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Climax Control Roleplays / Nearly Isn't Enough
« Last post by Eddie Lyons on May 08, 2025, 05:19:46 PM »
The sound of gloves hitting pads  echo throughout the tiny gym in Amsterdam. The place was cold and dingy, a far cry from the upscale utilities Eddie Lyons was used to at the Lyon's Den. But the lesser quality amenities didn't stop Eddie Lyons from being as laser focused as usual.

He had to bring his best for Kris Ryans. A Hall of Famer, a former world champion and a man who had handed Eddie what he considered one of the bigger losses of his career just last fall, and he still had yet to seek his redemption.

His fists hit the bag once, twice, and a third time in quick succession and that's when he heard the buzz of his cell phone as he looked down he saw the name of his friend Cleo Phillips. He pulled off his gloves and answered the phone.[/i]

“Cleo!” he said “What's up.”

“Hey..” her voice came with an alert but calm tone, “Don't freak out.”

That of course was the exact type of sentence that would make one want to do the exact opposite.

“What's wrong?” he asked “Is everything okay?”

“It's Sabrina…” she said quickly “Now she's aight' Eddie, but earlier today she took a bit of a tumble and twisted her ankle.”

Eddie nearly lost his grip on the phone, then a string of sentences came out of him at once.

“What how did that happen!”
“What about the baby”
“Is she at the hospital”
“Was she walking”
“Is the baby okay”
“Where is she”
“Cleo!! what the hell happened?”


“She's fine.” Cleo repeated in a firm yet calming tone, “We were in the living room and Koda ran by a little too excited and kind of clipped her leg. Sabrina lost her balance and went down she mostly landed on her side and not her stomach, the baby's fine and she didn't hit her head or anything, but we did go to urgent care to be safe.”

“You what?! Urgent Care?!” Eddie said in a panic, “I'm booking a red eye home, I'll be there tomorrow in the morning. Blast from the Past be damned. My bosses will just have to understand.”

He was already throwing things into his gym bag.

“Naw.” said Cleo “You ain't finna be doing nothing of the sort. She's okay. They checked everything, her ankles a little swollen but it's just a light sprain. She's resting at home. I'm here with her G, you ain't gotsta fly back. I gotchu you fam.

“Can I talk to her?” Eddie asked.

“Absolutely.” said Cleo “I'll put her on, but just take a couple breaths all right? She don't want you to panic.”

Eddie took a deep breath has he heard the sound of the phone shifting hands and a softer voice came through.

“Hey Eddie Lyons” Sabrina said.

“Sabz…” Eddie said with an exhale “Are you okay what happened?”

“I'm fine babe.” she said with a gentle laugh “I really am. Koda got a little excited when Cleo came over and got the zoomies through the hallway. I wasn't paying attention and tripped right over him. It's really nothing.”

“Cleo said you went to urgent care, that's not nothing.” he said.

“Well we wanted to make sure everything was okay.” Sabrina said “Just in case, you know? For peace of mind. And everything came out okay,  the baby's fine the heartbeat is strong. and the doctor said I'll be sore for a couple days but it's minor just keep it wrapped and elevated.”

“I should be there with you…” Eddie said.

“You need to finish this tour.” Sabrina said “You've worked hard for this and you're in the semi-finals, don't let a little twisted ankle throw you off. Remember Cleo's here, she brought pizza and we're going to watch some movies. She wants me to watch something called Menace 2 Society.”

“Of course she picks that one.” said Eddie with a laugh “What are you making her watch in return?.”

“Happy Feet.” Sabrina replied

“Sounds like you all right.” Eddie replied he was starting to feel a bit more at ease now.

“So don't you even try leaving the tour and forfeiting Blast from the Past” Sabrina said “You're doing what you love, I'll be fine and I'll make sure to rest. Cleo is going to stay for a few days to keep me off my feet. You worry about taking down that Hall of Famer you have to face “

“I just hate being this far away when something happens.” Eddie said.

“I know.” said Sabrina “And I love that about you. But I also love how hard you work and how determined you are to reach your goals so you go out there and you win that tournament Eddie Lyons. I'll be eating ice cream, pizza and watching movies with Cleo.”

“What about the pickles and marshmallows?” Eddie asked.

“Oh yeah that's still my craving.” said Sabrina.

They both shared a laugh together.

“You're really okay then….?” Eddie asked needing to hear it one more time.

“Really really.” Sabrina replied

“Koda better be on his best behavior after this.” Eddie muttered.

[color=lavender“He already brought me his favorite toy as an apology.”[/color] she said amused, "Gave me the sad puppy look and everything. He did his best to say sorry.”

There was a short pause between the two.

“I love you.” Sabrina said “I miss you.”

“I love and miss you too.” Eddie said “Tell Cleo I said thank you.”

“I will.” said Sabrina “Now you go train, and you go in that tournament”.

“I'll do my best.” Eddie said.

“I know you will.” Sabrina replied.

“Facetime later tonight?” Eddie asked.

“Every night like you promised.” she reminded him “I'll even let you look at at my stupid foot.”

“All right.” Eddie chuckled “I'll see you then. Text me if anything feels off okay?”

“Deal.” Sabrina replied.

Eddie's stared at the phone for a moment after the call ended, the fire in his chest didn't feel like panic anymore it felt like purpose. Kris Ryans had beat him in the past and earned a world championship opportunity off it but Eddie wasn't walking into the ring carrying the weight of defeat.

He was going to walk into the ring with the strength of everything that mattered most, family, resilience, and love. This wasn't a match about any sort of payback, it was about proving that he had become a better fighter, a future father, a man not easily shaken even when the ground stumbled under him.

He pulled his gloves back out from his bag ready to finish what he started has the rhythmic sound of his fists hitting the bag echoed once again throughout the gym.


__________

It's an early evening has the cameras open on the old cobblestone streets of Amsterdam as a few bikers rattle pass in the background, we see Eddie Lyons beneath the flickering street lamp with the hoodie over his head zipped up halfway. Fight tape still on his wrist after a workout his breath Falls the air slightly as he looks dead into the camera calm and calculated.

“You ever hear the phrase time heals all wounds?” Eddie began “I used to believe that if I just worked hard enough, trained long enough, waited patiently, everything that stung would stop hurting.”

A dry laugh escapes his lips.

“But the truth is some wheels don't heal.” he said “They harden.”

He takes a slow step forward toward the camera.

“Last fall I stepped into the ring with Kris Ryans, he beat me.” Eddie continued “A guy who's been to the top lived there and probably set up a damn summer home off it. The man's done it all and that night he beat me, no excuses about it. Kris Ryan's was the better man that night."

There's no bitterness in his voice just honesty.

“I've been watching that match back more times than I care to admit.” He said  “Watching every mistake, every hesitation, every opening I didn't take because I second guessed myself. But that version of me? The one who stepped in the ring having all the talent in the world but not enough grit to get behind it?”

A short but heavy pause.

“That Eddie Lyons is gone.” he said as he leaned back against the street light “You see this trip to Amsterdam, this isn't some vacation or fun detour for me. This is business, and this time I'm not just showing up with potential. I'm bringing pressure I'm not just here to test myself against a Hall of Famer, this time I'm here to win."

There's a slight clench in his jaw.

“You earned everything they say about you Kris.” he said “Every accolade, every title, and every ounce of respect. I'll give you that you deserve it, but don't think for a second that your resume makes you untouchable.”

His eyes continue to stare down the barrel of the camera.

“Last time we fought I was too focused on wanting to be the guy that beat Finn Whelan,  last time we fought I had to drive but not the edge.” Eddie said “Maybe I respected you too much and myself not nearly enough.”

He shrugged and pulled his hoodie down.

“But I've grown teeth Kris.” he continued “I'm still Eddie Lyons but I don't pull my punches anymore. Not physically, not emotionally, not mentally. I've learned the difference between humility and hesitation, and I've learned how to trust my instincts. I've learned that respect doesn't mean surrender.”

He pauses letting someone the words linger in the air.

“I'm fighting for something a helluva lot bigger than my own pride now.” continued Eddie "I've got a family, and I've got a future. I've got a fiancee back home carrying our child who had to tell me not to panic when she took a little tumble because she knows how much this tournament matters to me."

Another short calculated pause.

“It's a lot of pressure, but pressure can either crush you or forge you.” Eddie continued “This isn't about proving I belong anymore, because I know I belong. Now I'm here to claim what's mine.”

Short pause as he catches his breath for a moment.

“You ever get sick of hearing people talk about you like you're not in the room?” he said “Like you're just “next up”, but never “the guy”? That's been my career in a nutshell for too long. People love to talk about the Lyons Den, love to talk about my cousins, my family my name like that's what defines me.”

He pauses with a firm head shake.

“Wrong.” he said firmly “I define me. I've bled  and broken myself to become more than just a last name. So maybe this match against you is a little personal Kris, not because of any grudge but because I refuse to let you be the one who closes another chapter in my story  and forces me to create a new one where Eddie Lyons once again almost gets there but doesn't quite reach it.”

He pushes away from the street light taking steps closer to the camera.

“If you're supposed to be a measuring stick then I'm the hammer.” said Eddie “I've got everything to fight for, a future with protecting a partner that believes in me even when I don't. A kid on the way who's going to grow up hearing stories about her father, and he won't be the man who almost did it but he will be the man who did.”

He finds a finger at the camera not aggressively, but assertively.

“You better bring your best Kris, because I'm bringing mine.” said Eddie “I'm not scared of losing anymore, I've already hit that wall. Now I know what I am on the other side of it, and I'm not just a second generation name. I'm a man with a mission and I don't stop till it's done and that mission is becoming World Heavyweight champion."

He lowers his hand.

“So we're going to have round two in Amsterdam.” said Eddie “But this time when the final bell rings, I'm not going to need the crowd to chant my name I don't even need the headlines I just need that look in your eyes the one that says damn he was better.”


He takes one final assertive step toward the camera.

“I'm not just chasing greatness anymore.” he said “I'm becoming it.”

He kept his eyes staring into the lens one last time calm confident and dangerous as it all faded to black.

________

Being a professional wrestler isn't always about the matches, feuds, and championships. You have to promote and that's how Eddie Lyons has found himself in the hot seat of Turnbuckle Talk, a popular European wrestling podcast. He's not here for a fight today, but for the media, the other half of his job.

He adjusts himself in his seat and places that provided headset on his head giving a nod to the shows hosts Tom Jacobs and Big Rob DeVries as the peppy intro music plays.

“Goedemiddag wrestling fans!” Jacobs began. “I'm Tom Jacobs as always with my tag team partner in podcasting Big Rob DeVries! Today we've got a very special guest from the roster of Sin City  Wrestling who you can catch currently on their Viking era tour, which will culminate in Paris at their Into The Void event."

“That's right Tom!” said Big Rob “With us today is none other than “Unbreakable” Eddie Lyons Thanks for taking the time with us today Eddie.”

“Not a problem at all.” said Eddie “Amsterdam has been very welcoming.”

“Have you been taken in the sights?”Big Rob asked “Or has it been all business since you've been here?”

“A little bit of both.” said Eddie “My fiancee told me to make sure I take time for myself and of course she wanted pictures of everything….Hi Sabrina.  I also discovered Stroopwafels? I think I'm saying that right. All I know is I ate six of them before I realized I should probably stop."

“I've seen Big Rob put down twelve of those.” Tom laughed.

“Well they are delicious.” said Big Rob with a grin.

“Couldn't agree more.” said Tom “I could probably eat about six myself.”

The three shared a laugh together.

“So Eddie, let's talk SCW.” Tom continued “The Blast From The Past tournament is nearing its end and you are one match away from the finals with Kris Ryans standing in your way. You win you move to the triple threat at Into The Void with J2H already locked in and most people are expecting Alexander Raven as well.

“Well let's give some credit to Bill Barnhart.” Eddie said “He could surprise the world and defeat Raven.”

“Given his record I see that as unlikely.” said Big Rob. “But I guess anything is possible.”

“You and Raven have some history, yeah?” said Tom rhetorically

“Yeah I've been in the dance with Raven before.” said Eddie "I know how dangerous he is. Him and Luna were one of the most dangerous pairings in SCW history. Raven knows how to pick his moments.But that said, if I do meet him in the finals alongside J2H it still won't change how I approach it.”

“J2H is already locked in.” Tom said “That's a name that carries some weight.”

“It definitely is.” said Eddie “I'm not going to sit here and call him the GOAT or anything but I do respect what he's done. He's got a resume that speaks for itself. I know what J2H can bring and I definitely don't take him lightly.”

“Any concerns that Alexander Raven and J2H might rekindle their old alliance should Raven make it to the finals?” asked Big Rob.

“That's definitely been on my mind.” said Eddie “They raised a lot of hell alongside Kevin Carter last fall. But then Raven disappeared for a while and now I don't know I really don't think Ravens worried about old alliances."

“Now for you to even make it to the finals you have to defeat Kris Ryans, a certified Hall of Famer.” said Tom, “How are you preparing for Kris?”

“Well, I'm not going to give away all my secrets.” said Eddie “But, in short the same way I always do just train hard try to stay focused on the task at hand and put my best foot forward it's all any of us can do. Kris has beaten me in the past but I've grown since then, and if he thinks he's facing the same Eddie Lyons he beat last fall then I'm going to walk all over him.”

“So whoever does end up winning at Into The Void, be it you, Kris Ryans, Alexander Raven, Bill Barnhart or J2H, they will go on to face the winner of Alex Jones and Helluva Bottom Carter." said Tom "So we have to ask if you win this tournament who would you rather face?"

There is no hesitation in Eddie's answer.

“Helluva Bottom Carter.” he said

“That was a quick response.” said Big Rob.

“Yeah and I mean no disrespect to Alex Jones.” said Eddie “He's the champion for a reason he's the man who beat Finn Whelan, and there's not many who can say that. But Carter's the guy I want. He's been on fire all year and he fights like every match is his last that's who I want to cross from me that's the kind of fight I came to SCW for.”

“Speaking of Finn he's out now with injury.” said Tom “I know you had a rivalry brewing with him, how does it feel now that he's gone?"

“You know, you never want to see a guy go out like that.” said Eddie “Finn and I had our issues, some of it was personal, but I always respected what he did in the ring. He pushed me in ways others never have. So I hope he recovers, gets healthy and finds his next thing soon. Whether it's back here in SCW, or wherever the roads take him next.”

“You've been gaining your own ground in SCW lately.” said Tom “Some big matches and consistent performances working your way in that world title orbit what's the difference lately.”

“I think maybe I stopped chasing everyone’s approval” said Eddie “Stopped worrying about who thought I belonged, and just decided I belong.  I show up, I work hard, and I fight smart. That's who I am and if that gets me to become this year's Blast from the Past winner then I know I'll truly have earned it.”

“There's never any smoke and mirrors with you.” said Tom “I have to say that's refreshing.”

“I mean if I want people to believe in me..” said Eddie “..I just got to be me right.?”

“Well said.” said Big Rob “Now it's time for my favorite part of the show the lightning round. I give you a name you give me the first word that comes to mind.”

“Let's do it.” said Eddie.

“Alex Jones.” said Big Rob.

“Champ.” said Eddie.

“J2H.” said Big Rob.

“Sharp.” said Eddie.

“Kris Ryans.” said Big Rob.

“Legend.” said Eddie.

“Victoria Lyons.” said Big Rob

“Family.” said Eddie.

“Jayden Harris.” said Big Rob.

“Rising.” said Eddie

“Helluva Bottom Carter.” said Big Rob.

“Willpower.” said Eddie.

“Alexandra Calaway.” said Big Rob

“Unrelenting.” said Eddie.

“Bella Madison.” said Big Rob

“Badass” Eddie

“And last one.” said Big Rob ‘Eddie Lyons.”

“Next.” said Eddie.

“And that concludes the lightning round!” said Big Rob with a jovial tone.

“Well before we let you go Eddie.” said Tom “Any last words for your fans listening around the world?”

“Thanks for riding with me.” said Eddie “We're not done yet, not even close we're going to finish this tournament the right way.”

“Well best of luck to you Eddie Lyons in your semi-final match.”  said Tom “And thanks again for joining us.”

“Yeah go tear it up out there bruv.” said Big Rob “And grab some more Stroopwaffles before you fly out.”

“Don't tempt me.” said Eddie.

The three of them shared a laugh again together has the peppy outro music played concluding the short interview.

_____

The cameras find Eddie Lyons alone in a quiet part of the city of Amsterdam looking over a canal reflecting the dim lights in the city skyline. Eddie's mind is far from the busy life around him dressed in his typical hoodie with the hood up hand resting in the pockets eyes focused in the middle of a thought that's been building for a long time after a moment he starts speaking steady but with a hint of frustration.

“Almost…” he said “That's the word that keeps following me around like a shadow. Always there no matter how far I run from it. I'm coming on my second year or so with this company. People know my name, I've got respect, I've earned that much. But let's be real respect it doesn't put titles around your waist.”

He exhales heavily.

“Every time I think I've got it, every time I’m about to cross that line and finally step into the light.” Eddie said “It slips away taken from me just like that.”

He snaps his fingers for effect.

“You think I don't hear the talk? The whispers?” Eddie said “You think I don't feel it when people say Eddie's almost there, he's got the skill and the drive he just needs one more push. Well I've been pushing for far too long now and that brings me to this match with Kris Ryans.”

He takes a moment to pause.

“I won't sit here and tell you I haven't respected what you've done in this business.” Eddie said “You've earned your place and built a legacy that nobody can take from you. But here's the thing I'm not out looking for respect anymore, because like I said respect doesn't win me championships, and respect doesn’t put me on top. Respect doesn't erase the almost from my story.”

He keeps a sharp gaze on the camera.

“You've made your mark Kris. You solidified your place in history.” Eddie continued “But I'm not here to prove I belong because I know I belong. Yet every time I lose. Every time I get that almost feeling. I wonder how much longer can I keep doing this, how much longer can I keep fighting just to be almost good enough?"

He exhales heavily again pausing for a moment.

“I'm tired of being that guy.” said Eddie “The guy who almost had it. The guy who almost broke through, the guy who fought but couldn't quite finish the job. That ends NOW."

There's a slight but intense quiver in his lip.

“And you Kris.” Eddie said “You're the next one standing in my way, the next hurdle in this race. While you have had your time in the sun, it's my turn now. This match isn’t about your legacy, this match is about me moving forward to take what's mine. I've fought blood and sacrifice too much to let this slip away I'm not asking for a moment I'm taking it."

Another short pause from Eddie

"You've been the face of this company. Carried it." said Eddie "I respect that, but the truth is legends fade and nothing lasts forever and when we step into that ring it won't be your legacy I'm focused on, it'll be my future. This is the moment I've been waiting for. I'm done with almost I'm done being the guy who comes so close but never quite makes it. This is the moment where Eddie Lyons steps out of the shadows and into the light."

He pauses for a beat.

“That goes for the rest of you listening as well.” said Eddie “When I meet you in the finals, J2H, Raven, maybe Bill. All of you need to know that I've been ready for this moment and when it's all over and I stand tall that's when my story will be written. Not as some guy who almost made it but as the guy who broke the cycle and proved that as long as you keep fighting you get what you earned.”

Another pause for a short beat once more.

“You're my last step before the finals Kris." said Eddie “There's no more almost this time. It's mine.”

The cameras linger on Eddie's face as he stares ahead with fire in his eyes.  Amsterdam just a blur behind him has his words linger in the air a declaration his moment is approaching and he's more than determined he's done waiting and he's certainly done with almost.

Fade to Black.
2
Climax Control Roleplays / "Shards of Glass"
« Last post by LilithLocke on May 07, 2025, 11:08:13 PM »
Therapy Session 5: Finding herself in the shattered reflections.

Scene opens in the same pale blue room. The ticking clock seems louder today. Maybe it’s the silence. Maybe it’s her. The lamp hums above, casting half-light on two familiar faces. Lilith is curled up in the armchair again, but this time her posture is tighter. A coiled spring. Black hoodie pulled low. No makeup. Just shadows. Dr. Harris sits in his usual chair, legs crossed, notebook unopened.

"I saw the tournament match."

His tone is even. No accusation. Just a fact. An observation placed gently between them like a raw nerve. Lilith doesn’t flinch. She doesn’t look up. But her mouth twitches. A smirk? A wince?

“Of course you did. Everyone did. Tell me something I don’t know.”

Her voice is hollow, soaked in something that isn’t quite regret. Not quite bitterness either. Just tired. Dr. Harris shook his head as he began to speak.

“Blast From The Past. You couldn’t even make it past the first round. You lost focus. Where was that fire you had before? That drive to prove to Kevin he needed you. You just proved he didn’t.” He waits, letting her sit with it. She doesn’t take the bait. “You were quieter than usual. No post-match interview. No fire. No retaliation. That’s not like you.”

