Post by Alexis Prodigy on Jun 27, 2012 13:54:10 GMT -6
After a successful win in her debut match against Thor Vegard, Justin Reilly, and R.M Strong, Alexis Prodigy continues her campaign of winning over the heart of America with her sparkling personality, glamorous good looks and in ring capability. But this week will prove to be harder than the last as she is to face four other men in an over the top rope battle royal to decide who is the top star in the company. Can this dark horse overcome Scott Syren, Dangerous Dan, Curt Canon, and Jim Douglas to prove that she is the best of the best? Will she make her way to the top tier and possibly the top contender for the World Heavyweight title?
As she prepares for the biggest, and second, match of her career by training day and night, she also must search out those who have misunderstood her actions and sway them over to her side. She looks to prove that she is not only proud of her lineage but wants to base her career on it. That is why she has made her way to her hometown of Orange County, California.
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Herman Melville arrived at Huntington Beach a little later than he had planned. He wasn’t used to California traffic. Even after he made it out of L.A, it was pretty bad. His client, and so far, only interview-ee had specified to be on the beach at 12:00 p.m …he got there at 12:45. Now Herman was concerned about how Alexis would react to his lateness. Sure, she seemed to be nice the last time they met, but to him, there seemed to be a deep rooted anger inside. He didn’t know when she would snap and he didn’t want to be around when she did. Especially considering the performance he saw from her the other night. He knew that she would be talented in the ring …but he didn’t know that she would beat three men. He was beginning to believe that she was living up to her namesake; he was beginning to believe that she was the one who could possibly lead SCW to the top.
Herman wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
As he made his way onto the beach, his black converse treading sand, he realized what everyone was talking about when they said California was beautiful this time of year. He didn’t have a lot of time to enjoy this though because, arguably, another thing of beauty was jogging through the sand. Alexis Prodigy was actually wearing MORE clothes than he was accustomed to seeing her wear over the last week …which wasn’t saying much. She was wearing blue short jogging shorts, a white tank top and white sneakers with blue laces. Even sweating profusely, he believed that she truly was something to behold. And this was at a California in the middle of the day where several “attractive” ladies were laid out, some topless. But to him, she had that classic beauty that couldn’t be defined. It was just a real bummer that he believed that she was probably a real bitch behind her tender demeanor.
She didn’t even notice him as he made her way to him. She was just too focused. He didn’t know what it was, but could guess that her mind was either on the big match she had coming up on Sunday or the fact that she was about reunite with people she had no interest in reuniting with. He knew that when she called him to do this favor, that it was almost against her will; that it was something she was told she had to do. He knew that this was just a way to clear a blemish on her record, not anything out of sincerity. But with her, he knew the rules. He knew that she liked being on camera more than she actually wanted to talk to him. He knew that his job was to help her sell herself …not actually report the truth.
So instead of engaging in idle chit chat that he knew she had no interest in, he turned on his camera.
Once the red light was on that is when he tried catching up with her. Unfortunately, he was a lazy nicotine addict with a bit of a belly, so it did him no good. He stopped to catch his breath and finally gave up.
Herman Melville: Hey, Alexis.
She didn’t pay him any attention and continued to jog through the sand.
Herman Melville: Alexis, it is me, Herman.
When she first turned her head, her face was that of annoyance. But once she saw that he was taping, she immediately plastered on that plastic smile which ALMOST seemed genuine. As she jogged closer to the camera, it seemed as if she was practicing a few things to say in her head. When she finally got to him and the camera, her voice was full of false enthusiasm. She spread her arm out so Herman can film the whole beach: the sand, the ocean, the surfers, the sunbathers. She wanted the camera to catch all of it.
Alexis Prodigy: Beautiful isn’t it? This is where I grew up. The warm southern Californian sun was my backyard …and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Herman felt like that last line was a bit monotone than excited.
Alexis Prodigy: Every Saturday for years as a child, my dad was bring me to this beach and tell me about how his parents did the same. Then, he’d take me to watch him wrestle as his daddy did with him. And as I stand here, preparing for my over the top rope battle royal, I realize just how important tradition really is. Not only that, but I realize how wrestling is an important tradition for my family. That, of course, reminds me just how fortunate and blessed I was to be standing in the middle of the ring victorious. I wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for the tradition that was passed down from generation to generation. I wouldn’t be a contestant at this battle royal with the best of the best if it wasn’t for that tradition. Each of us truly earned out spot there. Each of us truly deserve to be in the ring with each other fighting to be known as SCW’s first top star… well, everyone but Dangerous Dan.
