Mother Knows Best
Feb 4, 2016 11:19:40 GMT -5
Post by Savannah Taylor on Feb 4, 2016 11:19:40 GMT -5
Wednesday, Feburary 3rd, 2016
Las Vegas, Nevada
OFF CAMERA
Drip….
Drip….
Drip….
The steady drip of the clear liquid coming from the sturdy plastic IV bag can be faintly heard in the small, yet oddly welcoming room. The Central Valley location of the Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada prided itself on the various procedures and treatments it offers to patients all over the Southern Nevada region. From radiation to chemotherapy to nutritional services, the Center is designed to make the patient’s road to recovery a little easier, and to provide the family members of said patients a wide variety of support as they travel an often difficult road with their family members. One such patient was currently seated in a well cushioned chair, her right arm elevated with the plastic tube of the IV attached to the needle that was currently inserted into her arm. Pulled up next to her chair is another chair. Perched upon this chair, clad in dark blue fitted denim jeans, a red and black three quarter sleeve t-shirt, the woman is none other than wrestling star Savannah Taylor. Cocking her head ever so slightly to one side, she regards the woman in the other chair, her mother Carla.
To say that things had been anything less than tumultuous would be an understatement. It wasn’t too long ago that Savannah was reunited with her family and learned of her mother’s diagnosis. She has made every effort to not just get to know her family again but to be there for her mother as she goes through treatment. Even at a time when Savannah felt that nothing was going right within her life, both professionally and personally, she could always try and be there for the woman who brought her into this world. Towards the end of October, right around the time when things began to spiral out of control out West, Savannah’s mother had learned through more testing that the Stage Two cancer she had initially been diagnosed with was actually Stage Three. This wasn’t something that Savannah was taking very well, but she stuffed down her feelings of fright and anxiety to continue to be however much of a support to her mother as she could be. But deep down, she was about as scared as one could imagine. Shaking her head at the memories, Savannah clears her throat.
Savannah Taylor: How much longer do you have?
Carla Taylor: The doctor said about another hour or so.
She glances down at the IV in her arm, then back at her daughter.
Carla Taylor: You know, you didn’t have to come here with me. Your father could have easily come instead.
The look Savannah threw her mother was one of near disbelief.
Savannah Taylor: Really Mom? Why wouldn’t I be here?
Carla Taylor: I know you’ve got your commitments out East and all….
Savannah holds her hand up to cut her mother off.
Savannah Taylor: But nothing, Mom. I told you over the summer that things were going to change and that this was going to be a fresh start for all of us. That includes being there through the good and the bad.
Savannah looks at her mother with a fierce determination, which almost seemed like a disguise. The rigid treatments of chemotherapy and radiation therapy had left her mother looking like a shell of her former self. Her golden locks, a trademark that Savannah most definitely inherited from her, had begun to fall out. Her blue eyes, the same shade of brilliant cerulean that her daughter proudly displays, had begun to lose their sparkle and luster. The amount of weight she had lost as a result of treatments wasn’t particularly alarming, but it was noticeable. The often proud and cocky wrestler, the woman people just seemed to love to despise, was left feeling helpless. She wanted to do more for her mother, but she couldn’t. This was the second person that she loves that she was unable to be more of a help to, and that stung a bit. She would give any and everything to do more. But right now, the best she could give was her love and support.
Carla Taylor: Well, I thank you. It means more than you possibly realize. So tell me, how does it feel being back on the road full time?
Savannah Taylor: You mean actually getting to be in more places than just out in California? It is amazing. Not only just the United States, but other places in the world too. I think for the first time in God only knows how long, I’m finally starting to enjoy my chosen profession.
Carla Taylor: That is excellent, honey.
Savannah Taylor: Thanks.
She replies, mustering up as much excitement as she can manage. It is something that doesn’t go completely unnoticed by her mother.
Carla Taylor: What’s wrong?
Savannah Taylor: It’s nothing, really.
Carla Taylor: Savannah Julianne….
No matter how old a person may be, hearing one of your parents call you by both your first and middle names was enough to freeze you and make you backtrack a bit, anything to avoid both names being dropped again.
