Life is a Mystery
Calaway Estate
Dallas, Tx.
Is life really just a popularity game? Is that what the world has really come down to? Votes and moronic opinions?
The room is dimly lit by the television’s flickering light, casting shifting shadows across the walls. Election results roll in, numbers flashing on the screen as red and blue states stack up. Alexandra sits forward, elbows resting on her knees, fingers tightly laced together as she stares, unblinking, at the screen. LJ sits beside her, relaxed but aware, his gaze fixed on her more than on the TV. He had been there to see everything she was facing, he went with her when she voted, for support and protection. Alexandra sighs deeply, the tension visible in her shoulders, like she’s holding back a storm. The amount of stress Alexandra was under was coming to a breaking point.
“Is this what it all comes down to? Just… who’s more popular? Who can scream louder? It’s like the whole world’s a playground, and they’re all just… yelling over each other.”
She lets out a frustrated breath, hands running through her dark hair, fingers tangling there, and she closes her eyes for a second as if trying to block it all out. LJ watches her, brows knit with concern. He knew she had a lot on her mind and this match just built on top of what she was already going through. He shifts closer, placing his hand on her shoulder, his thumb tracing small, calming circles just below her collarbone. She takes in a sharp breath but doesn’t pull away, leaning ever so slightly into his touch. LJ begins to speak, his voice soft and reassuring.
“I know, love. It feels loud and chaotic right now… like everyone’s just trying to drown each other out. But the world’s more than this. You’re more than this. This fear you are feeling love, use it. It can be a strength.”
His hand trails down to her arm, fingers entwined with hers. She lets him hold her hand, her fingers tightening around his like it’s an anchor. Because in the past few months, he had been her anchor. She turns her face towards him, a faint look of defeat in her eyes. A quiet vulnerability slips through as she speaks. Thankfully, she had LJ there, if she had to face this with just her and her daughter, she wasn’t sure how she’d fair. His voice always calmed her.
“But this—what happens tonight—it affects all of us. Especially her.”
Her gaze drops, and for a brief moment, she lets her walls down, exposing the fear she feels for her daughter’s future. LJ sees the struggle in her, the fierce warrior tempered by the mother inside, fighting battles on two fronts. Gently, he brings her hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles, warm and reassuring. LJ’s voice is calm and steady.
“Angel, you’re one of the strongest people I’ve ever known. The world can throw its worst at you, and you’ll still stand. For yourself, for her. And I’ll be right here beside you, every step of the way. I’ve got your back, love.”
Alexandra closes her eyes again, this time letting his words ease some of the worry etched across her face. LJ gently pulls her closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, and she lets herself be drawn in, resting her head against his chest. His heartbeat is steady beneath her cheek, a grounding rhythm.
“You never fail to amaze me LJ.”
She whispered against his chest. They sit like that for a moment, wrapped in each other’s warmth, while the world outside spins with chaos. He strokes her hair softly, his hand lingering at the back of her neck, anchoring her to him. Alexandra speaks again, her voice a bit lighter now. LJ really has been a source of strength for her.
“And just when I think I’m starting to catch my breath, here comes Andrea and Alicia, ready to tear me down in the ring. No pressure, right?
LJ chuckles, a low, comforting sound, and he leans back slightly to meet her eyes, his fingers brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. She looks at him, lips curving into a small smile despite herself.
“Those two might think they know what they’re up against, but they’ve got no idea who you really are. Not the way I do. You’re a bloody force, love. And you’ve got this match in the bag. It’s not about proving anything; it’s just... showing them what they should already know.”
He tilts her chin up, his face close to hers, his voice a murmur meant only for her.
“You don’t have to carry it all, you know. Not with me here. We’re a team, yeah?”
Alexandra lets his words sink in, feeling a spark of strength reignite inside her. She nods, a genuine smile breaking through as she reaches up, resting her hand on his cheek. For a moment, they stay like that, eyes locked, the quiet power of connection wrapping around them like armor. Alexandra softly speaks, the edge of fear fading.
”Yeah, we are.”
