Gavin Taylor vs. Deanna Frost

[Kemal Yilmaz]

SCW World Championship

2 RP Limit for singles

3500 Word Per RP

Deadline: 11:59:59 pm ET SUNDAY, November 1, 2026

[Corner G]

https://allstargavintaylor.wordpress.com...-the-year/

[SnowQueenSCW]

Frost No More

”The Things We Carry”

The Frost ‘Forever Home’  
Manhattan, New York  
October 29th, 2026  
4:09 p.m.

The crackers should not have been this difficult...

Deanna Frost stood in the kitchen, staring upward at the top shelf of one of the cupboards with growing irritation.

At least, that was the word she had decided upon.

“Come on...” she muttered, her fingers stretching upward and her tongue sticking out a little as her fingers barely brushed the cardboard of the container.

Almost.

The sleeve of her loose green sweater shifted as she extended her arm just a bit higher. Just another inch... she thought, mustering her strength to push herself slightly onto her toes-

“Ah—!” The redhead recoiled, clutching her arm against her body as she stumbled one step backward into the kitchen island, her back slamming into it with a dull thud. For several seconds, she didn't move, her emerald eyes squeezed shut. Her breathing became shallow against the pain.

One. she mentally. Two... Three... Four...

“Fuck...” she whispered.

The word disappeared into the empty kitchen as she stay still, breathing deeply to try and dull the sharp pain. Slowly, Deanna opened her eyes...

Nothing had changed.

The afternoon sunlight still poured in, the dishwasher still hummed quietly just a few feet from her, three snack-plates still sat on the island, an apple sat beside the cutting board and the peanut butter jar was open.

But the crackers remained on the top shelf, causing the SCW world champion to glare up at them.

“Seriously?” They offered no apology.

With a huff, Deanna rolled her shoulder carefully – and immediately regretted it as another sharp pulse of pain travelled through her arm. Angrily, she stopped the movement.

She knew better - of course she did!

The problem wasn't knowing. The problem was everything else!

The endless airports.
The hotel rooms.
The appearances.
The interviews.
The wrestling rings.
The flights.
The car rides.

The constant feeling that every time she managed to sleep long enough for her body to begin forgiving her, somebody somewhere had decided the SCW World Champion needed to be somewhere else.

Montreal.
Mexico.
Japan.
Paris – she hadn’t even had the time to enjoy the city of love with Selena because of that damn schedule!

Always another promotion. Always another obligation. Always another defence of the championship she had spent years convincing herself she wasn’t capable of holding.

And every time she looked at the itinerary, Deanna told herself the same thing... This is what you wanted.

Not Frank.
Not Gavin.
Not Selena.
Her.

She had wanted to become World Champion. She had wanted to prove she could carry SCW's greatest championship. Not just to prove that integrity and grit and hard work could prevail... but also for herself. She had wanted to stand beneath the lights and know that when people looked at her, they no longer saw the woman standing beside Selena Frost... They saw Deanna Frost.

So she had smiled, boarded another plane, walked into another building, raised the championship, fought, won, then moved again to repeat the process over and over again...

She had done it with a bruise along her ribs.
She had done it when her knee complained.
She had done it while exhausted.

Now she was doing it with an arm that reminded her several dozen times each day what had happened inside Club Ga-BLAM.

Gavin Taylor's club. Deanna's jaw tightened. She could practically hear Selena’s hiss of a whisper in her mind.

It hadn't been random – even she knew that. Anyone with two functioning brain cells knew it. And still the schedule hadn't slowed. If anything... Deanna shook her head angrily.

“No.”

She wasn't doing that - not now. The children would be home soon. That was why she was here... on the floor, clutching her arm and shoulder. Because again... she wanted this.

Normal afternoon.
Normal kitchen.
Normal snacks.
Homework.
Dinner.

Maybe Amiliah would insist they watch some cartoon Deanna couldn't follow or David would pretend homework took three hours while somehow spending two hours and forty-five minutes staring at his latest game. Elsianna would probably vanish into her room and emerge only when food became unavoidable.

Ordinary...

She had asked for ordinary, so she was going to have it! Even if she had to fight for it with all she had like the world title!

Slowly, the redhead pushed herself up and stepped toward the cupboard again, reaching with her other arm this time. The angle was awkward, but her fingers kept grazing the box.

“Come on...” She stretched, getting just a bit closer. The box shifted and, for one glorious second, Deanna thought she had it!

Then the crackers tipped sideways.

“Shit-” she barely got out as the box fell. On instinct, Deanna caught it against her chest – the same instinct that caused her injured arm to close around it.

Pain exploded again and she bit down hard on her lower lip, swallowing the sound before it escaped, her forehead dropping against the cupboard door. For several seconds, she simply remained there, eyes closed.

