Griffin Hawkins and Blyss Lockhart [vs.] Ethan Cage and Tiffani Michaels

Mixed tag team action in our Main Event when Ethan Cage and Griffin Hawkins look to further their feud! New Rising Phoenix Champion Blyss Lockhart tries to prove that she's the NEW Queen of IWF.

Tiffani Michaels - Have I told you how much I love you for coming here to spend time with me even if it's only to watch some movies?

Ben Hanson - A few times, but I never get tired of hearing it, so if you want to say it again I won't be the one to tell you to stop.

I couldn't help but giggle before reaching inside of the large bucket filled with popcorn and throwing a few pieces in the direction of where Ben was sitting on the couch. He pretended to duck like he was trying to avoid being hit by the popcorn, but somehow he managed to catch all of the pieces, and quickly popped them inside of his mouth before he started chewing. Ben was a close friend of mine that I had made years ago and we'd shared some interesting moments together even one which included a date night where he'd extended me an invitation to join him in his hotel room for the night. My memories of that night were a little fuzzy with all the wine I had been drinking, but thankfully it had done nothing to make things awkward between us, and we continued to remained so close that it didn't matter what we had going on in our personal lives. Somehow we always managed to be able to find our way back to each other to spend some quality time doing almost anything. Tonight for example it was some movies and for me a perfect excuse to stop tormenting myself with all kinds of negative thoughts. The kind that involved Alex, the loss of my unborn child, and the simple fact practically everybody seemed to hate me for the things I had done. Here with Ben none of that mattered. Instead I could simply smile sitting there watching him cuddle with Dean on the couch.

Ben noticed that I was just sitting there on the other end of the couch and watching him, but the expression on my face must have been what tipped him off to the kinds of thoughts running around in my head. His brow immediately furrowed with concerned and he gently put Dean down onto the floor where he began to sniff around in search of pieces of popcorn that could have easily fallen out of the bowl without us noticing. Ben pulls himself back up into a more comfortable sitting position and he gestures for me to come closer towards where he was sitting. I smiled slightly before my attention drifted over towards the open window where I had myself a perfect view of the full moon which was bringing to us as much light as the lamps here inside of the room were providing. I couldn't help but pull myself up from the couch and make my way over towards the window in order to get a better look at the moon completely in awe of how big it was sitting up there in the sky watching all of us down below like we were nothing more than small children. How nice would it be to be up there and not have to worry about anything else, the only thing I'd have to concern myself with was to watch down upon the world, twinkling down belong like little stars. Ben clears his throat to catch my attention and I turn myself back around to look at him noticing that he was still showing an expression filled with concern.

Ben Hanson - Do you maybe want to talk about it?

Tiffani Michaels - Talk about what?

Ben Hanson - Everything Tiffy. What happened with Alex, that whole issue you two had on Twitter, how you've been acting differently here lately. Something is obviously bothering you.

Tiffani Michaels - I'd really rather just watch some movies and forget about everything. Even if it's just for a little while.

Ben Hanson - That's only a temporary solution, you know.

Tiffani Michaels - A temporary solution is better than nothing.

Ben Hanson - Will you at least come here with me?

I turned my attention back over towards the full moon one more time and breathed out a small sigh to myself letting go of all those foolish little thoughts I was holding on to about disappearing onto the surface of the moon. They were nothing more than fantasies dreamed about by a girl who was feeling too lost in her own life and I should be grateful that at least I had myself one friend who was willing to be there for me and listen despite the fact I didn't want to open myself enough to let anyone know the absolute truth about everything. I glanced down near my feet where Dean was puttering around and softly grunting underneath his breath like he was frustrated about the fact there had been no pieces of popcorn for him to chew down upon for a small snack. I laughed softly and reached down in order to pat him upon the top of his head and I couldn't stop myself from giving him a few affectionate kisses so he could know just how much I loved him and was grateful that no matter what he was never going to judge the decisions I made. Dean responds with a well timed doggie sneeze before he waddles away in search of something else to capture his interest. I pulled myself back up into a standing position and turn up the corners of my mouth into a small smile as I looked over to where Ben was sitting.

I walk over towards the couch glancing down at the piles of movies noticing that we hadn't even bothered to pick out which one we would be watching first. Ben holds out his arms and I gratefully lower myself down onto the couch cushions letting him wrap me up in a comforting embrace. I rest my head on his chest and close my eyes slightly allowing myself to fall into the warmth of being in someone's arms who cared about me and was offering me some comfort. He didn't even know the entire story and still he was there for me to take comfort and to let me know that it wasn't all bad in my life. There was certain things I could still be grateful for even if I wasn't the moon completely free of the responsibilities of having to deal with the fallout of having made some bad decisions that would no doubt stick with me for long as I remained surrounded by the people who knew exactly what I had done. Ben pressed his lips up against my forehead in a small kiss and I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips. He would never know how grateful I was to him and I could never fully express it into words. Instead I simply remained pressed up into his arms and let myself be comforted because it was exactly what I needed at this moment. It wasn't being the moon, but it was good enough for now, and I'd take it because I needed this more than anything else right now. Ben had no idea how much he was saving me from making further bad decisions.







I stood on the beach with my toes digging gingerly into the cool moist refreshing sand which was being lapped up by the water at the edge each time the waves rocked closer making that soothing noise. I closed my eyes allowing myself to be transported back to a time when I was nothing more than a child and a simple trip to the beach was the highlight of my day. The warmth of the sunshine continued to beat down upon the top of my head and my bare shoulders in the white sundress I was wearing. It was absolutely refreshing to be able to step away from all the craziness in my life in order to be able to just breathe while standing here on this beach with no other commitments. The only sound around for miles was the water and the seagulls swooping in and out from the sky above. Nothing else to bother me and if I concentrated hard enough it was almost like I was floating up above in the sky with those birds. Allowing for them to transport me up into another world completely and someplace where I could start fresh leaving behind all the sins of my past. I had no idea how long I would have stayed there with my eyes closed letting the waves carry me around inside of my mind, but the sound of someone calling my name in the distance caught my attention, and I couldn't help to turn around as I opened my eyes bringing a hand upwards to shield the harsh rays of the sun out of my sight.

I felt my heart practically leap up inside of my throat when I noticed who it was calling my name out from the distance. He was waving towards me like nothing was wrong and like seeing me made for the most exciting moment of his day. I wasn't exactly sure how I was supposed to react to this and so I simply remained rooted there in my spot watching Griffin come closer to where I was standing. The less he looked like a simple speck in the distance, the more I could see of him, and it became much easier to tell that there was a big smile on his face. With nobody else here on this beach, there was no doubting that this smile was meant for me and me alone, it was a smile I had seen so many times before in the past. Something about it was so familiar that it filled me up with this hope I thought I had buried underneath the surface for good. I lowered my hand from my eyes and without even thinking about it I found myself starting to run in order to meet up with Griffin somewhere in the middle. Everything that had happened between us before in the past now felt like it had never happened and all we had was this moment here on the beach where we could share in a friendship which had taken years for us to build. I couldn't contain the smile that was starting to spread on my own face and I felt even more excited as I quickened the pace in which I was running. Griffin's smile like was some sort of a magnet and it would only be mere seconds before we would be running directly into each other's arms. How long had it been since we'd shared an actual hug together like we used to do all of the time?

