Marie Jones vs. Aisling

[The Matt]

2 of 2 for Marie
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February 3rd, 2024
Worcester, Massachusetts
Off Camera
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The constant cycle of the Phoenix has grown tiresome for Marie Annabelle Jones. And yet once again she finds herself prepared to make the bold and difficult attempt to bring herself back up and renew her professional wrestling career. What makes this even more challenging is that, for the first time in her career, she will be returning to a promotion that she walked out on. Marie is returning to Supreme Championship Wrestling. It certainly wasn’t her first idea. In fact, if Marie had her way she would have taken the easy way and just remained hidden in obscurity, or found a different promotion who had no idea of her reputation. Unfortunately, fame is a double edged sword. Everyone knows who you are, especially when you come from a famous wrestling family like the Jones Family. And most promoters are aware of the two times Marie has walked out on a contract, making them unwilling to take a chance on her. As much as it pained her, she had to rely on the influence of her mother, Angelica Jones, who still works backstage in SCW as Kimberly Williams’s advocate. She had to rely on Angelica’s negotiation skills to convince SCW management, specifically CHBK, to give her another chance and sign her to a new contract. When Marie heard that not only was her contract approved but that her first match would be in less than a week on the February 8th edition of Breakdown, The Phoenix felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. On the one hand she is excited to be back in the ring, she is excited that she gets another chance to resurrect her career. Yet there is fear and nervousness. Marie knows that she left on a bad note. Will the roster accept her back with open arms? She doubts it. She isn’t even certain how her twin sister Kimberly will accept the news of her pending return to SCW. Ever since Marie left, Kim’s own singles career took off like a rocket. She became a five time Underground Champion, went bell to bell in Taking Hold of the Flame, fought in the main event for a World Title at a PPV, won a Trios Tournament. In a way, Marie felt sad that she missed out on all of those memories. She longed for a return to be with Kim. Yet now that the moment has arrived, she isn’t certain if she is ready.

Marie Jones recognizes that she will have a long, difficult road to travel if she wants to prove herself in the wrestling world. She also recognizes that the road to rebuilding her personal life will be just as difficult if not more difficult. Marie has twice now abandoned her family to join the Inner Peace Enlightenment cult. She did come to her senses both times and this most recent time it appears as if Inner Peace is gone for good. Yet there are hints of danger. There is a shadow of Inner Peace looming overhead, a shadow that Marie just cannot seem to shake. That shadow’s name is Julianne Buchanan. Marie and Julianne met in Inner Peace. Julianne convinced Marie to return to Inner Peace. They quickly formed a close, passionate relationship. Julianne has twice been a bad influence upon Marie, twice luring her into this cult. And yet Marie cannot just easily and quickly dismiss Julianne. There are strong feelings for Julianne that exist, Marie just isn’t sure if it is lust or love. Whatever it may be, she cannot bring herself to leave Julianne for good. This is what brings her to Worcester, Massachusetts. Julianne purchased a home here shortly after the collapse of Inner Peace.

Jones sits outside on the patio, which is bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, casting delicate shadows upon the wooden deck. The night air is crisp, a gentle breeze rustles through the leaves of nearby trees. The moon hangs low in the sky, its silvery light illuminating the surroundings. The rest of the night sky is completely empty. No stars whatsoever. Empty, almost like Marie’s feelings of hopelessness. She sits on a nice fancy chair with intricate designs and patterns. There is an outdoor pool next to the patio. The Phoenix isn’t dressed to go in for a dip. She doesn’t plan to do any swimming this evening. She is wearing a knee length black skirt, black sheer stockings, black high heeled pumps, and a red silk blouse. She just stares blankly up at the moon shining overhead. Jones hears splashing in the pool next to her but takes no notice of it. She knows who it is…

“Wake up!” Comes the voice of Julianne Buchanan, wearing a two piece yellow bikini. Marie turns around and looks at her. She smiles warmly.

