[Mercedes Vargas walks out of the bustling Bombshell locker room, her confidence radiating after her recent victory over Bobbie Dahl. As Mercedes makes her way through the crowded space, she spots Janet the Makeup Lady, who was busy applying the finishing touches to a wrestler's makeup. Janet looks up and caught Mercedes' eye, a warm smile spreading across her face.
Janet the Makeup Lady: There you are! Congratulations on that win over Bobbie Dahl. You absolutely crushed it out there!
[Mercedes beamed with pride, feeling a sense of validation from Janet's praise.]
Mercedes: Actually, I thought Bobbie was about to crush me out there, but thanks, Janet. It was a tough match, but I'm glad I came out on top.
Janet the Makeup Lady: You deserve it. You've been on a roll, and it shows. Now, I have some news to share with you. You're scheduled to face off against Ariana Angelos.
[Mercedes' expression turned serious, her mind already racing with strategies for the upcoming match.]
Mercedes: Ariana, huh? That's going to be a tough one. But I'm ready for her.
[Janet nodded, her confidence in Mercedes evident.]
Janet the Makeup Lady: I know you are, Mercedes. You've got this. Just remember to stay focused and trust your instincts. You'll do great.
[With that, the two women parted ways, each returning to their respective preparations for the next match. The air in the locker room remained electric, filled with the anticipation of what was to come.]
After most losses earlier in the year, Mercedes Vargas would look up at the arena lights, her eyes reflecting the harsh glare as she contemplated her performance. The sights and sounds of the crowd washed over her, the sting of defeat weighed heavily on her shoulders.
Sentimentality. Melancholy. A sense of loss, but she refused to let it break her spirit. Instead, she used those moments to fuel her determination and drive for improvement.
As the year continued, Mercedes began to channel her post-loss ritual into a source of strength. Each time she gazed upward, she silently vowed to work harder, train smarter, and come back stronger. The fire in her eyes growing brighter with each passing match, her determination unwavering.
And now, whatever two-month lull that she had at the start of 2024 seemed like a distant memory. Mercedes had transformed her outlook. The arena lights no longer represented failure, but rather illuminated the path to success. Her resilience paid off as she's had several crucial victories, including her first win in a Climax Control main event in years. Mercedes Vargas had turned her moments of reflection into a catalyst for growth, proving that sometimes, looking up is the first step to rising above.
The ultimate achievement in any SCW Bombshell career is to win a championship, with some having gone to winning the world championship. Various Hall of Famers and current Bombshells on the roster can say this. For others, winning a championship, much less the world championship, is a plateau they may never reach.
Despite her impressive accolades, Mercedes Vargas' journey in Sin City Wrestling remains incomplete without a championship title. She's won a lot of these, sure, but none in the past few years. As a two-time Hall of Famer, Mercedes has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the history books, but her next elusive championship continues to evade her grasp over the last three years.
As Mercedes continues to compete in SCW, her quest for championship gold again adds an intriguing layer to what has been a struggling year in 2024. The tension between her established legacy and the unfulfilled dream of holding another title now carries the weight of her unbridled ambition.
She had secured another opportunity at Summer XXXTreme in the Ultimate X Over the Pool for the Bombshell Roulette Championship in a few weeks, but her job was not finished yet. If the Bombshell locker room haven't taken notice of Mercedes' relentless pursuit then, they will now.
This weekend, she had the inevitable task of keeping someone out of this match. An interloper, an intruder, a Bombshell who very well may have enticed the owners for a chance to also take part in challenging Alexandra Calaway and fellow challenger Victoria Lyons for the gold.
Alexandra has the title, Victoria has the number one contendership, Mercedes has the momentum.
And Ariana Angelos, her opponent?
She has a fight on her hands.
• • •
[Mercedes Vargas sighs as she gatheres her laundry, preparing for another trip to the laundromat. The piles of dirty clothes seemed to multiply by the day in her small apartment. She grabs her basket and heads out, determined to get her chores done quickly.
