Marie Jones vs. Waylon Creek

[Konrad Raab]

SCW Television Championship

2 RP Limit for singles

3500 Word Limit Per RP

Deadline: 11:59:59 pm ET Thursday, August 29, 2024 (THIS DEADLINE REFLECTS A SUNDAY OR MONDAY RTG XXI POSTING)

[The Matt]

1 of 2
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July 27th, 2024
St. Louis, Missouri
Off Camera
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Rise To Greatness XXI would be the first Rise To Greatness Marie Jones had been a part of in several years. The first Rise To Greatness event since her infamous walkout in Supreme Championship Wrestling. She would be on the pre-show but she didn’t care, she was just grateful to be a part of this event. She was grateful for the opportunity to turn things around and prove to the world that she was a changed person, that she had redeemed herself, and that this time her run in SCW would be different. It represented an opportunity to turn away from the past. The Phoenix could confront her past demons and put them to rest permanently. And in more ways than one would this prove to be true as she had to face Ryan LeCavalier at the pre-show. Ryan, the so-called Last Monarch, seemed to represent everything that Marie herself once had been; arrogant, smug, thought she was better than the company itself. She thought she deserved better competition and more than likely resented the fact that she was on the pre-show as opposed to the main Rise To Greatness card. All of these are qualities that once described Marie herself once upon a time. So, in an ironic moment that was not lost upon The Phoneix, she would be facing her mirror image in St. Louis. The person she had now become, a more mature version of The Phoenix, would face someone who arguably represented her former, arrogant, immature self.

It was cathartic. Fighting The Last Monarch was cathartic for Marie Jones, almost like therapy. She got to knock some sense into one of the newest and more arrogant members of the SCW roster, she got to illustrate once and for all that she is a changed woman and that she only wants what is best for SCW, and last but certainly not least, she got to pick up a big win at her first Rise To Greatness event since returning to the company. Yes, Marie Jones dropped Ryan on her head with an Ave Maria and picked up the win after a three count. And based on the reaction she is receiving from the fans here in attendance at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, she is definitely back and better than ever.

Jones is still perched on the second rope in the corner, posing for the fans as they cheer for her loudly and proudly. The Phoenix can tell that the cameras are no longer focused on her, the production has turned itself elsewhere, but Marie still continues to remain her in the ring for a moment longer and soak in the adulation of the crowd. This is something that The Phoenix has missed. She missed this reaction. It is an addicting feeling. She hops down off of the corner turnbuckle and then steps through the ropes, onto the ring apron, and then hops down to the floor surrounding the ring. She can still hear the fans cheer, so as she makes her way back up the ramp she high fives a few fans along the way.

Marie spots a fan, a young boy, on the other side with their smart phone aimed in her direction. It is obvious that this particular fans wants a picture. The Phoenix rushes over to the fan and grins from ear to ear. “Would you like a selfie?”

“Absolutely!” Jones takes the camera and then poses with the boy. She holds the camera in position and snaps the picture. She hands it back to him. “Thank you! Thank you!”

“No…thank you, kiddo.” Marie winks. She turns and begins to bolt back up the ramp. She is joyful that she could make this kid’s day. She turns back towards the audience one last time once she gets to the top of the ramp. The fans offer up one final and loud roar of approval. Marie takes a bow before turning and walking back through the curtain and into the backstage area. “Where’s a towel?” Immediately an official backstage tosses Marie a towel. She catches it and uses it to wipe some of the sweat from her face. Tonight was a victory but not an easy one, not at all. Jones drapes the towel over her shoulder and then walks further, past the ready area and deeper into the backstage area. She stops when she is met by her mother and part time manager Angelica Jones.

“You did great out there, Annabelle.” Angelica is one of very few people who can get away with using Marie’s middle name. She isn’t exactly fond of it but Angelica, for her part, loves the name. And Angelica has been there for Marie a great deal these past few months. Angelica has played a big role in Marie’s redemption journey since returning to SCW. Marie recognizes that she owes a great deal to this woman, her mother, who stands here before her tonight.

