assuming this is some alternate universe where I somehow ended up in the qualifiers when my record isn’t even in the double digits yet?” Harper asked and I nodded in response. ”I’d probably say the same, being a champ myself? I’d hate to have that happen to me.”

”Good to know we’re on the same wavelength, by the way, where’s Jess?” I asked as I looked around for Harper’s manager. ”I was expecting to see her waiting for you in the crowd.”

”She came with me to the Empire Pro show and flew back, only downside? She was jetlagged and opted to sit the rest of the show out.” Harper explained and I nodded as I got the idea. ”I sent her a text with the summarised results for the matches she missed but I don’t know if she got it.”

”Well, if your heading back to the hotel to check on her? I’m coming too, want to get an early night, big title match and all.” I responded and Harper nodded before we walked off.

This was definitely shaping up to be a hell of a way for SCW to end the year.

Go Gym, Las Vegas, Nevada
Monday the 27th of November 2023, 13:00pm

I’ve lived in the US since I was eighteen, and it still feels weird to get asked about a holiday that I don’t celebrate because I’m not originally from America.

Given that it was just last week? You’ve probably worked out that I’m talking about Thanksgiving, I was never really a fan of the holiday because of the historical events surrounding it but than again there’s a good reason why Colonialism is a thing of the past to begin with! Still, it was a quiet day for me and Makayla and with the Go Gym closing for the holidays right before December 2 Dismember VI? I’m getting in as much training as I can.

Yeah, potentially wrestling for a World Bombshell Title opportunity at the end of a chaotic year tends to turn your focus up to eleven, who’d have thought?

As for who I was training with? The real question is who wants to train with me? Me and Gabriel may have made amends the week before High Stakes but the other graduates and prospective students have been slow to welcome me back into the fold, some of the new girls like Kelly have been willing to give me a second chance but from what I’ve heard? That Irish student is on thin ice as well because of a nasty argument she had with Ariana during the lead up to High Stakes.

There’s two things the Go Gym is good at, producing top tier wrestlers like me and Ariana and drama queens, again, like me and Ariana.

”One of these days I’m going to find a sparring partner who isn’t this damn punching bag.” I muttered to myself as I steadied the punching bag with my hands, pretty sure I mentioned that I took boxing lessons to learn self-defence before I decided “fuck it, I’m moving to America to enrol at the Go Gym” and whilst I haven’t had boxing lessons in just under ten years now? I can still punch pretty hard as the indents in the punching bag will tell you. ”Not much good for training for a World Bombshell Title qualifier.”

“Well yeah, that thing can’t hit back.” I glanced over and saw a new girl that I had seen around the gym lately, just hadn’t had the chance to chat with her, a shorter girl with long messy black hair and blue eyes. “Your Krystal Wolfe right?”

”Do you see any other Australian women with blue hair in this building?” I asked sarcastically and the girl let out a nervous laugh. ”Yeah, that’s me, and if all goes to plan? You’re currently talking to the soon to be SCW World Bombshell Champ!”

“That’s if you get past Bella and Julianna off course.” The youngster responded as she looked at her nails playfully and I shook my head. “Pretty sure they punch back unlike that punching bag!”

“I’ve wrestled Bella before and she hasn’t shown any signs that maternity leave has slowed her down, and Julianna? That bitch is the World Bombshell Champion for a god damn reason.” I responded as I shook my head and she nodded in response. ”Unless off course they are somehow still stuffed from Thanksgiving Dinner by the time I wrestle them! By the way, I don’t think I caught your name.”

“Oh right, sorry, my name’s Hayley.” Hayley introduced herself and I nodded in response. “So err, you want to spar?” Hayley asked as she motioned towards the ring and I hesitated, she was clearly a raw rookie and sparring with her wouldn’t have the same effect as sparring with another graduate but well, I’ve already gone over the fact that I’m not exactly on good terms with the,.

Guess it’s better than nothing I guess. ”You’re on, but just because your new doesn’t mean I’ll go easy on you.” I responded before we headed into the ring and started sparring, the fact that Hayley was a newbie was glaringly obvious, as was the fact that I was outclassing her at every turn, still she was a good sport and the few times she did manage to keep up with me? She did show some promise.

And there’s one person who just had to ruin it. ”Watch yourself Hayley, or you might end up with a broken arm.” We glanced up and saw Ariana standing on the apron, prominently showing her braced hand as she leaned on the ring ropes. ”I mean, your opponent did go on a war against rookies for most of the year!”

”Yeah but at least I waited for a chance to challenge for the World Bombshell Championship to drop into my lap.” I responded snidely and Ariana only had one response, namely flipping me off with her good hand. ”Don’t you have a zoo of stray animals to look after back home?”

”Don’t you have a broken marriage to fix?” At Ariana’s one response the whole gym went silent as they turned to my former friend with shocked looks on their faces, me? I nearly lunged at her for that low blow but Hayley got in between us and she quickly hopped off the apron. ”Good luck against Bella and Julianna, I’ll enjoy being the only Go Gym Graduate to currently hold a title in the meantime.”

”At least until you bitch and moan about losing to Courtney again.” I called back and Ariana said nothing in response, she just flipped me off again, I didn’t interact with Ariana again for the rest of the night and I mostly just spent it sparring with Hayley.

Nevada Desert
Tuesday the 28th of November 2023, 18:00pm

*promo time*

Well then.

”In the span of the few weeks that have passed since High Stakes, two things that I didn’t expect but I’m not complaining about happened, one: I beat Luna in a World Bombshell Championship Qualifier in a bit of a mini tournament that SCW’s hosting to determine Julianna’s next challenger.” I commented as I brushed some hair over my shoulder. ”Two: I’m facing someone who I haven’t wrestled in two years in my second qualifier, in fact the last time I wrestled this woman was when I was the Bombshell Roulette Champion, yeah, you know who it is, it’s been too long Bella.”