Strong.... Grit...

The thought came automatically. She had to be strong! She had survived Veil. She had returned when doctors had told her she wasn't ready. She had gone undefeated to win the Shot of Adrenaline Tournament. She had won Taking Hold of the Flame. Won the World Tag Team Championship. Walked into Rise to Greatness and defeated Amelia Blythe and became World Champion!

I can handle a fucking box of crackers!

The front door opened and Deanna immediately straightened on reflex. Voices spilled through the house almost instantly.

“Shoes!”
“I know!”
“No, you apparently don't know because  they’re still on your feet.”
“They were coming off!”
“They were walking toward the carpet.”
“That isn't the same thing.”

Deanna couldn't help herself – for a second, she was able to forget. For a second... she smiled.

Selena...

A second later came Amiliah's voice. “Mother, David almost stepped on my foot!”
“I did not!”
“You almost did!”
“That doesn't count!”
“Children.” Selena's single-word-warning carried through the hall.

Quickly, Deanna placed the crackers on the island and moved her injured arm carefully to her side. By the time footsteps approached the kitchen, her expression had been rearranged into something considerably more convincing.

Amiliah appeared first. “Mama!” The little girl rushed toward her. Instinctively, Deanna opened both arms – but quickly stopped herself and shifted. Amiliah noticed nothing, wrapping herself around Deanna's waist tightly.

“Hey, sweetheart.” Deanna kissed the top of her head. “Good day?”
“David is annoying.”
“I am literally behind you!” came David's offended voice.
Elsianna followed, phone in hand. “She's right.”
“Why is everyone against me?”

“Because statistically...” Selena's voice came from behind them as she entered last. “You usually deserve it...”

David stared at her. “Mom!”

Selena stepped further into the kitchen carrying two grocery bags in one hand and another tucked against her opposite hip. Deanna's eyes immediately narrowed, but not because Selena had said anything - It was the bags.

Again.

Selena met her gaze. Then, casually placed the groceries on the counter. “Homework.” The three children groaned in almost perfect harmony at the platinum-blonde’s command. “Downstairs.” came the response.

“Can I have something first?” Amiliah asked.
“That...” Deanna replied, gesturing toward the half-prepared snacks, “...was exactly what I was working on.”

David immediately reached toward the crackers, but Deanna slapped his hand away with her good one. “Homework first.”
David groaned. “This house is a dictatorship.”
“Downstairs.” Deanna repeated, pointing toward the hallway with her good arm. Eventually, with the dramatic suffering expected of children subjected to the horrors of education, all three disappeared.

Now in quiet, Deanna turned back toward the kitchen island.

“So...” she started, watching as Selena began unpacking the groceries.
“Don't.”
Deanna blinked at the swift command. “I didn't say anything.”
“You were going to ask why I bought groceries.”
“I was going to say thank you.”

Selena paused, a little embarrassed. “Oh. Well...” Selena removed a bag of vegetables. “Recent history suggested otherwise.”
Deanna rolled her eyes. “Maybe you love me.”
Selena's mouth twitched, though she tried to hide it. “Unfortunately.”

The answer warmed Deanna despite herself. Carefully, she reached for the crackers. “Kids will want these.” she remarked as she lifted the box and her arm shifted, bringing a flash of pain.

Her breath caught - barely audible. But Selena heard it. Of course she did.

Deanna continued as if nothing had happened, turning toward the cupboard. The peanut butter was on the second shelf - normally easy. Today... worth a mental curse or five!

Biting her lower lip, Deanna reached, not seeing that Selena had moved without speaking; an arm extending past Deanna, her hand closed around the jar.

Deanna immediately pulled away. “I got it.”
Selena stopped. “I know.”
“Then let me.”
“I was only-”
“I said I got it.”

There was only silence between the Snow Queen and the redhead that had raised her voice. Slowly, Selena lowered her hand and Deanna reached again. Her fingers touched the peanut butter...

Her shoulder screamed and trembled as her fingers felt it slip out of her grasp- Faster than an eye-blink, Selena grabbed the jar and placed it on the counter.

“Selena!” Deanna spun to face her. “I said I had it!”
“And I watched you nearly fold yourself in half reaching six inches above your head!”
“I wasn't folding myself in half!”
“Deanna-”

“No!” The word came louder than either expected. Slightly ashamed, Deanna glanced toward the hallway, lowering her voice. “I'm not an invalid, Selena.”

“I didn't say you were...” Selena tried.

“You didn't have to!” Deanna gestured with her good arm. “You help me get dressed in the morning. You drive everywhere. You carry my bags. You pick up the children. You buy the groceries. You open doors before I can even touch them. You carry my championships if you think I'm tired. You-”

“I’m just trying to help.”