Angelica stands a few feet away, wearing a knee length A-line dress in a muted floral print that skims her figure, a neckline that is modest but not severe. Over the dress she sports a pastel hue cardigan, its buttons left open. She is perched atop sensible but stylish low heeled pumps. The Phoenix approaches her mother and embraces her in a tight hug.

“I couldn’t have done it without you!”

“Are you kidding?” Angelica laughs. “That was all you. You beat LeCavalier. You spiked her on her head and pinned her for the three count. You went out there and outwrestled her. I had nothing to do with it.”

“Yes but come on, let’s face it, look at where I was this time last year. I was a pariah. Wrestling promotions would not touch me after what I did to SCW, after I walked out on this company. I was damn near forgotten. But you negotiated with CHBK. You convinced him to give me another chance and to sign me to a new contract. I would not have had a match here at Rise To Greatness had it not been for you.”

“Maybe I opened the door but you had to do the work. You had to find the courage to walk in through that door knowing that on the other side would be a bunch of individuals, from fans to employees, who might not necessarily be fond of you for your past. You found the courage to walk in through that door and into the lion’s den. You proceeded to EARN the adoration of the fans, you earned the trust of your fellow wrestlers, and I think its safe to say you earned the trust of SCW.” Angelica places a hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “Now you picked up a victory here at Rise To Greatness. How does it feel?”

“It feels great.” Marie says with a grin. “To be out there and hear the fans cheering me, it felt great. I wish I could just stay out there and for that moment to never ever end.”

“I understand, believe me I do, but LeCavalier is old news. You beat her and now you need to move forward.”

“I take it you have an idea of what might be next?” Marie asks with an arched brow. Angelica nods her head in confirmation.

“I don’t want to get your hopes up…”

“Yet I get the feeling you’re about to.”

“You know me too well.” Angelica smirks. “But yes, I have been busy backstage, politicking, negotiating, and I am trying to convince CHBK that you should be next in line to challenge for the Television Title.”

“Seriously, mom?” Marie sighs. “I would rather earn my opportunities.”

“I know but, let’s be honest, you HAVE earned a title shot. You won two matches back to back on the same night on an edition of Breakdown. Here tonight you defeated Ryan at Rise To Greatness. And let’s not forget that you were never pinned or submitted to lose the Television Title in the first place.”

“While that may be true…” Marie’s thought is interrupted by Angelica.

“It’s just a fact. You were never truly beaten for the title. How many other Television Champions were forced to defend the title in a triple threat scenario? You can count them on one hand. Some may call it making excuses but in this case I think you have a legitimate case for a Television Title Match. You were never really beaten and you have done very well since losing the title. And if you do win back the title, you would be a record setting four time champion.”

The Phoenix pauses to think about what her mother just said. A smile creeps across her face. “It would be nice to have that record all to myself.”

“That’s the spirit!” Angelica exclaims. “It isn’t a guarantee yet, I still need to talk to some people first, but just do me a favor, go back to the dressing room, watch Creek versus Lawler. You may very well be facing the winner.”

“Will do.” Marie nods her head. She hugs her mother one more time before the pair part ways. The Phoenix does her best to put this news that she just received out of her mind. The idea that she could be receiving a shot at the Television Title is huge. Facing Waylon Creek or Chris Lawler would be a difficult task no matter which one wins this evening. Waylon Creek has been on an absolute roll since winning the title. Lawler, on the other hand, is a legend in SCW. But Marie has made a point not to dwell on this too much. It may not even happen. The Phoenix eventually makes her way deep into the backstage area and into the dressing rooms. She pushes the door open to the area where she changes. The first thing Marie sees upon arriving backstage is the familiar figure of the large stuffed plushie penguin known as Wasley resting comfortably on top of Marie’s gym bag. Marie smirks as she steps fully into the dressing room and shuts the door behind her.

“Well gee, it looks like Wasley is watching after my gear. How nice of him.” The Phoenix approaches the penguin and picks him up. “Wasley, I know my sister is hiding in here somewhere. She wouldn’t leave you alone. So where is she?”