“Hi Julie.”

“You aren’t spacing out on me, are you?” The gorgeous blonde approaches Marie and plants a kiss on her forehead. Marie shakes her head.

“No way. Just thinking…”

“Thinking about me, hopefully?” Julianne grins with a hint of mischief in her eyes. “We’ve had a fun night already. We could top it off with a nice romantic romp in the pool.”

“What?!” Marie exclaims. Julianne giggles.

“Oh come on! Be adventurous!”

“I am not having sex in the pool.”

“Fine, in my bed then.”

“Not tonight, Julie.” Marie insists, again shaking her head. Julianne sighs with a bit of disappointment etched on her face. The blonde then picks up a towel off of the patio table and wraps herself up. Then she sits down in a chair next to Marie.

“Very well. We could go out to a bar? We could go dancing?”

“I’d rather not.”

“What’s wrong with you, sweetie?” Julianne asks. “Every idea I had for something fun we could do, you shot it down. Did you really just want to spend the whole day cooped up inside my house?”

“Does it really matter where we spend time?” Marie asks as she lays her head on the blonde’s shoulder. “As long as I’m with you.”

“I suppose. But c’mon, Annabelle, we used to go partying quite a bit. We used to pain the town red. Lately you only want to stay inside. What gives?”

“It’s…it’s just tough…” Marie’s voice cracks “...I just have a lot on my mind.”

“You mean the fallout of Inner Peace and Raul?” Those names, those memories, they send shudders up Marie’s spine. She nods her head. Julianne runs her hand through Marie’s long red hair.

“I get it, babe. I really do. You went through…well, we both went through some truly traumatizing times. I’m sorry if it seems like I’m rushing you, or anything. Some people heal from tragedy faster than others. I am ok, and I just assumed you would be too. I apologize. Take as long as you need to get better, Marie.”

“Thanks, Julie.”

Marie forces a smile on her face. She knows that her family would never approve of this visit, this is why she never told Angelica, Kim, or any of her other family that she has gone to Worcester to be on a date with Julianne. If they knew Marie had chosen to continue her relationship with Julianne, things would have gotten ugly. At least, Marie thinks they would have gotten ugly. She feels it is better if they just never found out. What they don’t know won’t hurt them. But this is yet another secret she is keeping. Does this mean she is just setting herself up for yet another failure down the road? Marie decides not to think about it. “Thanks for putting up with me. I know I am a mess right now mentally and emotionally. You deserve better, Julie.”

“It’s ok, I’m here for you. Like I said, we can go at your speed. If you’re not ready to go out, if you still want to keep this all to yourself, that’s fine. We don’t even have to talk about Inner Peace. All of that is over.”

“I wish it were that simple.” Marie says quietly.

“It is that simple. You just have to relax.” Julianne smiles and kisses Marie on the lips this time. “I know just the way to help you relax.” Julianne reaches down, her hand goes up underneath Marie’s skirt. When she feels her hand nearing her crotch area Marie suddenly pulls away.

“Not now…”

“What’s wrong?” Julianne asks curiously. “I told you we can do it in my bedroom if you’d prefer.”

“No, no, I just…” Marie shakes her head “...I just need to go.”

“Seriously?” Julianne sits up and stares at Marie, there is a stern look on her face. “You drove all the way up here, spent all day with me. Don’t you want to stay the night?”

“I really must leave.” Marie insists. “My son…”

“Your son is currently in the custody of your twin sister. Don’t use him as an excuse.”

“You’re right, Kim has custody, but I want him back and if I am to ever earn the trust of my family, and of the courts, to get him back, I need to prove that I can be a responsible parent for Sean. That means returning home when I said I would return home.” Julianne frowns. Marie leans over and kisses her on the cheek. “I’m sorry, there will be another time…because believe me, I do love our time together…but I cannot skirt my responsibility. That’s how I lost my son. So no more staying out late, no more breaking promises. I need to prove I can be a good parent, a good mother.”