Savannah Taylor: It’s just that, I’m frustrated. Not with the fact that I’m working in two completely new companies, but I’m just frustrated with myself. I honestly had these hopes, however foolish they may seem, that I was going to start over in a new place and pick up right where I left off, on the winning side of things. A lot of good I did there.
Carla Taylor: I know your first two matches in FGA haven’t gone the way you wanted, but you can’t beat yourself up over it.
Savannah Taylor: The first match, I lose because my opponent felt the need to grab my tights to get the win. Then two weeks ago, I had the match won. I had it pretty much on lock. What happened? Annie Zellor, who I might add was a guest referee, was distracted by the fans at ringside. Why was she? I have no idea. All I know is she dropped the ball on the officiating end and here I sit with another loss on my record.
Carla Taylor: Have you tried talking to Annie about what happened? Maybe there is a legitimate reason for what happened. It could be an honest mistake.
Savannah Taylor: She’s tried to reach out, but I haven’t really said too much to her since the match.
Carla Taylor: Don’t you think it would be a good idea if you tried to see if you could have a face to face with her? Maybe try to get her side of things.
Savannah Taylor: When I get to New York and when she gets to New York, I’ll see what I can arrange. I will give her credit though. She’s about as persistent and stubborn as my sister is.
Savannah says with a soft laugh. She could see almost right away the comparisons between Annie Zellor and Savannah’s seventeen year old sister Harper, and it was almost uncanny. Their eternally optimistic streak was both their biggest attribute and, to an extent, their biggest flaw. Savannah sinks back in her chair and lets out an audible sigh.
Carla Taylor: What’s wrong?
Savannah Taylor: Sometimes I just wish I could be more to people. I wish I could be more than what they think I am. I can’t change how the majority of people perceive me to be, and that is something I’ve long since accepted, albeit begrudgingly. But almost every time something positive happens, my inner doubt creeps in and messes with my head. The biggest thought going through my head is….what if? What if I’m not nearly as good as people make me out to be? What if I’m proving people right when they call me no good?
The tone of voice in which Savannah was speaking would come as a complete shock to those that she worked with in the wrestling business. She felt her mother clasp her free hand over hers and look up at her with the kind of look that only a mother can give. The kind of look that tells people that she means whatever it is she is about to say, so it would be wise to pay close attention.
Carla Taylor: Savannah, listen to me. You need to realize something, and forgive me because my knowledge of the business you are in isn’t the greatest. But you need to realize that you wouldn’t be at the level that you are if you weren’t talented. You wouldn’t have accomplished all that you have if it wasn’t for the fact that you are one of the most talented people out there. If you weren’t as good as those that believe in you say you are, you wouldn’t have walked out of San Diego with the World Heavyweight championship. You wouldn’t have two of the top promotions wanting you within your ranks. Yes I know it sounds like I have to say this because I’m your mother and I love you. But I’m surely not the only one who sees it like this. You have to believe me.
It was solid as hell advice that resonated with Savannah as she listens to her mother’s impassioned speech. She was right though. Savannah knew deep within that she was good, damn good in fact. Losses, even those under dubious circumstances, were all part of the game; they were all facts of this crazy wrestling life.
Savannah Taylor: Thank you, Mom. I needed to hear that. You’re the second person who has told me that they believe in me. It’s kind of nice to know that I have people who believe in me and are supportive of me. I only wish I could do more for you guys.
Carla Taylor: Honey, trust me. The fact that you are here with me means more than you think. Sometimes just giving your time to someone makes all the difference in the world. I know this and I am more than willing to bet he does as well.
She says as she laughs at Savannah’s cocked eyebrow.
Carla Taylor: I’m not unaware of certain things, Savannah. I can tell just where your heart truly is.
Savannah Taylor: Well, yeah you’re right.
Carla Taylor: My original statement still stands. Just giving someone your time and showing that you care makes all the difference in the world.
Savannah Taylor: Just like someone saying that I’m better than I probably realize.
Carla Taylor: Exactly.
