Date July 24th 2017 2017 / Time Unknown / Status Not Recording
Location Chicago, Illinois – Synergy

…

“Sounds like fun…”

Gabriel says, smirking at me. At first I only shrug my shoulders in response – my face remaining void of emotion.

“Of course it does… you do know who you’re talking to, right?”

I finally reply, returning his smirk. I try to play cool, but in all honestly the little moment he and I had just a few minutes ago is hot on my mind. I shouldn’t have let him get that close, I shouldn’t have played like that was okay… but really – It wasn’t as bad as it could have been, right? He could have thrown me across the room and….

Nevermind.

I pull myself back up to my feet, making a move towards the door. Shouldn’t be overstaying my welcome anyway. I know that Gabriel has a match later on tonight that he needs to get ready for; that and I know that I have a bit of work to do to make him believe that I’m not his friend just to let CJ get a shot at him.

By the time I turn around, the camera crew that had followed me to Gabriel’s locker room had already moved on, presumably to bigger and more interesting things. Fine by me.

As I turn to leave, I hear his voice once again – prompting me to turn around lean once again on the door, letting my body slump against it.

“You look frustrated, love.”

“You can tell, huh?”

He nods his head and motions back towards the chair that I was just sitting on.

“Who wouldn’t be? Although, I must say… I was quite looking forward to that hug. The way she placed her head on your chest… The way–”

I scoff and roll my eyes, making my way back toward the chair. Yeah, he and God knows how many other men… and women were looking forward to watching ‘two hot blondes’ hug.

“You’re quite the gentleman, you know that?”

“Who, me? Then I really must change my ways… I’m definitely doing something wrong.”

I slink back down into the chair, crossing my legs and pulling the Cross-Hemisphere title belt into my lap. I look down at the belt, running my hand along the metal plates, much like I’ve seen Gabriel do with the World title that he has sitting beside him right now.

“You know.. I knew it was coming. I knew that this whole thing wasn’t just for a hug. Not after I watched what she did at Wrestlestock. I knew she was going to pick me…”

I look back up at Gabriel, only to find that same smirk on his face. Leave it to him to still be thinking about the hug.. not the meaning behind it. Of course I guess he doesn’t really have to worry about it.. does he? She’s not coming after him.

“You’re ridiculous.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome…”

I reply, wiping my forehead again – still feeling the remnants of whatever liquid that was that she spit into my eyes. Yuck.

“I just wish she’d of handled it a different way.”

And I do. If she wants a shot at me, fine. Whatever. I’m a fighting champion, and regardless of what anyone around this place says – I’m a great champion and I respect this place and this belt… But don’t fuck with me. Don’t try to pull the wool over my eyes.

Don’t disrespect me in my home.

“What you want and what you get are two different things…”

I look over to see his eyes traveling up and down my body, and I shiver.

“You’re right. Sometimes you just have to take the hand that’s dealt you.”

“Unfortunately you’re right.”

He replies, the tone of his voice almost regretful as he pulls his eyes away from me. Truth be told, I’m almost regretful myself that his focus is no longer on me.

“I.. Uh.. Well, you’ve got a match to get ready for. I don’t want to keep you from your preparations.”

“You could help me, if you’d like.”

I laugh and shake my head, bringing myself again to my feet and sliding away from him. I need to get my ass out of here, yesterday. He’s too much.

“Hah. You wish.”

I pull the door open and slip out into the hall, closing the door and leaning against it, lightly tapping my head against it – silently berating myself for my part in whatever this is that’s going on between Gabriel and I.

God damnit.

 

Date July 26th 2017 2017 / Time 12:11PM / Status Not Recording
Location The Wylde Residence – Western Maryland

“I know I’ve said it before, and it’s really no offense to your husband…”

“Kyra, don’t say it.”

“But I really like that Gabriel guy… He’s–”

“JUST a friend.”

I hear her snicker over the phone and I’m tempted to hang the damn thing up right now.

“That’s exactly what you said about that Shaun guy.. but I saw you two making out in front of–”

“Oh my GOD.. Don’t even bring that up. Jesus, Kyra, you need to know when to let up.”

“But come on, he’s a little crazy… I like that in a–”

“Then YOU come and jump his bones, okay? YOU leave JD and woo Mr. Baal.”

Kyra sighs.

“God, I wish…”

My eyebrows raise as she says that quietly.

“Just kidding.”

“Sure you are. How’s JD anyway?”

