Glory Braddock vs. Shaun Cruze vs. Kemal Yilmaz vs. Amelia Nevado

[Kemal Yilmaz]

Number One Contendership for the SCW World Championship

2 RP Limit for singles

3500 Word Per RP

Deadline: 11:59:59 pm ET Saturday, March 21, 2026

[Braddock]

1 of 2
======

==========
March 12th, 2026
London, England
Off Camera
==========

The Braddock family home sat on a quiet street in London that had changed very little over the years. The buildings along the block were tall narrow townhouses built in an earlier era when brick and stone were meant to last for generations. The house itself carried that same sense of permanence. Its exterior was still the same pale brick Glory remembered from childhood, softened by decades of rain and cool English air. The windows faced the street in tidy symmetry, their frames freshly painted, their glass reflecting the gray afternoon sky. It was simple, practical, everything that her father Glenn Braddock stood for. Everything that Glory herself was used to. With the next SCW pay per view, Retribution, to be held in her home of London, England, The British Bombshell felt it would be a good idea to spend some time at the place she grew up, where she called home. Hopefully some of the familiarity would calm the nerves heading into Retribution. Inside, however, the house no longer felt quite the way it once had. There was no familiarity. The living room had always been the heart of the home, the place where evenings gathered naturally after long days and where arguments and laughter once lived side by side. Glory remembered it as smaller, simpler, filled with practical furniture that had been chosen for comfort rather than appearance. Back then there had been a modest television tucked into a corner cabinet, a worn sofa with cushions that never seemed to stay in place, and shelves that held more family photographs than decorations.Now the room carried a different atmosphere.

Julia Braddock, Glory’s sister, lived here now and she had clearly made her mark on it. The walls had been repainted in a warm neutral tone that reflected light gently around the space. The old carpet had been replaced with polished hardwood floors that gleamed beneath the overhead lights. A thick area rug in soft shades of cream and charcoal sat at the center of the room, anchoring the seating area with quiet elegance. The furniture was newer and more refined than what had once been there. A sleek sofa upholstered in smooth pale fabric faced the far wall, accompanied by two matching armchairs that curved slightly in design, their cushions perfectly arranged. Even the lighting had changed. Tall standing lamps with slender brass stems flanked the seating area, casting a soft golden glow that made the room feel warmer than the cloudy London afternoon outside. Decorative shelves now lined one wall where the old cluttered bookcases had once stood. They held carefully chosen pieces that reflected Julia’s taste for things that were just a bit more luxurious. A few small sculptures in polished stone. Crystal vases that caught the light. A framed abstract painting that probably cost more than the entire living room had been worth years ago.

The largest difference sat directly across from the sofa. Mounted against the wall was a massive flat screen television that dominated the room in a way the old set never had. The screen was wide and vivid, the image crisp and bright even with the lights on. Beneath it rested a sleek black console that held sound equipment and neatly arranged media devices, each wire hidden carefully out of sight. The screen played a replay of SCW Breakdown, the Spring Break edition. It was on a beach in Florida, Glory’s residence of Miami would have made it an easy trip to make, but The British Bombshell wanted to be focused on the task at hand. She wanted to be ready for Retribution; it would be her opportunity to earn another shot at the SCW World Championship. It would not be easy; she would have to get through a four way against Shaun Cruze, Kemal Yilmaz, and Amelia Nevado. And to add to the pressure, she will be in front of her hometown fans of London, England.

She does not want to let anyone down. She also does not want to let this potential SCW World Title opportunity go to waste. So instead of being on the beach for the Spring Break Breakdown special, Glory chose to return to her roots and prepare. Part of the prep included watching Breakdown. Keeping up with current events. Glory Braddock sat on the sofa watching it. She leaned back into the cushions with one arm resting along the back of the couch, her posture relaxed but attentive. One leg stretched out slightly while the other bent comfortably at the knee. She wore dark blue jeans that fit snugly through the hips and thighs before loosening slightly along the lower legs. The denim was soft from wear, creased naturally where her body moved. Her shirt was a simple long sleeved top in a deep charcoal color, the fabric light enough to move easily but thick enough to hold its shape. The sleeves were pushed halfway up her forearms in a casual gesture that seemed unconscious. The shirt fit comfortably across her shoulders and torso, the fabric gently outlining the strength in her frame without feeling tight. On her feet she wore dark socks rather than shoes, the kind meant more for comfort than style. One heel rested lightly against the edge of the sofa cushion while the other foot pressed against the floor as she shifted her weight occasionally. Her long blonde hair fell freely over her shoulders, slightly tousled as though she had run a hand through it more than once.

Her expression remained thoughtful as she watched. This house carried memories in every corner for her. Some were clear and vivid. Others existed only as faint impressions that surfaced unexpectedly. The smell of the wood polish on the floors reminded her of long afternoons when her father insisted the place be kept tidy. The shape of the room itself still followed the same outline she remembered running through as a child. Yet the details felt different now. Julia’s presence had refined the house into something more polished. The changes were not excessive but they were unmistakable. Everything looked cleaner. Sharper. A little more expensive than it once had been. It suited Julia perfectly. In a way it made Glory a little uncomfortable. This makes her feel more distant from her father, not closer.

“Oh Jules, dad would be rolling over in his grave if he lived to see what you did to the place.” Glory speaks with a light chuckle, not speaking to her sister because she isn’t home. Just speaking out loud.

Then the knocking came. It was firm and deliberate, echoing through the front hallway of the house. Not loud enough to sound impatient, but clear enough that whoever stood outside expected the door to be answered. Glory straightened slowly. For a moment she simply listened, the television continuing to chatter behind her. When the knocking came again she reached for the remote resting on the coffee table and pressed the power button. The screen went dark instantly, leaving the living room in a calmer silence.

She stood and stretched her back slightly, the movement subtle but familiar after sitting still for too long. A few strands of her long blonde hair slipped forward over her shoulder as she walked out of the living room and into the hallway. The house felt quiet around her again. The polished floor beneath her socks made almost no sound as she crossed the entryway toward the front door. Glory reached the door and opened it.

Sophie O’Brian stood on the front step, framed by the cool gray light of the London afternoon. She wore a deep green skirt that fell neatly just below her knees, its color rich against the muted tones of the street outside. Her cream blouse remained crisp despite the weather, the sleeves fitted cleanly at her wrists. Her ankle boots were tidy despite the damp pavement, the tan leather slightly darker near the soles from the moisture in the air.

“So the rumors are true; London’s proudest child has returned.” Sophie says with a smirk on her face. Glory rolls her eyes.

“Is that your way of saying ‘hello, Glory, can I come in?’”

“Yes.” Sophie nods her head politely.

Glory stepped back from the doorway and moved aside, allowing Sophie to enter. The cool air from outside followed her into the house before the door closed again, leaving the warmth of the interior to settle back around them. Sophie paused just inside the entryway, glancing around with quiet curiosity. The polished floor, the updated lighting, the decorative touches Julia had added to the house all stood out to someone who had not grown up there.

“Well now, this certainly looks…”

“Different.” Glory states plainly. Sophie pauses for a moment and then nods her head.

“That’s one way of putting it.”

“I take it you are not a fan of Julia’s decor?”

“Her decor is fine.” Sophie answers. “Quite honestly, Julia and I have similar tastes. I just preferred our father’s home to remain in its old simplistic way. Call it nostalgia.”

“On that we agree.”

Glory gestured down the hallway and began walking back toward the living room. Sophie followed her at an easy pace, her boots making soft controlled steps against the wooden floor. As they moved deeper into the house the living room opened ahead of them again, warm and inviting under the soft lighting. The large television screen now sat dark and reflective against the wall, the sleek console beneath it quiet and still. Glory moved toward the sofa and sat down first, settling into the cushions with the same relaxed posture she had held earlier. One arm rested along the back of the couch while her other hand dropped casually against her thigh.

Sophie stepped farther into the room, taking a moment to look around before choosing a seat in one of the armchairs across from the sofa. The chair curved slightly around her as she sat, the green of her skirt folding neatly across her lap.

“I see you cleaned up well after your little excursion into the SCW Underground Division.” Sophie states. A sly grin forms on her face. “Tell me, was that one Underground Title reign worth it?”

“Don’t start playing mind games, Sophie.” Glory sighs out of frustration.

“Oh these are no mind games I assure you. I am beyond that now.”

“I somewhat doubt that.”

“Fair enough, but I am beyond playing mind games with you. I am asking honestly; was it truly worth the rigorous and rather unorthodox training you put yourself through, the violence you endured that night, just for one title reign? Just to say you now have won every title in SCW at least once?”

“It was worth it.” Glory nods her head. “I learned a great deal about myself preparing for that Underground Gauntlet and by competing in it. I grew as a competitor that night. I expanded my skill set. Believe it or not, Sophie, professional wrestling isn’t always going to be a standard one on one match. In case you forgot, Kemal Yilmaz is still barking about wanting an Ultimate Submissions Match and that, for all intents and purposes, is Underground Rules because the only falls that count are submissions…no pins, countouts, OR disqualifications…plus I’m in a four way at Retribution, a shot at the world title at stake…nothing but chaos there, I need to be ready for that kind of violence, don’t you agree?”

“Very well, Gloria, you made your point.” Sophie pauses and looks around at her surroundings, all brand new to her. Everything that has changed since her other half-sister took over this place. “So this new decor is all Julia’s doing?” Sophie asks. Glory nods her head.

“Yes.”

“And where is Julia?”

“Busy at her charity foundation.”

“And what of your husband Kurt?”

“He stayed back at Miami.”

“So you came back all on your own.” Sophie says. “And I am not surprised that you decided to return home as opposed to making an appearance for SCW Breakdown.”

“Oh really?” Glory arches her brow. “You think you know me so well?”

“I know very well and I know the idea of wrestling on a beach isn’t exactly your idea of ‘the spirit of wrestling’...”

“Spirit of competition.” Glory says, correcting. “That’s what this business is about.”

“It doesn’t matter. My point stands, you never would have been caught dead on that beach. Tell me I’m wrong.”

“You’re not wrong.” Glory shakes her head and sighs. “But that’s only a small bit of it; Retribution is next and it will be right here in London, at Wembley, in front of my hometown fans…people who remember the Braddock name, who still revere our father…and I want to be prepared, Sophie. I cannot let them down.”

“Oh my dear sister.” Sophie shakes her head, looking almost sad for her. “You are truly overthinking this. Or perhaps you are letting the pressure of competing in front of your fans get the best of you? Either way, this isn’t terribly difficult.”

“You remember what dad said…take every opponent seriously. Anyone can be beaten in that ring on any given night.” She holds up three fingers. “And in this particular match I have THREE opponents who could easily get the job done against me.”

“I remember that lesson quite well.” Sophie nods her head. “But I believe you are giving them a little too much credit. Kemal Yilmaz? Amelia Nevado? How many times have you beaten the pair of them already? Do not answer that, we both already know that they cannot beat you.”

“Wrong.” Glory shakes her head.

“I am correct.” Sophie nods her head. “The only competitor you really should be concerned with is Shaun Cruze and now that he is no longer in the good graces of the CEO, you might have a legitimate shot.” Sophie winks.

“Bullshit. And I don’t think you give Amelia and Kemal enough credit.” Glory states bluntly. “The moment I decide not to take this challenge seriously is the moment any of them could catch me sleeping and beat me. Do you really think I want to get caught napping and then lose at Wembley in front of my people?”

“Fair point.” Sophie nods her head. “I still believe you are giving your opposition way too much credit. You are Glory Braddock, the best wrestler in the world.” Sophie sighs. “But, if you insist, I will help you prepare.”

“Huh?” Glory furrows her brow out of curiosity. “I didn’t ask…”

“But you were about to.” Sophie smirks. “Tonight. Tomorrow. The next day. At some point you were going to ask me to help you prepare, because I do know you Gloria, and I know that this SCW World Championship is very important to you. Your one and only reign was something left to be desired.”

“Well…” Glory sighs “...you’re right about that…

“And despite my own FACTUAL claims that you are leaps and bounds better than Yilmaz and Nevado, there is still Shaun Cruze, the one person who could beat you, who is likely favored, and will have just as much support in Wembley as you.” Sophie smirks. “You need my help. You need assistance from the best strategist and tactician you know.”

“Well…” Glory sighs and nods her head “...I would definitely appreciate the help.”

“And helping you prepare for this match at Retribution will be far more fulfilling and satisfying than that barbaric nonsense you had me prepare you for a few weeks ago.”

“That ‘barbaric nonsense’ snagged me another title win.” Glory smirks knowingly.

