Post by kris on Jul 8, 2012 23:06:46 GMT -5
Your Information
Your Name: Kris or Thaly, either or.
Experience: I'm about a month and a half away from doing this for five years.
E-Mail Address: succubis.dance@gmail.com
MSN Messenger: succubis_dance@hotmail.com
AOL Instant Messenger: DesecrationInc
Yahoo Messenger: N/A.
Other Messenger: kristinthalys is my Skype account.
Where did you find us?: Roughkut.
Superstar Information
Wrestler's Name: Natalie Burrows.
Wrestler's Nickname: 'The Southern Belle' is an unofficial moniker she's had over the years.
Billed From: Durham, North Carolina.
Manager/Valet: N/A.
Age: 24.
Weight: 5'9".
Height: 172 lbs.
Heel/Face Status: Uberface.
Theme Music: 'Don't Die Digging' by The Graduate.
Gimmick (Tell us a little bit about your character): Remember ol' days, back when the good wrestlers and the bad wrestlers were more starkly defined? Natalie would've fit in as a heroine in those days as easy as pie. The sort to always play by the rules and to use her own talents to win rather than cheat or use weapons, this Southern Belle is as hard-working and dedicated to the business she loves-- and the fans that make living her dream possible-- as can be.
Pic Base (The actual picture is optional, but it is required to include the persons name): Taylor Swift. (The juxtaposition, it amuses me so…)
Physical Description: If one were to look up the term 'girl next door', it's entirely possible that a picture of Natalie would be right beside the entry. Blond hair in big, loose curls fall to about chest-length, framing pretty, youthful features that could've won her a homecoming crown back in high school. The most notable thing about her face, though, are her blue eyes. Perpetually tanned, Natalie's build is muscular without being overblown, a combination of soft edges from girlhood that still have yet to completely fade and curves that are about average keeping her from looking too unladylike. Without any scars of note, she has one piercing in each earlobe - although she never wears earrings to the ring, of course.
Detailed Appearance (out of the ring): Well, that depends on what she's up to. If Natalie's working around her plantation home, for instance, it's old jeans or denim-cut offs and old shirts. When she's out and about in public, she dresses nicely, smartly one could say-- dress slacks, skirts, and blouses, all on the more conservative and tasteful side. As for at the shows, she tends to either wear her street clothes-- always neatly pressed-- or her ring gear.
Detailed Appearance (In the ring): That consists of coral spandex shorts which come down to roughly mid-thigh and a sports bra of the same material with silver piping throughout, with simple white boots with shin pads (think C.M. Punk) on her feet. It's simple, no muss nor fuss... and that's exactly how she likes it.
Personality: Natalie, above all else, is an honest and hard-working young woman-- and just as kind-hearted to boot. That's not to say she doesn't have her flaws-- she can be easily flustered by the opposite sex when they are crude to her and she's got the sort of pride that has her thinking she can shoulder the world all on her lonesome, not to mention a staunchness to her code of honor that can be restrictive of her at times. She's also pretty obviously a small-town girl, although she's been around long enough to know better than to follow a man into his locker room under false pretenses... and she's also extremely polite, having sworn precisely three times over the span of her two-year-career while calling everyone 'Mister', 'Miss', or 'Missus' with surnames as appropriate.
Brief Bio: While one could focus on her personal history-- the loss of her parents in separate car accidents, the betrayals of close friends, her own struggles with grief, and the recent sudden end of her relationship with Andrew Karnage-- that's not what is relevant here. What is? The fact that, in the span of two years, she has gone from a relative unknown to a decorated champion. The last woman to hold the VWA Women's Championship and the sole woman to win Hardkore Helloween without so much as picking up a single weapon, now that Natalie Burrows has settled into her position as a noteworthy competitor? Things can only continue going up from here. It is in the name of further building her legacy that Natalie has come to PCW.
Style (Hardcore, Brawler, etc.): Unconventional striker-- think RVD, but without the flips and a lot of the tope rope action-- with a dash of power, when appropriate.
