L O N D O N, E N G L A N D[The soft glow of neon lights spills into the bustling lobby, where Mercedes stands at the front of the line with her friends, the air thick with the buttery scent of popcorn and the sweet aroma of candy. Ricardo, Irma, Hugo, and Tomas exchanged glances, each sharing in her enthusiasm as they moved closer to the ticket counter.]
MERCEDES: Okay, guys, this one’s supposed to be epic. I heard it has more twists than a rollercoaster. They say you’ll never see the ending coming. It’s like a wild ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
[Ricardo leans in, intrigued.]
RICARDO: Are we talking plot twists or just a lot of chaos?
MERCEDES: Both. I’ve heard it’s got action, suspense, and enough surprises to make your head spin. You’ll be guessing until the very last minute.
IRMA: Just don’t scream too loud during the scary parts; we don’t need you embarrassing us in front of everyone.
HUGO: Yeah, remember last time? You nearly jumped out of your seat.
[Ricardo, leaning against the wall with a playful grin, shakes his head.]
RICARDO: As long as it doesn’t have a plot twist like last time. I’m still trying to figure out what happened in that ending.
[Irma stands with her arms crossed, rolling her eyes in disbelief.]
IRMA: You just need to pay attention. I can’t believe you didn’t get the symbolism.
[Hugo is munching on popcorn and scrolling through his phone, casually indifferent to the pre-movie chatter. He chuckles softly and leans back, a smirk on his face.]
HUGO: Or maybe he was just too busy texting during the best parts.
[Ricardo shoots back with a smirk.]
RICARDO: Pot. Kettle.
MERCEDES: Did you see how I dominated in my match? This is what a little hard work and a lot of adrenaline gets you.
TOMAS: A little hard work? You had to win a submission match. Pretty sure that took a lot of work.
IRMA: I’m just glad you didn’t end up in the hospital this time. Remember last year’s match? That was wild.
[Just as they reach the front of the line, Tomas steps up to the ticket clerk.]
TOMAS: Five tickets for the new action movie.
TICKET CLERK: That’ll be $50.
[Tomas' face falls as he realizes he only has a crumpled five-dollar bill in his pocket.]
TOMAS: Uh, can I pay in charm?
TICKET CLERK: Charm?
[She leans slightly closer to Tomas, her expression clearly questioning his choice of words. She has a playful smirk forming on her lips.]
TICKET CLERK: Is that what you’re banking on to get into the movies tonight?
[Irma rolls her eyes playfully, a mock exasperation dancing across her face. She leans back slightly, crossing her arms as if to emphasize her disbelief.]
IRMA: Seriously, Tomas? Charm doesn’t pay for tickets, genius.
[As she shakes her head, a smile breaks through, showing that she’s more amused than annoyed. It’s a classic Irma move—part sarcasm, part encouragement—and it perfectly captures the playful dynamic of their group. The laughter around them only fuels her jest, making the moment all the more memorable.
Hugo chimes in with a mock-serious tone.]
HUGO: Don’t worry, man. I’m sure the movie will accept ‘good looks’ as currency.
TOMAS: Five tickets for the new superhero movie.
[The ticket clerk raises an eyebrow, a mix of amusement and skepticism crossing her face.]
TICKET CLERK: Which superhero movie?
TOMAS: Uh... the one with the guy in the suit?
MERCEDES: You mean
every superhero movie?
[At that moment, Ricardo, eager to help, leans in.]
RICARDO: Yeah! The one where they save the world or whatever!
[The clerk chuckles.]
TICKET CLERK: That narrows it down to about fifty films.
[Just then, Irma pulls out her phone.]
IRMA: Wait! Is it this one?
[She accidentally plays a loud trailer for a romantic comedy instead. The whole group bursts into laughter as people in line behind them start giggling.]
MERCEDES: Definitely not that one. But it might be more fun than whatever Tomas was thinking.
[Amidst the laughter and playful banter, they finally settle on a movie—after a few more hilarious attempts to remember titles—and the ticket clerk shakes her head with a smile as she hands them their tickets.]
~~~
Present Day ♦ L O S A N G E L E S, C A L I F O R N I A[REC•][Mercedes pauses her nail file, glancing up with a playful smirk as she addresses the camera directly. The sunlight streaming through her chic Los Angeles residence highlights her poised demeanor, and she leans forward slightly, engaging her audience.]
"You know what I like about triple threat matches? Not only do I get to face two opponents, but I get to face two opponents at the same time, and it doesn't get better with the opponents I stood across from the ring most recently.
"I don't need to tell you that the better woman won at Violent Conduct, but then when you really think about it, it wasn't such a bad night for yours truly, considering that I ended whatever notions Prudence Pierce and Bobbie Dahl had of walking out of London at my expense. It was fun—well, for me anyway. As a matter of fact, I had so much fun that I couldn't stop talking about it on my flight back home. I almost expecting Prue and Bobbie to have some excuses ready as they read them off note-cards this weekend."
[She chuckles softly, shaking her head as if the thought amuses her.]
"That said, I guess this is the perfect time to mention my golden opportunity this weekend when I step into the ring against Victoria Lyons for the Bombshell Roulette Championship. And credit where it's due, she deserves her flowers. Last weekend, she and her cousin won the World Mixed Tag Titles against the Wolves of Gheimhridh. Do you know how hard it is to beat Finn and Kayla? Let me repeat that: Victoria and Eddie Lyons were able to beat not only two accomplished performers, but the world champions of the men and women's divisions, the best that SCW had to offer in very little time. When you're able to pull off something like that, it definitely means you're going places, and to be honest, I'm looking forward to being in the ring with Victoria. She probably won't feel the same about me, but I'll manage."