The mother and daughter both shared a smile as their conversation continued. It was the type of pep talk that Savannah didn’t know she needed to hear, but was extremely glad that she did. While she wasn’t too thrilled about what happened during her match with Salem on the last Vertigo, she knew that Annie would hopefully give her an explanation that made sense. She wanted an answer, an honest answer from Annie, and she knew she was going to get it. Annie wasn’t the type of person who would beat around the bush about this kind of stuff. She took her job seriously and seemed to take what people said about her to heart, despite the fact that she tried to hide it. Maybe Annie and Savannah weren’t as opposite as people would be led to believe. Maybe this would prove to work to their advantage when it came time for their all-important tag team match. Maybe Savannah’s luck would finally begin to turn around. One could only hope.
I will be the first to admit that humility has never been one of my strongest attributes. Whenever I’m dealt with a setback or come off of a loss, showing humility is the last thing I want to do. That being said please allow me to show a little bit of this humility that people talk about.
Congratulations, Salem. Congratulations on what I’m sure will be looked upon as a hard fought and well-earned victory for you. You are every bit as talented as the woman I saw in the Young Guns Cup. You are every bit as talented as what people were telling me and what I saw from watching tapes of you. It must warn your witchy little heart to know you were able to actually earn a win against a former World champion. But the question remains, did you REALLY earn that or did you have some form of help?
Something, something questionable officiating.
Speaking of said questionable officiating, I do have a question, and it is one that has been bugging me for nearly two weeks now. What were you thinking, Annie? What in the world was going through your mind during my match two weeks ago? What could have possibly been more important than actually doing your job to the fullest extent of the description? Was the local Starbucks about to close for the night and you were contemplating how long it would take you to run there and grab your favorite drink? Did one of the fans in the front row say something derogatory about Crystal Palace? You’ve had damn near two weeks to give me an answer. Have I received one? Nope. Am I still upset about what happened? What do you think? But any lingering anger or feelings of ill will is my cross to bear, not yours. In short? It is water under the bridge.
I’m actually looking forward to being able to team with you this Saturday. Who WOULDN’T be excited about the prospect of teaming with a former two time tag team champion? I know it may not seem like it, but I am looking forward to this match with you as my partner. I know you are aware of the fact that the exact number of people within this industry that I can actually trust is counted on one hand. People look at you and want to protect you like the precious cinnamon roll that they feel you are. People look at me and basically tell me to fend for myself. You are the Hufflepuff and I am the Slytherin, two very unique and different entities all working together under the same umbrella and the same company. I could give you every single reason known to man not to trust me. I could tell you that I am a bad person and that you would be better off turning around and finding someone else. But I’m not going to do that. What I am going to do is tell you that you can trust me. Together, we’ll show everyone what teamwork can accomplish.
Fancy meeting you here again, Salem. While I appreciate the fact that you said I am owed a rematch against you, I highly doubt this was what either of us had in mind. But we might as well make the best of things, right? Unfortunately the best isn’t going to be enough for you, not this go around. You see, while I could sit here and harp on the fact that the only reason you were able to beat me two weeks ago was due to some dubious officiating, I’m not going to do that. Nor am I going to harp on the fact that we both find ourselves teaming up with our respective Canadian Stampede opponents. Teaming with opponents is absolutely nothing new to me, so strike that one off of the list. In the days since our singles match, I’ve gone back and studied that at least a dozen or so times. Each time I watch it, I look for that one thing, that one particular flaw that spelled my downfall. Aside from the glaringly obvious, do you want to know what I saw?
Nothing. I saw nothing.
While it may seem hard for you to imagine that there was nothing that I could find wrong with my strategy, believe me when I say I found nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Goose egg. Is this an arrogant thought process on my part? Perhaps. But then again, when have I been called anything BUT arrogant? Wait, let me rephrase that. When have I been called anything but arrogant by someone who DOESN’T have an axe to grind with me? I don’t care what you call me, Salem. I don’t care if you call me every name in the book or threaten me with bodily harm. I’m a grown woman who can take it. But what I do care about, probably more than anything heading into this match, is proving two things. Number one is the fact that my no-flaws theory was correct. Number two is proving that you are incapable of beating me without some form of outside help. You want to beat me again. You want to look at me across the ring and punch me square in my gorgeous face. Do yourself a favor and get in line behind everyone else that seems to have an issue with me. Hell, I will even personally sell you a ticket to wait in line. It isn’t changing a thing about this match, Salem. It isn’t changing the fact that you and Izzy won’t stand a chance against me and Annie. Not a bloody chance in hell.