She leans forward, brushing her lips against his, a soft, lingering kiss that says what words can’t. When she pulls back, she looks at him with a newfound determination in her eyes, the spark rekindled. LJ smiles, his eyes shining with pride and adoration.
“There’s the fire I know you have deep inside you. That’s my Angel. Look, win or lose you have your family, you have an amazing daughter, you have my brother and Carter, and you have me. All that other stuff, it’s just a bonus. What matters is that YOU believe in you. We know what you can do. Let them say and believe whatever they want, love. You and I both know what you can do. Now you need to show them.”
They hold each other in that quiet moment, the world outside nothing but noise, as Alexandra draws strength from the man beside her, ready to face whatever comes next. No matter what happened in the ring, Alexandra always had her family and her friends. Ashlynn, LJ, Miles and Carter. She never had to be alone anymore. She had them, she had people who loved her and had herback, win or lose, for good.
Everyone must stand alone
Calaway’s Blog
Dallas, Tx
But I am never alone, not anymore. In the ring or otherwise. They are who I fight for..
And there it is, talking about me on social media. They say I’m too old, that it’s their time. They say things like me being pathetic and pointless, useless I believe was the word. Funny considering I’ve helped to keep Sin City Wrestling on top all while being a mother, a sister, a friend and finding someone who loves me. I don’t focus on just wrestling, I did that for a very long time and let me tell you it was a very lonely life.
It’s true—I used to stand alone, or so I thought. All those years, chasing titles, thinking that the ring was where I found myself, that it was the only place that mattered. And for a time, it was all I had. Wrestling was my only purpose, my only reason to get up in the morning. I pushed aside everything else, thinking that to be the best, I had to lose everything else.
But now? Now I see the bigger picture, and I know why they can’t understand it. Alicia, Andrea, they’re still trying to make their name, to carve out a legacy like it’s something fragile they have to protect from someone like me. They think I’ve overstayed, that I’m holding them back. “Too old,” “washed up,” “past my prime”... All these names they toss around so carelessly. But they forget, I’ve been where they’re trying to go. And I’m still here.
They say I’m pathetic for putting my heart out there, for daring to live for more than just the win. They mock me for being a mother, a friend, a lover. But this isn’t just my journey anymore; it's our journey. My family, my friends, and everyone who stands by me—they’re my fuel. Every time I see pride in their eyes, every time my daughter watches me step into that ring, and every time I feel their support, I’m reminded where my real strength comes from. It’s not about being invincible; it’s about being vulnerable. It’s about having something real worth fighting for. Without having something to fight for, what’s the point in it all? I’ve always had something to fight for, now, I’ve just made that fight all the more important. I’ve found a family that is worth fighting for. Every time I go out there, I carry them with me. So tell me, who do you have to fight for? Do you carry them with you?
When Alicia and Andrea look at me, they see someone they think they need to tear down to prove their own worth. Maybe once, that kind of rivalry would’ve been enough to drive me. But now? I know what I bring. I don’t need their validation—or even the fans’ approval, from those who only see the surface. I’ve earned my place, paid my dues, and fought through battles they can’t imagine. I know it, because it’s the same thing everyone always says. The only time it wasn’t is when it was Kayla herself.
So, Alicia and Andrea,just a heads up, here’s something to think about: it’s easy to call someone “old” or “washed up” when you’re still trying to make your mark, trying to capture your spotlight. But being the best isn’t about burning bright and fast. It’s about lasting. It’s about showing up, even when the odds are against you. It’s about having something worth fighting for. But remember darlings, with age, comes wisdom.
In that ring, I’m not just Alexandra Calaway, the wrestler. I’m a mother, showing my daughter what it means to never back down. I’m a friend who stands by those I care about. I’m a woman who’s learned that real strength isn’t about going it alone but about connection. And I’m still the force that won’t be moved just because someone younger and louder claims it’s their turn. You want to talk about turns and it being not my place, it’s the same kind of talk I’ve heard from every competitor male or female in this industry for the past five years. Learn something new darlings, before you spew that shit.
This match? It’s not just about a title shot or a shot at glory. It’s about proving that time, experience, and loyalty still mean something in this business. I’m not stepping aside, and I’m not letting anyone rewrite my story.
