Coming of Age: Matriarch

[Cordy]

March 20th, 2016

Brooklyn, New York

(Off Cam) 

“Look who’s back, Corey!” Alyssa Stevenson exclaimed to her two month old son as her sister walked through the door of their Brooklyn home. She angled her body so that Cordelia would fall into the infant’s line of sight, and sure enough, his face adorned the brightest little smile once he saw the familiar face of his aunt. 

“D’aww. Look at my little man.” Cordy responded as she set her luggage down onto the floor and made her way over to them. Alyssa could tell by the worn expression on her sister’s face that she was dead tired, which was to be expected considering the hecticness of her past week: traveling to Johnson City, Tennessee, wherever the heck that was, for her Quarterfinals tag match against the Blood Brothers and then promptly hightailing it to Vegas the next night for her friend Annie Zellor’s bachelorette party. Cordelia had stayed out in Vegas to attend the wedding as well, and God only knew what sorts of trouble her sister had gotten into while holed away in Sin City. But with one look at Corey, the weary expression on Cordelia’s face dissipated. “I missed you man.” She cooed, plucking him from Alyssa’s arms and cradling him in her own. 

“I know he’s not the only person you see.” Alyssa quipped playfully, watching as her sister dotingly caressed the baby’s cheek. 

Cordelia looked up with a knowing smirk. “But he’s the only one I missed, big head.” 

Alyssa stuck her tongue out and rolled her eyes causing Cordelia to laugh. “Yeah, yeah. That’s the reason behind all those texts, right?” She retorted, folding her arms across her chest as she challenged her sister. “Are you guys ok? Do you need anything? Want me to tell Bianca to stay with yall?” Alyssa continued, rattling off a few of the many texts Cordy had sent during her time away. Cordelia had checked in constantly, prompting Alyssa at one point to tell her to not worry about them so much. She and Corey were fine. Alyssa had wanted nothing more than for her sister to enjoy her time in Las Vegas, because Cordy deserved it. 

It wasn’t lost on Alyssa just how much her sister’s life had changed over the course of the past year. She’d bared witness to it firsthand. 

Before getting pregnant and moving in with her, Alyssa could probably have counted the days on her hands that Cordelia actually spent at home in a month. Her sister was always on the go; Between wrestling, the millions of projects that she was working on or had a hand in, and just her being a social butterfly in general, Cordelia’s schedule stayed packed. Often times it was almost a game to Alyssa to call and find out where in the world was Cordy San Diego. That was a nickname that Cordy had been given by a few of her friends, because she tended to be all over the place and you never knew exactly where she’d be at any given time. Las Vegas. Cali. Milwaukee. Philly. Birmingham. Costa Rica. Brazil. Or some random place that you’d never think she’d ever end up - Alyssa always considered the nickname fitting for her sister. 

But the frequent outings had come to a slow halt over time. Instead of going out and enjoying her life the way that she used to, Alyssa noticed that Cordy had become more of a homebody; sticking around the house as often as she possibly could and Alyssa knew it was all because of her. 

Her and the baby. 

She appreciated Cordy’s help, God knows she did. The truth was Alyssa didn’t know how she’d have been able to survive had Cordy not been her rock and pillar of strength throughout the entire ordeal. Becoming pregnant at the age of 16 had never been Alyssa’s plan. She’d gotten caught up: and she remembered clearly just how terrified she’d been when she’d found out; and the weight of her pending decisions. 

Cordy had been there for her every step of the way, being supportive even during the times that put her own beliefs into question and sticking by her even when their parents shunned her out of disappointment. Cordy had vowed that Alyssa would never be alone, and she’d indeed made good on that promise, but Alyssa was slowly beginning to realize at what cost and she hated the feeling that came with that realization. 

She hated thinking that her irresponsible actions had ruined her sister’s life. 

Sometimes she would think back to that day outside of the abortion clinic, and she wondered how differently things would have been 

But Cordelia never complained. She took everything in stride. She’d made the necessary adjustments to accommodate Alyssa and the new addition to the family — but Alyssa always wondered if Cordelia held any resentment towards her. 

