Glory Braddock vs. Shaun Cruze vs. Kemal Yilmaz vs. Amelia Nevado

[Braddock]

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March 12th, 2026
London, England
Off Camera
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The Braddock family home sat on a quiet street in London that had changed very little over the years. The buildings along the block were tall narrow townhouses built in an earlier era when brick and stone were meant to last for generations. The house itself carried that same sense of permanence. Its exterior was still the same pale brick Glory remembered from childhood, softened by decades of rain and cool English air. The windows faced the street in tidy symmetry, their frames freshly painted, their glass reflecting the gray afternoon sky. It was simple, practical, everything that her father Glenn Braddock stood for. Everything that Glory herself was used to. With the next SCW pay per view, Retribution, to be held in her home of London, England, The British Bombshell felt it would be a good idea to spend some time at the place she grew up, where she called home. Hopefully some of the familiarity would calm the nerves heading into Retribution. Inside, however, the house no longer felt quite the way it once had. There was no familiarity. The living room had always been the heart of the home, the place where evenings gathered naturally after long days and where arguments and laughter once lived side by side. Glory remembered it as smaller, simpler, filled with practical furniture that had been chosen for comfort rather than appearance. Back then there had been a modest television tucked into a corner cabinet, a worn sofa with cushions that never seemed to stay in place, and shelves that held more family photographs than decorations.Now the room carried a different atmosphere.

Julia Braddock, Glory’s sister, lived here now and she had clearly made her mark on it. The walls had been repainted in a warm neutral tone that reflected light gently around the space. The old carpet had been replaced with polished hardwood floors that gleamed beneath the overhead lights. A thick area rug in soft shades of cream and charcoal sat at the center of the room, anchoring the seating area with quiet elegance. The furniture was newer and more refined than what had once been there. A sleek sofa upholstered in smooth pale fabric faced the far wall, accompanied by two matching armchairs that curved slightly in design, their cushions perfectly arranged. Even the lighting had changed. Tall standing lamps with slender brass stems flanked the seating area, casting a soft golden glow that made the room feel warmer than the cloudy London afternoon outside. Decorative shelves now lined one wall where the old cluttered bookcases had once stood. They held carefully chosen pieces that reflected Julia’s taste for things that were just a bit more luxurious. A few small sculptures in polished stone. Crystal vases that caught the light. A framed abstract painting that probably cost more than the entire living room had been worth years ago.

The largest difference sat directly across from the sofa. Mounted against the wall was a massive flat screen television that dominated the room in a way the old set never had. The screen was wide and vivid, the image crisp and bright even with the lights on. Beneath it rested a sleek black console that held sound equipment and neatly arranged media devices, each wire hidden carefully out of sight. The screen played a replay of SCW Breakdown, the Spring Break edition. It was on a beach in Florida, Glory’s residence of Miami would have made it an easy trip to make, but The British Bombshell wanted to be focused on the task at hand. She wanted to be ready for Retribution; it would be her opportunity to earn another shot at the SCW World Championship. It would not be easy; she would have to get through a four way against Shaun Cruze, Kemal Yilmaz, and Amelia Nevado. And to add to the pressure, she will be in front of her hometown fans of London, England.

She does not want to let anyone down. She also does not want to let this potential SCW World Title opportunity go to waste. So instead of being on the beach for the Spring Break Breakdown special, Glory chose to return to her roots and prepare. Part of the prep included watching Breakdown. Keeping up with current events. Glory Braddock sat on the sofa watching it. She leaned back into the cushions with one arm resting along the back of the couch, her posture relaxed but attentive. One leg stretched out slightly while the other bent comfortably at the knee. She wore dark blue jeans that fit snugly through the hips and thighs before loosening slightly along the lower legs. The denim was soft from wear, creased naturally where her body moved. Her shirt was a simple long sleeved top in a deep charcoal color, the fabric light enough to move easily but thick enough to hold its shape. The sleeves were pushed halfway up her forearms in a casual gesture that seemed unconscious. The shirt fit comfortably across her shoulders and torso, the fabric gently outlining the strength in her frame without feeling tight. On her feet she wore dark socks rather than shoes, the kind meant more for comfort than style. One heel rested lightly against the edge of the sofa cushion while the other foot pressed against the floor as she shifted her weight occasionally. Her long blonde hair fell freely over her shoulders, slightly tousled as though she had run a hand through it more than once.

Her expression remained thoughtful as she watched. This house carried memories in every corner for her. Some were clear and vivid. Others existed only as faint impressions that surfaced unexpectedly. The smell of the wood polish on the floors reminded her of long afternoons when her father insisted the place be kept tidy. The shape of the room itself still followed the same outline she remembered running through as a child. Yet the details felt different now. Julia’s presence had refined the house into something more polished. The changes were not excessive but they were unmistakable. Everything looked cleaner. Sharper. A little more expensive than it once had been. It suited Julia perfectly. In a way it made Glory a little uncomfortable. This makes her feel more distant from her father, not closer.

“Oh Jules, dad would be rolling over in his grave if he lived to see what you did to the place.” Glory speaks with a light chuckle, not speaking to her sister because she isn’t home. Just speaking out loud.