Entrance: The arena goes black, a darkness that lingers for a few seconds before the Jumbotron comes to life. Footage that has been treated to look old and faded rolls of the Southern Belle fighting her way back up to her feet after being knocked down-- and the moment that she appears on the screen, the crowd cheers loudly for the fan-favorite that is about to come out. As the blond regains her feet in that video footage, bruised and battered but still willing to fight, the chorus of 'Don't Die Digging' hits the sound system with a vengeance. The song competes with the cheers that fill the air as Natalie Burrows walks emerges from behind the curtain, a bit of a spring in her step and a determined smile on her lips. Thrusting her fists skyward, the motion triggers a shower of white and coral sparks to fall from above, raining down behind her as the crowd cheers louder for her. Once the pyros have finished going off, the Southern Belle makes her way down the ramp, slapping the outreached hands as she goes. Speeding up when she reaches the bottom of the ramp, she slides into the ring on her stomach and gets to her feet before she mounts the nearest turnbuckles and thrusts both fists skyward again, soaking up the crowd's affection for her while doing her best to show her appreciation in return. Natalie hops down and begins going through some basic stretches as her music fades.
Finishing Moves:
Primary: Closure (Scissors Kick).
Secondary: Hitting Bottom (Rydeen Bomb - D-Lo Brown's 'Sky High' variant, to be exact.).
Signature Moves:
Turmoil (Springboard Wheelkick to the back).
Denial (Leaping leg lariat).
Epiphany (Feint shining wizard transitioned into a reverse roundhouse - also known as Low Ki's 'Black Magic').
The Grief Cycle (Tilt-a-Whirl slam).
Acceptance (Double underhook backbreaker).
Basic Moveset: …you asked for it…
Knife-edged chop.
Russian leg sweep.
Roundhouse kick.
Reverse roundhouse kick.
Jumping roundhouse kick.
Dropkick.
Dropkick to the knee.
Spinning heel kick.
Kicks aimed at the thighs, knees, and sides.
Kicks aimed at the shoulders, arms, and torso.
Boot to the head (Sorry, had to make that joke...).
Stiff kick to the back of a seated opponent.
Leg drop.
Springboard leg drop.
Diving leg drop.
Clothesline.
Springboard clothesline.
Monkey flip.
Enzuiguri.
Russian leg sweep.
Baseball slide.
Chop-block.
Aztec suplex.
German suplex.
Dragon suplex.
Snap suplex.
Tiger suplex.
Fisherman's suplex.
Northern lights suplex.
Leg trap suplex (counter).
Bodyslam.
Power slam.
Scoop slam.
Hip toss.
Ipponezei throw.
Dragon screw legwhip.
Falling Forward "Piledriver".
Backbreaker.
Piledriver.
Tumbling back elbow.
Handspring off the ropes back elbow (think Tajiri).
Brainbuster.
Inverted DDT.
DDT.
Atomic drop.
Inverted atomic drop.
Indian deathlock.
Catching her opponent when they rebound off the ropes and executing a spinebuster.
Spinebuster.
Sunset flip.
Sunset flip powerbomb.
Kip-up (Not offensive, but damn it all - it fits!).
Skinning the cat (Same thing...).
Sample RP (Required): It's not often that I regret things that I have or haven't done… but the Volatile Wrestling Alliance is home to one of the things that I do wish I could change.
While the Southern accent that graces the ear as the scene opens is a familiar one, what truly makes it memorable is the conviction contained within it. Such is what has driven her to victory more times than she can count, growing stronger and stronger with every setback until she finally reached the top of the mountain-- and in the time since she's last been seen in a VWA ring and now? That growth has continued, the blond ever-changing and ever-evolving as she continues to hone her skills and improve as she will until the day that she dies. No matter what some believe, there is always room to better oneself, after all-- and there is no better test of Natalie's mettle than the match she is facing come March 2nd. Her training regimen is going to have to grow even more strenuous, her hours in the gym increasing… but it is a sacrifice that she will make gladly, just as she has made many others. Pain is temporary, after all, while the reward?
Why, glory is eternal.