Like anything she says, Herman really didn’t buy it. Again, her voice sounded TOO enthusiastic and she just seemed to be hamming up a lot of her lines to sound gracious. Her eyes told him a different story. The story they told were “none of these men deserve to be in the ring with me and I absolutely HATE that I have to give them credit.” Even her body language seemed to saying this to him. She didn’t know she doing it, but she had her arms crossed as she was delivering that last little bit about deserving to be there. She also began to play with her hair when she was going on about tradition. But it wasn’t his job to report who she really was …it was his job to make her a product. He let her continue.
Alexis Prodigy: R.M Strong and Justin Reilly were worthy opponents and I was completely shocked that I was able to pull off the win.
As she said that, Herman caught a cocky smirk that pretty much confirmed that this was a lie. She knew when the match was announced that she was going to win it …or at least that is what Herman thought she believed.
Alexis Prodigy: But it seems that the odds are stacked against me even more now. And the stakes haven’t been higher in SCW like they are for this match. But I am confident that once again, I will defy those odds and earn my right to carry the moniker of “SCW’s Top Star.”
This is where Herman knew he should interject …he kind of thought that this is where she wanted him to interject. He knew a set up when he heard it.
Herman Melville: But Alexis, these men you are getting into the ring with, they are veterans of the sport. In your blood or not, you are, in fact, a rookie. People like Curt Canon and Scott Syren have been wrestling for what seems like ten years. Aren’t you a little worried that your experience level is a disadvantage.
She took a moment to give him a nod, as if he asked exactly what she wanted him to ask; as if he was being a “good boy” and deserved as Scooby snack after this. She answered him with an arched lip but dead serious eyes.
Alexis Prodigy: Maybe I am …or maybe I am not. As you said, people like Curt Canon and Scott Syren have been in this business for a long time. In fact, I am huge fan of both men. I grew up watching those two men wrestle since I was at least ten years old. I made sure never to miss a match of theirs and it is truly an honor to be locking up with two veterans. With that said, I’ve watched, I know what they can do in the ring. I’ve studied their moves; their strengths and their weaknesses. They have absolutely no idea what to expect from me, now do they. I am not saying it is going to be a cake walk because nothing that is truly worth it ever is. I am saying, however, I am not going to make it easy for anyone in that match. As a matter of fact, I am going to guarantee that getting me over the top rope and onto that floor is going to be the toughest thing any of those men have ever done in their careers. I am not going to budge and I am most certainly not going to give up. They are going to have to knock me out to get me over that rope. And I’d expect the same from them.
Herman knew that those last few lines were the god’s honest truth. There seemed to be an intensity that flared up in both her voice and her face.
Herman Melville: So do you think, given your rookie status, that you are the hungriest competitor in this match?
She realized that she might be here for a few minutes and took a seat on the sand and gestured for Herman to do the same. She put her fist to her chin as if she really had to think this one through.
Alexis Prodigy: You know, I hate to sound arrogant here …but yes. Dangerous Dan, Scott Syren, and Curt Canon have all seen some level of success in pro wrestling. Jim Douglas has seen some level of professional success in the game of snooker. Me? I have had one successful outing on national television and gosh dang it, that just isn’t enough for me. In ten years time, I want to say that I had the careers of the men I am stepping into the ring with have had. I want to say that I was “SCW’s Top Star” only after my second match. I am hungry to be SCW’s first World Heavyweight champion. But amongst all of that, I want to make my father and grandfather proud by accomplishing the one thing they never could in their careers. That is what I am ultimately hungry for: the chance to bring my family’s legacy in professional wrestling to new heights. To show that tradition is what really matters in this sport. Not crucifying people, disabling poor dying children, or usurping authority. Tradition and family is what brought me here, not any of those dirty tactics.
Herman actually started to believe her for a moment. He almost forgot that this was all an act. He began to think to himself “wow, she is becoming quite the accomplished liar.”
Herman Melville: Speaking of dirty tactics. You said everyone in this match to deserves to be in it. Does that extend to Dangerous Dan who was inserted into it by The Great One who replaced him by taking out Lorenzo Demarco?
Alexis shrugged at Herman as she pulled a water bottle out of her fannypack and took a sip. She finished up and then answered his question.
Alexis Prodigy: Well, if he had to be inserted into this match AFTER losing and this match is supposed to feature the five best competitors, I guess that answers the question, doesn’t it? It is a dirty tactic on both men’s part, but as I said, it seems that a lot of people in SCW depend more on foul play than actual wrestling ability. He assaulted a defenseless woman to get in this match and that is wrong. It was masterminded by the Great One. With that said, I am going to get out there on Superiority and take it to him for all my girlfriends out there who agree that his actions were heinous. If they want to do it that way, they can. I have absolutely no problem with Dangerous Dan being inserted because those of us who earned it by qualifying are going to make sure that he is the first one out.
She offered him her bottle of water and he shook his head, shaking the camera with him. She smiled back as he thumbed for another question. He knew that she would have an answer for everything he asked …but it was coming to the point where listening her lie was like watching an artist paint a mural. It became almost hypnotizing for him.