Lilith sighed, running her fingers through her hair. “Maybe I ran out of matches to bleed for.”

She lets the words hang, then finally looks up. Her eyes are colder today. Not sharp. Not angry. Just... dulled.

Dr. Harris took the moment to speak up. “Or maybe losing forced a kind of silence you weren’t ready for.”

She scoffs, shakes her head, curls deeper into herself. “You think I gave a fuck about winning that damn tournament?”

But it sounds defensive. Shaky. She knows it. Dr. Harris always knows it.

“I think you care about not being forgotten. And losing in front of the world makes it easier for them to move on.”

Lilith glares at him. But there’s no venom in it.

“You think I don’t know that? They already forgot me the moment the bell rang. The moment I didn’t pin her.” She leans forward now, voice rising. “Everyone kept looking at me like I was the weak link. Maybe I was. Maybe that’s all I ever am. Static on a broadcast everyone tunes out.”

Dr. Harris nodded, speaking quickly. “Did you feel like you failed yourself?”

“I wasn’t supposed to be the one pinned. That wasn’t the story I wanted.” She looks down at her hands—bandaged. Bruised. Not from the match. From after. From fists against walls, and every mirror in her hotel room.

Dr. Harris closes his book. “That’s the thing about stories, Lilith. Sometimes the audience reads a different chapter than you wrote.” Silence again. The clock ticks. Dr. Harris speaks gently now. “Tell me what losing felt like.”

Lilith scoffs, leans her head back, stares at the ceiling like the answer might drip from it.

“It felt like standing in a crowded room screaming—and no one even looking up.”
She sighs. “Like my pain wasn’t big enough. My rage not loud enough.”

Dr. Harris finally opens his notebook. Not to shield himself—but to record. “So you’re telling me the match wasn’t just about winning. It was about proving you still mattered.”

She looks at him now. Tired. Honest.

“It’s always about that. Every promo. Every punch. Every stomp. I’m not just fighting them—I’m fighting oblivion.” She hugs her knees closer to her chest. “And I’m losing.”

Dr. Harris lowered his glasses looking at her with studious eyes. “You were alone in that match. What did it feel like to fight against someone when you felt like no one was in your corner?”

Lilith laughs—but there’s no humor in it. Just bitterness. “It felt like waiting for a ghost to show up. She was a monster in the ring—but she’s not me. Not really. No one ever is.

Dr. Harris shook his head. “Do you think you’re easy to be with?”

Lilith flinches. That lands. She hasn't spoken for a long time. Just breathing slowly. Then she finally speaks up “I don’t know how to be soft. Or still. Or... easy. I burn too loud. And people... they either get too close and melt, or they run before the heat hits.”

Dr. Harris leans forward now, elbows on knees. “That match wasn’t a betrayal. It wasn’t abandonment. It was just a loss. A part of the job. And maybe that’s scarier for you than betrayal—because it means sometimes, pain just happens. No enemy. No narrative. Just life.”

Lilith closes her eyes. Breathing in deep. The truth hurts more than the loss.

Dr. Harris speaks up at this point. “Did you look in the mirror after the match?”

She hesitates. Shaking her head. “I smashed it.”

Dr. Harris tilted his head. “Why? Why would you smash a mirror like that?”

Lilith speaks quietly. “Because she looked disappointed. Like she expected more. Like I wasn’t enough.” She opens her eyes, voice trembling. “I couldn’t take her judgment too.”

Dr. Harris took a moment, thinking over his next words. “Maybe that wasn’t judgment. Maybe it was grief.” Lilith frowns. He continues. “Grief for the version of you that thought winning would fill the hole. That thought recognition would equal love. That thought violence would be enough.” She bites her lip and looks away. “What would it mean if people forgot you, Lilith?”

Lilith spoke up now. “It would mean I never mattered.”

Dr. Harris shook his head. “That’s not true.”

Lilith glared at him now. “How would you know?”

He closes the notebook, setting it aside finally. “Because you’re here. Again. Still trying. Still talking. Still asking the mirror to show you something real. That’s more than most people do.”

Lilith’s jaw clenches. She swallows hard.

Dr. Harris stood, walking around the room. “Losing doesn’t make you invisible. It just makes you human.”

She hates that word. “I don’t want to be human. Humans break.”

Dr. Harris shrugged his shoulders. “So do mirrors. But we keep looking anyway.”

Silence. But it’s softer now. Like a blanket, not a blade. Lilith finally uncurls, stretches her legs out, stares at the ceiling again. Her voice, almost a whisper. “What if I’m more than the violence?”

Dr. Harris gives a final nudge. “Then we find out who that woman is.”

Scene closes on Lilith walking out of the room. She doesn’t have the mirror anymore—but something in her posture is different. Not hope. Not yet. But hunger. Not just for blood. But for truth.


Not theatrical darkness, but total sensory deprivation. A sound begins—slow, wet breathing. Uncomfortably close.

A heartbeat joins it, but not the steady thump of life—it’s uneven, arrhythmic, like something learning to beat.

The camera sparks to life. Fuzzy, grainy. We see Lilith in a room too large to be real, walls covered in sheets of cracked mirror, all slightly askew. Each reflection shows her at a different moment—laughing, weeping, seething, silent. None of them blink in sync.

Lilith, low, speaking to herself at first.

“Hell has no throne.
No gold. No velvet. No kingdom.”


She tilts her head at one mirror showing her curled in a fetal position, pale, breathing slow.

“No crowns.
Just teeth. Just heat.
Just the echo of your own voice,
chewing on your thoughts like meat.”


She turns to face the camera, stepping slowly forward, bare feet dragging slightly like they don’t belong to her. Her smile is lazy, not quite kind.

“There is no Queen in Hell.
Except me.”


She walks as she speaks, voice drifting with the cadence of poetry, but underneath it—rage. Deep and rooted like mold in the walls.

“You want to be royalty?
You cling to a title
You believe you earned it.
But it’s all just make believe.”


She shook her head. There was something that could be said about a woman like Victoria. She had seen them before, destroyed them.. She sent them packing. Victoria wasn’t a Queen, she was nothing more than a pawn.

“Victoria—that name,
that title—
you wear it like armor made of mirrors.
Polished. Pretty. Reflective.
But easily destroyed.”


Her hand glides across a jagged mirror edge, slicing open a finger. She doesn’t flinch. Blood streaks downward in slow motion.

“But what happens when no one claps?
What happens when the glass cracks and there’s no one there to see their face in you?”


She turns a mirror toward the camera. It doesn’t reflect the room. It shows fire.

“You think you’re safe because you’ve survived a few trials?
Because you played the wheel and it didn’t break you?
The Roulette Champion.
The False Queen.
Your throne is built on lies
Your Kingdom is crumbling
How ironic.”


She sneers, a twitch of disdain.

“Because I don’t play games.
I unmake them.
And when I pull the tablecloth from the altar,
let’s see if you still feel holy when everything smashes at your feet.”


She spins suddenly, grabbing one of the mirrors and hurling it off screen. The crash is loud. Satisfying. She doesn’t flinch.

“I hear the whispers.
Where's Lilith been?
Why hasn't she spoken?
Is it all just a game?
Did she run away?
Is she broken?”


She shakes her head.

“No.”

Her voice is low, gravelly.

“I was... watching.
Listening to the silence that came after Kevin disappeared.
Not just gone from the ring.
Gone from me.
I listened to the silence after my loss.
My first loss here in Sin City Wrestling.”


Her voice shakes now, a crack of something real breaking through the performance. She grins through it.

“He stopped speaking.
So I ripped my own voice out just to see what silence tasted like.
Spoilers darlings,
It tastes like copper.
Like iron.
Like teeth
Like blood..
And I loved the taste of it.
Every last drop of it.”


Her hand lifts to her lips, stained in a blood red color.

“I talked to the walls.
I screamed at the ceiling.
I ran my fingers through glass, as if it was nothing.
I buried parts of myself in places I can't draw maps to anymore.”


She paces slowly. Every footstep a sentence.

“And when they said my name out loud again,
it didn't feel like a return.
It felt like a summoning.”


A mirror flashes — a version of Lilith with black sclera eyes, grinning too wide.

“You think silence is a void?
No.
Silence is a pressure chamber.
And now I'm the explosion.”


She starts pacing faster now. Her bare feet leave red footprints. We don’t know if it’s paint, blood, or metaphor. We don’t ask.

“And now this little chessboard match.
Queen's Gambit.
How cute.
Like we're all pieces in some tidy little story.
Like we're meant to move only when allowed.”


She jerks her arm sideways, knocking over a stack of chairs arranged like pawns. They clatter and tumble like broken soldiers.

“But I don't move by rules.
I am moved by rage.
I step hand in hand with anger.
I was born from chaos, not crafted by order.”


She laughs softly, almost sweetly. Then when she speaks, again, it’s cold and calculated.

“You call me a threat like it’s an insult.
But that’s just a shape you use to fit me into your script.
Threat. Villain. Monster.
It makes you feel safe, doesn’t it?
Like I’m bound to the stage and the lights and the outcome.”


She kneels briefly, pressing her palm into a splintered reflection.

“But I am not your script.
I am the ink that runs when the paper gets wet with blood.”


She rises again, breathing heavier.

“Song... my partner?
She is silent and precise.
Graceful destruction.
An assassin.
We don’t belong together.
And that’s why it’ll work.”


She crouches low, crawling on all fours with eerie grace. Her face twitches, half-grin, half-growl, feral even.

“Because while she slices clean... I devour.
While she calculates. I thrive in chaos.
She’s graceful and delicate..
I am dangerous and go unchecked.”


She crawls until she’s under a hanging bulb that flickers with her every word.

“We are not two queens.
We are the sword and the scream.
And you don’t survive both.”


She rises again, and the mirrors show flashes: Victoria stumbling, Harper pinned down, Song with eyes like razors.

“She is the assassin in the night.
I am the nightmare that wakes you from sleep,
heart pounding, unable to scream.”


She claps once. Lights flicker in rhythm.

“Together.
We're not a team.
We're a reckoning choreographed in shadow and blood.”


She stops before a massive cracked mirror. The reflection in this one is twisted, delayed, like the footage is lagging. She watches herself... watching herself.

“Harper Mason.
The Strong One.
The workhorse.
The backbone.”


She walks slowly, hands trailing the wall.

“The one who gets things done while others pose, right?
The one they never worry about because you don’t break, do you?”


A chuckle. Bitter.

“You’ll be too busy
Trying to impress the Queen of Lies.
With your attempt at greatness.
Focused on the bullshit she feeds you.
Acting like a starving lunatic.
Slurp it up little one.
It will take more than just her dose.
But we know it’ll fail.”


She stretches her arms out like a crucifixion, head rolling back as if receiving a vision.

“I bet they pat you on the back a lot, huh?
Nice job, Harper.
You did great out there.
You held it together.”


Her voice turns mocking, saccharine.

“So stable. So dependable.
The Future of the business.”


She turns vicious instantly, stepping into the camera’s face.

“But what happens when something unstable grabs you by the spine and yanks?
What happens when it tears you apart?
Rips you open and see’s what makes you tick?
What do you do when there’s no pattern to follow?”


Lilith's fingers twitch. She flexes like she's feeling invisible strings being pulled.

“What if I don’t want to pin you, Harper?
What if I want to ruin you?
What if I want to undo the image they built for you?
Turn that hardworking reputation into gristle between my teeth?”


She laughs. Not loud. Not manic. Just... delighted. Like a child pulling the wings off a fly.

“Because this match isn’t about the Bombshell Roulette Championship.
Such a pretty little thing.
Gold and Glory.
It’s not about status.
It’s not even about winning.”


She walks into the darkness, voice still heard as the camera lingers.

“It’s about the unveiling.
About showing all of you that the roles you've been clinging to
are costumes soaking in gasoline.
And I brought the match.”


We hear the sound of something striking. A flame, brief. Burning hot and fast.

“There is no winner here.
Only survivors.
And even that is temporary.”


Suddenly she’s seated, cross-legged on a floor made of shattered glass, bleeding from a dozen small cuts she doesn't seem to feel. Her eyes flick upward.

“I have lived in my own silence for weeks.
Because I was waiting.
Not for the right moment.
For the wrong one.
The moment where it stops making sense.
Where the crowd can’t chant your name because they’re too busy screaming.”


She begins rocking gently. Humming. Childlike. The sound becomes distorted. She sways side to side a little.

“Where Victoria’s shine turns to smoke.
Where Harper’s balance becomes wobble.
That’s where I thrive.
That’s where I destroy kingdoms.
That’s where I plant flags in the flesh of my enemies.”


She reaches into her mouth and pulls something out slowly. A thread. Long. Dark. Wet. She keeps pulling. It seems endless. Finally she snaps it between her teeth and drops it on the floor like it's a dead snake.

“There is no Queen in Hell.
Except me.
And I don’t sit on a throne.
I pace the walls.
I scratch sigils into stone with fingernails.
Until my fingers bleed.”


She pulls her hand from the floor. Blood. Glass embedded in the skin.

“I make altars out of regret.
And when I speak…”


She leans into the lens. A whisper escaping her lips, as if she’s telling a secret.

“Reality flinches.”

She smirks, her eyes cold and uncaring.

“And when the match ends,
and they scrape the wreckage from the ring…
Don’t call it victory.
Call it a curse fulfilled.”


The lights flicker again. A low, grinding sound in the background—like metal dragging on stone.

“I didn’t come back to be seen.
I came back to make sure you see yourselves
in every single mirror I smash.”


The broken mirror behind her flickers with more visions—screams, fire, empty arenas, reflections without faces.

“Every shard reflects a truth.
And none of them are beautiful.
They all show the truth.
You are far too afraid to face.
In the end, you are a false pretender.”


The lights begin to flicker again. The mirror behind her shows not her reflection, but flashes of her opponents screaming, losing, breaking. None of it has happened yet. Lilith is eerily calm now.

“This is not about victory.
This is baptism.
Not in fire.
Not in water.
In the kind of darkness that stares back.”


She stands one final time, blood dripping from her hands now.

“Victoria, Harper—you haven’t been silent.
You’ve been comfortable.
I will peel the comfort from your bones.
I will make you question why you ever put on boots and called this a sport.
I am not the opponent.
I am the reckoning.”


She steps into a final spotlight. The mirror behind her shatters entirely.

“And when it’s done…
When you’re left coughing blood into your trembling hands…
Don’t look for mercy.
Don’t look for the Queen.”


Beat.

Her smile returns. So soft. So sincere.

“Because there is no Queen in Hell.
Except me.”


She shoves the camera away. The camera crashes to the marble floor and the feed cuts to static.


The dream did not begin.

It ruptured.

A crack in the fabric of silence, a scream without sound. There was no waking into it—only a slipping. A bleeding. Like Lilith had been caught in a riptide pulled not from water, but from memory. Ash blanketed the world. Thick, soft, endless. It coated the ground and the breath, graying the air into something heavy and still. The sky above sagged, swollen with an unseen storm. No stars. No moon. Just pressure—oppressive and constant.

And then—

She felt it. A vibration through the bones. A name shivering up her spine like a long-forgotten melody.

“Lilith.”

Not a shout.

A call.

Wounded. Wanting. Soft, like prayer… of confession.

She turned, though direction had no meaning in this place. There was no ground. No walls. No light. Still, she turned, drawn not by logic but by the tether that had never fully unraveled.

Kevin.

His name echoed in the marrow, burned beneath her ribs. She had buried that ache once—wrapped it in rage, smothered it in silence. But the ember was still there, and now it flared to life like breath on coal.

She moved forward. Slowly. Bare feet sinking into ash that held no heat. The air changed. She crossed into the forest of mirrors. Tall, warped, and cracked, they lined her path like sentinels—each one reflecting not her as she was, but as she had been. Each glass was a moment frozen: Lilith laughing with blood on her hands, Lilith holding Kevin’s jaw tenderly in the corner of the locker room, Lilith walking away while he watched her go.

She stopped before one—its surface trembling. In it, Kevin moved. Not in the past. Not in memory. Now. He wandered, barefoot like her, the ash curling around his ankles. His mouth shaped her name like it hurt. Like it bled.

“Lilith…”

She didn’t blink. Didn’t breathe. He was here. She stepped through the mirror. The surface folded around her like warm silk, and the world tore open. She emerged into the same landscape as Kevin—but behind him. Close, but unseen. Not yet.

Not until he needed her.

The dream changed shape around them. Kevin moved through a hallway made of rusted doorways. Each door pulsed with memory. He reached for them like relics, his fingers tracing names he could no longer say out loud. He stopped at the last door. The one still breathing.

It opened like an eye.

Lilith did not follow right away. She watched him disappear through the frame, then stepped in behind him.

The cathedral was made of bone. Familiar. Sacred. A structure she had built for him in dreams she no longer remembered dreaming. Every wall was carved with her name. Every echo was tuned to the sound of his heartbeat. He found the altar. Found the voice she had left behind.

“I’m not your light in the dark, Kevin.
 I’m the reason you know the dark has shape.”


He knelt before it like it might forgive him.

The dream cracked again.

And Kevin moved on.

Now the ash glowed.

The path led to a sea of teeth—chattering softly, like laughter underwater. Kevin crossed it barefoot, each step sending ripples through the bone-white tide.

And on the other side— The throne.

Lilith sat upon it, waiting. But not soft. Not safe. She was radiant in ruin. Her skin glowed where the cracks ran deepest, light seeping from every fault line like fire behind shattered glass. The throne beneath her was a monument to violence—blades, bones, broken promises. Her crown was made of silence.

Kevin approached.

Not with awe. With exhaustion. He dropped to his knees. And said her name again.

“Lilith…”

She opened her eyes. And the dream froze. The tether snapped taut between them, binding them like it once had before silence grew teeth. She stepped down from the throne. Her bare feet whispered against the ash-glass floor.

Kevin looked up. His eyes were wreckage. Haunted. Hollowed out.

“Why didn’t you come?” he asked. His voice was low. Broken.

Lilith knelt in front of him. Her hand found his cheek. She smeared ash across it like a benediction.

“I did,” she whispered. “You just didn’t open your eyes.”

His hand found hers, gripping it tightly. “I thought I lost you.”

“You did,” she answered. “But I’m the kind of thing that finds herself again.”

Kevin’s forehead met hers. He breathed her in like absolution. “I need you.”

The words hung there. Not pleading. Not dramatic. Just true. Lilith did not flinch. She held him. Let him collapse into her like the man who once stood behind her in every war. Her arms wrapped around him, and for a moment, neither one moved. Neither one spoke.

And the world held its breath.

The ash stilled.

The knives dissolved.

The sky bled gold and red and black.

In this sacred unreality—this pocket of myth and memory—they were whole again.

Not healed.

But bound.

Lilith stroked Kevin’s hair with trembling fingers. His heartbeat fluttered against her ribs. He was warm and shaking, and she memorized the weight of him in her lap as if she’d lose it all again by morning. She bent close. Whispered against the curve of his ear.

“You called me back.
 So now we burn together.”



Camera opens: a flickering flame. It pulses like a heartbeat, center frame. A low hum. No music. Just Lilith’s voice—beginning in darkness.

“There’s a moment in the silence before the scream.
Not peace.
Not calm.
Something else.
A stillness so complete it feels like suffocation.
That’s where I’ve been.
Not resting.
Not healing.
Not hiding.
I’ve been coiled.
Waiting for the right match to strike.
And now… I smell gasoline.”


The flame bursts upward, revealing Lilith in a cracked, cathedral-like space. The walls are draped in decayed banners—old victories turned to ash. The camera zooms in slowly. She sits cross-legged on a throne of broken steel chairs, blood on her hands, her mouth, her eyes too calm.

“Let’s get this out of the way.
I’m not here to make friends.
I’m not here to play fair.
I am not here to be clapped for, posted about, or paraded as the "dark horse" everyone underestimated.
I am the weight you didn’t train for.
I am the moment in the match when your lungs stop pulling air and your brain tells you to quit, and something older keeps moving anyway.”


She stands now, barefoot, each step leaving a smear across the floor like paint—or blood.

“Harper Mason.
Let’s start with you.
The Slaytanic Avenger
The Future.
Everyone’s Favorite Handshake.
You are the ribbon they wrap around mediocrity to make it look noble.
The girl who gets thanked, but never feared.
Congratulated, but never crowned.
You work hard.
You show up.
You hit your marks.
But you’re not dangerous, Harper.
And that’s your death sentence.”


Lilith stops in front of a twisted mirror showing Harper mid-match, shouting, fighting, sweating—yet somehow still fading.