“Yes, this is true…granted it lasted for all of about a few minutes…”

Glory and Sophie share a light bit of laughter. Yes, they disagree, their philosophies are quite different, but they are sisters and they are closer now than ever before. Their bond is stronger than ever. The British Bombshell always viewed Sophie as her equal, her peer, even though Sophie didn’t always view herself in that same light. If there is one person who can help her prepare for the war at Retribution, it is Sophie O’Brian; perhaps Sophie can help her get one step closer to the SCW World Title?

“You know Sophie, I am glad we can talk like this again. I am glad we are close with each other again. I might not have said it enough but I always trusted you to keep me honest, to keep me in check.”

“The feeling is mutual.” Sophie remarks. “Speaking of keeping you honest…” her voice trails off. Glory rolls her eyes.

“Oh no, that doesn’t sound good.”

“Oh it’s nothing…too bad…” she smirks knowingly “...I was just curious, I recall a few months back you were contemplating selling your company. A company you worked very hard to rebuild and make into a success story. You wanted to sell it because you feared what corporate life might do to you.”

“It’s a legitimate fear.” Glory nods her head. “Anytime I get too involved with my company, with those lawyers and executives, I have to stoop to their level, I have to become just as cutthroat as them in order to keep MY vision of the company intact. And when I become that cutthroat it corrupts me. I find it hard to bring myself back to where I want to be. Honestly it is best if I stay as far away from the corporate life as possible…but…”

“But?”

“You are right. Running away from my problem is cowardly and we Braddocks are not cowards. So I am not going to sell the company.”

“Excellent.” Sophie smiles, nodding her head approvingly. “I am confident you can handle both the corporate life and your career as a wrestler without being changed by it.”

“Well, you see, that’s where we’re going to have to agree to disagree.” Glory says, smiling sheepishly.

“What do you mean?”

“I am keeping the company….but I am going to hire someone else to enforce my vision. Call it a chief of staff of sorts. Someone who knows what I want to see done and will see that it gets done. Someone who will keep me distanced from my company while making sure my vision for the company remains.”

“Bloody hell…” Sophie shakes her head out of frustration.

“I take it you don’t like my idea?”

“You don’t get it, do you, Gloria?” Sophie sighs. “You are STILL running from the problem. Your solution is still cowardly because you are getting someone else to deal with the problem as opposed to you dealing with it yourself.”

“I know you may think that but trust me, it is for the best.” Glory insists. “I have tried for years to do both, I have tried for years to manage the company myself, but each and every time I do, I end up letting the cutthroat executives and crooked lawyers corrupt me and turn me into someone I hate.”

“Gloria…” Sophie tries to speak but Glory interrupts.

“Sorry, Sophie, but believe me when I say that this is for the best.”

[Shaun2025]

PRESENT DAY INNER THOUGHTS – OFF CAMERA

Never for a second did I think it was going to be easy. Coming back into a company renowned for its talent, having just had a major refresh, was always going to be difficult. The pool was now hungrier and more desperate for success than every match was a test. I have already faced the World Champion, narrowly losing, and the number one contender, winning by disqualification, and right now I feel closer to my former self than I have ever felt. I felt ready to now push on, and instead of warmups, started contending for titles. I’m not stupid though, I know the World title is out of reach right now. I still had some dues to pay before I reached that level. But one of the so called ‘lesser titles’ something I had never subscribed to, those had to be my targets. Recent actions by some have shown me one thing at least. This whole sneak attack bullshit, I was more than accustomed to. I’m thankful that former enemies had shown up and made sure the damage wasn’t anymore serious. More than that though it showed me something else. These people’s words betrayed them, and ultimately, I was a threat to what they wanted to achieve. Ultimately, they knew that I was ready to get back on the ‘Impact’ trail and once again be the Impact Player. A man I lost so long ago.

PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA

(Having made peace with Angyalka, and found his way back into Dorothea’s life, Shaun felt that finally he had stabilized a ship that was in danger of capsizing. He’d had intrusive thoughts, but never acted on them, the depth of his despair never reached breaking point, but he wasn’t stupid enough to recognize that he had come close. He knew the damage had been done to Angyalka, and a friendship was the best he could now hope for, her pride ensuring she could never go back. But now, for both, it was Dorothea that was the only important thing, and thus Shaun had thrown himself into that. They had rebuilt their relationship through visits, and trips to Dorothea’s favorite places, and slowly but surely everything had normalized. Thanks to Kelcey, Shaun had found his own peace and was now only looking forwards… with just one more bridge to rebuild. The last time he had seen his nephew Owen, it had ended with Owen punching him and sending him overboard, not his finest moment amongst a mountain of embarrassing situations in recent memory. Thankfully, this meeting had been arranged in the Miami branch of ‘Next Level’, which was closed to everyone now except the two of them. Shaun tries the door and it opens into the massive space, a couple of wrestling rings in the far corner. It is in one of these rings that Owen is adjusting the ropes in preparation for a class later. He stops what he is doing to turn to Shaun, sliding off the apron before approaching.)

Owen: Got to admit, I didn’t expect to see you walk through that door

Shaun: Well, sometimes you just got to suck it up. And anyway, prefer to stay dry thanks.

(There is a glimmer of a smile forming on Owen’s face which reassures Shaun a little.)

Owen: Drink?

Shaun: I’ll take a bottle of water if you’ve got one.

(Owen doesn’t say anything but pulls a couple of bottles out a cooler, throwing one over to Shaun. The two of them then walk over to the weights area, both taking a seat.)

Owen: So, would it be presumptuous of me to assume that you’re here to offer an apology? Because if not, I’d don’t think there is much more to say.

(Shaun unscrews the top, taking a sip from the bottle and immediately wishing it was something stronger.)

Shaun: Not presumptuous at all, that’s exactly why I am here.

Owen: I know… I’ve spoken with Angy and Kelcey. Good to know you are getting your shit together.

Shaun: The things I said to you…

(Owen holds up his hand.)

Owen: Look, let me save you the trouble Shaun. Apology accepted, I know you were going through a rough time.

Shaun: That doesn’t excuse it though

Owen: No, it doesn’t… but we wouldn’t be Cruze’s if we didn’t fuck up from time to time, and when I was being a dick, you never gave up on me. I’m just glad that you’ve repaired your relationship with Dorothea and are at least on speaking terms with Angyalka.

Shaun: Well, I gotta say it anyway. I’m sorry Owen.

(Owen now smirks.)

Owen: I’m not sorry for putting you in the ocean… that shit was funny.

(They both shared a laugh, the atmosphere now clear and back to normal they could both relax.)

Owen: So, sorry to ask, but there is no chance you get back with Angyalka?

(Shaun pauses for a moment, wanting to make sure he puts it in the right way.)

Shaun: Honestly Owen, I love Angyalka, truly I do. But even if she wanted something, and know how proud she is, I very much doubt it, I don’t think I can give her what she wants. I know I made a mistake with the affair, and I’ll forever own it, but a true husband wouldn’t have done that. I think it’s best for both of us if we focus on Dorothea, and make sure she has the life she deserves. And she will get that for sure.

Owen: That’s a shame, but I get it

Shaun: Yeah, it seems we are not all family types like you.

Owen: Well, if Dorothea doesn’t suffer, it sits a lot better with me. So, what have you been up to?

Shaun: In all honestly, not a lot more other than spending time with Dorothea. Not a lot more for me to do in all honesty.

Owen: The offer is still there for you to help run this place. We’ve got some proper talent here that you could really shape into something special.

Shaun: That’s really kind of you, but it would be one hell of an undertaking, and I’m not sure I can commit to it. I’d have to move out here, and so I’d be away from Dorothea, hence it doesn’t make any real sense.

Owen: Yeah, I get that. Part-time?

Shaun: You know me Owen, if I’m going to commit to something, I’m not going to do it half-arsed, and those kids deserve better. So, I’m going to stick to my original decision, but thanks anyway.

Owen: So, what do you reckon will be your next move. We both know you can’t just sit still.

Shaun: I’m sure something will come along… maybe I’ll buy back into Impact Media

(Again, they both chuckle, knowing that it was a nonstarter.)

Shaun: Or start a clothing brand… not like the Cruze’s have done that before right?

(Owen smirks, his own clothing brand he’d built with Kloe and then sold having made him a lot of money.)

Shaun: I don’t know, I’m sure something will come up. But right now, I’m happy just the way things are.

(Owen takes a sip of his drink and then places the bottle on the floor. His eyes never leave Shaun, giving Shuan the impression that Owen had something to say.)

Owen: I did hear something that you may be interested in. Something that you could have as little, or as much input as you wanted. I don’t know if it’s true or not, but it might be worth looking into.

Shaun: I’m open to suggestions… if it isn’t an acting part. I think I’ve embarrassed myself in that vocation enough.

Owen: I told you not to play the receptionist in Ghostbusters.

Shaun: Hey, I was the best part of that film I’ll have you know.

Owen: No, seriously though… I was talking to Taylor the other day, and she reckons that Drew is looking for investors.

Shaun: Drew… Bryant

Owen: The very same

Shaun: I’ve not heard that name for ages. What does he need investors for?

(Owen pauses dramatically, before continuing.)

Owen: He’s looking to bring back EMERGE.

(In the not-too-distant past, EMERGE has been a successful alternative to SCW. In fact, there had been many successful EMERGE wrestlers that have gone on to compete for the SCW brand. Shaun couldn’t lie; it was a prospect that excited him. An excitement that he hadn’t felt for the longest time.)

Shaun: That’s interesting.

Owen: Yeah, Taylor reckons that Drew believes he can topple SCW this time, but he doesn’t have the funds to put it all together. These investors are supposed to be silent, but she reckons if someone had experience of running a brand, he might give them some creative lead as well. It could be worth looking into, even if you don’t go for it, and the best part?

Shaun: Go on?

Owen: He’s looking at basing headquarters out of Los Angeles, building a purpose-built arena, just for these events. You could work and never be away from Dorothea… it’s a win / win.

Shaun: It certainly sounds intriguing.

Owen: Something I’ve just thought of. If you did decide to go for it, I’d give you an exclusivity deal. First pick of any of the ‘Next Level’ talent. I know Adam was looking at something similar with EAW, but he’d understand. He benefits either way.

Shaun: And you ‘just’ thought of that huh?

Owen: Hey, we’ve got some real talent here Shaun, but they would still be rookies and EMERGE in the beginning would be a much better learning curve than SCW where they would either sink or swim. EMERGE was always about bringing through talent, it could be that again.

(Shaun ponders on it for a second, going through the positives and negatives in his head. Positives, a job close to home and Dorothea. Huge positives. But it was a just as huge negative weighing on his mind more.)

Shaun: That’s going to take a heck of a lot of funding Owen. The deal I did with Angyalka over the divorce was more beneficial to her than it was me. Dependent on how many investors he has, I could probably cover it, but it would be pretty much everything I have.

Owen: I know… there are no guarantees of success. But there were no guarantees when you very first went into acting, and somehow you became a star. When you wrote and directed Battleground: Earth, there was every chance that it could bomb. Your wrestling career, you were an MMA fighter, you couldn’t have thought you would become World Champion. Impact Media… you won awards for some of the shows and films you produced. I know you have been down on yourself recently, but everything you have ever put your mind to has been a success

Shaun: Except my marriage…

Owen: Well yeah, except that. There’s no harm in going and having a chat with him is there, and who knows, maybe he doesn’t need an investment that’s going to stretch you.

Shaun: Nothing to lose from a conversation

Owen: Exactly. And anyway, did you and Drew used to be good friends? When was the last time you saw him?

Shaun: I think it was when EMERGE closed.

Owen: So maybe the catch up will do you both good.

Shaun: Yeah OK, I’ll get in touch. Nothing to lose.

Owen: Nice one… nothing like hard work to get you back on your feet.

Shaun: Says the guy who has everyone do the hard work for him.

Owen: And they get paid well for doing it as well. Holidays with my family, rest and relaxation, except for the occasional maintenance works on a ring… I can cope with that. I did the hard miles at a young age and now I’m happy to reap the benefits. Twenty-six years old Shaun…

Shaun: I’m jealous

Owen: Don’t blame you, I would be as well. But you can be happy again, I know you can, even if the ‘family life’ isn’t for you, you can still be an amazing Father. And hey, maybe you can be the guy that finally toppled SCW as the behemoth of wrestling.

Shaun: We’ll see

Owen: You’re the Impact Player right… making impacts is what you do.

(Shaun raises his bottle, Owen picks his up and they touch them together.)

Shaun: Oh… don’t suppose you have Drew’s number, do you?