It is that which the Southern Belle is reminding herself of as she stands in the middle of a space that has never before been shown in one of her old promotional videos; namely? Her office, a room that is surprisingly formal when compared to the country chic of the rest of her Placid Valley plantation home. The walls are painted a delicate robin's egg blue, a shade that is complimented by the maple floors and built-in shelving along the wall to her left. There's an empty space amidst the accolades and championships that she has won in the past that calls that unit home… and that space? Belongs to the replica that it is in her tanned hands, Natalie looking down at it with a solemn expression as she sits upon the edge of the understated elegance that is her desk, caramel-colored dress slacks upon her legs as they are crossed at the ankles before her. Silence reigns as the last reigning Women's Champion regards this major piece of her past, blond curls only kept at bay by the silver barrette holding the bulk of them back. If it wasn't for the subtle rising and fall of her sides beneath that coral silk dress blouse? She could very well be a statue, caught in a moment of contemplation. After a long moment of silent contemplation, the blond continues to speak, her gaze remaining locked upon the replica of both her greatest achievement… and her largest regret.
When I received word that VWA was closing, I was devastated. Not only because it was the company that I finally got my big break in, or the friendships I've made or the dozens of memories that I will always hold near and dear… but because I never got the chance to defend the Women's Championship. That rite of passage, of well and truly proving myself as worthy of being at the top of the mountain, was denied of me thanks to circumstances well beyond my control-- although I do not hold any bitterness against Mister Lawson for that. How could I? Without him, I would have never had the opportunity to do so much. Traveling the world, meeting so many wonderful people, going up against some of the biggest names in women's wrestling until I'd toughened up enough and learned enough to overcome them, getting to hear thousands and thousands of people cheer so loud for me that I couldn't hear anything else, not to mention having the chance to share that bond with those wonderful, wonderful people... none of that would have happened without the Volatile Wrestling Alliance, and that is something that I will always be grateful for. I don't know if I'd be half the competitor that I am today without it, truth be told.
You feel the same way, don't you Miss Lewis?
A faint smile tugs at her lips as she looks up, those blue eyes warm and welcoming as they meet the lens. Nodding in greeting to the camera now that she's properly acknowledged it, she sighs softly before she continues to speak.
Not the regret of never defending your title during your reign since you did, but that feeling of gratitude for how the VWA helped you become a better competitor. Your highest point in your entire career resides here, after all-- being the first woman to pin September on your way to becoming champion, defending that title against Missus Fireson and Miss Canne before your grueling feud with Miss Waters, your legendary winning streak… you outshone all of the champions that came before you and all who followed, no matter what some of the more egotistical women that have held this title may believe. I'm including myself in that since I never had the opportunity to do very much with my reign beyond win a couple of matches with the belt in my possession, mind you... although now? Now, I have the opportunity to make my impact felt nonetheless. There are so many opponents that you have faced, Miss Lewis, that have never beaten you-- and many of them are in the history books of this company themselves. To be able to be one of the few women that has bested you, one-on-one… that is an opportunity that I have no plans of not taking full advantage of. I know that it'll likely be the most difficult match I've ever faced, be it here or elsewhere-- but I'm not afraid of that. No, I've always welcomed opportunities that force me to push myself, to surpass my limits time and time again… and this will be no different, regardless of the outcome. Even if you've not been as active a wrestler as I have been since the last time you stepped into a VWA ring, I'm sure that you will be training hard in preparation for our match. Lord only knows that I am. I'm actually training harder than I have in quite some time, Miss Lewis. Not only because I know that I'm going to need every last bit of my talent and willpower to beat you, but...
It is as she's trailing off that the Southern Belle's gaze returns to the replica on her lap. Something clicks within her mind, the real solution to what has been haunting her ever since that fateful day back in February when her title reign came to an untimely and-- unexpected-- end.
...but at Pandemonium, I will finally have the chance to set that regret of mine right. You see, Miss Lewis, I may no longer have the Women's Championship belt that has graced the waists of those that have carved their names in the history of this business… but I do have this and, well… since it is mine to do with as I wish, then surely putting it on the line in our match is something that I can do. Actually, no-- it's not something I can do.
This time, when she looks up at the camera? The competitive fire that has been her guiding light is burning brightly in her eyes, all the hotter and more intense thanks to the conclusion that she has come to.
It's something that I will do.
Natalie nods to affirm that point before she continues, her conviction clear in her tone. How can it not be? Even if she's suffered setbacks in her climb to where she is, she's not once given up… and she's not about to start now.
