Post by Vivienne Daniels on Apr 18, 2018 22:39:49 GMT
Vivienne is sitting cross-legged in the middle of an indoors flower garden in a simple light blue dress.
“Hi IWF. How has your spring been going? I know for a lot of the Mid-West it hasn’t felt very spring lately. Terrible snow storms. Absolute worst, huh?”
Viv smiles.
“I know there have been a lot of jokes going around right now about spring never coming. I guess I get the high light of being on the road in California. I get the very real reminder of spring existing. It certainly helps in ways that I can’t really put into words. Spring is a reminder of all the good things in the world.”
Viv tucks a bit of her hair behind her ear.
“Spring is often the light after the darkness for a lot of people. It’s the point in time where a lot of people’s seasonal depression takes a back seat while the weather blossoms in all the positive. Lately, I’ve been thinking about that kind of thing a lot.”
Viv leans back on her arms slightly.
“I mean, there is someone making their debut match on this pay per view. There is Xavier Cross making his return in his first real match…”
Viv grins brightly.
“I’m wishing them both a ton of luck on coming out of this on top.”
Viv nods.
“The fan-voted pay per view is called Dark Reign.”
Viv takes a deep breath.
“I know lately that things have seemed dark and like the good guys can’t win. I mean, let’s look at the champions we have that are defending this week Angel Blake as the Men’s World title champion, Brooklyn as the Women’s World title champion, and Caleb as the Extreme champion…. You notice the pattern there? We have two members of The Pack and a guy who calls himself a higher power. They are all defending their titles. There’s barely a match beyond the debuts that doesn’t have one of the darker factions in them.”
Viv takes a beat.
“Then there’s my match.”
Viv laughs a little nervously.
“I know Bob Pooler still holds the Strong Style belt. I haven’t forgotten so don’t worry. He’s not defending this week though. So In the age where the champions are wolves and gods…I guess I don’t fit the aesthetic do I?”
Viv gives a shy smile.
“So I’m not the type to identify myself with a deity. I do like to think I still stand up for the prospect of bringing a little spring into the winter of our dark times in this company. Spring always comes after winter. No matter how dark things seem right now, they will always get better. It might not happen magically but if you work for them, if you believe in people things can and should change for the better.”
Viv makes a heart with her hands.
“There’s strength in being kind. In not giving up. In facing your fears. Even if things look bleak there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Viv shrugs.
“I might not be as dark or edgy of some of the other champions I like to think I’ve done a lot to bring a little light into this division. I’ve defended The Shield Maiden Championship twice and this week will be my first time with the Open Weight Championship. I don’t know if the rules will continue to be the same as they used to be. I don’t know if I will be still carrying the hardest working belt in this company but I would like to think I can keep up the same work schedule.”
Viv leans forward.
“I know this is my third defense. Not many women who’ve held the history of this belt have made it past three. I hope to be among those who have. I’ve done a lot to make things better than a lot of people believed I would. I hope to define the Open Weight belt. I hope to give it the distinction it deserves. I want people to think of me when they think of this belt. I am taking this one day at a time. I haven’t forgotten I have to take the small steps first. But I want you all to know I’m taking this seriously. I want to be the Open Weight Champion for the record books. But first. This week.”
Vivienne is sitting on a bench wearing a vintage looking Cinderella t-shirt as she had held a few bags by her feet as she eats an ice cream. The sound of laughing prompts her to grab her bags and stand up, smiling.
“See? Told you she’d get a snack.” Cals grinned at Viv. “Wait long?”
“Nah. How was it? Everything it was promised to be?” Viv asked beaming.
“A lot of fun actually.” Dawn grinned.
“Did you get a picture?” Viv asked.
“With just the three of us? Why waste the money?” Ciara shrugged.
“You should come on a ride with us next.” Dawn hooked her arm around Viv’s as they started walking.
“I…No, No. I’m good. Roller coasters and I don’t mix.” Viv laughed nervously. “Besides, who would watch the merch bags? No, I’m fine.”
“She’s scared of heights,” Ciara replied checking her phone.
“What? Seriously?” Dawn asked.
“We were seven. A ride at Valley Fair got stuck right at the top of the hill. We were up there for two hours.” Cals took Viv’s other arm.
