New Orleans, Louisiana - Recently
Or to be more precise, the Petsmart located on the city's South Claiborne Avenue. What's that? That the location that you were expecting for this, the second promo for one of the newest talents on the Sin City Wrestling Bombshell roster? Namely Devona. That's okay. We can look past why you were probably wondering why you are here, instead of experiencing her in her own home, or hanging out with her friends. Perhaps even being in Las Vegas, Nevada with her trainers, Gabriel and Odette Stevens. Have no worries, all in good time.
You see, that's one of the key factors whenever you are dealing with a new arrival on the wrestling scene; getting to know said wrestler. You get to see them on a weekly basis, set foot inside of the ring and do what they do best. But what about outside of the ring? After all, wrestlers are more than just professional athletes that put their physical welfare on the line, all in the name of sports entertainment. The fascinating thing about wrestlers, both male and female, is this; They also just so happen to be people as well. What's that? No, it's true! And that's the fun part about newcomers to the roster! Getting to know them as more than just professional wrestlers. You get to know them as people. What are they like outside of the ring? Do they have hobbies? Are they married with children? And so on and so forth. And that is why we are in the Petsmart retailer in Devona's hometown. All because of a simple question Gabriel had asked her in that first interview between the two of them...
Las Vegas, Nevada - 2016
Inside of the center where Gabriel and Odette had turned Evie Baang into a world caliber wrestler, a fresh and new career was about to kick start to a meteoric rise. And the interview that had started at Gabriel and Odette's Las Vegas abode, was now continuing in the place where he and his wife were hoping to jump start a brand new career.
Gabriel: And what about outside of wrestling? Do you have something you can fall back on?
Devona: Do you mean a job?
Gabriel nodded.
Gabriel: That would be the idea, yes. Even if everything works out for you, there's no time clock for being a professional wrestler. Your training could go completely stellar. You could get signed right away to one of the biggest, most worldwide phenom companies out there, but there's no promise on how long that success will last.
Devona watched her soon-to-be mentor as he paced back and forth the length of the one of three rings she sat on a steel folding chair in front of.
Gabriel: It's just the nature of the game, a big risk for all involved. There's no telling whether or not you'll languish on the independent circuit before you get picked up and signed. And even when that time comes, if you don't deliver then there's no telling how long the bosses would keep you on before severing ties.
Gabriel paused in mid-stride to address her directly, aiming his fingers in her direction.
Gabriel: But if this works out and O and I take you on, then I can practically guarantee that you 'will' deliver.
He then moved on and Devona watched him closely, all but now with a light smile on her face.
Gabriel: But my point is...
Devona: ... Anything could happen to derail my career.
Gabriel clapped his hands together, interweaving his fingers and he sighed. He nodded his head.
Gabriel: Yes. It's not a pleasant thought, but there you have it. Synn gave me the very same lecture that I'm giving you now. Anything can happen to bring your career to an end before it can even begin. The promotion might fold. God forbid, an injury? Or you just may need the income to help pay bills until your career takes off. I had my magic shows to fall back on, and some acting job offers and now?
Gabriel spreads his arms wide to indicate their surroundings.
Gabriel: I'm training future stars, one of which I am pretty confident you have what it takes to be. If this is any indication...
He taps the bruise that developed already on his cheekbone from the accidental shot he had suffered at her hands when he got distracted earlier. But as she cleared her throat, feeling a flush of warmth, Gabriel smiled to indicate there were no hard feelings.
Gabriel: So. Have you anything to fall back on?
New Orleans, Louisiana - Recently
Woman: And how do we go about adopting?
The woman inquired as she stood at the forefront of the Petsmart store from earlier, just inside of the entrance and to the left where the local SPCA animal shelters would bring in animals from time to time, seeking to find the furry friends their forever home. And the one she was addressing?
Devona passed her an application fixated to a clipboard.
