01-31-2024, 03:53 PM
2 of 2 for Glory
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January 27th, 2024
Miami, Florida
Off Camera
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Glory Braddock is a very busy woman with a lot on her plate. Among other items on her agenda is the SCW World Tag Team Championship Match next week on Breakdown. Finally, after months of fighting, scratching, and clawing, after months of waiting and being patient, The British Bombshell and her tag team partner, Brittany Lohan, will take on Light in the Darkness with the World Tag Team Titles on the line. For Braddock this is the culmination of a long journey. She joined SCW several years ago with even some of her close family and friends doubting her ability to hang with the level of competition in the promotion, and now, after all of this time, she has proven them all wrong by winning every championship; all but one and that one last remaining title are the Tag Team Titles. Defeating Amelia and Luz isn’t just about becoming Tag Team Champions, it isn’t even just about becoming Supreme Champion, although both are incredibly prestigious honors. Most important to The British Bombshell, this is about putting that final stamp upon her SCW career. This is about proving to everyone who ever doubted, herself included at times, that she more than just belongs in SCW. She is SCW elite. Becoming Supreme Champion puts her in an elite category of superstar. And she wouldn’t want to achieve this without her friend Brittany Lohan. The War Machine and The British Bombshell started out as enemies but that rivalry quickly turned to respect and then into an unstoppable tag team force, winning tag team gold on multiple occasions. Now the duo known as Twisted & Sadistic have a chance to have one final ride as champions, one final ride as the best tag team in the world. They just have to overcome a red heat Light in the Darkness, a team that has all the momentum in the world behind them. No way will that be an easy feat to accomplish.
Another important item on Glory’s busy schedule is dealing with the still unresolved problem of her friend turned enemy turned maybe friend again, the former bully now wealthy corporate businesswoman Melody Murphy. Braddock and Melody’s relationship mirror that of Braddock and Lohan’s in that they have had their fair share of ups and downs. Except in this case, Glory and Melody started out as close friends. Until suddenly and abruptly it all changed. Melody began tormenting her, bullying her, treating her as if she were garbage. They quickly grew apart and Braddock completely lost contact with Melody after she began training with her father, Glenn Braddock, to become a wrestler. Only just this past year did Melody resurface into Glory’s life with three motives; she wants to invest in Braddock’s company, Glorious Golden Enterprise. She wants to marry Glory’s childhood best friend Matthew Taylor. After much reluctance and debate, Glory eventually agreed to do business with Melody. As for the marriage? Glory cannot stop what two consenting adults want to do. Glory even agreed to be Matthew’s ‘Best Woman’ in the marriage. But its the third motivation that still bothers The British Bombshell; Melody claims that she wants to be friends with Glory again. Braddock has attempted to give Melody a chance. The pair, with another mutual friend Francis Taylor, even went out for a night on the town in Charlotte shortly after Melody’s engagement to Matthew was announced. But that night was ruined when a horribly placed car bomb nearly took their lives. Ever since then everyone has been on edge, not sure who was the target and why. Glory has done her best to try and maintain a friendly relationship with Melody. She even invited Melody to stay with her and Kurt at their Miami home until the car bombing investigation ends. Despite all of this, Glory finds it very difficult to trust Melody.
Still, despite the unease of the situation, Braddock does find herself enjoying the time she spends with her former friend. The British Bombshell is wearing a pair of silk purple pajama bottoms and a purple top. Braddock is carrying two glasses of wine with her as she enters the luxurious living room of her Miami home where she finds Melody Murphy seated on the sofa with her legs tucked up under her. Melody is dressed similarly to Braddock, only she is wearing pink pajama bottoms and a pink top. The British Bombshell sits down next to her and hands her a glass of wine.
“Thanks Maria…” Melody laughs softly and uneasily “...uh, sorry. I forgot you don’t like being called by your middle name anymore.”
“It’s ok.” Braddock nods her head. “All throughout our childhood you called me Maria and it was fine then. It’s what you’re used to, so why change things up?”
“You lost your bloody temper the last few times I tried to call you that.”
“Can you blame me?” Glory grins wryly. “I mean, I hadn’t seen you in almost two decades and back then you were my biggest tormenter.”
“Yeah. I know.” Melody sips her wine. “It’s funny, because you’re right, I made your life hell. It would be so easy just to let me fend for myself, risk it all by making myself a target in my known hangouts back home in England. But you took me in and let me stay here with your absolutely lovely family.”
“Oh come off it, mate.” Glory scoffs. “You, me, Francis, we all barely escaped a car bombing. There is a good chance you were the target. So its safer if you were somewhere else, somewhere no one would expect you to be, and that is right here with me.” Glory answers. Melody nods her head.
“Thanks, Maria.”
“Don’t mention it.” Braddock sips on her wine. “Besides, it isn’t like you have nothing to do here, right? We have lots of business to do, you and I. We’re business partners now, you’re involved with my company, we can continue working on that. We can also discuss your wedding arrangements.” She smirks. “Because Matty is a good friend of mine and there is no way in hell I’m letting you ruin this moment for him.”