“Oh.” Dawn frowned.
“I just don’t like rides.” Viv flushed slightly. “Let’s do Pirates again. That was fun.”
“I tried to get her to do high flyer moves once. She almost had a panic attack.” Ciara smirked.
“I handle heights fine. Perfectly fine.”
“That’s not what you told Fiona McFail on twitter.” Dawn rolled her eyes.
“Ugh, don’t remind me.” Ciara groaned.
“Come on, it’s not so hard to be nice to someone. I know you two had a big feud going but would it kill you to just be nice?”
“She’s not worth being nice to.” Dawn stuck out her tongue.
“See? Dawn and I agree on this.” Ciara nodded.
“Foul. Work talk during Disneyland vacation.” Cals glared.
“Whoops.” Dawn pretended to be offended.
“Means I get to choose what we do next.” Cals grinned.
“What an unfortunate event,” Ciara replied with a sarcastic undertone.
“….you tricked me.” Viv frowned.
“Time to pay for an overpriced locker, Viv.” Cals dragged her along.
“What are we going to do?” Viv asked following along.
“It’s a bucket list option. Come on, it’ll be fun.” Dawn took the bags and Viv’s ice cream before walking off.
“You’ll be fine, yeah?” Ciara smiled reassuringly.
“Come on. It’ll be fine.” Cals hugged her shoulders.
“Okay.” Viv nodded as Dawn rejoined the group.
“Come on, Rodgers. Live a little.” Dawn took her other arm again and they start guiding her.
“Remember your breathing.”
They walked a few feet before Viv saw the attraction right in front of them and dug her tennis shoes into the pavement. “Whoa. No, no. No, no, no, no. No way. Please?”
“You agreed to the rules.” Dawn reminded her.
“It’s one of the most maintained rides at the park.” Ciara pushed her shoulders moving her forward.
“You can’t be serious? Please? Pretty please?”
“You’ve ridden Space Mountain before.” Dawn teased.
“Really, really haven’t.” Viv whimpered.
“That’s what Cross calls his junk isn’t it?” Dawn frowned.
“I think that’s Steve Awesome,” Cals replied dryly.
“You sure?” Dawn asked.
“One of the over-sexed straight guys likely does.” Ciara sounded bored continuing to march Viv forward to her doom. “Point being conquering your fears.”
Viv felt her heart pounding as they got closer. “I don’t want to conquer my fears. I’m perfectly adjusted to my fears. Happy. Lived a long and happy life with them.”
“It’ll be a ride with us. It’ll be fun.” Ciara sounded angry but Viv felt her breathing getting heavier as they got closer to the line.
“You’re going to be a stepmom to Cross’ kids, aren’t you? Rides are a thing you’ll be expected to do.”
“Oi!” Ciara said angrily.
“What? They’re adorable together. Like cavities inducing sweet. Don’t you think?” Dawn asked.
“Can we not start planning their wedding this instant?” Ciara pushed Viv forward into the queue for fast pass.
“Don’t put that in her head right now. Jesus.” Cals sighed. “Besides, as her best friend I’d be the first to know if that was already planned.”
“Who says you’re her best friend?” Ciara asked.
“Oh, are we gonna fight about that? I want in on that action.”
“Would picking a best friend get me out of this?” Viv gulped.
“No.” All three responded as the line moved forward.
Viv felt light headed. “I-I can’t. No, I can’t do this.”
“Come on. I’ll be right there with you. Trust me, okay?” Cals smiled at her. “Please? You know this has been on my bucket list since I was a kid. I’ll sit right next to you, okay? After this, we can go on Pirates of the Caribbean like twelve times, okay?”
Viv took a deep breath. “No.”
“Selfies with Disney Princesses?” Dawn offered.
Viv blinked. “Really? You wouldn’t think that’s lame?”
“If you don’t bail from the line we’ll all do it with you.” Ciara hugged her from behind. “Besides, what’s the fun of coming here if you don’t ride all the rides?”
“Besides, imagine the Instagram reaction to seeing all four of us in a picture on a ride together?” Dawn bumped her shoulder.
“I did not agree to that.” Cals glared.
“We’ll put a mickey mouse face over yours.” Dawn waved it off.