Even if the scene in front of her told her something completely different.

Alyssa couldn’t help but to smile as she watched her sister and the baby. Seeing the way that Cordy looked at him -- the sparkle in her eye whenever she held him, it always seemed that was when Cordy was at her happiest those days. Seeing that always lessened the guilt that Alyssa tended to feel, at least for a little while. 

“I was just making sure you weren’t getting on little man’s nerves!” Cordy finally responded after pulling herself away from doting over her nephew for a split second. “I know all about the pain of being stuck somewhere with your mommy, yes I do.” She said, speaking to her nephew in a high pitched baby voice. 

“Yeah, I’m going to let that one slide.” Alyssa said, shaking her head. “But did you have fun out there? How was it? The wedding and stuff?” 

“I had a blast.” Cordy said with a mischievous grin, the bachelorette party and the strippers the first thing coming to her mind.. “Vegas is always fun, fun, fun, fun, fun” She rattled off in her Kazoo Kid voice.. “...but I’m sure you’ll find that out one day… when you’re of age, youngin.” She teased as she took a seat, bouncing little Corey in her arms. “The wedding was absolutely beautiful though.” she continued. “Annie looked so stunning in her dress, man.” She let out a content sigh. 

“I bet she did.” Lys replied, trying to imagine one of her favorite wrestlers in her wedding dress. It made her happy hearing that Cordy enjoyed the bit of free time that she had. 

“I got pictures, I’ma show you when I charge my phone up. But I can’t believe she really went and got married though. That’s crazy to me! Like…“ she shrugs. “She’s really all grown up and stuff. In my head I still see her as Little Annie, but now she’s all married and what not. What the hell. Where does the time go?!” Cordy exclaimed with a shake of her head. She grew quiet for a second as she glanced down at her nephew. “I guess you all grow up eventually, huh?” 

Alyssa couldn’t tell if the statement was directed towards her or the baby, but it was one that life forced her to agree with. 

“Yeah. eventually.” Alyssa cosigned with a nod of her head. “Especially when life comes at you fast.” She added, taking a seat next to her sister. 

“Especially then….” Cordelia agreed and then paused for a second, a faint smile lining her lips. “... but you’ve handled it well, Lys.” 

The observation caught Alyssa off guard. “Really?” She questioned, honestly wondering if that was truly how her sister felt. 

Cordy nodded. “Yeah, you have. And I just want you to know that I’m proud of you.” She said, her words warm and heartfelt. There was a deep admiration that Cordelia had for her little sister. She knew that things weren’t easy for Alyssa; how could they be? 17 years old and responsible for another life when you’d hardly started living your own -- but it was something that Alyssa owned up to, and she did everything possible to be the best mother that she could be. Cordy couldn’t help but to admire how her sister rose to the occasion under such dire circumstances and did what she needed to do for her child. 

Alyssa blushed. Cordy’s approval meant everything to her and it always had. “Thanks, Cordy.” she mustered up meekly, before looking back over towards her sister. “Gosh, you sounded like mom just then.” 

“Oh my God, I did, didn’t I?” Cordy laughed as she playfully frowned up her face. “Is that what I’m becoming now in all aspects of my life? The old head?” She questioned, pondering when that change had occurred. But she’d always been the responsible one; looking out for others, being the voice of reason, providing guidance as best as she could to those that felt they needed it, All of those qualities seemed to be amplified more and more as the days went by. But not only in her personal life, but her professional life as well.

Somewhere along the line, Cordelia had gone from being the new and hungry talent, to the one that they all looked up to in a sense. She had no idea when or how it happened, but it was definitely a role that she embraced around the locker room. When she’d won the 2014 Frontier Lion’s Cup, she’d jokingly dubbed herself the Lioness of the Frontier, but time had shown that she was indeed that. 