Then the knocking came. It was firm and deliberate, echoing through the front hallway of the house. Not loud enough to sound impatient, but clear enough that whoever stood outside expected the door to be answered. Glory straightened slowly. For a moment she simply listened, the television continuing to chatter behind her. When the knocking came again she reached for the remote resting on the coffee table and pressed the power button. The screen went dark instantly, leaving the living room in a calmer silence.

She stood and stretched her back slightly, the movement subtle but familiar after sitting still for too long. A few strands of her long blonde hair slipped forward over her shoulder as she walked out of the living room and into the hallway. The house felt quiet around her again. The polished floor beneath her socks made almost no sound as she crossed the entryway toward the front door. Glory reached the door and opened it.

Sophie O’Brian stood on the front step, framed by the cool gray light of the London afternoon. She wore a deep green skirt that fell neatly just below her knees, its color rich against the muted tones of the street outside. Her cream blouse remained crisp despite the weather, the sleeves fitted cleanly at her wrists. Her ankle boots were tidy despite the damp pavement, the tan leather slightly darker near the soles from the moisture in the air.

“So the rumors are true; London’s proudest child has returned.” Sophie says with a smirk on her face. Glory rolls her eyes.

“Is that your way of saying ‘hello, Glory, can I come in?’”

“Yes.” Sophie nods her head politely.

Glory stepped back from the doorway and moved aside, allowing Sophie to enter. The cool air from outside followed her into the house before the door closed again, leaving the warmth of the interior to settle back around them. Sophie paused just inside the entryway, glancing around with quiet curiosity. The polished floor, the updated lighting, the decorative touches Julia had added to the house all stood out to someone who had not grown up there.

“Well now, this certainly looks…”

“Different.” Glory states plainly. Sophie pauses for a moment and then nods her head.

“That’s one way of putting it.”

“I take it you are not a fan of Julia’s decor?”

“Her decor is fine.” Sophie answers. “Quite honestly, Julia and I have similar tastes. I just preferred our father’s home to remain in its old simplistic way. Call it nostalgia.”

“On that we agree.”

Glory gestured down the hallway and began walking back toward the living room. Sophie followed her at an easy pace, her boots making soft controlled steps against the wooden floor. As they moved deeper into the house the living room opened ahead of them again, warm and inviting under the soft lighting. The large television screen now sat dark and reflective against the wall, the sleek console beneath it quiet and still. Glory moved toward the sofa and sat down first, settling into the cushions with the same relaxed posture she had held earlier. One arm rested along the back of the couch while her other hand dropped casually against her thigh.

Sophie stepped farther into the room, taking a moment to look around before choosing a seat in one of the armchairs across from the sofa. The chair curved slightly around her as she sat, the green of her skirt folding neatly across her lap.

“I see you cleaned up well after your little excursion into the SCW Underground Division.” Sophie states. A sly grin forms on her face. “Tell me, was that one Underground Title reign worth it?”

“Don’t start playing mind games, Sophie.” Glory sighs out of frustration.

“Oh these are no mind games I assure you. I am beyond that now.”

“I somewhat doubt that.”

“Fair enough, but I am beyond playing mind games with you. I am asking honestly; was it truly worth the rigorous and rather unorthodox training you put yourself through, the violence you endured that night, just for one title reign? Just to say you now have won every title in SCW at least once?”

“It was worth it.” Glory nods her head. “I learned a great deal about myself preparing for that Underground Gauntlet and by competing in it. I grew as a competitor that night. I expanded my skill set. Believe it or not, Sophie, professional wrestling isn’t always going to be a standard one on one match. In case you forgot, Kemal Yilmaz is still barking about wanting an Ultimate Submissions Match and that, for all intents and purposes, is Underground Rules because the only falls that count are submissions…no pins, countouts, OR disqualifications…plus I’m in a four way at Retribution, a shot at the world title at stake…nothing but chaos there, I need to be ready for that kind of violence, don’t you agree?”

“Very well, Gloria, you made your point.” Sophie pauses and looks around at her surroundings, all brand new to her. Everything that has changed since her other half-sister took over this place. “So this new decor is all Julia’s doing?” Sophie asks. Glory nods her head.

“Yes.”

“And where is Julia?”

“Busy at her charity foundation.”

“And what of your husband Kurt?”

“He stayed back at Miami.”

“So you came back all on your own.” Sophie says. “And I am not surprised that you decided to return home as opposed to making an appearance for SCW Breakdown.”

“Oh really?” Glory arches her brow. “You think you know me so well?”

“I know very well and I know the idea of wrestling on a beach isn’t exactly your idea of ‘the spirit of wrestling’...”

“Spirit of competition.” Glory says, correcting. “That’s what this business is about.”

“It doesn’t matter. My point stands, you never would have been caught dead on that beach. Tell me I’m wrong.”

“You’re not wrong.” Glory shakes her head and sighs. “But that’s only a small bit of it; Retribution is next and it will be right here in London, at Wembley, in front of my hometown fans…people who remember the Braddock name, who still revere our father…and I want to be prepared, Sophie. I cannot let them down.”