As the line moved forward Viv felt her hands start to shake. “Promise? Promise this will be safe?”
“Safer than what we do for a living.” Dawn grinned.
“It’ll be worth it. Trust me.”
“You might even like it.”
“Next!”
“You want to inspire little girls, right? You want to be the good you see in the world?” Cals held her face in her hands. “That means sometimes you’ve got to do scary shit you don’t want because backing down from that means you are telling a little girl somewhere to give in to her fears instead of pushing herself forward, right?”
“Okay…” Viv took a deep breath. “Let’s do this.”
“That’s my girl.” Ciara and Dawn hugged her again.
“This week Mr. Fowler gave a stipulation for this match I wasn’t expecting. He said that if I pin either of the two women I’m facing they will not be eligible for a title shot for three months. If I can be honest? I wouldn’t have picked the stipulation if someone had asked me but we deal with what we handed. I want to define this belt. I’m not going to go easy on either of you. I hope you understand that.”
Viv smooths down her dress.
“Fiona.”
Viv smiles.
“How are you doing? I hope you’ve been taking care of yourself. I know you’ve been going through a lot recently. Losing Jack. Trying to rehab Gilmore. Dealing with the hate from everyone. I know you’ve been trying to find yourself lately. You have been trying to give yourself some self-care.”
Viv puts a hand to her chest.
“I hope you are finding your happiness. I deeply, truly hope things are getting better for you. I hope you are seeing someone to deal with your grief. I appreciate how you have always been open to inviting me into your life. Whether it was dinner, seeing you at the hospital or the holiday party you had in December. I consider you a friend. I really do wish you nothing but the best.”
Viv gives a small smile.
“The last few months have been hard. I’m sorry about that. I truly am. I hope you don’t think I’m going to take things easy on you. Even if we are friends this is for the Open Weight Championship. I know you’ve had your brushes with the title before. I’m sorry Fiona, but this is not going to be your time to get it.”
Viv pauses a moment.
“I don’t mean this with any ego, Fiona. I don’t say this because I am underselling your value. I know you can put on a good match. You’ve stood in the ring with legends in this industry. You’ve faced Rowan in her prime. You have me on experience. But I’m quicker. I’m stronger. I want this more than you do.”
Viv moves her hand away from her chest.
“There is good in this world. I believe in that fully. I know you believe in that just as much. The trouble is you spend so much of your time doing things outside of the ring. Your side careers. Your time trying to rehab Gilmore. And I don’t want to be negative but…”
Viv closes her eyes.
“Fiona, you deserve to take care of yourself. I know I surround myself with some people who might be a little rough around the edges but they all have at least shown that they can be good people. I try to see the best in people and I honestly don’t see anything worthwhile in what you seem to be spending all your energy defending.”
Viv presses her lips together.
“I know you’ve been neglecting your own mental health to take care of others. You should be focused on taking care of yourself. Of rebuilding yourself. You should be at home trying to get better. In the ring? Nothing good is going to come from going back into that ring when you are not ready.”
Viv stares into the camera.
“I’m sorry. I can’t let you win this match. Being a champion means being an example to people, to kids, to the rest of the locker room, to every woman who thinks about taking up this job. That’s a lot of time and energy. I care about you but you are not in the place to be that person. You need to heal first.”
Viv relaxes her shoulders.
“Crystal. Hi.”
Viv gives a short wave to the camera.
“So this is a big shot for you. This is everything you’ve been wanting for months. You have been trying to make sure no one forgets you. You have abandoned your work for redemption. You have said a lot frequently how you want to make yourself over. That you want to remind everyone what and who you are.”
Viv looks away from the camera a moment before looking back at it.
“So is this who you want to be known as?”
Viv gestures.
“Being the Gretchen Wieners to Charity Crowe’s Regina George? Really? That’s your big new project to get the recognition you feel you deserve? Really?”
Viv crosses her arms.
“Charity Crowne? That’s who you pick? Out of all the narcissistic people you could hook your career to, that’s who you pick? At least other people are signing up for something great with the switches they’ve made! I might not approve of The Age of Gods or The Pack but at least there seems to be some kind of incentive that makes them improve with joining. What does joining charity Crowne get you beyond a cool t-shirt? A friend?”
Viv sighs.