Owen: It just so happens that I do.

(Shaun smirks, knowing that this was exactly what Owen had looked to achieve. Giving Shaun another purpose other than his daughter, a reason to belong. That was exactly what he needed, and maybe bringing back EMERGE was the way. He knew it, everyone knew it. There could never be anything more important in his life than wrestling. Yes, Dorothea was AS important, that went without saying. But since his debut in the Independent Wrestling Cartel, he had lived and breathed the sport. He thought he could walk away from it on many occasions, but each time it had dragged me back. And now, it looks like it was going to do the same again, once again giving him that purpose he needed. He wasn’t stupid, he knew it was almost an illness. He didn’t know why it continued to dominate his mind so. All he knew is that the moment Owen had mentioned the possibilities, his adrenaline had started to pump in a way it hadn’t since almost winning Taking Hold of the Flame and beating Konrad Raab. He was an alcoholic, that was certain, but wrestling was the drug to which he was addicted. The roar of the crowd, the chants, all of it. If he has a chance to be amongst that again, surely, he had to take it. The conversation with Drew would define that, was it a risk that he was willing to take. Already, he thought he knew the answer.

RECORDING – ON CAMERA

(Shaun sits on a simple stool, addressing the camera as it begins to film. There we no bells and whistles to his intro, he was ready to jump straight in. And in his usual confident tone, that is exactly what he does.)

“Ok, let’s all just calm down a little, shall we? Does the Supreme Championship Wrestling universe really believe that I wasn’t expecting to be jumped at some point of proceedings. For weeks now, I have been accused of favoritism because I had a couple of idiots following me around. When they were over-zealous and got into my business, they ‘sorted’ it out, rightly or wrongly. This was the reason that management thought I needed them, because it was obvious the moment I made my return this was going to happen. The biggest problem was that someone, I won’t name names, thought I needed help sorting it out. Of course, the cavalry came to my help a couple of weeks ago. Yes, if they hadn’t the situation could have gotten a lot worse for me and so I was glad of the help. But what people have forgotten is the adage that I have used throughout my entire career, and that is if you don’t kill me, then somewhere down the line you are going to receive the receipt. Gavin Taylor thought he was clever… I call it something else. Gavin Taylor was once again the coward, not capable of getting it done so had to resort to a shot to the Generals. Just focus on that for a second… the number one contender had to kick me in the balls, because he was getting outclassed by someone who isn’t even close to the World title picture…YET. The fact he had to resort to that, and then the extra-curricular showed me in glorious technicolor that he knew he couldn’t beat me, never in a month of Sundays. In the same way he isn’t good enough to beat Syren at Retribution. Like I said, he’s stolen a living now for over a decade, he’s never going to change. So, nothing that happened there surprised me… the only surprise in reality was who came out to make the save. But thinking about it, I should really be surprised, because those that came to the ring may have faults, but they understand respect. Game, knows Game. The Goon Squad should have finished me, but they didn’t. They will pay the piper for those actions… I’ll be the one who delivers, pardon the pun, Retribution.

But I digress.

Because I can hear the ‘bells a ringing’ already.

Shaun Cruze, barely a couple of months since his return, is granted a match in which I could become the next number one contender. Now, let me say it now before someone else does, this is just as much a surprise to me as it is anyone else. I didn’t ask for a chance at a World Title opportunity, I sure as hell haven’t earned one, So why I am in this match considering the wealth of talent on show that lets face it, has earned it far more. I lost to David Stryker a few weeks back, he’d be a decent shout. I could go on and on, but what would be the point? My guess, my three opponents at Retribution have already made their minds up, but I’ll address them directly in my next offering. I got this shot, in certain individuals eyes, because of favoritism, right?

Wrong.

Let’s just back it up for a second, shall we? Point one, this isn’t a shot at the World Championship, I haven’t just been fast tracked to the party of the back of a flawed victory against Gavin Taylor. This is a four way match, thus all our odds are lengthened, I’ve got to do exactly what the three of them must. Point two, there are no guarantees that, like previous weeks, I’m not going to get jumped by the peanut gallery who seem intent on my blood. Point three, well that’s the most obvious one of all Ladies and Gentlemen, and the reason for my inclusion. I may not like it, but heck, it is what it is. I’m in this match, because whether I am competing at the top of my game or not, my name IS Shaun Cruze. When it comes to these corridors, just like Glory Braddock, I’m someone who has seen and done it all. Have I reached the heights required to be World Champion… absolutely not. But like it or not, Shaun Cruze on the nameplate of the SCW World Championship would be a heck of a draw for this company. You think the management is showing me favoritism… I’d argue that they are looking on me like I am a gigantic dollar sign.

And no, that isn’t the way things should be, and I’m sorry, but that is the way it is. My name generates a reaction, and that’s not arrogance, it the cold hard facts behind what my career has been when it comes to this company and it’s immediate rivals. I’m probably going into this match with the least momentum out of all of us, am I favorite to win? Probably not. But that’s not going to stop the board from doing what they are paid to do and make the big bucks.

And no matter what you all think, none of the negativity is going to stop me from doing my job either. There’s a lesson for you all in this one, you NEVER look a gift horse in the mouth. Whatever you think, whatever you believe, opportunities like this are only there to be won. I’ve got my thoughts on my opponents which I will share later, but regardless of what I have said before, for varying reasons, this match IS winnable. So just think about that for a second, because we all know Syren will deal with Gavin. Think of the hype behind Syren versus Shaun Cruze for the World Championship. THAT is why I am here. And no matter what you think, no matter what you believe, my name HAS been earned. I’m not some fly by night or got a career of the back of my brothers name. Orlando did a lot, Owen the same… but one Cruze surpassed them both by winning more. That, is what my opponents must contend with. Win or lose, I’m giving it my all. Win or lose, no one is having this easy when I step into that ring. I’m here, I’m willing and eager to see if my best is now enough. You might not like me here… but you have no other choice than to deal with it.”

(Scene fades)

[Braddock]

2 of 2
======

==========
March 17th, 2026
London, England
Off Camera
==========

Each and every time Glory Braddock had to prepare for a big match, there is one place she felt drawn to, one place that made her feel at home and at ease; her home away from home, the Braddock Wrestling School. And at Retribution The British Bombshell will be in a very big match indeed against Shaun Cruze, Kemal Yilmaz, and Amelia Nevado. An opportunity to compete for the SCW World Title will be awarded to the winner. If it were against one of the three in singles competition, Glory would feel far more confident about her chances. This is a four way, however. She doesn’t even have to necessarily get pinned or made to submit in order to lose the match. This match is chaos and, with the exception of the Underground Gauntlet last month, The British Bombshell has had little experience or success with pure chaos. The bright lights will be shining at Wembley, the prize is clear, and Glory Braddock wants to be ready. So where else would she find herself than right here at the Braddock Wrestling School with her closest ally, her half-sister Sophie O’Brian?

The building itself was older than the name painted across the front windows. It was not an impressive place from the outside. There were no bright lights, no banners advertising championships, no posters screaming for attention. It looked more like a modest training hall than the birthplace of some of the toughest professional wrestlers in the business. Inside, the building carried the quiet honesty of a place built for work rather than spectacle. The front doors opened into a small entry area with plain tile flooring that had dulled from years of footsteps. A wooden bench sat against one wall where trainees often dropped their bags before practice. Beyond the entryway the training hall opened up. It was larger than the outside suggested but still simple in its design. The ceiling rose high enough to allow the ring to sit comfortably in the center of the room. Thick support beams crossed overhead, painted a dull industrial gray. Fluorescent lights hung from long fixtures, casting a bright and slightly harsh white light across the space. The lighting was practical rather than flattering, revealing every scuff and mark the room had accumulated.

The wrestling ring dominated the hall. Its frame was solid and heavy, the black apron stretched tightly around the base with the school’s name printed in bold white lettering. The ropes were wrapped in clean white tape that had been replaced many times over the years. The canvas carried faint stains and discolorations from thousands of training sessions. Around the ring thick mats covered the floor, their surfaces worn smooth by constant use. Against one wall stood a collection of equipment. Folding chairs stacked neatly in a corner. A rack of barbells and weights that looked old but dependable. Several heavy bags hung from steel brackets bolted into the beams above, their surfaces cracked slightly from years of strikes. A large mirror covered part of the far wall, though even it had scratches and faint smudges that never fully disappeared no matter how often it was cleaned.

The building was empty when the doors opened. The quiet inside felt almost heavy compared to the muted noise of the street outside. The faint echo of footsteps carried easily across the open floor as Glory Braddock and Sophie O’Brian stepped inside. Glory entered first, pushing the door open with her shoulder while carrying a small training bag in one hand. She moved with the easy familiarity of someone who had spent countless hours inside the building. The air smelled exactly the way she remembered. Canvas, rubber mats, metal, and the faint lingering scent of sweat that no cleaning solution ever truly erased. She was dressed for training. Her wrestling gear was simple and practical. A black athletic tank fitted closely across her torso, the fabric flexible enough to allow full movement. Dark wrestling shorts rested comfortably at her hips, the material durable but light. Her boots were a deep charcoal color, laced tightly up her calves with white laces pulled firm. The leather showed the creases of long use, but they had been maintained carefully. Her wrists were already wrapped in white athletic tape, the layers pulled snug across her knuckles and around the base of her thumbs. The tape contrasted sharply against her skin. Her long blonde hair had been pulled back into a tight ponytail that fell between her shoulders, keeping it clear of her face once the sparring began.

Sophie followed a step behind her. She paused briefly just inside the doorway, taking in the familiar sight of the empty training hall before stepping fully onto the mat covered floor. Her training outfit carried her usual preference for green, though it remained practical for the work ahead. She wore a fitted athletic top in a deep forest green that contrasted with her dark hair. The fabric hugged her frame without restricting movement. Her leggings were black and closely fitted, the material thick enough to protect against the rough canvas while still allowing flexibility. The leggings were tucked neatly into her wrestling boots. Her boots were black with subtle green accents along the laces and trim, a small personal touch that reflected her style without being flashy. The soles looked sturdy and well worn, the leather polished but clearly used for serious training. Her hands were wrapped in white tape as well, though her wraps had been applied with careful precision. The tape lined her fingers and knuckles evenly before crossing over her wrists. Her dark brunette hair had been braided tightly down her back, the braid reaching nearly to the middle of her shoulder blades.

The two women walked farther into the training hall together.

“Back again.”

“Where else would I go?” Glory says with a knowing grin. “Dad would always bring me here to train, to prepare. He would have a unique game plan for each match and each opponent. I can only imagine what he might have come up with for this four way at Retribution.” Glory looks over at Sophie and smirks. “Hopefully your devious mind can come up with something just as vicious.”

“Oh I most certainly assure you that it can.” Sophie answers back with confidence. “I am just pleased that I am now preparing you for something a little more…orthodox.” She sighs. “That last sparring session when you had Mark and I double team you was…troubling…”

“This is a four way, Sophie…” Glory says flatly “...how is that orthodox?”

“It’s not that insanity you had me prepare you for last time.” Sophie snaps back. “And at least this time the rules are brutally simple; one fall to a finish.. Not as much chaos.”

“Still there will be chaos.” Glory points out. “I have to keep my head on a swivel, I have to keep my eyes out for three opponents, not just one.”

Their footsteps echoed softly as they approached the ring. The fluorescent lights hummed faintly above them, casting clean light across the canvas and ropes. The building felt larger without other trainees present. The Braddock Wrestling School did not look impressive in the way many modern facilities tried to be. It lacked polish and decorative flair. Yet everything about the place spoke of effort, discipline, and history. In the center of it all stood the ring, waiting patiently. Braddock scans the area, looking for something. Then she spots it…and points…

“There it is.”

“What?”

“The camera.” Glory says. “Go get it.”

“Seriously?” Sophie sighs out of frustration. Glory nods her head.

“Yes. I want to send a message ahead of Retribution.” She grins knowingly.

“This is the least entertaining part of the job.” Sophie shakes her head. “This is St. Patrick’s Day. I am Irish. Northern Irish but still. I would love to celebrate by fighting with you and getting drinks later. Instead you wish me to be your cameraperson?”

“We will fight and yes, we can go get drinks later.” Glory nods her head. “But I do need a camera operator, so please?”

“Very well.”

==========
On Camera
==========

Glory Braddock, The British Bombshell stands in front of the wrestling ring. A smirk is etched across her face as she stares deep into the camera, clearly exuding confidence; not arrogance, just simple confidence.