Even if Mister Lawson the younger doesn't feel it to be right? For all that I respect and like the man, I will have no qualms with telling him to go right to H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks because I will not leave the 'What if?' in regards to my ability to defend… to defend my title unanswered. And while I'm sure that there are, again, more than a few arrogant women that believe themselves to be more worthy of the opportunity than you? Not only is it not their decision to make, but I do honestly believe that none of them would be a better contender than the woman that truly put this division on the map without turning around and… and relieving herself all over that which she helped to build as Sloan did. Heck, I suspect that you would've kept your place right in that top tier of talent if it wasn't for your injury-- something that ultimately only slowed you down instead of putting a stop to you, something I'm definitely grateful for. This business needs more women like you in it, those that both walk the walk and talk the talk of elevating what we do rather than those that claim to want to better this sport... only to turn around and either backstab the fans and friends that helped make their success possible, or use the flimsy justification of 'I was the villain you needed me to be!' to explain spending months upon months setting things back a good fifty years with their actions. There's also the matter of those whom believe themselves to be bigger than this division and professional wrestling itself… but there will be none of that nonsense in this match, something that I'm thankful for. It won't be about personal lives or sneak attacks, insults or ego trips-- instead? It will be about two talented competitors walking down that ramp and seeing who, on the night of March 2nd, is the better wrestler… which is how it should be.
It's clear that the blond's not going to change her mind on that stance, no matter how many people disagree with her. Then again, considering how she's refused to allow the business to break her as it has broken so many others… that shouldn't be a surprise. Gently placing the replica on her shoulder, Natalie takes a deep breath.
Even though I know that it's not going to be the real thing, well… it's going to be real enough for me, and I'm going to go out there and wrestle like it is the actual championship on the line. I know that you respect me, Miss Lewis, but I cannot help but think that you don't quite know just what exactly you will be climbing into the ring with. Now please, don't get me wrong-- by no means am I saying that you know nothing about how I wrestle, since I have faith that you will have done all of your research as any well-prepared competitor should. Rather, while some boast about the depths of their depravity… I have proven, time and time again, that the reaches of my determination are vast indeed. If you think that I fought hard to earn my right to challenge for the championship or to earn it, well… that is but a mere sliver of the lengths that I will push myself in order to keep it. Your climb to the top was meteoric, Miss Lewis, but mine was the exact opposite. I had to scratch and claw, inch by Blessed inch, my way up to reach that elusive peak-- and if you think that I'm going to let go of what I finally earned after a year of working my tail off to get it, then I'm afraid you've got another thing coming. The respect I feel for you is only going to drive me even further, force me to dig deeper so that even if I should fall short… well, I'm sure you know how that goes.
A faint, sad smile tugs at her lips… but it doesn’t linger, the Southern Belle shaking her head as she stands, ready to take on this newest challenge head-on.
But I refuse to go into this match thinking that I will be beaten. Instead, I'm going to go out there and I am going to prove just why I-- not Sloan, not Diana, not Miss Michaels or Miss Skyler or Miss Chastaine or anyone else-- was the last woman to be champion. It wasn't on account of a fluke, it wasn't because someone else did my work for me… it was because of the fact that I have worked, long and hard, to become as talented as I am when it comes to that ring. There's no substitute for hard work, or for the rewards that it reaps-- something you know, too, meaning you know just how much of an uphill battle that we both are going to be in for at Pandemonium. We've got the makings for the sort of match that will blow the roof right off of the arena… which, honestly, is the very least that you deserve. You deserve my respect, you deserve this opportunity to potentially take something that is one of my most treasured possessions, and most of all? You deserve nothing but my best, Miss Lewis, and that will be what you get… although I hope that you won't be horribly surprised if that best proves to be too much for you to overcome.
Ahh, there's that quirk, the one that many a person who did their best to seek fault within her harped about time and time again… although in the end, Natalie did exactly that. She's long since turned defying the odds into a lifestyle, making it into her bread and butter. Having said her piece, that warm and friendly smile makes a comeback.
I look forward to hearing your response, Miss Lewis. Take care of yourself in the meantime.
Offering up a nod of parting, the Southern Belle remains as she is, her gaze locked upon the camera's lens as everything fades to black… and the last two things to vanish from sight are the glint of silver from her shoulder and the determined inferno of her eyes.