So go ahead, you can say I’m “in your way.” No—I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. If anything, you two are in my way.
I hear you call my name
Coconino National Forest
Flagstaff, Arizona
And the winner is, Alexandra Calaway…
The scene opens under the dusky, wide skies of Flagstaff, Arizona, the sun just slipping below the horizon. Alexandra Calaway standing in the middle of the forested edge of town, against a rugged backdrop of towering pines and crimson rocks that seem to glow in the fading light. A campfire flickers at her feet, casting shadows that dance across her face. Alexandra reaches down, grabs a fistful of Arizona’s dry, red dirt, and lets it slip through her fingers, looking into the camera with an intensity that promises fire and fury.
"Flagstaff." Alexandra says, it’s both a location and a challenge, like the name itself means something more in this moment. "It’s a place people come to disappear, to lose themselves in the wilds and the shadows. That suits you both, Andrea and Alicia, because after this week, that’s exactly what you’ll be doing—disappearing."
Alexandra gives a small, slow smile, looking down at the ground, almost as if lost in thought for a second.
"Andrea, here we are in the middle of the wilderness, and that fits, doesn’t it? You, the underdog, the fighter from nowhere trying to prove it all over again. Trying to make this comeback your ticket to something real. But listen, do you know what else lurks in the darkest parts of the wilderness, the things that howl in the night. Hungry for something that you can’t quite give them, not without a sacrifice."
Alexandra crouches down, hands brushing along the dirt, "This ground, these trees, and the creatures that live in these worlds, don’t care about your story. They don’t care if you’ve been knocked down and dragged back up. This land? It chews people up, spits ‘em out, and forgets them in the dust. Just like I’m gonna do to you."
Alexandra stands up again, letting the weight of her words sink in, looking off into the distance as if Andrea’s right there watching Alexandra.
"You say you need this, that you’re hungry? I’m starving. And unlike you, I’m not coming here to prove a point to anyone. I’m here to own this ground, to make sure there’s only one story coming out of Flagstaff: mine. Andrea, you’re about to find out that some of us don’t fight for redemption or validation. We fight because it’s who we are, and that’s what makes me a hell of a lot more dangerous than you’ll ever be."
She paused, listening to the nighttime around her. The wind blowing through the leaves on the trees.
“Andrea, you try to spend so much time, convincing the people who come to our shows, the fans, our fans, the Sin City Wrestling family, about how unstoppable you are. But deep down inside, we both know you are as fragile as people claim I am. Every little loss, every bit of criticism, it cuts deep. You’re always one bad match away from fading out, and that fear eats at you. So you lash out, trying to cut down anyone who threatens that fragile confidence.”
She takes a deep breath and continues. This time, hitting the point home.
“You’ve had your moments, felt the crowd’s roar, but that doesn’t make you untouchable. Being the latest sensation won’t guarantee respect. And that’s where you’re lacking—respect. For the business, for those who came before you, and honestly, for yourself. You think you need to surpass those you face, that we are merely tools for your own devices. Plot twist dear, what you don’t get is that this business isn’t about who can talk the loudest or who can throw the hardest insults. It’s about who can endure, evolve, and take every hit life throws. I’ve been through wars in that ring, faced legends, and still held my head high. Can you say the same? Can you really look in the mirror and believe you have what it takes to stand the test of time?”
Alexandra knew that she herself could. She had been doing this for so long now, that with her final breath on this Earth, she could say she lived a life most only dreamed of.
“Andrea, you’re not fighting for something real. You’re fighting for applause, for a sense of superiority that will never be enough. Winning a match against me, if you could—which you can’t—won’t make you me. It won’t give you the respect you’re chasing because respect isn’t won in a single night. It’s earned over a lifetime. Respect rarely comes from anyone other than family and friends, not until LONG after your body returns to the Earth.”
Alexandra turns now, eyes narrowing, as if she was looking right into Alicia’s soul.
"Alicia…" Alexandra shakes her head, almost pitifully. “And then there’s Alicia. Alicia, you walk around like your past victories guarantee you a permanent seat at the top. But what have you done lately? You used to be someone I respected, a genuine competitor. Now? Now you’re just another voice in the crowd, holding onto a past that’s slipping further away.”
