Magical Cosmic Princess YUYO vs. Marie Jones

[The Matt]

2 of 2
=====

==========
June 23rd, 2024
Boston, Massachusetts
Off Camera
==========

Everything has been going the way of Marie Annabelle Jones as of late, for the most part at least. Jones earned the trust of her family back, she got a second chance to wrestle for SCW and since returning has won a championship and earned the trust and support of her fans, but the most important and happiest moment of them all is probably her relationship with Percy Matthews. She has endured many failed relationships, she has endured several heartbreaks, and all she wanted was not only a partner who would love and care for her, but also someone who could help her raise her son Sean. Ideally, she wanted someone who could be a father figure for Sean. It isn’t easy being a single mother and it was especially difficult for Marie considering how Sean came to be in the first place. The father wasn’t in the picture because he sexually assaulted Marie. He was killed when he refused to turn himself over peacefully to the police. Marie chose to carry Sean to term. She wanted to keep him and raise him. She also wanted a father figure for Sean, one he deserved. Sean grew and grew, eventually becoming a pre-teen with no father figure. Marie had almost given up hope. But now, with Sean in his teenage years, Marie has seemingly found that right person in the form of Percy Matthews. It is strange because Marie never would have seen herself in a relationship with someone like Percy. He is an ex-con and a biker. He likes his nickname, Death’s Head. Despite his shady past of gang activity, he has promised that he is a changed person. And it seems to be true. Percy treats Marie like a princess and Sean seems to adore Percy. Percy likes Sean in return and treats Sean as if he were his own son. It almost seems as if it is too good to be true.

Percy has even helped Marie in other ways. Her son wants to follow in her footsteps and become a wrestler. Marie has reluctantly allowed him to follow that dream if he wishes and Percy has volunteered to teach him basic striking and self-defense skills that he learned when he was incarcerated. This time Sean spends with Percy has helped them bond. Marie can tell a big difference. Sean is learning not only skills that will be essential for his career if he does stick to that path, but Sean is also learning discipline. Meanwhile this frees Marie up to focus on the only part of her career that hasn’t exactly been on track lately and that would be her own career in the squared circle. After losing the Television Title, Marie has struggled to regain any momentum. Momentum is important, especially now in Rise To Greatness season, and she sees this latest match as an opportunity to regain some of that momentum. She just has to find a way to defeat YUYO, The Magical Cosmic Princess.

Her match on Breakdown, that can be be put for until later. For now Marie is content to enjoy her time with Percy. Being with Percy has also changed some of Marie’s lifestyle. She normally prefers upscale lavish places but lately she has found herself hanging out with him at biker bars where he feels much more comfortable. The Phoenix, wearing tight denim jeans, black boots, and a red silk blouse along with her black leather jacket, sits on a bar stool at the wood oak bar. Percy Matthews sits next to him wearing denim jeans, black biker boots, a plain white t-shirt, and his biker vest. Two empty glasses sit in front of them. The bartender arrives and takes the empty glasses away and brings them two more fresh glasses of alcoholic beverages. Percy nods his head before sipping on his beer.

“I never knew this place had such good food…” Marie says before sipping her own beer “...or good drinks.”

“Didn’t think ya would approve.”

“I admit I do prefer the finer things in life, but it isn’t like I haven’t been to a biker bar before.”

“Oh really?” Percy says grinning. “I sense a story?”

“Not much of one.” Marie shrugs her shoulders. “I mean, I have been here before to bail my sister out of whatever trouble she gets herself into.”

“Have you been to this one before?” He asks. Marie nods her head.

“Yeah. I came here with my then girlfriend Julianne to tell Kim I was leaving the family to join Inner Peace.” Her voice is calm, stoic, and matter of fact. Percy quickly realizes that this must be a painful memory for Marie.

“Oh…I’m sorry, I didn’t realize.”

“It’s ok.” She nods her head. “You didn’t know. Besides, I need to move on, right? I need to let go of the past and focus on the here and the now.” She leans over and kisses Percy on the lips. “And I really love what I have right here and now.”

“Wow…” Percy grins from ear to ear “...thanks, babe…I mean, Marie.”

“It’s ok.” She chuckles. “You can call me babe. I think we’re way past formalities now…” she winks “...Death’s Head.”

“Maybe you’re right.” He sips on his beer again. “Uh, not that I’m complaining, because you know how much I enjoy our dates, but don’t ya wanna get some prep time in for your match against whatshername?”

“YUYO.” Marie nods her head. “And I did train some today, and I have plenty of time the next couple of days to get more prep time in before I travel to Houston for Breakdown. Don’t worry, Percy. I’ll be fine.”

“Yeah but I know how important your career is to you.”

“It is important.” Marie sighs. “But my mistake was putting my career ahead of everything and everyone else. That’s what caused my downward spiral. That’s what caused me to nearly lose my career in the first place. Sometimes you have to recognize that even in what seems like the darkest of days, there is the slimmest glimmer of hope. You’re part of my hope, Percy. You and Sean both. What I do is for both of you.”