“You mistake consistency for resilience.
But I’ve seen real resilience.
It lives in silence.
It digs with its nails when there are no cameras left.
It doesn’t care about applause.
You think because you’ve survived hard matches, you’re untouchable.
But survival isn’t strength.
It's a delayed consequence.
And I am the consequence.
The overdue debt.
The weight that doesn’t break your back—
…it snaps your spine like brittle chalk.”


The mirror shatters behind her. Lilith doesn’t flinch. She’s already walking.

“Then there’s Victoria.
The Queen.
The Roulette Champion.
The golden veneer over a hollow core.
You walk like you’ve earned something eternal.
Like the belt on your shoulder sanctified your soul.
But I know better.
I know what a crown looks like when it’s desperate.
I know what a throne sounds like when it creaks under the weight of a lie.”


Lilith kneels beside a pile of ruined glass—each shard showing Victoria at her highest moments. She drags her fingers through them like bones.

“You need the crowd.
You need the crown.
You need the throne.
You need the title.
You need the illusion.
You need the adoration.
Because if they stop looking at you,
you cease to exist,
To matter.
Because you didn’t have that
From your parents.
You’re not the Queen, Victoria.
You’re the mirror.
And when I crack it—
no more reflections.
Just shards.
And if I cut my hands doing it?
So be it.
I’ve bled for worse.”


She laughs now, low, bitter. She stands, brushing dust from her knees.

“And Song…
My sweet, sharp-edged shadow.
The one they call an assassin.
The calm in the storm.
You’ve been silent.
You’ve been watching.
And I respect that.
But hear me clearly, partner:
If you falter—
if you freeze when it’s time to carve,
if you hesitate when it’s time to strike—
I will leave you behind.
Not because I want to.
Because this world demands it.”


Her tone softens—not kind, but intimate. Like a mother warning her child before a storm.

“I didn’t choose you because I believed in unity.
I chose you because I believed in your precision.
Your stillness.
Your ability to kill quietly.
But this isn’t a silent death, Song.
This is a blood opera.
And if your blade wavers—if your heart flutters instead of stabs—
I will make sure you pay the price.”


She walks into a narrow hallway of red light. The walls breathe. The floor pulses. It’s more alive than architecture.

“There’s no room in this war for softness.
No space for mercy.
Not when Harper still believes she can “outwork” the abyss.
Not when Victoria clutches her title like it will keep her safe from the void.
Not when the crowd thinks this is just another Roulette match.
It isn’t.
It’s a reckoning.
It’s a sacrifice.
It’s a ritual.
And I’m the knife.”


She stops at a door covered in symbols. Her hand touches it. It peels open, revealing a cold, white ring under flickering lights.

“This ring?
It’s not a stage.
It’s not a proving ground.
It’s not the place where stories get finished.
It’s the pit.
And when you fall in?
You don’t crawl out the same.
Ask anyone.
Ask the ones I buried beneath silence.”


She enters the ring now, bare feet smudging red across the mat. She crouches low, voice dropping to something sacred and terrifying.

“I’m not here to win.
Winning is too small for me.
Too tidy.
No.
I’m here to unmake.
To peel skin from myth.
To chew the sinew of your reputations
until all that’s left is bone and the crowd's confusion.”


She tilts her head, almost smiling.

“When this match ends,
Harper will be asking where the mat went—
because she’ll be buried beneath it.”


Victoria will be clutching the Roulette belt like a lifeline, unaware that I already fed it to the fire.

“And Song…
If you fail to do what needs doing—
if you forget what we are,
forget the dance of blade and shadow we promised to be—
then you’ll find yourself alone.
And I’ll leave your name in my wake like all the others.
Etched into the wall of the ones who almost mattered.”


She leans into the camera now. Eyes unblinking. Voice barely above a whisper.

“This isn’t a promo.
It’s a sermon.
A warning.
A prophecy.
There is no Queen in Hell.
Except me.
And I didn’t come here to rule.
I came here to ruin.”


Cut to black. The last thing heard is the sound of breathing—too close. Too calm. Then, a whisper.

“See you soon.”
3
Climax Control Roleplays / “It Has Been Prophesized.”
« Last post by Logan Hunter on May 07, 2025, 10:27:58 AM »
Following Logan’s elimination from the Blast From the Past Tournament his status for Into the Void was initially up in the air and after two weeks of not being in action Logan was becoming increasingly unhinged, but during one such rant? He expressed interest in this year’s King for a Day Match at Into the Void which had been won by Guy With a Cape the year before! However he wasn’t announced for the Ladder Match.

No, instead Logan was announced as the next challenger for the SCW Roulette Championship, currently held by fellow Aussie Aidan Reynolds! This was Logan’s first title match in SCW but before he could get that far? Logan was facing another champion in a non-title match, namely the Internet Champion Kevin Carter! This was Logan’s second main event since he signed with SCW last December but officially the first time he’s had a sniff at title gold, can Logan get the win?

Backstage at Climax Control 424, Copenhagen, Denmark
Sunday the 4th of May 2025, 21:00pm

Things did not go as planned.

Kris Ryans currently has what should be my spot in the Blast from the Past Quarter finals and that has left me directionless over the past few weeks but I had a vision, of entering the King for a Day Match, winning it and causing hell for each and every one of my enemies!

Then came the announcement, because the bosses had a very different plan in mind for me.

Aidan Reynolds won the Roulette Championship back from Alexander Raven at last year’s High Stakes, a night that was meant to serve as my SCW debut if only Gabriel had cleared me and Brooke to compete in the Open Invitational matches, since then? His opposition has been lacking for a lack of a better word, wresting over the hill relics from SCW’s past like Connor Murphy and Daniel Morgan.

That will change at Into the Void, because I have been announced as Aidan’s next challenger for the title.

”So is the seg we filmed with Rocky earlier going to air or what?” Marissa wondered as she watched the monitor with her arms crossed. ”I’d hate to think that I pretended that I was going to throw up for nothing.”

”I’m beginning to think they cut it because me and Logan brought up the King for a Day Match after Logan issued his warning.” Brooke commented as she shook her head and Marissa nodded as she realized that her younger sister had a point, ”Which of course means we’ll have to hold off on Logan’s King for a Day ideas for another year.”

”That is not my concern.” I responded as I turned to the twin sisters and Marissa and Brooke turned to me. ”They put me in the match with Aidan for a damn good reason, they know the Go Gym is a school that produces champions and they want to see if I will be the latest graduate to earn their first title.” I added as I folded my arms. ”And against my fellow countryman no less.”

”Didn’t Aidan defeat another Australian wrestler to win the belt?” Marissa asked after thinking for a moment. ”The guy who ran with J2H and Kevin Carter for most of 2024?”

”You mean Alexander Raven, right?” Brooke asked and Marissa nodded as I got a text on my phone. ”Yeah, that was Gold Coast vs. Melbourne for the Roulette Title, only Logan will be representing Sydney in this battle of the Aussies, if we play our cards right then his reign will end at the hands of another Australian wrestler, and unless Logan’s wrestling at the Go Home show we will be heading back to Vegas for the week I guess.”

”We will be going to Amsterdam for the Go Home Show.” I told them bluntly as I stood up and the two women turned to me. ”Because I am wrestling in next week’s Main Event, against a man you just mentioned no less.”

”Well, the rules out J2H since he won his Semi-Final match against Levitt and they will probably want him healthy for the finals and I’m pretty sure Raven is due for his Semi-Final Match next week.” Brooke reasoned after going through the names she had just mentioned. ”That only leaves Kevin Carter and Aiden Reynolds, so which is it Logan?”

”Kevin Carter in a non-title match.” I responded simply and the two women shared a look. ”He apparently wanted a warm up ahead of his defence against Miles.”

”And they went with a guy who’s only been wrestling since December of last year?” Marissa asked and I nodded in response. ”What do you guys know about Carter?”

”He’s old as fuck but equally as dangerous, he’s had that Internet Title in an iron grip since he won it at Inception.” Brooke sighed as she thought back over the past few months. ”He’s turned away Bill Barnhart, Connor Murphy and Vincent Lyons Jr. in that order, hasn’t hit the hundred day mark yet but since this is non-title? It’s pretty much guaranteed that he’ll be joining that club soon.”

”Non-title or not, a win here will be my statement of intent.” I responded as I walked up to the two nineteen year old women. ”To rule the divisions with an iron fist for as long as I am champion! Let’s go, we’ve got packing to do.” I added and we walked off.

I don’t care how many years Kevin has over me, this match is mine for the taking and soon? The Roulette Title will be as well.

A’DAM Lookout, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tuesday the 6th of May 2025, 16:00pm

As this was the final Climax Control of the tour Marissa had gone the extra mile to decide where we were going to visit when we arrived in Amsterdam, problem was? Where was I going to film my promo.

At first we considered the Ann Frank museum but that was shot down almost immediately, I am an anti-social asshole who only looks out for himself but filming a promo in the home of one of the world’s most famous Holocaust Victims? No, that would be too far even for me.

Then Marissa found a place that gave me a view of the whole city and it was perfect.

”Wow, what a view.” Marissa commented as she looked out towards the city and Brooke nodded in agreement while I remained stoic. ”Never realized how pretty Amsterdam is!”

”Tell me about it, I just thought this place was the Venice of the north.” Brooke commented with a nod before they turned to me. ”Your thoughts babe?”

”It is the perfect battlefield for my triumph.” I responded simply and the two women shook their heads. ”Play tourist all you want, my destiny is at hand and I am completely focussed on the matches with Carter and Reynolds.”

”Hey Logan? In case you’ve forgotten? I’m your manager in SCW.” Brooke responded as she walked up to me with her arms crossed. ”I’m focussed on your upcoming matches as well but I can relax sometimes, maybe you should try it sometime.”

”I’ll relax when I am champion, until then? I am all business.” I responded bluntly and Brooke sighed while Marissa decided to ignore me completely and just admire the view. ”I am a graduate of the Go Gym, the SCW Brass expects excellence from me.”

”And you’ll get a chance to show it at the next show and at Into the Void.” Brooke responded as she stepped in front of me. You’re your match against Carter isn’t until Sunday night and your title match weeks away, the least you can do is try to relax and have fun! For fuck’s sake, the last show of the tour is taking place in Paris, the fashion and food capitol of the world, can’t you focus on that?”

”Brooke, your wardrobe is mostly small dresses and crop tops, since when did you care about fashion?” Marissa chimed in as she glanced over at us and Brooke just shook her head. ”Just saying!”

”I’ll need to look my best for when Logan wins the title.” Brooke responded simply as she rolled her eyes. ”And what better place to by new clothes than Paris?”

”We will get to that when we arrive in Paris next week.” I responded simply as I turned to the two women in front of me. ”But until then? I have a non-title match to win.” I added and Marissa just sighed while Brooke shook her head as the conversation drifted away.

A’DAM Lookout, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tuesday the 6th of May 2025, 17:00pm

*promo time*

As I got ready for one of my last promos of the tour my focus was completely on  Carter and the upcoming match with Reynolds and for good reason.

”As it has been written, as it has been foretold, the prophecy of the forsaken is upon us.” I stated as I looked into the camera (being held by Marissa) as Brooke stood by my side. ”I said from day one that my goal in SCW was championship glory and soon, my opportunity will be at hand! At Into the Void I will challenge Aiden Reynolds for the Roulette Title but first? I face a different champion in a non-title match, Kevin Carter.”

Brooke smirks as she motions to the view behind us.

”You see that? Beautiful view isn’t it folks? Well, on Sunday the rivers of Amsterdam will flow red with Kevin Carter’s blood!” Brooke stated as she motioned to the view off the city bellow us. ”See, this might be a non-title match but that doesn’t matter to me or Logan, we have been waiting for an opportunity like this to fall into our laps since the day we laid waste to Caleb Storms back in December and Carter? The old man is about to face defeat so bad that he might revert to his Entity alter ego!”

I smirked as I stepped forward with my arms crossed.

”Carter? You’d need nor concern yourself with Miles or HB Carter on Sunday because you must deal with someone like me first!” I started bluntly as I clenched a fist. ”Your Internet Title, right now, is worthless to me! The only thing that matters is using you as an example to Reynolds as to what I am capable off when I’m put in the same ring as a champion! It doesn’t matter if it’s a title match or a non-title match I will do everything in my power to continue the Go Gym’s legacy!”

It was at that point that Brooke chimed in again.

”Don’t get us wrong Kevin, we do have designs for the Internet Championship in  the future, but for the future to prosper that past must be eradicated!” Brooke added as she paced around me in a circle. ”And you are a prime example of what we have been talking about Kevin! You came back after over a decade away, attached yourself to a bitter has-been and a hanger on searching for relevancy and you have the Internet Title to show for it, for as long as dinosaurs like you roam the SCW locker room? Men like Logan cannot thrive as they should and it’s time you were hit by a meteor.”

It's that simple.

”They could’ve easily put anyone else in the ring with me this week after they announced my first title match and my thoughts would be exactly the same: you are a sacrificial lamb to be slaughtered on my path to greatness Kevin!” I added as I held my arms out in a Christ pose. ”My first title reign is at hand, it has been prophesized since I arrived in SCW! And once I am champion? Angels will weep at the devastation I lay across the land! You will serve as an example of this!”

Brooke chimed in one last time.

”You think you’re hot stuff because you’re a champion? Puh-lease! We’ve seen your challengers and we’re not impressed!” Brooke added as she flipped some hair over her shoulder. ”Seriously, “Old Fart” Bill Barnhart? Connor “remember me?” Murphy? Vincent “my family breeds like rabbits” Lyons Jr.? You’ve bend handed the small fry, don’t try to deny it, Logan will be your first real competition and he wll mark the beginning of your downfall Kevin!”

And with that I decided to wrap things up.

”For you see Kevin? I am no mere man, I am the right hand of the devil himself and when we get in the ring on Sunday? You will learn what true fear means.” I added as I stepped towards the camera. ”Aiden? I hope you’re watching on Sunday, because this will just be a taste of what’s in store for you! Woe to the vanquished, for their losses, whether it’s the old and feeble or young and able, will not be mourned and woe to Kevin Carter as he embraces oblivion!”

Marissa turned off the camera as the scene fades.
4
Climax Control Roleplays / “Teaming With the Enemy.”
« Last post by Harper Mason on May 06, 2025, 08:50:29 PM »
(Victoria was used with her handler’s permission)

Harpin’ On With Harper, Backstage at Climax Control 424, Copenhagen, Denmark
Sunday the 4th of May 2025, 23:00pm

*on camera, start vlog, promo part one*

Earlier tonight Harper’s latest title match in SCW had been announced, a Fatal Four Way that pitted her against Victoria Lyons, Lillith Locke and Song for the Bombshell Roulette Championship at Into the Void XII, but first she finds herself teaming with the champion in a tag team match against Song and Lillith at the Go Home Show.

Needless to say, when we open on Harper backstage at Climax Control following the Main Event? She clearly has a lot on her mind.

”So, as a young woman who’s dad served in the US Army while I was growing up and as a result spent most of my childhood traveling the world? I’ve always been someone who strives to do what’s right, whether it’s been for myself or others, something that has been difficult since I became a wrestler, difficult but not impossible.” Harper stated as she lets out a deep breath. ”And I’ll admit, when the Viking Era Tour was announced at Blaze of Glory? I was excited, beyond the fact that I’m a metalhead who likes Amon Amarth I mean.

Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, The Netherlands and, of course, Into the Void being held in Paris, talk about a killer tour right? What the hell can go wrong?”
Harper wondered out loud as she ran a hand through her hair. ”Oh, just Victoria Lyons taking an interest in me beyond me being a potential challenger for her title! It’s been a chaotic few weeks, I’m not about to deny that, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Hell, I was almost tempted to say “gold at the end of the rainbow but I thought that was too on the nose!”

Harper states as she lets out a deep breath.

”Yes, I’m one of Victoria’s challengers come Into the Void, but do you want to know who else is in that match? Song and Lillith Locke! Victoria thought I was going to have to face those two women in a Triple Threat to determine her next challenger but nope.” Harper states as she brushes some hair over her shoulder. ”Christian surprised her with the announcement that it’s going to be a Fatal Four Way Roulette Title Match earlier tonight! But first?

Well, I had heard stories of Christian having a sick sense of humour, but teaming me up with Victoria in a tag match against Song and Lillith? Yeah, I guess there isn’t really a limit to how low he’ll go to  build up a match.”
Harper stated as she shook her head. ”My animosity with Victoria, funnily enough, dates back to the match that started her on her current path: last year’s Queen for a Day Match! We both took part in that match, she won, started the whole queen shit and a few weeks later? Her Roulette Title Reign began, I’ll talk more about this after next week’s show because that’s not important right now, what is important? Is getting some momentum going heading into this match!”

*end vlog*

Backstage at Climax Control 424, Copenhagen, Denmark
Sunday the 4th of May 2025, 23:30pm

It’s been half an hour since Harper filmed her first Vlog for the tag match against Lilith and Song and Harper clearly has a lot on her mind as she waits for Josh to come back.

”What the hell was Cassie thinking when she said that to Sel?!” Harper wondered to herself as she leaned against the wall and checked her TikTok For You Page on her phone. ”Now Josh has had to take her back to the hotel to avoid further blow back from, well, everything that happened between her and Sel and I’ve got my tag match and Roulette Title Match to worry about on top of that.”

“My oh my, Josh has left you on your lonesome?” Harper glances up and her expression darkens as she sees Victoria walking up to her. “Some mentor he is.”

”It’s exactly as I said, Josh and Cass had to leave early because of that incident with Seleana.” Harper grunted as she folded her arms. ”Which I’m partially holding you responsible for by the way!”

“I was merely speaking the truth in my confrontation with Cassandra last week.” Victoria commented as she shook her head and Harper’s eyes narrowed. “Everything else just happened.”

”Does that include Cass not speaking to me all week long? Because that’s exactly what the past week has been like for me!” Harper responded as she shook her head and let out a deep breath. ”Look, I still don’t know what your game is Victoria or what exactly you’re getting out of this but next week? We’re partners against Song and Lillith and I need to know one thing.” Harper added as she stepped forward to get in Victoria’s face. ”Can I trust you as a tag team partner?”

“Impeccably, this isn’t my first rodeo as a tag team wrestler or do I need to remind you of the fact that me and Eddie are former Mixed Tag Team Champions?” Victoria asked as she brushed some hair over her shoulder. “Trust me, you’re in good hands.”

”I’d sooner trust one of my dogs to not eat any unattended food but Christian hasn’t exactly left me with much choice.” Harper responded as she shook her head. ”Besides, we both know this is a one night only thing, come Into the Void? That goes out the window we’ll be opponents and your reign will end.”

“If you mean my reign as queen? Please.” Victoria responded as she shook her head before holding up the Bombshell Roulette Title. “Whoever wins this year’s Queen for a Day Match will just be a pretender to my throne.”

”You’re so arrogant that you think you’re untouchable because you broke Krystal Wolfe’s Roulette Title record?” Harper asked as she shook her head. ”No one is unbeatable Victoria and all things have to end at some point, if you ask me? Your reign’s ending at the same event that played host to the match that set you on your current path.” Harper added as she pointed to the title. ”Both of them!”

“Good to see that you haven’t lost your fire.” Victoria responded as she started to walk off. “See that you back your words up in the ring, both at the Go Home Show and at Into the Void in three weeks, otherwise? I’m going to eat you alive.”

”If you really think you’re so unbeatable, answer me this.” Harper stated as she glared at Victoria. ”Why haven’t you set your sights on Kayla yet? Sure, you only have one win over her but the two times you did wrestle Kayla she tried and failed to submit you, you passed out rather than submit to her.”

“I do have certain ambitions yes.” Victoria stated cooly as she glanced over at Harper. “But those are on a need to know basis, and you don’t need to know.”

”If you’re going to dodge the question? Fine, but at least you’re honest about it.” Harper responded before Victoria walked off.

Harpin’ On With Harper, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tuesday the 6th of May 2025, 11:00am

*on camera, start vlog, promo part two*

Harper, Josh and Cassie have been in Amsterdam since yesterday morning and Harper has mostly been focused on the upcoming Tag Team Match between her and Victori and Song and Lillith, we cut to her hotel room in Amsterdam as the twenty year old wrestler is making herself comfortable ahead of her second vlog.

”Let’s look at who stands to gain the most from winning this Tag Team Match for a sec, because I know I’ll be doing the same for the Fatal Four Way in Paris.” Harper stated as she brushed some hair over her shoulder. ”On one hand, you have me and Victoria, two women who have been pretty strongly connected to the Bombshell Roulette Title since the show in Iceland, obviously Victoria’s the Bombshell Roulette Champ so that goes without saying while I seem to be the target of her attention over the past few weeks.

