Day of Infamy
Chicago, IL.
“I tried to look at myself in the mirror. Still in my wrestling gear, sweaty, sore, my face bruising from the knee I took thanks to Ace Marshall. This is not the way I thought things would turn out, always hoping to walk out a victor but seemingly forgetting there is the chance you can come out not only a loser but embarrassed at your own performance. I should have lasted longer in the Elimination match, I am one of the longest TV Champions of all time, I was never defeated for the EMERGE Title, I was trained by LEGENDS, ICONS and HALL OF FAME wrestlers who have done it all and this is what happened to me?
Am I starting to get the answers to all these questions wrong? Have I allowed for a man like Damian Angel to get in my head to the point I can no longer focus on the task at hand? Have I lost the inability to make tactical decisions? Maybe I am way in over my head….
Or could it be that I have been trying so hard for so long to fit a circle into a square peg in hopes things would change? I have expectations, there are so many others counting on my success, I can never let them down yet the thoughts that continue running through my head somehow tell me that I already have. How can I be so careless! What the hell did I subject my body to this past week, what am I doing to myself!?
Why…. WHY!?
I am trying to be this Perfectionist and instead I am failing. The only thing going through my head, is what happened earlier, I watched the replay, I could hear them talking about me…..
Jordan rolls her shoulder up. Jordan rolls over as Peyton gets up and kicks Jordan in the ribs. She then whips her into the ropes. Peyton runs after and nails her with a running spear. She then backs up and grabs Jordan and whips her across the ring, but Peyton then turns and runs after her and nails her with a running dropkick. She rolls through and gets up and Ace suddenly runs at her and jumps up and drills her with the One Eyed Royal. Peyton hits the mat and Ace turns and hooks the leg.
Sharper: “Good night! Peyton just turned and right into it. Ace Marshall taking advantage of Peyton focusing on Jordan for a bit too long.”
Knots: “And they worked so well as a team. Now Ace just tore it down. Took Peyton’s head off!”
Sharper: “And you wonder if she’s still thinking about Damian Angel. That whole situation rattling things and what he said.”
1!
2!
3!
The crowd boos as Ace rolls off.
Phillips: “Peyton Rice has been eliminated!”
He did it to Kelcey and now he did to me. I don’t want to hate anyone, that is not who I am, or could it be that is who I must, so I am not eaten alive in this place? I can’t do this, or I will simply be another psychotic trying to accomplish the same thing over and over the same exact way expecting different results….
…. Something needs to change.
ME.”
TO BE CONTINUED
IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL
PROLOGUE: TAKEN
It is pretty apparent that things didn’t go the way Peyton Rice had hoped at Day of Infamy. The young Rookie of the Year who has had a lot of success in the business has found it difficult at times to get a footing on her career in the SCW. After a near record breaking TV Title reign, she had lost to Aaron Blackbourne but even before then, Peyton always found herself existing, never really being a part of anything big. There were a few times the young Rice decided not to compete in Taking Hold of the Flame thanks to Kelcey Wallace’s condition and the End of the Year Battle Royal. At RTG XVI she wasn’t even a part of the show, instead she competed at the Main Event at the FanFest…
For the last year Peyton has had to adjust to not being the impact player she was in EMERGE and after the last few weeks where many returning stars like David and Jason Helms, Ace Marshall, Lucas Knight and others were looking to get their foot hold back in the SCW, this meant bad news for someone like Peyton who had been trying to find her spot in the company since her debut in January of 2019. Peyton had a budding relationship with Alistaire Allocco, she had gone through tragedy in the death of Ricky Octavius, she had found herself mixed in with people she once worked for to get some extra money and take care of her crippled father after his accident. Things always seem to come back and haunt a woman who has a heart of gold, who has never tried to hurt anyone intentionally, a very understanding free spirit who puts a lot of pressure on herself to the point that maybe she is starting to question her approach, would this be what finally broke Peyton and made her change the stance she once pride herself in or was it much more than that? Day of Infamy was an eye opener, though Ace Marshall is a former World Champion, Jordan Majors took him out, all eyes were on her again…
And while Peyton has been extremely successful against so many top talent…
She has never been given the praise of recognition someone like Jordan has….
And every little bit, from the attacks, betrayals, constant interference from Damian Angel….
Are starting to mount and come to pass.
City of Industry
Los. Angeles County
2.9.2020
2:00 PM
The room was dark, the bad, bitter taste in her mouth was all she could think of as her head was pounding. She didn’t remember much after they confronted Peyton Rice at her home, she had just come home from a jog. Shaking her head some, she could feel her wrists hurting, before she could all the thoughts collected, Peyton realized she was tied up. Her legs couldn’t move either, it seemed like her ankles were also shackled. With eyes wide open, everything was pitch black. She could hear some muffled voices. Suddenly the sack was taken off her head. Peyton’s green eyes squinted, the bright lights, suddenly blinded her. This was something straight out of a movie or TV, she couldn’t believe that this was happening to her right now. Peyton slowly looks up at a large man, he turns and talks to the other in Russian, confusing the Arizona native even more. Why was she there? They both stop to look over at the very frail and frigid Peyton.
Peyta: “You are pretty.”
Peyton: “What…. What am I doing here?”
Peyta: “Peyta explain soon, drink water, take the awful taste out of mouth. Sorry that Peyta had to Chloroform you, they said you were fighter, we underestimated you. Here…. Drink….”
He offered Peyton some water, the bottle gently resting on her lips as she took a few sips to get the taste out of her mouth. She wasn’t out very long, maybe a half hour tops. Long enough to be taken to this location and tied up. She was still confused as to why she was even there. Maybe it had something to do with the Dowlings, it could be someone was tipped off that Peyton had a ton of money in her account thanks to Jordan Majors, there were plenty of explanations which she didn’t know about or couldn’t explain. She drank some more water before Peyta, the beefy Russian in a gray suit and white shirt no tie slowly pulled it away. He placed the bottle on the table, two more men were there, a tall thing yet muscular Russian and then a man who was a bit older, cutting the tips off a cigar and lighting it in a dark gray suit, blue shirt and matching tie…
Peyton: “Why am I here? Who are you people?”
Peyta: “I am Peyta, this here is Vitoli and this gentleman right here needs no introduction. This is my boss, Dmitri. You probably wondering why you here, Peyta hoped it not have to come to this unfortunately, but circumstances made this possible. Peyta don’t expect you to understand quite clearly what is happening, so let Dmitri explain, yes?”