I would never take another hug from him for granted and I brought out both of my arms holding them out to show him how excited I was for him to hug me in a sign that showed everything was good. Everything was now forgiven and we could move on with our lives. We'd only been caught up in each other's embrace for a brief second before a strangled cry of pain slipped out from between Griffin's lips and he started to stagger on his own two feet. I felt a panic swelling up inside of my chest not quite understand exactly what was happening until I started feeling a warm sticky substance up against my fingers which had been pressed up against Griffin's back. Griffin reached out with both of his hands trying to grab a hold of my dress while he sank down to his knees directly in front of where I was standing. I was panicking as I tried to step back still trying to figure out exactly how to put the pieces of what had happened together so it would make some kind of sense. In my panic I couldn't help feeling like there was something inside of my left hand. Something which my fingers were wrapped tightly around like my life depended upon holding onto this object. My hands began to shake as I forced myself to look over towards my hand and that's when I practically fell onto my knees myself when I realized what I was holding onto was a knife in which the blade was completely covered in blood. Griffin's blood from where I had stabbed him directly in the back.

Now Griffin was lying there at my feet bleeding away onto the sand and losing his precious life with every single breath that he was taking. I dropped down to my knees feeling absolutely frantic as I released my hold onto the knife allowing for it fall into the soft sand which it would soon be buried. It was better that way as far as I was concerned. With both of my hands free I was able to touch onto Griffin's shoulders trying my best to soothe him so that he would stop his panicking and hopefully lessen the flow in which the blood was pooling out of his body. The sand around us was stained with red and the coppery smell was more than enough to make me start feeling sick to my stomach. Or perhaps that was simply my own personal guilt over having been the one to stab him in the back and if he was to die right here I would forever know that it had been all my fault. The tears started stinging at the back of my eyelids and I allowed for them to start running freely down both of my cheeks. There was far more important things at hand right now. I grabbed onto one of Griffin's hands with my own and squeezed it for all I was worth. I could see him looking at me with the fear evident in his brown eyes like he knew he was only seconds away from his life coming to an end. I didn't know what I could do to help, somehow I felt like I had done more than enough, and now I'd forever carry this guilt around with me for the rest of my life. I began to sob hating how ugly the sound was as I reached out to gently brush Griffin's hair out of his eyes trying to offer him some kind of comfort.

Tiffani Michaels - I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry.

I sat up in bed almost like I had been shot and the sweat of confusion and fear was running down along my forehead. I took the back of my hand and wiped away those beads of sweat before pressing the palm of my hand up against my chest taking in that brief moment to listen to how wildly my heart was pounding over such an intense dream which I wasn't even sure what exactly it all meant. Obviously one would be quick to state I was feeling some kind of guilt over what had happened between myself and Griffin; that along with the upcoming tag team match in which he would be one of my opponents inside of the ring. It was to be our first real interaction in months and so it was perfectly natural for me to be feeling slightly on edge when I had no idea exactly what was going to happen as a result. I hated when things were out of my control and there was nothing which was more out of my control than how Griffin was feeling about me after everything that had happened. I bit down upon my bottom lip trying to calm myself down because right now getting more sleep was practically impossible and I gazed longingly over to where Dean was sleeping soundly inside of his little doggie bed. How nice must it be to have a life in which you didn't have a single care in the world. I don't think he had any idea how good he had it in his little doggie life. I sighed and allowed myself to fall back against the mattress and for my head to sink up against the surface of the pillows.

I should have simply closed my eyes and tried to fall back to sleep, but without even truly realizing what I was doing, I found myself reaching towards the beside table and grabbing for my cell phone that I had placed there upon my arrival to my hotel suite. I began to dial a number which I had easily memorized almost years ago and one that I would likely never forget as long as my memory remained. The number felt so familiar and since it had been so easy for me to dial, it wasn't long before I had the phone pressed up against my ear listening to the sound of the other line ringing. I began to chew on my bottom lip wondering exactly what I should say when they would pick up or if they wouldn't even bother when they would see exactly who it was that was calling at such an hour. God this was a completely ridiculous and stupid idea. I should just hang up the phone right now and pretend like this had never happened. I pulled the phone away from my ear and was about to press down onto the button that was going to end the call when I heard the sound of someone picking up on the other end of the line. I couldn't help but bring the phone back up to my ear as my heart began to pound loudly once again to the point where it sounded like a stampede of horses was running around inside of my chest.

Griffin Hawkins - Hello?

Oh God. I can't do this, just hearing his voice was more than enough to make me feel like I was in over my head, and I closed my eyes shut firmly as I pressed down onto the button ending the call. I tossed the phone over towards the other side of the bed before burying my face up against the surface of the pillow. This was the perfect way for me to bury away those tears which were slowly running down both of my cheeks. Yet another mistake which I had made in my life. They were beginning to grow into quite the pile and I had nobody to blame but myself for making all of these stupid and ridiculous decisions. How long before I smartened up and stopped hurting everybody who came into contact with me in my life? That was a question to which I had no answer and that honestly frightened me more than anything else which was going on with me at any given moment. I made sure that my eyes were shut tightly hoping that would be enough to stop the tears from flowing and soon sleep would be coming forth to claim me into the restless night. There was never any rest for the wicked after all and even while I was deep in the land of slumber and dreams, my own guilt continue to gnaw away at me like a dog with a bone, it was never going to stop. Apparently it was something which I was going to have to spend the rest of my life living with and maybe this is exactly why Griffin was better off living his life without me being a part of it any longer. All I ever did was bring people more pain and suffering than it was needed. Nobody needed that. Not even me, but I couldn't even run away from myself, this was the pain in which I would need to live with forever no matter how much of a struggle.







Electricity was coursing throughout my veins making it feel almost like my skin was dancing right on the spot. I realized this was simply because of the nerves I was feeling at the moment and even though I kept doing my best to push them back down, they kept leaping right back up into the back of my throat. A constant reminder that I couldn't ignore and what would most likely keep pushing me forward as I made it through this promo. I was unsure as to exactly why my nerves were so on edge because recording a promo was something which I had done a million times before in the past. However as for right now I couldn't help feeling like I was stepping forth with something which I would be doing for the first time in my life. Those first time jitters when you're adventuring into a new world filled with all these new experiences, but this shouldn't be anything close to what I am feeling right now, because for me by now it was simply going through the motions.I could practically fly through a promo with my eyes closed if I really wanted to, but still, all of this was enough to make my skin start dancing with the excitement. I breathed out all of the air which I had been keeping locked away inside of my lungs and nervously began fiddling around with the sash that kept the robe wrapped tightly around my body. I took a few steps forward bringing myself somewhat closer towards the middle of the room in which I was standing.

Perhaps the real reason as to why I was feeling such nervousness had to do with the simple added factor of the camera man standing in the room as my current companion. Under normal circumstances each time I recorded a promo it was always within the safety of my hotel suite and with my own personal web camera doing the recording. However with what I had in mind for this specific promo I found myself thinking that perhaps it would be best if I ventured out of my usual comfort zone. After all, are we not adaptable to change where it is concerned? The last thing I wanted to do was put myself into a rut, especially so soon after my return, and there was certainly a lot which was weighing heavy upon my mind. I wanted to clear the air completely and make it perfectly understood exactly where it is that I was standing. The camera man's eyes remained upon me as he watched me waiting for the moment where I would offer him a gesture letting him know I was ready to begin with the recording. There was nothing holding me back from giving him this gesture now, but I was still taking in the feel of this room at the moment, and also waiting for when my skin would stop dancing like it was in the middle of a wild party. I reached up with both hands to make sure that my hair was still held back in place with the clip I had placed in there upon getting dressed for this promo earlier when I had first made my arrival to the building.