Song and Lillith? They seem to be afterthoughts in this whole affair, don’t they? Song wasn’t even in the Blast from the Past Tournament and I’m not even sure when the last time she even saw action on Climax Control was! Lillith’s record in SCW since her debut match, against Song no less, has been pretty spotty, two wins, one loss which was, off course, her Blast from the Past Match, it’s almost like Victoria picked those names out of a hat, ain’t it?”
Harper asked as she leaned back with her arms crossed. ”And considering Victoria thought she was setting up a Triple Threat #1 Contenders Match for me to win? That wiuldn’t surprise me one bit.”

Harper shrugs her shoulders as she continues.

”However there’s literally nothing stopping Lillith and Song from using that apparent fact as motivation to win.” Harper admitted with a frown as she brushed some hair over her shoulder. ”For those two? The story practically writes itself, Victoria thought we were easy opponents for Harper? Well, we’ll how them in this tag team match at the Go Home Show! See what I mean? Victoria may as well have had a big, flashing neon green sign that read “I don’t care about anyone but Harper in this mess” and that’s gonna add more fuel to Song and Lillith’s fire.

In other words? Victoria’s dismissive attitude towards our opponents in this tag team match has a very real possibility of biting her in the ass!”
Harper added as a smirk appeared on her face. ”Now, don’t get me wrong, the idea of me bailing on this match right as it’s heating up and Victoria needs to tag me in? After everything she’s put me through since the Iceland show? Yeah, it’s tempting, but I need to look at this practically because a win here would not only break the losing streak I’ve been on since my first Internet Title Match against Bella but give me a serious momentum boost heading into Paris and Into the Void, especially if I’m the one who scores the pin in this match!”

*end vlog*

Canal Cruise, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tuesday the 6th of May 2025, 14:00pm

Harper and Josh are enjoying a site seeing Canal Cruise through Amsterdam alone because Cassie was laying relatively low because of what happened between her and Seleana at the last Climax Control, but that doesn’t mean that Harper doesn’t have a lot on her mind.

”Amsterdam’s a beautiful city, isn’t it?” Harper asked Josh and he nodded in agreement. ”Yet it’s going to play host to me most difficult tag team match of my career on Sunday.”

“On paper the ball is definitely in your court Harper.” Joshua nodded in agreement as he folded his arms. “Say what you will about Victoria but she has proven herself to be an excellent wrestler and as a tag team wrestler in SCW? She is fairly dominant, two wins and one loss, to say nothing of the fact that she went undefeated for months after her debut last year, but then there’s the tension between you two.”

”Yep! And you know Lilith and Song are going to exploit that for everything it’s worth.” Harper nodded in agreement as she let out a sigh. ”This match is all about gaining a momentum boost heading into Victoria’s defence at Into the Void, that much is obvious, what’s less obvious is Victoria’s motivations behind her targeting me these past couple of weeks! I’ve confronted her in promos twice but that got buried in the details that led to this match being made it’s still not a great feeling.”

“The feeling that she’s trying to manipulate you and turn you against me and Cass?” Josh asked and Harper nodded with a sigh as she leaned forward. “You’ve seen how Cassie’s been taking it, to say nothing of what happened to her over the past couple of weeks, me? I’ll still support you and Cassie no matter what but we’re going to have to sort this situation out one way or another, one way might be you taking the title from Victoria.”

”Setting aside how easier said than done that would be against Victoria one on one, never mind in a multi-person match, who’s to say that that would stop her?” Harper pointed out and Josh nodded as he got the idea. ”Let’s face it, we’d both be shocked if Victoria isn’t moved on to the Internet or even World Bombshell Divisions when she does finally lose the title, but at the same time? she might try to get the title back.”

“All very good points, but we’ll see what happens.” Josh responded with a nod and Harper grinned. “And before then? You’ve got a tag match to win.”

”Don’t I know it.” Harper responded before she turned her attention back to the scenery.

Harpin’ On With Harper, Amsterdam Canal Cruise, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tuesday the 6th of May 2025, 15:00pm

*on camera, start vlog, final promo part*

As Harper admires the scenery around her she got ready to film he promo for the match with Victoria and Song and Lillith.

”This Tag Team Match is of course the prelude to the big match at Into the Void in Paris, and whoever wins the match for the team will have all the momentum in the world heading  into the Fatal Four Way.” Harper commented as she leaned back a bit in the boat. ”Let’s look at the other women in this match one more time and rank them in terms of who needs the momentum more, Victoria? Does she even need the momentum? If she makes it past Into the Void as champ there’s a good chance that she’ll reach full year as champion, need a say more?

Song? Master Lilly outright said that Song’s contract is expiring at Summer XXXTreme and it doesn’t sound like she’s going to be renewing, can you say one last shot at glory? And Lillith? Technically I’m in the same boat as her because we’re the only Bombshells in the match who haven’t held titles since we joined SCW, but she’s also the most recent signee out of the four women in both matches so there’s that.”
Harper stated as she shook her head. ”I’ll make this short and sweet, no one else in this match needs the win more than me!”

Yep.

”My last singles win was at Inception, four months ago! And since then? I’ve been on one of the worst losing streaks of my career to date, in some ways this tag team with Victoria is blessing and a curse.” Harper started as she ran a hand through her wavy, dirty blonde hair. ”A blessing because she’s the champion heading into the match at Into The Void in Paris and of course this tag team match, a curse because Christian has gone to his old playbook of painting rivals in a tag match together.

Happened last year during the lead up to High Stakes where I teamed with Bobbie Dahl against the Zdunichs and it’s happening again this year where I face Song and Lillith with Victoria as my partner.”
Harper lets out a deep breath. ”Christian sure does love forcing me to team with my enemies ahead of a big match against them, doesn’t he? Well, guess what guys? I won that match against the Zdunichs and I’ll win this match against my fellow challengers for the Bombshell Roulette Title!”

It’s that simple.

”Turns out Teaming With The Enemy is a great motivator for me, who know right?” Harper stated as she flips some of her hair over her shoulder. ”And as I said at the start of the vlog? This match is all about building momentum for the title match in Paris, we have Victoria who, win or lose this match, will be the champion heading into that match, we have Song who might not even be in the company after Summer XXXTreme and we have the wildcard Lilith, the newcomer getting her first title opportunity in SCW.

And then there’s me, the challenger seemingly handpicked by Victoria weeks in advance, the only one in the match who has both been in SCW for well over a year and has yet to win a title in SCW.”
  Harper added as she used her thumb to point at her chest. ”And if I have any say in the matter? That little fact is changing at Into the Void because I will be walking out the new and youngest Bombshell Roulette Champion at the tender age of twenty! I’ve been grinding enough to get this point of my career and if you ask me? I’m ready!”

And with that Harper decided to wrap things up.

”Go ahead Lillith, underestimate me and see how far that gets you, same goes for you Song and Victoria? Start marking down the days towards the end of your reign as Bombshell Roulette Champ!” Harper added as she leaned forward with a smirk. ”Because the beginning of your final days as champion starts this Sunday in Amsterdam and ends at Into the Void in Paris, Song and Lillith can put up all the fight they want because it won’t matter.

Why? Because I don’t plan on letting two Joanie Come Latelies get in the way of my dreams in SCW!”
Harper stated as she flipped some hair over her shoulder. ”Don’t believe me? Just watch this match on Sunday because it’ll serve as a prelude to my moment at Into The Void because the world is in dire need of a new champion in the Bombshell Roulette Division and her name will soon be Harper Mason!”

Harper stopped recording her vlog as the scene fades.
5
Climax Control Archives / The Redeemer.
« Last post by MiloKasey on May 02, 2025, 11:47:04 PM »
The song performed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0BTWiSb8Rw
This one is for Todd -Laura


The door clicked shut behind him with a hollow finality, leaving the hallway in silence. Miles Kasey stood still for a long moment outside the dressing room, staring at the cold, sterile corridor like it held answers he wasn’t going to get.

Inside, Carter was finally resting—barely coherent, a mess of sweat, blood, and dazed breaths. LJ had been taken off to the trainer’s area, conscious but barely upright after the absolute hell Alex Jones had put him through in that Last Man Standing match. Miles had done all he could, or at least that’s what he was trying to convince himself.

But it wasn’t enough.

Not even close.

Miles leaned forward and braced his hands against the wall, jaw tight, heart hammering in his chest like it was trying to punch its way out. His fingers curled into fists against the concrete, knuckles bone-white.

The images wouldn’t stop replaying.

Alex Jones standing tall.

LJ not getting back up.

Carter rushing in to protect him.

And then—

That fucking stomp.

Carter’s face was driven into a steel chair. The crack of the boot against the skull. The sickening way Carter’s body had gone limp.

Miles’ eyes slammed shut, breath catching in his throat. He felt like he was going to be sick.

“You weren’t fast enough.”
“You should’ve known.”
“You promised you’d protect them.”

The voices in his head started crawling up his spine like rot. He shoved back, hard, nearly throwing himself off the wall as a low, furious growl ripped out of his chest.

He turned and slammed his fist into the side of a steel equipment case—CLANG. The metal rattled violently, pain blooming instantly through his hand, but he didn’t stop.

Another punch. CLANG. Another. CLANG.

Until the case tipped over and the hallway echoed with the crash of gear spilling everywhere.

His chest was heaving now, and sweat had started to bead along his brow. He dragged both hands through his hair and paced, back and forth, like a caged animal on the edge of snapping.

God—dammit!” he roared at the ceiling, voice hoarse. “This isn’t how this was supposed to go!

His boots squeaked against the floor as he spun, gesturing wildly, fury spilling out in half-choked words.

I did everything right! I stayed out of it! I let LJ fight his own battles! I kept my word to Carter—I said I wouldn’t lay a hand on that piece of shit until the time was right, IF at fucking all!

He stopped, chest rising and falling like a jackhammer.

And what the hell did that get me?! Huh?!

He turned again, eyes glaring upward, his voice cracking as he shouted.

What did that get them?!

Silence answered him. No divine justification. No whisper of cosmic fairness. Just the faint hum of fluorescent lights and the cold bite of reality.

He pressed his palms against his face, dragging them down slowly.

Helpless. Useless. Raging at a world that had just made a mockery of his restraint.

Something’s gotta break…

The buzz of his phone in his pocket startled him, piercing through the fog.

Miles blinked, pulled it free, and looked at the screen.

The name staring back at him made his heart stop cold.

He hesitated for half a second—then answered.

Yeah?

There was a long pause as the voice on the other end spoke. Miles’ face began to shift—not confusion, not anger.

Something worse.

His entire expression went still.

…You’re kidding.

No. They weren’t.

Another pause. A beat longer. Then:

When?

He swallowed hard. His other hand slowly curled into a trembling fist at his side.

Alright… yeah. I’ll be there.

The line went dead.

Miles lowered the phone from his ear but didn’t put it away. He just stood there, the hallway suddenly feeling colder. Thinner. Like the walls were closing in.

Whatever that call had been, it had just added weight to shoulders already straining under the pressure.

His fingers tightened around the phone until the case cracked under the pressure.

Then, without another word, he turned down the hallway, disappearing into the shadows with heavy footsteps echoing behind him—

—leaving only the wreckage of the moment in his wake.


----

Manchester, England – Two Days Later

The rain hadn't let up.

It wasn’t dramatic or theatrical — just that cold, bone-deep drizzle that soaked into everything, clinging like grief that wouldn’t let go. Manchester always seemed a little gray, but today, it felt hollow. A city missing a heartbeat.

Miles stood at the edge of the chapel steps outside the old stone building, hands deep in the pockets of his black coat, hood pulled up against the chill. The same streets they used to run as teenagers stretched behind him — pubs where they played too loud, alleyways where they dreamed too big, rooftops where they’d screamed at stars they swore were listening.

Todd had been one of his first brothers.

Not blood. But real.

And now he was gone.

Carter was already inside, waiting, sitting near the back to give Miles space. He’d offered to say something for him. Miles had declined. Not because he didn’t appreciate it, but because it had to come from him. Even if he didn’t know what he was going to say.

Truthfully, he hadn’t said much at all since the phone call.

The service was small. Personal. No pomp, no spectacle. Just faces creased with sadness, the quiet ache of too much left unsaid, and the occasional hushed murmur between friends who hadn’t seen each other in years.

Photos of Todd flickered across a projector screen near the altar — laughing, singing, head thrown back like he was daring the world to quiet him down. In every photo, there was a guitar nearby. His old beaten-up acoustic was even sitting on a stand just beside the altar, untouched since the wake began.

Miles hadn’t taken his eyes off it.

When the minister called his name, he stood slowly.

The walk up the aisle was short, but it felt like miles — no pun intended. His fingers twitched in his coat pockets. He could feel every eye in the room settle on him: old friends, Todd’s parents, Carter in the back with his hands folded tight in his lap.

He stepped up behind the microphone.

Paused.

Opened his mouth — and nothing came out.

Just like in Stockholm, just like after the chair, just like every night since this nightmare began… he had nothing.

But then his eyes drifted sideways — to the guitar.

He moved without thinking.

Took it off the stand. Sat on the edge of the small wooden step near the altar. No words. No intro. No warning. Just Miles, hunched slightly forward, fingers curling around wood and string like they used to on late nights and cheap whiskey-fueled songwriting sessions.

He thumbed the strings once. Still in tune.

Then he started to play.

Soft. Gentle. Like he was waking the song up from where it had been sleeping.

Don’t let this feeling fade…
Like seeing stars in the rain…
It turns out, there’s something beautiful in the pain…

His voice cracked a little on the second line, but he didn’t stop. Didn’t look up. His fingers moved in rhythm, muscle memory guiding him through the chords that had once belonged to Todd — a song they wrote together but never performed, the kind of melody that was meant to be heard here. Now.

You gave me light in the dark…
Showed me the shape of my heart…
But I never saw the end before the start…

The whole room went silent.

The sound of rain tapping against stained glass windows faded into the background. Nothing existed but the voice and the strings.

And the ghost of Todd, who Miles swore was probably leaning somewhere in the back, smirking that lopsided grin like: about bloody time, mate.

If I could hold you one more time,
I’d tell you you saved my life…
You were the song I didn’t know I was trying to write…

Miles didn’t cry. Not here. Not while he was playing.

But something in his chest loosened — like the weight was still there, but it didn’t have to crush him anymore.

When the last note faded, he didn’t stand. Didn’t say a word.

He simply set the guitar back down on the stand.

Gave one last look toward the altar photo of Todd, and whispered under his breath, “That one was for you, mate.

Then he walked back to his seat, where Carter reached out and silently took his hand.

----

The Crown & Anchor Pub
Manchester, England – That Evening

The pint glasses clinked together louder than they needed to. Maybe it was the grief, or maybe it was just Manchester tradition. Either way, the old wood-paneled walls of the Crown & Anchor rang with laughter, memories, and the distant thrum of a jukebox half-drowning in the sound of voices raised with the comfort of familiarity.

It was the kind of place that hadn’t changed in twenty years — same sticky floors, same crack in the mirror behind the bar, same old barkeep who still didn’t trust card payments.

Miles stood by the corner booth, pint in hand, leaning with one shoulder against the wall, laughing at some story Dean was retelling for the fifth time like it had happened yesterday. The boys were there — Tommy, Dean, Marcus, even lanky Liam, all a few years older but just as chaotic.

And next to him, a little more reserved, but still present — was Carter.

He’d kept his hands in his coat pockets most of the night, offering polite nods, quiet smiles, the occasional small laugh. He was letting Miles have this. Letting him breathe.

Eventually, Miles slid an arm around Carter’s waist and leaned in.

Alright, lads — this here’s Carter. Some of you know him from the telly, some of you probably follow him ‘cause he’s better lookin’ than me. But more important than that... he’s my husband.

The laughter quieted for a second — not uncomfortably, just in that way where the words landed.

Dean broke it first with a raised glass. “Bloody hell, Miles. You always did punch above your weight.”

Carter chuckled at that, tipping his own glass with a smirk. “He says that now. Wait ‘til he sees me after leg day.

The table roared.

Even Miles cracked up, leaning his head against Carter’s for a beat before reaching for a chip off the plate between them.

That’s when he showed up.

Danny.

Late, as always, pint in hand, and already a little too loud for the room.

“Well, well, well — if it ain’t the prodigal son. Kasey fuckin’ returns.”

Miles turned, not immediately hostile, but guarded. “Danny.

Danny smirked like he’d just scored a goal in the last minute. “Didn’t think you’d actually show your face round here again. Thought America had its claws too deep in ya.”

Miles gave a lazy shrug. “They’ve got good food and bad decisions. Felt right at home.

That got a few more laughs, but Danny wasn’t finished.

He stepped in closer, looking Miles over like he was a museum exhibit.

“You know, mate… you could’ve had any girl back then. Any of ‘em. Half the bloody city fancied you. But nah… you went and came out instead. Pan, right? That what they call it now? Fancy anyone with a pulse?”

The booth went quiet.

Miles didn’t flinch, didn’t even blink. Just took a sip of his pint.

Danny leaned in a bit more, eyes sliding to Carter with a sneer. “And this is what you ran off to the States for? Him? All that talent, all that fire, and you settled down with—”

Don’t,” Miles said, voice quiet but cutting.

Danny blinked, confused.

I mean it,” Miles added, setting his pint down slowly. “You can run your bloody mouth about me all you want. I’ve heard it all. Traitor. Sellout. Whatever name helps you sleep at night.

He stepped forward, now eye to eye with Danny. Calm. Dead steady.

But you don’t talk about my husband. Not unless you want to be picking your teeth out of the fuckin’ tile, bruv."

Danny tried to laugh it off, but it wavered at the edges. “Alright, alright. Just havin’ a bit of fun.”

Yeah? Todd never thought you were funny either.

That shut Danny up.

Miles didn’t even let the silence settle.

You remember that? How he used to call you a walking beer stain with a victim complex? How he only ever invited you out ‘cause he felt bad that you peaked in Year Ten?

Danny’s jaw clenched.

Take a walk, Daniel,” Miles finished, voice low but final. “Long one. Preferably off a short pier.

Danny stared for a beat longer, then scoffed, turned, and stomped off toward the bar like a sulking child.

The booth let out a collective breath.

Dean raised his pint again. “So, Carter — how do you put up with this dramatic bastard?”

Carter smiled, leaning in with ease. “You should see him before coffee.

Everyone laughed again. The mood began to settle, warmth creeping back into the space.

Miles finally sat, brushing his fingers along Carter’s knee under the table — quiet, grounding.

He’d lost Todd.

But tonight, he’d protected what mattered most.

And that, at least, felt like something.

----

The night had turned damp — not quite raining, but the kind of misty drizzle that clung to your clothes and kissed your skin like fog with a grudge. The streets of Manchester were quieter now, the laughter from inside the pub fading into the background as the door swung shut behind them.

Miles exhaled slowly, shoulders finally dropping, his hands buried deep in the pockets of his long coat.

Carter walked beside him in silence, close but not pressing. They’d said their goodbyes. Shook the last hands. Took the last photos. Survived the last awkward glances. Now it was just them again.

I wish we could stick around,” Miles said quietly, eyes flicking up to the familiar buildings around them. “Wish we had more time.

Carter looked over. “You’ve been good about this. Better than most would be.

Miles gave a dry chuckle. “You mean I didn’t bash Danny’s skull in with a pint glass?

That would’ve been justified, not necessarily wise.

Hmm.” Miles paused on the pavement, looking out across the street like he could see into the past. “Every corner of this city feels like it’s echoing with Todd’s voice. His laugh. His bloody awful fashion sense. And now it’s all just… quiet.

Carter gently slid a hand into Miles’, fingers interlacing.

Miles squeezed back. “We’ve gotta head back soon. Copenhagen’s calling. You’ve got that big match, and I’m in that fatal fourway. Can’t exactly ghost the whole company just ‘cause my head’s spinning.

You could,” Carter said softly. “They’d understand.

Yeah, but I wouldn’t.

He looked at Carter fully now, eyes darker under the dim streetlight. “If I don’t get back in the ring, if I don’t keep pushing forward… I’ll feel like I’m letting it all go. And I can’t let this be what breaks me. Not again.

You’re not broken,” Carter said firmly.

Miles didn’t answer right away. He just looked down at the slick cobblestones beneath their feet. Then back up at Carter. “You help me remember that.

A beat passed.

Then Carter leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Miles’ cheek.

You’re allowed to feel all of this. You just don’t have to carry it alone.

Miles nodded, jaw tight, eyes wet — but not falling. Not tonight.

Come on, then,” he murmured, tugging Carter gently by the hand. “Let’s get back. We’ve got planes to catch. Rings to conquer.

And hearts to break?

Miles smirked through the ache in his chest. “Only if they’re in the way.

They walked on into the night — not away from the grief, but forward with it. Together.