“What about Francis?” Melody asks curiously. “She’s involved in the business partnership. Its her brother I’m marrying. Plus she was also targeted. Is she safe?”
“Francis will be fine.” Glory insists with a nod of her head. “She can take care of herself. Its you I’m worried about.”
“Thanks, Maria.” Melody says quietly. “You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“Hey, what kind of monster would I be if I didn’t help?” There is an awkward silence for a few moments as Melody stares at Glory. Glory, for her part, isn’t making eye contact. Melody studies Braddock for a few more moments before speaking up and breaking the silence.
“So do you trust me again? Are we friends again? Or is all of this…letting me do business with you, agreeing to help with the marriage, and this, protecting me…is all of that just because its…”
“...because its the right, decent thing to do?” Glory finishes Melody’s thoughts for her. Melody nods her head and chuckles softly.
“Yeah…that’s it. We always could finish each other’s thoughts. We were that close once.”
“We were indeed.” Glory acknowledges. “And yes…”
“Yes what?”
“Yes, I am doing this just because it’s the decent thing to do.”
“Right…” Melody seems to be a little disappointed upon hearing this. Braddock can almost sense the tension now in the air. She turns to look at Melody. Braddock sees the look on her face and sighs out of frustration.
“Look, I’m sorry, but what do you expect?”
“I know.” Melody nods her head. “I brought it on myself.”
“You really did. You lost my trust a long ass time ago. It will take a long time to repair that bridge, mate. I admit, you’ve made some progress, and I am doing my level best to trust you. But there is still that lingering doubt about you, mainly because I know you. I was once exactly like you. You and I, we were the mean girls in school. You, me, and Francis, we were the bullies. And just like you I didn’t care who I hurt, I was just self-absorbed, consumed in myself.” She points a finger at Melody. “But you turned on me, Melody. Out of the blue you betrayed me and turned the whole school against me. You got the entire school to bully me but you were the primary instigator.”
“And you have no idea how sorry I am, Maria.” Melody sighs. She is becoming emotional. Glory can see the tears forming in her eyes. “And I meant it when I said that this investment deal with your company, it was really just a chance to work with you again, because I wanted my friend back. Can’t we just forget about the past and try to live in the present while looking into the future?”
“I want to believe you, mate. I really do.” Braddock shakes her head. “But there’s still one nagging thing on my mind, one question that needs to be answered before you and I can go any further. I need one question answered before I can move on from the past.” Glory sets her wine glass down on a table and glares daggers at Melody. “People don’t just wake up and suddenly decide ‘oh, I’m gonna betray my best friend today!’ So tell me, Mel, why did you betray me? Why did you kick me out of our clique and turn the whole school against me?” Now tears are forming Glory’s eyes. “You were my best friend! For years I was troubled with the nagging feeling that I had done something wrong, that I had brought it all upon myself!”
“I…I’m sorry….” Melody shakes her head “...but I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Friendship is based on honesty, Mels. If you want my trust and my friendship back, if you want your pal Maria back, then you need to be honest with me. Why did you suddenly decide to treat me like crap?”
“You really want to know?”
“Yes!” Glory demands, her voice slightly louder now.
“Fine. The truth is that I was…” she hesitates before she answers “...I was jealous.”
“Jealous?” Glory is taken aback. “Jealous of what? I mean, our clique was based on wealth and prominence. Bloody hell, you were the wealthiest of us all. My family wasn’t even that particularly wealthy back then, I was only part of the clique because of my last name. What the hell did I have that made YOU of all people jealous?”
“Your boyfriend.” Melody answers.
“Thomas?” Back then Glory dated Thomas Gage. To this day Glory and Thomas maintain a friendly relationship. Thomas even is a business partner, helping pay for full health coverage of every one of Glory’s employees. She is surprised that Melody once was jealous about Thomas.
“Thomas was handsome, that was a plus, but it wasn’t the looks that I cared about.” Melody snickers. “You know me. Back then I had guys knocking each other down to get a piece of me. I could have had my choice of any guy in the school. But Thomas was different, specifically what you and Thomas had was different. He adored you, Maria. He worshiped you, not just for your looks but for who you were as a person. The guys I dated didn’t give a damn about me. They only cared about my looks or because I was wealthy. I was jealous because you had what I wanted…a guy who actually loved you for who you were inside and not just for your outward appearance. The guys I dated never gave a damn enough about me to get to know me, they just wanted to see if they could get in my pants. But Thomas cared for you. That’s what made me jealous.” Melody finishes her wine in one big gulp and puts the glass down. “I had wanted to tear you down for a long time but I knew I had nothing on you. You were just as popular as me. The guys looked at you with that same lust as they did me. You were untouchable. But then you got pregnant with his child. And Thomas got scared and ran off. That did two things for me. One, it made me feel better knowing that Thomas wasn’t as perfect a boyfriend as he led us all to believe. Two, it gave me ammunition to use against you.”
“The other kids would have bullied me eventually anyway, Mels.” Glory shakes her head. “You didn’t have to do anything.”