At the laundromat, Mercedes finds an empty machine and began sorting her clothes. As she loads the washer, a familiar face caught her eye.]
Mercedes: Betsabé! I didn't expect to see you here.
Betsabé: Mercedes! What a surprise. I'm just finishing up my laundry. How have you been?
Mercedes: Busy as always. It's been a while since we've had a chance to catch up.
Betsabé: Tell me about it. Between work and family, it's hard.
Mercedes: How's little Juan doing?
Betsabé: He's growing up so fast. He's already started talking and walking. It's amazing how quickly they grow.
[Mercedes sat down in the worn, plastic chair, watching the spin cycle of the washing machine. She pulled out her phone and began scrolling through social media, catching up on the latest news and gossip. The hum of the machines and the chatter of the other patrons created a soothing background noise.
Mercedes couldn't help but notice the differences in their laundry routines. Betsabé, a skilled laundry worker, efficiently moved through the process, while Mercedes struggled with the unfamiliar machines. Betsabé shared her secrets for efficient laundry day.]
Betsabé: The key is to have a system. Sort your clothes by color and fabric type, and always check the pockets before washing. It saves time and prevents any mishaps.
Mercedes: That makes so much sense! I've been doing it all wrong. No wonder my whites never come out as bright as yours.
Betsabé: Exactly. And always use the right amount of detergent. Too much can leave residue, and too little won't get your clothes clean.
Mercedes: Did I tell you the time I met Shaq?
Betsabé: This is random, but I like to hear this one.
[Mercedes nods.]
[FLASHBACK: A young Mercedes is walking down the streets of Las Vegas when she suddenly bumps into the towering figure of Shaquille O'Neal.]
Mercedes: Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! I didn't see you there.
Shaquille: No worries, little lady. I'm a big guy, hard to miss.
Mercedes: You're Shaquille O'Neal! I can't believe I just ran into a basketball legend.
Shaquille: In the flesh. And who might you be?
Mercedes: I'm Mercedes Vargas. I'm actually an actress trying to make it big in Vegas.
Shaquille: An actress, huh? Well, you're in the right place, kid. Vegas is where dreams are made.
Mercedes: I sure hope so. It's been tough, but I'm not giving up.
Shaquille: That's the spirit. You know, I've dabbled in acting myself. Maybe we could run lines together sometime.
Mercedes: Are you serious? That would be amazing! Thank you so much, Mr. O'Neal.
Shaquille: Call me Shaq. And don't mention it. Anything to help a fellow performer.
Mercedes: You're the best! I'll never forget this chance encounter.
Shaquille: Neither will I, Mercedes. Now go out there and show 'em what you're made of.
Mercedes: I will! Thanks again, Shaq!
[End flashback.]
Betsabé: That's amazing, Mercedes. Who would have thought a chance encounter in Vegas could turn into such a memorable experience?
Mercedes: I know, right? It just goes to show you never know what kind of surprises life has in store.
Betsabé: Did you get his autograph?
Mercedes: Sadly, no.
[As they parted ways, Mercedes made a mental note to learn a few tricks from Betsabé next time they met for laundry day. For now, she was just grateful to have her clean clothes ready for the week ahead.]
• • •
Present Day ♦ L O S A N G E L E S • C A L I F O R N I A
[REC•]
[Mercedes Vargas descends the stairs of the iconic Micheltorena Stairs, her footsteps echoing on the tile risers. She gazes down at the colorful mosaic steps, taking in the vibrant artwork and stunning views of the surrounding neighborhood. She turns to face the camera, a determined look on her face.]
"Apparently, my demise was greatly exaggerated. Some competitors respect my drive to be the best, others see me as vulnerable, a former multi-time champion desperately clinging to relevance. No matter how you see it, this perception has led to increasingly fierce rivalries, as up-and-coming talent seek to make their mark by defeating me, while I'm fighting to prove I still has what it takes to reign supreme, even though I really don't have anything to prove to anyone."
