Blaze of Glory Twelve is just around the corner and soon Bobbie and her family will be heading to Flagstaff for all of the pre-match festivities leading up to the show. It’s been known for weeks that Bobbie would be defending her title against Bella Madison, so she had ample time to prepare herself both mentally and physically for the challenge ahead. She had faced Bella once already since making her return- before she won the Bombshell Roulette Championship- and she had come out on the winning end. But this time felt different to her. Because it was different.
It’s the day before they are scheduled to leave for Flagstaff and Bobbie is at her parents’ new home just outside of Las Vegas. Even though it’s Nevada, and the temperature can get relatively hot even in early spring, today was unseasonably cooler. It was the perfect day for Bobbie and her mother, though. They both had enjoyed temperatures like this back in Illinois, so this gave them a chance to sit out in the backyard and just have a relaxing day before Bobbie had to get down to business with her upcoming match. Artie, meanwhile, is off somewhere else getting in a training session to prepare for the Blast From The Past Tournament.
But Bobbie is clearly distracted at the moment. She’s fairly quiet as they sit in their chairs on the patio while Loki has found a spot under a tree to get some shade after romping around playing with some of his toys. Barbie, her mother, turns her head and stares at her daughter for a moment, trying to get a sense of what may be on her mind before breaking the silence between them. Considering everything recently, there was only one of two things that could be bothering Bobbie. Or both. And one subject, Barbie did not want to bring up right off the bat on the off chance it was something else.
“Alright,” she finally says, breaking the long silence and setting her glass of tea down on the small table between them. “You’re nervous about your match against Bella, aren’t you? That has to be it, because you’re too quiet.”
Bobbie sighs and turns her head to look at her mother. She, too, sets her glass of tea on the table, and she shakes her head with a bit of a smile. “So much for a relaxing day? You just can’t help yourself sometimes, can you?” Bobbie responds, although it is more out of amusement than annoyance. She knew her mother cared and had been worried about her quite a bit recently, as did her father. It was what made them such great parents.
Barbie smiles back. “I’m your mother,” she says very matter of factly. “I’m supposed to pry whenever I think it's warranted. What kind of mother would I be if I didn’t?”
Bobbie nods, seeing her mother’s point. She lets out a sigh as her attention darts to Loki, still resting under the tree. “I mean, yeah I am nervous. I’d be crazy not to be. Blaze of Glory is a big show. The biggest of the year along with High Stakes.” She pauses, gathering the rest of her thoughts. She had so many of them, she didn’t know where to begin. “Bella is a tough opponent. I just barely defeated her last time. And this time? She might just pull off the win and make my title reign shorter than I wanted it to be.”
Barbie nods slowly. Bobbie’s anxiousness was understandable in this instance, but she was prepared to do anything and everything she could to get her daughter into better spirits. “There’s always a chance that she could, yes. But your father and I have watched you over the last few months, and you improve each and every time. But I sense your focus isn’t completely on Bella lately as it should be. There’s more, isn’t there?” Barbie used her last question as a gentle transition into the subject she had been avoiding. And if she was wrong, that would be even better.
Bobbie didn’t answer right away. She remained silent for a while, and Loki had finally gotten up from his spot under the tree and trotted over to Bobbie’s side, sitting down next to her. He rested his head on her knee and Bobbie took the opportunity to gently pet and scratch the top of his head, loving on her baby boy as he so wanted. He could sense she needed him just as well. After a few moments gathering her response, Bobbie finally caved and admitted something her mother wasn’t completely expecting. “I’m trying to find a way to get over this…jealousy…I feel towards Bella.”
“Jealousy?” Barbie asks, slightly surprised. “I’ve never known you to be jealous of anyone for any reason.” Barbie gives her daughter her full attention, hoping she can support her in any way possible.
Bobbie shrugs quickly, trying to brush it off like it’s not a big deal, but she knows her mother won’t accept that. So she has no choice but to explain. “Every time I try to go and prepare to face her again, I’m reminded of the fact that she has this beautiful baby girl at home. And she was back in the ring just a few months after giving birth to her.” Bobbie closes her eyes and sighs. “That has to be some sort of record. But not that it should matter to me, because that won’t be happening to me anyway, but I still can’t stop be a little jealous.”
Barbie shakes her head. She knew Bobbie had been struggling a lot recently with this situation, but she still hadn’t given her mother more information. Barbie had to get to the bottom of it and know all the facts if she wanted to really help Bobbie. “Alright. I have let this go on longer than I should have. It might not be the best time to discuss it now, but it has to be done.” Bobbie looks at her mother, confused. Barbie just sits up straight as she faces her daughter. “I want you to tell me what exactly the doctor said. All you told me was that you can’t have kids, but you never gave me specifics.”
Bobbie shakes her head. “No. There’s no need to.”
“There most certainly is a need to.” Barbie responds quickly. “Now, spill it. Tell me what the doctor told you.”