She could see much of herself in Alicia. The way she used to be. So driven and focused, but also full of resentment and holding herself back. Claiming comeback after comeback. The only difference now, was Alexandra knew that the only thing holding her back was herself. No more.
"Here you are in Flagstaff, with a laundry list of complaints and grudges as long as this damn forest. This is where you’re supposed to make a grand comeback? With the weight of every betrayal, every loss, every ounce of anger on your shoulders? You think that bitterness fuels you, but it’s nothing but dead weight, Alicia. Bitterness doesn’t fuel you. It only leads to yet again another downfall, another night of laying there as the bell rings going, what did I do wrong? Where did it fall apart? And while you’re busy carrying that boulder up the mountain, I’ll be moving light, moving fast, and coming right for you. Well, for the broken pieces of who you could have been anyways."
Alexandra picks up a stick from the ground and snaps it, letting it break loudly in her hand. The echo reverberates through the stillness around Alexandra.
"That’s what you are—brittle. you’re cracking under the weight of everything you can’t let go. You’ve got your reasons, sure, but reasons don’t win fights. Reasons don’t get you out of these woods in one piece. And while you’re huffing and puffing about your past, I’ll be the one making sure you’re nothing but a ghost haunting these trees when it’s over. A memory that I’ll hold as I move forward."
She knew those words and those to come would stab like a dagger to the heart. That’s what they were meant to do. To garner some sort of response out of the woman. To get her to focus on the task at hand, instead of dwelling on past mistakes and past victories. Because while they may have led her here, they won't keep her on top.
“You talk about being in your “prime.” Well, I’m still here, still fighting, still winning. Age isn’t a weakness—it’s proof of my resilience and my ability to adapt in an industry that devours people. I’ve watched you struggle to stay relevant, hoping no one notices you’re running out of steam. You may still have some tricks, but let’s be honest—you’re not the Alicia Lukas of old. You’re just a shadow of her. The difference between us is that while you’re trying to hold onto an image, I’m focused on staying real. I don’t have to shout about how great I am because my actions in that ring speak for themselves. Every time I step in, I bring my whole self—heart, experience, drive. That’s something you can’t touch, Alicia, because you’re too busy clinging to an ideal that no longer exists. You’ve become what you used to despise: someone clinging to relevance. I don’t say this to be cruel; I say it because it’s the truth. And if you won’t face that truth, stepping into the ring with me is going to be the hardest lesson of your life.”
Alexandra crouches down again, the firelight illuminating her face with a fierce glow, her eyes blazing with that unshakable confidence.
"See, both of you are tangled up in stories. Andrea, with your endless comeback tale, and Alicia, with your trail of bitterness. But out here? Out here, stories don’t mean anything. All that matters is who can stand the longest, hit the hardest, and leave without looking back."
Alexandra reaches into the campfire and grabs a small, charred stick, tracing a line in the dirt with it. The camera zooms in on the line as Alexandra points at it.
"Cross this line, and you’re in my territory. Out here, I’m the one who decides the story. I’m the one who walks out of these trees, leaving the past where it belongs—buried, forgotten. Andrea, Alicia, I’m not here for games or popularity contests. I’m here to remind you and everyone watching what a true force looks like. Throw every insult, every cheap shot—it won’t matter. In the end, it’ll only show the world just how desperate you both are to be seen and respected. But respect can’t be demanded. And fear? That’s a weapon only the weak wield.”
She took a breath, still looking at that line, she knew even she was going to have to cross lines to win. She was going to have to pull out all the stops.
“I’ve been where you’re trying to go. I’ve held titles, earned respect, and built my place in this business through sweat, blood, and integrity. That’s why you can’t break me—because I’m fighting for more than just myself."
Standing, Alexandra tosses the stick into the fire and watches the flames rise, turning back to the camera with a final, cutting grin.