“Yes!” Deanna snapped, turning away. “You're always trying to help! Help me with my jacket. Help me with my luggage. Help me with my schedule. Help me into the car. Help me out of the car. Help me hold something. Help me reach something.” Her eyes burned. “I'm not helpless!”

“No.” Selena's answer was quiet. “But you're hurt.”

Everything inside Deanna stopped instantly: the anger, the defence, the next sentence... All of it. For a few seconds, she couldn't look at Selena, instead dropping her eyes towards the countertop.

“I know.” the redhead swallowed. “I know. Every time I put a shirt on, I know.” Her jaw tightened. “Every time I reach for my seatbelt, I know. Every time somebody bumps into me at an airport. Every time I roll over in bed.” Her eyes finally found Selena once more. “Do you think I don't know what they did?”

“No.” Selena shook her head.
“It wasn't random.”
“I know.”
“It was his club. His people.”
Selena's sapphire eyes hardened. “I’m aware.”

“And Frank hasn't stopped.” Deanna continued. “He just keeps sending me.” Her voice cracked slightly. “Another city. Another company. Another ring. Another defence. Another person who wants to see if the SCW World Champion can actually do what she's supposed to do.”

She saw Selena's jaw tightened - saw the familiar anger rising. “Don't.” she warned.
Selena blinked in surprise. “Don't what?”
“Don't start.”
“I haven't said anything.”
“I know that look.”

It was impossible to lie. Thirteen years... Some things didn't require words.

“You want to fix it.” Deanna sighed.
Selena exhaled through her nose. “Yes.”
“You want to tell Frank where to shove his itinerary.”
“Yes.”
“You want to walk into Gavin's club and-”
“Several possibilities have occurred to me.” Selena pressed coldly, her hands clenching her own biceps hard.
“Selena.”

“I said possibilities.” the Snow Queen pressed. “I know I don't get to decide.” The older woman leaned against the counter. “I know you accepted the schedule. I know you're the champion, and I know that means you're allowed to decide what you're willing to endure.”

Deanna's expression tightened. “Can I?”

It wasn’t an accusation or sarcastic reply – which surprised Selena – it was a genuine question.

“What?” Selena asked, eyes locked on her partner.
“Can I endure it?” There was no sarcasm or challenge. Which made it harder to answer!
“I don't know.” Selena shrugged, but continued quickly as she saw Deanna recoil slightly. “And neither do you!”
“That isn't very reassuring.”
“I wasn't trying to reassure you.”
“Wonderful.”
“I was trying to be honest.”

Deanna folded her arms, but regretted it immediately, and uncrossed them. Selena noticed but said nothing.

Which somehow made it worse... the redhead thought.

“Ask me.” Selena said, regaining the younger woman’s focus.
“What?”
“The question you've been avoiding.”

Deanna stared at her. “I don't know what you're talking about.”
“Yes, you do.”
“No, I-”
“Deanna.”

The redhead's mouth closed. “If I lose...”The words came before she could stop them. “If I lose to Gavin...” she had to pause and move. “This is my first SCW defence here...” she tried again. “Rise to Greatness was supposed to prove it.” She laughed bitterly. “Prove that I was ready. That 2023 wasn't a fluke opportunity I wasn't prepared for. That last year wasn't the best I could do. That surviving Veil wasn't the most impressive thing about me.”

Her eyes stung as confessed. “I won the Flame. I beat Amelia. I became World Champion.” She turned back to Selena, who hadn’t moved. “And if I lose the first time I defend it on SCW?”

“You'll have lost a wrestling match.”
Deanna glared at her oversimplification. “You know it's not that simple.”
“I know it isn't.”
“Then don't pretend.”
“I'm not.”

Deanna's breathing quickened. “Oh come on!” she half-laughed. “They'll say Amelia had an off night. They'll say Rise to Greatness was my moment and nothing more. They'll say I finally got what I spent years chasing and couldn't hold onto it.” Her voice dropped. “They'll say Gavin was right.” Deanna swallowed, even if it hurt. “And they'll say you were always the real Frost.”

The two stood there in silence for several moments until Deanna sighed. “You know they will.”
“I know they'll say it.” Selena answered. “That doesn't make it true.”

Deanna shook her head. “You don't understand.”

It was then Selena's expression changed. “I understand more than you think.” she stared down the emerald eyes before her. “For years, I collected championships like evidence. Every defence. Every record. Every RTG main event. I thought if I accumulated enough proof, eventually nobody could question who I was.” A humourless smile crossed her face. “Do you know what happened?”

Deanna didn't have to answer.

