Glory Braddock vs. Ace Marshall

[Braddock]

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January 9th, 2025
Philadelphia, PA
Off Camera
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Breakdown was certainly eventful to say the least. “The British Bombshell” Glory Braddock, who is on course to defend her SCW Adrenaline Championship in Germany against the unusual and unorthodox Dexter Grant, showed up to Breakdown in Philadelphia for one reason; to confront Grant and let him know exactly what he can expect from her in Dusseldorf. Unfortunately the reigning Adrenaline Champion was interrupted by another individual who has a vested interest in Dexter Grant; Ace Marshall. In typical Ace Marshall fashion, he hijacked The British Bombshell’s time in an attempt to weasel his way into the Adrenaline Championship match in Dusseldorf. Glory has a history with Ace, they were on a victorious Trios Team together, she knows all too well how obnoxious he can be, but she is not going to allow him to just sneak into a title match he hasn’t earned. She has too much respect for the Adrenaline Title to let that happen. But at the same time she refuses to back down from a challenge. Thus next week in Arizona, she has agreed to add a stipulation to her match with Ace; if he manages to defeat her, he will be added to the Adrenaline Title Match, making it a triple threat against her and Grant. That no doubt enraged Dexter, but Glory could give a damn less about that. She is not going to allow herself to be distracted the way he is. If she can take care of both of them in one fell swoop, she will do it.

With Breakdown having concluded, The British Bombshell has left for her hotel room to stay one night before heading back home. Glory Braddock sat on the plush cream-colored sofa in the elegantly decorated hotel suite. Her golden hair cascaded in loose waves over her shoulders, catching the soft glow of the ambient lighting. Her piercing blue eyes were fixated on the large flat-screen television mounted on the opposite wall, the flickering light casting faint shadows across her flawless complexion. She was wearing a vibrant, long-sleeved purple lace top that is semi-sheer, revealing a fitted underlayer beneath it. The high neckline of the top adds an elegant and sophisticated touch. She pairs this with a black, flared skirt that is short, accentuating her legs. She is also wearing sheer black tights that add a polished and formal look to her outfit. Her footwear consists of sleek, pointed-toe navy blue high heels that complement the outfit with a subtle contrast. The overall ensemble is classy and stylish, perfect for a formal or semi-formal occasion. A pair of silver hoop earrings glinted subtly as she shifted slightly, resting her chin on her hand. Her expression was a mix of detachment and faint amusement as the replay of SCW Breakdown airs on the screen.

The suite itself was luxurious but not ostentatious, with neutral tones and modern furnishings. A glass coffee table sat before her, holding a half-full glass of red wine and a small bowl of mixed nuts. The faint hum of the city outside was muffled by thick blackout curtains drawn across the floor-to-ceiling windows, giving the room an air of serene isolation. Despite the outward calm, there was an undeniable tension in Glory’s posture; her shoulders slightly stiff, her free hand unconsciously toying with the edge of her sleeve. Her mind seemed far from the action on the screen, her thoughts wandering to matters more pressing, namely her upcoming title defense against Dexter Grant. It seems as if ever since The British Bombshell became the Adrenaline Champion after dethroning YUYO, she has become a hot target on the SCW roster. Her daughter’s boyfriend, the monster Clyde Sutter, returned at Fatal Fortunes and beat her up and beat her down. Dexter Grant is number one contender to the Adrenaline Championship, is on a huge winning streak ever since making his debut, and now has his eyes set on Braddock. Plus one of the newest members of the European Fiery Nation has been calling out The British Bombshell.

Braddock knows that her focus must be on Dexter Grant. As strange and weird as he may be, he is still a very real threat to her championship. The one advantage she has over him is that he is diverting his attention all over the place, from speaking out against social media, dealing with Ace Marshall, and of course his Adrenaline Title shot. Those distractions will only serve to help The British Bombshell, as long as she herself doesn’t get distracted. That is easier said than done. Next week on Breakdown she is scheduled to wrestle Ace Marshall, the thorn in Dexter’s side, a man whom Glory has a big history with. Defeating Ace would put a big feather in her cap and give her some much needed momentum heading into her upcoming title defense against Dexter Grant. Unfortunately, try as she might, the life of The British Bombshell and reigning SCW Adrenaline Champion is not totally without drama and distractions.

A knocking is heard at the door to her hotel suite and it immediately gets Glory’s attention. She sighs, almost as if she knows what is coming next. Braddock rises up to her feet and slowly walks to the door, unlatches it, and opens it up. She sees her oldest daughter, Melinda Braddock, standing there before her. Melinda is wearing a bold and ethereal white ensemble including a top that is a delicate bralette-style piece featuring thin spaghetti straps and intricate lace detailing that provides a soft, feminine touch. The midriff-baring design adds an element of modernity and allure. She pairs the top with voluminous, high-waisted white trousers that are unique in design. The pants feature sheer lace panels interspersed with opaque fabric, creating a dramatic and layered effect. The bottom of the trousers is gathered at the calves with wide, lace-ruffled cuffs, giving the outfit a vintage-inspired, almost whimsical feel. Her footwear consists of strappy white high heels, with delicate ankle straps that enhance the elegance of the outfit while elongating her legs.