Speaking of your partner, I don’t believe I have had the pleasure of making your acquaintance yet. I’ve heard an awful lot about you, Izzy. Some of it good, some of it bad and most of it has left me scratching my head. I’m wondering just how someone who seems to have her entire career ahead of her can turn into such a whining, spiteful and jealous little girl. Oh don’t think I haven’t noticed, Izzy. See, before I signed with FGA full time, I paid attention while I was still employed elsewhere. I kept up with the product because it allowed me to be a fan for once. I kept up with it for other reasons, but that is a story for another date and time. What I saw when I was watching you was I saw what it looks like for someone to be in the throes of a breakdown and not even realize it. So what happened exactly? Did you wake up one morning and decide “Hey, I’m tired of being looked at as a goody goody. I’m going to go completely off the deep end.” Or was it your endless pursuit of ending the career of Dom Harter that finally drove you off the deep end? While it genuinely seems like a noble cause, Dom Harter isn’t worth the time spent on a therapist’s couch or in a padded cell. Another thing that I’ve noticed about you Izzy is that you seem to have become bitten and bitten quite hard by the little bug known as jealousy. You seem to be EXTREMELY jealous of anyone who has ever had a better career here in FGA than you. This honestly is about ninety percent of the roster. It must drive you up the wall to the point of insomnia to see wrestler after wrestler come through the doors and seemingly blow right past you in terms of talent and success. Let’s not get into your internal temper tantrum when it came to how the awards went down. I loved watching you turn into a petulant child after you lost Newcomer of the Year to Zero McHannon. I’ve known and worked with Zero longer than you have. While I am FAR from his biggest fan, not in the slightest, he does know how to make an impact. So it looks like all of your little tirades and all of your campaigning was a lost cause after all, wasn’t it? Hell, I could even talk about awards that I’ve won and the recognition that I’ve received, but I don’t want to force you further down the rabbit hole. Or maybe I do, I’m not quite sure.
By the way, from one woman to another, I have something important to tell you. Green really isn’t your color. Not only does it do nothing for your skin tone, but it makes you look fat as well. Just some food for thought.
You probably think you have me figured out, don’t you Izzy? You view me as nothing more than a newcomer to FGA who is looking to make a name for her at your expense. That is only partially true. I AM looking to make a name for myself in this business once again. If you were half the champion, hell, half the WRESTLER that you make yourself out to be, then you would have done all the homework that you possibly could about me. You would have found out that I am no pushover. You would have discovered that underneath this amazing exterior that has graced the cover of Maxim Magazine twice and graced even more fantasies of both men and women alike, there lies a hidden talent that few have seen unleashed. I’ve put on clinics with the best of them. When people told me I couldn’t do it, I made one of wrestling’s best kept secrets tap out in the middle of the ring. Don’t believe me? Look up the name Sally Talfourd on Google and look at her match history. When you get to the section of noted names who have faced off, I guarantee you that you will find my name there. I could go on and on about my borderline blood feud with Justin Brooks that defined much of last year, but all I will tell you is to look up what you can on Google. My whole point is Izzy, anything you can throw at me not only will I dodge it, but I will come back at you with twice as much and with twice as much force. I dare you to try me on Saturday.
Ladies, I don’t care what both of you do to each other before or after the match. All I really care about is whether or not you two will be able to shove aside whatever feelings you may have towards each other or towards myself and Annie long enough to show up and put on an instant classic. Just let me give you a little warning. Everything you do to get ready for this match will wind up being for nothing. Regardless of whatever is going on with Annie and myself, we are both professional enough to put that aside and combine our forces to walk out of White Plains the victors. But good luck all the same ladies. God knows you’ll need it more than I will.