“Here we are again!” Braddock is beaming from ear to ear simply because she is right here at her father’s school, where she feels most comfortable. “The last time I spoke to you was right here in my own father’s wrestling school. Obviously things were nowhere near as tidy as they are now and I was preparing for something extremely different from what comes my way at Retribution. Back then I had chosen to enter the Underground Gauntlet, one of the most chaotic, wild ideas to ever come from CHBK. And y’know what? Even though I only got one Underground Title reign to my name for it, and even though I didn’t even walk away from the event as the champion, I can honestly say that chaotic gauntlet was a good thing for me. In fact, I would dare say it was the best thing that could have happened to me at this stage in my career with SCW. Now I can already hear the armchair quarterbacks right now…what makes you say that? I was beaten up, battered, and bruised, and all for just a title reign that lasted a few minutes.” Braddock snickers knowingly.

“Sounds a lot like my SCW World Title reign, if we’re honest. That’s something else I’d like to correct. But to those armchair quarterbacks out there questioning whether or not The British Bombshell has taken one too many chair shots to the head, let me remind you and everyone else out there listening that I did not enter the Underground gauntlet with the sole intent of winning championship gold. I recognized the fact that I had become complacent, that I was content with who I was as a competitor and that I did not need to grow or add any further depth to my game. I wanted to learn more about myself as a competitor. I wanted to add some more layers and weapons to my arsenal. I entered myself into an environment where I am at my weakest…an environment based entirely upon chaos. I failed to walk away as the Underground Champion but I succeeded in growing as a competitor. I succeeded in learning and adapting to the one environment where I am at my weakest; the environment of chaos. And I became a far more dangerous competitor as a result.”

“Now I prepare myself to walk into Wembley. I prepare to step out into the squared circle yet again, this time in front of my hometown fans, with the United Kingdom at my back. I prepare to enter another chaotic environment…a four way dance to determine the number one contender to the SCW World Championship, another title I only held for a few minutes. I wanted to be SCW World Champion ever since I signed with this promotion and the one time I did win it, it only lasted a few minutes, and has eaten away at me ever since. I have been fighting like hell to get back to the top, to earn another opportunity, to get the chance to right that wrong.” She shakes her head. “Only to be denied again and again. I was denied because I was content. I thought I already had enough weapons in my arsenal to get the job done.”

“Things are different now. I am a very different Glory Braddock. I mean it when I say that I am a far more dangerous competitor and part of what makes me more dangerous is that I now know how to handle myself in a chaotic environment. So when Retribution comes to Wembley and I am taking on three very tough and very game competitors all with their eyes on the same prize as me, I KNOW that I am the most prepared, most capable, and most dangerous wrestler in the match.” The British Bombshell smirks knowingly. She points at the camera. “Which spells bad news for Kemal Yilmaz, Amelia Nevado, and Shaun Cruze.”

“Let me start with Kemal…I may have made a mistake earlier saying that I am taking on three competitors who have their eyes on the same prize. Me, Cruze, and Nevado all want to be SCW World Champions. But you? Let’s face it, we all know what you want; you don’t want a title. You want to fight me in an ultimate submissions match. This isn’t about championships for you. This is about proving you are better than me, testing yourself against The British Bombshell, this is an opportunity for you to make your case to CHBK to get that ultimate submissions match you’ve been badgering on and on about. And hey, I’m game. But let me give you one little word of warning, mate…you are NOT focused. Your eyes are NOT on the prize. That means you’ve already lost. You should be focused on taking all three of us down, you should be focused on trying to be next in line for the SCW Title. Instead you’re focused on yours truly.” She snickers. “I’m flattered but trust me, I’m out of your league and your lack of focus WILL lead to your downfall.”

“Then there’s my old sparring partner Amelia Nevado.” She sighs. “Part of me feels guilty. I feel like I am partially to blame for your recent depression lately. You issued your challenge to me and you couldn’t get the job done. We have done battle three times one on one and all three times I beat you. I respect the hell out of you, Amelia. You may not believe it but I do respect you and trust me, those three matches could have gone either way. Unfortunately you are having a similar problem as Kemal.” She points to her head. “Your mind isn’t right. Your head isn’t in the zone. Now you may not be obsessing over me the way Kemal is, but you are obsessing…you are obsessing over picking up a major win. You are obsessing over proving you are not just one half of Light in the Darkness. But that’s the thing, I know it…most of SCW knows it…I think you’re the only one who has any doubts right now. Doubts are dangerous, Amelia. People like me, I feed off of doubt. If you come into Retribution with doubt, I will damn sure take advantage and put you down again.”

“Last but certainly not least there’s Shaun Cruze.” Glory Braddock shakes her head. “Don’t worry, mate, you won’t get the typical line of attack about Hollywood making you soft or any of that from me. I know better because I have been watching. Hollywood has not softened you. Hell, you are tougher than ever. It would have been so much easier to take the ‘assistance’ of CEO Frank Delatosso but you didn’t. Instead you spurned him. You rejected him because you wanted to do things the right way. You and I seem to be of the same mindset; it’s all about competition. It’s about testing ourselves against the best names in this promotion, seeing if we still have what it takes to call ourselves the best in the world. I can respect that.” The British Bombshell shakes her head.

“Problem is, Shaun, respect has to be put to the side. You are standing between me and the chance to right a wrong. You want to see if you still can go? You want to see if you’re still as good as you once were? Hell, you have had your world title reigns. But yours lasted longer than a few damn minutes. Yes, I am a former SCW World Champion, I am a Supreme Champion, but I NEED to turn back the clock and right that wrong. I NEED to win back the SCW World Championship and you are standing in my way so that means I have to put you down.. I have to put an end to your great comeback story.”

“The same goes for Kemal and Amelia. There is respect there but you both stand in my way. I don’t just want the SCW World Title, I NEED it. I NEED to right that wrong and I have to go through both you, and Cruze, to get that opportunity. That is why I have embraced the chaos. That is why I have decided to grow my game and evolve my arsenal. I have been changing and learning and educating myself all in preparation for this one moment in London, England at Wembley Arena. I admit, I had no idea it would actually be in front of my home fans in London. I had no idea it would actually be at Wembley. Yet here we are and I am in a must win scenario. I cannot and I WILL NOT lose.” Braddock shuts her eyes. “Sic Semper Tyrannis.”

[Wisteria Waltz]

OOC: Chronologically, Amelia and Luz's CDs for this PPV take place at the same exact time and converge right at the very end. I would say maybe read Luz's CD first, though, just to understand what Amelia finds once the two stories converge and how it got to that point.
----------------------------------

There's no place like home.

Or, at least, as close as SCW would ever really get to her birth home, anyway.

Located roughly an hour and a half away from Oxford, Amelia was intimately familiar with London. It had been the main city she found herself wrestling in, not just during the early days of her career but also during the period between runs with SCW. Just like with the city where she was born and raised, she knew these streets like the back of her hand, and London had often been the sight of some of her greatest achievements as a professional wrestler.

Which made the fact that it would play host to the one SCW pay-per-view that had always been the proverbial albatross around her neck even more concerning, considering where she was at right now.

She had been fully prepared to leave Panama City Beach in her deepest frustration yet, and it was hard to blame her. Despite their best efforts, she and Luz had come up short against A/C Unit... probably better in the grand scheme of things as Cid hoped to go out on a high note facing Asher at Retribution, but another loss was not what Amelia's rattled confidence needed right now. True, Luz had been the one to eat the fall this time, and that thought only made Amelia feel guilty for entirely different reasons, but a loss was a loss and the longer this losing streak continued, the worse that voice in her head became. She was resigned to a fate of not even being considered 'good enough' to compete in front of her fellow countrymen, as much as the thought made her sick.

And then came a phone call that changed everything.

Amelia still wasn't sure how to feel about it, even if the rolling cameras only captured her end of the conversation as she intentionally tried to keep her responses as vague as possible. As thrilled as she was about the news she had received, she still had her reservations... regardless, her efforts were being acknowledged at last, and now she found herself seeking one single win that could truly turn everything around. All she had to do was win a fatal four way at Retribution, and she would truly, legitimately earn another shot at the SCW World Championship.

Easier said than done in the grand scheme of things, which is why Amelia was hoping that today would go a long way in trying to help her truly sort out everything going on in her head.

One benefit to being in London was that she no longer had to wait for a clear enough hole in the schedule of Dr. Celine Bolton, the NCA-sponsored therapist who'd been trying to help her and Luz as best as she could through everything, so she could fly out and visit amidst SCW's hectic touring. Thankfully, Darius had already thought ahead and booked a session, and as much as part of her hated to admit it, Amelia desperately needed to talk to someone who she felt wasn't going to judge her about the things that had been plaguing her mind lately.

Not that Luz would ever judge her for anything, and she knew this full well, but her frustrations and the complications they were bringing to the couple's relationship were a part of the problems. If she was going to turn things around at this point, she felt she needed to win this match and then go on to finally be able to call herself World Champion, but to do that, she needed a clear head so she could focus and not fall prey to this mental plague that had been eating her alive for months now.

“Amelia, it's nice to see you again,” Dr. Bolton greeted as Amelia was finally called into her office. “Please, take a seat and we can get started.”

Amelia sat down on the couch opposite the chair Celine was getting settled into, before deciding that she felt more relaxed laying down right now. To distract from the brewing storm of negative thoughts that she knew was going to lead to “Other Amelia,” as Amelia had begun to coin her for the sake of simplicity, making whatever snide comments she had locked and loaded about how 'weak' she was for needing a therapist to help her, she looked around the cozy office space, deliberately designed to make sure patients like her could stay calm and composed no matter what ailed them. Shelves full of books, a wall lined with frames of various degrees and doctorates as well as what she could assume were family photos Celine brought with her, curtains hiding a sunlit view of the historic city.

Amelia found her eyes lingering for a moment on one specific frame that seemed to depict Dr. Bolton and who she could only assume was her husband, as well as a cheerful little girl happily posing in front of them. The heartwarming image ignited old desires in Amelia's heart, but part of her smothered those embers quickly. As badly as she wanted to think that far ahead, to a life where she and Luz could perhaps raise children of their own, there was far too much to resolve first before any of that could even be on the table in the first place.

'Look at you, already thinking about putting your future children through the same hell you endured to become wrestling perfection,' Other Amelia finally decided to make her presence known. 'Maybe they won't abandon everything that made them truly great like you chose to.'

“Alright, so...” Celine began to get the ball rolling before she noticed Amelia's eyes flickering, being lost in thought one moment to practically bearing her teeth in frustration and anger the next. It wasn't directed at her, though... in fact, it looked to her like it wasn't directed at anything in particular. She had already planned on starting off very lightly anyway to try and set the tone, but this only confirmed to her that it was the right call. “Amelia? How have things been since we last spoke?”

Hearing her name called seemed to snap Amelia out of it, and she felt mortified for a moment before taking a deep breath to try and relax once more.

“I'm... fine?” she found herself trying to lie, but she quickly scolded herself for it. She knew she couldn't lie to this therapist who was going above and beyond to help her out. Celine didn't press her about the way she'd ended that statement like a question, letting her feel comfortable enough to try again. “No, I can't say that. I'm far from fine, Dr. Bolton... and I'm worried that if I can't figure out a way to turn things around, I'm going to lose everything.”

“Well, hopefully I can help you figure things out, then,” Celine responded. She didn't judge, nor did she outright promise a solution... Amelia had mentally prepared for the likely possibility that there were some things she'd have to resolve herself, but she wanted to hope she could be guided in the right direction before she found herself traveling into a familiar fog. “Why don't you explain to me what's going on so I can understand what's bothering you.”

“I feel like I've been nothing but a failure lately,” Amelia bluntly started before she explained her struggles for the past few months. The wrestling losses that kept piling up and rotting away her self-confidence, the resentment she's felt towards Luz because she's been on such a hot streak lately...

“I know the easy answer would be to just talk things out with her. We've been in this situation before, sometimes with the roles reversed, but I just... I don't know. Any time I even think about trying this time I just get angry, I convince myself that she's only going to try and cheer me up because of pity. I know Luz better than that, I know she means well... even if she does accidentally make me feel worse sometimes. I can't hold that against her, I know how her brain works... I just want to earn the same respect and recognition she's got right now.”

Dr. Bolton hummed to herself for a moment as she jotted down notes. “OK, let's rule out your wife for a moment since she's a source of these problems, unintentional or not. Have you tried talking with anybody else about this before today?”

“Darius, kind of...” Amelia admitted. “But even his advice, while sound and logical, still felt like pity to my brain.” After a moment of thinking it over, before Celine could respond, she decided to bite the bullet. “There is... someone else, I guess, kind of. I don't really know how to describe them... I've just started calling them 'Other Amelia.'”