Peyton: “Possible? I have never seen any of you in my life. Is this about my dad? The Dowling’s? What is this about!? Jordan!? Did she put you up to this!? I don’t know what you want but it’s pretty obvious you guys have the wrong girl and….”
Dmitri: “Do you always talk so much? For a moment, please be quiet and listen to me. I don’t know who Jordan is, I could care less what the Dowling’s have done and I never met your papa. Your name is Peyton Rice, no?”
She slowly nods…..
Dmitri: “Good, then you must know that we are not here to play, and we do not make mistakes. You’re the girlfriend of Alistaire Allocco, yes?”
Her green eyes slowly widen, listening to his name made her mind start to wonder, slowly trying to free herself from the binds that keep her in the chair. Peyton now was become nervous, trying to figure out what happened between the two. Were these men Russian Mobsters? She had no clue….
Peyton: “Yes. What does this have to do with Ali!”
Dmitri: “She is a spitfire.”
Peyta: “Da, very much so.”
Dmitri: “This is not personal, is business and so because we didn’t get what we want, we are going to take what he wants and that means that unfortunately for you this will hurt.”
Dmitri nods at Vitoli who comes over to Peyton. She starts trying to break free, she screams at the slender Russian to get away, but he drops to his knees and starts untying her sneaker…
Peyton: “What are you doing!?”
Dmitri: “We like to send a gift, let them know that you are here with us. I’m a fair man, so I will give you a choice…. Vitoli stop….”
Peyton: “A choice!?”
Dmitri: “Yes, we take a pretty little finger or a pretty little toe, take your pick.”
Peyton: “Wait…. Mr. Dmitri, you don’t have to do this, I am sure this is all one huge miscommunication. Let me talk to Ali, let’s call him, I am sure that we can clear this all up. I will give you anything you want sir, I promise. Name it, just please don’t take my finger or toe.”
Dmitri: “I like this girl, they were right, you are pretty, beautiful, model, yes?”
Peyton: “I did some modeling, yes.”
Dmitri stands up and makes his way toward Peyton, taking a puff of his cigar, as his jacket moves, Peyton could see a gun in a holster. Her eyes widen, heart racing when he gets right to her face and smiles, blowing smoke right into her nose and mouth causing her to cough….
Dmitri: “Keep her shoe on, take of the pinky finger on her left hand.”
Peyton: “NO! Please, you don’t have to do this!”
Peyta: “Peyta is sorry about this khoroshen’kaya zhenshchina”
Peyta nods, Vitoli takes out a pair of shears, As Peyton squirm s in her chair, she is so frightened by what is happening that she almost loses consciousness, she starts to get weak in and slumps in the chair, Peyta signals Vitoli to stop as Dmitri smirks and sits down, taking another puff of his cigar. Vitoli turns to Dmitri who smirks, Peyta looks at his watch as if something is supposed to happen sooner than later. Peyton moves around, trying to yank her hand from the Russian who puts her fingers between the shears, so many memories raced through her mind….
Yesterday
Scott Cannon Home
Hollywood Hills, CA.
2:00 PM
In the eyes of the beautiful young Peyton, this moment was needed. The beautiful Peyton loved being in Kelcey’s company, so she tried to spend as much time with Kelcey Wallace she could, which included training or Yoga or just hang out and learn what she could from Kelcey’s knowledge of not only wrestling but life in general. Of course, It was Peyton that never left Kelcey’s side when she was in a coma at the specialist clinic arranged by Chris Cannon and Sienna Swann. Peyton had literally sacrificed everything and put her life and the better part of her career on hold to be with Kelcey and make sure she was getting the best possible care imaginable. It was a challenge at times but Peyton always found time to be with Kelcey, it was her escape, the chance to let things process some, there was never anything deceitful about Kelcey Wallace what you see is what you got, which was one of the traits Peyton admired most.
The gorgeous Wildcat went to visit her friend and mentor. She was in jeans, a black loose halter top and thong sandals, her nails polished lavender and long hair hanging down. She sat with Kelcey outside the home of Scott Cannon in the garden drinking white Sangria. Kelcey was in a floral sundress and flip flops, her long sandy blonde hair was down, nails polished a matte baby pink, the Perfect Ten looked absolutely stunning, and to the surprise of the young Rice was also in such great shape, Peyton was shocked at the transformation and for the first time in a long time it looked like Kelcey was really healthy.
Kelcey smiled, they shared a meat and cheese tray told of her latest misadventure…
Kelcey: “You two wrestled in what? KY Jelly and sex toys!?”
Peyton: “Yeah, that was our team building exercise, so he said. I guess it was a pretty crazy night, I was drunk, I don’t know what I was thinking, guess I was still pretty upset, needed to get away and after that, I ate Ace’s knee at the PPV for my trouble… I am sorry I failed you.”
Peyton looked across at Kelcey who glistened in the sunlight, she waved Peyton off with her free hand…
Kelcey: “Please stop with that talk, you didn’t fail me, say what you will about him, but Ace is one of the best when he is on the game. Think of It as a lesson learned love, we all have those, some nights are memorable, others we tend to want to forget and trust me, that was one of those.”
Peyton: “I know, god I know but it still stings you know?”
Kelcey: “Better than most love. Now listen to me, I saw how upset you were after the PPV, it’s painful to feel like you failed, but I don’t want you to think like that. Frustration is the devil, it will come up and bite you when you least expect it, that is the last thing you want to do. Succumb to anything like that because once you fall into that trap, it’s hard to get out of it.”
Peyton: “Sounds like you’re speaking from experience…?”
Kelcey: “I am love, when I started feeling thee same way, I ended up in Monarchy, which was a little different given that was family, but it was still a choice I regret nonetheless. But you’re young and you’re certainly not me, you are much better than I will ever be now but nights like Day of Infamy happen, Jordan Majors had a night, look at the times before when you have beaten her twice already. It’s swings and roundabouts as Scott would say. Ace, he knows his stuff and he caught you distracted, next time, maybe he won’t.”
Peyton: “I know I’m better than that, Kelcey. I do… It just seems like maybe SCW isn’t for me these days and I’m not just talking about the loss, just the way people carry themselves… It’s disappointing… I hate the lies. The backstabbing, the chaos of it all sometimes…”
Kelcey shook her head, disagreeing with Peyton’s feelings and as her mentor, it was her job to ease the protégé and hopefully make her understand that not every night will be a victory. Peyton though has a lot going on in SCW and outside. Kelcey understands her feelings and the factor that presents itself with this unique situation….
Kelcey: “I understand, better than you ever know. I’ve been in your shoes, felt these same feelings Peyton. But you must ask yourself how you’re going to react accordingly. You must think about the future always, keep an eye on the silver lining even if there are storm clouds lingering by. You have Alistaire, you also have Damian Angel there.”
