2024 is almost over. For Mercedes Vargas, a lot went wrong though it will take a lot to end it just right.
It's not how you start, it's how you finish that matters. It didn't even matter where Mercedes was RIGHT NOW - four wins on the year, double-digit losses, another four-match losing streak, a two-month drought since her last win - but could she finish stringing a few wins together? Could she win her first pay-per-view match in 2024? Could Violent Conduct be the night? There were a lot of firsts here: the first win in her debut, the night she became the first-ever three-time Bombshell Roulette Champion, the night she became the first and so far only Bombshell to win the World Mixed Tag Team Championship twice in the same year, setting the record for most career matches at this supercard. Of course, none of these things mattered in the grand scheme of things.
Sunday at Violent Conduct, no matter the pressure of putting on yet another quality match, failure was not an option, it was inexcusable. In London, England, on the grandest stage, in front of millions of people, she needed to win. Because when it all came down to it, she was going to finish on top, come hell or high water.
Present Day ♦ L O N D O N, E N G L A N D[/u]
[REC•]
[The Sky Garden, the gorgeous garden perched atop the “Walkie Talkie” building in Fenchurch Street. As if on cue, Mercedes Vargas unconsciously puts away her cellphone before she gets to her opening words.]
"You know, despite all the accolades and the championships and recognition I've received and accomplished, it's really starting to take it's toll. An endless cycle of plane trips, hotel accommodations, bus rides, the matches themselves..."
[Mercedes leans back slightly, her expression softening just a bit as she reflects on her journey.]
"Don't mistake this as a sob story, I'm not looking for pity. It's through adversity where you find strength. I'd rather take the road less traveled than the easy way out.vI’ve been through the highs and lows, and I’ve learned from every setback. This match is not just about proving myself to the fans or the critics; it’s about proving to myself that I still have what it takes to be at the top. I’ve faced adversity before, and I’ve always come out stronger. This Sunday will be no different.
"Violent Conduct is my best chance -- and maybe my last chance -- to put this year behind me."
[Mercedes takes a deep breath, her eyes narrowing as she focuses on the camera, her voice unwavering and filled with passion.]
"It's also a chance for me to bury two opponents in SCW who I know oh so well and needs no introduction to anyone with even a passing interest in the Bombshells Division. Now, Prudence Pierce and Bobbie Dahl are no slouches in the ring. Pierce is a former Blast From the Past Tournament winner and Dahl just captured her first championship earlier this year with a lengthy run as Bombshell Roulette Champion. Be that as it may, they are NOT Mercedes Vargas. My legacy in SCW makes me a significant challenge, and this match is an opportunity to prove that I can rise above the competition and reclaim my place among the elite in the Bombshells Division."
[Mercedes is caught between resolve and anger, gestures emphatically, emphasizing her words with each movement.]
"Make no mistake about it, the stakes couldn't be higher this Sunday. For Prudence and Bobbie, it might be about winning a future title opportunity or proving a point, but for me? For me, it's about redemption. Each time I step into the ring, I carry the weight of my past failures, but I also bear the fire of my determination. I’ve given my life to this business, sacrificed so much, and I’m not about to let anyone stand in my way now. So, ladies, prepare yourselves because when we step into that ring at Violent Conduct, you’re going to see a side of Mercedes Vargas that you’ve never seen before.
"Now, Prudence comes from a wrestling family. So it doesn't surprise me why she always want the cameras on her, the close-ups, the attention, all that jazz. Sure, some people might think she doesn't deserve it, but it's not like that's stopped her before, right?
"People treat her, and by extension her entire family, as the scorns of professional wrestling. But that just rolls off her back. Just as long as she looks hard into that mirror and tell herself, 'I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like me!'
Trust me, nobody likes you, Prudence. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever. I already beat you last year. Let's see bid lightning strikes twice this year.
And Bobbie? I think it's time we divorce. I've been seeing your face too many times for my liking. Isn't once enough? I'm still feeling the injuries from the last match we had against one another. I was practically counting how many lights were in the arena. My words will fade, my wounds will heal, but my legacy will live forever."
[Mercedes slowly nods and adds another head toss as she continues.]
"You know, it's funny. I was thinking this was going to be your year, mamita. You started strong, captured the Bombshell Roulette Championship, had a good little title run, but that was then. You just came back from injury - I think that's mainly because I bruised that ego a little bit before your hiatus - and you haven't been the same since."
[Mercedes continues her promo with a determined look in her eyes, addressing the camera directly.]
"You may want to forget our last encounter, but trust me, I haven’t. I remember every moment of that match—the pain, the struggle, and most importantly the loss. This time, I'm going to do the one thing that no one else isn't going to do. I'm going to apologize to you ahead of time.
"I'm going to apologize to you, Bobbie, because no one deserves this, especially you. So, if I hit a little harder than I use to, I hope you can forgive me. If I happen to be more vicious than usual, I hope you can forgive me. There's a good chance you probably won't, but that's okay, too. I'm willing to accept it."
[She pauses, taking a deep breath before concluding with conviction.]
"As the countdown to Violent Conduct continues, I can feel the adrenaline building within me. This match is more than just a chance to win; it's an opportunity to redefine my legacy in SCW.
"So, Prudence and Bobbie, bring everything you've got. Because when that bell rings at Violent Conduct, you'll be stepping into the ring with a woman who has nothing left to lose and everything to gain. This is my moment, and I refuse to let it slip away. The ring will be my canvas, and with every move, I will paint a picture of resilience and strength that no one will forget."
[Mercedes takes a moment to collect herself, her voice steady and filled with determination.]
"This is supposedly a submission match, right? The only thing that’s going to be submitted next Sunday is your will to fight."
[Mercedes steps back slightly, her expression fierce yet composed as she finishes.]
"Prepárate para lo peor, espera lo mejor. Y que la suerte esté siempre a tu favor."
"Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. And may the odds be ever in your favor."
[With a final, confident smirk, Mercedes steps back from the camera, leaving no doubt that she is prepared for the fight of her life.]
[***FADE***]