And now for the uncomfortable elephant in the room.

”Look, I said some things about you that I’m not proud off earlier this year, off course that was back when I had a damn demon inside me but who’s counting?” I asked sarcastically as I shook my head.  ”Not me and definitely not the women I faced towards the end of that saga! Look, I know there’s no amount of apologizing that can make what I said right Bella, all I can say is that the things I said about you were fucked up and I’ve moved past it.”

To put it mildly.

”Beyond that, let’s talk about our match history, shall we? We first wrestled right after I won the Bombshell Roulette Title, that was a non-title match that I seriously wish was my first defence and not just because my record at the end of it all would’ve been even more impressive, because Mercedes Vargas decided that she just had to get involved.” I commented with a frown as I shook my head. ”I guess causing wrestlers who are infinitely more relevant than her to lose via disqualification is a hobby considering her recent antics with Harper! After that we didn’t wrestle again until SCW’s first show outside of Las Vegas since the Pandemic alongside Mercedes in my third defence, fast forward a whole cycle and a major social faux pas on my part and we wrestled again at that year’s Violent Conduct, in a Glitter Lightsabre Duel Match!”

Seriously.

”I swear if there’s one hiring I could retcon from SCW’s history for that one reason, it would be Candy! But I digress, we didn’t meet again until one of my last defences, that five pack challenge at the High Stakes X Go Home Show, to be honest? I’m not sure if I should count that clusterfuck in our little series of matches, but considering your dropped out of the Open Invitational Scramble because you got pregnant at the start of the year? I guess it’ll have to do as far as counting our encounters go.” I added as I folded my arms. ”Do you see a pattern here yet Bella? No? let me spell it out for you.”

Here we go.

”Our one normal match got ruined by outside interference, our encounter after that was a defence of the title I held at the time that also featured the woman who interfered in our match, a match that would’ve featured a third challenger if Violet didn’t drop off the face of the earth by the way, our next match was one of the worst gimmick matches I’ve ever been in and considering that my first defence was a mud pit match? That’s saying something! And our last encounter? You were one of four challengers for my title, and you still lost to me after I kicked our and another opponent into an open grave, that is something that’s been eating away at me for the past two years, every time we are set to wrestle? Something works against us having a nice, clean match!”

I swear.

”Tis the danger of the Bombshell Roulette Division I guess, and just so we’re clear? I don’t regret my reign as the Bombshell Roulette Champ, that reign put me on the map for fuck’s sake! But just because it was the thing that made people stand up and take notice of me doesn’t meant I don’t have regrets about it, and I’d be here all day if I had to list them all.” I added as I stared into the camera. ”And you’re at the centre of several of those regrets Bella, that and the title itself.”

Yep.

”Granted, I was the Bombshell Roulette Champion at the time and there’s always an element of risk in that division, but I respect you too much as a talent to let that slide Bella.” I added as I flipped some hair over my shoulder. ”Maybe now, after two years of waiting, we’ll finally know who the better woman is with no outside bullshit! We both know Julianna’s going to watch this match closely because whoever wins here will be her next challenger but I don’t think she’s the type to get personally involved like that! Granted, we’ve yet to see her truly pissed off at someone but I’m sure that’ll change soon.””

It’s that simple.

”So yeah, basically? This match is about who challenges for the World Bombshell Championship at December 2 Dismember VI, but in terms of my pride? This match is about answering a two year old question.” I said as I started to walk towards my car. ”Who’s the better wrestler, me, or Bella Madison? And there’s only one way we’re going to settle this and get that question answered once and for all, by meeting at The Path to Redemption Part VII: Old Face, New Goals.”

And with that I decided to wrap things up.

”Why that title? Because you may have wrestled me when I was just breaking out as a wrestler Bella but my goals have changed a lot since then! Back then it was all about proving myself as champion and to silence my critics, now? It’s about finishing a story!” I added as I approached the car door. ”The story of how I’ve waited a whole fucking year to get back in the title scene and the fact that I have to wrestle someone who was one of my first opponents the last time I was champ isn’t lost on me, the winds of change are blowing Bella, and unless you get the fuck out of the way? You will get trampled underfoot by the face of the new generation of Bombshells Krystal Wolfe!”

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

*~*Thanksgiving Chaos*~*

The savory aroma of roasted turkey wafted through the O'Connell household, signaling the arrival of Thanksgiving. Bella, with a determined smile on her face, wore an apron that read, "Chef in the Making," as she navigated through the bustling kitchen. Máire was safely tucked in her high chair, observing the organized chaos around her with wide-eyed curiosity.

The doorbell rang, and chaos ensued as the guests arrived almost simultaneously. Malachi, who was still finishing his attempt at tying a bowtie but just decided to say to hell with it and stuff it into his pocket, rushing to greet everyone at the door while Bella juggled a wooden spoon and a tablet that had garnered her all of her favorite recipes, in the kitchen.

"Well it’s about time you all get here! Come on in!" Malachi greeted Alanah and Jack, who were wrangling the energetic twins, Patrick and Elise. The toddlers were already racing around, their laughter filling the air which only set off Luka who enjoyed getting chased around by something other than Salem.

Patrick stops only for a second in front of Mal, "Uncle Mal! Look at my race car!" Patrick proudly displayed his toy car, zooming it through the air as if on a mission to explore every inch of the living room.

Meanwhile, Rory, the 7-month-old bundle of joy, was happily babbling in Alanah's arms. Alanah, noticing the commotion from the kitchen, called out, "Need any help in there?" with an air of faux confidence.