I took in another deep breath as I lowered my hands down towards the sash and with a simple nod in the direction of where the camera man was standing, I had given him the exact gesture which he had been waiting for filled with much patience. He fiddled around with his camera until he was aiming it in the direction of where I was standing and nodding himself that he was now in the process of recording. I untied the sash and allowed for the robe to fall completely off my shoulders until it fell to the floorboards near my feet. I kicked it back with one foot not wanting to step all over it while in the process of talking during my promo. Sometimes it was hard to keep track of what exactly my body was doing when I was focusing my attention on sharing all of my thoughts out loud. Now that the robe was removed I was standing there dressed in nothing more than a pair of simple grey cotton shorts and a black tube top. However what stood out more than the clothes I was wearing would have to be all the words which I had scrawled across every available surface of skin which was exposed for the public. Words such as "Whore", "Backstabber", "Liar", "Slut", and any other label which had been slapped in my direction by anyone and everyone who thought they could judge me for my actions of the past. I stood there allowing the camera's lens to examine over every single inch of me in order to take in the sight of the words I'd written for this occasion. The only movement I allowed myself to make was to turn up the corners of my mouth into a slight smirk.

Tiffani Michaels - I suppose I should be flattered that it hasn't even been a full month since I have made my return and already I've received so much backlash. The most amusing thing though is that most of the backlash is coming from people who I haven't even done anything personal against, so it's almost comical from where I'm standing. I guess I just have this natural talent for pissing people off and getting up underneath their skin without even really trying? Or perhaps they leads lives who are so empty that the only way they can make themselves feel better is by trying to kick someone down below their level. I do believe that makes more sense considering where most of this backlash is coming from, people such as Gordon Fury who hasn't truly really done anything which can be considered memorable, however there he is at every single turn kicking me down so he can continue to shove it down my throat how he feels about me in general. Why thank you for that useless opinion Gordon, but what exactly am I supposed to do with this list of reasons why you decide to hate me to the point you're making it sound like some kind of a sick new obsession? It certainly has no effect on myself and does nothing to trouble me from being able to sleep soundly at night. If you don't believe me, just look at it this way, after the way in which Alex thought it was appropriate to rip me apart on Twitter - I went and slept like a baby that very same night. Alex certainly meant much more to me than you ever will, so if I'm not troubled by his harsh opinion, well that pretty much means anything you say will simply roll off my back like it's nothing. You mean less than nothing to me and this is exactly why I can stand here with pride allowing for the entire world to see all those cruel things you call me, because it doesn't bother me, I know the truth about myself and nothing in this world is going to make that change. I know how all this works, people trying to get up into your head, wanting you to start doubting yourself and believe all the bullshit until you reach the breaking point. I've been that person before, I've been that weak, and I'm not interested in going down that road. Especially not when the one trying to bring me down is someone who's nothing more than a hypocritical piece of shit.

Tiffani Michaels - You see, last week during Battlegrounds, I let personal things cloud my judgment and that's exactly how Gordon was able to walk away with the victory that should have been mine like I had promised the world. I'm not going to waste my time being bitter about it however, that would be a big waste of my time, not when it's best for me to keep moving forward. There's a light at the end of this tunnel and I have every intention of reaching it while standing tall on my own two feet. I'm sure Gordon fancies himself with thoughts that his words were the reason why I slipped up in the ring, but no, it had nothing to do with him and all it was is my own weakness in letting Alex's words tear my heart far longer than it should have done in the first place. He wants to move on and spit all over the memory of our relationship? Fine with me, have a nice fucking life asshole. I can move on too and rest assured that I can do it much better than you ever will because you're nothing more than a bitter man who's never going to find true happiness in his empty shell of a life. I pity you Alex. I really do. However like everything else, I'm moving forward, and that takes me directly to this week on Battlegrounds. A tag team match in which I will be partnered with the current world champion Ethan Cage. Ethan and myself have something of a past which doesn't exactly make us the best of friends, but I suppose that for now we happen to have ourselves some enemies in common which puts us in a good place to work well together as a team if we really want. I'm leaving that up to Ethan himself, I'm willing to bet he doesn't want a loss against the team of Blyss Lockhart and Griffin Hawkins. Not with so much on the line for him where Griffin is concerned. He just needs to have his head in the game and be completely focused. I know that I am, I have no intentions of finding myself with two losses in a row, especially not a loss against a woman who's never beaten me before in any kind of a match. A fact that I bet still eats away at her on the inside, because I know how much she likes to let things fester up to the point it reaches a boiling fiasco that results in a giant clusterfuck.

Tiffani Michaels - It's so much fun to be you, isn't it Blyssy? Lord knows you've been living the high life ever since I've been away from the Insurgency. It's almost like I was the only thing standing in your way of true success. We all know that while I was here, it was a giant struggle for you to even scrape by a couple of victories, let along wrap some gold around your waist. However the moment in which I was gone, injured and put on the shelf, why that's when everything started coming up roses for Blyss! You'll probably start bragging about the fact you beat Molly Reid which was something I didn't do, but the fact remains that when I went up against Molly it was in a one on one battle where I threw absolutely everything I had in her direction and it was one hell of a fucking war that left us both in pain. You only beat her because it was booked in a match that pretty much catered to Blyss getting herself a victory in the end. Does that really make you feel good about yourself to think that everything was handed to you on a silver platter and it's the only reason that you even have that belt in the first place? It's such a shame when someone is such a giant imposter to the throne that she actually believes her own hype and has no reason to doubt in the fact that she absolutely does not belong in such a high place of honor. You're no Queen Blyss, you're certainly no Rising Phoenix, that's a mythological creature worthy of being called one of the best and most special creatures that the world could have ever seen had it been real. Does anybody really ever look at Blyss and think, oh yeah, she's definitely a phoenix? Most definitely not. The only thing I see when I look at Blyss is a cheap pathetic little girl who has no idea just how much she's in over her head. It's lovely when you seem to have it all in life. The gold, the success, the boy toy who kisses your ass for all it's worth. However all of it can go away in an instant. One simple blink of an eye and everything you worked so hard for will be gone Blyss and I will be back in the rightful place where I belong.

Tiffani Michaels - This is still my fucking kingdom! I am still the fucking reigning Queen here and I am not about to let you screw me out of what belongs to me! I don't care what you think, what your little boyfriend thinks, or what your fucking brother figure whatever the hell he is to you Tim Patrick thinks. None of you understand what it is to be me and exactly why all of this belongs to me, which is the exact reason why I don't sit around kissing Blyss' ass letting her keep thinking she deserves all of this admiration and support. It's all going to be gone because you are running around on borrowed time Blyss. I'm taking it back, everything you stole from me, and I will be damned if I let people go around saying I made your life a living hell. Why? Because I beat you in the ring. Boo fucking hoo. I beat you in the ring because I am better than you and this is a fact which has not changed. It's a fact which will never change for that matter and at Battlegrounds I'm going to remind Blyss of exactly where she belongs. It's a fact she's obviously forgotten over time and now I'm coming back to slap her with the harsh truth of reality. You need to come back down to earth and you need to do it fast baby girl, this is exactly why you're running your mouth on Twitter and talking all this shit about me at every single turn like you have nothing better to do. It's because you're scared of me and you know exactly what I'm capable of doing. It's exactly why you've never pinned my shoulders down to the mat for the three count and this is a fact which has been eating away at you from the very moment that you decided to start hating my guts. You only hate me because I'm better than you and this is exactly what I'm going to prove at Battlegrounds. I'm going to warm up the so called "Blyzzard" and watch it melt with a big smile on my face. It's what happens with people who are reaching far beyond their true means and potential. It's over Blyssy, you just don't know it yet, but you will.