Herman Melville: With all of that said, and I know I am beating a dead horse here, the spot you are all fighting for is, right now, the most important thing until the two contenders for the World title is crowned. In fact, many speculate that it will solidify one of the two contenders at the yet to be announced Pay Per View. You have to believe that no matter how much you refuse to get thrown over the top rope or how hungry you are, that the odds don’t fall in your favor.
Like clockwork, Alexis immediately answered him.
Alexis Prodigy: What are odds anyways? I was told last week that I was going to be crushed because I was a woman, I had people spreading lies about me, and that I was going to lose. After all the clout that RM Strong held over me and all the false shame that Justin Reilly tried to project onto me for his wrongdoing in Iraq, who came out the victor? No matter which way the casual viewer looked at it, I was losing that match …heck, many predicted I would be the first one out. But what happened?
Herman Melville: You won.
Alexis Prodigy: I won. Not because of sheer luck but because of determination and my own personal values that were passed down from my family and the skills taught to me my Terrence Carlyle. People doubt me and that is expected …but they are going to be wrong. As said, three of these men deserve to be in this match and in this ring, but so do I. Not just that but this is my first opportunity for such a prestige, I will not choke because who knows if this opportunity will be my only if I do? And yes, each of my opponents poses some kind of a threat. Scott Syren might have the personality of Current John Travolta on Peyote but he is still a huge muscle bound genetic freak who will probably have no problem breaking me in half. But he is also making one huge mistake stepping into that match …he believes that he can trust Curt Canon. I know they go way back but for these two to NOT try to eliminate the other means that they just don’t care enough about what is on the line. Again, they might be veterans in the ring, but their strategy is flawed.
She sat still on the beach for a few moments. Herman could tell that she was thinking of something. Was she really planning and adjusting her in ring strategy right in front of him. For those few split seconds of silence she seemed focused. Herman thought that she had more planned when it came to those two than what she was letting on. But Herman knew that he had to keep the interview going for there was a participant that he was very eager to know her opinion on.
Herman Melville: That brings us to someone who some might call a wild card.
She immediately met him with the answer and a retort. Again, it was very apparent that she planned all of this out. It was very apparent that not only was she becoming a good liar …she was becoming a master strategist. Herman guessed that first match really opened her eyes on how to adapt in the ring.
Alexis Prodigy: Of course, you mean the Gentleman himself. The man who failed at one sport and decided to have a passion for another on a whim, right? That isn’t to say that he isn’t quite good …but is his heart in it like mine? Is Jim Douglas here in SCW for the right reasons or was he just board because he was floundering in his careers? Is it the fame and fortune or is it the need to win and do right by the fans of SCW. I guess we really don’t know, do we? But he is one I am not going to take my eye off of because he is NOT like Syren or Canon where I’ve been watching him since I was a little kid. But he is also not like Dan, because he didn’t have anything handed to him this past week. He might be a bit trickier but I think I have fairly well pegged when I say “He just doesn’t want it enough.” In the end, he is here because his other career failed not because he lives and breathes this business like some of us who will be entering that ring.
Herman knew that this little “interview” wasn’t the only reason that she brought him over from Seattle. She said that she wanted him here so she could do something “special” for someone who had it coming.
Herman Melville: With all of that said, I understand that you wanted to share something special with the fan wrestling community?
She got up and offered her hand to Herman who was struggling getting up while also operating the camera.
Alexis Prodigy: That I did. As I said, this match for me is a culmination of a lot of things: my growing up as a child in southern California, my lineage, and my training over the last five years. While I do have a tough mountain to climb with Kurt Cannon and Scott Syren being good friends, Jim Douglas being a sneaky opponent, and Dangerous Dan being an underhanded henchman of one of our owners, I know that is where I came from that will bring me the victory that I so desire, that I am so hungry for. And that THAT tradition began with one man. So, I want you to meet him and I want to honor him.
She began to walk away from the beach and toward the parking lot. She turned back to Herman as she realized she was going too fast for him to keep up.
Alexis Prodigy: Come on or we are going to miss his nap time.
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A few blocks away from Huntington Beach sat“The Prodigy” Jerry Hope in his retirement community. He was in the lobby with some of his fellow old timers watching the television. They laughed as Peter Griffith had a five minute long fight with a chicken and then referenced how it was part of a cartoon. All of the old people laughed at this witty self-referential humor that thought it had a point when it really was just a half hour long shock factor. While there was a plot, it took a backseat to over the top gross out extreme humor which apparently was perfect for older folks with a short attention spans. “The Prodigy” especially enjoyed Family Guy more than most which is why he was more than disturbed when he was told by an orderly that a young lady claiming to be his grand-daughter was on his way to see him. He remembered having a granddaughter once, he thought her name was Carol or something, but hadn’t seen her in about five years. His son stopped mentioning her a long time ago. He figured it might be another ring rat willing to give him a ride just because he used to be a wrestler.