"I've got it all under control!" Bella shouted back, attempting to corral the unruly ingredients that seemed to have formed an alliance against her.

In the midst of the chaos, Mack McKane and Mattie Cormier arrived, bearing desserts and festive smiles. Mack, known for his playful banter with the children, immediately joined forces with the toddlers, getting Luka even more riled up.

"’ey there, lil ones! Uncle Mack's got some tricks up his sleeve!" he exclaimed, earning giggles and laughter from the kids as he sent Luka hauling ass down the hallway and back again.

Meanwhile, Mattie and Alanah, ever the calm presences in Bella’s chaotic life, strolled into the kitchen after they placed some of the things that Mattie brought on a table that was set off to the side. "Bella, do you need a hand with anything?"

Bella, determined not to admit she was slightly overwhelmed, waved her off with a dismissive smile, "No, no, I've got this. It's just a little... Thanksgiving flair!"

Malachi, sensing the potential chaos, intervened, "Bells, why don't you let them help you out? I know you prepared a lot last night but it’s clear that you are a bit over your head at the moment."

After a moment of reluctant consideration, Bella relented, "Fine, but only because I don't want the fire department here before dinner."

As the Unholy Trinity teamed up in the kitchen, Jack, who surprisingly was a vision of calm in the midst of the whirlwind, settled on the couch with Rory. Elise and Patrick, now joined by Bella’s little brother Aaron, who had a superhero action figure in hand, created a symphony of laughter, giggles, and the occasional clatter of fallen toys. Máire, in her daddy’s lap, watched everything and occasionally one of the other kids would come up and give her a quick tickle which would bring a huge smile to her face followed by a laugh before she tucked herself into Malachi’s chest, being shy.

The delightful aroma of pies and turkey filled the air as the chaos of Thanksgiving continued to unfold. Laura and Nick, Bella's parents, who had arrived with Aaron, just in time to witness the organized pandemonium. The family gathered around, sharing stories, laughter, and the occasional, "Watch out for that spill!"

As the feast neared completion, Bella took a moment to glance around at the joyful mess that was her first Thanksgiving as a new mother. The love and laughter that echoed through the O'Connell household were the true ingredients that made this chaotic Thanksgiving a perfect celebration of family and gratitude. Things felt complete.

And so, amid the clamor of kids, the aroma of delicious food, and the warmth of loved ones, the O'Connell Thanksgiving unfolded in a glorious symphony of chaos and joy.

And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Thanksgiving chaos had settled, leaving the O'Connell household bathed in the warm glow of familial love and the contented sounds of post-feast bliss. With the kids now occupied with toys and games, and the adults savoring their after-dinner coffees, well the girls were. The men found themselves down in the basement level of their home, as Mal showed them around the area, Bella found a quiet moment to escape to the living room with Alanah, Mattie, and her mom, Laura.

They settled on the couch, each holding a cup of coffee, the rich aroma mingling with the faint scent of pumpkin pie still lingering in the air. Máire was peacefully napping in her crib, oblivious to the world outside her dreams.

"So, how's the new mom life treating you?" Alanah asked, her eyes sparkling with a mix of genuine curiosity and the shared experience of motherhood.

Bella sighed, a mixture of exhaustion and contentment evident on her face, "It's a wild ride, that's for sure. Between late-night feedings and attempting to keep up with my training schedule, I sometimes feel like I'm running on fumes."

Mattie chuckled, giving Bella a sympathetic look, "Welcome to the world of mommyhood. It's a beautiful mess, isn't it? Not that I would know but the wedding planning is exhausting."

Laura, sitting beside them, wore a knowing smile, her eyes filled with the wisdom of years spent navigating the complexities of parenthood. "You're doing an amazing job, Bella. Balancing a career, family, and your own dreams is no small feat."

Bella leaned back, a grateful smile playing on her lips, "Thanks, Mom. It's just... I want to be the best mom for Máire, the best wife for Mal, and still, pursue my passion in the ring. Sometimes, I worry I'm spreading myself too thin. ...or even came back too soon."

Alanah placed a reassuring hand on Bella's shoulder, "You know, you don't have to do it all alone. We're here for you. Your mom and I, we've been through our fair share of sleepless nights and mommy doubts. Mattie is more than willing to help out when things get crazy when she can. It's okay to lean on your friends."

Mattie nodded in agreement, "She's right. You're not alone in this, chica. We've got your back."

Laura chimed in, her voice filled with a mix of maternal pride and warmth, "And remember, it's okay not to have all the answers. Motherhood is a journey, and you're allowed to learn as you go. You're doing wonderfully."

Bella felt a surge of gratitude, her eyes misting with unshed tears, "Thank you, all of you. It means the world to me. I guess sometimes I forget it's alright to ask for help."

Alanah grinned, "That's what friends and family are for, Bells. We're in this together."

As the comforting chatter continued in the cozy living room, the atmosphere shifted slightly. Alanah, ever perceptive, sensed a hint of contemplation in Bella's eyes. With a knowing glance exchanged between her and Mattie, Alanah gently broached the subject that lingered in the air.

"Hey," Alanah began, her tone soft and understanding, "How are you feeling after the return match? I mean, it was a tough one, and we all know how much it means to you."

Bella sighed, her shoulders momentarily slumping as the weight of the recent defeat settled on her. "Yeah, it hit hard. I gave it my all, and Bobbie and I had a hell of a match. But in the end, she came out on top. I guess I'm just figuring out how to process it all. That and letting my ribs recover."

Mattie nodded in empathy, "Losing is never easy, especially when you invest so much of yourself into your craft. But you've always been resilient, Bella. It's okay to feel disappointment, but don't let it overshadow the progress you've made."