“No, they feared you because they FEARED US, they feared our clique. Like I said, you were untouchable. So I turned everyone against you. I used my influence to make you the laughing stock of the community. I saw the opportunity to lift myself up by putting you down.” Melody starts crying now. “I was stupid, Maria. I was just a stupid kid. It was wrong of me. Please…” she sighs “...please forgive me.”
Glory Braddock stares at this woman, a woman who has been a strong, influential, and even feared human being most of her life. She has never seen her this vulnerable before. She knows that this would be the perfect opportunity to get her revenge. Karma, as they say, is a bitch. But instead, The British Bombshell chooses mercy. She reaches out and embraces Melody in a hug.
“It’s ok, love. We were both stupid kids. We were immature kids. We did stupid things. All you had to do was be honest with me about it. That’s all I ever wanted.” After breaking the embrace Glory smiles warmly at her friend. “Of course I forgive you.” Glory hands Melody a tissue. Melody nods her head and then wipes the tears from her eyes.
“Thanks, Maria.”
“You know what’s ironic, though?” Glory asks.
“What?”
“All this started because you were jealous of the kind of relationship I had with Thomas, which is the same kind of relationship I now have with Kurt.” She points at Melody. “But you have that same thing with Matty.”
“You think so?” Melody asks. Glory nods her head.
“The only person who knows Matty better than me is his sister Francis. Part of why I questioned your relationship with him was because upscale, prissy, frilly women aren’t his type. But as time went on I could tell that he was looking past the glitz and glamor of your outward appearance and sees the human being inside, he sees my best friend Melody for the wonderful person she is, just like how Thomas and Kurt both were able to see me for the person I am.”
“I used to bully Matthew. I thought was too plain and trashy.” Melody says quietly. Glory nods her head.
“Yes, that’s another reason I had my doubts. But you have matured to the point where you can look past his outward appearance and see him for the wonderful guy he is.” She pats Melody on the back. “You are a lucky woman, Mels. You not only got your best friend back but you got a good man in Matty. Do NOT screw this up.”
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January 31st, 2024
Charlotte, NC
On Camera
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We open just outside of the modern marvel that is the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. It towers overhead in the backdrop of this busy, ever growing city. A few moments later and a new figure enters the scene in front of this awe inspiring building; it is none other than “The British Bombshell” Glory Braddock. Glory is wearing tight form fitting denim jeans, black boots, a royal purple t-shirt, and a denim jacket. Her long blonde hair hangs straight and unrestrained to past the shoulders.
“I have been on a very long, arduous, journey. I have been faced with what I have to say has been the toughest, most difficult challenge in my career since signing with Supreme Championship Wrestling. It has been a journey a year in the making and it has been a journey that for awhile I didn’t think would ever get accomplished. A little over one year ago I declared my intention to win the only two championships I had yet to win in SCW, I had made it my goal to earn my way into the elite SUPREME CHAMPIONSHIP club. It wasn’t out of selfishness or greed. It wasn’t just to add another nifty little trophy to my trophy case. It was a challenge. I have been taught that you know your career is over when you cease to see new challenges and new tests. If there is no room for growth as a competitor then your career is over. I saw the Supreme Championship as a journey to test myself. Am I as good as I think I am? Can I beat the best in this company and insert myself into that elite club of wrestlers who have won the Supreme Championship? That was the challenge I laid out for myself and I was determined to meet the challenge. All I needed to become Supreme Champion was the Television Title and the World Tag Team Title.” Braddock chuckles softly and shakes her head.
“Ironic that phase one of that challenge was met when I defeated you, Amelia Blythe, one year ago to become SCW Television Champion.” She snaps her fingers. “Bam! Just like that I was one step away from achieving Supreme Championship status. Then my always crazy and unpredictable cousin Kimberly used her Trios Contract to put every title in SCW on the line. And perhaps I was getting my hopes up? Perhaps I relaxed too much thinking it was in the bag. Nevertheless, I expected my journey to end very quickly, that I would win those tag titles that night and my journey would be over in record time. That’s when reality hit me like a ton of bricks. I was reminded that nothing in this business is ever easy and that there are always obstacles standing in your way. First I had to overcome the obstacles of Polly and her Playgirls. I overcame that obstacle only to run into another obstacle, finding a tag team partner. I searched everywhere but found no one ready and willing to step up. That was arguably the most challenging obstacle. I had to look deep into my soul ask myself, what is wrong? Why can’t I find anyone to help me out? Because this final leg of the journey I could not do on my own. I needed help.” Glory smacks herself on the forehead.