Auf Wiedersehen.
Las Vegas, Nevada
OFF CAMERA
Drip….
Drip….
Drip….
The steady drip of the clear liquid coming from the sturdy plastic IV bag can be faintly heard in the small, yet oddly welcoming room. The Central Valley location of the Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada prided itself on the various procedures and treatments it offers to patients all over the Southern Nevada region. From radiation to chemotherapy to nutritional services, the Center is designed to make the patient’s road to recovery a little easier, and to provide the family members of said patients a wide variety of support as they travel an often difficult road with their family members. One such patient was currently seated in a well cushioned chair, her right arm elevated with the plastic tube of the IV attached to the needle that was currently inserted into her arm. Pulled up next to her chair is another chair. Perched upon this chair, clad in dark blue fitted denim jeans, a red and black three quarter sleeve t-shirt, the woman is none other than wrestling star Savannah Taylor. Cocking her head ever so slightly to one side, she regards the woman in the other chair, her mother Carla.
To say that things had been anything less than tumultuous would be an understatement. It wasn’t too long ago that Savannah was reunited with her family and learned of her mother’s diagnosis. She has made every effort to not just get to know her family again but to be there for her mother as she goes through treatment. Even at a time when Savannah felt that nothing was going right within her life, both professionally and personally, she could always try and be there for the woman who brought her into this world. Towards the end of October, right around the time when things began to spiral out of control out West, Savannah’s mother had learned through more testing that the Stage Two cancer she had initially been diagnosed with was actually Stage Three. This wasn’t something that Savannah was taking very well, but she stuffed down her feelings of fright and anxiety to continue to be however much of a support to her mother as she could be. But deep down, she was about as scared as one could imagine. Shaking her head at the memories, Savannah clears her throat.
Savannah Taylor: How much longer do you have?
Carla Taylor: The doctor said about another hour or so.
She glances down at the IV in her arm, then back at her daughter.
Carla Taylor: You know, you didn’t have to come here with me. Your father could have easily come instead.
The look Savannah threw her mother was one of near disbelief.
Savannah Taylor: Really Mom? Why wouldn’t I be here?
Carla Taylor: I know you’ve got your commitments out East and all….
Savannah holds her hand up to cut her mother off.
Savannah Taylor: But nothing, Mom. I told you over the summer that things were going to change and that this was going to be a fresh start for all of us. That includes being there through the good and the bad.
Savannah looks at her mother with a fierce determination, which almost seemed like a disguise. The rigid treatments of chemotherapy and radiation therapy had left her mother looking like a shell of her former self. Her golden locks, a trademark that Savannah most definitely inherited from her, had begun to fall out. Her blue eyes, the same shade of brilliant cerulean that her daughter proudly displays, had begun to lose their sparkle and luster. The amount of weight she had lost as a result of treatments wasn’t particularly alarming, but it was noticeable. The often proud and cocky wrestler, the woman people just seemed to love to despise, was left feeling helpless. She wanted to do more for her mother, but she couldn’t. This was the second person that she loves that she was unable to be more of a help to, and that stung a bit. She would give any and everything to do more. But right now, the best she could give was her love and support.
Carla Taylor: Well, I thank you. It means more than you possibly realize. So tell me, how does it feel being back on the road full time?
Savannah Taylor: You mean actually getting to be in more places than just out in California? It is amazing. Not only just the United States, but other places in the world too. I think for the first time in God only knows how long, I’m finally starting to enjoy my chosen profession.
Carla Taylor: That is excellent, honey.
Savannah Taylor: Thanks.
She replies, mustering up as much excitement as she can manage. It is something that doesn’t go completely unnoticed by her mother.
Carla Taylor: What’s wrong?
Savannah Taylor: It’s nothing, really.
Carla Taylor: Savannah Julianne….
No matter how old a person may be, hearing one of your parents call you by both your first and middle names was enough to freeze you and make you backtrack a bit, anything to avoid both names being dropped again.