Peyton: “I rather not talk about Damian.”
Kelcey: “I know, he’s an acquired taste just don’t let him get into your head because that too will be dangerous… Just like I know that you think that this whole time you have been flying on this holding pattern waiting to land. I want you to know that they see what you are doing, they know what you are capable of, the TV Title reign, the wrestlers and record you’ve amassed, Peyton, they can’t deny it. Your time will come, have patience, okay? Please. It’s all I ask.”
Peyton: “I know you’re right. I just think I am letting everything outside of the realm of wrestling get in my head. I have so much going on that I don’t know how to control myself. I promised my dad that I would never change… It’s hard just like I said I would never eat prosciutto and it is so darn good, which I’ll be honest, I thought you were a Vegan?”
Kelcey: “That was a long time ago girl, I love meat now.”
Peyton: “Really…. And did you make this Sangria?”
Kelcey: “Yes I did.”
Kelcey smiles.
Peyton: “I thought you were not supposed to drink alcohol anymore with the medication and treatment you were doing…?”
Kelcey didn’t answer right away, instead she sipped the sangria and winked at Peyton who smirked. The two were enjoying a beautiful day when Scott Cannon arrived home, he had in his hand a stack of envelopes, wearing a black suit, red shirt and no tie he smiles at the two beautiful ladies sat in front of him….
Scott: “Wow, I must have died and gone to heaven…. Two beautiful ladies… No wait PERFECT ladies.”
Peyton: “Ha ha…. Thanks Scott. How are you?”
Scott: “Anytime kid. I’m good, how’s my favorite Perfect Ten?”
Kelcey: “Favorite? How many do you know Mr. Cannon?”
The two shared a laugh which put a smile on Peyton’s lips, it was good seeing Kelcey in such high spirits these days despite everything….
Kelcey: “I am good, love. We are enjoying a girls day, it’s nice relaxing and taking it easy, enjoying the sun.”
Scott: “I bet it is. Well when you get a second, I have something to show you babe.”
Kelcey: “Okay…. I’ll be there in a moment.”
Scott headed back inside after kissing Kelcey. Peyton smiled once more, she could see that they were in love and somehow after all the years of them fighting with each other that this was a complete turnaround, of course what Peyton didn’t know was that Scott had loved her long ago but his brother was always there to make things worse and to be honest how he treated Kelcey especially after the pregnancy was the straw that broke the camel’s back. The gorgeous Kelcey downs her sangria and pours another, she then tops Peyton’s glass…
Peyton: “Honestly I can’t get drunk again, I will feel like a total lush.”
Kelcey: “What will be will be. There are four extra rooms in this house and you only live ten minutes on the other side of the canyon. Worse comes to worse, Scott can take you home.”
Peyton: “Thanks Kelcey, this really means a lot.”
Kelcey: “No, I should be thanking you honestly for all that you did and kept me safe. You never left my side and like I told Owen, managing his business and stuff, I want you to know that I will never leave your side, again.”
Peyton: “That means a lot hearing you say that Kelcey…”
Kelcey: “You’re very welcome sweetheart. I love you Pey, you’re like a daughter to me and I cherish it. Hopefully if things go as planned, I will be able to return the favor in due course.”
Peyton: “I love you too Kelcey and I am sorry that I have been so difficult, all the mischief and skullduggery in SCW has really taken a toll on me and I am trying my best to figure things out. I know you are always there for me and that means the world, knowing I won’t be alone in that aspect, takes a weight off my shoulder to be honest with you.”
Kelcey: “You will never have to worry about that again. I know you miss Ricky; he wouldn’t want you to be this way. I’ll be right back, I’m going to check on Scott, see what he needs. Try the fig jam, it’s delicious.”
Peyton: “I will.”
As Kelcey starts to walk away, Peyton is still shocked at how good she looks, her appetite remembering that even before her pregnancy when she was still in wrestling ring shape, her diet was not consistent like this, she was a vegan, barely ate, always looked pale, had her nerve attacks on occasion, she has seen none of that today, the medication she has been taken must be working a lot better. She sees inside Kelcey talking to Scott, Peyton sipping on Sangria starts to text Ali and see how he is….
Kelcey: “What do you want to show me, love?”
Scott: “Well we got the results back and now I have you being put into another program.”
Kelcey: “Results? What do they say?”
Scott: “Let’s take a look….”
As the two open the envelope, they start reading down, the letter from the specialist, a smile starts to form on the gorgeous face of Kelcey….
Scott: “Says here… That your white blood cell count is maximized, it is better than it was when you were wrestling, the nerve endings have been neutralized and now it is showing extra activity in the brain….? Holy fucking shit, Kelcey…. It’s actually working?!”
Kelcey: “What…? It’s working!?”
Scott: “My God… I think it’s actually fucking working!”
Kelcey screams in joy hopping up and down, embracing Scott. Peyton hears but doesn’t see the commotion while texting. She starts to get up and walk inside, Kelcey and Scott are now opening up another letter, they walk into the kitchen, as the young Rice sees the letter on the table, she picks it up, slowly reading it as her eyes widen, lowering it slowly as Kelcey is standing right in front of her with Scott… both with huge grins which slowly begin to dissipate…
Kelcey: “Okay, so let us explain…”
Peyton: “What is this?”
Scott: “Peyton, what we’re about to tell you doesn’t leave this house you understand?”
Kelcey: “There is no need to talk like that, Scott.”
Scott: “I know but that doesn’t mean she still shouldn’t hear it.”
Peyton: “Okay… But I don’t understand, what’s actually going on then?!”
Scott: “Kelcey was going to tell you eventually but during the last six months Kelcey was accepted into an experimental treatment I had read up online about… I had to pull a lot of strings and took a lot of flak to get her in there from various doctors that were warning us of the risks…”
Peyton: “Kelcey?”
Kelcey: “I joined a program where we were hoping that this could at least prolong the symptoms, even help with controlling my episodes. Well, not only were the results better than we ever imagined, it seems like I might be slowly going into remission…”
Peyton: “Remission…. But I thought there was no cure?”
Kelcey: “Yes, but since these latest studies have shown that it works, they have now entered me into another program that could mean the end of this entirely…”
Listening to Scott questioning her loyalty actually hurt after everything, especially when she found out about them and said nothing to no one when she could have easily done just that… But listening to Kelcye talk about this, put the thought of why she didn’t tell her about this sooner?
Didn’t she trust her either, was this too big a secret to keep?
