==========
Off Camera
==========
Breakdown from Boise,
Idaho concluded and James Evans along with Angelica Jones continued to roll in
the tag team division. They were met with a much stronger test this time;
The Network. Dante and Xander. But the relatively new tag team of Jones and
Evans managed to pick up the win and pick up much needed momentum heading into
the biggest challenge of their young tag team career…
...The Chamber.
The Truelove Twins, Sam
Raine & Crissy Gardner, Har Megiddo, Team Desire, & The Red Empire will
all be the obstacles that Redemption will have to overcome at Under Attack on
Sunday if they hope to become the number one contenders to the SCW World Tag
Team Championship.
It’s quite a tall task but
Angelica is confident in their chances to get the job done. It’s not
their tag team ability that has her concerned enough to go visit her good
friend Sister Maria, a nun from Our Lady of the Annunciation near Boston, on
this day to sound off on her troubles.
“Thank you for letting me
come by, Sister Maria. I mean, I know it’s unusual for an outsider to
just stop by like this.”
“Don’t mention it, Sister
Angelica. Besides,” she
winks at her good friend “you did call ahead of time.”
“This is true, but
seriously, just call me Angelica. I’m not a sister anymore.”
Angelica Jones and Sister
Maria have been close friends for over two decades. Angelica was a nun in
this very convent, Our Lady of the Annunciation, when Maria arrived.
Technically it may have been on her own free will but the reality of the
situation was similar to Angelica’s when she had first started her path; it was
chosen for her by circumstance. The separation from her parents did not
make things any easier for young Maria.
Angelica, though, served as more than just a mentor. She was almost like a parental figure to the
young child. Angelica helped Maria through the tough times, times when
she felt she wouldn’t be able to survive.
She helped her cope with life in the convent. This was just a few years after Angelica
endured the death of her beloved mother. Jones was beginning to question
her own mental stability. She began to
question God. But this sign of compassion
from Jones, this opportunity to assist this child who had been dropped off at
the convent, it proved to Angelica that she still had hope. It
proved to her that goodness still existed deep down within her.
It was that hope that
would get her through the difficult times that would face her later on in life.
That hope would help her through the darkest part of her life and allow
her to forgive herself when she was spending time in a mental institution for
murdering the father of her eldest daughter Marie Annabelle Jones. Even
when Angelica is feeling at her most down and out, even when she is the most
depressed, it is this hope that keeps her going. It keeps her moving forward. It is this hope that makes her think that,
even now, she can stop herself from going over the edge yet again.
James Evans has proven to
be another rock in her life. She doesn’t want to lose control of her
sanity and she knows that James Evans, a friend she met in group psychiatric
therapy and fellow SCW superstar, can assist her with her problems.
Between people like James and Sister Maria, Angelica is certainly
confident that she can overcome the recent bout of demons that seek to control
her life.
“You have a calling,
Angelica. We all have a calling. A
calling to be kind and compassionate. You have proven time and again that
your compassion is limitless. That is what we Sisters are for.”
I’m glad someone thinks
I’m compassionate.”
Angelica sighs. “Honestly, I’m not so sure these days.”
The two women are walking
across the courtyard area. Many of the other nuns of ages, shapes, and
sizes, from many walks of life, are all over this beautiful courtyard but you
wouldn’t know their differences from appearance. They all look the same
and it eliminates any shred of jealousy.
In a way, Angelica regrets leaving this life. It was much simpler. And perhaps had she stayed at this life, at
this convent, she wouldn’t have the mental issues she’s having today.
Enormous trees and
gorgeous, colorful flowers decorate the yard. Simple wooden benches are
also scattered here and there. A few
nuns can be found sitting under trees and some on the benches. Angelica
and Sister Maria find an empty bench underneath the shade of one of the taller
trees and sit down.
“You are right about one
thing, though. I was at my best when I was here, among the sisters.”
“The presence of our Lord
tends to bring out the best in people.”
“I wish I could say that
about everyone. Some use religion for hatred. Planes into the trade towers...violence
against gay men and women in the name of Christianity…” she shakes her head with
disappointment “...the minority gives the majority of us a bad name.”