Either way, he didn’t like that she was interrupting Family Guy.
Alexis Prodigy: GRANDPA!
Herman’s camera made sure to get Jerry’s expression as he turned around when Alexis called out to him. He looked both annoyed and confused. She gave him a big, warm hug which also confused him. To Herman, he looked like he was lost in a sea of insincerity.
“The Prodigy” Jerry Hope: Carol?
She kissed him on the cheek and continued to give him that big fake smile. Once again, her eyes told a different story. Her eyes flashed with an aggressive anger towards everything this man stood for. Herman figured that that might be why she acted SO excited to see him.
Alexis Prodigy: Oh grandpa, it is me your granddaughter, Allison. But everyone calls me Alexis. Do you remember me?
He gave her a look as she pulled away. His look was that of someone who just had the knife pulled out of his back by the person that put it in there and then hid the knife and pretended that nothing ever happened.
“The Prodigy” Jerry Hope: Why should I be excited to see you? You ran out on your family. You destroyed my son, who just wanted you to follow in his footsteps.
Alexis giggled a bit as he said this.
Alexis Prodigy: Oh grandpa, you are so funny. I just moved to Canada so I could better live up to the tradition you and Papa set for me. I even named myself after you.
On the television, Peter Griffith was throwing up all over his living room. Alexis looked at this and then back at her grandfather.
Alexis Prodigy: Why are you watching a Scott Syren promo?
“The Prodigy” Jerry Hope: It is Family Guy. I am trying to watch it.
Alexis put herself in front of the television so he wouldn’t be able to watch his favorite show. He didn’t look very happy with her decision to insert herself between him and the television set.
Alexis Prodigy: I’m sorry grandpa Jerry, but I got some big news for you.
“The Prodigy” Jerry Hope: I seriously doubt that.
To make sure he got the message, she walked over to the television and turned it off. Many of the senior citizens booed her as she did this. She gave them a confident smirk as if they are going to enjoy the announcement she is going to make. She made sure to be in the center of the room so everyone’s attention would be on her.
Alexis Prodigy: “The Prodigy” Jerry Hope, my grandpa who I dearly love. You have come from nothing and worked your way into the grueling sport of wrestling in the seventies. You wrestled for twenty years, mostly in the tag team “The Composers” where you dressed up like Mozart. While you didn’t win any titles, you went out there week after week and performed for those fans. You passed that tradition onto your son who passed it onto me. It is a tradition that I proudly carry into each and every match.
Jerry shook his head as she said this. Before she could continue, Jerry interrupted her.
“The Prodigy” Jerry Hope: You should be ashamed of yourself. You are trying to cash in on your family’s name after you abandoned us. And you come back here and try to warm up to me; to exploit me.
Herman saw a look of furious anger cross her face but she quickly repressed and smiled pleasantly at her grandfather.
Alexis Prodigy: No, no, no …your old mind is making you remember things differently. I left to continue our family’s legacy. To improve upon it. As a matter of fact, in my second national televised match, I am given the opportunity to face three men who earned the title of “The Best” and won man who snuck his way into that title by beating up a woman who couldn’t defend herself. These are very established athletes and it will be my toughest battle to date. But rest assured, I will come out of this the last person standing. And I am dedicating this match and subsequent victory to two people. The first one is you for paving the way for me to give our family’s legacy a fresh new coat of paint.
She raised his arm as if he won a title or something.
Alexis Prodigy: Thank you grandpa for all that you have done for me.
She drops his arm and tries to look at him. Herman notices that she is clenching her fist as she says the next thing.
Alexis Prodigy: I love you.
She pulls away as Jerry just looks clueless on how to react to this moment. He just looked guilty for saying this means things to what appeared to be a clueless young girl. He looked as if maybe he got her wrong all along. Maybe she wasn’t so bad. He hugged her back.
“The Prodigy” Jerry Hope: Thank you, sweetheart. I love you too.
Alexis pulled away from the embrace once more and raised his arm as the old folks cheered.
“The Prodigy” Jerry Hope: Kick their asses, dear.
She turned back toward him, hiding the palms of her hands from the camera.
Alexis Prodigy: For you, they are all going over the top rope.
They embraced once more before Alexis walked off. Herman follows her out of the room. Her look of pure excitement changes to that of disgust as she walks down the hall and looks down at her hands. Apparently, she dug her fingernails into her skin and made herself bleed sometime during the conversation.
She looked over at Herman.
Alexis Prodigy: Turn off the camera.
She said coldly before turning the corner.