Peyton: “But…. I don’t understand. You are still sick, we all thought that you are sick…. I believed that you are …..”
Kelcey: “Peyton, I am still sick but as you can see, I am a lot better and keep getting stronger each day. I’m going to beat this and live a normal life. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier, I just….”
Peyton: “I don’t believe this…”
Peyton places the letter down, grabs her things and starts making her way toward the door….
Kelcey: “Peyton, what is wrong? I thought you would be happy?”
Peyton: “I am happy…. I’m ecstatic for you Kelcey. I just wished you’d told me because I would have loved to continue this journey with you and share on the excitement but you didn’t think I was trust worthy enough to be told this fantastic news.”
Scott: “It isn’t like that Peyton.”
Peyton: “I think it is, I spent weeks bedside with you, praying for this day but you couldn’t even fill me in on it? That hurts you know, out of everything, it’ sucks…”
Kelcey: “Peyton….”
She turned and walked out the door, it was another moment where Peyton was once again hurt, she couldn’t take it again, too much of this was going on it felt like and something had to give. Getting in her car, Peyton drove off, Kelcey looked on, now a bit upset, running her fingers through the long strands of hair while Scott massaged her shoulders….
Scott: “I don’t get that kid… Did I say something wrong?”
Kelcey: “It’s fine… She’s going through a lot of shit right now, love and I am going to find out exactly what that is because something is eating her apart and if I don’t do something about it, she is going to regret the next decisions she makes.”
Kelcey grabbed her letters and walked back out to the garden, she sat down and started drinking her Sangria. Scott took off his jacket and joined her…
City of Industry
Los. Angeles County
2.9.2020
2:00 PM
Dmitri looked on, taking another drag of his Cuban Cigar, pouring himself a glass of cheap Russian Vodka. While sipping, his eyes were fixated on Peyton who was starting to resist again, he smirked, enjoying the burning sensation covering his throat. Peyton began to violently jump up and down the chair, Vitoli was about to backhand her but Peyta grabbed his wrist, blocking him from caving Peyton’s face in. She wouldn’t hold still….
Peyta: “Not the face… do not touch the face, comrade. Peyton, make this easier on us, okay? Make it easier on you too. We don’t need this to be more violent than it is, yes? It won’t take but a few moments.”
Peyton: “LEAVE ME ALONE! I DIDN’T DO ANYTHING TO YOU!”
The tears were finally now streaming down her cheeks, she could barely see or focus, as Vitoli forcefully grabbed her hand, where she could feel the cold blade of the shears caressing her pinky. She closed her eyes squinting and grunting and before she heard a familiar voice….
And her heart stopped when her eyes shot open.
It was Adam Allocco.
A LIFE IN TURMOIL
For a young woman at the age of 23, Peyton Rice had so much going on in her life to the point most people would not be able to handle it. In hindsight, her fifth-place finish was respectable and what she did at Day of Infamy wasn’t bad, she was simply disappointed at the results. What most don’t realize is how much she has gone through in the past year, where it has accumulated to the point that even a subpar performance where many wrestlers would simply brush it off, magnifies with Peyto. She has put so much pressure on herself to succeed that at times, while she is very good at masks, pretending most of the time she is happy and content with her performances in the SCW and life in general, no one really knows the demons this young woman faces, the past she is embarrassed of except for her “enemy”, Jordan Majors who while she was drunk, told her about being an escort and how much money she owed the Dowling’s or at least what they demanded since Peyton had left and cost them what they claimed were millions. It was so bad to the point Tessa Dowling started dating her father, Ray. After taking an escape on a boat with Ace Marshall, Asher Hayes, Jordan Majors and Kelsai Adamson-Mason to do a little team building which did upset Alistaire as well. The fact she felt stale in SCW, like she just existed and was going through the motions, although a Trios Contract could change that quickly for the gorgeous Peyton Rice, what always remained was the face she put on, how happy she looked even after Ricky’s death which affected her more than she even had imagined.
Even after Day of Infamy, it seemed like Alistaire was a little distant, maybe he was upset about her trip on the boat, at this point to top it off with Damian Angel and his obsession with protecting her that caused a distraction at Day of Infamy and probably was a factor in costing Peyton her spot in the match. She was hit hard by Ace while wrestling Jordan and taken out. It was a culmination of a bunch of things and Peyton Rice was about to reach a Boiling Point.
Earlier Today
West Hollywood
2.9.2020
9:30 AM
Peyton had scheduled a meeting with Warren Dowling, After Jordan gave her the money in the bank account and refused to take it back, Peyton while feeling guilty for accepting it promised herself that she would one day pay Majors back. Wearing jeans, thong sandals and a white loose halter top, her nails polished lavender, her long sandy blonde hair hanging down. She was nervous about this meeting, but it needed to happen, her chance to finally get rid of one problem while still having to deal with her father and Tessa. As she walked in, surprised to see Tessa there with Warren. Chic was a nice little coffee shop and breakfast place, sitting down where Warren was sipping his coffee and eating a bagel, Tessa also had a coffee wearing jeans, wedge sandals and a black halter top, her nails polished a matte red. Peyton was obviously uncomfortable as her green eyes looked right at Warren….
Peyton: “I didn’t know that both of you were going to be here…”
Warren: “C’mon now Peyton no need to be like that. Sit down, haven’t seen you in a bit, you are looking great may I add. Tessa and I started watching that SCW crap of yours. I don’t know how you love it, how’s the cheek, that one male stripper looking guy looked like he hit you pretty hard in the face.”
Peyton: “I’m not here to talk about my wrestling career, okay Warren?”
Warren: “Whoa, relax, what happened to Mr. Dowling? Shit. Tessa ordered you a bagel with lox, you’re Jewish, right?”
Peyton rolls her eyes…
Peyton: “I am not Jewish and no thank you, I’m not staying long. I just want to get this over with quickly but before I do, I gotta ask you something. Why my father, Tessa? That is low, even for you.”
Tessa: “Peyton, let’s not make a scene, alright? Please sit down. Let’s talk about this and we can all get on the same page, yeah?”
Reluctantly Peyton sits down, looking at her watch….
Warren: “You need to be somewhere?”
Peyton: “Yeah, anywhere but here.”
Warren: “Hold on, why the sudden paradigm shift, you were so nice and sweet to me before and now you are acting like a total bitch. I thought we had an understanding here. Didn’t we have an understanding Tessa?”
Tessa: “Yeah hon you did.”
Peyton: “Yeah, so did I, Warren. Tessa was NEVER part of that understanding and I am not going to be blackmailed. My father? He stays out of this, the nerve of you both trying to bring him into this…”
Tessa: “Peyton calm down yeah, it’s not like that….”