Tiffani Michaels - Perhaps you'll try and hide behind Griffin. Knowing the complicated history we share, but that would do you more harm than good, so I'd recommended simply worrying about yourself and not trying to play the part of the big bad bitch. What Griffin and I have going on is none of your concern and it's bad enough I need to deal with the annoying opinions of your boyfriend at every turn. I don't need you giving me a headache either or else I'm going to start getting very pissed off and that won't be good for anybody concerned in this match or the rest of the Insurgency. Griffin, I know you're confused about what's going on with us, and don't worry because I am confused too. However the one thing I am sure of is the fact that I don't feel like I can really trust in your intentions right now. You've got far too many people whispering their opinions into your ear and all of those people have no fucking clue what they're talking about. The sad thing that worries me is the fact you could turn out to be exactly like Blyss Lockhart or Gordon Fury if you don't play your cards right. The two faced people who think they're so good in this world, but in the end are the most venomous people around because all they care to do is play around with the emotions of other people for their own pleasure. I'd hate to see you become that kind of person, but it's out of my hands, the only thing I need to worry about at Battlegrounds is to ensure I walk away with a victory. It's nothing personal against you Griffin, I just really fucking hate that bitch Blyss Lockhart. Making her loss is pretty much my mission in life. I know you have your own issues with Ethan right now, but this week at Battlegrounds, it's not going to end well for you because there won't be a victory shining down above your heads at the end of the night. It's going to be nothing more than bitter disappointment. It's just one of those things which need to happen, not everybody can be a winner sometimes. We need to have losers in this world and this week, the losers will be named Blyss Lockhart and Griffin Hawkins.

Tiffani Michaels - As far as anybody else who decides to have an opinion about me and the things I've done? I'm going to treat you exactly the same way I treat Gordon Fury. Like nothing more than a piece of gum stuck up underneath the sole of my shoe. I'll simply walk away with a big fuck you to you because you have no idea about who the fuck I am at all; so go ahead and judge me for the things you think that you know. I'll let my actions speak for themselves and by that I mean the ones which I display both inside and outside of the ring. This is the dawning of a brand new Tiffani Michaels and it all starts right now with one simple gesture that I do hope will be made perfectly clear. I don't want to confuse anybody after all, because I do so hate to repeat myself, so I hope everyone is paying attention right now.

I bring up both of my hands in front of me and raise up both of my middle fingers towards the lens of the camera. The corners of my mouth have turned upwards into a bitch smirk to end all the bitch smirks in the world. Once I lower both of my hands I turn around on my own two feet and begin to walk away from the camera man making sure to pick up my robe at the same time. The camera continues to record taking in all of the others words I've even taken the time to print along my back; "Bitch", "Classless", "Two-Faced", and anything else I thought someone might even begin to think where my name was mentioned. It didn't matter anymore as I slipped the robe over my shoulders and adjusted it while I continued walking. This was me walking away and this was me giving a fuck. Simple as that.


Lyrical Credits
I Wish I Was The Moon Neko Case
Somebody That I Used To Know Elliott Smith
Whatever I Am, You Made Me Koko Taylor

Monday
Location: Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah

Blyss is sitting down on a chair in the women’s locker room after a successful unification title match. Still in shock, she sits there almost motionlessly with the title belts in her lap and her hands cupped around her face as she then stares down at it. Her heart is still beating excitedly.

Blyss Lockhart

She chuckles rather weakly due to exhaustion and shakes her head as she covers her face with her hands for a moment before lowering them.

Blyss Lockhart

....By yourself?

She gets up and practically drags herself to her locker to keep the title belts, thinking of taking a shower. But first, she pulls out her iPhone from her bag. Turning away, she collapses onto a bench and lies down. A hot tub sounds so much better right now.

You’re forgetting that I helped you win that title in the first place and then kept you from losing it! The reason why you’re still carrying gold is ME.

She scrolls through her music playlist and picks a favorite song. She taps her right foot against the bench leg to the beat. A smile spreads across her lips.

YOU NEED ME! YOU FUCKING NEED ME, MELYSSA! YOU’RE NOTHING WITHOUT ME. YOU CAN’T SURVIVE WITHOUT ME. YOU CAN’T KILL ME OFF LIKE YOU ONCE TRIED. YOU’D BETTER REALIZE THAT BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE. BEFORE EVERYTHING FALLS APART AND ALL YOU HAVE LEFT ARE THE TEARS YOU CRY FOR NOBODY THAT CARES!

She closes her eyes, letting the music take over her mind. Words jumble up all around until nothing really makes sense except the rhythm of the song.

You may have chosen to ignore most of what I’ve said for now but soon you won’t. And like the only friend you’ll ever need, I will be there to pick up the pieces. You see, darkness is not as cold as you think. I hope you realize that, my dear Blyss.

The song ends and she taps on the screen to replay it once more. Her smile grows wider and her heart begins to rest easy.

Realize that...

I've been trying as we are waiting
I've been trying to let you know
So come close, this is who we are
Come on, you can be yourself again

Saturday
Location: Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Sitting on a chair in the waiting area, Blyss watches people who walk past her as they mind their own business going about their daily lives. She glances at her wristwatch and then tries to suppress a yawn. She’s been having trouble sleeping for the past couple of days and last night’s argument with her upcoming match tag partner really doesn’t help.

Thinking about it, she rushes to the washroom and splashes cold water onto her face. When she received the text message earlier this week concerning the match on Monday, old insecurities have already begun creeping in. She doesn’t feel like Blyss the Rising Phoenix champion. She cautiously looks up at her reflection in the mirror. Her face, fresh of makeup and looking slightly pale, stares back. That girl in the mirror is scared, anxious and looks to be quite conflicted.

She used to have that rage in her though... Burning... Always burning...

Blyss turns and runs into a bathroom stall. There goes her breakfast. She flushes the toilet and backs up against the door, sighing.

Now I have to be that rage for you. You’re losing sight of who you were. So dangerous... So so dangerous...

She exits the stall and walks to the sink to wash her hands and face again. She dares not to look into the mirror.

No wonder Griffin wishes Tiffani is his tag team partner instead. Tiffy’s so fearless, isn’t she? You heard what he said about her. Path to Valhalla winner... Future World champion... Never underestimate her, he said. Because I’m underestimating you, he meant...

She intensely stares at her soapy hands and then with her right wrist, she presses on the tap as water gushes out.

You’ve long suspected that there was more to what he said earlier this week when he said he’s got a lot on his mind. He wasn’t sorry. Not at all. You apologized too quickly. And for that, he’s taking advantage of you and is going to make full use of it. Tiffani is his best friend, your old rival. The one whom you’ve had such bad times in the ring with. The one who constantly taunts you for being better than you. The one who was always one step ahead of you. The one you swore to meet at the end of it all and claim that title for yourself. But alas that never happened...

She jabs at the tap head again with her wrist as water once more flows out.

And luckily for us at the time, a replacement came in the form of Molly Reid and we did what we set out to do. We got that title but we never got that revenge, did we? It was nice to kick Molly back to reality but Tiffani was the true target. And all of  that anger and bitterness was actually re-directed to Molly because life’s funny like that. And now, months later, you’re about to get that chance to finally face her in a match. But you can’t slip once again, my dear Blyss. Getting backstabbed in a triple threat by your own stable mate was no fun and now in a tag match by your partner won’t be either. So be careful out there.