“And who is Other Amelia?” Dr. Bolton gently nudged.

“She's... she's a voice I've been hearing lately,” Amelia admitted, turning her gaze to the floor in shame. “I've started calling her that because she sounds exactly like me, but she has the attitude of who I used to be. Arrogant, entitled, belittling me no matter what I do because she's the 'real' me, the 'superior' me. She's got me questioning if I even should have listened to Luz all those years ago and abandoned everything my parents built me into just so I could be who I truly wanted to be... happy.”

“I see...” Celine remarked, clearly biting the cap of her pen as she pondered this admission. “And does anybody else know about Other Amelia?”

Amelia shook her head in response. “I've been afraid to say anything about her to anybody else, fearing what they'd think. It doesn't help that I... I have been a bit moodier lately because of how frustrated I've been. Or the fact that she picks the worst times to chime in and trying to rebuke her just comes off as a harsh response to something someone else was trying to say to me.”

'Sure, blame me for ALL of your problems when I'm the only one who's actually been trying to help you,' Other Amelia, coincidentally, felt the need to say right now. Amelia let out an involuntary growl from low in her throat at a response, which did not go unnoticed by Dr. Bolton.

“By the sound of things, this Other Amelia has been preying on your setbacks and pushing you to be extremely hard on yourself, to the point where you believe the only way you can salvage everything is though finally succeeding,” Celine offered. “Does that sound about right?”

'What a brilliant observation,' Other Amelia snarked, but Amelia tried to ignore her as she simply nodded.

“Before I continue, I want to make it clear that what you're going through doesn't make you 'broken' in any way, Amelia,” Celine stressed. “Instances like this 'other Amelia' in one's head are more common than you think. We call them 'critical inner voices,' or negative auditory hallucinations if they result in anything more severe like an anxiety attack.”

“I, um... I had one of those,” Amelia admitted, which increased the concern in Celine's gaze. “It was back at the Shattered Reality pay-per-view... after I lost to Glory Braddock, one of the people I'll be facing this Sunday over at Wembley. It was the first time I heard Other Amelia... she was so loud on that night. I swear I even saw her becoming my own reflection in a mirror to mock me... Luz found me lying naked on the floor surrounded by broken glass.”

Dr. Bolton audibly exhaled through her nose as she made note of this. The question hung heavy in the air... why didn't she say anything sooner? But Celine restrained herself from asking, not wanting to steer this in any direction that was going to make Amelia feel exactly the way Other Amelia wanted her to.

“I didn't know what to say about it...” Amelia admitted of her own accord after a moment. “It's not the first time I've heard a voice in my head criticizing me, and those voices are no secret among us. They've always sounded like my mother or father... remnants of how they raised me whenever the doubt started to creep in after any setbacks. That's what Luz assumed when she found me... I didn't have the heart to tell her that it was my own voice I was hearing this time, especially when I could feel my blood boiling just at the thought of Luz succeeding where I've been failing.”

“If I'm allowed to be honest for a moment, Amelia?” Dr. Bolton said, waiting until Amelia gave her the go-ahead before continuing to make sure it was alright. “I feared this might be something you'd experience, and I'm a little surprised it took until just a few months ago to manifest. One of the triggers for such a critical inner voice is internalized experiences, often from childhood, and given what you've told me about yours...”

“It was much easier to ignore when that voice sounded like one of my parents,” Amelia huffed.

“Well, you've already taking one step forward by acknowledging an identity for this voice,” Celine claimed. “In doing so, you've given yourself the power to properly respond when it starts-”

'Listen to her, droning on and on and thinking she's helping you in any way,' Other Amelia tried to cut in, making it hard for Amelia to make mental notes about the help she came here for. 'You can stand in front of a mirror and tell yourself all the positive affirmations in the world until you lose your voice, you know as well as I do that the only real way you're going to become the World Champion that Glory, Shaun, Kemal, Syren, and especially Luz all bow down and truly respect is to make them see just what Amelia Blythe is all about.'

“No!” Amelia suddenly sat up, hands moving to tug at her hair almost on instinct. “I'm not Amelia Blythe anymore, and being back in England doesn't change that! I know I'm good enough to succeed without needing to act like you!”

'Is that so?' Other Amelia questioned in that smug tone Amelia always hated using because of how much it sounded like her mother. She saw Dr. Bolton leave her chair and kneel down in front of her, she could hear the therapist trying to help and encourage Amelia to keep telling her inner voice off, that the power was truly hers and hers alone, but it sounded like Amelia was underwater as Other Amelia refused to be drowned out. 'Is that why you had to wait until you saw a therapist before finally revealing my existence in your head? Face it... you know you can't trust Luz anymore. Hell, her belief that there's good in everyone led an Empire spy into the closest thing you think you have to a family and you're still afraid to say a word to anyone, all because you've prioritized Luz so much over your own well-being that you've made yourself completely and utterly worthless!'

A shock ripped through Amelia's entire being in that moment. It wasn't the absolute viciousness of the comment from her inner critic that did the damage... it was the reminder of the other secret she'd been fighting with, lost in the fog that had been choking her wrestling career lately. She'd struggled to figure out how to even talk about Other Amelia before this session... but the knowledge that Paul was an Empire spy in some fashion? She'd been willingly withholding that information to the detriment of everyone, all out of fear for Luz's mental well-being.

“Dr. Bolton...” Amelia found herself choking out, which cast an uneasy silence over the room but didn't change the fact that the therapist was kneeling before her, listening carefully to her every word. “How... how do you deal with something you know that no one else does? Something major that you keep a secret because you're afraid of how much it's going to hurt someone else? Something that you know will make you hated because you were afraid to share it even when you really needed to?”

Celine was taken aback for a moment at the very abrupt shift in everything, but she did her best to try and ground herself for the sake of her patient. With no further context, she wanted to assume Amelia may have been stressing even more about the existence of this inner critic of hers, to the point where she feared revealing it was going to cause some sort of irreparable rift.

Before she could even start to say anything... before Amelia had a chance to clarify the secret she was talking about... they both heard a commotion out in the waiting room. Screaming. Warnings of the police being called. Demands not to go any farther that went unheeded.

Amelia felt her body acting on instinct before the door was even kicked opened.

She heard the slam against the wall, saw the glint of steel from a dagger that was no longer concealed, grasped the familiar red cloak that defined the splinter cell within The Empire. None of it even fully registered to her until she felt the man going limp in her arms, realizing she'd gone on autopilot and snared him in the Blight Choke before he even knew he'd lost the element of surprise. Judging by the tense silence that followed, this assailant had come alone, definitely targeting her and potentially Dr. Bolton as well, but they were both safe.

All because Amelia had subconsciously become that perfect wrestling machine she despised being once again.

That didn't even register in her brain, however... a far more concerning thought took root first. This man had come alone, clearly hoping to get the jump on her and end her before she realized this safe space had been violated. But in the capital of a country where The Empire still lurked somewhere beneath the surface, where their own ranks were seemingly still fractured despite this splinter cell no longer having a leader, there had to be more... and their most likely target was...

“Luz!” Amelia suddenly yelled before throwing the unconscious assailant aside and scrambling to her feet, bolting for the exit.

“Amelia, wait!” she heard Dr. Bolton call, but her adrenaline had spiked far too much to register anything else at this moment. She had been attacked, and the odds of Luz being attacked as well were far too high. Her session with Dr. Bolton, the criticisms of Other Amelia, the chance to finally put everything behind her and prove she was good enough... even the irrational hatred of Luz's recent success was irrelevant against the fear that Luz could be in serious trouble. The agitated looks of people as she shoved past them, the angry honking of horns as she recklessly weaved through traffic, none of it registered to her as she ran like her life depended on it towards the hotel, praying to any God that was listening that she was overreacting and this was an isolated incident.

Unfortunately, her heart sank once she reached the parking lot, and it had nothing to do with how much her lungs were burning.

She saw a sea of red cloaks and plague doctor masks fighting with NCA agents, including the three who were a part of their found family engaged in a shootout. She saw her closest friends and even her siblings using whatever methods they had available to survive. She saw chaos and pandemonium that London did not deserve to see today.

She saw Luz, trying to shield Paul with her body, a gun in her hand pointed towards an Empire turncoat she had clearly disarmed, the man smugly begging her to pull the trigger, preying on the nightmares that had plagued her over a murder she did not commit, even if it would have been in self-defense.

By the time the man had taken advantage and ripped the gun back out of Luz's hand, Amelia was running, overtaken by a raw fury she had never felt before. She could feel herself grabbing the man, violently delivering a german suplex into the concrete, hearing a gunshot ring out right next to her ear.

By the time she finally got her bearings once more, she was holding Luz tightly in her arms, her wife sobbing into her neck and chest about “blood on their hands.” She only figured out what Luz was talking about when she dared to look back at the man who dared to end her, seeing the blood pouring from a bullet wound straight through his own skull. Whether it had been an accident caused by the surprise of her grabbing him or if he'd willingly taken his own life in hopes of some sort of psychological victory, she would never know.

All that fully registered to her in that moment was knowing that, despite their recent issues, Luz was safe, especially as Amelia's sudden intervention caused enough of a shock that anyone else from this splinter cell was immediately taken down and cuffed.

That... and something Amelia caught out of the corner of her eye: the sight of Paul cussing under his breath, as if something hadn't quite gone to plan.

[Shaun2025]

PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA

(Being back in Los Angeles felt different. Seeing Owen and clearing the air had been amazing, and like a weight had been lifted. With that in mind, coming back into Los Angeles hadn’t filled him with dread, knowing that the moment he landed he could go and see Dorothea, and not be given the evil eye throughout by Angyalka. He would have said he was in the best place; he was a long way from that. But he was getting his life back in order, and to a place where he could move on. Now, however, Shaun found himself in a large tower block, pressing the button for the 13th floor which he was trying not to associate with bad luck. A call to Drew Bryant, and then some pleasantries had led them to organizing a meeting. Drew had done nothing but confirm what Owen had already told him, with a promise that the detail would come today. As the elevator stops, he steps out, immediately seeing Drew sat behind a desk. The moment Drew sees him, he immediately gets to his feet and walks over, offering his hand.)

Drew: Shaun Cruze… it seems like an age.

(Shaun takes Drew’s hand and they shake.)

Shaun: Not wrong fella, that’s life for you huh?

Drew: Please, take a seat, we have a lot to discuss.

(Shaun does as he is asked and declines the offer of a whiskey.)

Shaun: So, what have you been up to? You went off the grid after EMERGE closed.

Drew: Nothing much to tell… kept my head down, licked my wounds, paid off a few debtors and cleared the decks. You?

Shaun: Seriously bro, we don’t have the time to spare to go through all that. Things are better now, let’s leave it at that yeah.

Drew: I heard about you and Angyalka… It couldn’t have been fun.

Shaun: No, it wasn’t, but all my doing so we move. No other choice really. Just concentrating on Dorothea now… well, until I heard from Owen about this little project you want to get off the ground.

(Drew takes that opportunity to pour himself a drink and then turns his back to Shaun, looking out of the window and across LA.)

Drew: Shaun, when I heard that you were considering this, I was pleased. Not just because we know each other and have worked together before, but because I knew you’d understand why I need to do this. When EMERGE shut down, it was unfinished business you know? We were so close to being just as popular as the big boys, and perhaps even more so. I felt cheated when it all went under and that has stuck with me for years.

Shaun: Yeah, I got that bro.

(Drew turns back to face Shaun, taking a seat whilst cradling his drink in his hand.)

Drew: This isn’t just me wanting to take on SCW anymore, this is about my reputation which took a nosedive when everything happened. I lost myself, and in doing so lost everything I loved. You and I… well we are so similar, and if you came on board, we’d be claiming our reputations back together.

(He pauses, lifting the glass towards Shaun)

Drew: That’s the pitch.

(Shaun didn’t know the details of what Drew had been through, but he knew the comments struck a chord.)

Shaun: So, what would be the plan?

Drew: I have a building in mind that would become our arena and the base of operations. To begin with, all shows would be out of that building, until we get such a following that we can head out on the road for special events. With regards to a roster, I’ve reached out to a few agents, and I reckon I can get some of the SCW talent on board.

Shaun: Owen has already offered exclusivity to ‘Next Level’

Drew: Even better… people are going to be cynical of course they are, but I reckon the wrestling industry is crying out for something different and EMERGE gave them that.

Shaun: So, say I came on board and I’m not saying that’s the case at this point, what would you expect from me?