Peyton: “No, I have had enough. My father is hands off, Tessa. I don’t care what you or Warren say. If you want to come after me for money that is one thing, I left the escort service because I was given a chance to train to be a wrestler at Ante Up Academy, so yeah, I bolted the first chance I got, I left Glendale, came here and I wish my dad would leave there and move here too but he’s stubborn and I hate that trait about him.”
Peyton sighs a little while Warren and Tessa listen….
Peyton: “Look, I will admit, I left you guys high and dry, I picked up and was gone, no question about that but does it give you the right to try and manipulate my dad? Come after me thinking I make all this money? Jesus Christ, Warren, I am a midcard wrestler that struggles to get airtime on TV, I am barely a blip on the radar. I make six figures a year, sure but the low end of that until I actually start to win huge matches and titles. I’m not rich….”
Warren cuts her off…
Warren: “… slow down kid. I never said you were rich but what I do know is you have resources, you have connections, your little friend, Owen? The kid has a fortune, his own clothing line, he has connections, so do these Beauty Factory models, what I am saying is, I want a piece of the action…”
Tessa: “What he is saying… WE want a piece of the action.”
Warren: “That’s what I said right?”
Tessa: “No, you said “I”.”
Warren: “Whatever you blue-eyed bitch. So, WE want a piece of the action so that means we need to be partners. I’m thinking of opening it right here in Los Angeles.”
Peyton’s eyes widen….
Peyton: “No, you are not doing that here. That was not part of the discussion. I said I would front the money for you guys to open up your escort service AND the lost income when I left, my father and Los Angeles were not part of this deal. It keeps changing and you know what, I am out.”
Warren: “I don’t think your dad would be appreciative if we told him that you used to be an escort, would he? Imagine a father thinking about his precious little girl sleeping with all those guys….”
Peyton: “I wasn’t a whore, Warren! I didn’t go out sleeping with the clients….”
Warren: “All the time. So, tell me, you did take money for sleeping with certain clients, right?”
The young Peyton doesn’t say anything, he already knew the answer to this, but he felt like he needed to ask her anyway, push her buttons and see how far he could. Peyton shook her head as Warring smiled and leaned in….
Warren: “The minute you took money for sex, you became a whore.”
Peyton: “You know what, I had enough, tell my dad and when you do, I will tell him who you are then Tessa. I’m out here right now!”
Tessa: “Wait…. Don’t leave, hear me out, first please.”
Warren: “What the fuck, Tessa? Just let the little whore go, we tell her dad, she is broken, she will come back to us anyway. The wrestling business will kick her out, her dad will excommunicate her, all the friends who thought she was pure, and innocent will throw her out on the street. Her boyfriend will drop her like a bad habit, it’s okay Peyton, get out of here.”
Much as she wanted to storm off, she knew he was right. She didn’t know how anyone would react if that information were to spill out, so Peyton sat back down, tears almost forming in her eyes of anger as she looked over at Tessa….
Tessa: “I want to talk to you, and I would like to do it alone.”
Warren: “Whoa hold on here.”
Tessa: “Warren, enough of this shit. She is still Peyton yeah; she is still a good woman and we are not these kinds of people. I know how much you want the business back, I remember when we went bankrupt, God it was awful on us. Give her a break.”
Warren: “I have given her a break. These are the terms to our deal, take it or I am going to let the cat out of the bag, which is it Peyton?”
Peyton: “You want to open up your business, fine, I will open it but I am not working for you, Warren.”
Warren: “Fine, deal. I need you to transfer me the money. After that, I will be in touch.”
Peyton: “Fine.”
He stands up, takes his cup of coffee and walks out. That leaves Tessa alone with Peyton who stares daggers right into her eyes….
Peyton: “What could you possibly have to say that I need to hear, and we must speak of it alone?”
Tessa: “Peyton, I need you to know, that when I ran into your father, that was pure coincidence. That did not think for one second we were going to hit it off like we did when the back of my mind the entire time, all I was thinking about is how handsome and charming he is. Your father is a good man….”
Peyton: “Oh my god just stop, Tessa. If you are trying to tell me that you care for my dad, please don’t. I am already having enough issues right now to worry about another like this charade. Using my dad against me is not cool. I always thought you and I had a great relationship. I know Warren is a slimeball, all he cares about is money, but you were never like that unless I made a huge mistake.”
Tessa: “Peyton, you didn’t. We had a great relationship and I want nothing more than for you to succeed in what you do now and if there is, anyway, I can help you with that, I will. I watched wrestling with your father, he sees it every Wednesday and the PPV’s. Win or lose he is so proud of what you’re doing though at times he worries about what can happen to you and I don’t think you can really blame him for that right?”
Peyton: “Don’t try this small talk shit with me, Tessa. I want you to stop seeing my father, you are only doing this to hurt me and it’s bush league.”
Tessa lowered her head, trying to be as sincere as she could, seeing what Peyton was going through, trying so hard to explain her stance she doesn’t share with her brother. Peyton was losing her cool, feeling like she just needed to come out and say it, she did….
Tessa: “Peyton, I’m falling in love with your father.”
In an instance, Peyton slammed the table, the coffee mugs crashed on the floor, the bagels hopped off the plate, startling Tessa, she quickly stood to her feet and screamed….
Peyton: “GO TO HELL!”
Tessa: “Peyton… please…”
Not another word was said, she stormed out of the restaurant only to see some commotion in the alleyway, Peyton glanced over to see what was going on when she finally realized it was Warren Dowling getting pummeled by a man in a black jacket, jeans, boots and a beanie, she tilted her head when realizing who it was, Peyton rushed over and grabbed the man from the back, he quickly elbowed and pushed her against the concrete wall causing Peyton to hit the back of her head hard but not enough to knock her out. She slowly fell to one knee, when the man turned and saw what he did, he quickly scooped her up….
Peyton: “Why Damian!?”
It was Damian Angel; he had been following her this whole time. He passed a fallen Warren who was wiping the blood from his face as a few bystanders were helping him up. Damian carried Peyton to his car, but she quickly started punching him in the chest, causing to let go and landing on her feet. Peyton threw and flung a few more fists to his chest screaming….
Peyton: “WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME! WHY!”
She continued to pelt him with punches, each one weaker and weaker until she collapsed to the floor on her knees, covering her face and crying. He bent over to try and help her up when Peyton pushed his arms away….
