"Could I maybe get a quick photo, just a couple more. Thank you so much. Can't wait to see you Sunday. Just a couple more. Last one, thank you so much. I appreciate it, heheheh."
[Mercedes Vargas is walking towards the back exit, clearly exhausted. Despite her clearly just trying to get home, she stays and take photos with the small group of fans for five more minutes. One fan holds up their phone, a wide grin spreading across their face.]
FAN 2: Can we get a group shot?
MERCEDES: Absolutely! Gather around!
[The fans huddle close, excitement in the air. Mercedes leaned in, her expression warm and genuine, radiating the kind of charisma that made her a beloved figure.
Another fan steps forward, their eyes shining with excitement.]
FAN 3: We love you, Mercedes! One more, please?
[Time passes as she poses for more photos before she finally steps back, glancing at the exit again. Mercedes finally manages to leave the arena, smiling and waving goodbye to the enthusiastic crowd. As Mercedes gets into her car and closes the door behind her, a sense of relief washes over her. Mercedes appreciates her fans, even when they catch her at inconvenient times. The engine purrs to life, and she takes a moment to breathe deeply, letting the chaos of the evening fade into the background.
When Mercedes arrives home, she makes herself a quick dinner and checks her phone. She has messages reminding her about an important wedding consultation first thing in the morning.]
MERCEDES: Hey, Irma. Just got home. What’s this about a wedding consultation?
IRMA: Just a reminder that you have an important wedding consultation first thing in the morning. The couple is really excited to meet you!
[Mercedes sighs, running a hand through her hair.]
MERCEDES: Right, I remember now. I hope I can pull it together after tonight!
IRMA: You always do! Just get some rest tonight. You’ll be great!
MERCEDES: Thanks.
IRMA: No problem!
MERCEDES: Wait. Any last-minute details I should know?
IRMA: They’re looking for a unique theme, something personal. I think they’ll love your ideas! Get some sleep, and I’ll see you in the morning.
• • •
[The bustling atmosphere of a cozy cafe as Mercedes and her friends sit at a small table, the rich aroma of coffee waifing around them, mingling with the sound of laughter and chatter. Tomas leans in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.]
TOMAS: You won’t believe what I just heard.
[Hugo raises an eyebrow, intrigued by the urgency in his tone.]
HUGO: What is it? You’re not about to tell us something crazy again, are you?
TOMAS: No, no! This is serious. I overheard some plans for a new air hockey league, and it’s going to be epic.
[Ricardo leans back in his chair, crossing his arms with a wry smile on his face.]
RICARDO: Air hockey? Really, Tomas? That's a bit ridiculous, don't you think?
[Tomas shakes his head emphatically.]
TOMAS: Trust me, you have to see it to believe it. There's this one team that seemingly can't lose. We should go check them out.
[Ricardo considers the idea for a moment, then shrugs.]
RICARDO: Alright, why not? This I've got to see.
• • •
[A lively air hockey arcade. The sound of pucks hitting the table and laughter fills the air. Mercedes sits at a table with her laptop open, surrounded by her friends.]
RICARDO: What got you worked up?
MERCEDES: Up all night brainstorming ideas for a wedding consultation event.
TOMAS: That was today?
MERCEDES: This morning. Irma told me the couple postponed, so I got an extra day. Thank God. Irma let me borrow her laptop.
RICARDO: Who knew you'd be juggling a career in a wrestling ring and as a wedding planner?
MERCEDES: It's a wild combo, but I think I can make this work.
RICARDO: I mean, you’ve got the ring skills and the creativity. Perfect mix for planning those epic weddings!
[Mercedes nods enthusiastically, her fingers hovering over the laptop keyboard. She starts typing rapidly, her mind racing with ideas.]
MERCEDES: Imagine a wrestling-themed wedding!
[Hugo, who has been momentarily distracted from the ongoing air hockey match, chimes in.]
HUGO: I can hear the entrance music now.
[Ricardo grinned, shaking his head in amusement.]
RICARDO: Just don't bodyslam the cake, okay?
[Mercedes shoots him a playful glare, her smile widening.]
MERCEDES: No promises!
[Ricardo, Hugo and Tomas watches the game in awe as the pair of teams played with lightning-fast reflexes and unparalleled skill. Ricardo's eyes widen as he notices the puck careening off the air hockey table at high speed.]
RICARDO: Watch out!
[His voice cuts through the arcade's noise but the warning comes a split second too late. The puck flies off the table. Mercedes, engrossed in her typing, barely has time to react. The puck zips past Hugo and Tomas, who instinctively flinch away. In a blink, it strikes Irma's laptop screen with a sickening crack.]