She slams her wrist on the tap head one more time, gritting her teeth. A few other women around begin to take notice of her strange behavior but none does anything except giving disapproving stares.

Griffin may be one of the nicest guys around but when it comes down to protecting his best friends, that nice guy WILL change! His actions will be made justified by others because they won’t be the ones to be used. It will be you... and you know this.

Deeply frustrated, she hammers down her fist over and over again on the tap. She ignores the calls around her.

Tiffani will have her last laugh again and continue on parading another win over you. Why? Because you believe what Griffin said about her. Everything. Including the things he didn’t have to say which you already know. I didn’t say she was better than you, he said. But she’ll be World Champion one day and you’re only gonna stay the Rising Phoenix champion, that’s it, he meant.

With a loud cry, she spins around and kicks the bathroom stall door wide open. It slams back shut and open again.  

You’re in this match alone... But of course I’ll be there, as always.

She pulls back her hair and looks around, shocked at her own outburst. The other women in the washroom glared, one even threatening to call security on her.

Blyss Lockhart

She covers her mouth and runs out.

You apologize way too quickly... and for nothing. Again.

When you notice yourself
As something more than just a reflection
You'll see it's not me

Sunday
Location: Papago Park in Phoenix, AZ

It’s early.

Blyss has gone for a run earlier and is now sitting on the edge of a rock cliff, waiting. She leans back slightly with her hands supporting behind her back. The sounds of nature fills the silence as she breathes in the fresh air. A moment later, she gets back onto her feet and raises her arms as high as she can. She stretches, tip-toeing.

Then the sun begins to rise.

She stops and stares, a smile slowly forming across her lips. A beautiful sight such as this gets to her every single time and today is no exception. The worries of the past few days have all but ceased.

If you keep this up, you’ll go back to that girl you once were. The one whom everyone enjoyed watching get thrashed every week on television. You remember?

She takes out her iPhone and takes a panoramic shot of the scenery. Who says there’s nothing in the desert? She snaps another photo.

Ignorance will bring you no peace. I will make damn sure of it, you’ll see.

No, ignorance will not. But meeting up with Griffin last night at the arena did. It helped to clear up the confusion from misunderstanding each other, concerning in particular the broken friendship between her partner and her old rival.

You actually changed your mind about the possibility of him screwing you over in favor for his former best friend? Of course he’s going to do that! You mean absolutely nothing to him. He lied to make you feel better so things will go according to his plan on Monday. He’s always going to think Tiffani’s better than you no matter how many times he denies it!

What Tiffani did to him some time ago had only made her shake her head but to Griffin, it was like a huge blow to the gut. Blyss has always respected him and his friendship with Tiffani and even after what happened, she stays out of it.

BULLSHIT! BULLSHIT!

Now with that out of the way, she just has that nervousness of facing Tiffani once again in the ring on top of the normal pre-match jitters. But other than that, she’s okay. She sighs, nodding her head slightly. She takes another photo of the park and tries to take one of herself. But as she does so, the flash is activated and its strangely high intensity nearly blinds her. She instantly covers her eyes, dropping her phone.

YOU’RE SETTING YOURSELF UP FOR HUMILIATION AGAIN! REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED DURING THAT MATCH WITH GORDON?! THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT DUMB BOYFRIEND OF YOURS ACTUALLY WARNED YOU BEFOREHAND! THIS GUY, YOUR TAG TEAM PARTNER, IS KEEPING IT A SECRET!

Anxiety begins to build up inside her. For a while, it hurts when her eyes open and then she sees spots in her vision. When it finally clears, she tucks her phone back into her pocket and turns around, walking slowly back down the trail to the entrance of the park. Then her heart starts to beat rapidly but not solely because she’s starting to sprint now.

You should be scared, Blyss. We can’t have a repeat of that, can we? At least now you can prepare for it. You believe again that Griffin will screw you over, right? What’s a lowly Rising Phoenix champion to him when his bestie’s a future world heavyweight champ? The only reason you’re even in this match is because of your history with Tiffani and your boss just loooooooves drama.

She scowls as she dashes through the park.

Ohhh yes, drama! That Twitter fight with Zane? Remember? Remember? He tweeted about booking you two in a match, didn’t he? Hilarious!

She reaches the park entrance but she doesn’t slow down. She keeps running on the sidewalk.

It’s funny how Tiffani hasn’t said anything till today. Back then, you two would already be bickering online. Your boss must be disappointed. And so am I. But it’s okay for now. Griffin not having faith in you as his partner will work out perfectly. You’ll get to show him before he can stab you in the back and it will be so sweet... You believe that, right?

She tries to stop but she just keeps on running.

Remind yourself
That they are the ones who will hold you still
My thoughts exploding in thousands of pieces

Monday
Location: US Airways Center in Phoenix, AZ

The camera opens up to Blyss sitting on one corner of the ring, fully dressed in her wrestling gear with her hair neatly tied up. There’s a faint glisten of perspiration on her forehead and hung on the top ring rope is her jump rope. She turns to the camera as the crew gets closer and a hint of a smile plays on her face.

Blyss Lockhart

As she hesitates to say her name, her face darkens slightly but she shakes her head to keep her mood in check. She clears her throat discreetly and smiles.

Blyss Lockhart

Once again, she clears her throat and shifts slightly in her seat.

Blyss Lockhart

Her temper rises at this point as she hops off the ring corner, taking a few steps closer to the camera.

Blyss Lockhart

She lowers her hands and takes another step closer to the camera, tilting her head slightly. The grin on her face stays.

Blyss Lockhart

She winks and laughs. Turning around, she walks back to the same corner and grabs the jump rope. She places it around her neck and looks back at the camera, tilting her head up while pulling down on the rope slightly. Without realizing, she loosely crosses the ends of the rope at her neck. The expression on her face has now changed. Keeping her composure, she stops herself from biting her lower lip and takes a quick deep breath. Her eyes speak of the uneasiness she’s now feeling but her voice remains as calm as possible.

Blyss Lockhart

She lets out a huge sigh of relief and takes off the jump rope, dropping it onto the ground. When she looks back at the camera, her eyes no longer show any trace of anxiety.

Blyss Lockhart

She looks away momentarily and clears her throat before facing the camera again. She gives a tiny smile.

Blyss Lockhart

Her face reads a more serious expression.

Blyss Lockhart

She rolls her eyes slightly before chuckling.

Blyss Lockhart

A gleeful look appears on her face as she picks up her jump rope and exits the ring.

So come close, this is who we are
Come on, you can show yourself
So come close, this is who we are
Come on, you can be yourself again

-----------------------------------------------------
OOC
“Come Close” lyrics by Saosin

The camera comes up on Ethan Cage just after Isolation, walking back still holding his title and holding the back of his head. Would appear that Griffin Hawkins is back, and he wants whats on Ethan's shoulder, the very pride of his existence, the IWF title. Having won his match but the conclussion being one with return of his old rival, Griffin Hawkins. They have a past, that's for sure, and their future is one of which there needs to be another battle and yes, it'll be for that same title Ethan took from Griffin. See, the score between them, is three and three and Griffin is yet again poking at the tiger to make sure they have another match. Now Ethan Cage doesn't run from fights, and still Griffin needed to make a statement by attacking Ethan Cage. And that statement is, "Hey, I don't deserve a title shot because I already lost my rematch clause match, so I'm going to attack you so that management makes me have a match with you." Not a bad way to go about things when you think about it, especially in the situation he's in. Ethan continues through, different staff nodding to the champ as Ethan just walks passed them. The thoughts roll through his head. As he leaves through the backstage door to the garage.