“Ta-Da!” Marie is startled as she turns around to find her identical twin sister Kimberly Williams standing there behind her. Kim is wearing torn denim jeans, a black Queens of Chaos logo t-shirt, a black leather jacket, and black combat boots. Williams quickly takes Wasley out of Marie’s hands and gives him a kiss on his beak. “Me and Wasley just decided to drop in on you!”

“Yeah, thanks.” Marie says. She spots the television monitor in the corner. She walks over and finds a remote control and turns the monitor on. Sure enough, Waylon Creek defending his Television Title against Chris Lawler is already on. Marie sits down on a bench in front of the television monitor and starts watching it. Kim casually strolls over and plops down on the bench next to her twin sister.

“Scouting your next victim?”

“Don’t get my hopes up like mom did.” Marie says. “One I’m not even sure she can get me this title shot. Two, either way Waylon or Lawler will be a very tough opponent.”

“Oh don’t sell yourself short! You beat a Monarch tonight! You can certainly beat a…well…a whatever Waylon and Lawler are…”

“Thanks for the strong support.” Marie says with a grin.

“That’s what I’m here for!”

“Is that ALL you’re here for tonight, Kim?” Marie asks curiously. “Not that I mind the company, but don’t you have your own title match tomorrow night?”

“I do but I can still stop by and see how my favorite identical twin sister is!”

“Your ONLY identical twin.”

“Why do you have to be so picky about these things?” Kim asks.

“What do you want, Kim?” Marie asks. Kim sighs.

“Well if you MUST know, me and Wasley were just kinda wondering how you handled the visit with Harvey Dent?”

“From Batman?” Marie asks, looking confused. Kim chuckles.

“Yeah…the district attorney…”

“Oh…” Marie rolls her eyes “...well I haven’t exactly had the time to visit the district attorney yet. And, if I’m perfectly honest with you, I am nervous about it.”

“Nervous? Why would you be nervous about seeing ol’ mister law and order? Or it a Miss law and order now that we’re in the enlightened age of gender equality? Are you worried that they’ll lock you up and throw away the key and…” Kim smirks “...oh, right, I can see why it might be a little nerve wracking.”

Marie again rolls her eyes. Visiting with the district attorney was not her idea. She definitely had no plans on doing so to help the same woman who had betrayed her three times, a woman she had once loved in Julianne Buchanan. Marie met Julianne when both women were suffering from bouts of depression. Julianne managed to suck Marie into a cult known as The Inner Peace Enlightenment Retreat. It was a cult ran by a charismatic con artist known as Raul Alfaro. Alfaro took advantage of its members, both mentally, emotionally, and physically. Marie eventually escaped. She escaped the organization before it was exposed by Massachusetts law enforcement. Now Raul Alfaro and the Inner Peace leadership are in trouble. They are looking to throw Julianne under the bus as being the real brains of the operation.

Jones knows better. She was as deep in this as Julianne. She knows Julianne was just a victim. Julianne is attempting to plead insanity. But thus far the district attorney isn’t wanting to play ball. The thought is that if Marie comes forward and confirms Julianne’s story, the district attorney might drop charges against Julianne. Marie is now in the unenviable situation of being the only person who can save this woman who had betrayed her trust and her love. A selfish part of Marie wants to betray Julianne as a sort of revenge. But Marie knows that she cannot do that. It isn’t the right thing to do. But Marie is also worried that doing the right thing, by talking to the district attorney and confirming Julianne’s account, that it might put Marie in the limelight; a place she would rather not be.

“I am going to talk to the district attorney eventually.” Marie says. “I just hope that it will be a quick meeting and that’s all there will be to it. Mainly, I don’t want this to get drawn out any further than it has to. Y’know? I do not want to get pulled into court.”

“Is it just going to court that bothers you? Or speaking to the DA?” Kim asks curiously. A look of mischief forms upon her face. “I mean, if it is, I can just dress up like you and go in your place!”

“No!” Marie insists. “Absolutely not!”

“Oh and why not?” Kim asks. “I mean, you KNOW I can act like you better than YOU can act like you!”

“No you can’t…” Marie pauses “...ok, maybe you can…but that’s not the point!”

“Then what is the point?” Kim asks. “Or maybe, what is really the problem?”