“They kept questioning.” Selena shrugged. “So I won more.” Her smile disappeared. “Then I needed another championship to prove the last one wasn't luck. Then another defence to prove the previous defence wasn't circumstance. Then another record to prove the last record mattered.” She shook her head. “There was never enough.”

Sighing, Selena shook her head before turning back to Deanna. “If somebody has already decided you're the lesser Frost, unoriginal as that line is... losing to Gavin won't convince them.”

Deanna's shoulders sank. “And beating him won't fix them either?”

No answer – of course not.

“What if it convinces me?” Deanna's voice trembled. “What if I lose and I believe them?”

There it was. The bitter truth.

Not Gavin.
Not Frank.
Not SCW.
Her.

“You might lose.” The words hurt - Maybe because they were true or maybe because they were coming from Selena.
“You’re terrible at this ‘support’ thing.” Deanna tried to laugh, but Selena did not relent.

“You might lose.” She shrugged. “So might Gavin. So might Amelia and Luz. I might next time.” she shrugged again. “But if losing one match is enough to erase everything you've done, Deanna, then winning this match was never going to silence that fear permanently.” The Snow Queen stared the world champion down. “You'll just need another defence... And another... And another...”

Deanna closed her eyes. She knew exactly what Selena meant. That was the problem.

“I don't want to become you.” The sentence escaped before she could stop it and she saw Selena go still. “I didn't mean-”
“Yes, you did.”
“Selena-”

“And you shouldn't.” There was no anger – but that somehow hurt more. “You should never have to become what I became just to prove you're worthy of standing where you are.” She gave the smallest shrug. “And I shouldn't become you either.”

Deanna frowned. “What does that mean?”

Slowly, Selena glanced toward the grocery bags, then the keys she had placed on the counter, then back at Deanna.

It took Deanna a second to understand – then... “Oh.” she realized. “Your career can wait.”
“I said that.”
“You keep saying that.”
Selena's jaw tightened. “Because right now you need-”

“That's not what I asked.” Deanna pressed, wanting to corner the taller woman but too scared of hurting her arm again. Instead, she stared Selena down. “What about you?”

“My career isn't important right now.”

“Stop deciding that!” Deanna's frustration returned, but differently now. “You don't get to disappear into helping me!”

The words struck hard and Selena stared at her.

“You spent months running because you thought we'd be better without you.” Deanna continued softly. “And now you're here.” She gestured between them. “Really here. But you're turning yourself into my driver and my luggage carrier and my extremely judgmental meal planner.”

“I bought vegetables.” Selena tried.
“You bought six kinds.”
“Variety is important!”

Despite herself, Deanna smiled – but it faded again. “I don't...” she tried to word it correctly. “I don’t need you to stop helping me. I need you to stop acting like helping me is the only thing you're allowed to do.”

Selena's eyes lowered, silence greeting them again for a moment. “I don't know what else I'm allowed to do.” The admission was so quiet Deanna almost missed it. “Every time I think about asking for another match or anything about wanting something here again... part of me wonders if that's how it starts.”

“The Blue-Eyed Devil?”
Selena nodded. “The control. The obsession. The price I was willing to pay.”
Deanna studied her. “So instead, you decided wanting nothing was safer.”

Selena gave a humourless laugh. “When you say it like that, it sounds stupid.”
“It IS stupid.”

They stared at one another before slowly Deanna reached out with her good hand, her fingers closing around Selena's. “You don't have to become her again just because you wrestle.”

Selena's gaze dropped toward their joined hands. “And you don't have to become me to be World Champion.”

Deanna smiled faintly. “Then what do I have to be?”

Selena looked up, the answer obvious to her. “Deanna.”

The answer was so infuriatingly simple that Deanna laughed through the moisture in her eyes. “I hate when you do that.”
“What?”
“Say something annoyingly obvious like you've discovered philosophy.”
Selena shrugged. “Natural talent.”

For a moment, Deanna squeezed her hand then released it as the house settled around them. They heard some noise amidst the silence:

Children shifting somewhere downstairs.
A faint thump.
David yelling something unintelligible.
Amiliah immediately yelling back.

Ordinary...

Deanna looked toward the cupboard... then at the crackers... then the peanut butter.

Selena followed her gaze. “May I?”
Deanna raised an eyebrow. “May you what?”
Hesitantly, Selena pointed toward the top shelf. “Get the crackers next time.”

Deanna stared at her before releasing a sigh. “Yes, please.” she replied. “I kind of need a hand right now.” she exhaled. “And maybe the peanut butter.”

“You want me to get two thing?” Selena teased. “Ambitious.”
“Don't ruin this.”

The platinum-blonde’s mouth curved. “Wouldn't dream of it.” She reached up, retrieved another box from the shelf and placed it gently on the counter.