“Evening, mother…” Melinda says with a smirk on her face. Glory sighs.

“Hi, Melinda. Is Clyde with you?”

“No, the boyfriend you despise oh so much isn’t with me.” Melinda says, her voice oozing sarcasm. “Does this mean I can come in now?”

Braddock sighs again. She nods her head and steps aside, allowing Melinda to step into the room. Glory shuts the door behind her. Melinda finds herself a seat on the comfortable leather sofa where her mother was just sitting. She sprawls out, taking up the whole area. Glory stands over her and puts her hands on her hips.

“If you don’t mind?”

Melinda chuckles as she swings her legs over and sits up. She scoots over to give her mother room. Glory sits down next to her. She picks up her glass of wine and sips it. Then she looks at her daughter.

“Want some wine?”

“No thanks, I don’t need alcohol to deal with my problems…unlike other people.”

“Oh come on, Mels.” Glory says, her frustration growing. “Why do you have to be like this?”

“I’m sorry, you’re right, alcohol isn’t the only way you handle your problems.” Melinda says, nodding her head. “You also like to go crawling to that narcissistic twat Aphrodite Noel and pretend that she’s your mother, letting her coddle you and handle your problems instead of handling them yourselves.”

“Is that why you brought Clyde back to SCW?” Glory asks sharply. “Did you do it to spite me because you hate my friendship with Aphrodite?”

“Oh so is a friendship now?” Melinda rolls her eyes. “That’s bullshit, mother.”

“Things have changed.”

“I don’t believe you.” Melinda shakes her head. “I remember all too well how close you two used to be and I remember what she did to you. You used to be fiercely independent and a unique, original person. But she changed you. Her twisted, corrupt personality changed you. Now you’re just a cookie cutter image of every other wealthy blonde bitch in the world. I used to look up to you, mom, but now…” she shakes her head “...I don’t recognize you anymore. And no…”

“No?”

“No, I didn’t bring Clyde back to SCW just to fuck with you. That was why Mason Van Stanton brought him to SCW in the first place, just to piss you off. I am above that kind of childishness.”

“You could fool me.” Glory shakes her head. “I saw how you and Clyde struck a deal with William Heaven and The Fall of Man. Seriously, Mel? That’s dangerous. Those people are not good people.”

“And Aphrodite is?” Melinda smirks. “Besides, what is it to you? Clyde isn’t doing anything wrong. I’m not doing anything wrong. And Clyde is NOT here just to piss you off or to spite you.”

“Then why is he here?” Glory asks. “You know how I feel about him. You know I think he is far too dangerous to be in a wrestling ring. Why would you bring him back?”

“Because I believe in second chances.” Melinda says, snapping back at her mother coldly. “My grandfather believed in second chances, you used to believe in second chances, and I never quit believing in second chances.”

“And you honestly believe he changed?” Glory asks. Her frustration is boiling over. Her instincts as a mother are kicking into overdrive. “Don’t you remember how he treated you? Don’t you remember what he did to you?”

“Yes, oh yes I remember.” Melinda nods her head emphatically. “He beat me. He got me addicted to drugs. But he fought hard to change his ways. He also fought to help me break my addictions. He busted his ass to earn my trust back. I gave him a chance and he proved himself. I don’t know why you won’t give him a chance.”

“Why won’t you give Aphrodite a chance?” Glory asks.

“Touche.” Melinda nods her head. “I guess we’re even.”

There is a quiet tension in the air. Neither Braddock woman, neither mother nor daughter, wishes to speak up. This is the kind of distraction that Glory Braddock is having to deal with the most. For nearly two years her relationship with her daughter has been strained. Melinda always resented Glory for her closeness to Aphrodite Noel, a woman who Glory once reverently called “mother”. Now Melinda is dating a man Glory despises in Clyde Sutter. Part of Glory suspects that she is dating him only to spite Glory herself. No one knows any of this; everyone is certainly aware of the tension between mother and daughter, but no one quite knows what the problem really is. The British Bombshell would rather keep it that way.

“Look, Mel, lets just not talk about that stuff, huh?” Glory forces a warm, pleasant smile on her face. “I mean, honestly, there’s really just those two people…Aphrodite and Clyde…that create a wedge between us. There’s so much more we have in common, you know?”

“In other words you wanna change the subject? Avoid the hard topics?” Melinda chuckles. “Fair enough. That’s par for the course for you lately.”