“The problem is that I have went to a lot of trouble to put these horrific memories of Inner Peace behind me. I have tried long and hard to forget them. Just going to speak to the office of the district attorney and recounting to them about my past, my history with that group, that alone will bring back painful memories. But imagine if this gets drawn out? Imagine if I get pulled into court to testify again and again. This could become national news, Kim. Do I want my sordid past with this group to be known throughout the nation? But that’s not even my biggest fear…” her voice trails off. In an unusual and rare show of compassion, Kim pats her sister on the back.

“It’s ok.”

“...I’m just worried. Julianne is trying to plead insanity. Honestly, Kim, I did the same things she did. If they accept her insanity plea and put her in a mental hospital, what if they decide to turn around and put me in one too?” Tears form in Marie’s eyes. “I don’t want to lose Sean! Not again!”

“It’s ok, Marie.” Kim hugs her sister tightly. “It won’t happen. I won’t let it.”

“How can you stop it?”

“Like I said, I can always take your place.” Kim smirks playfully. “It wouldn’t be the first time being in a loony bin for me!”

“Thanks but…” Marie shakes her head “...you know that wouldn’t work.”

“Hey, you can’t fault me for trying!” Kim grins. “But seriously, I will do whatever I can to help you with this.”

“I know you will.” Marie nods her head. “But I think this is something that I need to do on my own.”

[Matt Hodges]

Dust

[The Matt]

2 of 2
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August 10th, 2024
Boston, Massachusetts
Off Camera
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No one expects life to be easy. Life is full of twists and turns, ups and downs, failures and successes. Just when you think everything is going your way, just when you begin to feel comfortable, life has a way of keeping you on your toes, reminding you that nothing is ever comfortable or easy about life. The same can be said of professional wrestling. Marie Jones had made her return to SCW several months ago and had made a slow but sure climb back up the ladder, earning a Television Title reign, earning the trust of her fans and the locker room, and even earning a victory at Rise To Greatness. The Phoenix had even heard rumblings of another opportunity to regain the SCW Television Title, and perhaps even make history by winning the title for a record fourth time. Defeating Waylon Creek will be no easy task and she knows that victory is far from a guarantee. But just having this opportunity was enough to make The Phoenix feel proud of herself and proud of her accomplishments. Everything seemed to be going just great. What could go wrong?

What could go wrong? The second night of Rise To Greatness, the main card itself, that is what went wrong. Things went from strictly professional to being very personal when the Television Champion Waylon Creek decided to take it upon himself to assault Marie’s identical twin sister, Kimberly Williams, during the SCW Underground Title Match. This isn’t just a championship match for The Phoenix. This isn’t just an opportunity to make history or add another victory to her already impressive list of accomplishments. This is personal. Creek has essentially declared war on Marie’s family by targeting her sister. This is a challenge, an offense, that she cannot let go unpunished. Kimberly has had Marie’s back so many times in the past and has defended Marie’s honor so many times that Marie feels a duty, dare say an obligation, to fight on Kim’s behalf and stick it to Waylon Creek. What better way to make him pay, to punish him for his actions, than by taking away the Television Title that he has had an iron grip on for so long now?

Her professional career isn’t the only aspect of her life being unfair at this moment. Marie Jones also finds herself in an unenviable situation where she must confront the demons of a past she would rather forget, where she must risk her own future, all for the sake of a woman who had betrayed her on three separate occasions. Julianne Buchanan was once Marie’s lover and lured her into the seedy clutches of a cult known as Inner Peace. Three times Julianne used her wiles to manipulate Marie into sticking around with the cult and nearly ruined Marie’s relationship with her family. Lucky for Marie, she did manage to escape the cult before it came under investigation by the authorities. Its charismatic leader, Raul Alfaro, is at risk of going to prison for a long time, and is attempting to drag Julianne along with him. Marie knows she can rescue Julianne from this by confirming Julianne’s story that Raul was the mastermind, that Raul brainwashed them all and that Julianne was herself a victim, turned insane by Raul’s charm. To do so puts Marie at risk of being placed in the spotlight. Her own reputation could be ruined, or worse. Any ordinary person would have left Julianne for dead and Marie had long considered doing just that. Except The Phoenix feels that helping her former friend is the right thing to do, even if it does come at a risk.