When she’d gone down with her injury, there was a blaring and noticeable void that she left, and she’d heard from quite a few people that it wasn’t the same without her. She’d even seen spats amongst the other wrestlers and hear, ‘you’re trying to be Cordy’ or ‘you’re trying to fill Cordy’s shoes.’ It wasn’t until she’d gotten back that she fully understood the meaning behind it. 

“Well…” Alyssa started, clearly being a smartass. Cordy shot her a sideways glance, causing her to laugh. She held up her hands in mock surrender. “I’m just saying…. You said we all have to grow up eventually, right? Well…” She shrugged. “...that included you too,” 

Cordelia herself had grown in ways that she hadn’t fully realized until that moment. But then again, she hadn’t really had a choice. Not when life had come at her as fast as it had. All she knew was the type of woman she needed to become. The transformation had begun all its own. 

“I guess it did.” she replied, smiling to herself as the last part of the bible verse I Corinthians 13:11 popped into her head. Shifting her attention back to her nephew, she leaned down and placed a kiss on his chubby little cheek. 

She had indeed put the ways of childhood behind her. 

------

Chemistry really is a funny thing, and sometimes it pops up in the strangest of places, wouldn’t you say? It’s not really something that you can force either, you know? Typically, either you have it or you don’t. Sometimes it develops over an extended period of time; the more familiar you become with someone, the more acclimated you get to being around them and understanding their tendencies — the easier it is to mesh, and in other instances? It just comes naturally. You can feel it instantly. The vibe is strong and simply unmistakable. 

There is no denying that Kevin Hardaway and Ruby Tyler have a certain chemistry about them. To say it’s noticeable is an understatement, and it is probably why the WLW tag team champions are considered one of the favorites to win this year’s Dynamic Duos tournament — which is kind of funny considering their tumultuous history. 

You know the one; the one that they seem incessant on reminding us about every single chance that they get. The highly publicized war over the EXODUS San Diego Bay Championship that culminated in such brutal and highly memorable clashes as their Funeral Procession match at The Autumn Effect 3 — which I happened to be in the building for — or their Chairshot Survival Match at Battle Without Honor or Humanity II. 

There was never any love lost between them. That pretty much goes without saying. It’s amazing how strong a chemistry has formed from something bound and derived from a place of pure and unadulterated hatred. 

But it isn’t odd to me that it’s happened. I mean, hating someone is an extremely personal thing. In a sense, it’s giving them access to certain feelings, a certain part of you and in essence connecting with them on an entirely different plane. You know your enemy. You learn their strengths and you prey on their weaknesses, because there isn’t a doubt in your mind that they’d do the same to you. 

Was that how this relationship was founded? 

Did your hatred for one another bind you in a way that has made you inseparable? For months on in, you were at war; Is the knowledge you’ve obtained during your efforts to hurt one another the catalyst behind it all? The reason why you mesh together so seamlessly? Or maybe the shared scars of war have provided you both with a mutual understanding and respect for the other’s plight. Is that what makes you so dangerous as a team? Because that is exactly what you are. 

Dangerous. 

Not necessarily as separate entities, although both of you have had your fair share of success in this business, neither one of you on your own present a challenge that is insurmountable. And I don’t say that as a slight. I’m just being honest here. Ruby Tyler has impressed many with what she’s been able to accomplish during her short career.

I can’t say that I’ve followed her extensively, but I am somewhat familiar with her resume. I have seen her at work long before she ever graced an FGA ring and there is no denying her talent. The girl is definitely a fighter, and I like that. She has a violent streak; one that was definitely put on full display during her encounters with her shipped other half, in EXODUS. As the winner of PWP’s Queen of the Deathmatch tournament, I can definitely respect that. 

But alone, she lacks seasoning and I think that it’s becoming apparent to her now. It was easy to masquerade as the Queen of a molehill. But as she’s come to realize, this mountain is an entirely different beast altogether. The climb is just a bit more steep than what she’s used to. I believe she never tasted defeat until she set foot into an FGA ring… and I wonder how that will affect her psyche.