Savannah Taylor: It’s just that, I’m frustrated. Not with the fact that I’m working in two completely new companies, but I’m just frustrated with myself. I honestly had these hopes, however foolish they may seem, that I was going to start over in a new place and pick up right where I left off, on the winning side of things. A lot of good I did there.
Carla Taylor: I know your first two matches in FGA haven’t gone the way you wanted, but you can’t beat yourself up over it.
Savannah Taylor: The first match, I lose because my opponent felt the need to grab my tights to get the win. Then two weeks ago, I had the match won. I had it pretty much on lock. What happened? Annie Zellor, who I might add was a guest referee, was distracted by the fans at ringside. Why was she? I have no idea. All I know is she dropped the ball on the officiating end and here I sit with another loss on my record.
Carla Taylor: Have you tried talking to Annie about what happened? Maybe there is a legitimate reason for what happened. It could be an honest mistake.
Savannah Taylor: She’s tried to reach out, but I haven’t really said too much to her since the match.
Carla Taylor: Don’t you think it would be a good idea if you tried to see if you could have a face to face with her? Maybe try to get her side of things.
Savannah Taylor: When I get to New York and when she gets to New York, I’ll see what I can arrange. I will give her credit though. She’s about as persistent and stubborn as my sister is.
Savannah says with a soft laugh. She could see almost right away the comparisons between Annie Zellor and Savannah’s seventeen year old sister Harper, and it was almost uncanny. Their eternally optimistic streak was both their biggest attribute and, to an extent, their biggest flaw. Savannah sinks back in her chair and lets out an audible sigh.
Carla Taylor: What’s wrong?
Savannah Taylor: Sometimes I just wish I could be more to people. I wish I could be more than what they think I am. I can’t change how the majority of people perceive me to be, and that is something I’ve long since accepted, albeit begrudgingly. But almost every time something positive happens, my inner doubt creeps in and messes with my head. The biggest thought going through my head is….what if? What if I’m not nearly as good as people make me out to be? What if I’m proving people right when they call me no good?
The tone of voice in which Savannah was speaking would come as a complete shock to those that she worked with in the wrestling business. She felt her mother clasp her free hand over hers and look up at her with the kind of look that only a mother can give. The kind of look that tells people that she means whatever it is she is about to say, so it would be wise to pay close attention.
Carla Taylor: Savannah, listen to me. You need to realize something, and forgive me because my knowledge of the business you are in isn’t the greatest. But you need to realize that you wouldn’t be at the level that you are if you weren’t talented. You wouldn’t have accomplished all that you have if it wasn’t for the fact that you are one of the most talented people out there. If you weren’t as good as those that believe in you say you are, you wouldn’t have walked out of San Diego with the World Heavyweight championship. You wouldn’t have two of the top promotions wanting you within your ranks. Yes I know it sounds like I have to say this because I’m your mother and I love you. But I’m surely not the only one who sees it like this. You have to believe me.
It was solid as hell advice that resonated with Savannah as she listens to her mother’s impassioned speech. She was right though. Savannah knew deep within that she was good, damn good in fact. Losses, even those under dubious circumstances, were all part of the game; they were all facts of this crazy wrestling life.
Savannah Taylor: Thank you, Mom. I needed to hear that. You’re the second person who has told me that they believe in me. It’s kind of nice to know that I have people who believe in me and are supportive of me. I only wish I could do more for you guys.
Carla Taylor: Honey, trust me. The fact that you are here with me means more than you think. Sometimes just giving your time to someone makes all the difference in the world. I know this and I am more than willing to bet he does as well.
She says as she laughs at Savannah’s cocked eyebrow.
Carla Taylor: I’m not unaware of certain things, Savannah. I can tell just where your heart truly is.
Savannah Taylor: Well, yeah you’re right.
Carla Taylor: My original statement still stands. Just giving someone your time and showing that you care makes all the difference in the world.
Savannah Taylor: Just like someone saying that I’m better than I probably realize.
Carla Taylor: Exactly.