“Crystal you’re smarter than that, aren’t you? She uses people. She hurts people. She doesn’t care about anyone but herself. Crystal, you can be great. I’ve seen you in the ring. You’ve beaten me before. You can do amazing things on your own. I know you are better than this. Better than her.”
Viv takes a breath.
“But I don’t live your life. I shouldn’t judge who you decide to be friends with. I worry this won’t go the way you want it to. I worry she’ll use you up and spit you out. Do you honestly think she won’t turn on you the first time she got the chance if you got the belt? You’ve been living your life with nothing but shortcuts and focusing too much on showing off then putting in the actual work that is needed to be good in the ring.”
Viv uncrosses her arms.
“You need to buckle down and focus, girl. You can do great things. You should be focusing more on your performance and less on trying to seem cool. You sort of disappointment. I know you are better than how you’ve been lately. I know you are because you’ve shown me. With each match you have where you seem to put in the minimal effort it feels like a slap in the face to everyone who comes out and pours their heart into this. You are one of the most booked female members of this company. You get opportunities no one else could even dream of. You have a fast pass to title shots and matches others can only dream of. And what do you do with your time? Do you focus on your training? Do you go in for extra gym days? No.”
Viv closes her eyes, trying to calm her breathing.
“I try to see the good in people. I do. But I sacrificed most of my life to get here. I work every day. I am constantly sacrificing other activities I could be doing. Time with my family. Time with my friends. All of that to ensure I can be the best wrestler I can. Your half-assed efforts are insulting.”
Viv glares at the camera.
“You waste time with movies. You waste time with hanging with Charity Crowne. You could be one of the greats in this company and you throw it all away. I’m sorry Crystal, but until you actually show you actually care about this career, this job, this company you don’t deserve this belt. I am going to do everything possible to ensure you don’t pin anyone.”
Viv takes a deep breath.
“The women I will be facing are Fiona Mcfly and Crystal Miller. You’ve both been underrated, discounted, left behind by lots of this division. I’ve faced both of you before. I hope you both come to this match pumped and ready to go. I am not going down without a fight. I am not going to make this easy for either of you. If I beat either of you in this match I want you both to hold your heads high because you tried your hardest. Good luck out there.”
“Hi IWF. How has your spring been going? I know for a lot of the Mid-West it hasn’t felt very spring lately. Terrible snow storms. Absolute worst, huh?”
Viv smiles.
“I know there have been a lot of jokes going around right now about spring never coming. I guess I get the high light of being on the road in California. I get the very real reminder of spring existing. It certainly helps in ways that I can’t really put into words. Spring is a reminder of all the good things in the world.”
Viv tucks a bit of her hair behind her ear.
“Spring is often the light after the darkness for a lot of people. It’s the point in time where a lot of people’s seasonal depression takes a back seat while the weather blossoms in all the positive. Lately, I’ve been thinking about that kind of thing a lot.”
Viv leans back on her arms slightly.
“I mean, there is someone making their debut match on this pay per view. There is Xavier Cross making his return in his first real match…”
Viv grins brightly.
“I’m wishing them both a ton of luck on coming out of this on top.”
Viv nods.
“The fan-voted pay per view is called Dark Reign.”
Viv takes a deep breath.
“I know lately that things have seemed dark and like the good guys can’t win. I mean, let’s look at the champions we have that are defending this week Angel Blake as the Men’s World title champion, Brooklyn as the Women’s World title champion, and Caleb as the Extreme champion…. You notice the pattern there? We have two members of The Pack and a guy who calls himself a higher power. They are all defending their titles. There’s barely a match beyond the debuts that doesn’t have one of the darker factions in them.”
Viv takes a beat.
“Then there’s my match.”
Viv laughs a little nervously.
“I know Bob Pooler still holds the Strong Style belt. I haven’t forgotten so don’t worry. He’s not defending this week though. So In the age where the champions are wolves and gods…I guess I don’t fit the aesthetic do I?”
Viv gives a shy smile.
“So I’m not the type to identify myself with a deity. I do like to think I still stand up for the prospect of bringing a little spring into the winter of our dark times in this company. Spring always comes after winter. No matter how dark things seem right now, they will always get better. It might not happen magically but if you work for them, if you believe in people things can and should change for the better.”