“That is some kid you got there.” Percy chuckles. “He’s a fast learner, you know that?”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah. Yesterday, after you left, I got your mother in the ring to work with him. He used one of the takedowns I taught him to perfection.”

“He took down his grandmother?” Marie asks with a look of shock on her face. Percy nods his head with a look of pride.

“Yep…he looked pretty damn good too.”

“I admit that I had my doubts about Sean following into the family business. But you know what? Maybe he can do it? Maybe his destiny is to be a third generation wrestler?”

“I dunno much about wrestling, but I know that the kid has heart, he has determination, and he is smart. I think he can learn the stuff and I think he is determined enough not to give up.”

“Well that’s one character trait he will definitely need if he wants to succeed.” Marie points out as she drinks her beer. “Wrestling is a cutthroat business, it won’t be easy for him, especially being a third generation wrestler with so much pressure to succeed riding on his shoulders. He will have plenty of setbacks.”

“I think he knows that.” Percy says. “He’s a strong kid, babe. Maybe stronger than you give him credit for?”

“I hope so.” Marie sips on her beer some more. As she does so she notices Percy’s demeanor shift and change ever so slightly. He was laid back, relaxed, and rather jovial. Now his face has hardened. He looks ice cold. It’s almost as if he is angry. What’s happened? Could it be the alcohol? Marie dismisses that completely. He is only on his second glass and Percy typically can drink anyone and everyone under the table. It is highly unlikely that the alcohol is already getting to him. Still, something is bothering Percy, which is evident as the biker keeps looking around, now with a hint of nervousness and anxiousness. Something is bothering him and Marie doesn’t know what it is. “Uh, Percy? What’s wrong?”

“I think we should go.” He states quietly.

“Ok…sure…” Marie isn’t sure what is going on but she does trust him. She knows he wouldn’t do anything unsafe. If he thinks that they need to leave then they do need to leave. Marie nods her head and gets up off of the barstool. Percy slides a wad of cash across the bar towards the bartender. He then turns and storms away, grabbing Marie by the wrist and urging her to keep up.

“Come on…”

“Ouch!” Marie exclaims. “Careful, you’re hurting me…”

“Sorry. But we do need to leave.”

Jones starts to feel even more uneasy about this but allows herself to be dragged out of this bar. Percy seems to be eager get out of this place as quickly as possible. She thinks back to two previous dates that ended up turning out badly. Did he spot former gang pals of his? Did he spot former victims of his that he wishes to avoid? Marie can only guess. She just hopes that everything will be ok now that they are outside. But that hope is dashed when she feels herself tossed aside by Percy.

“Get behind me!” He shouts. Marie is confused but watches on as Percy reaches out and grabs a figure that was seemingly lurking in the shadows. The massive biker known as Death’s Head then slams the figure against the side of the building. “What do you want from us?!”

“Percy?!” Marie exclaims. “What is this?!”

“This guy has been stalking us.” Percy growls. “That’s why we needed to leave. And now he’s gonna tell me why he’s been stalking us…” he balls up his fist and holds it up against the guy’s face threateningly “...or else.”

Jones has had her fair share of stalkers in the past and is no fan of them. She feels a sense of comfort that Percy was watching out for her and is willing to defend her. Ordinarily she would let Percy have her way with him but as she gets a closer look at the stalker she suddenly realizes that she knows him. She realizes that this isn’t just some random stalker. It may not even be a stalker at all.

“Percy, wait!” Marie exclaims. “I know him!”

“Yeah? Well who is he?”

Marie cautiously approaches. She gazes deep into the man’s face. Yes, she is right; this is Brandon Buchanan, older brother of Julianne Buchanan. Jones sighs and shakes her head.

“Brandon…”

“Marie.”

The Phoenix sighs and shakes her head with a sense of frustration and disgust. She looks over at Percy. “This is Brandon Buchanan, my ex-girlfriend’s older brother.”

“Yeah?” Percy’s demeanor still hasn’t changed. He still angry with Brandon. “Why is he stalking us?”

“I am not stalking anyone!” Brandon insists. “I just…I need to talk to Marie…”

“Seriously?” Marie seems surprised. Brandon nods his head.

“I’m sorry for scaring you, it wasn’t my intention, but I do need to talk to you. It’s important.” Brandon seems to be sincere, he seems to be genuinely concerned about something. But the more Marie thinks about this, the more this seems like a bad idea. Brandon is just a reminder of a bad past and a failed relationship. She shakes her head.

“No…”

“But Marie!”

“I said no.” She says again, more emphatically this time. “It isn’t personal, Brandon, but you are too close to a past that I would rather forget.”

“This is important!” Brandon insists. “It has to do with my sister!”

The mention of Julianne brings up even more horrific memories. Marie tries her best to push them back, to keep the memories away, but it is difficult to hold back the emotions. She shakes her head.