Bobbie goes silent for a few moments, staring at her mother. There was no way she was getting out of telling her the details, so she had to emotionally prepare herself to go back to the day she had been thinking about for the last several months. And she just hoped she wouldn’t start crying all over again…
Several months ago…
Just a few days ago, Bobbie had gone through several different tests with her doctor. She and Artie had been privately discussing, and even trying, getting pregnant and adding a little one to their family for some time, but as they were not having any luck they both decided it was best to see their respective doctors to find out if there was an underlying cause. Artie’s tests had come back absolutely perfect, which was a relief. But today was the day they were going to find out all of the results of Bobbie’s tests. To say Bobbie was nervous was an understatement.
The two of them are seated in her doctor’s office, waiting for him to finish with another patient and come deliver the news to them. Bobbie’s right leg kept bouncing up and down, one of the outward signs of her growing anxiety, and Loki was not there to help ease it. Artie did his best, though, as he takes her hand in his and gives it a gentle squeeze. “It’ll be okay, Bobbie.” He says, reassuring her as best as he could. “Just try to relax.”
Bobbie shakes her head. “I can’t, Artie. I know there is something wrong with me, because all of your tests came back perfect.” She turns her head to look at him, somehow managing a little smirk. “Hell, the doctor said your little swimmers were some of the most active he’s ever seen!”
Artie cracks a smile, but even though the comment came from Bobbie, his cheeks still flush a little red. This whole process had been a little awkward for the both of them, but when they had heard that line from his doctor, Bobbie had laughed and Artie had just scratched his head in an awkward silence.
“Yeah, I don’t think I’ll ever forget hearing those words.” Artie replied, letting out a laugh.
“Neither will I.” Bobbie responds, but once again returns to the present moment as they still wait for her doctor. “And it’s how I know that something is wrong with me. You deserve to be a daddy, and here I am, unable to make that happen.”
Artie doesn’t get a chance to respond, as there is a gentle knock on the door and then her doctor slowly walks in, holding a tablet in his hand. “Bobbie. Artie. Good to see the both of you again.” He says as he sits down in the chair behind his desk to face them.
“Alright, doc.” Bobbie says, sitting up straight. “Just break it to me. The wait has been killing me. What is wrong with me?”
Artie shakes his head and just rubs Bobbie’s shoulder. Her doctor, while slightly amused with her rushing him, doesn’t crack a smile. He sets the tablet down and Bobbie and Artie prepare themselves. “I have gone over all of your test results, and while it’s not terrible news, it’s also not exactly good news, either.”
“W-what does that mean?” Artie asks first.
“Just tell me. Am I able to get pregnant or not?” Bobbie asks bluntly.
“Technically, yes, there is a chance you could get pregnant.” Her doctor responds. Artie smiles, almost relieved, but Bobbie knows there is more. “But not without some difficulty. And this is not me getting your hopes up either. After reviewing all of your tests, we have determined you have Polycystic Ovarian–”
“PCOS…” Bobbie interrupts him. She knew exactly what it was, but she had never really suspected it because she didn’t have all of the tell tale signs or symptoms.
“Yes.” Her doctor confirms. “There are several options for you, Bobbie, and I suggest the both of you discuss how you want to proceed with this and when you might want to have a child. Due to your age, the longer you wait, the probability of a successful pregnancy diminishes.”
It wasn’t the news Bobbie had wanted to hear, but she had somehow expected it. Artie was obviously more hopeful after hearing everything the doctor was saying, but as the doctor continued to go over her options, she began to tune out. All she could think about was that she was right. Artie was perfectly able to father a child, but she was the reason they could not conceive…and probably never would.
Bobbie fell silent as she finished telling her mother exactly how her appointment had gone those many months ago. Her mother sat there, slowly nodding, but she, too, was more hopeful than Bobbie was. She reached forward and took Bobbie’s hand in hers. “Bobbie, honey, if you and Artie really want a baby, there are ways to make it happen. Just because it could be difficult, doesn’t make it impossible.”
Bobbie shakes her head. She had stopped petting Loki and he gently pawed at her to get her to continue. She all too happily obliged. “Options? If Artie and I want to have a baby, the only options we have to have a biological child require a lot of time and help. Not to mention, money. With my wrestling career–”
“Have you and Artie discussed all of this? And what you really want to do?” Barbie asks, stopping Bobbie before she could finish any of the negative speak.
Bobbie shakes her head. “Not really. He knows how upset I was after that appointment so he didn’t really push it. And then I returned to SCW so it just got put on the backburner.”
“The two of you really need to have a sit down discussion about this, and soon.” Barbie replies. “Maybe when you are on break after Blaze of Glory, that can be your opportunity. And whatever you two decide, your father and I will support you all the way. Don’t rob yourselves of the chance to be parents if it is what you really want.”
Barbie squeezes Bobbie’s hand again, comforting her as much as she could. Bobbie slowly nods and looks down at her baby boy Loki, silently wondering if the only child she is meant to have is a four legged one. She had to set those thoughts aside, and soon, however, because her match against Bella was fast approaching. And if she wants to retain the Bombshell Roulette Championship again, she needs to focus.