[Her face brightens as she smiles, her lips curving upwards in a gentle, warm arc. The smile is soft and inviting, radiating a sense of calm and contentment.]
"So just after beating Bobbie Dahl two weeks ago, what am I in for this weekend? Glad you asked. In a dramatic turn of events, I find myself facing off against Ariana Angelos, a former Bombshell Roulette Champion and Bombshell Internet Champion, a rising star half my age known for her innovative style and seemingly unbreakable spirit. And by "unbreakable spirit" I really mean stupidly annoying. Ariana hasn't had the best of luck in Sin City Wrestling lately, and to see what she's had to go through? My heart cries for her."
[She pauses down the steps for a moment, her expression thoughtful. Then, suddenly, her face breaks into a wide grin. Throwing her head back, Mercedes erupts into a fit of laughter, the sound ringing out bright and joyful.]
"Not to worry, though, because nothing will bring me great joy this weekend than seeing the Slaytanic Angel brought back down to Earth again. And Ari? You will be humbled again. This match won't just be a defeat for you, oh no. It'll be a public execution of your career, broadcast for the whole world to see. I'm going to use you as an example, to show everyone what happens when you dare to step to the best in this business.
"I know you've been waiting to hear my thoughts on our match, Ariana. But let me first offer my advice: just stay in catering. Or, better yet, just forfeit the match. Don't even board the next plane to Pueblo, Colorado. But if you do board that plane. If you're brave enough, or even foolish enough, to show up to the arena. If your entrance music hits as I'm waiting in that ring, Ari, I promise you that you're going to be in for the fight of your life. I'll tear you apart piece by piece, exposing you as the fraud you truly are. Your so-called "wrestling skills" will be nothing but a distant memory once I'm done with you. And you'll be sent on your merry way.
"You think you've seen my worst, Ari? You haven't seen anything yet. You can do all the yelling you want. The more you stomp and shout, the more desperate you seem. When that bell rings, I'm going to unleash a fury on you that'll make your past humiliations look like a walk in the park."
[Mercedes pauses, her expression turning serious.]
"You think you're ready for me, you think you can step up to me? Don't make me laugh, mamita. I'll humiliate you in front of the entire world, proving once and for all that you're nothing but a marginal talent in the Bombshell Division. The crowd will turn on you, realizing that you're not worthy of their adoration. The world will see you for the weak, pathetic excuse for a wrestler that you are. And when it's all over, you'll wish you had never stepped into my ring."
[Mercedes pauses, her expression hardening.]
"You've been living in a fantasy world, Ari, thinking you belong in the same ring as me. Well, it's time for a reality check. I'm going to shatter those delusions along with whatever's left of your pride. When I'm done, you'll be nothing but a broken shell of the wrestler you thought you were. Pueblo, Colorado isn't just another stop on the tour for you - it's where your delusions of grandeur come crashing down. You've been running your mouth for far too long, and now it's time to pay the piper. Your pitiful excuses, your empty boasts - they all end this weekend.
[She shakes her head, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.]
"I'm going to teach you a lesson in respect, one that'll be etched into your bones. Every bruise, every welt, every drop of sweat will be a testament to your foolishness in challenging me.
[She points directly at the camera, her voice rising with conviction.]
"When I'm done with you, the name "Ari" will be synonymous with failure in this industry. Kids will use your story as a cautionary tale of what happens when you bite off more than you can chew. Your defeat will be so total, so complete, that you'll be begging for the referee to call the match just to end your misery."
[She leans in closer to the camera, her voice dropping to a menacing growl.]
"You're not getting a championship opportunity off of my hard work. You're getting a one-way ticket to obscurity."
[She steps back, arms folded and an arrogant smirk on her face.]
"Long before you knew, and long after you'll remember. I'll see you Sunday."
***Fade***