“All the more reason not to hear you out. I’m sorry, Brandon, but I really don’t care what you have to say.”

“Please reconsider!” Brandon exclaims. He manages to wriggle free of Percy’s grasp and almost gets close to Marie but she jumps back. Percy quickly gets in between the two of them and shoves Brandon really hard, causing him to fall onto the ground. Percy growls angrily as he stares daggers right through the heart of Brandon.

“The lady said NO!” Percy exclaims. “Now leave before things get ugly!”

“Marie, I…” Brandon considers begging some more but he looks into Marie’s eyes and she is near tears, he looks at Percy and he seems ready for a fight. Brandon sighs as he pulls himself up and shakes his head. “...oh ok, look, I don’t want any trouble. I’ll leave. But Marie, please reconsider.”

“Just leave.” Marie repeats.

“I will but…” he sighs “...you know how to contact me.” With that said, Brandon turns and walks away. Once he is gone Marie breaks down into tears. Percy embraces her in a tight warm hug. His warm embrace helps a little but the fear is still there. Marie had hoped that her past was long gone but Brandon Buchanan and this problem he has with his sister, whatever it is, is proof that it may not be over just yet.

==========
On Camera
==========

Things never seem to go the way you want them to; isn’t that right YUYO? I don’t know how often Magical Cosmic Princesses get what they want but you definitely wanted to fight Kimberly Williams and, unfortunately for you, you have to settle for the not-so-fun twin. Instead of the revenge you were seeking against my sister for cracking your head open, derailing your momentum, and…sending you to school? You have to settle for making an impact at my expense. You have to settle for using me as a stepping stone to further your career in SCW. You have to settle for using me to reestablish yourself as a dominant force in this company.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, your magical cosmic majesty, but this won’t go your way, either. I am more than just a stepping stone, I am more than just someone to be made an example out of, and I am definitely far better than just a means to an end. I am The Phoenix. I am a three time Television Champion, a former tag team champion, and a former United States Champion. I have beaten some of the best to ever do this. Getting the opportunity to wrestle me should mean a hell of a lot more than just a means to an end. With all due respect, your magical cosmic majesty, you had better show up to Houston ready for a war, because a war is exactly what I am bringing to the table.

Hey, Kimberly did get all of the penchant for violence all to herself, you know?

See, YUYO, there is a big difference between you and I. That difference is that I NEED this win. You don’t. Sure, if you really had been fighting my sister then you might have made a case. The desire for revenge can be quite strong. But you’re not facing Kim. You’re facing me. So the whole revenge motivation is gone. Wiped out. All you have is your need to keep up the momentum you’ve built since returning to SCW. And you have been damn impressive since returning. You had a hell of a performance in Taking Hold of the Flame, you haven’t lost a standard match, you’ve been on fire and have been building a real good case for a prime spot at Rise To Greatness. People are looking at you as a serious threat, as they should. You are proving to have all the tools to succeed.

If you lose, if you stumble just once on this path towards Rise To Greatness, it won’t hurt your standing. You can easily pick yourself back up, dust yourself off, and continue to impress. And therein lies our differences. Ever since losing the Television Title, I have been on a slow but steady descent. My momentum has completely vanished. I had hopes of at least getting a measure of retribution for past wrongs and injustices done to me by Infamous but even in that I came up short. I lost the Television Title. I failed to capture the Adrenaline Title. I failed to win Taking Hold of the Flame. I failed to get revenge. Now I am in my car sitting idle, stalled, on the road to Rise To Greatness.

I had high hopes for my first Rise To Greatness after returning from a long absence. Things definitely did not go the way I had hoped. And now? Now I face the very real possibility of just getting a pity match at Rise To Greatness. I was raised to EARN my spot on these cards. I was raised to EARN your place or not get one at all. And I want to EARN my spot on the Rise To Greatness card because of what I have achieved, because of the level of talent I have beaten.

So I need to beat you, YUYO. That is where we differ. Do not try to convince me that you need this win. If you lose your standing and your momentum will be protected. You will be just fine. You can turn it around because you will still have plenty of opportunities to turn it around. But me, at this late stage in the game after coming up short time and time again, I need this win. I am not going to get many more opportunities ahead of Rise To Greatness.

Hell, this might very well be my last real opportunity to make a case for myself.

Understand that is where we are different. You do not need this as badly as you lead people to believe. But I do need this, I need this win because I truly believe that if I cannot win when it counts, then my return may very well be sunk. If I lose, I may very well have to accept whatever pity match is afforded me by CHBK.

I’ll be damned if I accept pity. I am The Phoenix and I EARN my spot through hard work, through dedication, through busting my ass week in and week out! And YUYO, this week is make or break for me. I have to defeat you and by God, I will do whatever it takes to defeat you in Houston.

Things don’t always go the way we want and things definitely will not go your way on Breakdown.