Your Name: Kris or Thaly, either or.
Experience: I'm about a month and a half away from doing this for five years.
E-Mail Address: succubis.dance@gmail.com
MSN Messenger: succubis_dance@hotmail.com
AOL Instant Messenger: DesecrationInc
Yahoo Messenger: N/A.
Other Messenger: kristinthalys is my Skype account.
Where did you find us?: Roughkut.
Superstar Information
Wrestler's Name: Natalie Burrows.
Wrestler's Nickname: 'The Southern Belle' is an unofficial moniker she's had over the years.
Billed From: Durham, North Carolina.
Manager/Valet: N/A.
Age: 24.
Weight: 5'9".
Height: 172 lbs.
Heel/Face Status: Uberface.
Theme Music: 'Don't Die Digging' by The Graduate.
Gimmick (Tell us a little bit about your character): Remember ol' days, back when the good wrestlers and the bad wrestlers were more starkly defined? Natalie would've fit in as a heroine in those days as easy as pie. The sort to always play by the rules and to use her own talents to win rather than cheat or use weapons, this Southern Belle is as hard-working and dedicated to the business she loves-- and the fans that make living her dream possible-- as can be.
Pic Base (The actual picture is optional, but it is required to include the persons name): Taylor Swift. (The juxtaposition, it amuses me so…)
Physical Description: If one were to look up the term 'girl next door', it's entirely possible that a picture of Natalie would be right beside the entry. Blond hair in big, loose curls fall to about chest-length, framing pretty, youthful features that could've won her a homecoming crown back in high school. The most notable thing about her face, though, are her blue eyes. Perpetually tanned, Natalie's build is muscular without being overblown, a combination of soft edges from girlhood that still have yet to completely fade and curves that are about average keeping her from looking too unladylike. Without any scars of note, she has one piercing in each earlobe - although she never wears earrings to the ring, of course.
Detailed Appearance (out of the ring): Well, that depends on what she's up to. If Natalie's working around her plantation home, for instance, it's old jeans or denim-cut offs and old shirts. When she's out and about in public, she dresses nicely, smartly one could say-- dress slacks, skirts, and blouses, all on the more conservative and tasteful side. As for at the shows, she tends to either wear her street clothes-- always neatly pressed-- or her ring gear.
Detailed Appearance (In the ring): That consists of coral spandex shorts which come down to roughly mid-thigh and a sports bra of the same material with silver piping throughout, with simple white boots with shin pads (think C.M. Punk) on her feet. It's simple, no muss nor fuss... and that's exactly how she likes it.
Personality: Natalie, above all else, is an honest and hard-working young woman-- and just as kind-hearted to boot. That's not to say she doesn't have her flaws-- she can be easily flustered by the opposite sex when they are crude to her and she's got the sort of pride that has her thinking she can shoulder the world all on her lonesome, not to mention a staunchness to her code of honor that can be restrictive of her at times. She's also pretty obviously a small-town girl, although she's been around long enough to know better than to follow a man into his locker room under false pretenses... and she's also extremely polite, having sworn precisely three times over the span of her two-year-career while calling everyone 'Mister', 'Miss', or 'Missus' with surnames as appropriate.
Brief Bio: While one could focus on her personal history-- the loss of her parents in separate car accidents, the betrayals of close friends, her own struggles with grief, and the recent sudden end of her relationship with Andrew Karnage-- that's not what is relevant here. What is? The fact that, in the span of two years, she has gone from a relative unknown to a decorated champion. The last woman to hold the VWA Women's Championship and the sole woman to win Hardkore Helloween without so much as picking up a single weapon, now that Natalie Burrows has settled into her position as a noteworthy competitor? Things can only continue going up from here. It is in the name of further building her legacy that Natalie has come to PCW.
Style (Hardcore, Brawler, etc.): Unconventional striker-- think RVD, but without the flips and a lot of the tope rope action-- with a dash of power, when appropriate.
