Her

Date: January 22, 2012
Location: Dallas, Texas

Craig stares down at the limp body of Dante Wrath. He turns to see the cameraman, taking in the scene, the little red light above it telling Craig that the whole thing was being filmed.

“You did this to yourself.”

He kicks the camera, sending it crashing to the ground. He breathes heavily, staring at the carnage for a few moments before finally turning and walking away. He storms down the hallway, not looking back at the scene behind him. He turns a corner, and runs right into a woman, nearly knocking her to the floor. She stumbles back, and Craig’s frustrated walk suddenly stops, his face softening.

“Oh, sorry.”

The woman shakes her head, and looks at Craig. She’s beautiful.

“It’s fine. I’m fine.”

She stares at him. For a moment, the two of them stare at each other, neither saying a word. Suddenly, Craig snaps out of it, and extends his hand.

“Craig Hemming.”

She nods, and shakes his hand.

“Julie Hawk.”

She has a strong grip, which surprises Craig. He glances at her expression, which shows slight signs of strain as she tries to crush his fingers in her grip. Craig gently squeezes back, the two of them in an impromptu competition of strength. She tightens her grip. Craig follows suit. Slowly, her face looks more and more strained, until she finally pulls at her hand, trying to get it out of Craig’s hold. Craig releases her, smirking at his victory.

“Nice grip.”

“Same to you.”

Craig laughs. There was something about this girl. She seemed so…Craig couldn’t find the word.

“What are you doing back here? I don’t think you’re a competitor, are you?”

“No, I’m not.”

“Shame. You’re certainly strong enough.”

She laughs.

“Maybe. No, I’m actually a musician. My bandmates work for IWF, so I’m just hanging out back here until the show is over.”

“A band? What do you play?”

She nods.

“I’m a drummer.”

“Very cool.”

“Thank you.”

There’s a short silence again.

“We have a show in Dallas in a couple nights. I don’t know when you’re flying out of here, but…I could get you in if you want to see it.”

“Yeah? Sure, I’ll check it out. I’m stuck in the city until Thursday anyway.”

“Awesome! Is there like…some way to get them to you or anything?”

Craig smirks.

“Tell you what. I’ll give you my number and the name of the place I’m staying at. Give me a ring sometime. We’ll meet up.”

She smiles.

“Sounds like a plan.”

Craig looks around for a pen and paper, but can’t find any. Julie pulls a marker from her pocket, offering it to Craig. He takes it, and she offers her hand to write on. Craig holds her hand, scribbling his information on it. He looks at her, and she smiles, her face turning a slight shade of pink.

“Well, uh…I’ll see you soon, Miss Hawk.”

“Yeah. Later.”

A final awkward silence. Finally, Craig brushes past her, heading off down the hall towards his locker room. He had a lot to think about.

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The match I find myself in…it’s bittersweet.

On the one hand, I find myself looking at what could potentially be some great competition. On the other hand? I can see this becoming more of the same. An easy victory…an easy week….a meaningless win.

I find myself teaming up with the current New Blood champion, Miss Ashley Matthews. This is funny to me, for the sole reason: I spent the first month of my career beating her father from pillar to post.

I have a lot of respect for the Matthews family. Believe it or not, I do. Chuck and I have had our differences in the past, but at the end of the day, he’s been one of my best friends for a long time. I think, though he’ll deny it any chance he gets, I hold that same honor for him. I’ve met Chris once or twice. We aren’t the closest of pals, but there’s no dislike between us. Same goes for Jessica. Ashley? I’ve never met you. Hell, I didn’t even know Chuck had a daughter. But if past history is any indication, I doubt we’ll have any problems. I have a level of respect for you, simply because you hold gold. You fight, and you do it well. And now, here you are, a woman holding a male-title, in a male-dominated sport. That’s something I can respect.

As for Thiago and Raikenza? I hope that the two of you will prove to be solid competition. I hope that you make me work for the win, the way that nobody else I’ve fought so far has been able to do. THiago, you’re the number one contender to Ashley’s title. Prove it. Get in that ring, step up to me, and show me exactly why you’re the guy that’s going to win the New Blood championship. Honestly? I don’t think you can do it. I think, just like everyone else who has tried so far, you’re going to step up against me, and you’re going to fail. You’re going to be decimated. Destroyed. You will fall victim to the power of Craig Hemming. THe power I’ve demonstrated since day one, and which I will continue to demonstrate week in and week out.

As for Raikenza? Why should I see you as a threat at all? Why should I feel the slightest bit nervous about facing you? You’ve had one match so far, and you got your ass handed to you…and not even by your opponent! Yet here you stand against me, and think you won’t be completely and totally destroyed?

That’s a joke.

You’re a joke.

Come this week? I’m going to prove it.