Viv makes a heart with her hands.
“There’s strength in being kind. In not giving up. In facing your fears. Even if things look bleak there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Viv shrugs.
“I might not be as dark or edgy of some of the other champions I like to think I’ve done a lot to bring a little light into this division. I’ve defended The Shield Maiden Championship twice and this week will be my first time with the Open Weight Championship. I don’t know if the rules will continue to be the same as they used to be. I don’t know if I will be still carrying the hardest working belt in this company but I would like to think I can keep up the same work schedule.”
Viv leans forward.
“I know this is my third defense. Not many women who’ve held the history of this belt have made it past three. I hope to be among those who have. I’ve done a lot to make things better than a lot of people believed I would. I hope to define the Open Weight belt. I hope to give it the distinction it deserves. I want people to think of me when they think of this belt. I am taking this one day at a time. I haven’t forgotten I have to take the small steps first. But I want you all to know I’m taking this seriously. I want to be the Open Weight Champion for the record books. But first. This week.”
Vivienne is sitting on a bench wearing a vintage looking Cinderella t-shirt as she had held a few bags by her feet as she eats an ice cream. The sound of laughing prompts her to grab her bags and stand up, smiling.
“See? Told you she’d get a snack.” Cals grinned at Viv. “Wait long?”
“Nah. How was it? Everything it was promised to be?” Viv asked beaming.
“A lot of fun actually.” Dawn grinned.
“Did you get a picture?” Viv asked.
“With just the three of us? Why waste the money?” Ciara shrugged.
“You should come on a ride with us next.” Dawn hooked her arm around Viv’s as they started walking.
“I…No, No. I’m good. Roller coasters and I don’t mix.” Viv laughed nervously. “Besides, who would watch the merch bags? No, I’m fine.”
“She’s scared of heights,” Ciara replied checking her phone.
“What? Seriously?” Dawn asked.
“We were seven. A ride at Valley Fair got stuck right at the top of the hill. We were up there for two hours.” Cals took Viv’s other arm.
“Oh.” Dawn frowned.
“I just don’t like rides.” Viv flushed slightly. “Let’s do Pirates again. That was fun.”
“I tried to get her to do high flyer moves once. She almost had a panic attack.” Ciara smirked.
“I handle heights fine. Perfectly fine.”
“That’s not what you told Fiona McFail on twitter.” Dawn rolled her eyes.
“Ugh, don’t remind me.” Ciara groaned.
“Come on, it’s not so hard to be nice to someone. I know you two had a big feud going but would it kill you to just be nice?”
“She’s not worth being nice to.” Dawn stuck out her tongue.
“See? Dawn and I agree on this.” Ciara nodded.
“Foul. Work talk during Disneyland vacation.” Cals glared.
“Whoops.” Dawn pretended to be offended.
“Means I get to choose what we do next.” Cals grinned.
“What an unfortunate event,” Ciara replied with a sarcastic undertone.
“….you tricked me.” Viv frowned.
“Time to pay for an overpriced locker, Viv.” Cals dragged her along.
“What are we going to do?” Viv asked following along.
“It’s a bucket list option. Come on, it’ll be fun.” Dawn took the bags and Viv’s ice cream before walking off.
“You’ll be fine, yeah?” Ciara smiled reassuringly.
“Come on. It’ll be fine.” Cals hugged her shoulders.
“Okay.” Viv nodded as Dawn rejoined the group.
“Come on, Rodgers. Live a little.” Dawn took her other arm again and they start guiding her.
“Remember your breathing.”
They walked a few feet before Viv saw the attraction right in front of them and dug her tennis shoes into the pavement. “Whoa. No, no. No, no, no, no. No way. Please?”
“You agreed to the rules.” Dawn reminded her.
“It’s one of the most maintained rides at the park.” Ciara pushed her shoulders moving her forward.
“You can’t be serious? Please? Pretty please?”
“You’ve ridden Space Mountain before.” Dawn teased.
“Really, really haven’t.” Viv whimpered.
“That’s what Cross calls his junk isn’t it?” Dawn frowned.
“I think that’s Steve Awesome,” Cals replied dryly.
“You sure?” Dawn asked.