Peyton: “Leave me alone! I don’t care if I saved you! I don’t; care if we are Trios partners! Leave me the fuck alone Damian! You are costing me everything in SCW and now you are going to cost me everything in my life! Why are you doing this Damian!? WHY!?”
Damian: “I am indebted to you and saw how animated you were getting in that restaurant. That man is taking something from you, and I cannot let him!”
Peyton: “Damian! You can’t go around beating up random people you don’t know because you think they are hurting me!?”
Damian: “Yes I can.”
Peyton: “No…. no! It doesn’t work that way, Damian! Look what happened at Day of Infamy, that attack, that distraction frazzled me, and I lost focus, was beaten quickly, my jaw still hurts from that knee! I can’t have you going around doing this! I don’t want anything from you!”
As Peyton tries to get on her feet, Damian slowly leans in to help her, but she swats his arm. Holding the back of her head, Damian goes to check but again she wants nothing to do with him….
Damian: “Your head, my apologies, I never meant to hurt you. Please, allow me to check it. I want to make sure that you’re okay.”
Peyton: “I’m fine! I am fine….. please do not touch me! That man you beat up could ruin my life! Thanks Damian!”
Damian: “He can? Then I will go finish him right now and….”
Peyton: “NO! This is not the Wild West! We don’t go around hurting people like that! I don’t know what the hell is going on here, but you need to say the fuck away!”
Damian: “I am on my road to redemption and you are it.”
Peyton: “Oh Jesus fucking Christ….”
Damian: “He has nothing to do with this.”
Peyton: “I’m done…. I am DONE! I am so totally done with this day; how can it get ANY WORSE! JUST LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE!!!”
Her constant cursing was obvious to what she was feeling. Damian was there trying to help her, but she wanted nothing to do with it. Peyton stormed off into her car and quickly drove off, leaving Damian staring at the woman he called his Redemption.
Hollywood Hills, CA.
One Hour Later
After putting some ice on her head, Peyton decided to go for a quiet jog ion the hills, she had on her earphones, listening to music, wearing black tight shorts, a sports bra, ankle socks, sneakers and a bandana with her hair in a ponytail. These were the days Peyton caught herself wishing at times that Ricky was there, he always knew how to handle difficult situations. Day of Infamy, Peyton had somewhat of a break down, one that scared her in a way, it was a side she had never seen, one of anger and frustration. She hated feeling that way, all she wanted to do was live her life, wrestle her matches and try to succeed on her own accord and her own but she found it so hard to accomplish. As Peyton continued to jog, all she could think about was the SCW, her relationship with Alistaire Allocco and how she was going to explain to him how the boat ride went during the Team Building exercise thanks to Ace Marshall. There was Kelcey and her miraculous road to recovery, also Warren, now Tessa was falling for her father, the most important person in her life, finally Damian Angel who was stalking her and wouldn’t be surprised if he was watching her jog right now.
Owen Cruze wasn’t home, she had a feeling Alistaire was going to come over, could the day get any worse was the thought that ran through her mind, the answer was yes. She jogged for about 4 miles; Peyton ran inside. She walked up into her room, ready to kick off her sneakers and socks, when she saw her door to the bedroom open, she sworn to have closed. Peyton slowly walks in when a man grabs her from behind, she screams and pushes with her strong legs right into the dresser, a few things fell off on the floor, the man let go and Peyton punched him hard across his face, he was wearing a mask, stumbling back, she then tried to run but another man came out of nowhere and blocked the doorway, she quickly kicked him between the legs but that was enough time for the other to go into his pocket, take out a cloth and smother her face in. She tried to fight but quickly, her eyes rolled, and she fell into his arms unconscious.
Masked Man: “She is a fighter…. Strong woman.”
Masked Man II: “Arrgh…. She kicks hard.”
The other man took her by the legs and they quickly ran down the stairs, there was a van parked on the side alleyway that Peyton missed going into the house. They load her up face down in the van, the one assailant slaps her ass and nods, talking his mask off as it is Peyta….
Peyta: “Adam is right, she has nice ass.”
The two Russians laugh, slamming the door shut and driving off, just as Owen Cruze is pulling into the driveway.
EPILOGUE: TAKEN
It was an odd situation and one where she now knew that Adam Allocco was somehow involved and didn’t really know how to deal with it. To know that he somehow had a tie in to these Russian mobsters who chloroformed Peyton after invading her house and took her captive. She was out maybe an hour tops if that, the bad taste still in her mouth. She was clearly upset, the scene in front of her was something out of a TV series, it was hard to fathom how in one day after dealing with the Warring’s and even Damian Angel, knowing that Alistaire was probably mad at her and then finding out that Kelcey Wallace was getting a special treatment that could eradicate her Parkinson’s explaining why she was looking so fit and good, it was another layer that had Peyton wondering if this was too much to handle. She tried to stay quiet and cooperate with the mobsters, not knowing what would happen to her.
City of Industry
Los Angeles County
2.9.2020
2:30 PM
She stayed quiet for a second, the men stared down Adam, he turned to Dmitri and Peyta, while Vitoli still held the shears on her index. A mixture of sweat, tears and makeup covered Peyton beautiful features…
Peyton: “Mr. Allocco?”
Adam: “Are you okay sweet cheeks?”
Peyton: “Uh….”
Adam: “Damn it you Russian son of a bitch scumbag mother fucker, leave my future daughter in law alone and back off! Take those shears off her finger, come on!”
Vitoli turned to Peyta who simply nodded. Peyton was still confused; she didn’t know what was going on and how Adam Allocco tied into this, but it was starting to make some sense. This has something to do with Adam’s business dealing and Alistaire. Adam looks at Peyta and points to Peyton….
Peyta: “You want Peyta to untie her, no?”
Adam: “Yes I want Peyta to untie her are you deaf. Dmitri, I don’t know what the hell you are trying to do blackmailing my son and using this beautiful, wonderful woman like his future wife is a pawn, she is off limits! Alistaire is my boy and I will protect him and her until my dying breath.”
Dmitri: “That can be arranged, Mr. Allocco.”
Adam: “No! Listen to me and listen well, this woman doesn’t deserve this, and you have crossed the line with this endeavor. She has done nothing to you or anyone, this is not happening right now. Dmitri, let her go now!”
Dmitri: “Or what?”
Adam: “Or I will bring down this whole chicken shit operation down to it’s knees. You do not go around robbing from my son, are we clear here!? I have this letter; she goes home with me Dmitri.”
Peyton didn’t know what to make of this, obviously she isn’t stupid, she knows this was off, very odd. Adam was being extremely loud and obnoxious, more than he usually is. Peyton sat there quietly when Dmitri nodded, Peyta proceeded to cut Peyton free. She stood up, still a little groggy, rubbing her wrists, as Adam signaled her to come to him…..