Devona: Just fill out this application completely, with all your information and the name and serial number of the animal here that you're interested in. Then you'll have a short interview with the adoption counselor, in this case; me. I'll give you as much information as I can and if all goes well, you bring your family in to meet your soon-to-be fur baby.
Woman: Why the whole family?
Devona: Well you have to know how well the people living under your roof will get along with the animal. Husband? Children? Some animals aren't good with men, some are not meant to be near children. Then if all goes well, the adoption gets finalized and you have a new member to the family.
The woman took a closer look at the clipboard and frowned.
Woman: There certainly are a lot of questions.
Devona: And we need every one to be answered for the application to even be considered ma'am. We want to ensure long term homes for the animals we might be placing in your care, and we want to make sure you get just the right animal for you and your family.
Woman: I understand. And I bring the application back to you?
Devona: Yes, I'll be here tomorrow, and if you need to, you can drop it off to the SPCA chapter here in town.
The woman thanked Devona one last time and turned and took her leave. Devona paused just long enough to watch her go, and ensured that there was no one else waiting to talk to her about the adoptions before she gave pause. She turned around to the glass panel door and set foot inside of the small room where potential 'pet parents' could have a closer look at just some of the animals up for adoption. Three of the dogs had been successfully adopted out, and two more remained in the cages. One furry little girl, a Terrier/Pitbull mix named Claire, was sleeping soundly, having just eaten her big meal of the day. Another, a Retriever mix named Pinky, was busy scratching himself behind the ear before it popped his head up, aware that he was being watched.
Devona: Oh, putting on the cute act for me, huh?
Devona then dutifully walked over to the cage where Pinky was looking about as adorable as possible. She unlocked the door to the cage and drew the two month old pup out for her to have a quick cuddle before she had to return to work.
Las Vegas, Nevada - 2016
Gabriel nodded appreciatively.
Gabriel: Working with animals. I like it. I can appreciate that. You and I have that much in common. I used to work with Bengal tigers in my act. matter of fact, got my baby boy, a white Bengal, living next door to me house.
Devona laughed.
Devona: Well! I can't say I ever worked with one of those before, but cats come in all sizes. I just love working with them at the SPCA to find them homes. Oh I wish I could take them all home with me, but my apartment doesn't allow for pets and Grams is allergic to cats so...
She shrugged helplessly but with a wisp of a smile.
Devona: That's why I always put in the extra effort to make sure the dogs and cats get good homes. Usually we have great luck. Other times we run into some real pieces of work. Animals taken away by authorities for being hurt by their owners, some who return grown dogs and cats because they prefer puppies and kittens...
Gabriel scoffed.
Gabriel: What? Idiots don't know puppies an' kittens grow into dogs and cats?
Devona: So it would seem, so when the novelty wears off they want to return the poor grown animal and start over from the beginning. I black list every one who attempts that. It's just not fair to the animal.
Gabriel: I agree, and I like that in you. Shows strength of character. But if you don't mind my asking, you obviously love animals, so why not go the entire way and become a veterinarian?
Devona: I thought about it, but a couple of things pretty much kept me from making that choice in careers. One, I had a dog as a child that had to be put to sleep because she was sick. It broke my heart and I just couldn't have a career where I would have to do that, even if it was a blessing for the animal. It's just too heart breaking.
Gabriel nodded as he listened, able to understand that line of reasoning.
Gabriel: And the second reason?
Devona: Snakes.
She openly shuddered with her tongue out, causing Gabriel to chuckle.
New Orleans - Earlier this week
It was what was referred to as a 'shotgun house,' located in the district of Mid-City New Orleans. Quaint and homey, this house in particular was painted a soft but vibrant color scheme of violet, soft blue, line green and white that could only fly here in the city known worldwide as The Big Easy. The house could not be more than fourteen feet wide, and the rooms inside were built back to back with the front and back doors located on opposite ends of the homestead. There were many houses such as this bit of Victorian era abodes here in the immediate vicinity, but this one was of particular interest because...