Drew: Well, of course your name is a big deal in this industry, so I’d be a fool if I suggested a roll behind the scenes. If I could be so bold, I’m guessing that your tenure as SCW’s General Manager has left a sour taste in your mouth considering how you were literally hounded out. Just imagine their faces if you ran the upstart company coming for their fans.

(Drew knew that he was doing bringing that up, using Shaun’s ego as a weapon and Shaun was onto it as well… and it was working.)

Drew: Then, what you would receive off the back of your investment would be entirely in your hands… with input from myself of course.

Shaun: OK, so I’m interested, not going to lie. How much of an investment are we talking about?

Drew: Obviously the building isn’t cheap. Marketing, website… not forgetting paying arena staff and the talent themselves.

Shaun: And do you have any other investors?

Drew: Right now… no. But with you on board I’m certain they would come once we went live.

Shaun: OK, so give me a figure.

(Drew pulls out a notebook, and writes a figure down, before sliding it across the table face down. Shaun takes a look, his eyes widening.)

Drew: I know it’s a lot Shaun, but you know as well as I do how much a company such as this can make. You’ll get that all back and then some.

Shaun: I don’t know Drew, after the divorce this is close to all I have left. I made sure Angyalka and Dorothea got the bulk of my wealth… this would clean me out.

(Drew takes the paper, and throws it in the waste bin, turning back to Shaun.)

Drew: I know, it’s a lot to ask. But you and I together again, we can make this work, I know we can. You want to be a big deal in wrestling again; this is that moment. But… I won’t blame you if you think it’s too big a risk. All I will say is that the building will only be available for so long, and the talent I have already secured is not going to wait forever. I’ll let you think about it of course, but don’t wait too long or we might both miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime. And imagine the look on SCW’s faces if we announced this.

(Drew was right, this was an opportunity. A chance to put right some more wrongs. This could put him back on the map, and as competing again wasn’t an option to him, this was the next best thing.)

Shaun: I’ll have an answer to you by the end of the week, is that good?

Drew: Absolutely… and thank you for coming in. I hope we get the chance to work together again.

(Drew gets to his feet and the pair shake hands again. Shaun turning to leave.)

Drew: Oh, and Shaun…

Shaun: Yeah.

Drew: Ask Owen if he’s getting that itch again… would love him on the roster.

(Shaun laughs)

Shaun: You’ve no chance bro, he’s done. And even if he wasn’t, with our apparent budget we couldn’t afford him.

(Drew shrugs)

Drew: Ah well, worth a try.

(Shaun waves his hand and calls the elevator which arrives almost immediately. He steps in, and with a smile at Drew, the doors close. Was this it, the moment he could make Dorothea proud of him again. The chance to put the Cruze name back on the wrestling map. It WAS a risk, but was it a risk worth taking, that was the question he needed to answer. And he knew exactly the right person to help him with that answer… and that was his next port of call.)

RECORDING – ON CAMERA

(Once again, a single stool, and a more than relaxed Shaun Cruze. And why shouldn’t he be, considering latest events. He’d been named in a number one contendership match, totally out of the blue. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to sit back and take advantage of it. If Shaun understood one thing his opponents didn’t, it was how easily things could just drift away. He sure as hell wasn’t going to allow that to happen. So, with a cough to clear his throat, he starts to speak.)

“Let me start by saying this. I’ve heard the noise, and I’m not going to single anyone out here, but I totally disagree with that noise. That being… everyone in this match is here for a reason. I’ll get into the why’s and wherefores shortly, but Kemal has been a credit to Konrad, at least in some aspects. Amelia IS a tremendous competitor from the lineage of wrestling heritage. And Glory Braddock… well anyone who even tries to dispute that she shouldn’t be forever in the World Championship scene needs to give their head a shake. Me, I made my point last time out. I’m not going to come out here and berate someone for being in this match, because let’s face it, it’s not my decision in the first place. Nor am I going to come out here and treat you all like a list, highlighting all your failings, because let’s face it… if I did, then it would negate from the impact of what I am about to do. What’s the point in winning, if it was a foregone conclusion from the outset. But you see, that is the thing. Even in this day and age, there are still those that believe in the foregone conclusion. Even though the commentary team tag the SCW as a place where anything can happen, people still seem surprised when it does. Was I surprised when I was set upon by a pack of dogs… no. The surprise can with who helped me out… there was the ‘anything can happen’ element. Just like me being here might piss some off, ‘anything can happen’ and although I may not be the favorite of the peace, ignoring what I bring to the table would ultimately be foolish. So whereas some might adopt the Glory Braddock blah, blah, blah, Kemal Yilmaz, blah, blah, blah, Amelia Nevado blah… well you get it, routine. I’m going to take a different tact, summing up only in my conclusions. I’m going to tell you why ultimately, when the curtain closes on Retribution, you are going to be looking at the number one contender, who’s name… is Shaun Cruze.

Now, you might be laughing at that Kemal… don’t think I’ve forgotten about your sunshine, more on that later. But let’s take wrestling heritage into consideration, because that seems to be the topic of conversation right now. Glory and Amelia, you both come from a long line of generational wrestlers, and thus are well versed in the art. You’ve both been trained by some of the best who ever lived… no Kemal, you most certainly haven’t. You’ve listened around the table to some legendary figures speak and gained a wealth of experience. I have NO doubt whatsoever; it is those attributes that have carried you both as far as you have gone. I don’t know the answer, I’m just surmising… but I’m guessing your lineage comes up occasionally when you need to prove a point. Guess what guys, I’ll take your lineage, and I’ll raise you an Icon. You can speak of who you want, you can claim whatever you need to, but there has only ever been one Icon, my brother. And like I said last time out, the facts don’t lie… I won more than he ever did. Of course, some much has come out since he died, truth is, he was a flawed individual with his demons. But when it comes to this sport, it’s only here because of him amongst others. You want to talk about heritage, I have it. As I argued previously, it’s probably the only reason I’m here.

Then, we’ll come to topic number two, something that I’m sure will come up over the course of this week. How can Shaun Cruze be as hungry as any of the other three, considering what he has achieved? I mean yeah, I’ve got a list of accolades as long as my arm, but then again so as Glory Braddock… and heck, Amelia is putting together quite an honor roll too. But I’ve only just come back, how can I compete with Glory’s sheer will to succeed, Amelia’s wanting to make her family proud and Kemal’s desire that comes from being someone just starting out in his career. The answer to that is simple, it usually is. I’m a guy who had everything, the movie career, the successful company, almost obscene wealth… it’s all now gone. THIS is all I have, quite literally. I fail at this, I’m done… this is the stereotypical ideology of the wounded animal backed into a corner, with only one way out. Now, I know none of you will be able to understand that, and I honestly don’t need you too. There are things that one day I might share but now isn’t really the time. What you do need to understand is, someone like you Amelia, and you too Kemal, you have years, upon years ahead of you to hone your craft. I have perhaps twelve months before I start being told I’m washed, if not before. It’s cliché for sure, but this stage is quite literally my home, and you can be damn sure I’m going to perform when the chance presents itself. Point three is perhaps the biggest of them all, and the one aspect that may turn out to be true. That being that the three of you are just simply better wrestlers at this point in our careers, and that I’ll be found out against three individuals who have consistently been putting out stellar performances over the course of the past twelve months.”

(Shaun shrugs)

“Do you know what I have to say to that?”

(He waits, holding the moment with that question hanging in the air.)

“If I had a dollar for every time I was told that, I wouldn’t be back here doing this. I wouldn’t need to.”

(He scoffs before a smirk form on his face.)

“Glory will tell you both, I’m not talking out of turn here, I have never, not once, called myself the best wrestler in the world like some. Orlando was a better wrestler than I am. Owen was more skilled than both of us. I have never needed to be the best wrestler in the world; I’ve just stayed the course by being the toughest son of a bitch alive. I’m not saying I’m a shit wrestler, far from it. In fact, I can hold my own against most when it comes to the technical aspect of our industry. But when I hear people talk about their skill, their speed, or their abilities, I can only smile. A) because the likelihood is I already know this, because there is nobody on this entire roster that prepares to such depth as I do, and B) because it really doesn’t matter how good you are. I STILL tend to find a way. When I was the last IWC ever, was I the best wrestler at the time? When I claimed the SCW World Championship, was I stood atop my peers. When I came back after nearly two years and came second at Taking Hold of the Flame, was it because I was the superior competitor? The answer is no to all those reasons. The reason I did all those things is because what resides in here…”

(He puts his hand to his head, and then his heart.)

“Putting them together to have the smarts and the courage to overcome whatever was thrown at me. I have beaten soooo many individuals who claimed they were better than me, and you know what? They probably were. But they never achieved what I did. Their achievements are eclipsed by mine. Simply because they couldn’t accept what was right in front of their face.”

(Another shrug… he didn’t know if his words were falling on deaf ears or not, nor did he care. Listening wasn’t a common commodity a decade ago, and it seemed to be the same now. There were some however that bucked that trend.)

“And so… I walk into this match knowing the challenge I face, and how no matter how I have performed thus far, in defeating Gavin Taylor, Clyde Sutter and Ryan LeCavalier and narrowly losing to David Striker and the SCW World Champion Syren, I know that this performance is going to have to be another step up if I want to succeed. Glory, we’ve been through so many wars already, we’ve both won some, we’ve both lost some. What I would like to think is that at the end of the day, the two of each have a respect for not only this industry but also this match to go as far as to say that putting the other away is going to be a cakewalk. Truth is, you are probably the favorite to get this done, but with that comes its own pressures. You are there to be shot at, and you can be certain, I’m going to come to you with everything I have. If it’s enough, only time will tell… I’m looking forward to finding out. Amelia, you are probably the one who most excites me… just like I was with Striker, I’m looking forward to testing myself against one of the brightest young talents that this company as to offer. Honestly, I’d love to see you go one on one with Syren for all the marbles… I’d pull up a chair and watch that one, that’s for sure. Either way, this won’t be the last moment you achieve… I’m sorry I must be the one to make sure it isn’t YOUR moment, but mine. And finally, Kemal, there is no doubting your talent, your desire… you want this, that’s for sure. But I haven’t forgotten what you did to Impact Media, trashing my office for shits and giggles because Raab told you too. I told you then there would be a receipt… dropping you all AND Konrad in what was to my final match was a good start. But now Kemal, for your actions, I’m going to take away the one thing you want more than anything and leave you with nothing else but to go back to your master with your tail between your legs. Wishing that you’d not decided to open old wounds. Konrad might not be here, but his legacy is… the European Fiery Nation. That alone gives me all the incentive I need to put you down… if the opportunity alone wasn’t already enough.

(He gets to his feet.)

“So… I’m going to leave you all with a little sage advice. You can either take it in the manner it is given, or, as I believe will be the case, you can throw it back in my face. Words, in the general scheme of things, mean nothing. I don’t think any of us are that weak of mind that we are going to let a few comments get into our skulls so much that they have any effect. Don’t be a fool and pander to what you’ve heard from others, use your own brain matter, and just do one thing. Remember who I am, and what I can do. Because, although there aren’t many certainties in this industry, I can tell you one thing. If I don’t win, if I fail to take this opportunity and leave empty-handed, I can assure you the person who has taken it will have been the one who listened to my every word. The individual who thought, forget everything else, forget the white noise, this is Shaun Cruze. THAT Shaun Cruze who made a name out of making those impacts. Those moments that made him the Impact Player. I can’t stress this enough, perhaps I shouldn’t be here. Perhaps it is too soon. But the time for considering that is over. Now it’s time for realization. We come to the next stage of the rehabilitation of Shaun Cruze.”

(He winks at the camera.)

“And there is no better rehab, than becoming the SCW World Champion. This victory will take me one step closer. One step closer to where I need to be. Good luck everyone. You’re going to need it.”

(Shaun walks out of camera shot, as the scene slowly fades.)

[Wisteria Waltz]

The very first sight we're greeted with is a painting of a family, proudly framed and mounted above an elegant fireplace. Maybe the members of this family look familiar to you, maybe they don't, but there is at least one figure in this painting that everyone should recognize even if she looks a lot younger than she does now, and that's the young lady sitting right in the middle of the couch. It's none other than Amelia Nevado, or Blythe as she still was back then, positioned between her twin siblings Edward and Emily on the couch while their parents, Aleister and Ophelia, loomed over them. Notably, not a single person in this Blythe family portrait is smiling, not even Aleister and Ophelia as their hands proudly rest on each of Amelia's shoulders. Instead, a look of fierce determination bores into our souls from all five figures, giving the impression that the Blythes are a family that is always ready to put their best foot forward and show the world why they are arguably the most elite wrestling family to ever grace the sport. And Amelia, in particular? She's presented quite clearly as their pride and joy, their crown jewel, their heir apparent.