“Thank you.” Deanna whispered as she resumed making the children’s snacks.
“For respecting your autonomy or buying groceries?”
“The crackers.”
“You're thanking me for crackers?”
“Don't make me take it back.”

Neither woman spoke for a little while - they simply worked. Deanna cut an apple and Selena reached. Deanna portioned and Selena closed lids.

From downstairs came Amiliah's voice. “MAMA!”
Deanna closed her eyes. “Yes?”
“I NEED HELP!”
“With what?”
“MATH!”
David immediately shouted, “SHE DOES NOT! SHE JUST DOESN'T WANT TO DO IT!”
“I DO!”

Selena sighed. “I'll go.” Deanna glared at her, causing her to stop.“Unless you want to, Red.”
The redhead smiled.  “I'll go.” and started toward the hallway, but stopped at the doorway.

“Selena?” The platinum-blonde looked up, causing her to hesitate. “I'm scared.”
Selena's expression softened. “I know.”
Deanna gulped. “I don't know if I'm going to beat him.”
“I know.”
“I don't know if I can keep doing all of this.”
“I know.”

Deanna's eyes stung again but Selena didn't move toward her. She simply remained there, waiting for Deanna to decide for herself.

The world champion took a slow breath. “But I want to try.”
Selena nodded. “Then try.”
“And if I need help?”
“Reach.”
Deanna smiled at that. “Okay.”

She turned toward the stairs. Behind her, Selena returned to preparing the snacks. The World Championship sat upstairs beside Deanna's half-unpacked travel bag...

Waiting for the next plane.
The next arena.
The next challenger.
The next question.
But for the next few minutes, Deanna Frost didn't carry it.

She just went downstairs to help her daughter with her homework...

Ordinary Deanna... she thought. I like that one much better....

[Corner G]

https://allstargavintaylor.wordpress.com...-american/

[SnowQueenSCW]

The Real Thing

The camera opens on an empty wrestling ring inside a quiet area. There’s no arena, or audience, or fancy lights, or entrance music. This isn’t where an apocalypse will happen either. Rather, this is where limits are pushed. Not for cameras or celebrity status or even world championships, but to push yourself.

And in this training-ring, sitting upon the middle turnbuckle, is Deanna Frost. She wears black track pants, white sneakers, and a dark green t-shirt. The SCW World Championship rests across her thighs, its gold catching beneath the overhead lights as the redhead stares down at it. What stands out just as much as the gold of the championship, however, is the tape wrapping around her arm, the white a stark contrast to the dark green of her shirt. Deanna’s emerald-green eyes stay on the championship, her fingers slowly tracing across the faceplate. For several seconds, she simply studies it before taking a deep breath.

So... she breathes. Where do we start?

Lifting her head, she looks toward the camera. How about this? Carefully, she lifts and tilts the championship towards the camera. It's real.

A small smile crosses her features. I know... profound opening, right? A chuckle escapes her. But I've been thinking about that a lot lately.

Carefully, the redhead lifts the World Championship slightly. It’s real. And taps the centre plate. Not a replica. Another tap. Not a retired championship. Another tap. Not borrowed from somebody else. Her smile becomes a little more knowing. Not something from another company that I decided looked pretty enough to carry around SCW because I wanted everyone looking at me to think I was a champion.

She pauses for a moment before lifting her gaze back to the camera. You remember that, don't you, Gavin? Her emerald eyes remain on the lens. Because I do.

I wasn't wrestling much back then. Mostly standing at ringside. Travelling with Selena. Watching. Learning. Trying to understand this crazy world I had somehow walked into.

Another small laugh. How little I knew back then... But every so often, Gavin Taylor would appear again. She raises a hand. New idea. And lifts one finger. New cause. She lifts another finger. New version of Gavin Taylor that everyone should just ‘believe without question’.

She lowers her hand. And I remember one of those times particularly well because Selena was fighting through a tournament for the United States Championship. The same championship you now talk about as though you personally breathed life into it – not by winning it and defending it, no! – but simply by caring about it. She shrugs.

But back to that time... because while Selena was fighting for titles and winning those titles, Gavin Taylor was walking around with championships too. She smiles faintly. Lots of them...

Replica championships.
Retired championships.
Championships from somewhere else.

Anything you could sling over your shoulder or around your waist and parade around proudly enough that maybe, if everybody squinted, they'd forget what you had wasn’t actually an SCW title... or you hadn't actually won the championship you were pretending to carry.

The smile disappears. And I don't bring that up because I think it's embarrassing. She shakes her head. Actually... I think it's sad.

She takes a moment to pause, letting her eyes go back to the world title. Because eventually, Gavin... you did it. She slides down from the turnbuckle and lands carefully, protecting the injured arm. You became World Champion.

