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

[Konrad Raab]

2 RP Limit for singles

Deadline: 11:59:59 pm ET Tuesday, November 5, 2024 (to ensure plenty of time post-Breakdown)

[The Matt]

1 of 2
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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.”

[Chris Lawler]

Echoes of Defeat Part I

OOC: Still trying to work out the kinks of the new direction...Hopefully y'all enjoy

[Ryan Lecavalier]

Far From Over

[Matt Hodges]

The Knife That Couldn’t Cut

[The Matt]

2 of 2
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October 29th, 2024
Boston, Massachusetts
Off Camera
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Marie Jones approaches the grand estate of her mother’s home nestled in an affluent Boston neighborhood. Her mother has jokingly nicknamed this place “Purgatory” sort of like how the Avengers have “Avengers Mansion”. But Marie just knows this place as simply home. Her steps are poised, each one drawing her closer to the imposing structure that exudes wealth and history. Her attire is a perfect blend of elegance and practicality, chosen carefully for her visit to such a prestigious home. She wears a tailored charcoal-gray trench coat, its fabric thick enough to guard against the cool Boston breeze, cinched neatly at her waist to accentuate her slender figure. Underneath, she has on a cream-colored blouse with a delicate lace trim peeking from the collar and sleeves, paired with a deep maroon pencil skirt that falls just below the knee. Her legs are clad in sheer black stockings, and her feet in classic black leather heels that click softly against the cobblestone path as she approaches. A pair of gold earrings catch the afternoon light, and a simple pendant necklace lies against her collarbone, glinting subtly.

The home itself is a breathtaking sight, one of those historic estates that loom over the street with a silent, commanding presence. Its exterior is a mix of red brick and limestone accents, speaking to an era when craftsmanship was paramount. Ivy vines creep up one side of the building, giving it an air of old-world mystery, while large, arched windows are spaced evenly along the facade, their glass sparkling. Twin stone lions guard the entrance, their faces carved with fierce precision, and a wide marble staircase leads up to a pair of ornate wooden doors, polished to a deep mahogany shine and accented with brass handles. The landscape is meticulously manicured, with lush, green hedges bordering the front and a neatly trimmed lawn that rolls gently to the street. Small bursts of seasonal flowers, delicate white hydrangeas and vibrant red azaleas, add color near the base of the house, softening the imposing facade. Tall oak trees frame the edges of the property, their branches just beginning to turn with the arrival of autumn. The sky is overcast, casting a soft gray hue over the scene, adding to the estate’s somber, yet alluring, appeal.

“Mom?” Marie calls out loudly, knowing that as big as this house is, her mother literally could be anywhere. “Are you here?”

As Marie steps through the heavy wooden doors, she is immediately enveloped by the understated opulence of the estate’s grand foyer. Directly before her is a grand marble staircase, its steps curving gracefully to the upper floors, framed by a dark oak banister carved with intricate floral designs. The stairwell’s balustrades are gleaming, and small, detailed ironwork decorates each newel post, capturing the afternoon light streaming in from a tall stained-glass window above, casting patterns of sapphire and emerald across the space.

To her left, a wide arched doorway leads into an expansive living room. The space is filled with rich, velvet-upholstered sofas in deep shades of burgundy and navy, arranged around a grand marble fireplace that anchors the room. There is also a large modern television inside. The fireplace is topped with an ornate mantelpiece adorned with small statues and gilded picture frames, each housing sepia-toned portraits of dignified figures from past generations. A pair of crystal chandeliers hang from the high ceiling, their lights reflected in the polished wood floors, which are covered by antique Persian rugs in jewel tones, adding warmth and depth to the room.

The ceiling in the foyer is high, adorned with a painted fresco that depicts a classical scene. Subtle golden molding frames the ceiling, enhancing the art without overpowering it. Brass sconces line the walls, each one casting a warm, inviting glow, accentuating the gentle cream hue of the walls and providing a soft contrast against the dark wood. A long, narrow table stands against one wall of the foyer, topped with a gleaming silver tray and crystal decanter filled with amber liquid, alongside a small vase of fresh white lilies, their delicate fragrance blending with the room’s other scents. To the back of the foyer, another set of double doors opens onto a hallway, where she catches glimpses of other rooms and spaces, each one filled with stately furniture, elegant decor, and a sense of quiet grandeur.

“Right here!” Marie turns to see her mother entering from the living room. She smiles warmly but it is clear she was not expecting company today. “What brings you here today?”

“Just wanted to visit my mother. Nothing wrong with that, is there?”

“Never.” Angelica turns and motions for Marie to follow her into the grandiose living room area. Angelica and Marie always preferred the finer things in life, so being in a luxurious living room area such as this is nothing new for Marie, but even her own home is not as nice as this one. The older Jones leads her daughter to one of the sofas. Marie sits down and Angelica sits down next to her.

“Do you want some wine?” Angelica offers. Marie shakes her head.

“No thanks, I won’t be that long. I need to get back to the gym and keep training. Under Attack is coming up.”

“Oh of course.” Angelica nods her head. “You have a tough challenge.”

“Tell me about it.” Marie sighs. “Things keep getting tougher and tougher with each subsequent loss. I’m shocked that I even made the Under Attack card at all after losing to Dexter Grant. I assume you had something to do with that?”

“Maybe.” Angelica winks. “But don’t worry about that, just focus on your job which is to give it your best shot and, hopefully, win.”

“Easier said than done.”

“Don’t be a downer.” Angelica encourages her. “You have already beaten Lecavalier. You can beat Lawler. And I know you can beat Waylon Creek.”

“So far I haven’t been able to.”

“And with that attitude you won’t.” Angelica points out. “You need to have the right attitude and yes, you might win.”