“But then it hit me. I was being blind because the answer was there right in front of me. I was overthinking things. The answer wasn’t complicated. Who else should I pick to help me complete this final leg of the journey and become SCW World Tag Team Champion than the ONE tag team partner that I have had the most success with in my career? The War Machine. Brittany Lohan was the answer. We had worked together as a tag team in multiple promotions, winning tag team championships in dominant fashion everywhere we went. I also realized that the journey wasn’t just as simple as becoming SCW World Tag Team Champion. It was rekindling a friendship with one of the best friends I have ever had. Me and Britt started out as enemies, we were forced to team together but when we did we found out that we actually had a ton of chemistry together, we learned that we made a great team. We ended up becoming close friends and allies. Since then we grew apart but when I needed her the most to help me finish my journey, Britt was once again there to pick me up and walk with me along, to help me navigate the rough waters of the SCW tag team division. And believe me, you don’t get waters any tougher or more challenging to navigate than the SCW Tag Team Division. Team Desire…The Playgirls…European Fiery Nation…Statera…Dark Fantasy…and of course, Light in the Darkness…” she points a finger at the camera “...I’ll get back to you in a moment.”
“We knew we were in for the fight of our lives, but Britt and I were up to the task. We took on anyone and everyone SCW put before us. We fought each and every team I just named and then some. And with any journey, or with any boat ride to keep up with the whole ‘navigating water’ metaphor, there were plenty of ups and downs. We had our fair share of high moments of great success and low moments of frustration. But at the end of the day, with the exception of ONE team, we ended up beating each and every single team in the SCW tag team division. We have more than made our case for a shot at the SCW World Tag Team Championship. Britt and I have earned this opportunity. Now here we stand and I see the finish line up ahead. After over a year since this journey began, I have come full circle. It started with beating Amelia Blythe to become SCW Television Champion. Now tomorrow night, right here in this building behind me, it could end with Twisted & Sadistic beating Amelia Blythe and La Pequina Luz to become SCW World Tag Team Champions.” The British Bombshell shakes her head.
“The irony is not lost on me. Once again Twisted & Sadistic, Light in the Darkness, we find ourselves in each other’s orbit. We find ourselves with our destinies inexorably tied together. It’s almost like fate has a twisted sense of humor, you know? This journey started with Light in the Darkness, it’s only appropriate that it ends with Light in the Darkness. Light in the Darkness has done battled with Twisted & Sadistic more than once already. We’ve beaten you, you beat us. But a great many things have changed in one year’s time. We are not the same people we were back then.” Glory smirks. “Well, Britt is probably still the same old wrecking ball she always has been. She proved that by wrecking Ravyn at Body, Heart, and Soul. Sorry about that, by the way. I know you value integrity and probably didn’t like her intervention. But in fairness, I think we all know that Ravyn and Syren cannot be trusted. In a heartbeat they would have taken a shortcut to defeat you. That’s just who they are. I have my doubts that they will ever change.” Braddock points at the camera and then at herself.
“But we have changed, haven’t we? I think over the past year we have all had to endure our own fair share of challenges that have tested our mettle. I already spoke of how I’ve been tested, how Twisted & Sadistic have been tested. Light in the Darkness, you two have certainly been tested but you rose to the occasion. You won the tag team titles, brought respect back to those tag team titles, and were awarded with the tag team of the year award for your efforts. I respect everything you have done for the tag team division. But respect aside, you have something Britt and I both want, something Britt and I both need.” Glory shakes her head. “You see, this has taken on a whole new life. This journey isn’t just about becoming Supreme Champion. This has grown into a journey of two former enemies, turned friends, friends who drifted apart only to rediscover one another again, to rekindle that friendship, two friends who had to remind one another that individually they are formidable but together they are the best damn tag team in the world today. This isn’t just MY journey any longer, this is MY journey and Britt’s journey! This isn’t about me becoming Supreme Champion, this is about Twisted & Sadistic having one last great reign as the tag team champions of the world, the tag team champions of the greatest tag team division in professional wrestling today.” The British Bombshell smirks.
“And to do that we have to knock the two of you off your perch. That is the last leg of this journey, that is the final major obstacle standing between us and the finish line. Like I said the first leg of this journey began with Light in the Darkness, this journey will end with Light in the Darkness. Light in the Darkness was the first major test, Light in the Darkness will be the last major test.” Glory shakes her head. “I am under no illusions that this last test will be easy. Yes, we beat you once, and you beat us once, but both of those matches were a long time ago. We are both different teams now. We have both grown, evolved, we have both gotten better. But my only question for you two is simply do you still have what it takes to keep defending those belts? You have been faced with challenge after challenge and you have met them all head on. But how much longer can you go until you run out of steam?” Braddock chuckles. “You may not have to worry about running out of steam. Tomorrow night, you run into a brick wall named Twisted & Sadistic. Can you break that brick wall or will you crash and burn? If you do crash and burn, don’t worry, The War Machine and myself will be right there to pick up the pieces. We will be right there to pick up those tag team titles and carry them across the finish line. We will finish this journey that was started over a year ago.”