Two weeks of losses, one from a man that couldn't even lace his boots. A man that is stuck in his own little gimmick that only matches the threat of the movie Twilight. A man with a very laughable name, to last week where he was beaten out because Ethan's mind was busy. But you see, this is the week, the week where Ethan Cage snaps out of it. Why, because that title is one of which honor, couldn't even be the word to match. But as we look upon Ethan Cage, sitting in the corner, bearded and mopping, empty beers surrounding him. Once again, his biggest rival yet Griffin Hawkins has come back into his life, at a time when Ethan Cage is down on himself for some reason. Sitting with a dirty white v-neck and in boxers. The thoughts of the matches he shouldn't have lost run through his head, with what's bothering him. Ethan Cage is a maniac in that ring, but he's also a skilled surgeon, he's just crazy enough to do anything. Ethan once up and left this company, and many feelers feel that that is what this is. But that was once, and that was long ago, this Ethan Cage doesn't fall for what the rumors are saying. Ethan Cage is the IWF champion and if you don't know what that means to him, then you're just another little bitch who only thinks he knows what's going on. They have forgotten the briefcase matches, the trials he went through to be back, the endless banter he overcame to beat the once unbeatable Griffin Hawkins. Ethan's mind races, yet his body is still, the title lying right infront of him. His door is heard, or yet a knock on his door is heard. Ethan doesn't budge from his perch. After a bit, glass breaking is heard hitting the ground. Next is the shuffling of feet, until what is heard is Bobby Ball's voice.

Bobby: Hello?

Silence.

Bobby: Ethan....

More silence.

Bobby: God damn it Ethan....see, this is what I was saying.

Would seem Bobby is talking to someone else. This...to say the least has gotten Ethan's attention.

Voice: Yeah, I see.

Bobby: This man is the world champion and his house smells like a human foot. Rayne is nowhere to be found, and this man is sulking.

Voice: Kind of emo if you ask me.

Bobby: Don't get me wrong, when this kid is on, there's no stopping him. He's about to go against his major rival.

Voice: No, Griffin is only the man Ethan THINKS is his rival. And that's why I'm here Bobby, there is another man, and he's far more dangerous than Griffin Hawkins. And on the same note, he will be some of Ethan's greatest matches.

Bobby: If I could just-

Bobby enters the room Ethan is in.

Bobby: - find him.

Bobby sighs.

Bobby: Ethan, what is this?

Ethan: What do you want?

Man: Oh, so he's not the silent type.

Bobby: Hardly.

Ethan: Why are you bringing strangers into my home?

Bobby: Ethan, I represent this man, in another company. He was a champion in CWA and in the MPW, before he joined yet another company, he was the former world champion of those two companies.

Ethan: Yeah, and I'm the champion in the IWF, so what?

Bobby: I just want you to hear him out. This man has news about someone that is going to be your true challenge.

Ethan: Oh yeah? And who might that be.

Man: Well smart ass, his name is Zevon Zion.

Bobby: Ethan Cage...meet...Ash Soulsfate.

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Ash: I'd say it's a pleasure...but that wouldn't be true now would it? Why haven't you showered?

Ethan: Well then, I guess you can leave right now can't you?

Ash: Zevon Zion is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, he's smart, he's very skilled but he has a million faults, and one is his own ego. It's huge, but it shatters like glass when it's hit. Your talent matches his, as mine did, but he will never....ever let you know it. In his eyes, you will always be beneathe him, even you as a champion right now, are beneathe him in his eyes. He's untouchable, in his own mind, but believe me, he is beatable.

Ethan: You ever beat him.

Ash: No, but those were different times, I've since been champion in two other companies signifying what's always been true. He was sheltered, carried because management was afraid to lose him, of course, that's when he wasn't management himself or in management's office sucking them off. Listen, I wouldn't be here right now, to tell you the truth, I've never heard of you. But you see, months back while I was in the MPW, a certain moron ran his mouth in my locker room, and just last week my name was in his mouth, like I wouldn't catch it. Much like Griffin is your rival, Zeven Zion will always be the bane of my existence.

Ethan: Well then, why don't you join up with the IWF and take him out yourself, if you're that concerned that is.

Ash: Listen kid, the only reason my boot isn't in your mouth right now, is because I think you got something. To maybe do what I couldn't, beat Zeven Zion.

Ethan: I know this somehow seems important to you but-

Ash without notice slams Ethan's head into the wall, Bobby watches on shocked and not knowing what to do. Ethan is dazed. Ash picks him him up and slams Ethan into the wall. Ethan swings and misses.

Ash: Too slow.

Ash hits a european uppercut and sidekicks him in the face.

Bobby: Ash, I don't think-

Ash: That's right, you don't, you have a champion feeling fuckin' sorry for himself and bitching while good hard working people are busting their asses for that title. And if he doesn't wake up, Ethan is going to lose his spot. Zeven, who is also known as Jaden will come at him and he will not stop until he is champion and he has something to hold over everyone. Zeven isn't the light shinning out of God's ass anymore. This place is new, and he isn't sheltered by management, this is your greatest chance to be one of the greatest of all time. Not against one man, but against Tim Patrick, who deserves to be in the main events of IWF, against Alex Dillinger, against Gordon Fury who has the potential to be the greatest wrestler this place has ever seen...and you...you are the champion over all of them. You need to learn to appreciate where you are right now, and you need to learn fast. You're going against your greatest rival and most of the roster thinks you suck, they think they are better than you....that you don't deserve it, and here I see you, looking like bigfoot and smelling like him. This world doesn't owe you anything Ethan, you earned that championship-

Ethan: I WAS HANDED THIS CHAMPIONSHIP!

Ash: What?

Bobby: The champion that beat him, she-

Ash: She?

Bobby: She was good.

Ash: Anyway, continue.

Bobby: She beat Ethan here, and well, she couldn't compete anymore and Jessica, the GM handed him the title.

Ash nods.

Ash: So, that's what this is about?

Ethan says nothing but lowers his head.

Ash: You think that you were simply "handed" the title?

Ash grabs Ethan by the back of the neck and holding his arm behind his back and leads him to the bathroom. Ash pushes the curtain back and throws Ethan into the shower and turns on the cold water. Ethan shutters at the cold water and tackles Ash to the ground. They both pop up ready to fight.

Ash: Feels good doesn't it? To have that shit in you, that drive to just beat the shit out of someone?

Ethan: You don't even know me.

Ash: Don't need to, I know that look in that stupid head of yours, it's the same one I have. Wake the fuck up and listen, that belt you carry, may have been handed to you, and this losing streak has the roster thinking you're weak...now is the time to hit everyone where it hurts. Griffin Hawkins is going to put up some half assed promo because he's not really going to say his piece until the pay per view. You have Tiffani Michaels, a woman who you've ridiculed for being raped. I can't say you're in the best of positions...but hey, as rumor has it, you've come back from death, maybe...just maybe...you can come back from this.

Ethan: Maybe.

Ash: You study opponents as I do, you are skilled and you know how to talk, you are a great champion.

Ethan: Thought you never heard of me.

Ash: Maybe I have...maybe I haven't. But I see you at a crossroads, whether you're going to be a paper champion or you're going to be a real champion. A man that the IWF can take pride in having as a champion. Where's your girl?

