Colesseum: "The Invitation, Part II"

[Caroline Machado]

Dear Caroline:

You have been cordially invited to particpate in The Colesseum, the newest in a long line of reality television game shows that will air this summer on the CBS Television Network and its subscription streaming service, Paramount+. The game will feature competitors from various martial arts backgrounds as they will compete for a top prize of $1,000,000. The competition will consist of various events that will test not only your strength, but also your luck as well as mental cuity.

Filming for the program will commence in Las Vegas, Nevada in April 2024. You may bring with you one person from either your family or your closest inner circle to serve as your coach for the vents -- but no one else!

A brand-new journey awaits you, filled with wonder and excitement. May the best competitor earn the spoils and thrills of victory!

Warmest regards,

MARK L. BURNETT
Executive Producer/Creator, The Colesseum

Rio de Janeiro, one month ago.

Caroline Machado didn't fully expect to be back at her old stomping grounds after all these years. She had always striven to life her life as normally as she possibly could, often finding work to help pay her way through college before she became a professional wrestler. Yet as she sat inside her parents' palatial estate near the famous Copacabana Beach, watching home movies taken during her early childhood, a sense of sadness befel upon her.

Mr. da Silva, a wise and gentle man in his early 70s who had stepped in to be Caroline's caretaker after the World Trade Center attack on 9/11, helped her get up to speed on the situation. A rogue accountant in the fledgling earospace engineering firm had been involved in flipping prime real estate and stole company money in the process, leaving it in millions of dollars in debt.

"How long before...you know...?"

Caroline's voice drifted away as she hit the pause button. Mr. da Silva sat down on the couch next to her. While his English wasn't perfect, it was a good opportunity for him to practice it with her.

"Until August. Unless the debt is paid off in full, with interest, the government will start seizing assets -- including this mansion."

Caroline bowed her head solemnly.

"I...I don't think I am ready for this..."

The caretaker patted Caroline on the left shoulder.

"I...I understand your trepidation. You were not prepared for the fact that you were due to inherit your parents' fortune and legacy, but even still? You chose a different path from what everyone here expected you would do, but no matter what...your parents would be proud of you. And so am I."

He nodded warmly while reading through Caroline's letter from CBS.

"You were taught very well in the ways of the mixed martial arts by your friends, JJ and Fiona -- strength, compassion, and honor -- but look inside yourself, my dear. There is still so much more that needs to be unlocked..."

Mr. da Silva stood up and headed towards the front door. Caroline stopped him in his tracks.

"Wait!"

The caretaker turned back around.

"How did you know about JJ and Fiona...?!"

"Oh, we Brazilians have our sources Caroline..."

He chuckled, then cleared his throat.

"For 40 years, I have trained some of the brightest minds in the ways of jiu-jitsu -- including your father, one of my favorite students. Even from beyond the grave, his spirit lives within you..."

He paused.

"...and I wish to be your guide, your coach for this Colesseum and show you the ways of the warrior..."

Caroline took a moment to close her eyes and ponder. To her, this was more than just a game show -- it was a way to save the legacy that her parents built.

She accepted her caretaker's idea with open arms.

To be continued...

---

"Hi!!!

It has been quite a long time since my last match in Imperial, a few months to be a little more precise. Yet while I was away, I am...very happy to see that the women's division is thriving, with spirit and competition from all around! It feels great to be back inside a ring again, with the hope to make 2024 just as exciting as the previous years!!

Yet...on a very personal and serious note...

I am very sorry to have left in the lurch that I did. I checked myself into a mental health counseling office, but I do not wish for anyone to worry about me. For the past few months, I've had nothing else to do except watch a little TV, do some light training, and think. Think about my parents, my friends, about where I have been, and most importantly?

Where I am going.

Throughout my life, I have always looked for signs to show me the right way -- but every time, I felt lost. That was, until I met the great people from the state of Texas. Their strong heart, undying commitment, and loyal mindset have been guiding lights to help me on this journey. I am VERY proud to see the joys and smiles on people's faces when they wear the hats and T-shirts celebrating their favorite team winning a championship for the very first time!

Even if someone like Abigail has a hard head!!!

Abigail, you and I have much more in common than you realize. We were both Women's World Champions at some point in time -- in fact, you won your title at what used to be the Ballpark in Arlington! Just like those 2023 Texas Rangers that won the World Series for the very first time, I often imagine the thrill and pride you took when you lifted that belt up high in front of 50,000 people. It is something that, no matter what ANYONE might say, will never, ever be taken away.

Yet...it is also a friendly reminder.

Holding the championship is not as important as what it represents, what it means in your own heart! Compassion, honor, and determination against all odds...THOSE are the hallmarks that turn help make us want to come back and become Champion again! Yet while I do not harbor any ill will towards you nor do I wish to do so, please note these words.

This will not be an easy match for you.

I will throw everything I can at you and give you the best match you've ever had.

The same thing goes for you, April and Serenity.

April, many others have said that you stand in Brooklyn's shadow, that the name Madrox carries with it a big responsibility. And those people would be right!! Twenty years from now, many will ponder whether or not you will have a much better career than Brooklyn, and I cannot fault you for going into this Iron Maiden season why that squarely on your shoulders. But make no mistake about it...you are your own woman.

You choose your own path to follow, your own niche to carve as Fiona would say.

If you choose to follow that ways of the Murder, then so be it, but listen VERY carefully! For every moment you decide to kick one of us while we are down, we will always keep on fighting and standing strong.Do not make the mistake of underesimating the power that is the warrior spirit, or you will live a punishment that will be far worse than anything you can ever imagine.

And that brings me to you, Serenity.

Serenity...a name that connotates a state of mental peace...you come in with a fiery passion that reminds a lot of people of past Women's World Champions like Fiona or even Brooklyn. To be in your teenage years and competing for a title like the Iron Maiden has got to be a incredible moment for you and your life. Your father would be very proud to see the woman that you are becoming!

Never, ever forget that.

As Mr. Spock eloquently said...for everything in this life, there is a first time. This will be our first match in this competition, one of many, many more to come. Yet for every first time, there will always be the chance to build upon that and pass on what you've learned to the next generation!!

I hope you really enjoy the months that lie ahead of all of you.

I hope I can walk out there and continue to help the women's division thrive.

I hope...that the stars shine big and bright in Texas as I walk along the path.

I hope..."