For real.

The redhead raises the title and drapes it across her good shoulder. You defeated Syren. You reached the mountain you've spent years telling everybody you belonged on top of. Nobody can take that away from you. I won't even try. Slowly, she steps toward the centre of the ring. You were the SCW World Champion.

So here's the part I don't understand... She gives a tilt of her head. Why are you still acting like one?

Silence fills the empty space.

Why does Gavin Taylor still need to tell everybody how important Gavin Taylor is? Deanna slowly begins pacing within the ring. Why do you need to explain how you made everybody care about the World Championship?

Or how you made everybody care about the United States Championship?
Or how the awards should've been yours?
Or how SCW somehow became more important because Gavin Taylor walked into it?

She stops. You became champion. Wasn't that enough? She lets the question hang.

Not forever. Nothing lasts forever. But for one moment... wasn't actually doing it enough? Her fingers adjust the championship. Because listening to you, Gavin, sometimes I don't think becoming World Champion actually changed anything where you are concerned.

Before you won it, you needed everyone to believe Gavin Taylor was a champion. Her eyes return to the camera. And after you won it, you need everybody to believe Gavin Taylor was the greatest champion of all time.

And after you lost it? The redhead shakes her head and shrugs her shoulders. Well... obviously somebody must have done something to Gavin Taylor, right?

She resumes walking. Somebody interfered. Somebody conspired. Somebody denied you the rematch you deserved. Somebody didn't support you properly. Somebody didn't recognize you. The world champion stops again. But whenever something goes right?

A sad, small laugh escapes the young champion. Gavin Taylor did it himself. Her expression isn't mocking. If anything, it looks genuinely curious. Do you hear that contradiction? Because I'm not even sure you do.

When you succeed, you did it alone.
When you fail, somebody else did it to you.

Deanna pauses, shaking her head. You even did it again at your rally! Chris Dumont doesn't show up in Australia, so apparently you retain the World Championship. Then you beat the Glimmer Sisters. Then you beat me at Rise to Greatness.

She raises an eyebrow. Gavin... two of those matches never even happened, and somehow you've already won all three! One thing goes wrong and you can rewrite everything after it until Gavin Taylor never really loses anything.

That... she exhales a breath. That sounds exhausting. Her gaze briefly drops toward the canvas. And I know a little something about exhausting.

Her expression changes again – no longer playful in the slightest. Instead, she raises her taped arm slightly. Here. She moves the arm only enough for the camera to see the extent of the wrapping.

You want to know what condition the SCW World Champion is in heading into Apocalypse? She shrugs. Fine. She takes a deep breath, as if bracing herself.

I'm tired. A beat. My arm hurts. Another beat. My body hurts. Her voice remains steady. I've barely stopped moving since Rise to Greatness.

I've gone from city to city, country to country, company to company, carrying this championship because Frank Delatosso apparently decided Deanna Frost needed to be ‘the travelling World Champion’ twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week! She glances toward her injured arm.

And then there was Club Ga-BLAM... Her jaw tightens. Your club. Her expression is direct and serious. Your people.

I'm not going to stand here and tell everybody I know exactly what order was given in what room and by what person... I don't know. Her eyes narrow. I don't need to invent facts because they make me feel better. Her free hand tightens into a fist. But what happened wasn't random. She lifts the taped arm again. And this is real too.

So congratulations, Gavin. Her expression hardens. At Apocalypse, you don't get a perfect World Champion.

You get ‘Tired Deanna’.
‘Hurt Deanna’.
She pauses for a second. ‘Scared Deanna’.

Yeah. She lets the word settle. Scared. The admission comes without any shame. Because this is my first SCW World Championship defence.

And I've thought about what happens if I lose... She laughs softly. A lot. I've wondered what people will say:

Amelia had an off night.
Deanna got lucky at Rise to Greatness.
She was good enough to have one incredible night but not good enough to actually carry the World Championship.

And because you've been so fond of this one lately... She tilts her head. Maybe they'll say the B-player Frost finally got exposed.

Her expression tightens. Or maybe they'll say I “married into being a wrestler.” That I only matter because Selena Frost happened to love me.

Deanna nods. And you know what? Selena is why I entered this world. I didn't grow up planning to become a wrestler. I fell in love with one. I travelled with her, stood at ringside, watched and learned until I discovered something here that I wanted for myself.

She taps her chest. But I married Selena Frost. I didn't marry Taking Hold of the Flame. Selena didn't win the Shot of Adrenaline for me. She didn't pin Amelia Blythe for me. Selena opened the door... I decided how far I walked through it.

A faint smile. So no, Gavin. I didn't surpass my potential.