“Damn it, Melinda!” Glory’s frustration has finally boiled over into anger. “I am not trying to be a pain in the ass! I’m trying to look after you! I worry about you…” she sighs “...and not just when it comes to Clyde…”

“Oh you mean the stalker?” Melinda asks. Glory silently and slowly nods her head. This is another distraction that Glory has been keeping quiet about, a distraction that she has kept closely hidden, known only to her closest family. Over the past several weeks, ever since right before Fatal Fortunes, she has received two gifts from an unknown sender, one sent to the Braddock Wrestling School in London, England and the other to her home in Miami, Florida. As if that weren’t strange enough, her husband, Kurt, has been receiving strange phone calls at the house. No one ever speaks when the phone is answered, only heavy breathing. The British Bombshell did not want to think that this was a stalker; she just hoped that it would turn out to be some fan of the Braddock family. But the longer this goes on, the idea of this being an obsessed fan is looking to be a longshot. More and more the idea of this being a stalker, or worse, is starting to become more of a reality. It scares Glory Braddock to think that someone is getting this close to her family and she has no power to stop them.

Melinda looks closely into her mother’s eyes. She can sense the fear there, the concern. The awkward tension, the anger that was once there between them immediately seeps away. Melinda inches closer to her mother and wraps an arm around her shoulders in an attempt to comfort her.

“It’s ok, mom. Everything will be fine.” She says. “We’ll get through this together.”

“You sound like Kurt.” Glory chuckles. “I’m sure he’s just saying that to calm me down.”

“Is it working?” Melinda asks with a playful grin.

“No, but thanks for trying.”

“Hey, anything to help.” Melinda says. “Uh, have those strange calls continued?”

“According to Kurt, yes.” Glory answers with a nod of her head. “And I speak to him every day.”

“Maybe you should have him travel with you?”

“Kurt offered but I don’t know.” Glory shrugs her shoulders. “Dawn is safe with Julia, but still that would leave the home completely empty and vulnerable if anyone wanted to break in and do who knows what.”

“Fair enough.” Melinda nods her head. “Besides, you have Clyde.”

“Mel, I…”

“No, listen. You may not trust him but he loves me, he is fiercely protective of me. If I asked, he would be just as fiercely protective of you against whoever this creepy ass stalker may be.” Melinda takes her mother’s hand and squeezes it tightly. “Get over your pride and accept help, mother.”

“I’ll think about it.” Glory smiles. “Thanks.”

“Of course. You realize I do love you.”

“I love you too, Mel.” They embrace in a tight, loving hug. This is the first warm, touching moment they have had in a long time. After breaking the embrace Melinda continues down this awkward and difficult topic.

“So what are your theories about who or what could be behind this?”

“Organized crimes ranks right up there as my number one suspect.” The British Bombshell says instantly. They tried to weasel their way into my company before on behalf of their biggest financial donor, Matthew Alan.”

“Him again?” Melinda looks genuinely surprised and skeptical. “I mean, I understand; he was convicted of being involved with organized crime in the past. He’s in prison for it right now. But that’s the thing…do you really think he’s that crazy to try and come after you, to target you, from behind bars?”

“I wouldn’t put anything past him.” Glory says firmly. “And I am going to have a meeting with his sister to find out.”

“Just be careful, ok?”

“I promise.” Glory answers. “You be careful too. Speaking of which, have you been targeted?”

“You mean strange phone calls?” Melinda shakes her head. “No, can’t say that I have.”

“So you have received nothing? No gifts, no calls, nothing?”

“No…” Melinda stops and then furrows her brow “...well, there was this one thing…”

“What?”

“This…” Melinda produces a small envelope and hands it to Glory “...Clyde received this from a stranger who recognized him as ‘Braddock’s husband,’ now its easy to mistake a husband for a boyfriend, but we both agree that whoever this was really meant for YOU to get this, not me.”

“What is it?”

“No clue.” Melinda shrugs her shoulders. “I haven’t opened it.”

“Then let’s find out together.” Glory wastes no time tearing into the envelope. She immediately reaches inside and pulls out its contents; a simple letter. Glory reads the letter. Her facial features go from scared to anger in an instant. Melinda notices this and is instantly concerned.

“What is it, mother?”

“It says…” Glory sighs “...it says… ‘did you like the gift?’”

“Gift?”

“That’s not all.” Glory produces a small photograph of her husband Kurt with their daughter, Melinda’s sister Dawn. She hands it to Melinda. “This photo was with the letter.”

“My God…” Melinda studies the letter and the photo “...they’re getting close. Really close.”

“I know.” Glory’s face is red with rage. “I’m not going to let this go on much longer. I’m going to find out who is behind this and put an end to it. And it starts with me having a nice long talk with Aurora Alan.”

“You really think the Alan family is behind this?”

“I don’t know.” Glory shrugs her shoulders. “But I have no other ideas and that’s as good a place as any to start.”