“One of the over-sexed straight guys likely does.” Ciara sounded bored continuing to march Viv forward to her doom. “Point being conquering your fears.”
Viv felt her heart pounding as they got closer. “I don’t want to conquer my fears. I’m perfectly adjusted to my fears. Happy. Lived a long and happy life with them.”
“It’ll be a ride with us. It’ll be fun.” Ciara sounded angry but Viv felt her breathing getting heavier as they got closer to the line.
“You’re going to be a stepmom to Cross’ kids, aren’t you? Rides are a thing you’ll be expected to do.”
“Oi!” Ciara said angrily.
“What? They’re adorable together. Like cavities inducing sweet. Don’t you think?” Dawn asked.
“Can we not start planning their wedding this instant?” Ciara pushed Viv forward into the queue for fast pass.
“Don’t put that in her head right now. Jesus.” Cals sighed. “Besides, as her best friend I’d be the first to know if that was already planned.”
“Who says you’re her best friend?” Ciara asked.
“Oh, are we gonna fight about that? I want in on that action.”
“Would picking a best friend get me out of this?” Viv gulped.
“No.” All three responded as the line moved forward.
Viv felt light headed. “I-I can’t. No, I can’t do this.”
“Come on. I’ll be right there with you. Trust me, okay?” Cals smiled at her. “Please? You know this has been on my bucket list since I was a kid. I’ll sit right next to you, okay? After this, we can go on Pirates of the Caribbean like twelve times, okay?”
Viv took a deep breath. “No.”
“Selfies with Disney Princesses?” Dawn offered.
Viv blinked. “Really? You wouldn’t think that’s lame?”
“If you don’t bail from the line we’ll all do it with you.” Ciara hugged her from behind. “Besides, what’s the fun of coming here if you don’t ride all the rides?”
“Besides, imagine the Instagram reaction to seeing all four of us in a picture on a ride together?” Dawn bumped her shoulder.
“I did not agree to that.” Cals glared.
“We’ll put a mickey mouse face over yours.” Dawn waved it off.
As the line moved forward Viv felt her hands start to shake. “Promise? Promise this will be safe?”
“Safer than what we do for a living.” Dawn grinned.
“It’ll be worth it. Trust me.”
“You might even like it.”
“Next!”
“You want to inspire little girls, right? You want to be the good you see in the world?” Cals held her face in her hands. “That means sometimes you’ve got to do scary shit you don’t want because backing down from that means you are telling a little girl somewhere to give in to her fears instead of pushing herself forward, right?”
“Okay…” Viv took a deep breath. “Let’s do this.”
“That’s my girl.” Ciara and Dawn hugged her again.
“This week Mr. Fowler gave a stipulation for this match I wasn’t expecting. He said that if I pin either of the two women I’m facing they will not be eligible for a title shot for three months. If I can be honest? I wouldn’t have picked the stipulation if someone had asked me but we deal with what we handed. I want to define this belt. I’m not going to go easy on either of you. I hope you understand that.”
Viv smooths down her dress.
“Fiona.”
Viv smiles.
“How are you doing? I hope you’ve been taking care of yourself. I know you’ve been going through a lot recently. Losing Jack. Trying to rehab Gilmore. Dealing with the hate from everyone. I know you’ve been trying to find yourself lately. You have been trying to give yourself some self-care.”
Viv puts a hand to her chest.
“I hope you are finding your happiness. I deeply, truly hope things are getting better for you. I hope you are seeing someone to deal with your grief. I appreciate how you have always been open to inviting me into your life. Whether it was dinner, seeing you at the hospital or the holiday party you had in December. I consider you a friend. I really do wish you nothing but the best.”
Viv gives a small smile.
“The last few months have been hard. I’m sorry about that. I truly am. I hope you don’t think I’m going to take things easy on you. Even if we are friends this is for the Open Weight Championship. I know you’ve had your brushes with the title before. I’m sorry Fiona, but this is not going to be your time to get it.”
Viv pauses a moment.
“I don’t mean this with any ego, Fiona. I don’t say this because I am underselling your value. I know you can put on a good match. You’ve stood in the ring with legends in this industry. You’ve faced Rowan in her prime. You have me on experience. But I’m quicker. I’m stronger. I want this more than you do.”
Viv moves her hand away from her chest.