“Whatever.” There is a hint of scorn in Julianne’s voice. Marie tilts her head to the side and studies her curiously.

“What’s wrong? You aren’t mad, are you?”

“I…” Julianne sighs “...I’m sorry, Annebelle. I’m not mad. I’m just frustrated, I suppose.” She laughs softly and uneasily. “I’m not used to being secondary in your life.”

“Secondary?” Marie smirks and then passionately kisses Julianne on the lips. After breaking the passionate kiss Marie grins with a glint of mischief on her face. “Does that feel like ‘secondary’ to you?”

“Maybe…maybe not…” Julianne smirks.

“How’s about not? Julie, you are far from secondary to me. But I do have other priorities and one of them is my son. I also need to rebuild my life after Inner Peace destroyed it. I need to fix things. I hope you understand.”

“Yeah…” Julianne smiles “...of course.”

Marie isn’t sure if Julianne is lying or if she is sincere. She does detect that her lover is disappointed that she has to leave. In the past, when Marie and Julianne would go out on these dates, they would stay together for days, weeks on end. They would stay together and party or make love until they just got tired of it. But Marie knows that she cannot afford to just throw caution to the wind. She needs to buckle down and prioritize. She needs to prove that she can be a responsible person. She needs to rebuild her life, a life that she nearly destroyed within the confines of Inner Peace. It will be a long and difficult road but she is prepared to walk it.

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February 7th, 2024
Louisville, Kentucky
On Camera
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Hello SCW! I’m back!

I suppose it would be idiotic of me to just walk right back in and expect the fans and the locker room to just miraculously forget about everything I did and simply welcome me back with open arms, huh? I suppose it isn’t as easy walking in through those ropes, saying the town’s name, getting a cheap pop, saying “SCW IS THE BEST” and then BAM! I’m automatically accepted again. Most want to think it is that easy. In stories it can be that easy. But this isn’t a story. This is real life. Real life is never easy, I know that, so of course I decided to take a more difficult way back. But before I discuss my way back, I probably should address the great big elephant in the room. Namely, where have I been?

If you’re listening to this and you’re sitting there thinking to yourself “I don’t really give a damn where she’s been.” Well, I don’t blame you. You have every right to feel that way. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if most of you feel that way. I didn’t exactly have an “honorable discharge” to put it in military terms. We didn’t part on good terms, did we SCW universe? It was a couple of years ago. Me and Kimberly had been creating all sorts of chaos and carnage throughout SCW. Normally creating carnage and chaos is Kim’s thing, not mine. I prefer a methodical, strategic approach to whatever goals I have in mind. I am a thinker, I am a strategist. Except Kim’s chaos put her on the radar of the SCW World Champion at the time Selena Frost and her wife Deanna Frost. I’m not going to leave my sister hanging, and besides, getting involved with a fight against the world champion just might lead to a world title match for me. It made perfect sense. Kimberly had no designs at the time of being a World Champion. But I did. I separately wanted to be SCW World Champion. And if I could use my chaotic sister to get that title shot, then why not?

The problem is that it never happened the way I wanted it to; SCW kept putting Kim in the title situations against Frost. Kim got the World Title shot in the Double Jeopardy Match, not me. Then when she lost and I saw Twin Magic would be facing the House of Frost in a tag team match…well I lost it. I was upset that yet again I did not get what I wanted. So I left. I walked out on my SCW contract. I refused to compete. I fully expected that SCW would come crawling back to me, I thought that someone somewhere in SCW would beg me to return. I suppose I thought way too highly of myself. I believed in my own hype. And then, over time, I got quite the humbling experience when NOT ONE SINGLE INDIVIDUAL came to ask about me. Not ONE PERSON asked if I would return. No one except Kimberly. It was then that I realized just how wrong I had been. I realized how selfish and how self-absorbed I had been. Instead of being happy for my sister getting a world title shot, I was trying to use it as a means to an end, a means for me getting a world title shot. And instead of cherishing what I had with SCW, a company that took a chance on me, I left them when they didn’t give me what I wanted.