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As Alexis Prodigy makes her way to her second national television appearance and perhaps the biggest match of her career so far, she looks towards family, fans, and tradition to be her life blood throughout the rest of her journey. And while this is the biggest match of her career, she is going to guarantee that it will only be that way until the third match …for Alexis Prodigy doesn’t stop at being one of the best, but instead thrives to THE best in SCW.
As she prepares for the biggest, and second, match of her career by training day and night, she also must search out those who have misunderstood her actions and sway them over to her side. She looks to prove that she is not only proud of her lineage but wants to base her career on it. That is why she has made her way to her hometown of Orange County, California.
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Herman Melville arrived at Huntington Beach a little later than he had planned. He wasn’t used to California traffic. Even after he made it out of L.A, it was pretty bad. His client, and so far, only interview-ee had specified to be on the beach at 12:00 p.m …he got there at 12:45. Now Herman was concerned about how Alexis would react to his lateness. Sure, she seemed to be nice the last time they met, but to him, there seemed to be a deep rooted anger inside. He didn’t know when she would snap and he didn’t want to be around when she did. Especially considering the performance he saw from her the other night. He knew that she would be talented in the ring …but he didn’t know that she would beat three men. He was beginning to believe that she was living up to her namesake; he was beginning to believe that she was the one who could possibly lead SCW to the top.
Herman wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
As he made his way onto the beach, his black converse treading sand, he realized what everyone was talking about when they said California was beautiful this time of year. He didn’t have a lot of time to enjoy this though because, arguably, another thing of beauty was jogging through the sand. Alexis Prodigy was actually wearing MORE clothes than he was accustomed to seeing her wear over the last week …which wasn’t saying much. She was wearing blue short jogging shorts, a white tank top and white sneakers with blue laces. Even sweating profusely, he believed that she truly was something to behold. And this was at a California in the middle of the day where several “attractive” ladies were laid out, some topless. But to him, she had that classic beauty that couldn’t be defined. It was just a real bummer that he believed that she was probably a real bitch behind her tender demeanor.
She didn’t even notice him as he made her way to him. She was just too focused. He didn’t know what it was, but could guess that her mind was either on the big match she had coming up on Sunday or the fact that she was about reunite with people she had no interest in reuniting with. He knew that when she called him to do this favor, that it was almost against her will; that it was something she was told she had to do. He knew that this was just a way to clear a blemish on her record, not anything out of sincerity. But with her, he knew the rules. He knew that she liked being on camera more than she actually wanted to talk to him. He knew that his job was to help her sell herself …not actually report the truth.
So instead of engaging in idle chit chat that he knew she had no interest in, he turned on his camera.
Once the red light was on that is when he tried catching up with her. Unfortunately, he was a lazy nicotine addict with a bit of a belly, so it did him no good. He stopped to catch his breath and finally gave up.
Herman Melville: Hey, Alexis.
She didn’t pay him any attention and continued to jog through the sand.
Herman Melville: Alexis, it is me, Herman.
When she first turned her head, her face was that of annoyance. But once she saw that he was taping, she immediately plastered on that plastic smile which ALMOST seemed genuine. As she jogged closer to the camera, it seemed as if she was practicing a few things to say in her head. When she finally got to him and the camera, her voice was full of false enthusiasm. She spread her arm out so Herman can film the whole beach: the sand, the ocean, the surfers, the sunbathers. She wanted the camera to catch all of it.
Alexis Prodigy: Beautiful isn’t it? This is where I grew up. The warm southern Californian sun was my backyard …and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Herman felt like that last line was a bit monotone than excited.
Alexis Prodigy: Every Saturday for years as a child, my dad was bring me to this beach and tell me about how his parents did the same. Then, he’d take me to watch him wrestle as his daddy did with him. And as I stand here, preparing for my over the top rope battle royal, I realize just how important tradition really is. Not only that, but I realize how wrestling is an important tradition for my family. That, of course, reminds me just how fortunate and blessed I was to be standing in the middle of the ring victorious. I wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for the tradition that was passed down from generation to generation. I wouldn’t be a contestant at this battle royal with the best of the best if it wasn’t for that tradition. Each of us truly earned out spot there. Each of us truly deserve to be in the ring with each other fighting to be known as SCW’s first top star… well, everyone but Dangerous Dan.
Like anything she says, Herman really didn’t buy it. Again, her voice sounded TOO enthusiastic and she just seemed to be hamming up a lot of her lines to sound gracious. Her eyes told him a different story. The story they told were “none of these men deserve to be in the ring with me and I absolutely HATE that I have to give them credit.” Even her body language seemed to saying this to him. She didn’t know she doing it, but she had her arms crossed as she was delivering that last little bit about deserving to be there. She also began to play with her hair when she was going on about tradition. But it wasn’t his job to report who she really was …it was his job to make her a product. He let her continue.