And yet, if you look harder at Amelia's face, you can see features that look painted over, as if the artist was forced to hide something that wasn't supposed to be there. Flaws, imperfections, exhaustion, frustration, wounds, scars... exactly what's been hidden is as much your guess as it is ours, but it's clear this portrait is meant to paint the Blythes in a very different light than they actually were.

“Funny, isn't it?”

We pull ourselves away from the painting, our shifting giving us a better look at where we are. Despite being caked in dust and cobwebs that tell the tale of a place that hasn't been touched in at least several months, the sitting room you could only find in an opulent mansion still looks incredible. It's hard to know for sure if the same can be said about Amelia as we see her looking at the portrait right along with us before her gaze shifts in our direction. In a twisted sort of way, it's almost like she's mirroring the old family portrait: physically, she looks composed, elegant, focused. And yet, there's almost this feeling lingering in the air that something's not quite right, but it's hard to tell for sure how many of the proverbial cracks are actually being hidden by her facade and how much has actually been healed.

“I haven't set foot in this place for years... you can probably tell by the lack of upkeep that no one else has been here in a while, either. I remember sitting for hours for that painting, something my mother insisted upon because whenever we would host company, she wanted to make it abundantly clear what kind of wrestling royalty the Blythe family was supposed to be, as if anyone who ever walked through this room was an idiot who needed a constant reminder that we were perfect... that couldn't be further from the truth. The painter my mother hired for this? The first go, he painted exactly what he saw: the bags under my eyes, the wounds peeking out from under my dress where my collarbone and wrists were exposed, even the busted lip I had that my mom couldn't fully hide beneath makeup. All a result of the training my father put me through literally an hour beforehand, wanting to make absolutely sure that when I sat down for this, I'd be in the same mindset I was supposed to carry throughout my entire wrestling career:

I am perfect, I am a wrestling machine, and it is physically impossible for another human being to exist that could ever hope to be on my level.

I think it's long since become clear that life doesn't always work out the way you think it will. My parents are finally in jail for everything they ever did to my siblings, my closest friends, and especially to me. I'm finally free to be who I truly want to be, and I found someone who inspired me to figure out who Amelia Blythe really was... that's the woman who stands before you now. And yet... to many of you, something still feels like it's missing. In the eyes of so many, even those who claim to respect me, they think I lack that certain something that will push me to where I truly want to be while believing that the woman I now call my wife possesses it... I would disagree, but no one seems too interested in me lately. Why should they when Luz has been on the roll of a lifetime, proving herself to be an incredible United States Champion and even securing herself a high profile match for Retribution taking place about an hour away from this old home of mine in Oxford?

While she prepared to step into Wembley Stadium, a place that's been almost like a second home to me for as long as I can remember, I found myself with nothing... no match in front of my fellow countrymen, no opportunity to prove myself, no hope of earning anything even though I have been the one trying to carry this company on my shoulders as if I was the World Champion, fighting with everything I have and putting on the kind of matches that the likes of Cid Turner, Syren, and even Glory Braddock can't deny have been arguably the best matches they've ever wrestled in their entire careers.

Thankfully... someone finally recognized my efforts and corrected this mistake.”

Amelia begins to walk as we follow her, turning away from the ominous portrait entirely as she moves to sit on the very couch we saw in the painting. Unlike for that, however, right now she's alone, and as she takes a moment to light a candle and give us a little more warmth to this otherwise cold and gloomy scene that seems to define the Blythe name altogether, we see Amelia's phone laying face down nearby on this table. Poking out from under her phone looks like a business card, though it's hard to tell exactly what's on it when we only see a blank corner. Our focus returns to Amelia once the candle is lit and she sits like a proper young lady, hands folded in her lap and back straight.

“I'm sure you all did a double-take when the final card for Retribution was advertised and you noticed that the old saying of 'card subject to change' had already gone into effect. I watched the last Breakdown back to prepare for this Sunday, and I saw the triple threat that was announced. Number one contender for the SCW World Championship. Glory Braddock. Shaun Cruze. Kemal Yilmaz. My name was nowhere to be found, not just for this match, but anywhere in regards to the final plans coming together for this show. I'm sure somebody thought they were doing me a favor... historically, Retribution has always been the worst pay-per-view for The Light In The Darkness. But that, and the fact that this particular show is taking place in my birth country, was all the more reason why I don't think it's unreasonable to simply want an opportunity. One can't ever remove the albatross from around their neck and fight to overcome a stigma if they aren't given the chance to do so, right?

And now... here we are. Whether or not you disagree with the fact that I'm in this match now, take a good look at the other names in this match and tell me they deserve this opportunity any more than I do. Shaun Cruze has already expressed that he doubts he should be in talks for World Title contention this soon after coming back, especially considering some of his own setbacks as of late, and fears he's only in this because of his name. Maybe you could make a case for Glory just because she beat me back at Shattered Reality, but what did she do with that win? Between then and now, she's barely competed, almost painting this picture that she's just expecting to do the bare minimum and be rewarded for it. Yeah, maybe I've been on the losing end far more often that I'd like lately, but I'm still going out to that ring, week in and week out, and busting my butt to actually do something about it! And Kemal? It's hard to tell half the time if he actually cares about championship gold or if he just wants wanton destruction to claim superiority because what he wants has nothing to do with the titles that would give him the respect he craves so badly.

True, he does technically hold a win over the reigning World Champion, something that no one else in this match can claim lately, but when you really look at what he achieved on that night... can you honestly say he's good enough to actually pin Syren as opposed to winning by countout?”

Amelia leans back into the couch a bit more, an uneasy feeling beginning to choke the air. While there are hints of that familiar warmth in her eyes that we've come to know over the years, her tone conflicts with it. Her focus can't be disputed, but she almost sounds... cold, almost like a machine, nothing like the Amelia we've watched up until this point.

“Glory, I want to start with you because, despite what I just said, despite how rocky it's seemed at times, I do respect you. Like it or not, you've had my number almost every time we've crossed paths in that ring... almost, and that brings up a very important question I need to ask you. Let's say I win this match on Sunday night, that you look up and find my arm being raised in victory as I'm named the number one contender for the World Title you say you need so badly, but you are not the one I beat to get there. Whenever this has happened in the past, when Luz and I consistently got our wins back over Twisted & Sadistic, albeit in matches like this where you weren't the one pinned to decide it, you would act more like a child than you would someone who's supposed to be the veteran pushing me until I finally reach the point where I can truly surpass you. You would claim it doesn't count because I didn't directly defeat you, no matter how it was printed in the results, and at one point in time, you let that frustration consume you to the point where you and Brittany attempted to just eliminate the entire tag division altogether and leave us with no choice but to face you again.

Funny how you're piling on about my own doubts when just a few short years ago, our roles were reversed.

Make no mistake Glory... I don't doubt that I can beat you. Even if the whole world convinces itself that you will always be my superior, that's just motivation to work harder and keep building until I can prove otherwise. That's how The Light In The Darkness finally beat Twisted & Sadistic once and for all, and that's how Amelia Nevado will do the same to Glory Braddock and leave no doubt on the table any longer. That's why I've been ready and willing to step into that ring week after week, hungry to prove myself, eager to bounce back. That's why in the short time I was Underground Champion, I didn't run just to try and preserve that reign... I fought, with everything I had, like a true champion ready to show the world what I can do. Maybe you think you need this win Glory... but I can tell you, for a fact, that you do not need this more than I do.”

Amelia's eyes narrow, her focus burning even brighter than the flame of the candle as she leans forward.

“As for you, Kemal? Let's go ahead and get it all out of the way now: you think I'm boring, you think I play this all too safe, you have a million reasons why you're going to destroy me and not a single one of them holds any actual weight. It's the same song and dance that's been thrown our way any time I've found myself facing anybody from the European Fiery Nation, and I know whatever you have to say to me won't be too different from what you had to say to Luz just a few months ago when you, her, and several others were fighting over the U.S. Title.

Now that we've got all that out of the way, maybe you can answer something for me, Kemal: why do you act as though Glory is the end all, be all when it comes to technical wrestling?

Sure, you can walk the same route as her and point out how many times she's beaten me, but that doesn't explain why she seems to be the exception to this rule you love to throw around about how British wrestlers are worthless just because we're the first thing anyone thinks of when the topic of European wrestling greats comes to mind. Every time Glory has beaten you, it hasn't counted because it's not the match you feel entitled to, but every time I'm brought up by your little group as a whole, I'm reviled and disrespected because how dare I be a wrestling prodigy from a country that highly regards and respects the art of wrestling and built its own culture around it from the ground up that's helped shape and influence all the rest? It's one thing to want to bring more attention to other European countries trying to make their mark in the wrestling world, and I actually respect that purpose for the European Fiery Nation, but if you're going to make it a point to display prejudice towards us Brits to try and get your message across, then at least be consistent with it. Maybe, just maybe, if I'm the one who pins you or makes you tap out at Retribution, I'll find myself in this exclusive club of top tier technicians you want to humble you so badly in an Ultimate Submission Match... I guess we'll have to wait and see.”

A small flicker of a smile graces Amelia's lips, but in the glow of the candlelight, it looks perhaps more unsettling than intended.

“And last, but certainly not least, is Shaun Cruze. Now Shaun... despite my frustrations as of late, I'm not going to sit here and accuse you of any sort of fast-track favoritism. Maybe, if you had shown yourself more willing to lean into that when people wanted to accuse you of it, I'd have every right to make such a claim. But these past few weeks, you've rejected any notions of being 'buddy-buddy' with our CEO despite everything he was trying to hand you, and if you truly were just supposed to be a charity case because of your name and status alone, you wouldn't have found yourself being dogpiled by so many people a couple of weeks ago until several of us ran down to even the odds. All you want is just to get in that ring and prove you've still got it, and if anything, I'd say the fact that you went toe-to-toe with both the current champion and her challenger come Retribution is all the proof anyone needs that you belong in this position.

Even if I've not only done the same against Syren but also pinned Gavin before and almost got overlooked for this chance all the same...

That said, Shaun, I'd like to hope that I'm on that list of names you were hoping to throw down with upon your return to SCW, and Retribution is going to be just a taste of what I bring to the table. But I'm going to warn you now... I want this win more than you could ever comprehend. You, like Glory, have already had a long and storied career, even including your own time at the top of the mountain. As your theme song says... I know your name. Everybody knows your name. But right now? Nobody knows my name, and the few that do are content with trying to act like I'm better off just being forgotten about and pretending I don't exist, that I don't deserve anything no matter how hard I fight to put on matches that are World Title caliber even without that title in the picture at all.

If you've ever been at that point yourself Shaun... then you know how badly I will fight to make sure that by the end of this night, you and everybody else know exactly who Amelia Nevado is.

All I've ever wanted is a chance to truly earn an opportunity, and if you ignore Trios, this match presents me with an opportunity I haven't had in almost three years... the chance to stand tall all on my own and prove to the world that Amelia Nevado is worthy. I refuse to wait another three years to get a chance like this, I have to make the most of this while the opportunity is right in front of me. So Glory, Kemal, Shaun? Bring your best to Wembley on Sunday night... but be ready to accept that this moment, this opportunity, only rightfully belongs to one person who's been working harder than all of you combined to get here.

Your next number one contender for the SCW World Championship... Amelia. Nevado.”

The way Amelia punctuates her final words is firm, erasing any doubt about where her head is at and showing us a confidence we haven't truly seen in quite some time. There's still an uneasy feeling hanging in the air, and the fierce look in Amelia's eyes still looks unsettling in the glow of the flickering candlelight, but in this moment? Amelia looked like someone who belonged in the discussion for the World Title, and she'd be damned if she had to wait to earn this chance again.

[Kemal Yilmaz]

Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Friday 29th March 2024. (Off-Camera)

It was another different location for Kemal this time as he had a week off from playing football as every player gets a week off, but Kemal was in another part of Germany, although it wasn't far from Koln, but far enough in a place called Gelsenkirchen which wasn't far from Koln but far away enough for him to come home. He was there because he was selected to play against FC Schalke reserves team for FC Koln reserves team as the coach wanted one more match for Kemal to play away from his comfort zone.

It was another new place that Kemal hadn't been to before. Although there was a lot more to do this time than in Paderborn where there was only specifics to look at. Again, Kemal had his buddy who told him to keep an eye out on Kemal and take him to explore the cities they were going to, Henri Badenhorst had explored around the local area, but one thing they noticed during their time there yesterday before they play against Schalke tomorrow was the largest indoor amusement park in Europe known as Alma Park.