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January 27th, 2024
Miami, Florida
Off Camera
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Glory Braddock is a very busy woman with a lot on her plate. Among other items on her agenda is the SCW World Tag Team Championship Match next week on Breakdown. Finally, after months of fighting, scratching, and clawing, after months of waiting and being patient, The British Bombshell and her tag team partner, Brittany Lohan, will take on Light in the Darkness with the World Tag Team Titles on the line. For Braddock this is the culmination of a long journey. She joined SCW several years ago with even some of her close family and friends doubting her ability to hang with the level of competition in the promotion, and now, after all of this time, she has proven them all wrong by winning every championship; all but one and that one last remaining title are the Tag Team Titles. Defeating Amelia and Luz isn’t just about becoming Tag Team Champions, it isn’t even just about becoming Supreme Champion, although both are incredibly prestigious honors. Most important to The British Bombshell, this is about putting that final stamp upon her SCW career. This is about proving to everyone who ever doubted, herself included at times, that she more than just belongs in SCW. She is SCW elite. Becoming Supreme Champion puts her in an elite category of superstar. And she wouldn’t want to achieve this without her friend Brittany Lohan. The War Machine and The British Bombshell started out as enemies but that rivalry quickly turned to respect and then into an unstoppable tag team force, winning tag team gold on multiple occasions. Now the duo known as Twisted & Sadistic have a chance to have one final ride as champions, one final ride as the best tag team in the world. They just have to overcome a red heat Light in the Darkness, a team that has all the momentum in the world behind them. No way will that be an easy feat to accomplish.
Another important item on Glory’s busy schedule is dealing with the still unresolved problem of her friend turned enemy turned maybe friend again, the former bully now wealthy corporate businesswoman Melody Murphy. Braddock and Melody’s relationship mirror that of Braddock and Lohan’s in that they have had their fair share of ups and downs. Except in this case, Glory and Melody started out as close friends. Until suddenly and abruptly it all changed. Melody began tormenting her, bullying her, treating her as if she were garbage. They quickly grew apart and Braddock completely lost contact with Melody after she began training with her father, Glenn Braddock, to become a wrestler. Only just this past year did Melody resurface into Glory’s life with three motives; she wants to invest in Braddock’s company, Glorious Golden Enterprise. She wants to marry Glory’s childhood best friend Matthew Taylor. After much reluctance and debate, Glory eventually agreed to do business with Melody. As for the marriage? Glory cannot stop what two consenting adults want to do. Glory even agreed to be Matthew’s ‘Best Woman’ in the marriage. But its the third motivation that still bothers The British Bombshell; Melody claims that she wants to be friends with Glory again. Braddock has attempted to give Melody a chance. The pair, with another mutual friend Francis Taylor, even went out for a night on the town in Charlotte shortly after Melody’s engagement to Matthew was announced. But that night was ruined when a horribly placed car bomb nearly took their lives. Ever since then everyone has been on edge, not sure who was the target and why. Glory has done her best to try and maintain a friendly relationship with Melody. She even invited Melody to stay with her and Kurt at their Miami home until the car bombing investigation ends. Despite all of this, Glory finds it very difficult to trust Melody.
Still, despite the unease of the situation, Braddock does find herself enjoying the time she spends with her former friend. The British Bombshell is wearing a pair of silk purple pajama bottoms and a purple top. Braddock is carrying two glasses of wine with her as she enters the luxurious living room of her Miami home where she finds Melody Murphy seated on the sofa with her legs tucked up under her. Melody is dressed similarly to Braddock, only she is wearing pink pajama bottoms and a pink top. The British Bombshell sits down next to her and hands her a glass of wine.
“Thanks Maria…” Melody laughs softly and uneasily “...uh, sorry. I forgot you don’t like being called by your middle name anymore.”
“It’s ok.” Braddock nods her head. “All throughout our childhood you called me Maria and it was fine then. It’s what you’re used to, so why change things up?”
“You lost your bloody temper the last few times I tried to call you that.”
“Can you blame me?” Glory grins wryly. “I mean, I hadn’t seen you in almost two decades and back then you were my biggest tormenter.”
“Yeah. I know.” Melody sips her wine. “It’s funny, because you’re right, I made your life hell. It would be so easy just to let me fend for myself, risk it all by making myself a target in my known hangouts back home in England. But you took me in and let me stay here with your absolutely lovely family.”
“Oh come off it, mate.” Glory scoffs. “You, me, Francis, we all barely escaped a car bombing. There is a good chance you were the target. So its safer if you were somewhere else, somewhere no one would expect you to be, and that is right here with me.” Glory answers. Melody nods her head.
“Thanks, Maria.”
“Don’t mention it.” Braddock sips on her wine. “Besides, it isn’t like you have nothing to do here, right? We have lots of business to do, you and I. We’re business partners now, you’re involved with my company, we can continue working on that. We can also discuss your wedding arrangements.” She smirks. “Because Matty is a good friend of mine and there is no way in hell I’m letting you ruin this moment for him.”
“What about Francis?” Melody asks curiously. “She’s involved in the business partnership. Its her brother I’m marrying. Plus she was also targeted. Is she safe?”
“Francis will be fine.” Glory insists with a nod of her head. “She can take care of herself. Its you I’m worried about.”