-----

The cold in the Royal Arena crept into Miles’ bones, but it wasn’t the sort that came from the weather. It had been there for days now, ever since Stockholm. Ever since he watched LJ crumple under Alex Jones’ boot. Ever since Carter’s body bent wrong around a steel chair. Ever since he stood in the middle of that ring, seething with fury, hands clenched at his sides, and didn’t throw a single punch.

The quiet wasn’t peaceful. It was heavy. A tension wound so tight through his chest it felt like it would snap and tear him apart.

He sat alone in the far corner of the locker room, away from the noise and clamor of the others, his hood pulled low over his brow. The dull hum of lights above cast long shadows, flickering faintly in blue and gold. His gear bag lay open beside him, half-unpacked. A bottle of water in his hand. Untouched.

He didn’t need to warm up. His blood was already boiling.

Miles leaned forward, elbows braced on his knees, head tilted down as he stared at the floor beneath his boots. He could still hear Todd’s laugh echo in the back of his mind — the way it used to cut through the smoke of some back alley pub gig or over cheap curry at 2 a.m. They buried him just a few days ago. Miles played their old song with shaking fingers and a throat full of grief, and not one word had come when the vicar asked him to speak.

What could he even say anymore?

He lifted his head slowly, jaw tight, the ache in his chest a hollow thing clawing to get out.

"Sunday night...it’s not just another match."

His voice was rough, quiet at first, but it carried weight — the kind of weight that demanded the air around him to still.

"This… this is the reckoning that has been coming for a long time."

He thought of LJ’s face, bruised and battered. Of Carter, unconscious in his arms. Of every person he couldn’t protect. Every promise he made that had to be swallowed just to keep the peace.

He stood.

The stretch of his spine felt like it might split him open.

He let out a small breath — almost a laugh, but not quite.

"Artie, mate…"

A pause. Not for drama, but because some truths needed a little space to land.

"Do you ever just look at someone and feel like you’re staring into a mirror — not in how you look or sound, but how you hope? That maybe they’re still clinging to some kind of magic in a world that keeps telling us there ain’t any left?"

He shook his head softly, eyes glassy with something that wasn’t weakness — it was knowing. It was experience.

"You’ve got heart, man. Big one. Wear it right on your sleeve. You fight with it. Lead with it. Bleed with it. And people underestimate that, don’t they? Think it makes you soft."

His voice turned into a low growl, protective and real.

"But I know better. I know how dangerous someone is when they’ve still got something left to believe in. Something left to prove. You’re the guy that people bet against… until they’re looking up at the lights, wondering how the hell they lost."

He leaned forward slightly, as if telling Artie this to his face — not with scorn, but with a sort of reluctant admiration.

"And I’ll be honest, part of me hopes it’s you and me standing at the end. Because win or lose, I’d know the match mattered. And Bobbie, love, I’m sorry. That’s all I can say."

He paced now, his boots striking the concrete with measured precision.

"Now you...The Cat"

The smirk faded just as fast.

"I don’t know if it’s an act or if you’ve just lost the thread, mate. I don’t know if you’re here to wrestle, to entertain, or to watch the world laugh at the wreckage you leave behind. But whatever the case, you’ve made a name for yourself on chaos and cleverness and that cat-like grin like nothing in the world touches you."

Miles’ brow furrowed. His voice dropped.

"But what happens when someone does? What happens when the fun stops, when the jokes dry up, and you’re standing across from a man who doesn’t give a damn how many nicknames you’ve got or how many eyes are on you? What happens when the games don’t work?"

He took one slow step forward, imaginary distance closing.

"I’m not here to play with you, Felix. I’m not a punchline or a prop. I’m not here to be your next viral clip or quirky comeback. I’m here to fight. And in that ring, I don’t care how many lives you think you’ve got left… I’ll take every single one of them, one blow at a time."

He stopped in front of a long mirror bolted to the wall, stared at the reflection staring back. Pale eyes rimmed in sleeplessness. Stubble creeping down a sharp jaw. The look of someone who’d walked through the fire and hadn’t decided whether to stop burning.

Connor Murphy,” he murmured. “Now you... you’re different.

He started pacing again, slower now, each step deliberate. Thoughtful.

You’re not just here for gold. Or spotlight. Or to say you made it through another match without cracking. You’re here because you need this. Because violence — pain — it’s a language you speak better than most. And for a while, I think I understand that. That rage that lives just under the surface, always scratching to get out. Like if you can just hit someone hard enough, loud enough, long enough… maybe it’ll quiet everything else inside.

His voice dropped low, intimate, like he was confiding a truth to no one in particular.

I see it in your eyes, mate. That chaos. That itch. You’re not in this match to win. You’re in it to break something. To test just how far you can go before something gives way — and maybe, deep down, you hope that something is you.

Miles stopped, letting the silence sink in.

But here’s the thing…

He looked up, eyes steely and burning with a deeper fire.

You’re not the only one who’s danced that line. I’ve sat in dark rooms with blood on my knuckles and nothing but ghosts in my ears. I’ve walked out on everything I thought I was and built myself again from the ashes. So if you think I’m gonna be the stepping stone for your spiral, Connor — if you think I’m the guy who’s gonna fold under that wild, rabid energy you thrive in…

Miles stepped forward, into an imagined spotlight, that metaphorical ring already alive beneath his boots.

…Then you’re about to find out just how far down I’m willing to go to make sure you don’t get up.

His fists clenched, his shoulders rising with the slow tide of breath pushing against his ribs. No bravado. No shouting. Just truth — raw and sharp.

You wanna be chaos? I am the storm, Murphy. Let’s see who’s still breathing when the sky clears.

He exhaled slowly.

Then let the silence stretch.

Miles stepped back from the mirror, rolled his shoulders, and pulled the hood down. His blond hair clung to his brow, sweat already starting to bead from the heat building in his chest.

"This match... it’s not about revenge. It’s not about Carter. Or LJ. Or even Todd."

His voice cracked — just once — before he caught it.

"It’s about reminding myself I’m still here. That I’ve still got something left to give. That all of this pain… all of this fire… isn’t for nothing."

His gaze turned toward the hallway, where the muffled sound of the crowd echoed just beyond.

"Kevin Carter, I hope you’re watching, bruv. Because I’m coming to Paris. And I’m not bringing apologies. I’m bringing purpose. And don’t think for one iota of a second that I have forgotten what you did to get that Internet Championship."

He turned and grabbed his jacket from the bench — blue and gold, the hood stitched sharp like a wolf's snarl — and slung it over his shoulders like armor.

"This is Miles bloody Kasey. And I’m walking through this Clusterf**k and straight into destiny."

He took one final breath, deep and ragged, then stepped into the corridor as the light behind him dimmed.

And for the first time in weeks, the storm inside him finally had direction.
6
Climax Control Archives / Heavy is the Head that Wears the Crown
« Last post by Mikah on May 02, 2025, 11:29:38 PM »
“Frustrations.”
LOCATION: Copenhagen, Denmark.
DAYS UNTIL THE MATCH: 5.
SCENE: i
REC

Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
TIME:11:55 a.m..


Mikah had enlisted Leighton to travel with them over the last several weeks and until the overseas tour was over to have her watch the kids when they both wanted to be in the gym or on the off chance that they were booked on the same night and needed their gaggle of kids corralled. Mikah had booked a huge suite at a five star, luxury hotel that had three bedrooms. And then booked Leighton her own room. She let Lindsay have her own room while KJ and Myles shared one. She figured that Ridley would probably end up in bed with her and Kris anyways. She had lined Leighton up for the day, making sure that she could handle KJ, Lindsay, Myles, and Ridley before she went to the gym. She knew that Kris wouldn’t be there right away and it would give her a few hours to release some of her own frustrations before he got there.

She got to the gym around 8:45 a.m. and was surprised to find the gym empty as she and Kris had requested. She hated training around other people and would much rather spend the money for it to only be her and those she liked, which weren’t many. She sets her things down on a chair as she looks at the ring but she couldn’t do that until Kris got there. However, she could strength train and do a work out for a while. She wasn’t sure when her husband would show up, but she wasn’t too worried about it.

A few hours later, noises of frustration could be heard throughout the gym. She had already gone for a run on the treadmill, lifted weights, and did the elliptical. She took a break and scrolled through social media, which probably wasn’t the best idea. She also checked on Leighton with the kids, and they were doing fine. But she was growing just a little frustrated that Kris hadn’t shown up yet but she knew that he didn’t have a match this coming weekend, but she did. And it was against a competitor that wasn’t Cassie Wolfe. Mikah knew that Alicia Lukas wasn’t one to be underestimated and that she couldn’t just breeze by her as if she was nothing. She knew she had to put in the work to get the win on Sunday. It was going to be a battle and she was going to do everything that she could to ensure that it was her arm that is raised on Sunday and not Alicia’s.

And then to top it all off, she saw a tweet that was sent from Christian Underwood himself to her husband, in a reply to one of her husband’s posts. And of course, she wasn’t frustrated at her husband because he cannot control what others said, but she was still frustrated nonetheless. She was trying her best to get her frustration out before Kris got to the gym, but it was only a ticking time bomb that was in her head. She had gotten pretty good at communicating with Kris over the years and she wasn’t bottling things up anymore, but this time, Kris wasn’t around and it was only festering in her head.


;;Mikah “Stupid, stupid, stupid.”

She grumbles to herself as she hits the punching back in front of her. She had taped her hands up to protect them from the work out she was doing with the hanging punching bag. She hits the bag again, as hard as she can and whips around as she hears a voice behind her.

::KRIS “So, am I free to assume your morning hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows…?”

Her eyes narrow at him as she sees her husband standing there, having just shown up.

;;Mikah “You’re late.”

She points out to him, her voice flat and almost void of emotion. But the emotion was there in her eyes and he had gotten pretty good at reading her emotions and body language.

::KRIS “I am here now. We still have the place to ourselves. No harm done.”

He raises his right hand innocently, and makes the exaggeratedly slow move to lift his bag off of his shoulder and put it down on the mat.

::KRIS “I figured you'd want to be warmed up and ready to go before hitting the ring anyways. Was I wrong?”

She just gives him a look as she pushes the punching bag she was using and then walks over to a chair and sits down. It wasn’t his fault that Christian Underwood said what he said, but that didn’t mean that she had to be happy about it.

;;Mikah “I’ve been here nearly three hours. I think I’m more than warmed up. And had time to check in on Leighton and the kids. I see that Ridley didn’t weasel her way into coming with you.”

It wasn’t a fair statement to make as they both often gave into what the nineteen month old demanded. But right now, she was okay with pointing the blame at her husband.

;;Mikah “I hope you got enough sleep? Or have had enough caffeine this morning, at least.”

She wasn’t really looking at him as she was focusing on taking the tape off of her hands. She didn’t need it in the ring and really only used it when she hit the punching bag. She glances over at him but then glances back down at her hands. She takes the last pieces of tape off and gets up, brushing past him to toss the tape into the nearby trashcan.

::KRIS “Neither? Although, now I feel less bad about convincing Ridley to stay behind since you clearly woke up and chose violence today.”

He spins as she moves around him. He had definitely picked up on the hostility in her voice and wasn't going to take his eyes off of her in case whatever was bubbling up to the surface finally exploded.

::KRIS “....and you are better than me in the ring. I can't keep up with you like you want for as long as you can go. You need a head start or I am absolutely useless to you.”

She turns around to give him a slightly agitated look as he claims that she is better than him. She never believed that was anywhere close to the truth.

;;Mikah “You say that so confidently that you make me almost want to believe that it’s true.”

It was a constant argument, even jokingly between them. But there is a slight edge to her voice that gives the inclination that maybe she wasn’t joking this time.

;;Mikah “And….I haven’t chosen violence today, I’m fine.”

It was hard to convey that she wasn’t really frustrated with him, but he’s her husband and usually gets the rough side of her emotions.

;;Mikah “I just want this weekend to be over and move on. Or not, whichever.”

She simply shrugs her shoulders as she walks just a little bit closer to him. She tries her best to take a deep breath and erase the frustrated feeling, but it wasn’t budging.

;;Mikah “Are you ready to just…get in the ring?”

She pauses for a moment, a smirk on her face.

;;Mikah “Or would you rather go back to the room and release  some … frustration that way..”

She winks at him in a suggestive manner. She can tell that he at least considers the thought before shaking his head.

::KRIS “That seems like a much more productive use of my time and talent, but I don't think it would help you beat Alicia.”

He makes a move towards the ring, but reconsiders his words almost instantly.

::KRIS “Then again, I am not sure what I can do on that front either. I am pretty sure she would kick my ass too. ”

She visibly rolls her eyes at her husband’s words as she gets up onto the apron and then gets in the ring.

;;Mikah “You know, for being the company’s fu–favorite, you sure don’t have much confidence in your own abilities.”

She gives him a look as she stands in the middle of the ring. She was going to curse but she was trying not to use such language at him or in conversation with him. And she had been doing better.

;;Mikah “I’m pretty sure that you could get wins handed to you on a golden platter if your opponents wouldn’t throw a hissy fit.”

She reaches up and pulls her hair up into a messy bun and secures it with a ponytail holder that she’d been keeping on her wrist.

::KRIS “My strategy is more about adapting and overcoming.”

Instead of hopping up onto the apron, Kris lays flat and rolls under the bottom rope before quickly popping up to his feet.

::KRIS “I get beat on a lot, and then get lucky. Maybe it is my hard head. Maybe it is stubbornness. Maybe there is some kind of skill to it that I am too dumb to understand. I don't know. It works.”

He shrugs his shoulders.

::KRIS “I use myself as a wrecking ball and hope for the best. If I tried to do things your way I would have never made it to any main events.”

She raises an eyebrow at him.

;;Mikah “My way? What do you mean?”

She watches him, her eyebrows sort of furrowing together as she watches him for a moment. He was definitely more agile than she was and definitely had a different type of ring style than she did.

;;Mikah “I’m not sure I did it that much differently than you did. Or other people did. But it doesn’t really matter anyways.”

She brushes it off as she looks at him.

;;Mikah “You’re still…you. And adored.”

She was trying her best to just let it go but she couldn’t.

;;Mikah “By the way, I’m not…it’s nothing to do with you. The whole ‘choosing violence’ thing…”

She didn’t want him to think that it was him that she was mad at, because it wasn’t. But it was definitely coming off that way.

::KRIS “I didn't say or think that it was. I am awesome. I knew it couldn't be me. I also never said that I thought it was a bad thing. I hope you get mad. I hope you stay mad. That blind rage turns into spiteful determination, and then nobody survives getting in your way.”

She was slightly surprised to see that he wasn't taking it personally even though he was still totally walking around on eggshells.

::KRIS “You'll need that. Use it. This one won't be easy like the first round.”

She raises an eyebrow at him.

;;Mikah “Are you implying that I needed to cheat to win? Because I didn’t. I only did that for funsies and to piss Cassie off. And it worked.”

She knew that he wasn’t but she wanted to bring it up and didn’t know when she would get another opportunity. She walks closer to him and sort of circles around him before she teasingly trips him to make him land on his back. She moves quickly to straddle his waist and grabs his arms to playfully pin his arms down to the mat.

;;Mikah “I wonder if you’d still be Christian’s favorite if he knew how easily I could pin you.”

She scrunches her nose at him, her face just above his.

;;Mikah “Or perhaps he’d be jealous…”

He is able to overpower her to get his arms free, and starts to sit up, even with her full weight on top of him. However, the moment his back is off the mat Mikah effortlessly raises her legs to his shoulders, locks her ankles,  and falls backwards, dragging him along for the ride. They roll through, with Mikah landing in the exact same position on top of him.

::KRIS “Several would be jealous, but Christian wouldn't even be surprised.”

Nor did Kris seem surprised that his attempt at an escape hadn't worked. Trying a new strategy, he arches his back for momentum before attempting to power her up again. This time she leans back to counter, but falls into his trap. He is able to hook his legs around her body and pull her backwards as he sits up. However, she rolls through and back to her feet. Before he can react she leaps, plants both knees into his shoulders and drives him back into the mat, this time with force.

::KRIS “See what I mean. Three hours in and this is child's play to you. I am meant to be in the air. You'd tear me apart on the mat.”

She winks at him a little bit.

;;Mikah “You’re still better than I am, or at least enough to be considered main event material and saved for the going home show. But I suppose you’ll work as a stand in for Alicia. And then after this, we can go do whatever we want.”

She winks at him before going to move off of him.

;;MIKAH “Even if that is each other.”

She winks at him as she straightens out her top and then fixes her bottoms next as they had rose up in places that she didn’t appreciate./

::KRIS “Well, you might not be the main event, but there's always the chance that the two of you will steal the show anyways, even with J2H and then  a Championship match going on after you.”

As she stands, he attempts to sweep her legs out from under her, but she leaps his foot effortlessly.

::KRIS “The way I see it, nobody can top what you two can do in that ring. I am glad I don't have to follow you. Hell, I am glad not to have to share the same card as the two of you. I'd hate to be in a main event that nobody remembers because all that mattered were two of the best bombshells trying to maim one another.”

She hesitates for a moment, her eyes looking him over and thinking about what he was saying.

;;Mikah “I think you’re trying to flatter me. Because you’re probably the only person who sees it like that. Or believes that it will be like that. But it’s sweet and supportive. And it makes me love you that much more.”

Her mood had easily shifted out of the frustrated one she had been in earlier and now into a much lighter one. One that was a lot more manageable and the anger was pretty much gone.

;;MIKAH “And I do, by the way. If I haven’t told you lately.”

She scrunches her nose at him.

;;MIKAH “Love you, that is.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------


“Heavy is the Head that Wears the Crown.”
LOCATION: Copenhagen, Denmark..
DAYS UNTIL THE MATCH: 2
SCENE: ii
REC

Friday, May 2,  2025.
TIME: 9:45 p.m.


The scene first shows Rosenborg Castle sitting in the dark, only lit up by a few street lights before it moves inside into what could be considered the main hall of the castle. Or the hall that a Queen’s throne could be placed in. When the camera moves closer to the front of the hall, Mikah can be seen sitting sideways in the chair. Her back was against one armrest and her legs were draped over the other. On her head is a crown that she’s placed crookedly on her head. She is sporting a pair of skinny jeans tucked into a pair of black stiletto booties and a simple black cropped top and a black leather jacket.

“Heavy is the head that wears the crown…”

She doesn’t look at the camera as she stares up at the ceiling, enjoying herself and finding comfort in the way that she is sitting.

“They say it with such reverence, like it’s some noble burden. Like the ones who wear it deserve our sympathy. Like queens are made of porcelain and not steel. But let me make one thing absolutely clear, Alicia: I’m not one of those fragile little fairytale queens. I don’t need your pity and I don’t want your applause. And I sure as hell don’t need your delusions of grandeur tainting the legacy I built with my perfectly manicured nails.”

She lifts her hands up to look at her nails, that were perfectly done just for this shot.

“Do you see this crown?”

She points to the crown that adorns her head.

“This crown was never meant for you. It was too heavy for your hollow little skull, too sharp for your soft little hands. But I? I was born to wear it. I carry the weight of dominance, expectation, and envy like it’s nothing—because I am everything.

And you?

You’re just another girl playing dress-up in my shadow.”


She glances at the camera, a smirk on her face before she looks back up at the ceiling.

“You’ve been chasing my ghost since the day I walked out of this company in 2018 for a brief retirement. You broke my records, wanting the attention and notoriety that I had. Since the day I owned the Bombshells division, not because I begged for the spotlight but because I commanded it and I fucking took it. I didn't need to beg the audience for respect, Alicia—I took it. I earned it.”

She hesitates for a moment before continuing on.

“And while you weren’t even in this company or relevant, I don’t remember which and I honestly don’t care to look it up, I was out there breaking records, breaking spirits, and breaking bitches like you.”

She waves off the thought with her hand.

“Let’s not rewrite history. You only ever found relevance because I stepped away, there was nobody else left that could handle the weight of the Bombshell’s division. I left a void, and you crawled into it like a parasite, clinging to what little was left of my spotlight. But now I’m back. And guess what?

Your time’s up.”


She points to her wrist as if she was wearing a watch and to signal that Alicia’s time is almost up.

“You keep screaming about your legacy. You talk about building this division, uplifting others, carrying the torch. Blah, blah, blah. It’s exhausting.”

Mikah covers her mouth as she fake yawns.

“Do you know what happens when I talk about my legacy? My previous accomplishments? They get dismissed or waved off because I couldn’t possibly be that same Mikah that I was years ago. Well guess what? I’m not, I’m better. But your legacy...”

She looks at the camera with a smirk on her face.

“Your “legacy” is a poorly written soap opera, Alicia. You’re the woman who almost mattered, who almost made a difference. The one who nearly made history. The forever bridesmaid with the broken glass slippers.

You’re not a queen.

You’re the court jester.”


She waves her hand again, making a movement as if she was waving a wand or a scepter of some sort.