JD got out of rehab just a few weeks ago, and since then he and Kyra have moved away from Baltimore. They moved down to Florida, where their two boys are attending wrestling school… Them moving is both a blessing and a curse. In one aspect, shes a lot of hours away.. I won’t see them as often. On the other hand.. she’s a lot of hours away and I won’t see them as often.

“He’s fine. It’s a struggle sometimes to stay sober, but he’s definitely trying.”

“Well, look at his wife, and you’d know why the man was an alcoholic.”

“Well fuck you too, Lucy.  Shall we go back to sweet, sweet Gabriel and his–“

I roll my eyes and interrupt her.

“How about you? How are you doing?”

She giggles.

“I thought so…  As for me? How am I doing? I’m not taking any of his shit, Luce. For real. I actually think he prefers it that way too.”

“So that’s why you’re trying to butt into my love life… again. Yours is going well, and you’re bored.”

She scoffs, but I know it’s true. When Kyra’s life is messed up, she has no time to sit and think about other peoples affairs. When things are actually okay in her life, then she gets the chance to bombard everyone with her opinion… Last time it was her telling me that Shaun Stewart was the one for me.. this time, it’s you know who that’s my new ‘prince charming’.

“Well that and–”

“And you don’t like my husband. Got it.”

“He’s not my favorite person in the world, no. I don’t think the two of you are a good fit.”

“Well, sis… I do happen to believe that he and I are a ‘good fit’.”

There’s a short pause on the other end of the line before she sighs again and clicks her tongue.

“Suit yourself. Don’t come crying to me when you lose out on a great opportunity.”

“There’s no ‘opportunity’ to lose, Kyra. Jesus. You act like—”

“No. I’ve seen the shit you’ve been doing, Luce. Don’t bullshit me. What was that the other night, exactly? Why was he even close enough for your lips to touch if there’s not an ‘opportunity’ there? Hmmmm?”

I close my eyes and grimace.

“I backed away.”

“Not until it had already happened.”

“I didn’t let it go any further.”

“After you realized that the cameras were on you two.”

“Kyra…”

“Lucy, I’m just telling you the truth. Whether or not you want to hear it, I don’t really give a shit. To everyone except you – there’s something going on between him and you. Accept that, and if you don’t want people perceiving that, because you’re oh so loyal to CJ… then you need to really take stock of what the hell you’re doing in front of the world… and in front of your husband.”

 

Date July 26th 2017 2017 / Time 01:29PM / Status Not Recording
Location The Wylde Residence – Western Maryland

“Hey, Ceej?”

He looks up at me from his desk as I walk into the room.

“Yeah?”

“I think we need to talk.”

He puts down whatever he’s working on and leans back in his chair, watching me intently as I walk around his desk and perch myself on top of it, just to his side.

“If you think we do, then I’m all ears.”

I can sense a bit of frustration in his voice, and I suppose I can’t blame him. Especially if he’s frustrated about what I think he’s frustrated about. Finally, after a few seconds I look up and into his eyes.

“I don’t really know what to say…”

He chuckles and shakes his head.

“Yes you do. You want to apologize.”

I raise my eyebrows.

“Don’t give me that look. You only ever want to talk to me when you feel like you’ve done something wrong, and you want to apologize.”

I smile softly and nod my head.

“You do know me pretty well, Ceej.”

“I’ve always thought so.”

I sigh again.

“Yeah, and that’s why I want to apologize…”

“Let me cut you off right here, Luce.”

My eyes widen as he sits up in the chair.

“I don’t want you to apologize. Hell, I don’t even want you to feel bad… I just want you to know that you’re letting things go a little far between you and him – and if you think that too, then you need to do what you need to do to rectify the situation. Don’t apologize, don’t say you’re sorry… just make it right.”

I let my eyes fall until I’m looking at my hands in my lap.

“Fuck.. CJ.”

“You know he’s bad news, and if he keeps up what he’s doing… I’m going to have to take care of it.”

I nod my head, not bothering to look up at him. I’ve been playing with fire. But playing with that particular fire has been fun. Not because I want to cheat on CJ, because that’s not my style. No, Gabriels danger.. his mystery… it draws me in. That and the fact that he dislikes everyone that I do, and those people dislike him in the same way they hate me.

“There’s no need for that.”

“What do you see in him, anyway?”

“We have things in common.”

“You do know what they’re saying he did to Eden, right? Are you sure that’s someone you want to fuck around with, Luce?”

I shrug my shoulders.