“Thanks, Maria.” Melody says quietly. “You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“Hey, what kind of monster would I be if I didn’t help?” There is an awkward silence for a few moments as Melody stares at Glory. Glory, for her part, isn’t making eye contact. Melody studies Braddock for a few more moments before speaking up and breaking the silence.
“So do you trust me again? Are we friends again? Or is all of this…letting me do business with you, agreeing to help with the marriage, and this, protecting me…is all of that just because its…”
“...because its the right, decent thing to do?” Glory finishes Melody’s thoughts for her. Melody nods her head and chuckles softly.
“Yeah…that’s it. We always could finish each other’s thoughts. We were that close once.”
“We were indeed.” Glory acknowledges. “And yes…”
“Yes what?”
“Yes, I am doing this just because it’s the decent thing to do.”
“Right…” Melody seems to be a little disappointed upon hearing this. Braddock can almost sense the tension now in the air. She turns to look at Melody. Braddock sees the look on her face and sighs out of frustration.
“Look, I’m sorry, but what do you expect?”
“I know.” Melody nods her head. “I brought it on myself.”
“You really did. You lost my trust a long ass time ago. It will take a long time to repair that bridge, mate. I admit, you’ve made some progress, and I am doing my level best to trust you. But there is still that lingering doubt about you, mainly because I know you. I was once exactly like you. You and I, we were the mean girls in school. You, me, and Francis, we were the bullies. And just like you I didn’t care who I hurt, I was just self-absorbed, consumed in myself.” She points a finger at Melody. “But you turned on me, Melody. Out of the blue you betrayed me and turned the whole school against me. You got the entire school to bully me but you were the primary instigator.”
“And you have no idea how sorry I am, Maria.” Melody sighs. She is becoming emotional. Glory can see the tears forming in her eyes. “And I meant it when I said that this investment deal with your company, it was really just a chance to work with you again, because I wanted my friend back. Can’t we just forget about the past and try to live in the present while looking into the future?”
“I want to believe you, mate. I really do.” Braddock shakes her head. “But there’s still one nagging thing on my mind, one question that needs to be answered before you and I can go any further. I need one question answered before I can move on from the past.” Glory sets her wine glass down on a table and glares daggers at Melody. “People don’t just wake up and suddenly decide ‘oh, I’m gonna betray my best friend today!’ So tell me, Mel, why did you betray me? Why did you kick me out of our clique and turn the whole school against me?” Now tears are forming Glory’s eyes. “You were my best friend! For years I was troubled with the nagging feeling that I had done something wrong, that I had brought it all upon myself!”
“I…I’m sorry….” Melody shakes her head “...but I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Friendship is based on honesty, Mels. If you want my trust and my friendship back, if you want your pal Maria back, then you need to be honest with me. Why did you suddenly decide to treat me like crap?”
“You really want to know?”
“Yes!” Glory demands, her voice slightly louder now.
“Fine. The truth is that I was…” she hesitates before she answers “...I was jealous.”
“Jealous?” Glory is taken aback. “Jealous of what? I mean, our clique was based on wealth and prominence. Bloody hell, you were the wealthiest of us all. My family wasn’t even that particularly wealthy back then, I was only part of the clique because of my last name. What the hell did I have that made YOU of all people jealous?”
“Your boyfriend.” Melody answers.
“Thomas?” Back then Glory dated Thomas Gage. To this day Glory and Thomas maintain a friendly relationship. Thomas even is a business partner, helping pay for full health coverage of every one of Glory’s employees. She is surprised that Melody once was jealous about Thomas.
“Thomas was handsome, that was a plus, but it wasn’t the looks that I cared about.” Melody snickers. “You know me. Back then I had guys knocking each other down to get a piece of me. I could have had my choice of any guy in the school. But Thomas was different, specifically what you and Thomas had was different. He adored you, Maria. He worshiped you, not just for your looks but for who you were as a person. The guys I dated didn’t give a damn about me. They only cared about my looks or because I was wealthy. I was jealous because you had what I wanted…a guy who actually loved you for who you were inside and not just for your outward appearance. The guys I dated never gave a damn enough about me to get to know me, they just wanted to see if they could get in my pants. But Thomas cared for you. That’s what made me jealous.” Melody finishes her wine in one big gulp and puts the glass down. “I had wanted to tear you down for a long time but I knew I had nothing on you. You were just as popular as me. The guys looked at you with that same lust as they did me. You were untouchable. But then you got pregnant with his child. And Thomas got scared and ran off. That did two things for me. One, it made me feel better knowing that Thomas wasn’t as perfect a boyfriend as he led us all to believe. Two, it gave me ammunition to use against you.”
“The other kids would have bullied me eventually anyway, Mels.” Glory shakes her head. “You didn’t have to do anything.”
“No, they feared you because they FEARED US, they feared our clique. Like I said, you were untouchable. So I turned everyone against you. I used my influence to make you the laughing stock of the community. I saw the opportunity to lift myself up by putting you down.” Melody starts crying now. “I was stupid, Maria. I was just a stupid kid. It was wrong of me. Please…” she sighs “...please forgive me.”