“Do not let a few evil
people out there get to you, Sister Angelica.” Maria says, placing a comforting
hand upon Angelica’s knees.
“Easier said than done.” Angelica remarks with a sarcastic
laugh. “Sad thing is, we’re all surrounded by a little bit of evil every
day. Especially me. Both of my
daughters are going down a bad path. I
have returned to SCW where gang violence still seems to be the rule of the day.
And then there’s me…”
“You are not evil.” Maria remarks sternly.
“I felt pretty damn evil
when I was trying to cripple that self absorbed little…” Angelica stops herself as she
feels the anger rising back up within her “...point is, I did terrible
things.”
“And you are repentant of
them. You’ve sought out help. You’re trying to change. Did you not
speak with James Evans?”
“I did.” Angelica responds, nodding her
head. “And things are going great so far. He’s been a real solid
support figure for me. Not to mention the fact that we make quite the tag
team inside the ring. We’ve been unbeaten since coming together. We recently beat The Network. Now we’re looking to enter a chamber match at
Under Attack to earn a shot at the SCW World Tag Team Championship.”
“See? Things are
beginning to look up for both you and James!”
“Yes, but for how long?” Angelica sighs and a look of
nervous concern spreads across her face. “I’m still surrounded by bad
influences right and left. Hell, the whole business is a bad influence if
you want to get right down to it. The longer I stay in professional
wrestling, the more unhinged I get. I
lost control a few months ago and nearly crippled an opponent simply because I
couldn’t beat her. So tell me that this business isn’t a bad influence
upon me, Maria.”
“The business is NOT a bad
influence upon you.”
Maria says with a playful wink.
“Quit playing around.”
“I’m not playing around,
Sister Angelica. You really are not influenced by the sport itself.
The problem is your competitive drive.”
“Impossible.” She shakes her head.
“It’s true. That
competitive nature just comes natural to you, Angelica. Even here at the
convent I saw it come out in you. You
tried to be better than the others among us. It’s not a fault or a sin,
but if not controlled it can lead you to sinfulness.”
“So we’re back at square
one. I’m losing control.”
“You said it, not me.” Maria replies with a grin.
“Well if I AM losing
control then I need help. I cannot control this demon inside of me on my
own. I’m just not strong enough.”
“You have James Evans.
Aphrodite Noel.”
“I love Aphrodite but she
encouraged my last outburst. James is a great support figure but I’m not
sure even he can keep the dragon contained. But here…” Angelica waves with her arms to
the surroundings “...here, at the convent, here I was able to keep the
demons under control.”
“Angelica…” Maria’s voice trails off.
“I want to rejoin the
convent. If you think they’ll let me.”
“Angelica…” Maria sighs as her voice once
again trails off before she shakes her head “...no.”
“No?” Angelica blinks with a mix of
surprise and confusion. “But I thought you said I would be welcomed back?
You said I was still a sister, that my ministry wasn’t over!”
“You’re right, your
ministry isn’t over. But that doesn’t mean you need to be in the convent.
In fact, there isn’t much more good you can do from within the confines
of this group. Your ministry is out in the world.”
“But I need to be here!
It’s the only way I can be certain to control my dark urges!”
“You’re exaggerating.
You are a strong woman, Angelica. You helped me when I needed it
the most and I know you can definitely help yourself right now in these
difficult times. You have me, you have James, you have Aphrodite, you
have a strong support system with you every step of the way. You can be an inspiration to the world.”
Angelica pauses to gaze
deep into Sister Maria’s eyes. A slight laugh escapes her lips.
“Funny, that’s kind of how
James and I envisioned Redemption being like.”
“Really?” Maria smiles warmly. She
props her arm up on her leg and then lets her head rest in the palm of her
hand. “Do tell.”
“Honestly?” Angelica chuckles. “You really
care?”
“The wrestling didn’t used
to be my cup of tea, but I’ve always cared about you.”
“Fine…” Angelica stares off into space
dreamily “...well, James and I both have had our share of issues in the
past. We’ve both needed our own form of redemption due to our spotty
past. Yes, he is part of my support
system now, but together we both want to be role models for everyone. We
want to send a message to anyone suffering from the the kinds of issues we once
suffered from, or any issues for that matter, that you can overcome.”