Entrance: The arena goes black, a darkness that lingers for a few seconds before the Jumbotron comes to life. Footage that has been treated to look old and faded rolls of the Southern Belle fighting her way back up to her feet after being knocked down-- and the moment that she appears on the screen, the crowd cheers loudly for the fan-favorite that is about to come out. As the blond regains her feet in that video footage, bruised and battered but still willing to fight, the chorus of 'Don't Die Digging' hits the sound system with a vengeance. The song competes with the cheers that fill the air as Natalie Burrows walks emerges from behind the curtain, a bit of a spring in her step and a determined smile on her lips. Thrusting her fists skyward, the motion triggers a shower of white and coral sparks to fall from above, raining down behind her as the crowd cheers louder for her. Once the pyros have finished going off, the Southern Belle makes her way down the ramp, slapping the outreached hands as she goes. Speeding up when she reaches the bottom of the ramp, she slides into the ring on her stomach and gets to her feet before she mounts the nearest turnbuckles and thrusts both fists skyward again, soaking up the crowd's affection for her while doing her best to show her appreciation in return. Natalie hops down and begins going through some basic stretches as her music fades.
Finishing Moves:
Primary: Closure (Scissors Kick).
Secondary: Hitting Bottom (Rydeen Bomb - D-Lo Brown's 'Sky High' variant, to be exact.).
Signature Moves:
Turmoil (Springboard Wheelkick to the back).
Denial (Leaping leg lariat).
Epiphany (Feint shining wizard transitioned into a reverse roundhouse - also known as Low Ki's 'Black Magic').
The Grief Cycle (Tilt-a-Whirl slam).
Acceptance (Double underhook backbreaker).
Basic Moveset: …you asked for it…
Knife-edged chop.
Russian leg sweep.
Roundhouse kick.
Reverse roundhouse kick.
Jumping roundhouse kick.
Dropkick.
Dropkick to the knee.
Spinning heel kick.
Kicks aimed at the thighs, knees, and sides.
Kicks aimed at the shoulders, arms, and torso.
Boot to the head (Sorry, had to make that joke...).
Stiff kick to the back of a seated opponent.
Leg drop.
Springboard leg drop.
Diving leg drop.
Clothesline.
Springboard clothesline.
Monkey flip.
Enzuiguri.
Russian leg sweep.
Baseball slide.
Chop-block.
Aztec suplex.
German suplex.
Dragon suplex.
Snap suplex.
Tiger suplex.
Fisherman's suplex.
Northern lights suplex.
Leg trap suplex (counter).
Bodyslam.
Power slam.
Scoop slam.
Hip toss.
Ipponezei throw.
Dragon screw legwhip.
Falling Forward "Piledriver".
Backbreaker.
Piledriver.
Tumbling back elbow.
Handspring off the ropes back elbow (think Tajiri).
Brainbuster.
Inverted DDT.
DDT.
Atomic drop.
Inverted atomic drop.
Indian deathlock.
Catching her opponent when they rebound off the ropes and executing a spinebuster.
Spinebuster.
Sunset flip.
Sunset flip powerbomb.
Kip-up (Not offensive, but damn it all - it fits!).
Skinning the cat (Same thing...).
Sample RP (Required): It's not often that I regret things that I have or haven't done… but the Volatile Wrestling Alliance is home to one of the things that I do wish I could change.
While the Southern accent that graces the ear as the scene opens is a familiar one, what truly makes it memorable is the conviction contained within it. Such is what has driven her to victory more times than she can count, growing stronger and stronger with every setback until she finally reached the top of the mountain-- and in the time since she's last been seen in a VWA ring and now? That growth has continued, the blond ever-changing and ever-evolving as she continues to hone her skills and improve as she will until the day that she dies. No matter what some believe, there is always room to better oneself, after all-- and there is no better test of Natalie's mettle than the match she is facing come March 2nd. Her training regimen is going to have to grow even more strenuous, her hours in the gym increasing… but it is a sacrifice that she will make gladly, just as she has made many others. Pain is temporary, after all, while the reward?
Why, glory is eternal.