Alexis Prodigy: R.M Strong and Justin Reilly were worthy opponents and I was completely shocked that I was able to pull off the win.
As she said that, Herman caught a cocky smirk that pretty much confirmed that this was a lie. She knew when the match was announced that she was going to win it …or at least that is what Herman thought she believed.
Alexis Prodigy: But it seems that the odds are stacked against me even more now. And the stakes haven’t been higher in SCW like they are for this match. But I am confident that once again, I will defy those odds and earn my right to carry the moniker of “SCW’s Top Star.”
This is where Herman knew he should interject …he kind of thought that this is where she wanted him to interject. He knew a set up when he heard it.
Herman Melville: But Alexis, these men you are getting into the ring with, they are veterans of the sport. In your blood or not, you are, in fact, a rookie. People like Curt Canon and Scott Syren have been wrestling for what seems like ten years. Aren’t you a little worried that your experience level is a disadvantage.
She took a moment to give him a nod, as if he asked exactly what she wanted him to ask; as if he was being a “good boy” and deserved as Scooby snack after this. She answered him with an arched lip but dead serious eyes.
Alexis Prodigy: Maybe I am …or maybe I am not. As you said, people like Curt Canon and Scott Syren have been in this business for a long time. In fact, I am huge fan of both men. I grew up watching those two men wrestle since I was at least ten years old. I made sure never to miss a match of theirs and it is truly an honor to be locking up with two veterans. With that said, I’ve watched, I know what they can do in the ring. I’ve studied their moves; their strengths and their weaknesses. They have absolutely no idea what to expect from me, now do they. I am not saying it is going to be a cake walk because nothing that is truly worth it ever is. I am saying, however, I am not going to make it easy for anyone in that match. As a matter of fact, I am going to guarantee that getting me over the top rope and onto that floor is going to be the toughest thing any of those men have ever done in their careers. I am not going to budge and I am most certainly not going to give up. They are going to have to knock me out to get me over that rope. And I’d expect the same from them.
Herman knew that those last few lines were the god’s honest truth. There seemed to be an intensity that flared up in both her voice and her face.
Herman Melville: So do you think, given your rookie status, that you are the hungriest competitor in this match?
She realized that she might be here for a few minutes and took a seat on the sand and gestured for Herman to do the same. She put her fist to her chin as if she really had to think this one through.
Alexis Prodigy: You know, I hate to sound arrogant here …but yes. Dangerous Dan, Scott Syren, and Curt Canon have all seen some level of success in pro wrestling. Jim Douglas has seen some level of professional success in the game of snooker. Me? I have had one successful outing on national television and gosh dang it, that just isn’t enough for me. In ten years time, I want to say that I had the careers of the men I am stepping into the ring with have had. I want to say that I was “SCW’s Top Star” only after my second match. I am hungry to be SCW’s first World Heavyweight champion. But amongst all of that, I want to make my father and grandfather proud by accomplishing the one thing they never could in their careers. That is what I am ultimately hungry for: the chance to bring my family’s legacy in professional wrestling to new heights. To show that tradition is what really matters in this sport. Not crucifying people, disabling poor dying children, or usurping authority. Tradition and family is what brought me here, not any of those dirty tactics.
Herman actually started to believe her for a moment. He almost forgot that this was all an act. He began to think to himself “wow, she is becoming quite the accomplished liar.”
Herman Melville: Speaking of dirty tactics. You said everyone in this match to deserves to be in it. Does that extend to Dangerous Dan who was inserted into it by The Great One who replaced him by taking out Lorenzo Demarco?
Alexis shrugged at Herman as she pulled a water bottle out of her fannypack and took a sip. She finished up and then answered his question.
Alexis Prodigy: Well, if he had to be inserted into this match AFTER losing and this match is supposed to feature the five best competitors, I guess that answers the question, doesn’t it? It is a dirty tactic on both men’s part, but as I said, it seems that a lot of people in SCW depend more on foul play than actual wrestling ability. He assaulted a defenseless woman to get in this match and that is wrong. It was masterminded by the Great One. With that said, I am going to get out there on Superiority and take it to him for all my girlfriends out there who agree that his actions were heinous. If they want to do it that way, they can. I have absolutely no problem with Dangerous Dan being inserted because those of us who earned it by qualifying are going to make sure that he is the first one out.
She offered him her bottle of water and he shook his head, shaking the camera with him. She smiled back as he thumbed for another question. He knew that she would have an answer for everything he asked …but it was coming to the point where listening her lie was like watching an artist paint a mural. It became almost hypnotizing for him.
Herman Melville: With all of that said, and I know I am beating a dead horse here, the spot you are all fighting for is, right now, the most important thing until the two contenders for the World title is crowned. In fact, many speculate that it will solidify one of the two contenders at the yet to be announced Pay Per View. You have to believe that no matter how much you refuse to get thrown over the top rope or how hungry you are, that the odds don’t fall in your favor.