”But that’s not to dismiss the fact that you have had some kind of career here in SCW. And that you’re not one of the dime a dozen floozies that this company seems to walk in and out of those doors on the regular. You at least have some grit and you are more than competent in the ring. However, that doesn’t mean that you should get everything you’re demanding…”

She simply shrugs her shoulders at the thought.

“You talk about respect like it’s currency, and in that case, you’re broke. Bankrupt. Because respect isn’t given—especially not to someone like you. It’s taken. And the moment you stepped into this tournament, you should have known you were walking into my world. Not a level playing field, because when I’m involved, there’s never a level playing field. Not a friendly competition. A slaughterhouse—and I’m the butcher.”

She takes a deep breath before moving to get a little more comfortable in the chair.

”Let’s talk about your last few matches, shall we?”

She moves finally to sit up and she adjusts the crown on her head so it doesn’t fall off and clatter to the floor.

“You stumbled through them. Dragged your legacy behind you like a corpse. Tried to convince everyone that the old Alicia still exists. But she doesn’t, she’s gone. Buried under your own insecurities, crushed by the weight of a crown you never could handle, and could never carry but you at least tried. When you look in the mirror you see a warrior. However, when I look at you, I see somebody that doesn’t have what it takes anymore.. You’re a museum piece, Alicia—dusty, outdated, and forgotten.”

She looks around the room before looking back at the camera.

“You keep showing up with your speeches about resilience and heart like anyone gives a damn. This isn’t a fucking Disney movie. There are no happy endings here, not for you or anybody else in this tournament. Especially not for someone who thinks hard work alone equals greatness. You can train all you want, you can scream until your voice cracks. But it will never make you me.

Because I don’t just show up—I take over.

I don’t adapt—I dominate.”


The confidence is easily written in Mikah’s eyes as she looks square into the lens of the camera.

“You call yourself the foundation of this division? Bitch, I’m the one who fucking burned it down to the ground and rebuilt it to what I wanted it to be. The only thing you can claim is that you were the first to break my record and even then, you’re not considered to be the best. That’s still me. But you’ve had your chances to try again but you’re no Amber Ryan and you’re no me. But you had a few lucky reigns.. And now?”

A certain look of arrogance passes through her eyes as she leans forward.

“Now it’s time you finally acknowledge the truth: you’re just the transitional era between my greatness. You call yourself a queen—but where’s your kingdom now? Scattered, shattered, and forgotten. You have no throne to return to, Alicia. No subjects to worship you. Because they’ve already chosen their ruler and it’s me.

You want to talk about champions? About greatness?

I don’t chase belts—I make them matter.”


The confidence in her eyes was unmatched to any other look that she’s held before.

“You’re chasing the Bombshell Championship  like a lovesick teenager, clinging to it like it gave you purpose and me? I walked into this tournament to win a chance for that championship. But if I wanted to I could  snatch whatever title I damn well please. Internet title? Mine if I want it. Roulette title? Cute, maybe for a laugh. Bombshells Championship? It’s already on reserve.  I'm not in this tournament for a comeback story, I'm in it to remind the world that I never left the top.”

She crosses one leg over the other as she gets comfortable on the throne.

“And while you’re sitting backstage reflecting on your broken dreams and shattered pride, I’ll be standing in the center of the  ring, wearing that crown like the weapon it is.”

A  smug looks passes through her eyes as she stares into the lens of the camera.

“This isn’t your redemption arc, Alicia. This is your reckoning.”

The silence settles as she lets her words sink in for a minute or so before continuing on.

“You know what really gets me? You act like you’re still the measuring stick, like beating you actually means something. Like you’re the bar. Bitch, you’re not the bar—you’re the fucking floor. And I’m going to mop the floor with you come Sunday

You want to talk about passion? Drive? Determination?

Passion didn’t stop me from becoming the most talked-about Bombshell in the history of SCW, drive didn’t carry me through historic title reigns, and determination didn’t make me the name that the rookies whisper about in locker rooms. Talent did, skill did, charisma did. And you have none of those things—not anymore. Maybe at one point, you were those things but now? You’re just trying to cling onto what you once were in this company and what you want to prove that you can still be. But me?”


She raises her eyebrows and tilts her head to the side just a little bit.

“I still have talent and charisma while you…you're a charisma vacuum. A walking sob story in knee-high boots. Every time you open your mouth, it’s like listening to a failed TED Talk wrapped in self-pity. If you want sympathy? Go cry on a podcast. If you want respect? Earn it, again. But you won’t, because deep down you know the truth.”

She pouts her bottom lip out before shaking her head.

“You can’t beat me. And you won’t beat me.”

It was a bold statement to make but she didn’t care. She made her career out of making bold statements and she wasn’t about to sugarcoat it for Alicia.

“You’ll come out with your best game face, your tights pulled up high, that same tired I’m still a fighter look in your eyes—and none of it will matter. Because I’m going to beat you, humiliate you, and leave your legacy lying in the middle of the ring in a pool of sorrow and regret.

And when the dust settles, I won’t just walk away.

I’ll stand there, holding my arm up high as the winner.”


She raises her arm up as an example before placing it back down beside her.

“You said it yourself, Alicia—heavy is the head that wears the crown. And maybe, just maybe, that weight crushed you because it was never meant for someone like you. But me?”

She shrugs her shoulders a bit as she looks at the camera.

“I was born wearing this crown. It’s in my blood. It’s in my bones. And whether it’s the Internet title, the Roulette title, or the Bombshells World Championship—I don’t just wear the crown.”

She pauses for a moment.

I am the crown.

She reaches up and fixes the crown on her head so that it’s sitting straight on her head.

“I am the headline, the nightmare, the inevitable.

And at Blast from the Past?

I end your delusion.

I end your story.”


Again, she pauses as she lets her words sink in.

“Maybe your appearance in this tournament would have been celebrated more—but the second my name was announced, all relevance turned away from you and the spotlight snapped back to where it belongs. And your little cheer squad? The ones still chanting your name like it means something? They’re not loyal—they’re nostalgic. They don’t believe in you, Alicia. They believe in who you used to be. They don’t chant because they expect you to win; they chant because they’re praying for a miracle. And when you crash and burn, they’ll move on like they always do.

But me? I don’t need their approval. I don’t need their applause. I’m not here to sell t-shirts or post motivational quotes on Instagram. I’m here to win. I’m here to dominate. I’m here to take back what was always mine.”


There is no sympathy in her eyes as she keeps the focus on the camera.

”The truth is, Alicia... deep down, I don’t even think you believe in yourself anymore. Every time you show up for one of these ‘comebacks,’ you sound more like someone trying to convince themselves they still matter, that they still have what it takes. You cut the same speech, wear the same scowl, and pretend this time it’ll be different—but it never is.

You’ve become a broken record. Skipping. Cracking. Uninspired. The sad part is, even you can hear it. That quiet doubt in your voice? That hesitation in your step? It’s the fear. The fear of facing someone like me. Because I’m not like Candy or Cassie Wolfe or Harper Mason. You know what I can do in the ring, because I’ve done it plenty of times before. And it’s the fear of knowing you don’t belong in the same ring anymore that is eating at you and forcing you to make a comeback.

But once I’m done with you? Once I’ve peeled back the layers of the lie you call a legacy? There’ll be nothing left for you to hide behind. No legend. No redemption arc. No still got it  moment. Just silence. Just reality.

And Alicia? The reality is simple:

You don’t want this like I do.

You don’t need it like I do.

This isn’t your obsession—it’s your coping mechanism.”


She tucks her hair behind her ears as she looks at the camera again.

“And clearly, I need to  remind you and everybody fucking else that there is only one name that matters in this division.”

She stands up and straightens out her leather jacket.

“And it’s mine.”

She holds her chin up a little higher.

“Say it with me. . .”

A smirk crosses her face.

Mikah

She is quiet momentarily before smirking once again, the look rarely leaving her face.

“And it’s time for everybody to bow down.”

She moves and stands on the throne like chair.

“To the fucking Queen.”
7
Climax Control Archives / The Return of the Jersey Devil Diva
« Last post by GoddessoftheDead on May 02, 2025, 11:04:54 PM »
Act 1: The return of the Jersey Devil Diva



The scene opens on the beautiful Jersey Shore. The late afternoon sun had already started to set for the evening. The camera moves over the city and comes to a nicer part of the city. Massive homes loomed from behind tall walls with manicured lawns. The camera soon stops on a high bricked wall, with a wrought iron gate, with the letter “C” in the middle of it. The camera picks up guards moving about the grounds making their rounds for another evening. The camera moves along the long driveway that wound itself  along the grounds to the massive manor that loomed over the grounds. The lights burned in every window, and all that can be seen are the shadows of those thaw dwelled inside. The camera moves to the foyer where we see a golden fountain with the words “THE WORLD IS YOURS” moving around the globe. The camera moves along a long stretch of hallway leading to the back of the house, passing by pictures of family and celebrities with them. We soon hear voices coming from behind a closed door. The door opens and we see Joanne Canelli sitting behind a large dark wood desk. The dim light seems to cast an eerie look about her with her slightly pale skin, and dark eyes. Reno and Rude sit on one of the black leather couches, as a young man with short blonde hair sits across from Joanne.

Joanne: So you all know what the plan is right?

Reno: Of course we do boss.

Rude: The stuff will be coming in tonight, and Uh Oh will make the deal.

Joanne: And?

Rude: Make sure that the police and the feds are nowhere to be seen.

Joanne: Good. The old man might have some of his people watchin’ too. But they'll be stickin’ to the shadows. They're just the last resort, if needed.

Uh Oh: Are you sure you want me to go?

Joanne: Of course I do. You are one of the only people I trust with this. Besides, you can handle yourself a lot better now.

Uh Oh: Yeah but if that other side comes out…

Joanne just smirks, and gets to her feet. She moves around the desk and wraps her arms around him.

Joanne: If it does, it means there is a threat. If not, it's fine. Just be careful, and if anythin’ goes down, call me and I'll be there as soon as I can.

Reno: Right. At least you're not sending Scarpaci with us.

Joanne: After the last time… No. It would better if he stayed here.

Rude: Yeah, that was pretty fucked up… The gun fire, the explosions…

Reno: If Blitzskin didn't show up the police and the feds would have been all over us.

Joanne: And that is why I don't let you go with you guys anywhere.

Uh Oh: Are you going to be alright by yourself?

Joanne: Of course I will. The guards are making their rounds and I can handle myself, like I normally do. Besides…

Her phone goes off, as she sighs and looks at the message.

Joanne: Well look at that…

Uh Oh: What is it?

Joanne: They accepted my contract at SCW.

Rude: You're going back?

Joanne: Yeah, I've been bored lately, and I need somethin’ to get my aggression out.

Uh Oh: Are you sure that's a good idea?

Joanne: Of course it is. Besides Necra is there, and I figure that the two of us could take out the rest of the bombshell’s out and head right to the top. I've been a champion there and I'm looking to get another one.

Uh Oh: Do you have a match yet?

Joanne: I do. It's against Alexandra Calaway. She's a former champion too. This should be interestin’ if nothin’ else.

Joanne looks at her phone and sighs.

Joanne: Alright, it's time for you to head out.

Rude: Right. Let's go. We'll  call when it's done.

Joanne kisses Uh Oh before he leaves, as she smiles softly turning toward the window that overlooked the grounds that surrounded the house.

Joanne: I've been away from the ring for a while, but I'm still in the best shape I've been in years. I've been in other companies and have taken title after title and stood against all odds. Now that I've come back to SCW I'm looking to get to the top once more and get my hands on gold. No matter what it takes.

She turns and walks by a case filled with titles that seem to glisten in the dim light of the office.

Joanne: Alexandra, it’s funny I don’t remember you when I was here the first time around. Maybe you snuck in while I was gone and somehow managed to get your hands on a title that I already held. You see I’m not past my prime, and have in other companies, takin’ title after title, and even managed to come back from the dead, and came back stronger than ever. You think I chose to leave this place? Hardly. I had to leave, all because of somethin’ that you don’t need to know about. Well no one needs to know about.

She smirks and walks toward the door. Her eyes seem to shimmer in the dim light as she walks out into the hallway.

Joanne: You see Alexandra, I’ve been around a long time and I have taken down bigger and better than you. Many have stood in my way only to realize that I am not someone that is an easy target or I’ll just lay down and let you walk away with what I want in the end. You’ve managed to make a name for yourself but it seems to me that you haven’t won a title in a little bit so that means they’ve already tossed you to the side and don’t care about what happens to you or who you face off against. This is not going to be an easy match for you and I’m goin’ to make sure of that when all is said and done.

She continues down the long hallway, passing by the pictures that lined the walls.

Joanne: I have built an empire while I’ve been out of the limelight. I stepped away from wrestling but behind the scenes I have built an empire from nothin’. Just like my grandfather did. Do you know what it’s like to stand in front of generations of family friends and tell them the ideas that you have to make thin’s better to keep the peace, or to make money that doesn’t involve certain thin’s that a lot of us frown upon? No you don’t. I am a business woman, a daughter that loves her father, a wife that loves her husband, and a ruthless opponent. You have never faced off against someone like me. I don’t like being in the spotlight, and I’m not a big show off. I leave that to my niece. It’s not my thin’.

She reaches the foyer and stares up at the fountain that moves around the globe.

Joanne: There’s a reason why I am called the Jersey Devil Diva… I fight like I’m possessed by one. I have no soul, at least not any more. My heart no longer beats. But then again, I bet you don’t even believe that do you? I am a legend in my own right, because of the matches that I have been in. You claim that you have put your body through hell and back… That’s bullshit! You haven’t been through hell! I have… The match that Necra has posed to that Candy girl is the one that ends it all! The Camelot Pit Fight is a match that I will never forget. I went toe to toe with a man that I now call sire, and husband in that match. I survived, but not without injuries. I went through 18 hours of reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. They lost me three times on the table before they were finished. You and I will never be the same.

Her cell phone soon goes off as she sighs, and closes her eyes as she leans against the edge of the fountain.

Joanne: Damn it… Well if you want somethin’ done, then you have to do it yourself. Alexandra just know that I am not goin’ to back down from this match. Yes I have been away for a while, but I will work my way back to the top just like I always do. This match isn’t going to go down the way you want it to, and I will prove why I am one of the best in the business. I don't want people to bow to me, I’ve never been that type of person, but you seem to have a hang up about me, but when we’re done with this match I’ll forget about you unless we have to face each other again…

Joanne starts to head toward the front door and opens it as the stars sparkle overhead. The moon was bright in the sky and cast its light to the world below. She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes.

Joanne: You seem to think that I am afraid of you or that you are going to win this match against me… But I’m afraid that you are really underestimatin’ me and that is never a good thin’. People have done it before and regretted each and every moment that they did. I’m not sure that you understand who you are facin’... When we stand in the middle of that ring you will learn that lesson and then you’ll regret each and every minute of it. I’m not goin’ to underestimate you, I mean that would be stupid of me now wouldn't it?

She smirks as she opens her eyes and they seem to be glowing a bright green.

Joanne: Unlike you I have eternity… When your time comes to an end that’s it for you. I will be around a hell of a long time, and I will outlast now. When you grow old, and gray, I’ll still look like this, and well… Your name will fade in the end, and mine never will. I think I’ve said enough for now, and I can only say I’m goin’ to kick your ass in so many ways without reapeatin’ myself. See you soon and good luck, you’re goin’ to need it.

Joanne smiles as the camera focuses on the moon overhead. As the camera pans around, Joanne is gone and a rather large black panther seems to be on the roam as the scene fades to black.
8
Climax Control Archives / Traveling Without Bobbie...
« Last post by Bobbie Dahl on May 02, 2025, 10:22:24 PM »
For the first time in about seven or eight years, however long it has been since Bobbie and I have been involved with SCW in some way, I find myself experiencing something I never thought I would. For the first time that I know of, I’ll be attending an SCW show without Bobbie there. And not only attending, but I’ll be wrestling in the main event. It’s a weird feeling.

Bobbie has always been the active wrestler. I was only supposed to be her manager and be there to support her and cheer her on during her matches. Now that the roles have been reversed, we’ve had to endure a very heartbreaking loss and Bobbie needs some time to deal with it in her own way. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely wish she could be joining me in Denmark and cheering me on in the main event this week, but what kind of husband would I be if I didn’t understand her need for some time and space away from the SCW cameras? I actually insisted she take some time away, because as hard as this has been for me, it’s even harder for her.

I wish we weren’t going through this during SCW’s most recent tour. We were both looking forward to this one, especially the earlier Iceland stop and has hoped I would have advanced farther in the Blast From the Past tournament, but crap happens right? Life throws wrenches at you trying to knock you down when you’re riding high. But when one opportunity is lost, another one comes along and I don’t plan on wasting this opportunity I’ve been given this week.

I may not be fighting for a World Heavyweight Championship match, but it’s the next best thing. If I win the main event this week, I’ll move on to face Kevin Carter for the Internet Championship at Into The Void IX! But I have my work cut out for me because I have to beat three other guys in order to get the shot at Kevin and the title, and it’s no ordinary match.

But that’s fine with me. I need to experience all of the craziness that being a wrestler brings. It’s how I will get better in the ring. I’ll learn from every experience and every mistake I will make, because let’s face it…I will make mistakes. I’ll get hurt from time to time, but one thing I can promise everyone?

I won’t quit. I’m not going to back down from any challenge no matter how daunting it may seem. I’m determined to be a better wrestler and a stronger human being, because I’m tired of people looking at me as being weak. I’m not weak. And I’m going to prove it.

Had I not been going through a rough time when I faced Eddie Lyons a few weeks ago, I could have beat him. But I’m doing better and I’m not about to let myself get distracted for my match this week.

I’ll be focused! I’m ready to win!!




It’s time for Artie to travel to Denmark for the next several days. It feels weird to be traveling for an SCW show without Bobbie, but he knows she’d be there right with him if either of them felt it was a good idea for her to join him. But they didn’t so she is staying behind with Loki and her parents to keep her company and to comfort her if needed. He knew she was in good hands so this eased his nerves for the most part.

Artie, however, would not be traveling alone. Because he needed the support and attention just as much as Bobbie did, his father had offered to join him on the trip and have a few days of father-son bonding that they don’t get very often these days. And who would Artie be to turn down such an offer from his father. His father, too, needed the time away after having an incredibly stressful year dealing with his soon to be ex-wife- Artie’s mother, Amelia.

Artie had flown to Illinois a day before their flight to Denmark to make things easier. That was yesterday, but the duo is now boarding said international flight which is due to take off in the next thirty minutes. They are walking down the aisle of the plane as they search for their seats with their carry-on bags. “How was Bobbie when you talked to her?” His father asks as they finally find their seats and begin to put their bags in the overhead bins.

Artie sighs as he tosses his bag in next to his father’s and then takes his seat first. “She was alright, I guess.” He replies, sounding a little sad now. “She really wanted to come with but she’s also not ready to face the inevitable sympathy from everyone we see.”

Artie’s father nods as he sits in the seat next to his son. “Understandable. She’s still processing losing the baby and what to do next. You sure you’ll be able to handle it, though?” He asks as he looks at his son with curiosity but also genuine concern.

Artie shrugs and says, “I guess I will find out if it happens. I mean I’m still not over losing the baby, but I’m processing it and grieving in my own way. Wrestling is kind of therapeutic in that way, ya know?”

His father chuckles and nods. “Oh yeah. There’s nothing like being able to kick and punch some other fellas to let out some anger and frustration. Bobbie didn’t want to get back to wrestling to do the same?” It was an honest question coming from his father. The answer, though, was a little more complicated.

“Well, she’s still physically healing.” Artie begins, as he takes a deep breath and scratches his head. “But she’s also trying to decide if she wants to try again, or go for IVF like we were about to when she found out she was pregnant.” He shrugs.

His father seems surprised at hearing this and he stares at Artie for a few moments, trying to gather how he feels about it. “And what do you want?”

Artie again shrugs. Before he can answer, his attention is drawn to the aisle just ahead of them. His eyes narrow and he suddenly becomes angry. “You’ve got to be kidding me? What is she doing here?!”

His father looks confused for a second before turning his attention to who has gotten him so angry. He then stands up and heads over to…Artie’s mother! Artie tries to stop him, but his father is on a mission. He watches as his father confronts his mother who is now equally surprised to see him. She turns her focus to Artie and her face lights up.

He closes his eyes and prays she doesn’t head over to him, but when he opens them he is disappointed to find that she indeed was standing in front of him. But he refused to make eye contact or even say a word to her.

“Artie…” She says, still with a smile on her face even though she was well aware that he wanted nothing to do with her ever again. “I promise you, I had no idea you’d be on this flight.”

Artie laughs and shakes his head. He looks at his father, who adds more to the conversation. “Amelia, you need help. Truly. Are we going to have to get a restraining order so incidents like this stop?”