Laura, sensing her daughter's inner turmoil, offered her own perspective, "Sweetheart, success isn't measured solely in victories. It's in the journey, the growth, and the lessons learned. Every setback is an opportunity to rise stronger, to refine your skills, and to come back even more determined."

Bella looked down at her coffee cup, her thoughts swirling. "I just... I had this image in my mind, you know? Coming back, making a statement, and showing everyone that I hadn't lost a step. And now, it feels like I stumbled out of the gate."

Alanah leaned forward, her gaze unwavering, "Bella, we both know that stumbling doesn't define you. It's the getting back up that does. Bobbie got the better of you this time, but that doesn't erase everything you've already accomplished. All we know is that you can use this as fuel, as motivation to come back even stronger."

A supportive silence settled over the room, allowing Bella the space to absorb the encouragement and wisdom being shared. She took a deep breath, that familiar spark flickering back in her eyes.

"You're right. I can't let one loss dictate my journey. There's always another match, another opportunity. I just need to figure out my next move...which just so happens to be Seleana Zdunich and her ever growing hunger for Julianna’s spotlight."

Mattie grinned, "That's the spirit, Bells. We've seen you conquer challenges before, and this is no different. You've got the strength and resilience to turn this setback into a comeback."

~*~Post-Thanksgiving Workout Reflections~*~

The clang of weights and the rhythmic beat of Bella's footsteps on the treadmill created a symphony of determination in the home gym. After an intense Thanksgiving workout, she took a moment to catch her breath and gather her thoughts. And checking on a sleeping Máire who was in a swing that they kept in the area for times like these. Malachi, sensing her reflective mood, sat down beside her, handing over a towel and a bottle of water.

"You're pushing yourself hard, Bells. What's on your mind?" Malachi asked, concern evident in his eyes.

Bella wiped her face with the towel, her gaze fixed on the SCW logo on the wall. "Seleana Zdunich," she replied, the name carrying a weight of significance.

Malachi nodded, understanding the gravity of the upcoming match. "She's no pushover. What are you thinking?"

Taking a sip of water, Bella's expression turned contemplative. "Seleana is not just an opponent; she's a challenge I need to overcome. This match is my ticket to December 2 Dismember, and I can't afford to underestimate her."

Malachi leaned back, his support unwavering. "You've faced tough opponents before, Bells. What makes Seleana different?"

Bella's eyes focused, her mind delving into the intricacies of her upcoming opponent. "Seleana is relentless. She's hungry for success, and she fights with a tenacity that's hard to match. I have studied her matches over and over, her strategies. She adapts, she improvises, and she seizes every opportunity."

Malachi listened attentively, recognizing the analytical edge in Bella's voice. "So, how do you plan to face her? What's your strategy?"

A determined glint appeared in Bella's eyes. "I need to be one step ahead. Seleana is not someone you can predict easily. I'll capitalize on her strengths, anticipate her moves, and, most importantly, use my experience to outmaneuver her."

Malachi nodded approvingly, "That's the Bella I know. But remember, it's not just about the physical game. Your mental game is just as crucial."

Bella sighed, acknowledging the truth in his words. "Yeah, mentally, it's been a rollercoaster. After the last match with Bobbie, I questioned my readiness and whether or not I was too eager to get back. But this is different. Seleana is a different challenge, and I need to prove to myself that I can bounce back stronger."

Malachi placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "You're resilient, Bells. You've overcome doubts before, and you'll do it again. This match is an opportunity to redefine your path in SCW."

Bella nodded, a determined spark in her eyes. "Seleana may be a challenge, but she's also an opportunity. An opportunity to show everyone, including myself, that I'm not defined by setbacks. I'm defined by how I rise from them."

As Bella prepared to face Seleana Zdunich in the World Bombshell Qualifier match, her mind echoed with a mix of anticipation and determination. The gym, once again, became the arena where she honed not just her physical prowess but her mental fortitude—a crucial element in the upcoming battle.

The match against Seleana wasn't just about victory; it was about proving that every setback was a stepping stone to something greater. With her unwavering spirit and the lessons learned from past challenges, Bella Madison geared up for a showdown that would define her journey in SCW.

Off-Camera

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





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

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

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

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

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

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

Halo leans forward and bows her head.

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

Seleana shakes her head.

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

Halo nods knowingly.

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

She shakes her head at herself.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Halo allows herself a small smile.

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

She glances back at the door.

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

Seleana exhales heavily.

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

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

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

Halo’s eyes go wide in shock.

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

Seleana nods.

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

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

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

Seleana exhales heavily again.

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

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

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

Seleana nods to Halo.

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

Halo shrugs.

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

She sighs just as Seleana had earlier.

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

Seleana nods understandingly.

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

She shrugs.

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

Halo nods emphatically.

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

She pauses and then smirks as she pivots the subject.

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

Seleana nods.

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

Halo snickers.

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

Seleana shrugs.

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

The special venom on the phrase strikes Halo.

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

Seleana smiles.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, is the truth.

She stands and nods towards the door.

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

Halo stands to join her.

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

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




On-Camera

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





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

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

She almost laughs to herself.

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

She nods pointedly into the camera.

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

She shrugs.

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

Seleana shakes her head in disgust.

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

She looks away and glares at the far wall.

Seleana Zdunich: Du har skit i det blå skåpet!

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

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

She points into the camera accusingly.

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

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

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

She pauses.

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

She spreads her arms out wide.

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

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

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

She nods slowly, knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: It hurts, ja?

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

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

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

Seleana Zdunich: Bra, låt det göra ont.

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

Seleana Zdunich: What? You do not understand?

She shrugs.

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

Seleans grits her teeth.

Seleana Zdunich: Let. It. Hurt.

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

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

She shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: But it is not for you.

