Waylon Creek vs. Ryan LeCavalier vs. Chris Lawler vs. Marie Jones

[The Matt]

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October 26th, 2024
Boston, Massachusetts
Off Camera
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The run of bad luck for Marie Annabelle Jones continues as she lost yet again, this time to newcomer Dexter Grant. The other losses there were excuses; she lost the Television Title in a triple threat where she did not actually have to get beat to lose the title. She lost to YUYO in the finals of a tournament, so she was not at one hundred percent. She lost at Apocalypse after already competing once before on behalf of her twin sister Kimberly Williams so again she was not at one hundred percent. But this time she was definitively at one hundred percent. She was well rested and more than prepared for anything Dexter could throw at her. Yet she still could not pick up the win. She still lost. Ever since losing the Television Championship back in May of this year, she has not been able to find her footing. She has not been able to rise up from the ashes as her mythical namesake has always done. The Phoenix now heads into Under Attack with an even taller task; she must take on three opponents: Waylon Creek, Ryan Lecavalier, and Chris Lawler. She couldn’t beat two opponents at Apocalypse, now she has to face three? Things are definitely looking bleak for Marie Jones. Things keep getting more and more difficult with each setback. Now she is beginning to wonder if this Phoenix really can rise up out of the ashes? Is there anything left in the tank?

All Marie Jones wanted to do with her return to SCW was to redeem herself, to make up for the mistakes she made in the past; namely, walking away from SCW before her contract was up, walking away from the fans who had supported her. Jones has done that. She has redeemed herself. Is that the problem? Does she no longer have a direction? Does she need a new goal? She need a sense of purpose? She is certainly disappointed in herself and her current standings within SCW but she just isn’t sure where to go from here. Instead of moping around about it, she has decided to seek guidance from her spiritual director, a family friend, the nun known as Sister Maria. Sister Maria became entered the religious order around the same time Marie’s mother, Angelica Jones did and the two became fast friends. But while Angelica left the religious order, Sister Maria remained. Now Sister Maria has bonded with Angelica’s daughter, Marie Jones, and is serving as her spiritual director and counselor to help her through life’s challenges. And this certainly amounts to a challenge.

Marie Jones and Sister Maria sat across from each other in a quaint cafe nestled at the corner of a quiet street. The place had a warm, inviting charm, exuding the kind of cozy intimacy that small-town cafes strive for but rarely achieve. Golden sunlight filtered through large, frosted windows, casting a soft glow across the room and highlighting the gentle imperfections in the weathered oak tables. Tiny potted succulents sat on each table, next to small, well-worn sugar jars and salt shakers. The walls were adorned with vintage photographs of the town, faded into sepia over time, while soft jazz music hummed from an old speaker in the corner, completing the nostalgic ambiance. Marie was dressed casually yet stylishly in a light gray sweater that draped elegantly over her shoulders. The fabric was soft, with just a hint of wooly texture, keeping her warm on this crisp autumn day. She paired it with dark blue jeans that hugged her legs comfortably, rolled slightly at the ankles to reveal a pair of tan leather ankle boots. Her fiery red hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail, with a few rebellious strands framing her face, emphasizing her natural, relaxed beauty.

Across from her, Sister Maria sat with the serene poise only a nun seemed capable of. She wore the classic black and white habit of her religious order, the fabric immaculate and crisply ironed, with a veil that framed her face, leaving only her kind eyes and gentle smile visible. A simple silver cross hung around her neck, its understated elegance matching the humility she embodied. Despite the traditional garb, she had a warmth and approachability that contrasted with the austerity of her attire; her presence was calm, a quiet strength exuding from her, as if she carried a thousand untold stories. As they sipped their coffee, steam wafted up in delicate swirls, blending with the aroma of fresh pastries from behind the counter. The barista, a young man with a warm smile, moved quietly between tables, ensuring every customer felt at home. Marie smiled as she took in the surroundings, enjoying the rare moment of peace with her friend. The cafe buzzed softly with the murmur of voices and the occasional clinking of porcelain, grounding them both in a brief, cherished reprieve from the outside world.

“This is a lovely spot you found, Marie.” The nun says warmly. “It isn’t our usual one, though…”

“I know but that’s your and mom’s spot.”

“It can still be our spot too.”

“Sure it can, I guess, but…” Marie sighs “...I just don’t want to upset my mom any more than I already have.”

“Oh? Did Sister Angelica get upset over the fact that I am now your spiritual director?”

“I think so.” Marie shrugs her shoulders. “Honestly, I don’t know. She said she didn’t mind but she certainly sounded upset…if that makes any sense…”

“It does.” The nun nods her head and sips her coffee. “You know, Marie, you do need to try and understand where your mother is coming from. Sister Angelica is certainly a ‘good practicing Catholic’ as they say, but that doesn’t mean that a few bad apples in the bunch didn’t put a bad taste in her mouth.”

“Wait…” Marie pauses to think about what the nun just said. Sister Maria’s facial expression remains stoic. Then it hits her, just like a ton of bricks. “...she’s upset that that I’m leaning on the Church, that I’m getting a spiritual director and all this, because SHE had a bad experience with the Church?”

“More than just a few.”

“Still, just a few bad actors doesn’t mean the whole organization is rotten. Am I right or am I wrong?” Marie asks.

“You are not wrong. But you must understand where people are coming from. Not everyone in the Church has been a saintly figure. Many have done awful things. Even still, if you look only at the good ones, the good people, even then there could be troubling news for a parent.”