“I’ll do my best, that’s all I can promise. Will it be enough?” Marie sighs and shrugs her shoulders. “I just don’t know. My best hasn’t been enough lately. But I promise to do my best, that much I can say.”

“That’s all I ask from you.” Angelica says. “That’s all anyone asks from you.”

“Thanks, mom, for everything, but, uh, I didn’t exactly stop by to talk shop. You know?”

“I didn’t think so.” Angelica smiles warmly. “What’s on your mind?”

“I want to talk more about Sister Maria and why you are so upset about me getting a spiritual director?”

“Not this again.” Angelica rolls her eyes. She sounds more than a little frustrated that this conversation is again being brought up. Despite this, Marie presses on with her line of questioning.

“I know that you have a spiritual director and that its Sister Maria. So what’s the big deal with me having that same relationship with her?” Marie shrugs her shoulders. “She seems to have helped you a lot.”

“It’s complicated.”

“I have time.”

“Fine.” Angelica sighs and rolls her eyes. “Yes, Sister Maria is acting as my spiritual director but it isn’t in the same way as you. You have embraced the Church. You enjoy the religion. I haven’t gotten back to that place yet. I still have a great deal of angst towards the church and Sister Maria is helping me through it.”

“What sort of angst?” Marie asks. “Are you pissed at the church’s stance on sexuality since, you know, you are bisexual?”

“God no.” Angelica laughs. “It has nothing to do with that. I’ve made peace with that.

“Then what is it?” Marie asks. “What’s wrong?”

“Look, I became a nun at a young age, not because I wanted to, not because it was my calling or vocation, but because I had nowhere else to turn. Your aunt Kayla and I, our mother had been murdered. Our father then abandoned us. Kayla was going to be sent into the foster care of some drunken abusive prick and I did not want to follow suit. I had no choice but to turn to religious life.” Angelica chuckles. “Funny how things work out. Because as a nun I met a priest in training, your and Kim’s father Sean Williams. Together we broke our vows and you two were born.”

“Yes, I know all of this.”

“But I was young, I was immature, and I was prone to bad decisions. I was more concerned with what MIGHT happen. Could they take you from me? Could I be punished for what happened? I could be scandalized, the church could be scandalized. So I gave you both up at birth.” Angelica wipes some tears that are forming in her eyes. “And in doing so, Sean hated me for it. I lost Sean. He hated me and never forgave me. Hell, I never fully forgave myself.” She looks back up at Marie. “I am a Catholic and I always will be but those memories are not fond memories or me and they are not going away very easily.”

“I understand.” Marie nods her head. “But you know, not everyone in the church is a bad apple.”

“Sister Maria says that a lot.” Angelica chuckles.

“But its true. But I do understand your hurt feelings and…” Marie stands up “...I will pray for you.”

“Thank you, Marie.”

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On Camera
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Here we go again, we are rolling into Detroit and once again I find myself in a must-win scenario. I find myself at the bottom looking up at the top, desperately trying to rise up from the ashes like the mythical Phoenix I named myself after. I keep saying that this Phoenix will rise but eventually I need to make those words count otherwise people will quit believing them. But I don’t really care if my opponents believe those words. I don’t care if a Waylon Creek, a Ryan Lecavalier, or a Chris Lawler believes those words. I just need for the fans to believe those words because you fans have supported me through the good times and the bad. You gave me a second chance when I returned, you welcomed me back with open arms when I did not deserve it, and for that I will never forget you. You keep me going.

I also need to make sure that I believe those words myself. The Phoenix needs to believe that she can keep rising up from the ashes otherwise it just won’t happen. Well, in fear of stealing someone else’s favorite iconic line, I DO still believe! I believe in myself and I believe that Under Attack can and will be my night to kickstart my career! I believe in Detroit I will put my career back into motion with what many might consider to be an upset victory!

Let’s face it, the reason that would be an upset victory is because of Waylon Creek. The undefeated Television Champion. You have been a steamroller, running through everyone, but you haven’t escaped unscathed. You have been humbled. You have been brought down to reality. Me and Kim did that to you at Apocalypse. And I am not ashamed to admit that I loved every second of pulling the wool over your eyes. This time there will be no theatrics, there will be no smoke and mirrors, there will be no Twin Magic. It’s just me, The Phoenix, and this time I intend to win and I intend to do it on my own.

Lawler, you and I seem to be in a similar situation. You also have a hit a run of a bad luck lately. But I know what you are capable of and I know not to underestimate you. You, like me, are at your deadliest when your back is against the wall. You, like me, will be at your best when you know you have to win. And this for you might very well be a must win situation. If that’s your mindset then good luck, because I also have that same mindset and I will not be denied.

Last, and certainly not least, a certain Monarch I know all too well. Ryan, it has been awhile since we last met. Rise To Greatness and that was the night I humbled you. You may not think of it this way but it might have been the best thing to happen to you because look at you now. Look at how close you came to defeating Waylon. You almost did what no one else has been able to do. Now we find ourselves together again, by happenstance…or just because CHBK had nothing else for the four of us and threw us in a random match to fill up the card and to give us all something to do…

Whatever the case may be, we are together again and we are both very different people. But I am still the same Phoenix who beat you at Rise To Greatness. And that same Phoenix who was victorious then will be victorious at Under Attack. My streak of bad luck ends. This Phoenix will rise again from the ashes. I will prove that I still have the tools to beat anyone at anytime.

Even if it means beating three people at once.

[Ryan Lecavalier]

Far From Over (B-Side)

[Chris Lawler]

Echoes of Defeat Part Deuce

OOC: Good luck everyone! I'm getting into the CD part of Lawler, much more so than the story i had going before. I'm still working out the promo kinks though.

[Matt Hodges]

Bottom Rope