Her slowly tilts slightly to the right.

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

Seleana glares angrily into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: You do not approve?

She shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: Let it hurt.   

November 22, 2023

In all honesty, while I was happy that I was able to retain against Courtney Pierce two weeks after I had defeated her for the championship at High Stakes to begin with, I wasn’t happy about Ariana Angelos’s involvement because I knew in my heart that I didn’t need it in order to beat her again. But this coming week, I didn’t have time to dwell on it. Mercedes Vargas was the next defense coming up this Sunday and while I definitely have had my time to prepare and to think about the challenge ahead, in this moment?

I’m doing something nice for my mother…

“I’m sure your mom will appreciate the fact that you made some space for her to stay whenever she likes…” Christy, one of my two best friends says as I have a bit of a smile on my face.

“Yeah! I mean, she’s been through so much lately and the fact that you’ve been there for her so she wouldn’t be lonely. It really is a nice change in you…” Ally adds.

“I still have some stuff to move…” I admit as I go to the last corner of the room that needed to be emptied. My eyes widened a bit when I realized I was looking at a nostalgia trip. There were some pictures of memories from the promotions that I’ve been part of over the years. But, when I saw some photos and memorabilia stemming from my time in New Generation Wrestling and Portland Pro, I rolled my eyes.

“Dumpster please…” I said with a sigh. Ally wasn’t long in bringing a large garbage can but she and Christy were shocked when I took everything from those two companies and dumped it all in the trash.

“Woooow….” Christy said.

“That was literally the worst time of my life…” I reminded my two best friends. “Why would I want to keep anything from those two companies?”

I scoffed as I looked to clear more stuff and I opened a box that was on a dresser. My eyes narrowed with some type of bitter anger.

“Oh…” I said with an angrier sigh as I saw memories from Mainstream Wrestling. I was glancing at pictures of my US championship win, my Pinnacle battle royal win, my world title win, and replicas of both of the aforementioned titles along with a handful of awards I won during my time there. Suddenly, I was swept by an internal sadness as I looked at my left hand and saw my Hall of Fame ring from my induction there last year.

“Jules?” Ally asks with concern. “Is everything okay?”

The one picture in the box that I wouldn’t stop staring at was the moment that the Mainstream World Championship was lost.

“Julianna… you’re looking like a ghost…” Christy adds.

“This should’ve been my wrestling home for the remainder of my career…” I said regarding Mainstream Wrestling. “...but they ruined it for me…”

I stared at that picture further. All of that hurt, all of that anger, all of that embarrassment was coming back to me…

…the moment I lost that world title… which that in and of itself was harsh enough.

“...I was the final chapter in someone else’s retirement story…” I said, with a little more anger in my voice. “...I lost that title to a nostalgia act that got to retire as champion…”

“Oh no…” Ally says, knowing what’s wrong. “Jules, that was nearly two and a half years ago…”

“Don’t ‘two and a half years ago’ me, Ally! Do you realize how much that hurt me? I was doing pretty damn good as the Mainstream World Champion! I was turning back every challenger that was coming my way. But then this retiring piece of trash comes along and gains one last moment at my expense… and my entire reign… everything that I built up… all of my hard work… it meant NOTHING!!!!!!!”

“Jules, you know that…”

“Christy… I STILL feel that way. My entire title reign over there was reduced to being someone else’s glory… and I’ll be DAMNED if I allow that to happen to me AGAIN this Sunday…”

“Mercedes isn’t planning on retiring though…”

“It’s not THAT different!” I said, with anger rising in my voice. “I can’t look at this trash… and trash is where this belongs.”

I was about to dump the box of my Mainstream memories in the trash, but Ally pulled back the can.

“Julianna… NO! You can’t trash that!”

“Mainstream Wrestling was when you really began to make a name for yourself….” Christy reminds me. “I know your first title reign ended horribly and I understand why you feel the way you do, but that doesn’t mean trash it. I don’t blame you for leaving that place when you lost the title…”

“Plus, you forgave them when you went back there…” Ally

I could only laugh at this reminder.

“Yes, that place is where I began to really grow into my own but if it’s so fucking special, when how come come I left? I know the answer as to why I did…”

I paused, soaking in much of the heartbreak that I was still feeling from that place. It was incredibly difficult for me to look back at what was otherwise a strong portion of my career. It was painful to the point of nearly coming to tears remembering all of the amazing times that I had, how jubilant and happy that I was when I became a world champion and how confident I felt the more I defended that title. But the most painful part of all was how it all ended way too soon. What was burning in the back of my brain was how nothing was ever the same after my reign was reduced as a stepping stone to someone else’s big retirement moment… and how I was reduced to just another wrestler on the roster afterward….

“...how come I didn’t stay when I went back?”

Christy and Ally awkwardly looked at each other before they looked back at me.

“...let me tell you of the night I finally decided to call SCW back…”

February 2023

Mainstream Wrestling was holding a luncheon before their show in East Lansing and while the food was great, I was isolated and miserable. I was holding a glass of punch watching everyone else in the company mingle. I could feel it in the pit of my stomach that I wasn’t happy to be there.

“Why did I bother coming back?” I think to myself. “I should be treated like a bigger deal than they treat me. I’m a former world champion. I’m even a Hall of Fame member here, damn it! Yet, they continue to act like I’m just another face on the roster. They continue to insult my intelligence and continue to think that because I’m a Hall of Fame member, that I have nothing left to achieve. They hired all these bimbos in the room to replace me and they moved on acting like nothing I did here matters…”

“Julianna, hello…” a management official says, catching my by surprise. “You’re all alone. Is everything okay?”

“Nothing has been okay here since I lost the World Championship more than a year and a half ago…”

“Oh Jesus, Julianna. You’re still not over that?”