This is what brings her to the office of Kevin Hayden, the district attorney whom she will be speaking with this afternoon. The district attorney’s office around her is quiet, the only sound being the faint ticking of a wall clock and the occasional shuffle of papers from behind the receptionist’s desk. Marie takes a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the meeting ahead. Her posture is straight, almost rigid, as if bracing herself for whatever comes next, but there’s an undeniable strength in the way she carries herself. Marie herself is dressed in a tailored dark navy blazer that fits snugly over a crisp white blouse, the delicate ruffles at the collar adding a touch of softness to her otherwise sharp appearance. Her skirt, a matching navy, falls just above the knee, hugging her figure without being too tight. She wears black pumps with a modest heel. Her striking red hair falls just below her shoulders in soft waves. Marie’s hands rest on a simple black leather handbag perched on her lap, her fingers occasionally fidgeting with the strap as she waits.

“Ms. Jones?” The voice startles Marie as she looks up. She sees a black man of average height and build standing there. His face appears stoic, showing little emotion. He is all business. He extends a hand. “My name is Kevin Hayden.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Hayden.” Marie stands up and accepts his handshake.

“Follow me, please.” He turns and motions for her to follow him. Marie nods and follows in stride as he leads the way past the receptionist area and into a door which leads into what Marie assumes is Kevin’s personal office. It certainly has the look and feel of a cold, all business space. Not much decor, not much color, just a solid oak desk, brown, the colors of the wall are neutral, and there are a few filing cabinets. The district attorney makes his way behind the desk and sits down. He points to two chairs across from the desk.

“Sit down.” Marie nods her head and again finds herself doing as she is told. “Thank you for coming to see me, Ms. Jones. I imagine this must have been quite difficult for you.”

“Uh, yeah, it was…” Marie’s voice trails off. Despite her best efforts she cannot conceal how difficult this is for her. The shakiness in her voice betrays her. Kevin nods his head and, for the first time, appears to show at least some compassion.

“It’s quite alright. I have dealt with cases such as this many times and I can understand your fear and anxiety. Just understand that all I want is justice. I want to ensure that whoever is responsible for the heinous actions at Inner Peace is brought to justice and that the victims are taken care of.”

“That’s what I want as well.” Marie nods her head. “And that’s why I came.”

“Then we are on the same page. Hopefully this won’t be difficult for either one of us, will it?”

“No, it won’t.”

“Great.” Hayden takes out a recording device from his desk and sets it down. He presses play. Marie quickly realizes that as of now everything is being recorded. He takes out a pen and paper to take notes. “Now, just a few items that I must say before we proceed. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have a right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.”

“Huh?” Marie’s eyes grow wide. This is beginning to sound more and more like an interrogation.

“Do you understand these rights, Ms. Jones?” Kevin asks. His stoic appearance returns. “This is standard procedure, nothing more. I must ask this of everyone I interview involving such cases.”

“Uh, yes…yes I understand…” Marie says uneasily as she nods her head.

“Good. Now then, I understand you were a member of Inner Peace Enlightenment Retreat, that you were one of Raul Alfaro’s followers. Is this true?”

“Yes.”

“And Julianne Buchanan, is she a friend of yours?”

“Yes.”

“Tell me about how you came to join Inner Peace, specifically how Mr. Alfaro and your friend Julianne Buchanan were involved in your recruitment?”

“It goes back a few years, actually.” Marie’s voice cracks a little. This memory is particularly troubling as it is one of the more painful ones of her life. “I had been engaged to a wonderful man named Arthur. But he…he…” she reaches up and wipes some tears from her eyes “...he killed himself. I was devastated, I was suffering from depression, there were times that I wanted to kill myself. I never truly got over his death. But then Julianne came into my life and she introduced me to Raul and to Inner Peace.”

“How would you describe your relationship with Julianne?”

“She was a close friend. She helped me to move on from Arthur to accept his death.” Marie sighs. “We eventually became lovers at the behest of Raul.”

“Raul encouraged your romance?” Kevin asks, his brow arched.

“He encouraged frivolous love amongst all the girls at Inner Peace.”