Some people crave competition until they actually get it. 

She’ll get plenty of it from Status Quo. 

As for her partner? Well… 

The greatness of Kevin Hardaway is like the Lochness Monster. Yeah I’ve heard of it quite often, but it’s just not something I’ve ever seen. I’ve looked for it. Kept a watchful eye out and at times believed I saw something of a shadow resembling it looking to break through the surface. 

But despite the close calls and false alarms, I’ve just never seen it. 

Not here. Not in EXODUS. Not in Frontier. 

And that always saddened me. It’s always disappointing when the ‘legend’ never lives up to the stories that are told. It leaves you believing that the myth was simply created by those who just didn’t know any better. Kevin Hardaway was a founding pillar of this company, I get it. I would hear stories of his war with Pat Gordon Jr; how he stood bravely against the Murder — never really was triumphant against them, but that in itself is another story entirely — I would hear so many great things and I remembered looking forward to competing against that one day. 

And then I arrived here in the company. 

And I saw him drowning in a pool of mediocrity that eventually swept him right on out of here. 

And I felt lied to. 

Either the man, the myth, and the supposed legend had fallen far from grace or he simply couldn’t stay afloat as the talent pool grew in depth. I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt…

But then I saw what he did in San Diego, and I knew the struggle was real. 

His history of violence and brutality only served as a shield to mask a mediocre at best talent. It was his calling card. It was what he became known for. The ability to create a blood filled spectacle — it endeared him to the hearts of many wrestling fans because let’s face it. 

People love violence and that is something that is well documented throughout history. 

His penchant for it created an aura that elevated him to places in this business that his talent alone never would have, and it’s been the basis and ground for his longevity. I applaud the fact that he’s found his niche´ because let’s be honest, it’s the only reason he’s still here. There’s this lingering curiosity as to whether or not the novelty act will still have its flair. 

At least he’s found Ruby to hold onto just in case it doesn’t. 

Individually, you two leave a lot to be desired, but as a team? You are something entirely different. Whereas the Blood Brothers had the physical prowess; and the size advantage… you two have something that is far more imposing. 

A good team is always hard to beat. 

They’re in sync. They’re on the same page. They provide balance where the other is lacking, and that is exactly what you two do for one another. It’s kind of ironic, Ruby, that you once considered Kevin a cancer that needed to be removed, yet he completes you now. With Dragons Unleashed already ousted from this tournament in a surprising upset, I will say that you two are probably the most well gelled team left in the tournament, and that gives you somewhat of an advantage over the rest of the field. 

That and the fact that you’ve had two bye rounds. 

You’re fresh, whereas Dan and I have been through hell these first two rounds. But while you were kicking back with your feet up, understand that we were here in the trenches, fighting side by side and getting things done. Hardaway, when you tucked your tail and fled the company because the influx of talent dimmed your barely shining star, realize that we were here… still… getting things done. It’s what we do. It’s why our names are sung with the highest of praise and held in such regard. It’s why you’re always crying about being overlooked and held back wherever you go. 

That’s the reason why you don’t quite measure up to the Status Quo. 

We show and prove time and time again, and at Vertigo? It will be no different.

I’ve been here in the semi-finals of Dynamic Duos before. 2014. Sex Sex Sells vs The Sparklebuddies. A match of the year nominee might I add., but it just didn’t go our way. 

Dan has been here before. Last year. The Hadleys vs Vanagloria. 

The semi-finals has seemed like the proverbial glass ceiling for each of us respectively when it comes to this particular tournament. This is the year that ceiling gets shattered. 

I’ve often heard that war can just as easily bring people together as it can tear them apart and your attempts to tear each other apart has only seemed to make you two closer. 

That’s good. 

At least you know you can run to each other for consolation or a good chairshot survival square off when Dan and I crush your spirits. 

You know, whatever tickles your fancy. 

Get familiar. 

[Cordy]

LOL the date for the C/D is May 20th. Not March.