“Sir, kindly hear me out…”

“Okay…”

“I lost the world title to someone that got to retire as champion and it was so humiliating for me that I left because I know I am better than being reduced as a footnote to someone else’s journey. But between that loss and my departure, I wasn’t booked in another match. There was a tournament for the vacant title that you left ME out of… and I thought, hey maybe I could face the tournament winner or something. Nope. You picked someone else even though I had the right to a rematch.”

The official was starting to look very uncomfortable.

“It angered me and I left. Let me remind you sir, that you called ME when it came to the Hall of Fame and coming back here. I didn’t call you because I didn’t need you. YOU… called me! I’m willing to let bygones be bygones so I accept my Hall of Fame ring and what have you done with me? You’ve booked me in singles matches against mainly nobodies. You’ve booked me in clusterfucks. I feel like you brought me back just so I can be the stepping stone to all of these bitches you hired after I left…”

“No no… it’s not like that at all…” Mainstream’s representative says. “I understand why you would feel underappreciated and why you feel like a stepping stone. But I promise you, you’re not. I’ll tell you what, how about I give you something you’ll appreciate.”

“Which is?”

“A shot at the Mainstream Television Championship…”

He suddenly became spooked when I looked at him like I wanted to murder him.

“Come again?” I asked.

“...I want to give you another shot at the TV title…”

“FUCK YOU!” I screamed as I flipped over the dessert table, spilling and breaking everything that was on it and catching the attention of everyone else, who looked completely stunned. “I don’t WANT a shot at the FUCKING TV TITLE…”

“Julianna calm down…”

“DON’T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN! The TV title is a FUCKING INSULT! I NEVER got my rematch for the world title and if you want to make it up to me, THAT’S what you fucking give me! Don’t low ball me with this crap about the TV title!”

“You have to earn it, Julianna…” he said, panicked, ticking me off further.

“Stop fucking LYING to me…” I snapped back. “Why won’t you just tell me that you brought me back to be a nostalgia act? Because that’s exactly what you did. I busted my ass for this company the first time I was here and rose up the ladder and all you’ve done is start me off at fucking square one acting like what I accomplished here doesn’t matter! I WAS, and still SHOULD BE, THE top woman in this company but all you give a shit about is turning me into a stepping stone to make women lesser than I am look SO much better than they actually are and I am WAY better than being told to be a stepping stone to bitches that will NEVER measure up to me or the impact that I made here!”

“You’ve got it all wrong…” he says with a nervous laugh.

“Oh do I? Then how come you’re shoving me down the ladder to compete for the TV title… a title that means NOTHING to me? How come you’re throwing me in these random ‘title contendership clusters’ with at least five other wrestlers when I should’ve gotten a rematch for the world title when I walked right back in the door…”

“...you STILL have to earn that…”

“Even though YOU shut me out of a rematch after I lost to the fucking nostalgia act?”

“Well… um…”

“The moment I lost that title, you wanted to move on from me like I was worthless trash and you wanted to focus your company around the good ol’ boys club again. Now that I’m back, you want to treat me like I’m past my prime! For FUCK’s sake, I’m only 28!.”

“Julianna… please! I’m almost begging you at this point. Give things time! Things will get better! You worked your way up the ladder and there’s no doubt that you’ll do it again! Just please give us time…”

“I’ve given you ENOUGH time…” I said as I began to walk away. “I’m DONE!”

“Julianna, PLEASE!”

“No, I’m DONE! FOR GOOD! I am NOT your fucking nostalgia act and I am NOT someone to throw away as a thing of the past! I’m DONE with your fucking games! I’m going to go somewhere else and SHOW YOU what you’re missing out on! GOOD RIDDANCE!”

I burst through the door leading to the parking lot, leaving the luncheon, and Mainstream Wrestling, for good. On a whim, I dialed a Nevada based phone number I saved on my phone.

“Hello?” I said after a deep breath. “Hi! It’s Julianna DiMaria. Can you get Mark or Christian to call me back ASAP? Yeah… I’m a free agent now…”

Little did I know when I placed that bet on myself and left Mainstream for SCW, I would hit the jackpot…

November 22, 2023

“They really did suck your passion dry with the way they were treating you…” Ally admitted.

“They took you for granted…” Christy added. “But we’re so glad you got that passion back and look at you know…”

“I’m not going to let it happen again…” I said with anger in my voice. “I’m not about to lose another world title to another nostalgia act. That experience in Mainstream… it still fuels me, girls. It’s motivating me to continue to show those people what they missed out on even though they are dead and buried. And speaking of dead and buried…”

I picked up the box consisting of my Mainstream Wrestling memories and was about to make another attempt at the trash can…

“JULIANNA” both of my friends exclaimed. “Don’t…”

“I want NOTHING to do with that fucking company EVER again! It means NOTHING to me anymore! Why should I remember something that never appreciated me and was willing to throw me away so fast? They basically told me that all of my hard work and all the dedication I gave to that company was meaningless. It’s all meaningless, girls…”

“That’s not true…” Christy says. “Did it end how you wanted it to? No. But that’s the place where the world truly came to know what Julianna DiMaria is all about.”

“You can’t take that away from them…” Ally says. “It made you stronger and better in the long run… or at least overcoming what they put you through and how they mistreated you did.”

“Yet, the anger… the heartbreak… it’s still in my soul. Like I said earlier, they were supposed to be my home for life…”

“Don’t you think SCW can be that for you?” Christy adds, triggering something in me that finally got me to calm down even a little bit. “They get to be what Mainstream should’ve been. You can retire tomorrow and they’ll never forget what you accomplished in just six short matches there.”