It is that which the Southern Belle is reminding herself of as she stands in the middle of a space that has never before been shown in one of her old promotional videos; namely? Her office, a room that is surprisingly formal when compared to the country chic of the rest of her Placid Valley plantation home. The walls are painted a delicate robin's egg blue, a shade that is complimented by the maple floors and built-in shelving along the wall to her left. There's an empty space amidst the accolades and championships that she has won in the past that calls that unit home… and that space? Belongs to the replica that it is in her tanned hands, Natalie looking down at it with a solemn expression as she sits upon the edge of the understated elegance that is her desk, caramel-colored dress slacks upon her legs as they are crossed at the ankles before her. Silence reigns as the last reigning Women's Champion regards this major piece of her past, blond curls only kept at bay by the silver barrette holding the bulk of them back. If it wasn't for the subtle rising and fall of her sides beneath that coral silk dress blouse? She could very well be a statue, caught in a moment of contemplation. After a long moment of silent contemplation, the blond continues to speak, her gaze remaining locked upon the replica of both her greatest achievement… and her largest regret.
When I received word that VWA was closing, I was devastated. Not only because it was the company that I finally got my big break in, or the friendships I've made or the dozens of memories that I will always hold near and dear… but because I never got the chance to defend the Women's Championship. That rite of passage, of well and truly proving myself as worthy of being at the top of the mountain, was denied of me thanks to circumstances well beyond my control-- although I do not hold any bitterness against Mister Lawson for that. How could I? Without him, I would have never had the opportunity to do so much. Traveling the world, meeting so many wonderful people, going up against some of the biggest names in women's wrestling until I'd toughened up enough and learned enough to overcome them, getting to hear thousands and thousands of people cheer so loud for me that I couldn't hear anything else, not to mention having the chance to share that bond with those wonderful, wonderful people... none of that would have happened without the Volatile Wrestling Alliance, and that is something that I will always be grateful for. I don't know if I'd be half the competitor that I am today without it, truth be told.
You feel the same way, don't you Miss Lewis?
A faint smile tugs at her lips as she looks up, those blue eyes warm and welcoming as they meet the lens. Nodding in greeting to the camera now that she's properly acknowledged it, she sighs softly before she continues to speak.
Not the regret of never defending your title during your reign since you did, but that feeling of gratitude for how the VWA helped you become a better competitor. Your highest point in your entire career resides here, after all-- being the first woman to pin September on your way to becoming champion, defending that title against Missus Fireson and Miss Canne before your grueling feud with Miss Waters, your legendary winning streak… you outshone all of the champions that came before you and all who followed, no matter what some of the more egotistical women that have held this title may believe. I'm including myself in that since I never had the opportunity to do very much with my reign beyond win a couple of matches with the belt in my possession, mind you... although now? Now, I have the opportunity to make my impact felt nonetheless. There are so many opponents that you have faced, Miss Lewis, that have never beaten you-- and many of them are in the history books of this company themselves. To be able to be one of the few women that has bested you, one-on-one… that is an opportunity that I have no plans of not taking full advantage of. I know that it'll likely be the most difficult match I've ever faced, be it here or elsewhere-- but I'm not afraid of that. No, I've always welcomed opportunities that force me to push myself, to surpass my limits time and time again… and this will be no different, regardless of the outcome. Even if you've not been as active a wrestler as I have been since the last time you stepped into a VWA ring, I'm sure that you will be training hard in preparation for our match. Lord only knows that I am. I'm actually training harder than I have in quite some time, Miss Lewis. Not only because I know that I'm going to need every last bit of my talent and willpower to beat you, but...
It is as she's trailing off that the Southern Belle's gaze returns to the replica on her lap. Something clicks within her mind, the real solution to what has been haunting her ever since that fateful day back in February when her title reign came to an untimely and-- unexpected-- end.
...but at Pandemonium, I will finally have the chance to set that regret of mine right. You see, Miss Lewis, I may no longer have the Women's Championship belt that has graced the waists of those that have carved their names in the history of this business… but I do have this and, well… since it is mine to do with as I wish, then surely putting it on the line in our match is something that I can do. Actually, no-- it's not something I can do.
This time, when she looks up at the camera? The competitive fire that has been her guiding light is burning brightly in her eyes, all the hotter and more intense thanks to the conclusion that she has come to.
It's something that I will do.
Natalie nods to affirm that point before she continues, her conviction clear in her tone. How can it not be? Even if she's suffered setbacks in her climb to where she is, she's not once given up… and she's not about to start now.