Adam: “Come Pey!”
She walked over and he quickly embraced her, giving the thumbs up to Dmitri, Peyta and Vitoli. He then copped a feel on her ass, Peyton was so enraged, confused and tired, she didn’t even care. Adam started to lead her toward the exit….
Adam: “You leave my family alone, if you are going to deal with my son, then you will deal with me and she is HANDS OFF! Are we clear!?”
Dmitri: “Of course. Dosvidanya.”
Adam: “Yeah, adios…. Whatever.”
As Adam led Peyton out, Peyta looked on and smirked, he then turned to Dmitri who shook his head, grabbed a hold of his cigar and took another puff.
Meanwhile, outside, Adam helps Peyton into his car. She lowered her head, leaning it against the window, wondering what the hell happened in the last twenty-four hours. She sighs, doesn’t even look at Adam who she is far and disgusted with. To him this was another scam and she could smell it a mile away. Someone went out of their way to drug, abduct and hold her captive all for some scheme that Adam had plotted to get back in the good gracious of his son….
She didn’t have to say another word, if she did, Peyton wouldn’t make it home….
And she was done….
Being a victim.
SCENE FADES
Day of Infamy
Chicago, IL.
“I will never be Perfect, and I don’t think anyone ever expects me to be. From the time my father became confined to a wheelchair to the moment I stand in front of this mirror now wondering what the hell went wrong tonight, I have found myself struggling to stay afloat. Every time I get ahead, someone violently pushes me back down!
I am better than this.
Training with David Helms, Tommy Valentine, Brittany Lohan, Matty Stone, Regan Street and Kelcey Wallace, all I ever tried to do was live up the expectations I was held to, some that seem like are higher for some. That is all I wanted to do, make them proud, know they never wasted their time with Peyton Rice and yet tonight….
I am better than this.
Fifth place? IS this what I have come down to? I don’t care if Jay Gold, Kelsai Adamson-Mason or Coach Tommy Valentine are okay with it, I am NOT. I can’t let Ricky down, I went down to EMERGE and pinned Selena Frost, I beat some of the best young talent and here I have been just another face, circling around in a holding pattern waiting for something to happen while others get those chances which I am happy for them, I really am but at what cost!? My own success?
I am better than this.
I see myself rolling out of the ring, dazed, dropping to one knee, holding my jaw, it hurt so much, and I couldn’t concentrate but within seconds, I was gone an afterthought….
Jordan kicks out just in time as Ace falls forward. Peyton rolls out of the ring. She falls to a knee, holding her jaw as Ace turns and grabs Jordan.
Sharper: “Peyton not happy, obviously. But she is in the Trios Tournament, guaranteed either the fifth or the sixth pick, depending on how quick Ace or Jordan finish this match.”
Yet, Mr. Sharper assumed and felt like I was okay settling, happy or not. Instead it was about Jordan Majors, a woman that I disliked until these past few days who showed me another side, maybe her true self and I am forever indebted to her and yet why does it bother me so much that she had a well-deserved night and I was a flash in a pan, doing my part and then finding myself in the back, not involved in the result.
I am better than this. I then look up and hear her voice. Turning to the monitor and there she is, Jessica and Jordan…
Jessica: “Jordan, you had a hell of a showing tonight and one that puts you in the driver’s seat for the Trios Tournament draft phase. But this brings up that question again and frankly, with Jake not here, and Bree still cooling down from earlier, have a thought of who you’ll choose.”
Jordan looks down briefly and turns to Jessica.
Jordan: “You know. I don’t have to make any decisions right now. I don’t have to play things out, talk to people or anything. I can enjoy the fact that tonight, I pinned the TV Champion. I pinned a former World Champion. I beat Peyton Rice. I beat the so-called Best Female Wrestler in the world and her team. Tonight…I’m going to focus on that.”
Jordan pauses.
Jordan: “Then I’ll worry about what’s next.”
Jordan turns and walks off. Jessica turns to the camera.
Jessica: “No answers, but surely a tough decision for the Star of Tomorrow. We’ll find out what she’ll choose next Wednesday on Breakdown. Back to ringside.”
I beat Peyton Rice….
I beat Peyton Rice….
I beat Peyton Rice.
Yes, you did my friend, yes you did, knowing….
I am better than this.”
THE END
A CHANCE OF A LIFETIME
The Scene Opens…
Reunion Tower is a 561 ft. observation tower in Dallas, Texas and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Located at 300 Reunion Boulevard in the Reunion district of downtown Dallas, the tower is part of the Hyatt Regency Hotel complex and is the city’s 15th tallest building. A free-standing structure until the construction of an addition to the Hyatt Regency Dallas in 1998, the tower was designed by architectural firm Welton Becket & Associates. Celebrity Chef, Wolfgang Puck opened the fine-dining, revolving restaurant, Five Sixty on the tower’s rotating top level on February 11, 2009. The name is a reference to the restaurant’s elevation. The middle floor of the tower is used for special events managed by Wolfgang Puck Catering, which is based at nearby Union Station.
The Observation level is called the “GeO-Deck”. The interior facility includes an interactive digital experience featuring information about Dallas landmarks, Reunion Tower itself, the events of November 22, 1963, live view high-definition cameras and more. The exterior of the observation deck features telescopes with views in every direction. The Cloud 9 Cafe is accessible from the observation deck, serving meals and snacks with a 360-degree view from behind glass. The gift shop at the tower’s base features souvenirs related to Reunion Tower, Dallas and Texas and other novelty items. Here is where we find the gorgeous Peyton Rice, a woman who was the 2019 Rookie of the Year and has had her ups and downs in the SCW since entering last January. Peyton is starting to grow increasingly frustrated with her role in the company, she is a very determined young lady that wants the chance to prove herself but often finds that she is basically circling the wagons until something comes along.
For Peyton, the wait and see approach for a very respectful woman who wouldn’t hurt anyone intentionally or complain and raise any sort of trouble has seen her lowest point in the young career at Day of Infamy when she was eliminated quickly from the match after her team won a chance at Trios. For Peyton, it didn’t sit well, the entire weeks, it was weird, out of her character and the end result was being a Team Captain and showing the world that she can do something with what was given and win a Trios Contract. All of this had been building for the last year, her rock, Ricky Octavius was gone, Alistaire Allocco and the whole mess with his dad, the Damian Angel situation, even Jordan Majors, along with the Dowling’s interfering with her family had become too much, could she handle anymore?