Devona: Careful guys.
Devona stepped aside and held the font door to the comfy house as in stepped her two closest and dearest friends, the brotherly tandem of Beauty and the Beast, each carrying a large box that she would have admittedly struggled with but her two buddies, who each had obvious and hard worked for physiques, had no problem at all hefting into the house from Beast's truck.
Yes, this was the house that for much of her youth, Devona had once called home, and was now going to do so again. The home where her Grams had taken her in after her own mother's untimely death and raised her as if she were her own. Devona had come to this decision with the aid of her Grams, figuring once her wrestling career took off, it would be silly for her to pay over six hundred dollars a month for a place that she'd be in less than half a month (if she were lucky). So the option was clear, especially in the mind of Grandma Victoria. Devona was to move back into her old room in this house. Devona secretly felt that her Grams simply wanted her back home, but the prideful Cajun lady would be hard pressed to come out and admit she simply wanted her "little girl" back home or that she simply wanted the company. So, being the ever loyal and dutiful granddaughter, Devona did the smart thing and simply let her Grams have her way, and she did so with the air of Beauty and Beast who gave her a hand in moving her things.
Beast set the two large boxes he was carrying, one stacked atop the other, down gingerly on the foyer floor of the old house, and dusted his hands off.
Beast: Is that everything?
Devona: Yep! That's the last of it. I didn't have much stuff cluttering my place to begin with, and what I didn't need, I just sold. But listen guys, I really appreciate you two taking your time off to help me move.
Ever the affectionate one when it came to her two 'brothers,' Devona embraced Beast fiercely who had to lean down considerably so that he might return the gesture. She then moved on over to Beauty who had set his own boxes down, and the flighty and arrogant young man was somewhat different when he was hugging his 'little sister' with a soft smile on his face.
Beast: I keep telling you that you need to stop thanking us! It was our pleasure.
Beauty nodded.
Beauty: Right!
He then looked up to Beast with an inquiring look while Devona turned around to inspect the stacked boxes..
Beauty: We're getting paid for this, right?
Beast: SHH!
Beauty: OW!
Devona turned around to find Beast smiling at her while a disgruntled Beauty rubbed the sore spot on his arm where his brother had just delivered a sharp elbow, and given Beast's massive size, his whole arm was feeling it.
Beast: So when do you have to leave for Nevada?
Devona: Thursday, and luckily I don't have to drive.
Beauty: Really? Then how are you getting there?
Beast turned to his little brother with a frown on his face, his problems with the usual thought processes we all take for granted playing on his raw nerves once again.
Beast: She's going to wear roller blades and surf on the back of a Greyhound!
Beauty blinked at his brother, then looked at Devona with wide eyes. But before she could put him out of his so-called misery, Beast let his brother off the hook. Well, sort of.
Beast: She's flying you dink!
Beauty: I knew that! I just meant what flight!
Devona smiled.
Devona: Did you really know that Beaut?
Beauty looked at her first, then at his brother. he finally looked back to her and shook his head.
Beauty: No, but I thought I could cover.
Both Beast and Devona nodded, even Beast with a smile on his face - one which he quickly wiped off before his brother could take notice of it.
Beast: But Mercedes Vargas? Damn! They're not taking anything lightly with you, are they? First Amy Marshall, now this?
Devona: I imagine it has mostly to do with the precedent Evie Baang started, and what Gabriel did for me.
Beauty: Why? What did he do?
Beast: He gave her a box of cookies and told her what countries she could use them as money in.
Beauty turned to her with a smile of wonder on his face and opened his mouth to probably ask what kind of cookies and which countries when...
Beast: He TRAINED her you moron!
But before Beauty could respond to his brother's scathing remark with his own rapier wit -- or something somewhere in that relative vicinity, Devona opted to intervene before her boys' arguing alerted Grams and thus incurred the elderly woman's reprimanding wrath. There was nothing quite like a Grandmother to shut two men down when they had a head full of steam, and as entertaining as the notion might be...