Ethan: I haven't seen her in weeks.

Ash shakes his head.

Ash: That's your backbone kid. Speaking of, where is your kid?

Ethan: With Rayne.

Ash: What are you doing to yourself, pushing everyone away?

Ethan: What?

Ash: You don't want anyone to see this bullshit, this horseshit you're putting yourself through, just because you were handed a title. Look at everything you've done to get here, all the matches, all the trials and you're telling me some chick hands you the world and you sit here and act like some teenage girl. There are a handful of people that are going to be there for you in the end. It may not be Bobby-

Bobby: Hey.

Ash: You're a shark, you are where the money is, that's why you're here.

Bobby: Hey, shoot me.

Ash: Don't tempt me. Now Ethan, Rayne was there when you walked into that company, and she was there when you won that belt, legitimately. And whether you know it or not, she's there for you now.

Ethan: Why do you even care?

Ash: Bobby's paying me.

Ethan: Least you're honest.

Ash: But besides that, I know what it's like to have someone hold you down, to belittle you even when you know how great you are. For a person to snow over everyone how great they are, at the cost of you living out your dreams. And for you, I see you doing it to yourself. Remember how you felt when everyone thought Griffin Hawkins would just be handed belts to keep him here, well that's how I thought about Zeven, and you've beaten him. Now, you have to stop beating yourself. There is a roster you need to prove yourself to. You've lost any loyalty you ever could've had from them.

Ethan: They hate me.

Bobby: Um Ethan...before this losing streak, they hated you anyway.

Ethan: True enough.

Ash: There's your motivation Ethan, you may not want to win over your peers, but you have to get your life back together. You have to put that chip back on your shoulder, and get your head in the game. The last time you slipped, someone put you through a mat and into flames.

Ethan nods to himself.

Ash: Bobby?

Bobby: Yeah?

Ash: Cash.

Bobby: Right.

Ash: I know there's a stigma, like I don't really give a shit kid, but the money, that's a fuckin' bonus. I just wish someone snapped me out of it when I was in your shoes.

Ash leaves.

Bobby: You okay?

Ethan: Yeah....thanks.

Bobby: So, what are we going to do?

Ethan: I gotta find Rayne.

Bobby: Look Ethan, I never meant for him to push you around or hurt you in any way-

Ethan: It's all right Bobby, I needed a wake up call...if that's what it had to be, then thats what it had to be.

Bobby: There's one more thing.

Ethan: What's that?

Bobby: Well, I know where Rayne is.

Ethan: Yeah?

Bobby: Now don't get mad-

Ethan: I never like that preface.

Bobby: -but...Rayne is signed.

Ethan: With IWF?

Bobby: No, with AAWF.

Ethan: Okay, well I guess I deserved that.

Bobby: She just wanted to put food on the table while you were going through, whatever it was you were going through.

Ethan: Understood.



Scene 2- Putting the Pieces Back Together


Ethan walks backstage at the AAWF show, whispers amongst their roster and staff about the world Champion of the IWF being there happen around Ethan. Ethan ignores it because he's standing behind the curtain looking at Rayne who is now in the ring. A smile surfaces as he's not laid his eyes on her in weeks. A calm and sense of knowing arises within the man. But in the ring-

Rayne has a rear chin lock on a tall Chyna type woman, who snapmares Rayne to the mat. Rayne rolls through and when she pops up, the other woman drop kicks her in the face. Rayne grabs the woman's legs and pulls them from under her. The woman's head hits the mat hard. Rayne uses the ropes to pull herself up. The woman tries for the running boot but Rayne ducks out of the way and the woman's leg goes over the top rope. Caught up, Rayne sets her footing and hits a superkick directly to the woman's face. Her eyes roll to the back of her head and she slumps down and falls to the mat. Rayne pounces and lays across her.

1


2


3

Announcer: And the winner of this match by pinfall...Rayne!

The crowd cheers, she ignores the cheers and rolls out of the ring. She walks to the back and pulls the curtain to the side, stunned to see Ethan backstage, she shakes her head and walks to the woman's locker room. Ethan stops as the door is closed in his face. Ethan sighs to himself...but brings himself to knock on the door.

Ethan: Rayne?

Rayne: ....

Ethan: Come on, I need to talk to you.


Rayne: Then talk.

Ethan: I can't talk to you from outside this door?

Rayne: Then leave.

Ethan: Fuck this!

Ethan turns and takes one step away, but then turns back around.

Ethan: I need to talk to you.

Rayne: You walked away, didn't you?

Ethan: No.

Rayne: Ethan...

Ethan: Yeah, but I realized how much you mean to me.

Rayne: Yeah, where was that two weeks ago?

Ethan: I'm comin' in.

Rayne: There's other women in here.

Ethan: I need to see you.

Ethan pushes the door open.

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A few gasps are heard at the sight of a man in their locker room, others not caring as they are already dressed. Ethan looks for Rayne.

Ethan: Rayne?

Woman: Don't you get it, she doesn't want to see you.

Ethan: Fuck you.

Woman: You wish.

Ethan: Actually I don't Butterface.

Woman: What?

Ethan: Don't get up in my face girly. Have yourself a seat.

Rayne: Cherri Bomb, it's okay.

Cherri backs down and takes a seat, still glaring at Ethan.


Rayne: What do you want Ethan?


Ethan: You.

Rayne: Now?


Ethan: Always.


Rayne: Are you done feeling sorry for yourself?


Ethan: Yes.

Rayne: How?


Ethan: Someone sort of...woke me up.


Rayne: Oh yeah...who?

Ethan: It doesn't matter... look, I want you and AJ to come home.


Rayne: I'm under contract to the AAWF.


Ethan: I understand that.


Rayne: I'm not leaving them.


Ethan: That's fine.

Rayne: Are you really okay with that?


Ethan: Yes, I just want you back.


Rayne: I don't know Ethan, I really have to-


Man: Security! You ladies are going to be fine!


Ethan is tazered into unconsciousness.





The camera comes in on Ethan who is lying down on cot. Ethan is slow to open his eyes. Ethan is handcuffed to the cot.

Ethan: What the-

Ethan is trying to shake the cobwebs from his head. A security guard in his late teens sees Ethan waking up and leaves the room.


Ethan: Thanks.

Ethan tries to lift the cot but it's bolted to the ground. Rayne walks in.


Rayne: Hi.



Ethan: Hey.


Rayne: I came in to see you.

Ethan: Thanks.


Rayne: How do you feel ?

Ethan: I have a headache.

Rayne snickers.


Ethan: I do.

Rayne: I believe it.

Ethan: How are you?

Rayne: Better.


Ethan: I really have woken up.

Rayne: I know. If we are to one day marry, you will have to understand I'm here for you. You can't go internal and shut me out.

Ethan: I know, just getting used to having to depend on someone.

Rayne: Really, after everything I do for you, you think you have to get used to it.

Ethan: I didn't know how much you did for me...until you were gone. I realize it now.

Rayne: You still the champion?

Ethan: Yes.

Rayne: Who is your next opponent?


Ethan: Griffin.

Rayne: Again?


Ethan: Yeah, he attacked me and put himself in line for my belt.

Rayne: Well, yeah, I can see that. I mean you took the title from him AND you retained against him, I can see how that's valid.

Ethan laughs.

Ethan: Why did they handcuff me to this thing?

Rayne: Protection.

Ethan: I would've been fine.