“But what of the name?
Why Redemption?”
“Well, I guess…” Angelica shrugs her shoulders as
she pauses to consider it “...I guess it’s because we want to show that
redemption is possible for anyone.”
“Anyone?” Maria asks with an arched brow.
“Anyone.”
“You got that belief from
the Church.”
“I agree, and that’s why I
should come back to the convent and…”
“No…” Maria speaks out, interrupting
Angelica while shaking her head “ ...you do not need to be in a convent for
that. We know it. You already know
it and now you need to spread that message. That’s what you and James are
doing.”
“You’re not going to bend
on this, are you?”
“I didn’t used to be this
stubborn. I learned how to be stubborn from the best.” Maria smirks as she reaches out
and taps Angelica on the cheek.
“I could probably join
without your consent.”
Angelica shakes her head. “But I won’t do that.”
“Good. Your message
needs to be heard by a greater audience than the people we can reach. You
and James can reach a very wide audience with your team of Redemption in
SCW. That’s what the people need.
They need a message of redemption.”
“We can only do so much.”
“Actions speak louder than
words. You know?”
“Preach the gospel and
when necessary use words.”
Angelica remarks with a warm grin of her own finally forming upon her face. “It
was one of my favorite quotes from St. Francis of Assissi.”
“Your actions, both yours
and James’s, should speak loudest of them all, Sister Angelica.” Sister Maria says, nodding her
head.
“I still want to return to
the Catholic Church.”
“Excuse me?” Maria raises her brows wide with
some shock in her voice.
“The Church isn’t perfect,
neither am I for that matter, but there were things about it that kept me
honest. Confession, for instance; whenever I would have one of those dark
urges, whenever I lost control or snapped, instead of continuing to let it get
further out of control I would go to my priest, go to confession, and his words
would help me keep things sorted out in my mind. The sacrifice of the
Mass, it’s beauty and elegance, it was an escape from the darkness.”
“But you’re Episcopalian
now, or so I thought?”
“I am, but it’s different,
despite what people say. It isn’t really Catholic-Lite.” The two women share a laugh at
this joke. “Besides, if I can’t have the entire convent as a support system,
then I do want the support of Mother Church.”
Angelica stares at Sister
Maria for several moments, first with a smile on her face as she expected Maria
to be thrilled with this news. Maria, however, remains stoic and
emotionless upon this revelation from her longtime friend. Angelica then frowns.
“Well? What do
you think?”
“You realize this may
prove difficult for you.”
“Uh, no? I mean,
former Catholics return all the time. What makes me different?”
“You’re quite well known.
You’re also in a known relationship with Aphrodite Noel. Depending
upon the parish, you may or may not be welcomed back with open arms.”
“The Church makes a big
deal about abortion and yet I don’t see them denying communion to politicians
who happen to be pro-choice.”
“Point taken, but I’m not
one to opine on the judgment calls made by priests and bishops.”
“What about Pope Francis?” Angelica asks. “Pope
Francis has been very open and welcoming towards the LGBT community, Maria.
You know this. It’s ruffled the
feathers of the conservatives in the Church.”
“This is true, but you
know not everyone shares the Holy Father’s opinion.”
“Is that so? Ok
then...” Angelica
folds her arms over her chest. “What do you think of my relationship
with Aphrodite?”
“You know me better than
that, Angelica. God loves us all, regardless of sexual preference.”
“But what about you?”
“Honestly?” She sighs. “I care about YOU
and I’m not going to let something as insignificant as your sexual preference
change that. Besides, it’s none of my business what you do in the privacy
of your bedroom.”
“Good.” Angelica nods her head. “I
appreciate that, Maria.”
“I’m just warning you,
Angelica, the pope may have changed but the Church itself has not changed
much.”
==========
On Camera
==========
The chamber can be an
intimidating structure, even for the most seasoned of veterans. But for
me, hell, it feels sorta like coming back home to an old friend.