Amelia laughs and shakes her head. Artie begins to think that is sounding more and more like a great idea. “Oh Arnie, don’t be so dramatic. I’m telling the truth.”

Artie rolls his eyes. “Unlikely. You expect us to believe you didn’t know we were going to Denmark? So what are you going to Denmark for?” He glares at her, knowing full well that she is lying. That is all she has done over the last year. Lie.

“Ok look,” she begins and that is all Artie and his father need to hear. His father brushes past her and takes his seat once again, and both are prepared to ignore her. The plane is preparing for take off anyway. “Yes, I knew you were going to Denmark, but I had no idea when you were leaving or what flight you’d be on. Nor did I know that your father would be traveling with you. Where is Bobbie?”

Artie glares at her more angry than before. “Where Bobbie is is none of your business, so you can keep her name out of your mouth. You lost all rights you had to ask about her.”

One of the flight attendants then walks up to Artie’s mother with a friendly smile. “Ma’am, I’m going to need you to take your seat. We’ll be taking off shortly.” Amelia returns a polite smile and nods, quietly agreeing she would do so in just a moment.

She turns back to Artie. “I heard about Bobbie’s miscarriage…”

“Don’t even…” Artie closes his eyes and shakes his head.

“I won’t bother you anymore for the duration of the flight, but I hope once we get to Denmark that you’ll agree to have coffee or lunch with me so we can at least talk.” Artie shakes his head and refuses to look at her any further. She nods and with one final look to Artie’s father, she turns and walks away, returning to her own seat.

Artie lets out a sigh and shakes his head again, burying it in his hands. “She refuses to give up. Now I’m really glad Bobbie isn’t here.” He lays his head back on the headrest, looking absolutely defeated.

“Don’t you pay her any mind, son.” His father says, patting him on the shoulder. The flight attendants finish up closing the overhead bins, one of the final preparations before take off. “You have a big match on Sunday to focus on so don’t let her get into your head.”

Artie laughs, quietly thinking in his head that it’s a little late for that. He had told himself there would be no distractions this week. This match was bigger than any match he has had so far, and he wanted to prove all of the doubters wrong. Unfortunately for him, it was now his mother who had other plans. And knowing his mother, she wasn’t going to give up until she got her way.

This was going to be a long(er) flight…



I just can’t win. If it’s not one thing, it’s another, and this week? It’s my lying cheating horrible mother who decided to grace us with her presence. The flight to Denmark was long. Over eight hours, and while she kept to her word and did not bother my father or me for the entirety off the flight, just knowing she was sitting a few rows ahead of us made it that much worse. Seriously, what did we do to deserve any of this insanity we’ve experienced over the last year? What are we being punished for?

I don’t know how my mother found out about Bobbie’s miscarriage, but at this point it doesn’t really matter. Nothing she says will change what I told her last time I saw her. I want her out of mine and Bobbie’s life for good. She’s done far too much damage to repair any of it at this point, so I don’t understand why she is continuing these attempts at reconciling.

She doesn’t care that I have the biggest match of my life so far coming up on Sunday. If she had her way, I wouldn’t even be wrestling anyway. I’m a grown man and she still feels like she has to protect me and run my life. I never used to mind it, but now that I’ve seen how much hurt it can bring, I want it to stop.

Even despite that I think I have to give in and meet with her at some point before Sunday. I’ll do my best to tune her out and not listen to what she has to say, but as long as I sit down and let her say what she needs to say, that should hopefully be enough for her. At least I hope it is.

I guess this could be sort of a good thing to happen right now. If I’m going to continue wrestling for the foreseeable future, I need to work on working past the distractions. I have to make sure that I don’t let what is happening outside of the ring affect my ability to fight my opponents and win when I need to. My mother is perhaps my biggest stressor in my life lately so this is the perfect opportunity to focus on picking up the win after that bell rings and moving on to face Kevin Carter for the Internet Championship.

But that doesn’t mean I am looking forward to this meeting with my mother. My stomach hurts just thinking about it…




After landing in Denmark and settling in for their stay for the next few days, Artie sent his mother a message agreeing to meet for coffee. His mother was thrilled, but his father couldn’t believe he was agreeing to this meeting. But he knew he had to do it. If not, she would find a way to confront him on Sunday before his match, and that…he couldn’t let happen. He had to do things on his terms.

So he currently finds himself in a small local cafe in Copenhagen, seated at small table in the front corner. His mother is seated across from him, both with their cups of coffee in front of them. Artie is slowly stirring in some cream and sugar, avoiding eye contact with his mother. She takes a quick sip of her coffee, smiles and continues looking at him.

“Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, Artie.” She says, gently placing her coffee back down on the saucer. He just rolls his eyes and says nothing in response. “I don’t know where to start with everything I have to say. I know none of it will matter to you or even Bobbie if you tell her.”

Artie looks up, finally making eye contact. “You’re right. It won’t.” He says with more venom than before. And he made sure she knew it, too. “And I doubt I will tell Bobbie any of this. She has enough on her plate right now.”

Artie’s mother nods. “I completely understand. Going through a miscarriage is devastating.” She sounds as if she really does care. Give how she treated Bobbie the last times she saw or spoke to her, that is hard for anyone to believe, especially Artie.

“Why are you acting like you even care?” Artie bites back, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms. “You made it pretty clear the last couple of times what you think about Bobbie.”

She nods and lets out a sigh. She lowers her head for a moment, looking to be holding back tears. “I said some awful things to her. I know that. And I am not about to sit here and make excuses for my actions, either.” She pauses, trying to choose her next words carefully. If she had any chance of repairing her relationship with Artie, she had to choose every word carefully. “I’ve been in therapy the last couple of months, and it’s helped me realize..”

“How awful you are?” Artie says as if finishing her sentence for her.

She doesn’t say anything for a long while, but slowly nods her head. Artie leans forward and takes a sip of his coffee, wanting nothing more than to leave. He stares at his mother, waiting for her to continue saying whatever she has to say so he can leave.

“I don’t think I ever told you this, Artie, but before we had you, I…had a miscarriage.” She says the words slowly and almost painfully. Artie’s eyes widen as she reveals this information to him and he tries to find something to say, but he’s left speechless. “I know what Bobbie is going through, Artie. Because I went through the same thing.”

Artie shakes his head. “W-why? Why didn’t you say anything?”

The tears are now streaming down her face. “Because once we had you, there was no reason to. You were our special little boy, Artie. Hell, even now that you’re all grown up you still are. And always will be.”

He shakes his head. “I mean when you knew that Bobbie and I were having trouble having a baby? Why did you choose to say the things you said, instead of actually empathizing with her?”

“Because I wanted to save you from experiencing the same pain that your father and I went through. I thought if I told Bobbie to let you go that–”

“Wait, what?” Artie interrupts her. “You…told Bobbie to let me go? When?!”

His mother’s jaw drops open and she stares at him. She thought he knew, but clearly he did not. “She…she didn’t tell you? It was a few months ago. Look, I know I shouldn’t have said it, but I just thought you deserved to be a father. Before I found out I was pregnant with you, I was considering letting your father go!”

Artie shakes his head and pushes himself away from the table. “I’ve heard enough. This was a mistake. I have a match that I need to prepare for and if I listen to anything else you have to say it’s only going to be a distraction that I don’t need.” He stands up from his seat and turns around, ready to leave.

“Artie, please.” His mother pleads with him. She stands up and reaches for his arm. “I’m so…so sorry.”

He pulls his arm away from her, turns and walks away without another word. As he is walking away, he is processing everything his mother just told him over and over in his mind. It all made sense the more he thought about it, but could he really see himself forgiving…

No. He couldn’t focus on this now. He had to focus on his match on Sunday. The Clusterf**k Fatal Fourway. How fitting, he thought, because his own personal life was turning more into a clusterf**k everyday.



Hello, hello, hello everyone. Artie here. You’ll have to forgive any awkwardness or weirdness during this, because I’m still getting used to this whole promo thing. Funny how it’s never been Bobbie’s strong suit, either, but I’m working on it. And I’m trying to find ways to improve on it every week. But it’s not easy, ya know?! Then again, I guess it’s not supposed to be. Or is it? I don’t know!

What I do know is that I’m getting closer and closer to stepping into the ring with three other guys in the main event, and that is something I did not see happening so soon after being eliminated in the very first round of the Blast From The Past memorial. I thought I’d have to go to the end of the line and work my butt off to get anywhere, but I guess the bosses saw it just a bit differently. But that’s fine by me! I’m not about to pass up this chance, because when it’s all said and done? I just might be the one with my hand held high and being announced as the number one contender to the Internet Championship.

But talk about walking into a challenge, right?! This isn’t a one on one match, or even a triple threat. No. This is a Fatal Four Way and not just any Fatal Fourway. Something the bosses have named the Clusteryouknowwhat Fatal Fourway. Sorry, I don’t really like to swear, even in cases like this so I’m going to avoid dropping any F bombs because I can. If you don’t like it, that’s your problem I guess. I like to pride myself on being a good guy and part of that is not having to use foul language just because I can.

So apparently there are no disqualifications and no count outs in this match. Literally anything goes and I can’t help but feel like I’ll be the first one that at least two of my opponents will be looking to get out of the picture first. And not because I am the biggest threat. Quite the opposite. They’ll want to get rid of me first because to them and to everyone else, I am the easiest target. I’m the least experienced so I should be the easiest to handle first. Well, think again guys. It is because I am looked at as the weak link that I’m going to walk into that ring and try and be the strongest and biggest threat.

But I have to be realistic at the same time. I have three other opponents that want to be the number one contender just as much as I do, and they’ll do everything they can to make it happen. And with the exception of Felix, two of them have already held gold in SCW so they will certainly be wanting more. Speaking of Felix…do people really think that he stands more of a chance than I do at winning this match? I’m not trying to sound arrogant, but Felix is just…weird.

I mean look at who he associates himself with. The Barnhardts. If that’s not weird enough, he has this thing for spewing out statistics for all of his matches. As if that is really going to help him or give him the leg up winning anything. From what I have seen, it hasn’t and it’s definitely not going to help him this week against me. He needs to find a new schtick if he wants to be taken seriously, but what do I know right? I’m just the underdog here. Heh…the underdog going against the Cat. Well this dog’s bite will be far worse than the Cat’s claws!

Sorry…I can’t. I…I have to laugh for a moment because why would anyone, especially a thirty-five year old guy give himself the nickname of The Cat? And thirty-five? Is he serious?! I think someone is lying about their age because that guy looks about twenty years older than he says he is. But hey, if it helps him sleep at night who am I to judge him, right?

Anyway, enough about him. There’s nothing much else I can say about him anyway, so better to move on to the other two. Now, I plan to save Miles for last, for obvious reasons, so let’s get to Connor Murphy. The Irish Bad Boy as my wife likes to call him. Ooh man, if Bobbie were here right now, I’m sure she’d have a lot to say about me having to face Connor Murphy. She’s had this odd attraction to him in the past because of his whole bad boy look and attitude. Most people would be like, well Artie, how can you deal with your wife flirting and going crazy over other guys? The answer is simple.

She’s never acted on anything. It’s all harmless fun and the fact that she had a thing for Connor in the past is all the more reason and motivation for me to beat him and walk away the winner. Bobbie is rooting for me anyway, so I’m not at all worried about going up against Connor. He may be a former champion in SCW, but he hasn’t really done much of anything in a long time and he only recently returned, too. If you ask me, Connor is still a big Nobody. Ooh…see what I did there?

I’m well aware that Connor was a member of that weak group that called themselves The Nobodies. I’d ask why they would do that, just like I asked why Felix would call himself The Cat, but being a member of The Nobodies is more obvious than anything. He knew what he was doing, and if you ask me, that nickname and association will stick with him for the rest of his life. Maybe for Connor though he will find a way to do better for himself now that he is back. No doubt he’s going to try in this match on Sunday.

But just like Connor is a fighting Irishman, I can be quite the scrapper and fighter myself. I’m actually looking forward to throwing him around the ring a few times, or maybe I will find a Shillelagh and bash him upside his stupid head a couple times. Maybe that will knock some sense into him, because he definitely needs some. I hope he doesn’t underestimate what I’m going to bring to this match, but if he does? Well, that is his mistake. He’ll learn just like the others.

And that brings me to my final opponent and someone I have a great deal of respect for. Someone Bobbie and I have called a friend for some time, and possibly the only one I am not looking forward to going up against. Miles Kasey. Dang it. Why do I have to go up against Miles?! He’s definitely the biggest threat in this match and not just because he’s the most built and athletic out of all of us. He’s also a former Internet Champion and i know he is going to do everything in his power to make sure he gets to go up against Kevin Carter.

If I weren’t in this match, I would be rooting for him. I really would. But Miles has to understand that I want this opportunity more than he does. He’s already been the Internet Champion. I haven’t. I haven’t even held any championship, but I want to. I want to prove to everyone that I can be a champion and that I’m not Bobbie’s scrawny husband. Do I like that I might have to pin or submit Miles in order to prove that? No, of course not. But I know when all is said and done that if that happens, Miles would gladly raise my hand in victory. He’d show me the same good sportsmanship I would show him if the roles were reversed.

Here’s what I want to happen, though. I know it’s every man for himself in this match and only one of us can win, but I hope that at least in the beginning, Miles and I can work together and take out Felix and Connor, and then maybe…just maybe…we can put on a bit of a one on one match for the ages and show why putting us in the main event was a good idea. I don’t plan to hurt him or make him bleed or do anything that in any other match would be considered a disqualification, but I’m going to fight tooth and nail to be the one that moves on to face Kevin Carter.

One match. Four Men. No DQ’s and No Count Outs. Anything goes and only one man can win. And gentlemen? As long as I have anything to say about it, that one man will be me!

ARTIE MILLER…YOUR FUTURE SCW INTERNET CHAMPION!!!

9
Climax Control Archives / Lyons Tamer
« Last post by HBCarter on May 02, 2025, 09:27:18 PM »
Stockholm, Sweden
Avicii Arena

It was less than a week ago when all hell broke loose following the Main Event to Climax Control, and much of the controversy surrounded none other than the World Heavyweight Champion, Alex Jones. Alex had issued an ominous threat against his number one contender, Carter McKinney - promising that Carter’s loved ones would bear the burden of his “sins” against the champion. And Alex is nothing if not a man of his word.

Carter’s brother-in-law, Lyle Kasey Junior, fell in defeat to the veteran wrestler - and it was Carter that saved him from a post-match beat down. It was also Carter that suffered for his efforts, thanks in part to the timely interference of Aaron Asphyxia and a curb stomp right into the very same chair he had used against Alex mere seconds ago. Which was where we picked up mere minutes later, following the arrival of Carter’s husband and LJ’s half-brother Miles…

“Careful, luv.” Miles said as the curtains to the famed “gorilla position” were thrown open wide and he and a now alert LJ, helped Carter through - his arms draped over the shoulders of both Kasey brothers. They took one step at a time, carefully, as they led Carter down the small flight until Carter's feet met solid ground once again.

“Miles…” Carter said, his bell clearly been rung, but still as stubborn and as feisty as ever. “I’m fi-”

“You’re NOT fine.” But it was LJ who had spoken up in place of his own brother. He and Carter had issues between the two of them at one point but that was ancient history. Carter was his family now, and Carter had proven that by coming to his aid when he needed it. The least LJ could do was the very same. “I was RIGHT there and felt that fecking stomp! If I wasn’t so damn out of it…”

“Stop, the both of you.” Miles all but commanded as they set foot on the floor and were converged upon by some of their close friends such as a concerned Alexandra Calaway, not to mention Bella Madison and her own husband, Malachi. But it was the sudden presence of Christian Underwood, flanked by two of the backstage paramedics that were hired primarily for just such occasions.

“Follow me.” Was the simple but direct command of the SCW’s boss man as he did an about face and headed back up the aisle with Miles and LJ helping Carter along the path…

***

“Do you feel nauseated?” One paramedic asked Carter, as the young grappler sat on the bench in the room set aside for first aid. LJ had taken his leave momentarily alongside Alexandra, but Miles remained, hovering as close as allowed while the two paramedics did their work. Christian had taken his leave with the specific request that he and Mark Ward be updated as soon as possible on Carter’s condition.

The second paramedic made note of this on the tablet in his hand, while her peer shone a small light in Carter’s eyes, murmuring solidly, “So you just have the headache?” To which Carter nodded in the affirmative.

“I just had my head stomped into a steel chair.” Carter retorted with a trace of sarcasm in his tone. “I’d be surprised if I didn’t.”

“Babe…” Miles all but warned Carter, knowing his husband’s saucy nature and even more acidic tongue. But these professionals were only doing their jobs and Carter’s personality quirks could hinder that.

The older man that was kneeling in front of Carter for the examination glanced back at Miles over his shoulder and smiled appreciatively. He turned back to the ‘patient’ and addressed him, “No dizziness? No sensitivity to the light in this room?” Both of which Carter shook his head no to in answer. The paramedic then said, “Okay, up.”

Carter did as instructed, and the paramedic stepped back and said, “Walk across the room and back.” As in testing him for any signs of imbalance or sudden waves of dizziness that might arise. Carter did as told, walking across the room and passing Miles who watched his progress intently. Carter arrived at the far wall, then turned back but it was as he passed Miles again that Miles jumped, almost making a squeaking noise.

“Oop!” Miles quipped. “I think he’s good.”

“Why do you say that?” The female paramedic asked, shaking her head as Carter returned to sitting on the bench at their direction.

Miles answered, “He grabbed me arse.”

All heads turned to Carter who just wore that smoldering grin on his face. The male paramedic exhaled gently, shaking his head. He took his place beside his coworker and said for both Carter and Miles to hear, “I don’t think he has a concussion since he just has the headache, so I don’t think a trip to the hospital is necessary.”

“Thank fuck…” Carter whispered, but the paramedic continued, “Just take some over the counter aspirin for the headache for the time being. But I would suggest not leaving for Copenhagen tomorrow as scheduled. I would wait an extra day, just to be on the safe side.”

“Is that really necessary?” Carter asked, but before either paramedic could say anything, it was Miles who answered with a firm, “Yes it is!” prompting Carter to turn his head aside with an almost comical expression that silently said “Sorry I spoke!” Miles then looked to the two as he opened the door and he gave a genuine smile of appreciation for the care shown to his husband, “Thank you. Both of you.”

They both smiled and nodded as Carter slowly stood up, still feeling it, and Miles was quick to lend him a helping hand and he escorted him through the door as it shut behind them. Miles started to walk down the hall, heading in the direction of the locker rooms with his arm snugly wrapped around the waist of his husband.

Miles said, “I’ll drop you off for a moment to get your things and let LJ and Ally know we’ll meet them for a late dinner. I have to go talk to Christian.”

“About what?” Carter asked, his brow knitting into a frown as if he had some slight inkling on the direction Miles’s mind was headed. And he was right.

“Protective hubby mode has been activated.” Miles stated matter-of-factly, a statement that sounded silly but was anything but intended. “So I’m going to have a little chat with Christian and…”

But whatever else Miles was going to say was interrupted by a forceful, “no.” emanating from Carter himself who stopped, forcing Miles to come to a halt as well. Carter turned to face Miles directly and shook his head, a most uncharacteristic expression of stern authority on his own face. “Just… no.”

“No, what?” Miles questioned, to which Carter answered, “No going to Christian and wanting a match against Alex.”

“After what that fuck did to you!?” Miles asked, clearly caught off guard by this stark refusal on Carter’s behalf. “Why shouldn’t I go out there and kick his…?”

“Because I am asking you not to!” Carter’s voice rose before he could check himself. The two men stared into one another’s eyes, as if searching for something. A lingering silence was kept between them until Carter broke it with no small sense of discomfort. He asked, “Do you believe I can beat Alex?”

Miles frowned, as if he couldn’t believe Carter was questioning his faith in him. “Luv, you know I do!”

“Then you need to step aside and let me handle this.” Carter stated, his words strong. His tone was even stronger. “Because even if I do win the title from Alex, how seriously will anyone take me with you handling all my fights for me? Or softening up Alex for me two weeks before our match?”

Miles stared hard at him, but his facial expressions softened as he took in his words and the meaning behind them. If Miles went to Underwood now and demanded a match against Alex, it would be little to no better than what happened when Vincent Lyons interfered in the Elimination Chamber, costing Jayden Harris and leaving Carter questioning to this very day if he truly deserved that victory and the title opportunity against Alex Jones in Paris.

“You know I don’t like this?” Miles asked with more of a statement than a question. Carter just smiled and he answered back, “And you know how much I love it when protective hubby mode is activated but there are just sometimes when I have to do this on my own. Like now. Vincent already took away the credibility for my win in the Chamber. Please don’t do the same with Alex.”