Glory Braddock stares at this woman, a woman who has been a strong, influential, and even feared human being most of her life. She has never seen her this vulnerable before. She knows that this would be the perfect opportunity to get her revenge. Karma, as they say, is a bitch. But instead, The British Bombshell chooses mercy. She reaches out and embraces Melody in a hug.
“It’s ok, love. We were both stupid kids. We were immature kids. We did stupid things. All you had to do was be honest with me about it. That’s all I ever wanted.” After breaking the embrace Glory smiles warmly at her friend. “Of course I forgive you.” Glory hands Melody a tissue. Melody nods her head and then wipes the tears from her eyes.
“Thanks, Maria.”
“You know what’s ironic, though?” Glory asks.
“What?”
“All this started because you were jealous of the kind of relationship I had with Thomas, which is the same kind of relationship I now have with Kurt.” She points at Melody. “But you have that same thing with Matty.”
“You think so?” Melody asks. Glory nods her head.
“The only person who knows Matty better than me is his sister Francis. Part of why I questioned your relationship with him was because upscale, prissy, frilly women aren’t his type. But as time went on I could tell that he was looking past the glitz and glamor of your outward appearance and sees the human being inside, he sees my best friend Melody for the wonderful person she is, just like how Thomas and Kurt both were able to see me for the person I am.”
“I used to bully Matthew. I thought was too plain and trashy.” Melody says quietly. Glory nods her head.
“Yes, that’s another reason I had my doubts. But you have matured to the point where you can look past his outward appearance and see him for the wonderful guy he is.” She pats Melody on the back. “You are a lucky woman, Mels. You not only got your best friend back but you got a good man in Matty. Do NOT screw this up.”
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January 31st, 2024
Charlotte, NC
On Camera
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We open just outside of the modern marvel that is the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. It towers overhead in the backdrop of this busy, ever growing city. A few moments later and a new figure enters the scene in front of this awe inspiring building; it is none other than “The British Bombshell” Glory Braddock. Glory is wearing tight form fitting denim jeans, black boots, a royal purple t-shirt, and a denim jacket. Her long blonde hair hangs straight and unrestrained to past the shoulders.
“I have been on a very long, arduous, journey. I have been faced with what I have to say has been the toughest, most difficult challenge in my career since signing with Supreme Championship Wrestling. It has been a journey a year in the making and it has been a journey that for awhile I didn’t think would ever get accomplished. A little over one year ago I declared my intention to win the only two championships I had yet to win in SCW, I had made it my goal to earn my way into the elite SUPREME CHAMPIONSHIP club. It wasn’t out of selfishness or greed. It wasn’t just to add another nifty little trophy to my trophy case. It was a challenge. I have been taught that you know your career is over when you cease to see new challenges and new tests. If there is no room for growth as a competitor then your career is over. I saw the Supreme Championship as a journey to test myself. Am I as good as I think I am? Can I beat the best in this company and insert myself into that elite club of wrestlers who have won the Supreme Championship? That was the challenge I laid out for myself and I was determined to meet the challenge. All I needed to become Supreme Champion was the Television Title and the World Tag Team Title.” Braddock chuckles softly and shakes her head.
“Ironic that phase one of that challenge was met when I defeated you, Amelia Blythe, one year ago to become SCW Television Champion.” She snaps her fingers. “Bam! Just like that I was one step away from achieving Supreme Championship status. Then my always crazy and unpredictable cousin Kimberly used her Trios Contract to put every title in SCW on the line. And perhaps I was getting my hopes up? Perhaps I relaxed too much thinking it was in the bag. Nevertheless, I expected my journey to end very quickly, that I would win those tag titles that night and my journey would be over in record time. That’s when reality hit me like a ton of bricks. I was reminded that nothing in this business is ever easy and that there are always obstacles standing in your way. First I had to overcome the obstacles of Polly and her Playgirls. I overcame that obstacle only to run into another obstacle, finding a tag team partner. I searched everywhere but found no one ready and willing to step up. That was arguably the most challenging obstacle. I had to look deep into my soul ask myself, what is wrong? Why can’t I find anyone to help me out? Because this final leg of the journey I could not do on my own. I needed help.” Glory smacks herself on the forehead.
“But then it hit me. I was being blind because the answer was there right in front of me. I was overthinking things. The answer wasn’t complicated. Who else should I pick to help me complete this final leg of the journey and become SCW World Tag Team Champion than the ONE tag team partner that I have had the most success with in my career? The War Machine. Brittany Lohan was the answer. We had worked together as a tag team in multiple promotions, winning tag team championships in dominant fashion everywhere we went. I also realized that the journey wasn’t just as simple as becoming SCW World Tag Team Champion. It was rekindling a friendship with one of the best friends I have ever had. Me and Britt started out as enemies, we were forced to team together but when we did we found out that we actually had a ton of chemistry together, we learned that we made a great team. We ended up becoming close friends and allies. Since then we grew apart but when I needed her the most to help me finish my journey, Britt was once again there to pick me up and walk with me along, to help me navigate the rough waters of the SCW tag team division. And believe me, you don’t get waters any tougher or more challenging to navigate than the SCW Tag Team Division. Team Desire…The Playgirls…European Fiery Nation…Statera…Dark Fantasy…and of course, Light in the Darkness…” she points a finger at the camera “...I’ll get back to you in a moment.”