The mother and daughter both shared a smile as their conversation continued. It was the type of pep talk that Savannah didn’t know she needed to hear, but was extremely glad that she did. While she wasn’t too thrilled about what happened during her match with Salem on the last Vertigo, she knew that Annie would hopefully give her an explanation that made sense. She wanted an answer, an honest answer from Annie, and she knew she was going to get it. Annie wasn’t the type of person who would beat around the bush about this kind of stuff. She took her job seriously and seemed to take what people said about her to heart, despite the fact that she tried to hide it. Maybe Annie and Savannah weren’t as opposite as people would be led to believe. Maybe this would prove to work to their advantage when it came time for their all-important tag team match. Maybe Savannah’s luck would finally begin to turn around. One could only hope.
I will be the first to admit that humility has never been one of my strongest attributes. Whenever I’m dealt with a setback or come off of a loss, showing humility is the last thing I want to do. That being said please allow me to show a little bit of this humility that people talk about.
Congratulations, Salem. Congratulations on what I’m sure will be looked upon as a hard fought and well-earned victory for you. You are every bit as talented as the woman I saw in the Young Guns Cup. You are every bit as talented as what people were telling me and what I saw from watching tapes of you. It must warn your witchy little heart to know you were able to actually earn a win against a former World champion. But the question remains, did you REALLY earn that or did you have some form of help?
Something, something questionable officiating.
Speaking of said questionable officiating, I do have a question, and it is one that has been bugging me for nearly two weeks now. What were you thinking, Annie? What in the world was going through your mind during my match two weeks ago? What could have possibly been more important than actually doing your job to the fullest extent of the description? Was the local Starbucks about to close for the night and you were contemplating how long it would take you to run there and grab your favorite drink? Did one of the fans in the front row say something derogatory about Crystal Palace? You’ve had damn near two weeks to give me an answer. Have I received one? Nope. Am I still upset about what happened? What do you think? But any lingering anger or feelings of ill will is my cross to bear, not yours. In short? It is water under the bridge.
I’m actually looking forward to being able to team with you this Saturday. Who WOULDN’T be excited about the prospect of teaming with a former two time tag team champion? I know it may not seem like it, but I am looking forward to this match with you as my partner. I know you are aware of the fact that the exact number of people within this industry that I can actually trust is counted on one hand. People look at you and want to protect you like the precious cinnamon roll that they feel you are. People look at me and basically tell me to fend for myself. You are the Hufflepuff and I am the Slytherin, two very unique and different entities all working together under the same umbrella and the same company. I could give you every single reason known to man not to trust me. I could tell you that I am a bad person and that you would be better off turning around and finding someone else. But I’m not going to do that. What I am going to do is tell you that you can trust me. Together, we’ll show everyone what teamwork can accomplish.
Fancy meeting you here again, Salem. While I appreciate the fact that you said I am owed a rematch against you, I highly doubt this was what either of us had in mind. But we might as well make the best of things, right? Unfortunately the best isn’t going to be enough for you, not this go around. You see, while I could sit here and harp on the fact that the only reason you were able to beat me two weeks ago was due to some dubious officiating, I’m not going to do that. Nor am I going to harp on the fact that we both find ourselves teaming up with our respective Canadian Stampede opponents. Teaming with opponents is absolutely nothing new to me, so strike that one off of the list. In the days since our singles match, I’ve gone back and studied that at least a dozen or so times. Each time I watch it, I look for that one thing, that one particular flaw that spelled my downfall. Aside from the glaringly obvious, do you want to know what I saw?
Nothing. I saw nothing.
While it may seem hard for you to imagine that there was nothing that I could find wrong with my strategy, believe me when I say I found nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Goose egg. Is this an arrogant thought process on my part? Perhaps. But then again, when have I been called anything BUT arrogant? Wait, let me rephrase that. When have I been called anything but arrogant by someone who DOESN’T have an axe to grind with me? I don’t care what you call me, Salem. I don’t care if you call me every name in the book or threaten me with bodily harm. I’m a grown woman who can take it. But what I do care about, probably more than anything heading into this match, is proving two things. Number one is the fact that my no-flaws theory was correct. Number two is proving that you are incapable of beating me without some form of outside help. You want to beat me again. You want to look at me across the ring and punch me square in my gorgeous face. Do yourself a favor and get in line behind everyone else that seems to have an issue with me. Hell, I will even personally sell you a ticket to wait in line. It isn’t changing a thing about this match, Salem. It isn’t changing the fact that you and Izzy won’t stand a chance against me and Annie. Not a bloody chance in hell.