MERCEDES: Great, just what I needed!
• • •
Present Day ♦ S A N T A M O N I C A • C A L I F O R N I A
[REC•]
[Camera fades in on Mercedes Vargas standing confidently in front of Tongva Park, the sun shining brightly behind her, casting a warm glow and creating a halo effect around her silhouette.]
"Hey there, SCW fans! It’s your girl, Mercedes Vargas, and I’m here in beautiful Santa Monica, gearing up for a monumental showdown at the 400th episode of Climax Control this weekend in Inglewood! This isn’t just any match, oh no; it’s a clash of titans, a battle of Hall of Famers as I go head-to-head with the incredible Roxi Johnson."
[She gestures passionately, her energy infectious.]
"Critics have noted that while I have an impressive resume, some believe I haven't fully earned this opportunity, highlighting the competitive nature of the Bombshells Division, and that's perfectly fine. Well, riddle me this: why am I tied with Crystal Zdunich for the most appearances on Climax Control anniversary shows, hmm? Seven times lucky? Maybe, maybe not."
[Mercedes shrugs her shoulders, a fluid motion that spoke volumes. It was a gesture that seemed to say, What more can I do? The corners of her lips turned up ever so slightly, as if to mock the seriousness of the moment.]
"Roxi and I have shared the ring before and we both know what it means to fight for our legacy. You could say we've developed quite a rivalry over the years. We’ve fought tooth and nail, and we’ve both earned our places in the Hall of Fame. But this match? This match is a celebration of everything we’ve accomplished."
[Mercedes takes a moment, her voice steady and powerful, as she gathers her thoughts, the impact of her words unmistakable.]
"For years I've wrestled who I'm told to wrestle, when I'm told wrestle, even when the division wasn't as strong as it is today. I’ve spent years fighting for every title, every accolade, and every moment that has defined my career and led me to this point. With every match, I’ve been proving why I’m the only two-time Bombshell Grand Slam winner and Hall of Famer in history. I’ve faced the best of the best, I've beaten the best. I've faced tough opponents, taken on challenges that would make most people crumble, and I’ve come out on top."
[She pauses, a hint of a smile breaking through.]
"Climax Control 400 is a landmark for Sin City Wrestling. 400 episodes of Climax Control means 400 episodes of heart, soul, and pure wrestling passion. And I promise you, I’m bringing every ounce of that passion into the ring. But what makes Climax Control 400 so important, so significant, so monumental in the history of Sin City Wrestling, is that it's the day that I finally defeat Roxi one-on-one. I’m done being defined by past losses. At Climax Control, I’m not just looking for a victory; I’m looking to rewrite history."
[Mercedes leans in, her expression a mix of respect and determination.]
"Roxi, you've pushed me to my limits, and I’ve done the same for you. That’s what makes us who we are—two Hall of Famers who refuse to back down.
"I would have never guessed SCW would bring you in for this match. But before you step back into semi-retirement, Roxi, I want to give you the match that you deserve. You’ve been a champion, a role model, and a fierce competitor. You’ve set records, won titles, and inspired countless fans and wrestlers alike."
[Her words hang in the air, charged with the weight of their rivalry and mutual respect.]
"You've had your time in the spotlight, and I’ll give you credit where it’s due—you’ve accomplished a lot in this business, which I respect. But respect only gets you so far. If you think you can just waltz back into the ring after nine months and expect to dominate, you’ve got another thing coming."
[She steps closer to the camera, her eyes fierce and focused.]
"For you, this is just another chapter in our storied rivalry, you're not just competing for a win; you're fighting for respect, for your career, and for every single fan who has supported you along the way. This isn’t just a match for me. This match isn’t just about settling the score; it’s about proving that I can finally take you down and it’s about making a statement. I’m ready to show the world that I’m the one who deserves the spotlight now. Climax Control 400 is where I’ll prove that I’m not just a contender in the Ultimate X Over the Pool match for the Bombshell Roulette Championship at Summer XXXTreme — I’m the next champion that Victoria Lyons, Alexandra Calaway and Bella Madison should be afraid of."
[She leans in, her eyes fierce and unwavering.]
"I’m on a roll. I’ve been on this incredible winning streak, at least on the last couple of matches on Climax Control, for a reason. I’ve been tearing it up in the ring lately, and the momentum is on my side as I head into Climax Control 400! This time, against Roxi Johnson, it’s different. This time, I’m coming in stronger, smarter, and savvier than ever."
[Mercedes steps back, a confident smile on her face.]
"Roxi, I'll see you at the 400th episode of Climax Control. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. And may the odds be ever in your favor."
[***Fade***]