They didn't have time yesterday, but they certainly had time today to go in and do some activities and it weren't anything against Kemal's religion on things to do either so this was a perfect place for them to go and they went in and saw there was a lot of selection of things to do, but Kemal chose crazy golf to do as a way to relax away from the stresses with life.

So they went to pay a couple of games of golf as a way for them to get used to each other and bond more, but if there's one thing Henri didn't know anything about when it comes to Kemal was his family or at least knowing what they look like or what they did that is something Kemal hadn't discussed and Henri does now.

Henri: “What did your family do before they passed away as you've not spoken about them in your life.”

Kemal Yilmaz: “They were extremely poor because of where we came from. They used to live in Istenbel, but they thought it was far too dangerous there and the money got way too much that we had to live in an earthquake prone area. My father was a banker, my mother was a chef, my brother was running a supermarket and my sister did hairdressing. I'm the youngest of their family.”

Henri: “And your dreams were to be an MMA fighter, right?”

Kemal Yilmaz: “Yes and I've never really watched professional wrestling, apart from the wrestling that was well known in Turkey called Oil Wrestling as well as the amateur stuff. So I know a bit about wrestling before, but nowhere near enough as I do now. Oil wrestling is where you oil your body up and try to take the opponent down.”

It seemed like according to Henri that Kemal did have a pretty tough live with his parents dealing job to job and Kemal's was running the dojo for an martial arts gym. It had been a while since Kemal thought of his family since the disaster happened a year ago and it was still hard for Kemal to get over at times.

Henri: “Ah interesting. I think you could bring that to professional wrestling someday if you had the idea of it.”

Kemal Yilmaz: “I could, but I doubt anyone would be able to understand oil wrestling, apart from Derek Adonis who would likely embrace the idea of it. I don't think anyone else in SCW from speaking to Konrad anyway would embrace that idea. Maybe he said Kandis, but that's about it. I don't think it'll work in wrestling without them making a comedy act out of it.”

Henri: “That's true. Lets go and get our clubs and balls so we can pot those holes with our clubs.”

Kemal nodded as Henri went to the counter and got Kemal and himself some clubs and their balls as well. They went over to the first part, even if Kemal hadn't ever played golf before, but Henri knew he had another question to ask Kemal.

Henri: “So this wrestling school your going to, they are going to teach you more wrestling?”

Kemal Yilmaz: “Not a wrestling school, but a wrestling company. Unfortunately, there isn't any strong European wrestling companies out there that would have you have matches against wrestlers to gain some experience before I enter in Supreme Championship Wrestling. It's a procedure that even he has all new trainees to do.”

Henri: “Well nobody wants to go into wrestling without knowing wrestling moves and I guess that's what Konrad regrets is that he didn't get near enough training and was thrown in the deep end of things.”

Kemal Yilmaz: “He was a TV star for Germany and he was promoting wrestling to Germany. Which turned out successful. Now he's still apart of having a successful wrestling school along with his twin brother, Lord Raab or rather Markus Raab.”

That was the one thing Henri didn't really know about was that the other Raab he saw had a lot of ties to the wrestling school. He widened his eyes, shocked to hear where Konrad went and Kemal always followed everything his mentor did.

Henri: “Wow, I had no idea Lord Raab or Markus rather ran the wrestling school as well as Konrad. Back then when I knew Konrad, he hated his twin brother like hell, but they must've been a reason they resolved something that they would work together with that wrestling school.”

Kemal Yilmaz: “Yeah very different and he's got a husband that could help the wrestling school for deaf wrestlers. He isn't deaf exactly and he can write, but he can't speak because he's got autism that Lord Raab mentioned. I guess that's also how Lord Raab is, despite me being against that, but I look past that anyway, no matter what my feelings are on the matter.”

They missed a lot in the 3rd hole as they were successful with the other two easily, but when it came to the windmill pot, they were struggling and they had been playing together this entire time of getting to know one another, even if they'll likely never see each other again after next week as Kemal was all ready to go.

Henri: “See, you showed that how much you dislike your views on it, but still able to work with them and how they address you, you'd beat anyone who dares to take the school down.”

Kemal Yilmaz: “Not that it was my business anyway as they keep their private life to themselves, but saying that I know I need to have a character, that's what's been missing from me according to the Raab brothers so I need to work on character betrayal as they said I'm boring to the wrestling crowd as I only do submissions wrestling.”

They moved to the sixth hole as they both got it in and so did Erik as they then moved to hole seventh as there was plenty of holes to put the balls in the holes on the floor and it was interesting for Kemal, looking at every crazy golf hole that would happen at the amusement park he was in and he loved every single minute of wanting Kemal to do his old thing of getting the most balls in the hole.

Kemal Yilmaz: “Wow, this is so much fun. Beats looking at a brick wall, doing nothing while preparing to go to America and they even had pool here, but Kemal has no time for that and will do the trip later on. I love this game Henri, I want to do it again and again.”

Henri: “You can't tomorrow, we got to play against FC Schalke reserves team. Maybe you can still do soccer while you're working over there, like I know there's Atlanta United FC you could join as a part time player.”

Kemal Yilmaz: “No time for that because I'm going to Atlanta Wrestling Alliance and they told Konrad I'll be wrestling every single week just so I can be a star of professional wrestling and to test my mic skills which are awful at the moment because I can never seem to say what I want to say as it's a difficult task for me to talk in public to people you don't know.”

Henri: “Well I guess it's because you haven't had to. But that's a thing you got to overcome and I know you got that anger in your eyes that you seem hell bend on wanting to hurt people and become dangerous in the ring, but there will be a point where your anger will give up being mad at someone.”

That was a life lesson as well as a wrestling lesson to be at a point with his anger later on in life that he would have to give up being angry, but that was for a lot later on as they laughing and chilling while trying to put the balls in the hole that were getting more and more difficult. Kemal was focus and concentrating as Henri nods and says this.

Henri: “This is pretty good, you aren't bad at crazy golf.”

Kemal Yilmaz: “Yeah and I've never done this before. We don't have anything like this and it's something I could do with those tag partners being my friend someday yeah. I just want to move on with my life and I need an Muslim wife to advance myself for the future and build a family up between the pair of us.”

Henri: “That's good to hear you want that for the future, but I think you wanting to be a wrestler is more important right now and then after a year or so, then I consider you finding a Muslim female that will come and say hi to you.”

Kemal Yilmaz: “That's not exactly how it works. I need a Muslim male friend to even get a date before. It's how it works in Muslim religion before we can get married. But right now, I'm going to fly to Atlanta and wrestle. I also got a room setup for me that Ludvig and Dakon told me I could sleep in and live at their place.”

It was well and good as they were on the last putting area that they could shoot in with everything that went on, but Kemal goes to say this as he hadn't really spoken about it.

Kemal Yilmaz: “My goal is to become a champion of wrestling because that I can and will happen and I need to improve on my boring promotional work first before I can even think about championships. I don't have a character set for me either and that's another thing I need to work on before getting titles.”

Henri: “Come on, lets finish up here and get back to the hotel to meet with the team before we go and do some more training.”

Which they do as they were going to have a few more games, but they realised that they had to do training, but it was good for Kemal to explore other areas of Germany that he hadn't seen before and all he knows is he was going to one day deliver to the wrestling world and how he was going to miss his soccer team when he travels to Atlanta next week to start debuting in the company for the first time.

-----------------

My chance to shine in delivering to be a world title contender youtube.com shoot (On-Camera)

“Now is the time for me to deliver when it hits most, but of course, unlike Oskar who hasn't defeated the Underground champion yet, this is where it's different because of course, I'm surprised Glory nor Shaun have even pointed it out that I have got Syren's number, even if it was by a count out victory. I won't get into more about that because everyone knows what happened and it's time to move on from that win and move onto winning this match.

So Glory Glory, you silly fool, you honestly think I'm done with you? Oh hell no because yes, I am obessive about wanting an Ultimate Submissions match with you because it's not been done in this company and two, you're the only one on par with me with my submission skills. I want to face the top submission artist in this company and you're it. Granted, Xander could fit that mold too, but you're more the threat here Glory. If I didn't think you're worth facing in the world, I'd be saying facing you like I say to Frost family are a waste of time but you are worth my time it and you're more on my level than you think.

Do you know why I haven't really focused on the world title? Because I had no reason to be focusing on winning the world title until now that I've been put in this match, didn't think the win would get me anywhere. But it did obviously and working with Gavin certainly helped that because I take opportunities, unlike you waiting until your dead for earning opportunities that will never come to you. See I'm nothing like Konrad whatsoever.

Someone that Shaun Cruze can't get out of his damn head and you're really so obsessive about the win you gotten from two years ago, aren't you? When will you tell more stories of who else you've beaten. Oh granted, you've slowly doing that, but you really anger me when you continuously talk so much about Konrad that he's not even here to even care about anything you say anymore. In fact, he's even said that nobody in Supreme Championship Wrestling is considered his enemies anymore.

I let him talk on the other things he said because that's for him to do not me, but the point is Shaun Konrad doesn't care on anything you say and sure, I may talk about you more than the other two, but you have angered me the most and personally, I can't wait to destroy you and you want to bring up the whole destroying your media office. Yeah it was me that was leading the entire thing because one, I was primed to be the future leader of The European Fiery Nation and two, I didn't have much money. I don't have money growing out of trees like you. I guess you were lucky that you never experienced an earthquake hitting your country, did you?

Also, all these wrestling heritage and generational wrestler family crap is so overrated in the business today because it really proves that wrestlers can't even make their own name and can't be creative without leeching family names anymore. Who cares if Glory has been in the business because her family lineage have been professional wrestlers in the past, it's just a cheap way to get into wrestling that isn't original or anything special anymore.

It shows that wrestlers are too lazy to actually get into the business without the family lineage and that's more incredible than going on that path. I was meant to be an MMA fighter Shaun I have you know, but that got destroyed in the earthquake and I nearly died from not eating or drinking anything, but your rich entitlement wouldn't understand that. I'm more special than Glory and I certainly never heard anything family generational from Amelia because last I checked, she doesn't come from a class of wrestlers that trained her.

I know I've not really spoken much about Amelia but to be honest, she's the girl that hasn't angered me, but I don't recall any sort of generational wrestlers that trained you and that's the honest truth but you have angered me the least and I get it, you're really are desperate to win, but you got to trigger that anger inside of you to have that power to go out of your way to destroy and hurt people. I want to see that in you because seriously, I don't have much to say about you. Sure I consider you having talent in the ring and proven wrong, but I don't know what you've done exactly to be in this match. At least I, Glory and Shaun have fought Syren before. You haven't.

Also I know that I would give Syren a harder time and you saw the damage I gave to her with my acid attacks I laid on her and being able to cripple and damage her. I don't see the three of you ever doing that because you want to play the respect the champion game. I will trade Konrad Raab to beat the living hell out of Syren to win the world title because the fact is, as I said, I didn't even think I would be in the discussion and I still want that ultimate submissions match Glory and I'm not bloody quitting until I get it.

While Shaun Cruze deserves a beating because he's the biggest hypocrite of them all, stating that Konrad moaned and complained because he had other racing commitments while he was still a professional wrestler while you were off doing movie commitments while being a wrestler yourself. You have had all the money given to you, while I had to be in the wrestling business and being a soccer player to get money because I wasn't fortunate in life so maybe, maybe you understand why I had to destroy your media office not just because Konrad told me to do it, but I needed the money.

You'll never understand how much survival I had to go through, you never understand what it's like to live on the streets for many months, without needing to sell drugs to survive. All I was doing was asking for food and drink, that's it because it's against my religion to do, let alone sell illegal drugs. It's against my religion to use naughty swear words that I don't do.

But what I do is I wear a mask because it stood me out to all the technical wrestlers around me, including Glory so yes, I may have an obsession for submission wrestling because I was born in that style, but I was also born to go for the World Title that I want more than anything in this match now that I have to pay attention to, especially that discussion started when I beat Syren, when Gavin put me in the match.

Oh and by the way Gavin, when we do face off, I won't go easy on you because although you're the only guy who has spoken to me as a respected human being I am, that respect goes out of the window if we go for the title and I will hurt you to do it as I will hurt Glory, Amelia who I haven't really got a lot to say about because she hasn't said or done anything that would have me to speak about and I will show you that I won't go back on your word and be the World Title contender nobody expected me to be to put an acid strike on all of my opponents and deliver. That's all I will say.”