Her eyes sharpen. I surpassed your imagination of me. You looked at Selena Frost's wife and decided where her ceiling was. I never agreed to it.

And you know what scared me the most, Gavin? Deanna steps closer to the camera. Not that you might say it. She takes another step. Not that Frank might say it. And a third. Not that somebody online might say it. She stops where she is. I was afraid I might believe it...

There is no movement or words for several seconds.

That's the truth...

And maybe that's something you don't understand about me. I don't need to pretend I'm fearless. She leans her good arm across the top rope. I spent too much of my life being afraid to waste energy lying about it now. Her gaze sharpens.

I was terrified after Veil.
I was terrified coming back.
I was terrified of fighting in the SoA tournament.
I was terrified of fighting in the Flame royale.
I was terrified standing across from Amelia.
I'm scared now.

For a second, Deanna does nothing. Then, she suddenly shrugs. So what?

Fear isn't the same thing as surrender. She pushes herself away from the ropes. Being scared doesn't make this championship less real. Being hurt doesn't make me less real...

And losing someday won't suddenly make everything I did to get here fake.

Deanna sighs and shakes her head knowingly. That took me longer to understand than I care to admit. She looks down at the championship. Because I almost made the same mistake somebody I love spent years making. Her expression softens for only a moment.

Collecting victories like evidence.
Another defence to prove the last one mattered.
Another accomplishment to prove I belonged.
Another person beaten so nobody could possibly question me anymore.

She shakes her head. It doesn't work. People question you anyway.

Some of them make entire careers out of it.

Her attention returns fully to the camera. So let me make this beyond clear, ‘Mr. All-Star’. I'm not fighting you at Apocalypse to prove I deserve to be World Champion... I already did that!

The championship comes off her shoulder, Deanna wincing for just a fraction before adjusting with her good arm.

I'm fighting you because I am the World Champion. And you're the man trying to take this from me... That's enough.

The world champion walks back toward the centre of the ring.

And that's why your whole A-player, B-player thing doesn't bother me quite the way you probably hoped it would. She rolls her eyes. Oh, don't get me wrong. It's annoying. She smiles a little. You're annoying... She shrugs. Congratulations.

Then her expression becomes serious. But I spent years fighting to become something other than ‘Selena Frost's wife’.

Something other than Selena Frost's manager.
Something other than the woman standing beside Selena Frost.
And eventually I learned something.

There doesn't need to be an A-Frost and a B-Frost.

She shakes her head. There doesn't need to be a better Frost. There doesn't need to be a real Frost. Her smile returns. Selena is Selena. I'm me. And I'm pretty comfortable with the comparison now because I don't need to win it.

She laughs, more so to herself. Imagine that!

Thirteen years of people comparing us and eventually somebody finally figured out the competition didn't exist in the first place! She points toward herself.

I'm not trying to become Selena Frost.
I'm not trying to become Amelia Blythe.
I'm not trying to become whatever Gavin Taylor thinks a World Champion is supposed to look like or whatever Gavin Taylor thinks SCW needs.

I'm Deanna.

The sentence hangs quietly.

And maybe that's what bothers me most when I look at you. She frowns. Because after all these years, Gavin... I'm still not sure you've ever allowed yourself to just be Gavin. She begins pacing once more. I've watched you come and go from SCW more times than I could probably count. And every time, it seems like there's something new:

A notion.
An idea.
A movement.
A title you weren't really holding.
A title you were holding.
A political campaign.
A cause.

A collection of people telling you Gavin Taylor is the most important man in the room.

Deanna stops. And when one version only gets you so far... eventually Gavin leaves.

Her expression softens.

That happens. People leave.
People fall apart.
People need second chances.

A small, knowing smile forms. Trust me, the Frost family would be pretty hypocritical if I pretended otherwise. Then it fades.

But sooner or later, Gavin, reinvention has to become growth. Her eyes narrow. Otherwise it's just another costume.

Deanna looks around the plain training area. Which is why your rally made me laugh a little. The fireworks. The banners. Vex News. The applause signs. An entire building telling Gavin Taylor how incredible Gavin Taylor is...

She looks back at the camera. And then you walked up to the camera and called all of it “raw” and “real.” She gives a small shrug. Maybe we just have different definitions of real. And taps the title. Because this is real. She lifts her taped arm. This is real. Then points at herself. And this is real.

And that's why I keep coming back to this question: why can't Gavin Taylor just try to be a good champion? She shrugs.

Not the champion who saved SCW.
Not the champion who made everybody care.
Not the champion who deserved an award because nobody else could possibly understand his importance.
Not the champion that can do an easy impression.
Not the champion that loves alliteration when giving names.
Just... a good champion.

Is that really so terrifying?