Speaking of your partner, I don’t believe I have had the pleasure of making your acquaintance yet. I’ve heard an awful lot about you, Izzy. Some of it good, some of it bad and most of it has left me scratching my head. I’m wondering just how someone who seems to have her entire career ahead of her can turn into such a whining, spiteful and jealous little girl. Oh don’t think I haven’t noticed, Izzy. See, before I signed with FGA full time, I paid attention while I was still employed elsewhere. I kept up with the product because it allowed me to be a fan for once. I kept up with it for other reasons, but that is a story for another date and time. What I saw when I was watching you was I saw what it looks like for someone to be in the throes of a breakdown and not even realize it. So what happened exactly? Did you wake up one morning and decide “Hey, I’m tired of being looked at as a goody goody. I’m going to go completely off the deep end.” Or was it your endless pursuit of ending the career of Dom Harter that finally drove you off the deep end? While it genuinely seems like a noble cause, Dom Harter isn’t worth the time spent on a therapist’s couch or in a padded cell. Another thing that I’ve noticed about you Izzy is that you seem to have become bitten and bitten quite hard by the little bug known as jealousy. You seem to be EXTREMELY jealous of anyone who has ever had a better career here in FGA than you. This honestly is about ninety percent of the roster. It must drive you up the wall to the point of insomnia to see wrestler after wrestler come through the doors and seemingly blow right past you in terms of talent and success. Let’s not get into your internal temper tantrum when it came to how the awards went down. I loved watching you turn into a petulant child after you lost Newcomer of the Year to Zero McHannon. I’ve known and worked with Zero longer than you have. While I am FAR from his biggest fan, not in the slightest, he does know how to make an impact. So it looks like all of your little tirades and all of your campaigning was a lost cause after all, wasn’t it? Hell, I could even talk about awards that I’ve won and the recognition that I’ve received, but I don’t want to force you further down the rabbit hole. Or maybe I do, I’m not quite sure.
By the way, from one woman to another, I have something important to tell you. Green really isn’t your color. Not only does it do nothing for your skin tone, but it makes you look fat as well. Just some food for thought.
You probably think you have me figured out, don’t you Izzy? You view me as nothing more than a newcomer to FGA who is looking to make a name for her at your expense. That is only partially true. I AM looking to make a name for myself in this business once again. If you were half the champion, hell, half the WRESTLER that you make yourself out to be, then you would have done all the homework that you possibly could about me. You would have found out that I am no pushover. You would have discovered that underneath this amazing exterior that has graced the cover of Maxim Magazine twice and graced even more fantasies of both men and women alike, there lies a hidden talent that few have seen unleashed. I’ve put on clinics with the best of them. When people told me I couldn’t do it, I made one of wrestling’s best kept secrets tap out in the middle of the ring. Don’t believe me? Look up the name Sally Talfourd on Google and look at her match history. When you get to the section of noted names who have faced off, I guarantee you that you will find my name there. I could go on and on about my borderline blood feud with Justin Brooks that defined much of last year, but all I will tell you is to look up what you can on Google. My whole point is Izzy, anything you can throw at me not only will I dodge it, but I will come back at you with twice as much and with twice as much force. I dare you to try me on Saturday.
Ladies, I don’t care what both of you do to each other before or after the match. All I really care about is whether or not you two will be able to shove aside whatever feelings you may have towards each other or towards myself and Annie long enough to show up and put on an instant classic. Just let me give you a little warning. Everything you do to get ready for this match will wind up being for nothing. Regardless of whatever is going on with Annie and myself, we are both professional enough to put that aside and combine our forces to walk out of White Plains the victors. But good luck all the same ladies. God knows you’ll need it more than I will.
Auf Wiedersehen.