"So come find me, Andrea, Alicia. Let’s see if all those ghosts and grudges give you anything close to the power you’ll need to survive. Because after this? The only story anyone’s gonna be talking about is how I put you both down for good and moved on to dethrone the Queen, The Dreamslayer, Kayla Richards. So if you think you’re going to step into that ring and put me in my place, go ahead and try. But remember, you’re stepping into a fight you’re not prepared for. You’re stepping into the ring with someone who has nothing to prove but everything to fight for. And when it’s over, and you’re picking yourselves up off that mat, remember it wasn’t my age or experience that took you down. It was heart. It was resilience. It was knowing who I am and what I’m worth. I’ll see you in the ring, ladies. And when it’s all said and done, maybe then you’ll understand what it really means to be a champion."
The camera lingers on the fire for a second, before cutting to black, the sound of the crackling flames fading into the quiet Arizona night.
And it feels like home
Lantern Light Inn
Flagstaff, Arizona
Just like a prayer, your gentle voice can take me there.
Under a canopy of stars, the terrace of the Lantern Light Inn was peaceful, like the world had paused just for Alexandra and LJ. They’d taken a small, tucked-away table by the edge, where the dark outlines of trees met the distant mountains. The night air was crisp, and LJ had slipped his jacket around her shoulders, settling into the warmth and stillness with her, both savoring the rare chance to unwind together.
LJ reached across the table, his fingers brushing over hers as he chuckled softly. “Love, you know you got under their skin with that promo, right? I can already picture Andrea and Alicia back at their hotel rooms, obsessing over every word you said, wondering how they’re going to counter you tomorrow.”
A sly smile crossed Alexandra’s face, her eyes glinting in the warm light. “That was the plan sweetie,” she said, lifting an eyebrow. “I wanted them thinking, second-guessing themselves. After all they doubt me, everyone does for the most part. They’ve got to know it’s not just about keeping up; it’s about them trying to get to where I already am.” She shrugged, feigning nonchalance but clearly enjoying the thought of it. “And who knows—if I make it past them, I’ve got a chance at Kayla herself. Now that’s a prize I’m ready to bring home.”
LJ leaned in, holding her gaze. “They’re not even ready, Angel. And you don’t have to pretend it’s just talk—you’re gonna back it up, and they all know it. I know, hell the fans know it.” He grinned, his thumb gently tracing along her knuckles. “But hey, don’t let me stop you from savoring the chance to mess with their heads a bit. You deserve that.”
They shared a simple meal—bowls of hot soup and fresh bread, a bit of wine between them. Between bites, LJ kept looking at her with a warm smile, a steady presence that reminded her why she felt invincible with him by her side. With him, even the biggest challenges felt like something she could face head-on.
“Tomorrow’s going to be nonstop,” she murmured, swirling her wine glass thoughtfully, “but right now, it’s just us. No chaos, no pressure—just… this.” She squeezed his hand, and her heartbeat quickened as he brushed his thumb over her knuckles. “Just us, though I do miss Ashlynn. I hate leaving her with my brother, especially with the world so crazy like it is right now.”
LJ’s face softened, and he gave her hand a light squeeze in return. “Not that I don’t love having your daughter around—I do. I’d do anything for her, you know that. But these moments? Just you and me?” His eyes glinted as he held her gaze. “They’re rare. And they remind me why I’m so crazy about you.”
A shy smile touched her lips as she looked away for a second, then met his eyes again. “It’s you,” she whispered, her voice softer now. “You make me feel like I can do anything. Like no matter what I’m facing tomorrow… Andrea, Alicia, maybe even Kayla herself… I’ve got it handled because of you. Because I have a support group when things seem to be at their darkest. When I feel like a failure, I know I can always count on you to bring me back to reality.”
He tilted his head just enough to meet her lips, catching her in a slow, unhurried kiss that felt like time had just stopped. When they finally pulled back, her cheeks were flushed, though she didn’t feel the chill of the evening at all anymore. He leaned in, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers brushing lightly along her jaw before he rested his forehead against hers.
“Then tomorrow’s got no idea what’s coming,” he murmured, his voice steady. “And we’ll tackle tomorrow together,” he whispered, a quiet vow that left her feeling grounded, ready, like she could take on anything. In that moment, as the stars blinked down and the lanterns glowed softly around them, nothing else mattered but the strength they found in each other. After a few more stolen moments