Deanna lets out a breath. Because yeah... it is for me. She shrugs. Being Deanna without all the extra stuff? Her fingers brush the championship. Without needing this to tell me who I am? She looks back at the camera. Terrifying.

I'd still rather do that than spend every day wondering whether somebody is about to expose the person I'm pretending to be. Her gaze sharpens.

But you did say something recently that I actually agree with. She raises an eyebrow. Don't get used to that. She resumes her pacing.

You said there isn't a great World Champion who doesn't have the support of the people who matter to them. Deanna nods. You're right.

She looks briefly out of the ring – the camera following her gaze out of a window, where the Frost ‘Forever Home’ can be seen down and through a forest path.

Selena matters to me.
My children matter to me.
The people who stood beside me when I couldn't stand properly myself matter to me.

Deanna turns away from the view and back towards the camera. But here's the difference. Her expression hardens. They don't exist to tell me I'm great.

They don't exist to tell me I'm always right.
They don't exist to convince me every loss was somebody else's fault.
They're the people willing to look me in the eyes and tell me when I'm wrong.

A small smile and a laugh escape her serious expression. Believe me... Selena has developed quite the talent for it.

Her smile warms for only a second. And I've gotten pretty good at returning the favour. Then the edge returns. Support isn't somebody building a world where Gavin Taylor can never be wrong... Support is somebody standing beside you when you are.

And sometimes support is somebody refusing to let you lie to yourself.

She shakes her head. So no, Gavin, I didn't do all of this alone. I'm not ashamed of that anymore. I had people help me. I had people teach me. I had people pull me out of places I couldn't escape myself. She raises her taped arm. And right now, I have people helping me because I'm hurt. The arm lowers. None of that makes me less of a champion.

It makes me honest. Deanna takes another step toward the camera. And that's what you'll have to beat at Apocalypse:

Not perfect Deanna.
Not fearless Deanna.
Not Selena's Deanna.
Not ‘Dumb’ Deanna.

Not Frank's travelling attraction.
Not your B-player Frost.
Deanna Frost... SCW World Champion.

Her emerald eyes remain visible as she holds up the championship.

Hurt.
Tired.
Scared. She smiles. Still here.

And you know something, Gavin? The smile slowly sharpens. For all the talk about who should've won awards...

Who made SCW matter...
Who saved championships...
Who deserves credit...
Who conspired against you...

Deanna shakes her head. At Apocalypse, none of that can wrestle for you. She points toward the canvas. Frank can't wrestle for you. Your people can't wrestle for you. Your slogans can't wrestle for you. Your insults can’t wrestle for you. Your old championship reigns can't wrestle for you.

Her finger moves toward the lens. You have to.

And that's what I want. Deanna nods. Not because I underestimate you. Because I don't.

You are dangerous. And if I walk into Apocalypse pretending otherwise, then I deserve what happens to me. She adjusts the title. But I want the real Gavin Taylor.

No replicas.
No costumes.
No Secret Service.
No excuses waiting for Monday morning.

Just Gavin. She points at the camera, then back at herself. And Deanna. She holds up the title a little once more. And this.

Maybe you're better than me that night. She shrugs. Maybe you take this.

I'm not going to stand here and pretend that's impossible just because champions apparently aren't supposed to admit it. Her smile sharpens again. But you're going to have to do it yourself.

You're going to have to beat the woman who survived Veil.
The woman who rebuilt herself.
The woman who won the Shot of Adrenaline.
The woman who won Taking Hold of the Flame.
The woman who beat Amelia Blythe at Rise to Greatness.

The woman who walked into other companies carrying SCW on her shoulder and kept coming home with this championship, while you surrounded yourself with your Secret Service and Frank’s people telling you how important Gavin Taylor is. To make sure you never had to question what you believed...

You’re going to have to fight me, Gavin... even if I'm afraid. A quiet laugh comes from Deanna. Because I've learned something about scared Deanna.

Her emerald eyes glare. She's still pretty damn hard to keep down.

So bring the All-Star.
Bring the Man of the Year.
Bring the Last Great American.
Bring the former World Champion.
Bring every version of Gavin Taylor you've ever needed everybody to believe in.

She shakes her head. Because I'm done trying to prove I'm anything other than Deanna Frost.

She stops and looks back over her shoulder. The World Championship gleams beneath the lights.

Because right now? Pause. Deanna Frost is the SCW World Champion.

Her smile widens. And there isn’t anyone I’ve met yet that is going to stop me from being it when Apocalypse is all said and done!

She offers one more hard look at her opponent. If you want the real thing, Gavin... come take it!

But let’s see what your name for me will be... when you can’t!

Checkmate, bitches!

The shot holds on the champion for several seconds before fading to black.