Like clockwork, Alexis immediately answered him.
Alexis Prodigy: What are odds anyways? I was told last week that I was going to be crushed because I was a woman, I had people spreading lies about me, and that I was going to lose. After all the clout that RM Strong held over me and all the false shame that Justin Reilly tried to project onto me for his wrongdoing in Iraq, who came out the victor? No matter which way the casual viewer looked at it, I was losing that match …heck, many predicted I would be the first one out. But what happened?
Herman Melville: You won.
Alexis Prodigy: I won. Not because of sheer luck but because of determination and my own personal values that were passed down from my family and the skills taught to me my Terrence Carlyle. People doubt me and that is expected …but they are going to be wrong. As said, three of these men deserve to be in this match and in this ring, but so do I. Not just that but this is my first opportunity for such a prestige, I will not choke because who knows if this opportunity will be my only if I do? And yes, each of my opponents poses some kind of a threat. Scott Syren might have the personality of Current John Travolta on Peyote but he is still a huge muscle bound genetic freak who will probably have no problem breaking me in half. But he is also making one huge mistake stepping into that match …he believes that he can trust Curt Canon. I know they go way back but for these two to NOT try to eliminate the other means that they just don’t care enough about what is on the line. Again, they might be veterans in the ring, but their strategy is flawed.
She sat still on the beach for a few moments. Herman could tell that she was thinking of something. Was she really planning and adjusting her in ring strategy right in front of him. For those few split seconds of silence she seemed focused. Herman thought that she had more planned when it came to those two than what she was letting on. But Herman knew that he had to keep the interview going for there was a participant that he was very eager to know her opinion on.
Herman Melville: That brings us to someone who some might call a wild card.
She immediately met him with the answer and a retort. Again, it was very apparent that she planned all of this out. It was very apparent that not only was she becoming a good liar …she was becoming a master strategist. Herman guessed that first match really opened her eyes on how to adapt in the ring.
Alexis Prodigy: Of course, you mean the Gentleman himself. The man who failed at one sport and decided to have a passion for another on a whim, right? That isn’t to say that he isn’t quite good …but is his heart in it like mine? Is Jim Douglas here in SCW for the right reasons or was he just board because he was floundering in his careers? Is it the fame and fortune or is it the need to win and do right by the fans of SCW. I guess we really don’t know, do we? But he is one I am not going to take my eye off of because he is NOT like Syren or Canon where I’ve been watching him since I was a little kid. But he is also not like Dan, because he didn’t have anything handed to him this past week. He might be a bit trickier but I think I have fairly well pegged when I say “He just doesn’t want it enough.” In the end, he is here because his other career failed not because he lives and breathes this business like some of us who will be entering that ring.
Herman knew that this little “interview” wasn’t the only reason that she brought him over from Seattle. She said that she wanted him here so she could do something “special” for someone who had it coming.
Herman Melville: With all of that said, I understand that you wanted to share something special with the fan wrestling community?
She got up and offered her hand to Herman who was struggling getting up while also operating the camera.
Alexis Prodigy: That I did. As I said, this match for me is a culmination of a lot of things: my growing up as a child in southern California, my lineage, and my training over the last five years. While I do have a tough mountain to climb with Kurt Cannon and Scott Syren being good friends, Jim Douglas being a sneaky opponent, and Dangerous Dan being an underhanded henchman of one of our owners, I know that is where I came from that will bring me the victory that I so desire, that I am so hungry for. And that THAT tradition began with one man. So, I want you to meet him and I want to honor him.
She began to walk away from the beach and toward the parking lot. She turned back to Herman as she realized she was going too fast for him to keep up.
Alexis Prodigy: Come on or we are going to miss his nap time.
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A few blocks away from Huntington Beach sat“The Prodigy” Jerry Hope in his retirement community. He was in the lobby with some of his fellow old timers watching the television. They laughed as Peter Griffith had a five minute long fight with a chicken and then referenced how it was part of a cartoon. All of the old people laughed at this witty self-referential humor that thought it had a point when it really was just a half hour long shock factor. While there was a plot, it took a backseat to over the top gross out extreme humor which apparently was perfect for older folks with a short attention spans. “The Prodigy” especially enjoyed Family Guy more than most which is why he was more than disturbed when he was told by an orderly that a young lady claiming to be his grand-daughter was on his way to see him. He remembered having a granddaughter once, he thought her name was Carol or something, but hadn’t seen her in about five years. His son stopped mentioning her a long time ago. He figured it might be another ring rat willing to give him a ride just because he used to be a wrestler.
Either way, he didn’t like that she was interrupting Family Guy.