“I’d buy him a drink for knocking that bitch down a few notches, honestly.”

“I just don’t want anything like that to happen to you, Lucy.”

I bring my eyes up to look him in the eyes, seeing his seriousness. He honestly thinks that Gabriel would actually do something like that to me… and maybe he’s right, but I don’t see it. I don’t see it one bit.

“And I’ll be careful. I won’t let it happen, Ceej.”

 

Date July 29th 2017 2017 / Time 05:45PM / Status Not Recording
Location BWI Airport

“Excuse me, Maam?”

I hear a soft voice as I’m lugging my bag through the gates, heading towards my flight to Chicago. At first, I don’t realize the man is talking to me until he lightly taps my shoulder.

“Maam?”

I jump sideways, startled. I can normally get in here and get to my flight without much bother most of the time, so someone coming up to me like this really raises a lot of red flags.

“Yes?”

“I apologize if I startled you, I was wondering if you happen to be one Mrs. Lucy Wylde?”

I sigh and pull my sunglasses from my eyes. Yeah, sunglasses indoors is tacky and unrealistic but it blocks off over half my face and that’s definitely a good thing. I look this man over, from the top of his head and the black hat he wore there; all the way down to his patent leather shoes. The man wore an expensive suit, at least it looks expensive to me. Hell, half the time I wouldn’t know Armani from fucking Walmart…

“Yeah, that’s me. Can I help you?”

I finally reply, figuring that the worst that could happen is that he’s here to arrest me or kidnap me… or something.

“Ah, Mrs. Wylde. I’m glad I found you. If you’d please accompany me, your flight is waiting on the private runway… this way…”

He points in the direction opposite of where I need to go and as he starts to walk that way he quickly realizes that I’m not following. I haven’t been in this world for over thirty years to be kidnapped by some well dressed nut in an airport.

I’d rather not die today.

“Uh.. Holmes… My flight is that way.”

I point behind me.

“And it’s getting ready to load.. so whatever bullshit you’re trying to pull…”

“I assure you Maam, I’m not trying to deceive you in anyway.”

“Yeah, sure… story of my life lately, Jeeves. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be heading this way… out of kidnapping range…”

Can’t help but to think that this asshole is Lacklan in disguise, and once she gets me aboard her… ‘flight‘.. she’ll pull her mask off and throw me from the airplane. Wouldn’t put it past her, honestly.

“But madam! Mr. Baal is–”

I turn back around, my attention suddenly piqued.

“Gabriel? What about Gabriel?”

I don’t move from the spot I’m standing in though, instead I make him approach me once again.

“Mr. Baal sent for you, Mrs. Wylde. He requested your presence… for a drink.”

I tilt my head to the side and shake my head.

“You’re fucking kidding, right?”

“I am not kidding, madam. His jet is waiting to bring you to him.”

“So, what you’re telling me is that Gabriel Baal sent his private jet down here to Baltimore to pick me up… and bring me to him? Jesus…”

The man reaches out and takes my bag from me, nodding his head.

“That is correct, Maam. He said that he… ‘owed you a drink‘.”

I can’t help but grinning as I let the man take my bag. But just as quickly as my feelings of suspicion fade away, feelings of guilt trickle into my mind. I just told CJ that I’d be careful… that I’d watch out for him. Should I really be gallivanting to… wherever… just because Gabriel sent for me?

What if it’s he who’s looking for an ‘opportunity’?

But an opportunity for what, exactly?

“Mrs. Wylde?”

I look up, seeing the man trying to motion for me to follow him as people push past the two of us, looking to get to their own flights. I look around, trying to figure out what I should do.. should I trust this man.. and Gabriel and let him fly me to wherever… or should I air on the side of caution and just go to my real flight.

On a commercial liner.

With all those people.

No privacy.

You know, maybe this isn’t the worst idea on the planet…

“Where exactly would you be taking me, Jeeves?”

But it’s certainly not the best idea either….

“New York City, Maam.”

“New York? Interesting…”

I stop again, wondering why I’d be going to New York instead of Chicago, where I said that I was going… wondering if it was worth the potential trouble or even if it was worth it in general. I mean, I am headed to Chicago to sit around for a few days before I see Gabriel at Synergy anyway.. so what’s the difference if I go to New York to get that drink with my friend… Talk some strategy… have a nice time, maybe even get to know the man a little…

“Fuck it. Let’s go. Lead the way.”