Miles drew in a deep breath and gently exhaled through his nose, his eyes never leaving those beautiful blue orbs that he often found himself lost in. He felt the familiar warmth of love swell in his chest. Though he had his own thoughts, his own wishes melted in the light of Carter’s persistence. With a small smile he wrapped both arms around him and drew Carter into one of those famously talented hugs.

“If it matters to you, then it matters to me,” Miles said, his voice low and yielding, not out of defeat, but out of devotion.

Copenhagen, Denmark -
Royal Arena

Standing in an empty wrestling arena, the silence feels almost surreal, a stark contrast to the roar that usually fills the space. Rows of vacant seats stretch into the shadows, their stillness echoing with memories of cheers, chants, and the clash of bodies in the ring. The faint scent of sweat and adrenaline lingers in the air, mixing with the sterile smell of disinfectant. Overhead, spotlights cast long, sharp beams onto the vacant ring, now just a silent stage awaiting its next battle. The emptiness carries a strange weight, as if the ghosts of past matches still linger, watching, waiting for the bell to ring again. And it was inside of that ring where the “Pride of SCW” - Helluva Bottom Carter, stood.

The camera panned a surrounding shot, showcasing each side of both this young grappler as well as the arena where in two days, the latest stop on the Viking Era tour would take place. More to the point, it would be where Carter would put the proverbial foot down on an issue that had arisen in recent weeks.

“Let me put this as gently as I can, and this goes out to the so-called ‘loose cannon’ of the Lyons Den. My opponent in just a matter of days. Vincent Lyons … Junior. Vincent, I won’t pretend any sort of good will between your family and myself - save for perhaps Eddie and that’s only because in a family of black sheep, Eddie is solid gold. But with his present company excluded, please allow me to say that the Lyons family is about as stable as a game of Jenga during an earthquake!”

“And yes, this all started when the Queen Bee herself, Little Ms Victoria, decided to play sex therapist between Miles and myself and show us that pain is supposedly pleasure or something to that degree. Really, who the hell knows what goes through that woman’s head? I mean I could say she’s the more shallow basket case between the two of you when the truth is just that much more simple; Victoria Lyons is like a family heirloom that nobody wants to inherit. Cluttered, outdated, and just a constant reminder of how bad taste can run in the same bloodline. I never really had any issues with the woman, up until she decided to play off some perverse pleasure of watching Miles and myself beat one another bloody. I mean, she and I even bonded somewhat over our mutual affection for Patti Lupone.”


Carter snapped his finger as if to proclaim, “Yes Queen!”

“But after your actions in the Chamber, and her being almost as dismissive as you were in what you cost me? The gloves are off and the filter is non-existent. But this isn’t about her, not really. This is about you and why I went to the brass and asked for this match specifically. This is why I wanted to stand inside of the ring against a man so many are calling one of the more physically and psychologically dangerous Superstars in all of Sin City Wrestling. And that is to deliver one very simple message…”

“Stay out of my business!”


Carter raised his brow, his eyes glaring right into the camera.

“I blame you, Vincent. For everything! SCW was making history and seven men went into that Elimination Chamber and we put on the grandest show, one that I am certain will have its place as a Match of the Year candidate. We didn’t leave a single fan in their seat that night, but you just couldn’t handle that, could you? You just had to be a part of things, even if literally nobody wanted you out there! I had Jayden! I knew it then, just as I know it now! But you took that away from me. For whatever reason you have it out for the Brat, you took away all credibility of that one career defining win! Now, for the remainder of my career, I am going to be left wondering those two most painful words – ‘what if?’! And that’s why I wanted this match! That is why I called you out!”

“You  and that Queen cousin of yours, you both told me to just accept the win and move on.”


Carter shook his head.

“Sorry Junior, but I don’t work that way. Do you honestly think for a second I haven’t come across men like you before? The kind of man who walks into a room and makes the air feel charged, like a storm about to break? Unpredictable and explosive, a man that plays by no one’s rules. Not because he wants to be thought of as a rebel, but because rules simply didn’t exist in your world! A man who’s temper flares without warning, your maniacal laughter too loud, and who’s silence is often more dangerous than your words.”

“I’ve known men like you my whole life, Vincent. People around you watch with a mix of awe and fear, never sure if you’re about to start a fight or crack a joke. A loose cannon, volatile and magnetic, the kind of man you can’t trust but also you can’t ignore.”

“But here’s the thing; do you know what happens when you turn your back on so-called ‘loose cannons’ and ignore their reputations? They disappear. All of your words - which I’m certain Victoria thinks of as sharp and commanding - are going to fall flat on deaf ears. And you are going to fall flat beneath the uncomfortable weight of your own failure. You and Victoria think of you as some powerful figure to be in awe of, but in truth the world sees you as you are. Small. Insignificant. Grasping at some ghost of control that you never really had in the first place outside of your own family tree, if even there!”


Carter approached the side of the ring where he leaned against the ropes, resting his forearms on the top rope and he looked down into the camera below.

“The sad, simple truth of this entire ordeal between us Vincent is that I don’t care. I don’t care about you, or whatever the hell you have going against Jayden Harris. Jayden made his thoughts about me all too evident last week and I can respond to everything he said about me with two very simple words - ‘suck it!’. But you, this is about you. Literally everyone around the world watched you get involved in the Chamber, but at the time nobody was angry at you. They just felt pity. Because interfering in that match was like seeing a raccoon try to join a ballet recital. Completely out of place and embarrassing for everyone involved. Especially your own flesh and blood.”

“She’d never admit it but I can’t imagine Victoria feeling anything but shame where you’re concerned. She’s become the most dominant Bombshell Roulette Champion in recent memory so kudos to her! And no matter where he stands, no matter what Victoria says to the contrary, Eddie is a success story and his star is just going to burn hotter and shine brighter the longer he’s in the spotlight! But you?”

“If you were any more of a failure to your family, you’d have to apply for a part-time job as a cautionary tale! I mean, people talk down on me about not being able to extend my reach and grab that brass ring, but you serve as something of an inspiration for all the wrong reasons. It’s impressive how you’ve achieved absolutely nothing with all the time in the world to be somebody other than Victoria’s toady!”


Carter gave the ring ropes a hard tug - as if testing them - but he used them as a means to stand upright. Tall and proud. The number one contender to the World Heavyweight Championship. 

“I also admit that this match is going to serve another purpose, so I hope you don’t mind my use of you as something akin to a guinea pig. Men like you… Men like Alex Jones. You question me. Question whether or not I have the killer instinct to do what must be done in order to take that one, final step up the mountain. Well, after Sunday? Nobody is going to be questioning just how far I can go in order to get things done - and to make things right. The days of people questioning how far I can go in this business are going to come to an end, and I can only pray to god that Alex Jones will be watching - because while you’re first? He’s next.”

Carter then stepped through the ropes and dropped to the ringside floor, one last thing to say to the Lyons whom he knew would be watching.

“Oh, and Queen Victoria? Do let me know where to send flowers in lieu of Vincent digging his own grave.”

He puckered his lips and walked into the shadows of the arena’s darkness.
10
Climax Control Archives / The Queens Executioner
« Last post by Vincent Lyons Jr on May 02, 2025, 08:59:38 PM »
The surf crashes against the shore of the island in a rhythmic pattern as gulls fly high overhead but never land, and the wind just never seems to stop.

There at the makeshift camp he and Charlie had been living at for the past month and a half is Vincent Lyons Jr, but now he's alone. Sort of.

He's hunched beside a crude figure of sticks date into the earth of the beach, and effigy built from driftwood tied together crudely with some vines, draped over it is a weather stained and bloodied Blink 182 t-shirt, Charlie's shirt.

Vincent had found it when he went back to the site where the incident occurred, Charlie fell and the wolves came.

That was just two or three days ago, he had retrieved the shirt and built the effigy himself.

He had rescued his friend.

Reaching out he adjusts the effigy slightly straightening it to be more upright.[/i]

“There you go buddy.” Vincent said “Is that better? I know you like looking out over the water.”

He crouches down and sits next to it.

“I don't know if you remember when it happened.” Vincent said as he looked out across the waters. “You fell and I tried to get there and pull you out, but the wolves and they came and I ran…., but I didn't run away. I came back for you Charlie. I came back for you.”

He looks at the effigy with a smile.

“You're here now though.” Vincent said “And you're okay. I saved you I saved you from those wolves. Terrible vicious beasts. Bad…. wolves…. bad…..”

There's a slight twitch in Vincent's eye but he keeps most of his composure at the moment.

“Yeah I saved you. You're here.” Vincent said. “We're going to get out of here man both of us together.  I won't run again Charlie..run ran hide.  run ran hide.”

There's another slight twitch in Vincent's eye.

“No, I don't think they'll come back.” Vincent said “They know you're protected now because you've got me. They won't bother us again."

There's a short pause has Vincent just blankly stares off across the sea

“Yeah we're smarter than them too.” Vincent said. “You're right about that Charlie. Big dumb dogs.”

Vincent laughs.

“I was worried I'd never find you, you know. Thought the wolves had dragged you away he said but here you are.” Vincent said. “You're safe now.”

Vincent gives the effigy a careful pat on the “back.”

“You ever wonder if this is meant to happen to us?” Vincent said “Like maybe we needed to leave the world behind for a bit? Strip everything down to just this? The real stuff?”

There's a lingering silence only broken by the sounds of the wind the sea and and the gulls above.

“I'm glad you're still here Charlie.” Vincent said “It's going to be okay. We have each other.”

He sat there for some time next to the effigy just watching the waves still waiting for a sign of anything to come to the rescue of him and “Charlie.”

__________

The Danish Skyline stretches out through the antique windows of the hotel room Vincent stairs out the window in a brooding fashion as Victoria casually relaxes on one of the beds with a half finished glass of red wine.

“You're stewing…” Victoria said, breaking a lingering silence.

“I should have finished him at Climax Control.." Vincent said “I should have finished Jayden Harris.”

“We both knew Mark Ward wouldn't let that happen.” Victoria said “He's as predictable as ever. A no contact clause, as if that ever stopped any real violence.”

“It stops me from taking Jaydens head off in catering.” said Vincent.

“All it does is buy Jayden some time.” Victoria said “Now Jayden gets to strut around for a few more weeks without consequence until Into The Void.”

“Into the void..” Vincent muttered to himself.

“Exactly.” said Victoria “Jayden Harris will get his, for now your focus shifts. At least with this clause he won't be able to interfere in any of our business.”

“Helluva Bottom Carter…” Vincent muttered.

“A walking joke and a spotlight addict.” Victoria said “Him and Miles both mocked me for months. Little Twitter comments, little promo jabs, always something to say.”

“I heard it all.” Vincent said “They thought they were clever. All you wanted to do was help them make their relationship stronger.”

“Now you get to correct him.” Victoria said “Not just beat him, but embarrass him publicly. Drag him out of that theater he calls a career and show him what real consequence looks like.”

There's a short silence as Vincent listens.

“Let him dance and let him play to the crowd and think he's safe, then tear it from him.” Victoria said between a sip of wine, “Show him what happens when you disrespect the queen.”

“What about Harper Mason?” Vincent asked “Do you really think we'll be able to pull her in?”

“Harper Mason will realize her full potential.” Victoria said “She already knows of the truths I've been telling her she just needs to learn to admit them to herself. I'm sure more will become clear to her after Christian Underwood and I discuss the Queens Gambit.”

“I hope you're right Vicks.” Vincent said.

“We’ll get her.” said Victoria “But the trick is to make sure that she believes it was her idea. You just worry about Carter and making sure he regrets ever even mentioning my name.”

“And I can send a message to Jayden Harris in the process.” Vincent said with a grin.

“That's the brother I know." Victoria said with a grin of her own and another sip of wine.

“It looks like Alex Jones will be getting a present from the Lyons Twins” Vincent said “Because Carter is going to be delivered to him at Into The Void in a box.”

As the night rolled on, Vincent continued to brood out the window, Victoria finished a couple more glasses of wine. Both mentally preparing and strategizing for whatever came next.

__________

The cameras flicker to life in a basement a bunker the location itself is hard to tell but the concrete walls drip with condensation has that familiar overhead bulb swings on its frayed wire casting shadows across the scene,  in the center of it all sits Vincent Lyons Jr knees spread resting his elbows, shoulders hunched over, hands clasped as he stares into the camera with cold distant eyes that are focused like a sniper's scope.

“Jayden Harris….” Vincent began “I'm going to start with you for a moment because I know you're watching, waiting behind your little legal bubble. Protected by Mark Ward and his no contact rule how convenient.”

Vincent shakes his head slightly.

“You're scared Jayden…” Vincent said “And you very well should be because every day that passes between now and Into The Void is another day I get sharper and meaner and the worst part of it? You know Mark Ward can't keep me away forever. Eventually he's going to run out of ink and paper, and when he does you're going to drown in all the things you tried to escape."

Vincent smirks and chuckles to himself.

“But you're not the man of the hour right now are you?” said Vincent “No the man of the hour is actually someone we share agreeing opinions on. If there's anything you and I can come to terms on. it's that Helluva Bottom Carter is a piece of garbage.”

He pauses for a moment keeping his lingering gaze on the camera.

“You hate the fact that he allowed me to do what I did to you in the elimination chamber.” said Vincent “But do understand the reason why he didn't stop it? It's because he too is afraid. He saw what was happening to you and was worried the same could happen to him. As todays kids say, he did not want that smoke. But everyone's time comes sooner or later and now that time has come for Helluva Bottom Carter.”

That unsettling unstable smile grows across his face again.

“I want you to watch this match closely Jayden.” Vincent said “I want you sit there cozy with your immunity and watch what happens when the leash comes off. Watch what happens when someone doesn't have Mark Ward to protect them, I want you to watch what's coming your way at Into The Void.”

He takes a short pause letting his words linger.

“So what about you Carter?" Vincent said with a venomous hiss. “You've been coasting for years on charmed and cringe. Constantly on X throwing your annoying relationship in everybody's face like anybody cares who you're sleeping with.”

He keeps his tone slow and deliberate.

“I've seen the way you and your little clique talk about her.” Vincent said “My wonderful, kind, magnanimous sister. You and all your little bully friends are the worst of them. You, Miles, L.J., Calaway, Bella Madison. You all thought yourselves funny but you always reap what you sow and now it's time to pay the piper.”

Vincent rubs his fingers together the well-known symbol for money.

“You were too busy bedazzling your boots in a room full of mirrors.” Vincent said, “While Victoria was busy being royalty, busy making herself the greatest Bombshell Roulette Champion of all time. She was able to take care of Calaway, she was able to take care of Bella Madison, but she could do nothing about the weak men that continued to ridicule the queen. But now Carter, now the queen’s executioner has arrived.”

He laughs to himself amused.

“You should have known someone would come for you.” said Vincent “Someone always does. But you need to listen to me close I'm not just going to win I'm going to ruin you. I'm going to expose you and I'm going to show everyone that you're not climbing any ladder, you're just hallucinating the rungs, standing on smoke and calling it solid ground and the people around you that are too afraid to tell you the truth are what keeps you from falling.”

He paces slowly slightly but deliberately.

“You're just a distraction dressed as a contender a parody a parody in rhinestones.” Vincent said “The only reason you are number one contender is because of me. I suppose Jayden and I can agree on that much as well.”

He took a heavy breath, fogging the air.

“But this is about your treason.” he continued “How you tried to drag my sister's name through the mud like she wasn't the greatest bombshell of all time.Like she isn't out there fighting and grinding for everything she's ever earned. I have nothing much to lose in this match so it's all about retribution for you insulting someone I care about, and it’s about sending a message to Jayden Harris."

There's an uncomfortable twitch of his lip.

“So I'm going to make it crystal clear in case you don't understand.” Vincent said “I'm going to hurt you, you’ll feel it in your ribs, your spine, and in your lungs when they all stop working. You won't be able to tell up from down anymore you'll cry, you’ll beg, and if you're smart you'll run away but whatever you choose you will pay.”

He continues his subtle pacing.

“My sister is a queen and she will be treated as such.” Vincent said “And you you're just the court jester and I'll do what royalty always does to jesters.  I'll cut your tongue out and hang your balls on a pike. When it's all said and done you will regret all of it, and you will never mock her again."

He keeps his home firm and strong.

“The end is coming for you Carter.” Vincent said “And if Miles is smart he'll start the funeral preparations now. I'm sure he'll get you the most shiny, bedazzled, glitter covered coffin of your dreams. I'll see you soon Carter and you will be made an example of for Victoria, for Jayden and you will be exposed to all the fans as the fraud you truly are.“

With a hideous gaze, as he lets his glare linger into the camera has everything fades out to black

__________

Vincent really wasn't one for sightseeing but he could admit there was something oddly suited about the little toy houses lined up across the Copenhagen harbor. He walked alongside his sister Victoria in silence, neither of them with any particular destination in mind. Sometimes Victoria just like to walk before an incoming storm. She said it was something about helping with clarity and control. They were walking for a few minutes when they saw a familiar face.

Eddie Lyons. From the looks of it he was snapping pictures and taking some sort of cute little video to send back to his fiancee Sabrina.

“Well would you like who it is.” Victoria said pointing Eddie out.

“So?” Vincent said “What? You want to talk to him?”

“I mean we might as well say hello to family right?” she said with a grin.

“Your idea of hello usually ends with a hospital visit.” Vincent said.

“Only when it's warranted.” she said as her smile widened “Come on let's go.”

They approached casually Eddie turning just as he heard his name called, his eyes rolling into the back of his head as soon as he saw who it was he straightened up his posture and the smile on his face vanished.

“You've got to be kidding me…” Eddie muttered.

“Is that any way to greet family?” Victoria said with a mocking tone “We happened to be walking, you happened to be here, I think fate wants us to talk.”

“Well then fate hates me.” Eddie said unamused.

Vincent let his silence do the talking standing beside Victoria studying his cousin's face still seeing that same smug self-assurance, that little moral glint in Eddie's eye like he figured out the world and can judge everyone accordingly like some self-righteous bastard.

“We just wanted to have a conversation.” Victoria said “We haven't seen you around for a few weeks we were wondering how you've been.”

“I'm fine.” Eddie said bluntly “I'm just waiting for my next round of blast from the past and in the meantime taking pictures and videos for Sabrina is that what you want to hear?”

“Well I'm sure that will make Sabrina very happy.” said Victoria.

“Is that all?” said Eddie.

“So dismissive.” Victoria replied “You dismiss your family so quickly.”

“What about Alex?” Eddie said “Was he family when you had Vincent break his wrist?”

“He aided and abided a criminal.” Victoria said.

“He defended his friend.” replied Eddie.

“He defended Alexandra Calaway.” Victoria replied taking a step forward “You know what she's done and you know what she is. Yet you still act like there's some noble cause and shielding her.

“Look they may not be innocent.” he said “But neither are you you want to accuse everyone else of their transgressions but never admit to your own.”

Vincent took a slight step for it but felt Victoria's arm just out in front of him to stop him.

“You know there's been certain times when you said some not so nice things about your queen.” said Victoria “And treason is even worse when it comes from your own bloodline. But I can forgive, if I feel you've earned it.”

“And what's that supposed to mean?” Eddie said.

“You mention your Blast from the Past tournament.” said Victoria “You got past round one, good on you but with our help we can take you all the way. You join us and we reform The Pride, you win the whole thing you cut through the brackets like butter and then you go on and you will actually win the world championship this time.”

“You can't possibly believe I'd ever go for that.” Eddie said.

“Why not?” Victoria asked “You and I already proved we can be tag team champions. Imagine the three of us together. We could take over SCW in a fortnight."

“I don't need your help and I won't stand with people who poison everything they touch family or not.”  Eddie retorted

Finally Vincent had heard enough.

“You think you're better than us?! She's offering you everything, but you'd rather struggle for scraps and pretend it's some sort of integrity." he snapped

"I would rather lose with honor." Eddie said "Than win with you."

Vincent wanted to strike but he could feel Victoria’s gaze. she wanted to leave this alone so with a heavy breath he took a slight step backward.

“So you're still going to let pride stand in the way of power.” she said.

“No.” Eddie replied “I'm letting integrity stand in the way of corruption.”

The words pierce through Vincent's ears he was really tired of this sanctimonious idiot, always so sure of his own moral superiority and convinced that the world would bend for him if he smiled hard enough.

“Forget about him Vincent.” Victoria said “Leave him for now to his pictures and recording his little love letters for his fiancee. Let him continue to chase his fairy tale one day he'll see the truth. We'll be seeing you Eddie good luck in the tournament.”

With a wink and a smirk Victoria turned and Vincent followed as they continued their walk down the harbor leaving Eddie behind them knowing that if he didn't come to turn soon perhaps his dream would also turn into a nightmare.
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