[As she exhales slowly, a flicker of determination ignites within her, illuminating her resolve.]
"Believe it or not, people pretty much know my story already; they think they have me all figured out. I’m sure you’ve heard the narratives, or maybe you couldn’t care less. But let’s be real—you have a sense of where I fit in the hierarchy. There are the super-talented wrestlers, those who are simply "good," and then there are those who will never measure up—the ones who just aren’t in your league. I understand why some might think the odds are stacked against me, and that’s perfectly fine. Competition only makes me stronger, and I like to think I excel by playing to my strengths."
[Mercedes glances at her reflection in a nearby mirror, taking a moment to admire the fierce determination etched across her face. The lighting casts a soft glow, highlighting the intensity in her eyes as she studies herself.]
"One could make the argument pretty damn easily that Victoria Lyons was lucky to still be undefeated before she fell from the unbeaten at the go-home show to Violent Conduct at Climax Control 405 against Luna. Nonetheless, she narrowly escaped Bella Madison at Violent Conduct with some late heroics to get out of London without losing the Bombshell Roulette Championship to our hard luck New York native. So it stands to reason why Vicki is now in a clearly tough spot this weekend.
"Now, don’t get me wrong, Victoria has talent. She wouldn't have lasted this long if she wasn't. But, see, talent alone won’t cut it. It’s about experience, cunning, and knowing how to play the game, and I've been at this game long enough to know that every match is a chessboard, and I’m always three moves ahead."
[Mercedes pauses, a playful smile creeping onto her face.]
"It's not just about who hits harder; it’s about who plays smarter."
[Mercedes pauses to apply a fresh coat of polish, her confidence radiating.]
"This Sunday, I stand on the brink of history—90 wins in my SCW career, poised to tie the record for the most Bombshell Roulette Championship reigns as a five-time champion. What’s that? Oh yes, Victoria, I’ll gladly add your second defeat to your record.
"Now, granted, the last time I saw you really wasn't a memorable experience. You defeated me once, but only because you seized an opportunity during a chaotic match. The Ultimate X Over the Pool wasn’t just about me; I was exhausted and at my weakest. If it hadn’t been for Alexandra Calaway, I would have faced you instead of Bella Madison in the end. Like I said, not a pleasant experience.
"That was two months ago, and yes, I carry a grudge—so what? Here’s the deal, Victoria: I won’t fret over it any longer. This isn’t something I’ll be worrying about for much longer. I’m coming for that Bombshell Roulette Championship, and I won’t let you slip away again. You have my full attention now. There will be no distractions between us—just you and me in that ring, no excuses, no interruptions."
[Mercedes leans into the camera, her eyes blazing with intensity as she delivers her next powerful statement.]
"Just like these nails, I’ll be sharp and flawless when I step into that ring. I'm as focused as I've ever been, and for you? For you, Victoria Lyons, this Sunday on Climax Control, I'm planning on making this match short as a favour so you make it before bedtime. Take the opportunity to strategize, develop your game plan, and get in some training. Watch a few tapes of my previous matches if you think it’ll help. Do whatever you need to do to get ready. Bring that fighting spirit of yours, and don’t forget to say your prayers and take your vitamins."
[Turning slightly, she runs a hand through her hair, the movement fluid and deliberate.]
"You've been riding high on that overinflated ego of yours for far too long. I'm going to puncture it, deflate it, and leave it in tatters. They say history is written by the victors. Well, I'm about to write you out of the history books entirely. Your chapter in this company is coming to an abrupt and painful end. And I'll make sure it's footnoted with "couldn't cut it when it mattered most.""
"You’ve had your victories, sure, but those victories don’t define you—they merely set the stage for your next challenge. And I am that challenge. I’m the one who’s going to challenge everything you think you know about competition.
"I’m not just fighting for a title; I’m fighting to solidify my legacy in the Bombshells Division. And let’s be real, the fans expect nothing less than a show-stopping performance, and I plan to give them one they won’t forget."
[She leans back, crossing her legs elegantly, exuding a calm confidence that contrasts with the intensity of her words. The camera captures her poised demeanor, a stark reminder of the fierce competitor she is.]
"Victoria, your words reflect desperation more than truth. You may flaunt your crown, but remember, it’s not just about titles; it’s about legacy. I’ve built mine over decades, and while you sip wine in a bathrobe, I’ve been in the ring earning respect. While you’re busy calling me a relic, let’s not forget that relics hold history. They tell stories of battles fought and won—stories that shaped the very foundation of this company. The roads you've traveled are the roads I paved for entitled bitches like you to have a shot at greatness. I walked so you could run.
"You want to call me yesterday's news? You’re right. I’m yesterday’s news, today’s news, tomorrow’s news—and I’ll be Sunday’s news too, at your expense.
"Since you like to claim how I'm so analytical in everything, analyze this: Whatever plans you have for Sunday, I suggest you find new plans. Better yet, cancel them. Let the air out of the balloons, hold off on the streamers and that huge banner, and put that champagne on ice, mamita, because you’re going home empty-handed and one title lighter than when you arrived. This story isn’t going to have a happy ending."
[She sets down her nail file and leans forward, her eyes sparkling with unwavering determination.]
"You think you’re better than me? You go on ahead and try to convince yourself and those fans just that. I don't necessarily think you are, but I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt and we'll see if you're right. In fact, I'm going to hold you to that. So lace up those boots one last time. Savor that walk down the ramp. Because once you step through those ropes, your world as you know it ends. And a new nightmare - one crafted by my hands - begins."
[With a final flourish of her nail file, she adds a smirk before her voice softens.]
"Prepare for the worst, hope for the best."
[Mercedes stands up again, striking a pose as if she were already in the ring.]
"And may the odds be ever in your favor."
[***Fade***]