 

So, Zane… you think I beat you because management wants to lure in new talent, and I’m the way to do that… huh? You think that’s why they ‘gifted’ me this belt?

First off… No one gifted me anything, sweet cheeks. I earned this belt through my own means, I’m just sorry that you can’t accept that. You think I’m talented.. you think I’m good inside of the ring, but you just can’t bring it to yourself to admit that maybe… just maybe I’m a pretty damn good champion too.

Honestly though, I don’t expect you to. I don’t expect you to look past your own selfishness to realize that you’ve been bettered because I was just… better than you.

You’re good Zane. You’re great even, and no, I’m not blowing smoke up your ass when I say that. I’m not going to put you down like so many around here do. Well, I’m not going to put down your talent level because I don’t make a habit of downplaying those that I beat.

Because unlike people like Eden Morgan, I want my victories to mean something and my victory against you at Wrestlestock meant a whole hell of a lot to me. Not only because I wanted to become a two time Cross-Hemisphere champion, but because you are legitimately one of the best in the UGWC and beating you just adds more to my ever-growing resume and I’m always looking to improve my stock.

You and I have gone at it enough over these last few months, that I venture to say that we’ve gotten to know one another as competitors – very well. Yet here we are again…

Getting tired of me yet?

Yeah, I know.. I’m pretty tired of you too. So before you repeat yourself, saying that I must have management wrapped around my little finger… please remember that you and I have gone at it far more in these past few months than I’d ever want to face you in my lifetime.

Variety is the spice of life, people.

Speaking of variety…

Someone that I haven’t had the honor of facing yet… Gabrielle. The beautiful woman who beat my husband and was his official last match in the UGWC… the woman who can legitimately stake the claim that she ‘ran him out’ of the UGWC…

Yet you haven’t, have you Gabby?

That’s probably because you’re not a gigantic fuck head like one former World Champ that I won’t name in this promo.. again.

It’s a pity that we aren’t facing one another in a singles match though, because I appreciate you.. I appreciate you far more than a lot of the people on this roster, you know why?

Because I don’t give one flying fuck what you do outside of the ring.  Shit, you could be fucking a flying rhinoceros for all I care… It doesn’t effect what you do inside the ring, not one bit. It doesn’t effect how I see you as a wrestler.. although I would think that you’d have a bit of a hard time walking after that… but again, that’s none of my business.

I respect you. You respect me. That’s the way this shit should always work. There’s honestly no room in this business for what everyone else around here does to you. It’s just unfortunate that you’re paired up with my arch nemesis this week. You really do deserve better. Not because Zane is a bad wrestler, because like I said before, talent wise.. guy is legit.. but as a human being?

Meh.

And trust me, I get it. We’re all shitty human beings. Even those of you who claim to be saints… even those of you who put the rest of us down for being… you know… human? Yeah, you’re probably the shittiest of us.

Which brings me to my partner this week…

Nice segway, huh?

Gabriel and I have worked together before… You should remember that well, Zane. When he and I beat you and your former tag partner?

Fun times.

I’m looking forward to stepping into the ring with the UGWC World Champion and I look forward to showing everyone why he and I are the two most pursued members of the UGWC roster. Let me give you a quick hint, guys…

It’s because we’re that damn good.

It’s because we’re the best around these parts.

But most importantly.. it’s because we have what the rest of you want.

And I know that it burns a lot of you up, knowing that we have these two belts.. knowing in your twisted minds that we sure as hell don’t deserve to be champions around here.  As I’ve said before, it’s not about what we deserve.. people.  It’s about what we work for, what we fucking earn… and that, kiddies.. is why we’re the two holding the gold and that’s why we’re the two that the rest of you get all bent out of shape over.

So, just keep getting bent out of shape, guys.  We’re not going anywhere and we don’t give one fuck about how the rest of you see us.  We’re here to be the best, and the best is exactly what we’re going to keep being.  No one can do it like us. 

So keep downplaying us, keep downplaying the shit we do… because when and if you eventually beat us? 

It won’t mean a God damned thing. 

Not to us. 

Not to anyone else either.

So, with that said… Good Luck Zane.  I hope you find whatever it is that you’re looking for and I hope you find it before you piss away what little self respect you have left.

Good Luck, Gabrielle.  I look forward to facing you, and regardless of anything that happens on Monday, I walk out of Synergy still respecting you the same as I did before. 

And Gabriel…

I’ve got drinks this time, after the show.

 

Gabriel Baal & CJ Wylde used with Permission.