Devona: Guys? Yoo hoo! If you two can retract your claws and get those boxes to my room, we can get lunch. I'm starving for a po'boy and it's my treat!
Silently beaten into submission with the one thing the brothers shared in agreement; the mutual love for a New Orleans traditional po'boy, Beauty and Beast leaned down to scoop the boxes back up into their grips. And just as they were ready to follow Devona to her room, the afore mentioned Grams came walking from out of the kitchen and into the living room.
Grandma Victoria: If you two are going to go about arguing like that in my house, the least you could do is do it louder so I can listen to you instead of my radio.
And while Beast had the good manners to look chastised, Beauty went for the attempt to pour on the ol' charm instead to make amends.
Beauty: This always was a cute little house. Your Grams is a great big girl.
And while Devona's feisty Grandmother crossed their path, she let loose with this quip.
Grandma Victoria: Takes one to know one, doesn't it?
She patted Beauty on the arm as she passed, leaving him bewildered and Devona and Beast roaring in laughter!
West Wendover, Nevada - Now
In just two days time, the Peppermill Concert Hall, located in the Peppermill Casino, would play host to Sin City Wrestling Climax Control where Devona would face her next opponent, none other than Mercedes Vargas, her second in a back-to-back series against not just two Grand Slam Champions, but also two Hall of Famers as well. But for now? The Casino was also playing host to many of the SCW Superstars and Bombshells in their comfortable hotel rooms.
In fact, we were joining Devona in her own room, right this very minute. The room was spacious and cozy, the decor of the walls, furniture and such done in gold and yellow coloring with white accents and tan, hard wood flooring. Not what she had been expecting when she first drove into this incredibly small town, but a pleasant surprise never the less. For now, she was seated on her bed, her legs curled up beneath her, Clad comfortably in a bright blue tank top and white shorts, she had her laptop open in front of her and Skype up and running so that she could 'visit' with the two she had wished were here yet were unable to be present.
Devona: I just wish you two could be here. There's nothing to do! Literally!
Beast: You could always hit the slots or something. You said you were staying in a casino.
Devona: And risk Grams finding out and blistering my backside for wasting money? I. think. Not.
To which Beauty laughed. Yes, he was on Skype as well for the three-way call. There was little to no chance that the two brothers would share a laptop for a mutual session, so he was in his room on his own laptop, chatting with her while Beast was most likely preparing the family's dinner in the kitchen with his laptop open on the counter.
Beauty: Come on, it can't be that bad!
Devona: Don't get me wrong, it's a cute town, but Mark and Christian weren't joking when they were Tweeting about how small it is! It's only like eight square miles!
Beast: ... You're shitting me.
Devona: No! I googled it and did some research. Their last census was less than five thousand people!
Beauty: Then why did SCW decide to even hold a show there?
Devona: Honestly? I think it was a mistake. or an accident? I can see how it could have happened. Nobody expects a small town like this to exist in a state like Nevada.
From his side of the screen, Beast shook his head in disbelief.
Beast: Wow. Just ... wow.
Devona: All I can say is I hope word spread because I never heard of a wrestling show being held in a building that houses more people than the actual city does! And I'll tell you what; I drove through the city and past it before I even realized that's where I was supposed to be!
Beauty snorted back a laugh at his friend's expense while Beast just shot her a sidelong glance from the family kitchen while grinning at the predicament she had found herself in. But Beauty to the rescue as he waved off her confession.
Beauty: I did that once.
Beast: Don't listen to him. Dumbass was supposed to drive to pick me up in Lafayette and took a wrong turn.
Devona: Oh? Where'd you end up?
Beauty: Calgary.
And he said it with such a calm, nonchalant attitude that even his annoyed older brother couldn't help but bark out a laugh as Devona stared at the laptop screen.