“Yeah, hashtag “Jules in Six” is never going away… and nobody can take it away from you. It’s literally your best career moment that overshadows everything in Mainstream. Period! You PROVED you were always better than them. Take pride in that!”

“Yeah, Ally’s right, Jules. You made the right move to move on. Be better than them still. Trashing them makes you just as bad.”

I let out a soft sigh at this point as I removed my Hall of Fame ring from my hand and tossed it in the box with all the other memories. This spooked them for a moment.

“Girl, don’t throw that ring in the trash…” Ally says.

“I won’t…” I said with a reluctant sigh. “Tape that up and take it downstairs to the storage room, will you? At least there’s SOME value with that which is more than I can say for those other two companies I dumped in the trash”

My best friends were the ones breathing a sigh of relief now. They both nodded at me and took the box out of the room and down the stairs. I went to the corner and sat down on it, briefly reflecting on a part of my journey that I was hating for its ending, yet was able to come to terms with it a little bit even if I wasn’t fully over it yet.

“Mainstream will always be where I won my first and where I started to realize my potential…” I admitted in my thoughts. “But that pathetic, small time company was just a stop along the way that’s being overshadowed by what I’m doing now…”

I could finally smile remembering the great times that are ongoing in SCW.

“Mercedes isn’t going to have one last moment of glory at my expense…”

I held that determination inside of my as that title match drew closer…

November 24, 2023

I had the camera on me as I stayed in my luxurious room in the Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, not far from Tempe. Mercedes Vargas was firmly on the brain now… but so was the experience in my past with how my first World Championship reign as a professional wrestler ended to a retiring coward. This was fueling my motivation and my anger as I began to express my thoughts…

“Nearly two and a half years ago, long before I came to SCW, I lost my first world championship to an over the hill piece of shit that just wanted one last moment of glory. This Sunday? I’m in that same situation facing someone like that… and YES… Mercedes… I am talking about you. JUST like that person that beat me back in July of 2021, you are NOT deserving of this title shot in front of you. You are NOT deserving to the main event spotlight. But UNLIKE then, I AM going to win this time. I AM going to turn away the nostalgia act and I am NOT about to allow YOU to have one last spark at my expense. That’s not going to happen! I REFUSE to let it happen. I know that when I got my title shot, there was all of this talk about how I didn’t deserve it! I recall people talking about how I was basically the least deserving Bombshell on the roster. But they shouldn’t have been talking about ME, Mercedes! They should’ve been talking about YOU!

After all, 2023 is almost over and you’ve only won FOUR matches… FOUR! I have won nearly DOUBLE the matches during my run of dominance than you have ALL YEAR and I’ve only been here since the damn summer! Add on the fact that literally HALF of your wins are against Samantha Marlowe and Seleana Zdunich, the other two women that I called WASHED a couple of Climax Controls ago, and I am honestly wondering what the fuck you’re still doing on this roster. It can’t be passion because from what I have studied about you, you’re literally the same person now that you were ten years ago with little, if any, hints of evolving as a professional wrestler. It can’t be the fact that you’ve even improved because holy hell, when was the last time you held a singles match in this company? I get it. You were a GRIME World Champion in Sin City Underground, but that’s like winning the EFL Championship across the pond: cool story bro… but all it proves is that you can win in the B league. The last time you were even a champion in SCW at ALL was when you were a Mixed Tag champion being carried by your partner… but SOMEHOW… you’re worthy of a title shot? Are you kidding me?

Even Mercedes and Seleana have been a singles champion in SCW more recently than you have! When it comes to being at the top tier of this division, even YOU would admit that you don’t have what it takes to be there anymore and it’s not just ME saying it. The bitch is, even though you’ve skirted and contradicted yourself on the subject, even YOU have said it yourself not just with your words, but with your actions. What’s the supposed most decorated Bombshell in SCW history doing wasting her time with Harper Mason, huh? Why is someone of your supposed caliber picking on teenagers and beating them with Singapore canes? What’s the matter? You’re afraid that you can’t beat the big fish anymore? Hell, I’d even say you’re afraid you can’t beat anyone other than rookies or the likes of Sam, Sel and Bea. But even with all of that, I’m going to say that the biggest reason why you don’t deserve this shot… and ultimately… why you WILL fall short against me?

Look, it’s not just how strong of a wrestler I am or the fact that I’m at the peak of my powers. It’s not even the fact that you’ve lost so many times this year, primarily. It’s because you don’t have the RESOLVE anymore! Yes, I AM questioning your resolve because one just needs to listen to your words from High Stakes to know that even YOU know you don’t stand a chance against me. No matter WHAT you say? You know… in your SOUL… that you don’t because prior to High Stakes? Yeah, I saw you admit that you weren’t mentally ready for High Stakes as you bitched and moaned about how you hadn’t won at that event in nearly a decade. So if you admitted you’re not mentally ready for that big stage, how can you possibly be ready for me? I saw you complain to Sam about how you’re both being passed over for ‘new flavors of the month’...”

I paused to scoff for a bit before I continued on.

“Reality check Mercedes… it’s not being passed over… it’s being passed BY! The ‘new flavors of the month’, especially me, have passed you by and I wouldn’t be shocked of Harper turns out to be another one that does. Someone that whines about being passed over has no resolve to make their situation better… especially when you’re questioning as to whether it’s even WORTH IT anymore. I mean… GOSH Mercedes, it sounds like going into your High Stakes match you were questioning and doubting yourself so much! Maybe that’s why people like me are passing you by in this company and in this division? You’re over there wondering to yourself if you’ll ever have the Internet Championship… or ANY title… around your waist ever again yet you want to contradict yourself saying that things will turn around you.

Please Mercedes…

Not even YOU believe that…

Not when later in that same promo you admitted you ‘weren’t mentally ready’. How can you believe in a turnaround if you’re not mentally there for it?