Alexis Prodigy: GRANDPA!
Herman’s camera made sure to get Jerry’s expression as he turned around when Alexis called out to him. He looked both annoyed and confused. She gave him a big, warm hug which also confused him. To Herman, he looked like he was lost in a sea of insincerity.
“The Prodigy” Jerry Hope: Carol?
She kissed him on the cheek and continued to give him that big fake smile. Once again, her eyes told a different story. Her eyes flashed with an aggressive anger towards everything this man stood for. Herman figured that that might be why she acted SO excited to see him.
Alexis Prodigy: Oh grandpa, it is me your granddaughter, Allison. But everyone calls me Alexis. Do you remember me?
He gave her a look as she pulled away. His look was that of someone who just had the knife pulled out of his back by the person that put it in there and then hid the knife and pretended that nothing ever happened.
“The Prodigy” Jerry Hope: Why should I be excited to see you? You ran out on your family. You destroyed my son, who just wanted you to follow in his footsteps.
Alexis giggled a bit as he said this.
Alexis Prodigy: Oh grandpa, you are so funny. I just moved to Canada so I could better live up to the tradition you and Papa set for me. I even named myself after you.
On the television, Peter Griffith was throwing up all over his living room. Alexis looked at this and then back at her grandfather.
Alexis Prodigy: Why are you watching a Scott Syren promo?
“The Prodigy” Jerry Hope: It is Family Guy. I am trying to watch it.
Alexis put herself in front of the television so he wouldn’t be able to watch his favorite show. He didn’t look very happy with her decision to insert herself between him and the television set.
Alexis Prodigy: I’m sorry grandpa Jerry, but I got some big news for you.
“The Prodigy” Jerry Hope: I seriously doubt that.
To make sure he got the message, she walked over to the television and turned it off. Many of the senior citizens booed her as she did this. She gave them a confident smirk as if they are going to enjoy the announcement she is going to make. She made sure to be in the center of the room so everyone’s attention would be on her.
Alexis Prodigy: “The Prodigy” Jerry Hope, my grandpa who I dearly love. You have come from nothing and worked your way into the grueling sport of wrestling in the seventies. You wrestled for twenty years, mostly in the tag team “The Composers” where you dressed up like Mozart. While you didn’t win any titles, you went out there week after week and performed for those fans. You passed that tradition onto your son who passed it onto me. It is a tradition that I proudly carry into each and every match.
Jerry shook his head as she said this. Before she could continue, Jerry interrupted her.
“The Prodigy” Jerry Hope: You should be ashamed of yourself. You are trying to cash in on your family’s name after you abandoned us. And you come back here and try to warm up to me; to exploit me.
Herman saw a look of furious anger cross her face but she quickly repressed and smiled pleasantly at her grandfather.
Alexis Prodigy: No, no, no …your old mind is making you remember things differently. I left to continue our family’s legacy. To improve upon it. As a matter of fact, in my second national televised match, I am given the opportunity to face three men who earned the title of “The Best” and won man who snuck his way into that title by beating up a woman who couldn’t defend herself. These are very established athletes and it will be my toughest battle to date. But rest assured, I will come out of this the last person standing. And I am dedicating this match and subsequent victory to two people. The first one is you for paving the way for me to give our family’s legacy a fresh new coat of paint.
She raised his arm as if he won a title or something.
Alexis Prodigy: Thank you grandpa for all that you have done for me.
She drops his arm and tries to look at him. Herman notices that she is clenching her fist as she says the next thing.
Alexis Prodigy: I love you.
She pulls away as Jerry just looks clueless on how to react to this moment. He just looked guilty for saying this means things to what appeared to be a clueless young girl. He looked as if maybe he got her wrong all along. Maybe she wasn’t so bad. He hugged her back.
“The Prodigy” Jerry Hope: Thank you, sweetheart. I love you too.
Alexis pulled away from the embrace once more and raised his arm as the old folks cheered.
“The Prodigy” Jerry Hope: Kick their asses, dear.
She turned back toward him, hiding the palms of her hands from the camera.
Alexis Prodigy: For you, they are all going over the top rope.
They embraced once more before Alexis walked off. Herman follows her out of the room. Her look of pure excitement changes to that of disgust as she walks down the hall and looks down at her hands. Apparently, she dug her fingernails into her skin and made herself bleed sometime during the conversation.
She looked over at Herman.
Alexis Prodigy: Turn off the camera.
She said coldly before turning the corner.
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As Alexis Prodigy makes her way to her second national television appearance and perhaps the biggest match of her career so far, she looks towards family, fans, and tradition to be her life blood throughout the rest of her journey. And while this is the biggest match of her career, she is going to guarantee that it will only be that way until the third match …for Alexis Prodigy doesn’t stop at being one of the best, but instead thrives to THE best in SCW.