“And did he engage in this?”

“Yes.”

“So you and Raul were partners?”

“No…” Marie shakes her head “...within Inner Peace, Raul had no equals. We all had to do what he said.”

“Julianne and Raul were not partners?”

“No.”

“What about you and Julianne?” Kevin asks. “Would you consider your relationship with her an equal partnership?”

“Uh…no…” Marie sighs and shakes her head “...not really.”

“Is it true that Julianne tried to convince you to stay away from your own family?”

“Yes…”

“I understand you tried to leave Inner Peace, that you actually DID leave Inner Peace, but Julianne managed to convince you to return. Is that true?”

“Yes, but…” Marie is cut off by Kevin Hayden who immediately interrupts her.

“Ms. Jones, you see where I am going with this? Raul Alfaro certainly exhibits the characteristics of a manipulator, a con artist, a cult leader. The state is not prepared to let him off scott free and I understand you are here to try and help your friend. But the state is NOT prepared to accept Julianne’s please of insanity when she seems to exhibit the same kinds of characteristics and traits as Raul does.”

“I understand…” Marie nods her head slowly, painfully. She wipes tears from her eyes.

“So, Ms. Jones, please tell me, how is it that, in your opinion, that Julianne was simply a brainwashed victim of Raul and not an equal partner in crime?”

“Look, Mr. Hayden, all I know is what I have observed and I have observed what I believe to be a glimpse of the real Julianne Buchanan. I wasn’t the only one being kept away from my family during my time in Inner Peace. Her brother, Brandon, never heard from her. She would write letters to him but Raul made sure those letters never got mailed. By the time she was fully brainwashed Raul didn’t have to worry about Julianne contacting her brother any longer. Raul knew that he had full control over Julianne and she would do anything he asked without question. Did it ever strike you as odd that Julianne tried to keep Inner Peace afloat by herself despite the fact that Raul was in custody and Inner Peace was under investigation? What sane person would do that?” Marie shrugs her shoulders. “Yes, she did try to keep me from my family. Yes, she treated me like a second class citizen. Yes, she manipulated me into returning to Inner Peace. But she was still under the control of Raul.”

“But you trust her now?” Kevin Hayden asks curiously.

“No.” Marie shakes her head. “How can anyone trust someone who has been brainwashed like that? How can I be sure that she is still not under Raul’s control? Even she admits that Raul’s voice might still be speaking to her subconscious. That’s why I truly think that instead of prison time what she really needs is psychological help.”

“I must admit that you make a compelling case for Ms. Buchanan.” Kevin says as he leans back in his chair. “And I am inclined to agree with you and drop charges against her in favor of an insanity plea. However…” he points a finger at Marie “...you were heavily involved with Inner Peace. If what you say about Ms. Buchanan is true, who is to say that you yourself are not also brainwashed and in need of psychological help?”

“What are you suggesting?” Marie asks.

“It doesn’t look good to send one prominent member of this former cult to a psychiatric ward while another walks free. If this insanity plea deal goes through, then you may have to face some blowback of your own, Ms. Jones.”

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On Camera
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The camera begins to roll. Immediately the scene before us is a weathered brick wall and the figure standing confidently in front of it is Marie Jones. The Phoenix wears a fitted black leather jacket that hugs her frame, the material soft and slightly worn, hinting at frequent use. The jacket’s silver zipper is partially undone, revealing a striking red silk blouse beneath. Her black miniskirt is sleek and falls mid-thigh, accentuating her long legs. The skirt is paired with sheer black stockings that give her legs a smooth, polished look, while also adding a hint of sophistication. On her feet are classic black high heels.