“How?” Marie asks. “Seriously, how could a parent be upset with someone wanting to live a life of nonstop love?”

“Oh come on, my dear, think.” The nun smirks knowingly. “This life isn’t as grand as it may sound. Those who do it properly, at least, they take vows of poverty, vows of chastity, and so on and so forth. They throw everything away for God. Perhaps your mother is concerned that her little girl is getting too religious and that she might throw everything she has earned all in the name of religion?”

“That’s absurd.” Marie chuckles. “I mean, I am a little more religious than I used to be, but the religious life?” She motions to Sister Maria. “I love being a wrestler, I love being a role model for the kids and the fans. Your life just isn’t for me. No offense.”

“None taken. But that might be a discussion you should have with your mother. There might be other issues as well, issues I am unaware of.” The nun states. “But get back to what she was saying earlier, about having a therapist instead of a spiritual director.”

“Oh…” Marie sighs “...she said she didn’t mind that I took on a spiritual director, she just thought that having a traditional therapist like the family psychiatrist Jennifer Warren would have been a better option, especially when it comes to keeping the district attorney off my back regarding my past dealings with Inner Peace.”

“Your mother is not wrong.” The nun says. “Indeed, if the authorities were to ever learn that your ‘counseling’ is coming from a middle aged nun then they might turn the heat up on you, my dear.”

“So should I talk to Dr. Warren?”

“If you are asking me as your spiritual director then I would have to say it wouldn’t hurt. As your friend,” she smiles warmly “you do what you feel is best.”

“Ok, it’s just that…” Marie shakes her head “...I’m just so worried. You know? The state is determined to bring the hammer down on that Inner Peace cult, and I am glad for that, but I was a part of it once and I do not want them coming back and turning that hammer on me.”

“Well tell me, Marie, how did your meeting with the district attorney go?”

“It went very well.” Marie nods her head and then sips on her coffee. She sighs as she leans back in her chair and tries to relax despite recounting the past memories. “He seemed to accept what I told him, that I was receiving counseling despite me not telling him where it was coming from. He promised me that the state would not pursue charges against me the way they pursued charges against Julianne.”

“That’s wonderful.” Sister Maria beams. “That’s what you wanted, right?”

“Mostly.” Marie sighs. “I still might be called on to testify against Raul during his trial.” She shudders. “I am nervous about facing that man again.”

“But you will do it?” The nun asks. “You will testify?”

“Of course I will.”

“Good.” The nun nods her head. “Then tonight when you pray, thank God for answering your prayers and ask Him to give you the strength to testify in court when and if the time comes.”

“Good idea.” Marie says, her eyes lighting up bright. “These talks we have, Maria, they are so wonderful. I feel like I can really open up to you. It feels like I can share anything with you.”

“I enjoy these conversations too. I am willing to provide advice and guidance on anything at all, even the one aspect of your life that isn’t exactly going as planned right now.” Sister Maria says with a knowing smile. Marie sighs and nods her head.

“Yeah…SCW…” her voice trails off as she slumps back down in her chair. She lets her hands rest in her hands “...this was supposed to be going much better…”

“Humanity’s plans generally do not mesh well with God’s plans.”

“Tell me about it.” Marie says. “I had pictured my redemption tour coming to an end fairly quickly and then me winning the Adrenaline Title, then winning the World Title to become Supreme Champion. That would be a storybook ending. I could be done in SCW.”

“How did that turn out?”

“I did finish my redemption tour.” Marie says. “The locker room accepts me. SCW accepts me. The fans accept me. But I had my shot at the Adrenaline Title and I blew it. And there’s no way in hell I’m getting into World Title contention anytime soon after this massive losing streak I’ve been on.” She holds up one finger. “Of the three things I wanted to accomplish in my return, I only accomplished one. I feel like a failure.”

“But making things right with the people, with the company, redeeming yourself, that has to mean more to you than material possessions, doesn’t it?” The sweet nun asks. Marie sighs and nods her head.

“I guess it does. It’s supposed to…but I guess greed is setting in.”

“It’s natural. We’re only human, after all.” The nun smiles warmly. “But it’s ok, I’ve known your family for a long time. You are all so resilient. You will find your way. Just keep fighting. Do not give up.”

“It’s so hard to keep fighting when after each loss I am presented I am presented with an even tougher task.” Marie says quietly. “I just lost one on one to a newcomer. Now I face THREE people at Under Attack? I couldn’t beat a newcomer, how am I going to beat three people? One of them has beaten me twice already.”

“Who would that be?”

“Waylon Creek.” Marie arches her brow. “I didn’t think you followed SCW?”

“I keep up with your family.” The nun says. “But wait, I thought you only wrestled him once?”

“Once on paper.” Marie says with a chuckle. “The other match I stood in for Kim. She didn’t want to wrestle him. Thought he was boring. So I offered to take her place.”

“I see.”

“And yes, I know lying is a sin, but I wanted to help my sister.” Marie sighs. “I feel like I owe her.”

“Supporting your family is a good thing, always is, but do not let yourself be a pushover. Ever”

“It wasn’t like that.” Marie insists. “I volunteered.”

“I’m sure you did. I just wanted to make sure YOU understood your value as a person. You are worth a great deal not only to God but to many people on this earth, especially the millions who watch SCW. They love you and they have stood by you and supported you, even during this difficult time, this losing streak.”

“That’s why I can’t give up.” Marie says.

“Exactly. You cannot give up because giving up now would mean once again giving up on your fans. Keep fighting if only for them. They have not given up on you, even if you are close to giving up on yourself.”