But each loss is a ‘learning opportunity’? HOW SO?

You're clearly not learning a fucking thing if you keep losing... and you clearly haven't learned a fucking thing in years considering all the losses you've racked up. You can act all brave and confident if you want, but you clearly showed that this was a front because you're ALREADY doubting yourself as far as being a champion again. If you weren't, you wouldn't be bringing this up at all. So don't come at me with a bunch of false promises and claims that you, yourself, know deep in your heart isn't true and will never come true again.

I mean you know it so damn much that prior to the Queen of the Day match at Violent Conduct, I swear to fucking God, you kept PLEADING and BEGGING for Tempest and Zoey Lukas to be suspended! Hell, your resolve is so weak you couldn’t even maintain your convictions about that match. One day, you’re pleading with the masses that you weren’t looking for an easy way out and the next you’re demanding that Christian suspend your opponents and declare you the winner… which… is an easy way out…

Let me tell you something about having a strong resolve though…

Those with a strong resolve don’t throw stones in glass houses and aren’t the pot calling the kettle black. I mean, going into Violent Conduct, you’re saying Christian has a “soft spot” for Seleana yet I’m wondering if that same “soft spot” applies to you. I mean, it would at least EXPLAIN why you have a title match you clearly haven’t earned or deserved. You’re bagging on Seleana’s win-loss record in 2023 and calling it pathetic… when you’re the one that’s lost more than three times than she’s won this year and once went months without a win. But still… the FUNNIEST thing you said about Seleana? Wasn’t it something along the lines of how she’s getting undeserved opportunities when she should be opening shows against new competition? I mean that’s TRUE, Mercedes, but it SORELY lacks credibility when it’s coming from YOU because OH LOOK… here YOU are getting an undeserved opportunity on Sunday when you should be the first one out of the curtain trading Singapore cane shots with Harper Mason!

But hey, stay in denial Mercedes. Keep saying that SCW needs you more than you need it… which… I think ALL of us can say that’s a fucking joke.

Keep thinking you’re a dynasty… even though you no longer are. I mean, dynasties don’t go YEARS without a championship… and dynasties accomplish more than have a handful of mostly one month long championship reigns like what you have across your career and any semblance of WHATEVER deluded dynasty you once had basically died in my rookie year of being a mainstream wrestler… in 2017. But I suppose I should give you credit to a degree, Mercedes. Because when you’re NOT in denial, and when you’re NOT being delusional, your resolve… brittle as it is, CRACKS… and you actually DO recognize your reality. I mean, how can I take you seriously when you go off on your little speech about how you’re going to win one more World Championship whenever you release your promo when going into your match against Harper Mason, you even admitted that people don’t see you as a threat anymore AND you also admitted that you may not be winning another title anytime soon.

Look, I know you’ve heard the speech about how people overlook you and how nobody believes in you and all of that… and I get it. You’re tired of hearing it because it seems like that’s all you’ve heard for years. But the truth is… I’ve just outlined how you don’t even believe in yourself and maybe THAT’S why you’ve been nothing but stagnant for all these years as Bombshells like me come in, take this place by storm, and pass you by. Maybe that’s why you never TRULY learn from your losses… because all those losses have piled up so badly that not only do you not believe in yourself anymore… but it is that lack of faith in yourself that prevents you from growing with age. Maybe after I defeat you tonight and conquer a couple of demons of my own along the way this Sunday… you may finally begin to wake up and acknowledge how you truly feel about yourself. Whatever insecurities that have leaked out of your mouth and your soul in your recent promos such as High Stakes and your match with Harper, I’m about to take and I am about to amplify them because what I see is a woman that KNOWS she’s cooked, but needs JUST enough of a push to realize that she is and that either she needs to FINALLY grow and evolve… or just admit that she’s overstayed her welcome.

You’ve already lost this match in my book Mercedes… because you don’t think you can win against me. The only reason why you won at High Stakes even though you weren’t mentally ready is because Sam Marlowe has a worse self-esteem issue regarding her career at the moment than you do. You can get away with it against someone like Sam, but against me? The woman that BELIEVED IN HERSELF and KNEW she deserved that world title shot at High Stakes, who MAINTAINED her conviction in herself no matter WHO she faced in that SCW ring along the way, the woman that KNEW she was going to be the ONE that beat “THE ONE”... TWICE… and who KNOWS that she’s the champion that can shake up this division as she has so far? NOPE!

I KNOW going into this title defense that I’m facing a woman that is far more broken about her career and her remaining worth in this business than she will EVER admit and it will be my great pleasure, in my second title defense this Sunday, to be the one that breaks you FOR GOOD… and I’m NOT talking physically, Mercedes… though I am capable of doing that too. I’m talking about psychologically! THAT is where you will be PERMANENTLY broken when I’m done with you. This Sunday? You might as well start calling it the beginning of the Mercedes Vargas Farewell tour… because when I’m done with you? You’re going to go from questioning whether you’ll ever win a title again to REALIZING that you’ll never win a title again… ESPECIALLY the one you’re challenging for on Sunday!

You’re about to find out exactly how weak your resolve has been all along and why someone like you could NEVER… EVER win against someone of my caliber!

I admit that Sunday might not be your swan song exactly…

But maybe, just maybe, when I’m done with you and I break whatever resolve you have left?

I might as well start pushing you to warm the band for that…”

I scoffed once more and maintained my full confidence feeling like Sunday was going to be another notch on my belt in my still-fledgling SCW career…

But most importantly?

I felt like Sunday I was finally about to put some nearly two and a half year demons from before my time in SCW to bed once and for all…

With that thought in mind, I shut off my camera and felt ready to heal from that aforementioned painful experience.