I was an awful human being. I deserve any and all hate and scorn I receive when I make my return on Breakdown against Aisling.

Yes, I am returning to Supreme Championship Wrestling. That is the road to redemption that I chose to take. There are a lot of easier ways of doing this. I could have just taken the cheap way out, issued an apology and stayed home. Or I could have just stuck my head in the sand and refused to do anything about it. But when I see bridges that I’ve burned, I refuse to let them stay that way. I created that mess and I will fix it. I burned those bridges, I will do whatever I can to rebuild those bridges. And I began close to home, and you don’t get any closer than my own hometown of Boston, Massachusetts with my sister who I had done wrong, Kimberly Williams.

I had watched how Kim had single handedly fought the threat of James Evans and his House for months. Then finally Kirsten Scott, followed by Amy Chastaine, Chance Owens, and Cassie Wolfe, joined in the fight. Total strangers pitched in to help my sister. So I decided I needed to help. I decided that I wouldn’t sit idly by and let my sister get destroyed by the House of James, get screwed over by James Evans again. So yes, I got involved. No, Kim had no idea I would be there. And yes, I would do it all over again. Kim has always been fiercely loyal to me, she has always been willing to have my back and follow me to hell, she has been willing to help me with whatever plan I had, even if my plan was stupid. It was high time that I returned the favor.

Kimberly, I know you’re watching…I know you have your singles career, and I respect that, but if you ever need me, I will have your back. I will be as fiercely loyal to you as you were to me. It doesn’t matter how ridiculous the request may be, you just give the word and consider it done.

Fixing that was the easy part. My family is close, we always have been. But repairing the damage I did between myself and you, the SCW universe, that’s a different story altogether. In order to fix this damage, I know that I had to make my return. I’m going to return to Breakdown and I don’t know what kind of reception I will receive. Will I be greeted with open arms by fans who will just miraculously forget everything that happened in the past? Or will these be smart, intelligent fans, who remember full well what happened?

I am hoping for the former but preparing for the latter.

This might be like me walking into Foxboro wearing a New York Jets jersey. Or walking into Chapel Hill wearing a Duke jersey. Or walking into the Pittsburgh Steelers home turf wearing a Ravens shirt. I might encounter a hostile crowd. Aisling just might become the most popular SCW superstar of the evening, just because she’s fighting me. Who the hell knows? But those are the hot coals I will have to walk over in order to reach my goal.

And all of that brings me to you, Aisling.

Sorry it took me so long to get to you, but I had a lot to get off my chest. Don’t misinterpret it, though, because my focus is not lost on the short term prize. Do I understand my long term goal? Absolutely. Am I playing the long game of chess? Damn right. But I also know that short term goals in this business are just as important as the long term goals and right now it is very important that I get started off on the right foot with a victory in my return match. Aisling, you are the one person standing between me and starting off on the right foot tomorrow night in my return to SCW. So believe me when I say that my focus tomorrow night is not going to be on trying to kiss up to the fans or making nice with my family or trying to appease anyone in particular who I may or may not have wronged.

I have one goal tomorrow night and that one goal is to walk into the ring, wrestle a damn good match, spike your head on the canvas with an Ave Maria, and then pin you for the three count. What goals do you have? Support Polly? Keep your heads above water in the tag team division with Colleen? All that is nice. But if you ask me, my goal, my motivation, is far greater. I am The Phoenix who went out and died, not in a blaze of glory but in a mere whimper. I refuse to be remembered in that light. Now this Phoenix has returned to resurrect herself in a great fire, this Phoenix will set SCW ablaze beginning with you.

So I will ruin your night, Aisling, and I will not feel bad about it. This Phoenix will rise…