Focus, focus, focus….
Blaze of Glory…Wow! I can’t believe we’re already at this biggest show of the biggest show of the year! Well, unless you could High Stakes, but I know Blaze of Glory has always been considered SCW’s biggest and most hyped up event and for good reason. A lot of fantastic matches have taken place at this show, and there is no doubt that history will be made time and time again on a Blaze of Glory card. Hell, maybe even this weekend, but I’m not a psychic so I couldn’t tell ya honestly.
I’ve known for a while now that, as long as I had retained my title, I would be defending it against Bella Madison at Blaze of Glory Twelve. When I found out, I was pretty excited because Bella Madison is someone I respect a hell of a lot, and she truly deserves this chance. But from the time it had been announced up until now, I didn’t do my job as the Bombshell Roulette Champion. I could have showed up every week to hype this match or speak to Bella a time or two and really get ready for it, but I didn’t. I did exactly what I told myself when I won this title that I wasn’t going to do. I wasn’t representing my title. I wasn’t being a champion, and for that…I’m sorry.
Being a champion, it takes a lot of focus and dedication. I knew that before I truly set my sights on winning the Roulette Championship anyway. I had to make sure that I was really prepared and that I could handle it all, and I told myself I was ready. I told myself I could handle anything and anyone that was thrown my way, but look at what happened. I let other stuff steal my focus away, and it’s taken attention away from this match and the performance that Bella and I could put on for our family and the fans. People could be talking about this match right now, but they really aren’t.
I’m sorry, Bella. You deserve for this chance to be bigger than I’ve given it to be. You’ve worked your booty off for so long, just like I did when I was working for my chance, and it is the champion’s job to make more noise than I have in recent weeks. I put other stuff higher on my list of priorities, and I know now that that was a mistake. As the Bombshell Roulette Champion, I need to do better. And if I beat you at Blaze of Glory Twelve, I WILL do better, because I have to.
I can still do this. I don’t have anything holding me back, except myself. The only thing I can say that was taking my focus away was worrying about Artie in the Blast From the Past Tournament, but there is time to deal with that. I only had so much time to get ready to face you again. And I know you’re far from the same Bella Madison that I faced last time. You’ve been on a roll, girl. And I commend you for that. But I have to ask…
Are you REALLY ready to be the Bombshell Roulette Champion, let alone ANY champion in SCW? Can you really sit there and say that you can do what I have stumbled in doing and focus as much time and dedication into representing SCW and the Roulette division as it deserves? Are you really prepared to put your body through anything and everything to defend this title? I could go on and on with more questions, but I think you get my point here.
Think about your baby girl, Bella. Maybe you’re able to be a champion and a great mother, but the physicality of what the Roulette Wheel puts us through is no joke, honey. There are going to be times that your body is so battered and bruised, that you won’t be able to hold your baby girl when she’s begging for you to. Or, that she’ll see cuts and bruises on you and either be scared at what she sees, or she’ll wonder…what happened to mommy?
I mean no disrespect, Bella. I’m not trying to be the bad guy here, but I’m trying to be realistic and prepare you for what could be in your future. I can’t guarantee that I will be able to beat you, and honestly? I’m not upset by that. Do I want to keep my reign going? Absolutely. But I see how determined you are and how much you want this. And I am preparing myself for the very real possibility that this time, you just might be better than me.
What we do is hard, Bella. Everyone knows that, and we also know that there are people out there that say professional wrestlers can’t, or shouldn’t, have families and do what we do. But plenty have proven them wrong. But the fact is that you jumped back into the ring pretty damn fast. Faster than anyone I’ve ever seen after having a baby, and I don’t know if that was determination or…I don’t know. I’m not going to even begin to sit here and pretend that I know or understand your life or how you and Malachi work things out raising your daughter. I’m just trying to get you to really think about everything, if you already haven’t.
Once that target is on your back, Bella, the only way it goes away is by losing the title. As soon as you win the title, you’ll have every woman backstage gunning for you- well, maybe not EVERY woman, but a good chunk of them, anyway.
I’m excited about this match, Bella. You’re one of the few that I know shows respect to each and every match and each and every opponent. As long as they deserve it anyway. It’s one of the things I respect about you so much and if you beat me on Sunday? I will gladly hand over the Roulette title and raise your hand in victory. Is that something I really want to do? Of course not. But I’m woman enough to show good sportsmanship anyway!
I’m not ready to give this title up, Bella. I’m going to fight tooth and nail to keep hold of it, and I know you’re going to fight just as hard to take it from me. To that I say bring it, honey. Let’s go out there and put on the match of a lifetime. Let’s show everyone why were two of the toughest Bombshells on this roster. Let’s bring the house down and then afterwards, if we’re still standing anyway…each of us can move forward in our own ways.
Oh and to Georgie Robertson, if you’re watching this…if you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay the hell away from this match! Just a little food for thought.
See you Sunday, Bella! May the better Bombshell win!
And I plan to!!