“We knew we were in for the fight of our lives, but Britt and I were up to the task. We took on anyone and everyone SCW put before us. We fought each and every team I just named and then some. And with any journey, or with any boat ride to keep up with the whole ‘navigating water’ metaphor, there were plenty of ups and downs. We had our fair share of high moments of great success and low moments of frustration. But at the end of the day, with the exception of ONE team, we ended up beating each and every single team in the SCW tag team division. We have more than made our case for a shot at the SCW World Tag Team Championship. Britt and I have earned this opportunity. Now here we stand and I see the finish line up ahead. After over a year since this journey began, I have come full circle. It started with beating Amelia Blythe to become SCW Television Champion. Now tomorrow night, right here in this building behind me, it could end with Twisted & Sadistic beating Amelia Blythe and La Pequina Luz to become SCW World Tag Team Champions.” The British Bombshell shakes her head.
“The irony is not lost on me. Once again Twisted & Sadistic, Light in the Darkness, we find ourselves in each other’s orbit. We find ourselves with our destinies inexorably tied together. It’s almost like fate has a twisted sense of humor, you know? This journey started with Light in the Darkness, it’s only appropriate that it ends with Light in the Darkness. Light in the Darkness has done battled with Twisted & Sadistic more than once already. We’ve beaten you, you beat us. But a great many things have changed in one year’s time. We are not the same people we were back then.” Glory smirks. “Well, Britt is probably still the same old wrecking ball she always has been. She proved that by wrecking Ravyn at Body, Heart, and Soul. Sorry about that, by the way. I know you value integrity and probably didn’t like her intervention. But in fairness, I think we all know that Ravyn and Syren cannot be trusted. In a heartbeat they would have taken a shortcut to defeat you. That’s just who they are. I have my doubts that they will ever change.” Braddock points at the camera and then at herself.
“But we have changed, haven’t we? I think over the past year we have all had to endure our own fair share of challenges that have tested our mettle. I already spoke of how I’ve been tested, how Twisted & Sadistic have been tested. Light in the Darkness, you two have certainly been tested but you rose to the occasion. You won the tag team titles, brought respect back to those tag team titles, and were awarded with the tag team of the year award for your efforts. I respect everything you have done for the tag team division. But respect aside, you have something Britt and I both want, something Britt and I both need.” Glory shakes her head. “You see, this has taken on a whole new life. This journey isn’t just about becoming Supreme Champion. This has grown into a journey of two former enemies, turned friends, friends who drifted apart only to rediscover one another again, to rekindle that friendship, two friends who had to remind one another that individually they are formidable but together they are the best damn tag team in the world today. This isn’t just MY journey any longer, this is MY journey and Britt’s journey! This isn’t about me becoming Supreme Champion, this is about Twisted & Sadistic having one last great reign as the tag team champions of the world, the tag team champions of the greatest tag team division in professional wrestling today.” The British Bombshell smirks.
“And to do that we have to knock the two of you off your perch. That is the last leg of this journey, that is the final major obstacle standing between us and the finish line. Like I said the first leg of this journey began with Light in the Darkness, this journey will end with Light in the Darkness. Light in the Darkness was the first major test, Light in the Darkness will be the last major test.” Glory shakes her head. “I am under no illusions that this last test will be easy. Yes, we beat you once, and you beat us once, but both of those matches were a long time ago. We are both different teams now. We have both grown, evolved, we have both gotten better. But my only question for you two is simply do you still have what it takes to keep defending those belts? You have been faced with challenge after challenge and you have met them all head on. But how much longer can you go until you run out of steam?” Braddock chuckles. “You may not have to worry about running out of steam. Tomorrow night, you run into a brick wall named Twisted & Sadistic. Can you break that brick wall or will you crash and burn? If you do crash and burn, don’t worry, The War Machine and myself will be right there to pick up the pieces. We will be right there to pick up those tag team titles and carry them across the finish line. We will finish this journey that was started over a year ago.”
![[Image: qyA5u6K.png]](https://i.imgur.com/qyA5u6K.png)
SCW World Champion 1x
SCW United States Champion 1x
SCW Adrenaline Champion 1x
SCW Television Champion 1x
SCW World Tag Team Champion 1x (w/Brittany Lohan)
Supreme Champion
2019 Trios Tournament Winner (w/ Regan Street & Kellen Jeffries)
2020 Trios Tournament Winner (w/ Ace Marshall & David Helms)
SCW Adrenaline Champion 1x
SCW Television Champion 1x
SCW World Tag Team Champion 1x (w/Brittany Lohan)
Supreme Champion
2019 Trios Tournament Winner (w/ Regan Street & Kellen Jeffries)
2020 Trios Tournament Winner (w/ Ace Marshall & David Helms)