Devona: Calgary... Canada? How did you make for Lafayette but hit Calgary!?
Beauty shrugged.
Beauty: Took a wrong turn.
Devona: Obviously!
Beast: Mama and I never would have known what the hell happened to him if we didn't get a call from Canadian Immigration. They arrested his ass!
Beauty: Oh stop exaggerating! I wasn't arrested. They just held me over after the strip search until you guys got there.
And that little nugget of information gave both Devona as well as Beast pause as they stared first at each other, than at Beauty.
Devona: They ... made you take your clothes off in the Immigration office?
Beauty blinked, then frowned.
Beauty: I thought that was strange too.
Devona: When I told Mark Ward that I wanted to just be thrown right into the thick of things, he must have taken me quite literally because first there was Amy Marshall, and now it's Mercedes Vargas that I'm stepping inside of the ring against! You know what this means, don't you? This is the second straight Grand Slam Champion. And believe me when I admit with no small sense of modesty that I don't think anyone was more surprised over the fact that I won that match at Into the Void VI than I was. Not the fans, and not Amy if I dare say. I owe all of that to Gabriel and Odette for putting me through hell, literally, in order to get me better prepared for what the wrestling world would throw my way. And let's face it; as the old saying goes "The female of the species is more deadly than the male." When men fight, they have this code of honor. When women lock horns, there are no such codes and we just tear into one another. Amy did that to me and held nothing back, but the woman was nothing less than gracious in defeat. She may not have liked the fact that she dropped a match to a rookie, but she also accepted it without complaint or excuse. I was literally on Cloud Nine but I also know that I can't let myself get too comfortable because there's going to be a long line of opponents ahead of me, each one waiting to knock me off.
Amy was the first, in more ways than one. She was the first Grand Slam Champion, and she was also my first opponent. She was the first woman I was able to pin for the one-two-three, so guess what that means Mercedes? Like everything else where Amy is concerned, you're next in line.
I know all of this started where we had our little exchange on Twitter, and I am willing to accept the blame for that, at least partially. But where do you get off making cracks about someone, anyone, losing a match? The way you made light of Amy losing to me wasn't just an insult to her, as you may have intended, but it was also an insult to me. Like you were saying "Oh you lost to a rookie! You lost to Devona! How simply humiliating for you to experience that!" Yeah. I don't know if that's how you intended it, but it is how it came across and that is why I got involved in that Twitter exchange between Amy and yourself! Not out of disrespect for your own accomplishments. Not to make Gabriel and Odette to look bad. I was just taught to stand up for myself and others and those digs you were taking were two-fold against Amy and myself and sister? I just wasn't having that.
So I imagine that's a reason behind this match in particular being booked. To help us cool our jets and settle an issue or two, and hey! I welcome it with open arms! I've sat back and watched too many chicks in this sport face the same, mediocre women time after time and end up stuck in a perpetual rut. But me? I asked for the best because any wrestler worth their salt is only as good as the opposition she or he faces. What does it prove to anyone if you step into the ring and beat prelims time after time? Not much! But, if you step into the ring with the best, and what's more, if you beat the best? Well then, it proves that you have what it takes to be the best! And Mercedes baby? Indeed I do!
I was trained by two of the very best. They expect me to be at my best, and if you think you're going into this match for an easy win against a wet-behind-the-ears rookie, then you're going to end up flat on your back, counting the lights before you ca even comprehend what happened! And who knows? maybe you're thinking to yourself that you'll go against me and get some payback for your little friend Veronica for when she tried to upstage me at Climax Control in Boston. Well you know what? You can make all the excuses in the world for that rich little tart, but the one thing you can't do is deny the simple fact that she deserved having her bell rung by yours truly!
But if you want to get justice for Miss Taylor? If you want to think you're going to slap me around for putting her in her place, then all I can say is step it up baby! Your reputation may precede you, but it doesn't intimidate me.