“Ever since I made my return, my focus has been on redeeming myself through competition. That’s what we do, right? We are wrestlers and we come go these arenas and march to that ring with the pomp and the circumstance, the pyro and the fancy theme songs, but the point of it all is to compete for the great fans of SCW and for this great company who gives you a chance to show the world what you have to offer. I had forgotten about that. I had gotten lost in my own ego. I thought the entire world revolved around me. Quite frankly, I was an entitled brat. When SCW didn’t give me what I wanted, I took my ball and I went home. So when I returned I knew that I had a lot of work to do in order to rebuild what I had tried to tear down. I knew that I would have to work from the bottom up and I had accepted and embraced that. I was proud when I worked my way up to winning a record tying third SCW Television Championship. And even though I didn’t win all of them, I was proud when I wrestled three times in one night, silencing any and all possible doubters or critics. And then at Rise To Greatness, when I stared across the ring at Ryan LeCavalier, someone who reminded me a lot of myself during my own self-centered entitled bratty days, it was so damn satisfying to put her down and teach her a little bit of respect. And as I was leaving that night, I no longer thought about my redemption. I no longer thought about the past. I was looking forward to the future. Hell, I was eagerly anticipating the news about the next challenger to the SCW Television Title. For the first time in a long time I felt as if I had nothing to prove, no grudges to settle, it was just my hope that I had maybe done enough to prove to SCW management, to prove to CHBK, that I was deserving of another shot at the Television Title. It was my hope that I could test myself against someone who had been a dominant Television Champion and maybe, just maybe, end his reign and become a record breaking four time champion in the process.” The Phoenix pauses for a moment to let her words sink in. Then she shakes her head.

“I guess we can’t have nice things, can we? And I guess we can’t have just a normal, sensible test of wills against two great competitors to see who is worthy to carry the gold? I suppose that is too much to ask. We have to go and make things personal and you, Waylon Creek, have made it personal by going after me.” The Phoenix nods her head. “Yes, you went after me. You targeted me. Play dumb, play ignorant…although you probably don’t have to PLAY at being dumb and ignorant, knowing you…but here are the facts; when you go after my sister, you go after me. And that right there is a big mistake on your part. I mean, it isn’t smart to go after Kim in the first place. Do you realize how god damn insane she is? Do you know how damn violent she can get? She isn’t known as the Queen of the Death Match for no reason. But you don’t just have her attention, you now have my attention because Kim and I watch each other’s backs. An attack on one of us is considered an attack on both of us. And now, because you stupidly went and attacked Kim at Rise To Greatness, you have now given me added motivation to kick the crap out of you on Breakdown.”

“Hell, becoming Television Champion for a fourth time was motivation enough. I love that championship. It means a lot to me because it is the workhorse championship and that is why I returned to SCW. I returned to be the workhorse, to put in the effort, to work hard for the fans. Each and every time I held that title I have defended it with honor and pride. And to win it again, to have another opportunity to be the workhorse champion this great company deserves, it would mean the world to me. But to make history by becoming the first person to win it four times? That would be oh so sweet. That right there was enough motivation for me to walk into Breakdown and spike your head with an Ave Maria and pin your shoulders to the mat and take home the title. That right there was all the motivation I needed just to simply beat you.” Marie shakes her head.

“But now? Now I have further motivation. I have motivation not just to beat you but to humble you, just like I humbled Ryan at Rise To Greatness. I have motivation to make you pay for attacking my family. I have motivation to do something that hasn’t been done to you since your arrival on the scene in SCW…” she pauses for a few moments “...I have motivation to HURT YOU…and trust me when I say that this is no empty threat. This isn’t just emotion talking. This is a promise. I will hurt you. You think you are imposing and intimidating? All I see is a schoolyard bully. I have faced down bigger and more intimidating threats than you. I have stood up to that smoke and mirrors bitch The Enigma. You? You are nothing. You are nothing except the little pissant who went and tried to make a statement at the expense of the wrong damn family.” A sinister grin forms on Marie’s face.

“You think the chaos and violence all went to Kim? You’re wrong. We all have a bit of psychotic in us and you just gave me motivation to bring mine out to dance even if for one night only, even if just to have a chance not to merely beat you but to maim you in the process. But don’t worry, Waylon, unlike Kim I am CONTROLLED CHAOS…and I will not let my emotions get the best of me. I know that the best revenge, the perfect revenge, isn’t just hurting you and humbling you, but to defeat you and take the Television Championship away from you. And that is what is going to happen on Breakdown. Controlled chaos.” She winks.

“Thanks for the motivation, you dumb son of a bitch.”

[Matt Hodges]

Who Is Waylon Creek?