“Oh my dear sister.” Sophie shakes her head, looking almost sad for her. “You are truly overthinking this. Or perhaps you are letting the pressure of competing in front of your fans get the best of you? Either way, this isn’t terribly difficult.”

“You remember what dad said…take every opponent seriously. Anyone can be beaten in that ring on any given night.” She holds up three fingers. “And in this particular match I have THREE opponents who could easily get the job done against me.”

“I remember that lesson quite well.” Sophie nods her head. “But I believe you are giving them a little too much credit. Kemal Yilmaz? Amelia Nevado? How many times have you beaten the pair of them already? Do not answer that, we both already know that they cannot beat you.”

“Wrong.” Glory shakes her head.

“I am correct.” Sophie nods her head. “The only competitor you really should be concerned with is Shaun Cruze and now that he is no longer in the good graces of the CEO, you might have a legitimate shot.” Sophie winks.

“Bullshit. And I don’t think you give Amelia and Kemal enough credit.” Glory states bluntly. “The moment I decide not to take this challenge seriously is the moment any of them could catch me sleeping and beat me. Do you really think I want to get caught napping and then lose at Wembley in front of my people?”

“Fair point.” Sophie nods her head. “I still believe you are giving your opposition way too much credit. You are Glory Braddock, the best wrestler in the world.” Sophie sighs. “But, if you insist, I will help you prepare.”

“Huh?” Glory furrows her brow out of curiosity. “I didn’t ask…”

“But you were about to.” Sophie smirks. “Tonight. Tomorrow. The next day. At some point you were going to ask me to help you prepare, because I do know you Gloria, and I know that this SCW World Championship is very important to you. Your one and only reign was something left to be desired.”

“Well…” Glory sighs “...you’re right about that…

“And despite my own FACTUAL claims that you are leaps and bounds better than Yilmaz and Nevado, there is still Shaun Cruze, the one person who could beat you, who is likely favored, and will have just as much support in Wembley as you.” Sophie smirks. “You need my help. You need assistance from the best strategist and tactician you know.”

“Well…” Glory sighs and nods her head “...I would definitely appreciate the help.”

“And helping you prepare for this match at Retribution will be far more fulfilling and satisfying than that barbaric nonsense you had me prepare you for a few weeks ago.”

“That ‘barbaric nonsense’ snagged me another title win.” Glory smirks knowingly.

“Yes, this is true…granted it lasted for all of about a few minutes…”

Glory and Sophie share a light bit of laughter. Yes, they disagree, their philosophies are quite different, but they are sisters and they are closer now than ever before. Their bond is stronger than ever. The British Bombshell always viewed Sophie as her equal, her peer, even though Sophie didn’t always view herself in that same light. If there is one person who can help her prepare for the war at Retribution, it is Sophie O’Brian; perhaps Sophie can help her get one step closer to the SCW World Title?

“You know Sophie, I am glad we can talk like this again. I am glad we are close with each other again. I might not have said it enough but I always trusted you to keep me honest, to keep me in check.”

“The feeling is mutual.” Sophie remarks. “Speaking of keeping you honest…” her voice trails off. Glory rolls her eyes.

“Oh no, that doesn’t sound good.”

“Oh it’s nothing…too bad…” she smirks knowingly “...I was just curious, I recall a few months back you were contemplating selling your company. A company you worked very hard to rebuild and make into a success story. You wanted to sell it because you feared what corporate life might do to you.”

“It’s a legitimate fear.” Glory nods her head. “Anytime I get too involved with my company, with those lawyers and executives, I have to stoop to their level, I have to become just as cutthroat as them in order to keep MY vision of the company intact. And when I become that cutthroat it corrupts me. I find it hard to bring myself back to where I want to be. Honestly it is best if I stay as far away from the corporate life as possible…but…”

“But?”

“You are right. Running away from my problem is cowardly and we Braddocks are not cowards. So I am not going to sell the company.”

“Excellent.” Sophie smiles, nodding her head approvingly. “I am confident you can handle both the corporate life and your career as a wrestler without being changed by it.”

“Well, you see, that’s where we’re going to have to agree to disagree.” Glory says, smiling sheepishly.

“What do you mean?”

“I am keeping the company….but I am going to hire someone else to enforce my vision. Call it a chief of staff of sorts. Someone who knows what I want to see done and will see that it gets done. Someone who will keep me distanced from my company while making sure my vision for the company remains.”

“Bloody hell…” Sophie shakes her head out of frustration.

“I take it you don’t like my idea?”

“You don’t get it, do you, Gloria?” Sophie sighs. “You are STILL running from the problem. Your solution is still cowardly because you are getting someone else to deal with the problem as opposed to you dealing with it yourself.”

“I know you may think that but trust me, it is for the best.” Glory insists. “I have tried for years to do both, I have tried for years to manage the company myself, but each and every time I do, I end up letting the cutthroat executives and crooked lawyers corrupt me and turn me into someone I hate.”

“Gloria…” Sophie tries to speak but Glory interrupts.

“Sorry, Sophie, but believe me when I say that this is for the best.”