A little background,
because this isn’t my first experience with the chamber match. I’ve been
in three chamber matches with three different companies. I successfully defended a world championship
in a chamber match in GDW. I won a world championship in a chamber match
in GCW. And I came within an eyelash of
WINNING the United States Championship here in SCW in a chamber match. So
close…
...but close only counts
in horseshoes and hand grenades, or so they say. Nevertheless, my record
in chamber matches is quite respectable.
Two victories and one runner up; and one of those victories came when I
started the whole damn thing and went bell to bell to beat everyone.
I’m not going to stand
here and be arrogant and say that chamber matches are my specialty. I’m not
even going to stand here and proudly declare myself and James Evans the winners
in advance. Fact is, anything can happen in a chamber match. There is the unpredictability factor, there
are other wild cards you cannot account for.
You have to be ready for anything.
This particular chamber
itself is history, as its the first tag team version of its kind; at least in
SCW’s history. Everyone here is in uncharted territory, whether or not
you’ve had chamber experience. How will
the tag team aspect come into play in a chamber match? What kind of
effect will having backup have on you in a match that is normally everyone for
themselves?
So many question and yet
so few answers. You’d think that would humble a few people and yet there
are those who still hold their heads high into the clouds, thinking they own
the place. They think that they run this show and that they are entitled
to tag team glory.
Truelove Twins, you are a
prime example of what I’m talking about. Your mouths wrote a check your
ass now is forced to cash because you will be starting the whole damn match.
The chamber is a tough match to win anyway, but add starting first to the
mix and it becomes hell…
...trust me, I know.
And you only have
yourselves to blame for that. You have the opinion that you are entitled
to tag team glory. Well the reality check that you’re going to be faced
with at Under Attack is that you are not entitled to shit. You have to
earn everything you get here in SCW. And
you, especially, will have to EARN this tag team championship opportunity by
going through all five of your opponents.
All I can say is good
luck, because you’ll need it. But you’re not alone in your thought
process. You’re not alone in this
entitled feeling. The Stewards, Team Desire, or whatever the hell they
call themselves nowadays, they have that same thought process. That same
feeling of entitlement.
I don’t care who you are
or what you’ve done in the past. It’s irrelevant to today. That goes for
me, as well. I may have a sparkling
record in these types of matches but what I did then has no bearings to what James
and I’ll do at Under Attack. This is a whole new ball game. The Stewards are no more entitled to this
than I am or than the twins are. They,
too will have to earn this through blood, sweat, and tears inside the chamber.
Har Megiddo doesn’t want
tag team glory, they just want chaos and destruction. Violence. If anyone
may be a perfect fit for the chamber, it may be them. But the bigger you are, the harder you fall.
Sorry for the cheesy phrase, but it’s true. And it doesn’t matter how bad
they are, it doesn’t matter how violent they can get, because I can match
violence for violence. As bad as they can get, I can get worse.
That’s not arrogance
talking, either. That’s pure fact. Talk to anyone who knows me, anyone
who has faced off against me, anyone who has history with me; they’ll tell you
what I am capable of in this kind of environment.
Samantha Raine and Crissy
Gardner, you have a history with me. You know all too well what I am
capable of in this kind of environment. You know what to prepare for when
you are facing Angelica Jones inside this chamber structure. So why don’t
you tell them why Redemption, and maybe Angelica Jones in particular, is the
biggest threat in the chamber and should be the favorites to win it all?
What makes me dangerous is
that I’ve learned to channel the rage. Whereas some people, some monsters
like Har Megiddo, are just unchained beasts, I can channel my rage and use it
at the right moments; I can unleash it at the opportune times when it is
necessary. Because the fact is, there is a time and a place for
everything. The time and the place for
rage, for destruction, for violence...that’s the chamber...and I’m fully
prepared to channel it and use it as my ultimate weapon, to fight alongside
James Evans as Redemption marches on to victory.
Now I won’t stand here and
say that we’re going to win it all. Not at all. As I said earlier, too many wild cards and
x-factors in play to make such a bold statement. What I will say,
however, is that the team of Redemption stands ready for the chamber and no one
is going to stop us.