Even if Mister Lawson the younger doesn't feel it to be right? For all that I respect and like the man, I will have no qualms with telling him to go right to H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks because I will not leave the 'What if?' in regards to my ability to defend… to defend my title unanswered. And while I'm sure that there are, again, more than a few arrogant women that believe themselves to be more worthy of the opportunity than you? Not only is it not their decision to make, but I do honestly believe that none of them would be a better contender than the woman that truly put this division on the map without turning around and… and relieving herself all over that which she helped to build as Sloan did. Heck, I suspect that you would've kept your place right in that top tier of talent if it wasn't for your injury-- something that ultimately only slowed you down instead of putting a stop to you, something I'm definitely grateful for. This business needs more women like you in it, those that both walk the walk and talk the talk of elevating what we do rather than those that claim to want to better this sport... only to turn around and either backstab the fans and friends that helped make their success possible, or use the flimsy justification of 'I was the villain you needed me to be!' to explain spending months upon months setting things back a good fifty years with their actions. There's also the matter of those whom believe themselves to be bigger than this division and professional wrestling itself… but there will be none of that nonsense in this match, something that I'm thankful for. It won't be about personal lives or sneak attacks, insults or ego trips-- instead? It will be about two talented competitors walking down that ramp and seeing who, on the night of March 2nd, is the better wrestler… which is how it should be.
It's clear that the blond's not going to change her mind on that stance, no matter how many people disagree with her. Then again, considering how she's refused to allow the business to break her as it has broken so many others… that shouldn't be a surprise. Gently placing the replica on her shoulder, Natalie takes a deep breath.
Even though I know that it's not going to be the real thing, well… it's going to be real enough for me, and I'm going to go out there and wrestle like it is the actual championship on the line. I know that you respect me, Miss Lewis, but I cannot help but think that you don't quite know just what exactly you will be climbing into the ring with. Now please, don't get me wrong-- by no means am I saying that you know nothing about how I wrestle, since I have faith that you will have done all of your research as any well-prepared competitor should. Rather, while some boast about the depths of their depravity… I have proven, time and time again, that the reaches of my determination are vast indeed. If you think that I fought hard to earn my right to challenge for the championship or to earn it, well… that is but a mere sliver of the lengths that I will push myself in order to keep it. Your climb to the top was meteoric, Miss Lewis, but mine was the exact opposite. I had to scratch and claw, inch by Blessed inch, my way up to reach that elusive peak-- and if you think that I'm going to let go of what I finally earned after a year of working my tail off to get it, then I'm afraid you've got another thing coming. The respect I feel for you is only going to drive me even further, force me to dig deeper so that even if I should fall short… well, I'm sure you know how that goes.
A faint, sad smile tugs at her lips… but it doesn’t linger, the Southern Belle shaking her head as she stands, ready to take on this newest challenge head-on.
But I refuse to go into this match thinking that I will be beaten. Instead, I'm going to go out there and I am going to prove just why I-- not Sloan, not Diana, not Miss Michaels or Miss Skyler or Miss Chastaine or anyone else-- was the last woman to be champion. It wasn't on account of a fluke, it wasn't because someone else did my work for me… it was because of the fact that I have worked, long and hard, to become as talented as I am when it comes to that ring. There's no substitute for hard work, or for the rewards that it reaps-- something you know, too, meaning you know just how much of an uphill battle that we both are going to be in for at Pandemonium. We've got the makings for the sort of match that will blow the roof right off of the arena… which, honestly, is the very least that you deserve. You deserve my respect, you deserve this opportunity to potentially take something that is one of my most treasured possessions, and most of all? You deserve nothing but my best, Miss Lewis, and that will be what you get… although I hope that you won't be horribly surprised if that best proves to be too much for you to overcome.
Ahh, there's that quirk, the one that many a person who did their best to seek fault within her harped about time and time again… although in the end, Natalie did exactly that. She's long since turned defying the odds into a lifestyle, making it into her bread and butter. Having said her piece, that warm and friendly smile makes a comeback.
I look forward to hearing your response, Miss Lewis. Take care of yourself in the meantime.
Offering up a nod of parting, the Southern Belle remains as she is, her gaze locked upon the camera's lens as everything fades to black… and the last two things to vanish from sight are the glint of silver from her shoulder and the determined inferno of her eyes.
XD