“There is good in this world. I believe in that fully. I know you believe in that just as much. The trouble is you spend so much of your time doing things outside of the ring. Your side careers. Your time trying to rehab Gilmore. And I don’t want to be negative but…”
Viv closes her eyes.
“Fiona, you deserve to take care of yourself. I know I surround myself with some people who might be a little rough around the edges but they all have at least shown that they can be good people. I try to see the best in people and I honestly don’t see anything worthwhile in what you seem to be spending all your energy defending.”
Viv presses her lips together.
“I know you’ve been neglecting your own mental health to take care of others. You should be focused on taking care of yourself. Of rebuilding yourself. You should be at home trying to get better. In the ring? Nothing good is going to come from going back into that ring when you are not ready.”
Viv stares into the camera.
“I’m sorry. I can’t let you win this match. Being a champion means being an example to people, to kids, to the rest of the locker room, to every woman who thinks about taking up this job. That’s a lot of time and energy. I care about you but you are not in the place to be that person. You need to heal first.”
Viv relaxes her shoulders.
“Crystal. Hi.”
Viv gives a short wave to the camera.
“So this is a big shot for you. This is everything you’ve been wanting for months. You have been trying to make sure no one forgets you. You have abandoned your work for redemption. You have said a lot frequently how you want to make yourself over. That you want to remind everyone what and who you are.”
Viv looks away from the camera a moment before looking back at it.
“So is this who you want to be known as?”
Viv gestures.
“Being the Gretchen Wieners to Charity Crowe’s Regina George? Really? That’s your big new project to get the recognition you feel you deserve? Really?”
Viv crosses her arms.
“Charity Crowne? That’s who you pick? Out of all the narcissistic people you could hook your career to, that’s who you pick? At least other people are signing up for something great with the switches they’ve made! I might not approve of The Age of Gods or The Pack but at least there seems to be some kind of incentive that makes them improve with joining. What does joining charity Crowne get you beyond a cool t-shirt? A friend?”
Viv sighs.
“Crystal you’re smarter than that, aren’t you? She uses people. She hurts people. She doesn’t care about anyone but herself. Crystal, you can be great. I’ve seen you in the ring. You’ve beaten me before. You can do amazing things on your own. I know you are better than this. Better than her.”
Viv takes a breath.
“But I don’t live your life. I shouldn’t judge who you decide to be friends with. I worry this won’t go the way you want it to. I worry she’ll use you up and spit you out. Do you honestly think she won’t turn on you the first time she got the chance if you got the belt? You’ve been living your life with nothing but shortcuts and focusing too much on showing off then putting in the actual work that is needed to be good in the ring.”
Viv uncrosses her arms.
“You need to buckle down and focus, girl. You can do great things. You should be focusing more on your performance and less on trying to seem cool. You sort of disappointment. I know you are better than how you’ve been lately. I know you are because you’ve shown me. With each match you have where you seem to put in the minimal effort it feels like a slap in the face to everyone who comes out and pours their heart into this. You are one of the most booked female members of this company. You get opportunities no one else could even dream of. You have a fast pass to title shots and matches others can only dream of. And what do you do with your time? Do you focus on your training? Do you go in for extra gym days? No.”
Viv closes her eyes, trying to calm her breathing.
“I try to see the good in people. I do. But I sacrificed most of my life to get here. I work every day. I am constantly sacrificing other activities I could be doing. Time with my family. Time with my friends. All of that to ensure I can be the best wrestler I can. Your half-assed efforts are insulting.”
Viv glares at the camera.
“You waste time with movies. You waste time with hanging with Charity Crowne. You could be one of the greats in this company and you throw it all away. I’m sorry Crystal, but until you actually show you actually care about this career, this job, this company you don’t deserve this belt. I am going to do everything possible to ensure you don’t pin anyone.”
Viv takes a deep breath.
“The women I will be facing are Fiona Mcfly and Crystal Miller. You’ve both been underrated, discounted, left behind by lots of this division. I’ve faced both of you before. I hope you both come to this match pumped and ready to go. I am not going down without a fight. I am not going to make this easy for either of you. If I beat either of you in this match I want you both to hold your heads high because you tried your hardest. Good luck out there.”
Well howdy there pardner.