Rayne: Protection for security, when they realized who you are, they panicked.

Ethan: Are they going to unlock it?

Rayne: They left, they gave me the key.

Ethan: Really?

Rayne: None of the girls want to press charges, and they thought you might cause a scene or hurt someone after you know....being tazered.

Ethan: Dramatic.

Rayne: I know.


Ethan: Weird, how we got here.

Rayne: Yeah. ...I love you.

Ethan: I love you.

The scene fades to the promo.


The Promo-

The scene comes in on Ethan Cage, back to having that swagger as he stands atop IWF headquarters. The belt on his shoulder, in a BlesstheFall shirt, jeans and Chuck Taylors.

Ethan: Hey, what, are you surprised I'm promoting my match...I deserve that, after the last few weeks, no excuses. But I am back, and I have a match against one of the most dangerous men in my career. A man that has made his track record on me, using his wins over me as a bragging point. And now I face him before our match for the title, and as he hit me in the head with a chair and sent me home with a concussion. And you know what, that put me in my head, I mean the words and the pain. Griffin Hawkins had gotten in my head, and you know what I fell for it. I really did, to the point where I lost against people I shouldn't have. Against people I sent home in coffins and randoms. And as much as Griffin would love to think that he's still in my head, and how much he'll claim it. It's over, and it'll stay over, the best time to have gotten to me was during those weeks. Now it's time for revenge, because he's right, like a bad '80's movie he claims that "this time, it's personal", and believe me, it is. He thinks that chair shot was to intimidate me, but all it told the world is that he was scared. He made claims about how much better than me he was, and he said that for a very long time, even during my hiatus from the IWF and I come back and whip his ass twice in a row and all of the sudden he went from having "my number" to having to resort to attacking me like someone without class.

Ethan: Griffin, in your fucked up head I still have something to prove to you and that's because you won't allow yourself to accept that I am equal to you, that I can and have beaten you and that I will beat you again. I will hit the lights on you again Griffin, you cost me a match against Thor and messed up my mind and Steel Angel beat me and now it's all over, that was the only time you could've benefitted from your antics. Now, I coming for you and as much as you'd love everyone to believe that you're "waiting for it", you have no idea what you are in for. Because when I start, I will not stop. I am this company's champion and I will start acting like it, and it's not too late, because I hold this belt with pride. I will be coming for you and this week is just a taste of what's coming. There's no one looking for me to save the day, but you will, you'll be looking for your new little group to come help you.

Ethan: What's funny about that, is during the Empire and whatever group was going against them at any certain point, you'd take pride in never having to join a group. You'd talk your shit about how much better than everyone you were, that you didn't need to be part of a group to succeed. Then I go on to beat you a few times and all of the sudden, wouldn't you know it, you're part of a group. Now you once called me a hypocrite and for a long time too, and now I see that you are the one who is the hypocrite. You like to say that I'm going to say a bunch of 6th grader insults, that's funny, because you really need to see one of your promos and I mean REALLY watch it. You went to a mock high school and got actors to play my teachers and girlfriends and said the most ridiculous things in IWF history, not to mention childish. See, what you do is that you say that I do things that you yourself do so that you can try to push that sort of attention off of yourself. Well, I'm sure I'm not only one that has caught this.

Ethan looks out at the world with new eyes, proud to be this company's champion, and that pride creeps into his body again.

Ethan: Now I'm sure you'll come up with excuses for everything I'm saying, you attacked me because you thought I wouldn't give you a rematch, and I got my title in the first place because of Molly, and that's just a few of just how many you've come up with. Just like you used to say that I used the briefcase to define me, but you see, I've won the title. And I looked down at me being handed the title, but then I look over at you moping because you weren't handed the title, because I beat you to retain it. But you don't have an excuse for that, you just bring up the fact that Molly beat me, but never mention that I beat you. Instead, you'd rather gloat about your wins over me, well they have no substance any more because I've beaten you multiple times myself, infact the same amount of times you've beaten me. But you see, that's not brought up by you, is it. And why should it, it's the truth and it doesn't benefit you at all. You are the Rock Soldier, but I'm a Ring General, and I don't care how you got a title shot or who you sucked off to get it, what I know is, is that you are my enemy and you are my target and I will once again show this company why I'm the champion. I may have let management down lately, but more importantly, I've let myself down, and that's all done with. I'm coming for you Griffin, and I'm going to rip your arms from your body. You think it's all some big fuckin' joke and this is my life, this belt is my life. Everyone looks down on me now, but they have forgotten everything I've done to get here, the hard work, and the blood I've spilt to even be in the main event. But I'm going to remind them, and it's going to start with you and Blyss.

Ethan: Blyss talks about how she's honored to be partnering with Griffin. What the fuck for, I get that bullshit about not showing, what the fuck ever you stupid idiot. Get your head off of Griffin's jock, you're only feeding his ego. But see, you'll get yours, you think that my mind is only on Griffin, believe me I'm more than aware you are in this match and I'm well aware of who you are. And I will be kicking your ass all over that ring Blyss. You can kiss Griffin's ass all you want, and you can call him the next champion, and that's all in just two bad weeks. I love how all this shit is happening because of two little weeks, and all the shit I did to even be where I am is forgotten. Blyss, I don't respect you nor will I ever need to. You can bring up Molly, cool, what's that mean for you, are you Molly, no, so how does it benefit you to bring her up, because she beat me. All right, kudos, well you can talk about me beating down your little partner right before she took the belt from me. You can talk about how I knocked him out with my foot when he needed a chair.

Ethan: I understand your place in this match is under a man, and it should be, you should see yourself beneathe others, because you are. I can see your jealousy that everyone is looking at Griffin and I, and we are going to tear the house down. And you can be his cheerleader, because Tiffani may hate me, but I know she doesn't want to lose and neither do I. You see, I'm tired of it, losing just doesn't suit me. And when she puts you down and out, and you're busy trying to pick yourself up off that mat, well, you can just go ahead and pick up the pieces of your pride while you're at it.

Ethan: I never had anything against you Blyss, but see you opened your mouth at me, like you fuckin' know me when you know nothing about me. You're promo was full of fluff and surface shit that is what people are saying in the locker room and you're making it your promo like their your own words when they are other people's words. You don't have any thoughts of your own, and it shows. I never had to prove anything to you....but now, I'm going to beat you down just like you were anyone else. This belt tells the world I'm a champion, and you can look down on me but when Tiffani and my arms are raised, and you're looking up at the lights wondering how you got there. I want you to think of what you said, and know that you did it to yourself.

Ethan: Griffin, you and I are going to have our day, and this match will be nothing to the pain I have in store for you. You kept your name alive by attacking me over and over, and now it's time to put the rabid dog down. The Rock Soldier has overstayed his welcome, and now it's time to exit stage right, I'll just have to make sure I pull my boot out of your ass before you leave. Blyss, after this match you're going back to being forgotten and being put in matches where it doesn't matter about the outcome, your skills have peaked and this match where you are in the main event, it's only because you are partnering with main eventers. You are the Phoenix Champion, and I say congrats, because that has you spitting venom like you're a somebody. Well at least you're a somebody to yourself, because to us....you're just another pair of bouncing tits.

Ethan: Tiffani Michaels may not get along how you two do, but the shit she's been through in her life, it's time for her to release some of that pain on others, and me, I have a lot of ass kicking and shutting mouths to do....and it starts this week...and it starts....with you two.

And the camera fades to....

(OOC - The first scene takes place before the CD Rp with Blyss.)