At this rate, probably not.
Wearing tight designer jeans and a wine colored sweater, black open toed heels with her nails polished white, long sand blonde hair slicked back in a ponytail and made up to perfection, the alone Peyton Rice looked out into the city of Dallas before letting out a sigh and walking over to a corner that was nice and quiet…
REC:
She took a second to collect her thoughts before finally focusing her attention at the camera, her green eyes glare a little before they narrow, speaking in her adorable girly voice…
“I love going up to the highest points of all the cities we travel too, it gives me the chance to explore places that normally wouldn’t give me a chance to. Hey guys, I’m happy that I am able to get this time to talk to the fans, my opponents and my team themselves. It has been a really rough stretch for me, and I am not going to sugarcoat anything to anyone, I want to be as transparent as I can be especially with a Trios Tournament coming up. The SCW is my dream job, it gives me a chance to perform in front of millions of screaming fans. Sitting at home when I was taking care of my dad, I never once missed Breakdown. I was in awe at some of the biggest names in the industry and dreamed that one day, I would be there, in the spotlight, I thought it would be the absolute perfect place for me to hone my craft and become an SCW Superstar like those before me. The UWA Cruiserweight Division was my first stop, then came EMERGE where I was their proud champion. I was scared about joining the SCW at first and then seeing Owen Cruze do it right out of the gate inspired me to do the same, I saw it and was like…
That is where I want to be.
Now that I am here, for the last year I have had the chance to make a statement, I started off trying to get my feet wet, a Trios Tournament was an arduous task for a gal like me who had been in the promotion a month or so, I really didn’t truly grasp or understand the importance it held. I was on the same team as Chris Cannon and Scarlet Gray, we pretty much imploded in the first round thanks to Scarlet trying to act like she was Kelcey and were eliminated. What I took out most about the Trios Tourney though was the time I spent with Ricky Octavius in Miami. To watch Regan Street, Kellen Jeffries and Glory Braddock take the contracts was pretty incredible, in the long run, nothing can beat the experience…
But that is where my problem lies…
Lately everything has been an experience.
It seems that after my TV Title run, I simply exist, I’m the cute girl walking in the back, doing my thing, smiling, being nice to everyone, Rookie of the Year, getting a lot of praises for my work in the ring when I am not being attacked from behind or getting deliberately screwed out of matches. It’s like sometimes I am forgotten, and you know who’s fault that is?
MINE.
Every single wrestler on this roster is here for one reason, that is to succeed, but in order to that you guys, they have to market themselves properly, make some noise, grab the attention of the fans, the bookers and the boss. They are the ones who get the opportunities, that is why you constantly see the James Evans, Sienna Swann’s, Selena Frost’s, Ace Marshall’s, David Helms, Bree Lancaster’s, Regan Street’s, Syren’s just to name a few always at the top of the card, their names sell tickets. Look at Jordan Majors and Owen Cruze, how they have climbed the ladder, Jordan getting her breakthrough moment at Day of Infamy outlasting all of us while I laid an egg. She gets it, and now I have been waiting for that chance, a moment to shine, to show what I can do and how far I can reach the top because for the last year I have been the silent majority, for the last year I have DONE EVERYTHING that has been asked of me. For the last year I followed every rule, was a team player, showed the entire roster that I cannot be bought, I will not cheat or take shortcuts, I walk out with a smile on my face even when I want to scream from the top of my lungs in anger, that is who Peyton Rice has been and patiently waiting for my opportunities.
I am grateful for what this company has done, humbled by the chance to represent those that believe in good sportsmanship and the spirit of competition. The fans that want wrestling, not this skullduggery crap that happens every single week all for a title. This is the moment I have been waiting for, to finally make something happen and the fastest track there?
Is a Trios Contract.
Any match, any stipulation, any opponent or title, the Holy Grail in the SCW and I get the chance. I was in fifth place but luckily for me I was able to get my number one draft pick had I been the first on the clock, that being Alistaire Allocco, my boyfriend, my love and now my tag team partner. Listen guys, my attitude lately has been off, being short with people, cursing, seemingly annoyed and frustrated. I think Day of Infamy was the cherry on top but there has been so much building up in my personal life the last few years that I haven’t had much a break and I don’t mean to take it out on anyone but the pressure is that placed on me to perform, to constantly be the best, holding a standard comparable to none?
Is super tough and at times, I hate it.
Because this is not who I am….
…. It is who I am becoming.”
Peyton looks away, almost shamefully as she is trying to be frank and honest with the fans. The gorgeous young Rice does put a lot of pressure on herself, it is very hard at times for her to see through her own faults. That is what makes her special though, the constant strives to do better each and every single time she goes out and this Trios Contract Tournament will be no different. She is with Alistaire, a man she loves and trusts and Damian Angel, a man that has been stalking her and trying to protect Rice at every turn to the point he has become a distraction. She turns back to the camera and speaks…
“You guys, everything that I do is for my dad, I have said it a thousand times over. He is the reason I am here, how I conduct myself, always making him a promise that I would never change and live by the same code and creed he did his entire career and even now after his ability to walk was taken from him. Honor, Dignity, Respect. I try so hard every single day to live by those three words and damn it, the SCW makes it so hard! I love this sport, I love the people that spend their hard earned money to come and see the Trios Tournament where I have my boyfriend and my stalking guardian Devil who likes to attack my friends for no reason other than to think it helps when it all it does is distract me to the point I lose focus and get knocked out by flying Ace Marshall knees!? This is exactly what I am getting at, I am trying so hard to be positive, to keep telling myself that I need to just go out there every single week and wrestle, they will see what I can do just like I did with the TV Championships and this tourney can give me that opening. Then I run out, trying to save my roommate and best friend Owen from my own partner, asking myself, what is going on?
This is Trios, Peyton.
There are teams out there that will work well together, others that will not, some will flourish but at the end of the day only three people will walk out of there with a Trios Contract. I want one of those three to be me. See, I can come out here and talk about how great everything is and I would be lying to the people I care about my fans. I learned a long time ago that I could never be perfect, and I don’t mean like never making a mistake, finding your own level in your life that is perfect for you….
I never had that.
Since I was 16, I have taken care of my father, I had to drop out of college because I couldn’t afford it, I had to work to take care of my dad. My youth was gone and listen you guys, I am not trying to garner sympathy here in anyway, oh no I want you all to understand what makes Peyton Rice tick. I had to mature when most kids were still sneaking out of the house to spend time with their boyfriends, I was picking up extra shifts at the diner. I KNOW what hard work and dedication is, I have never stopped trying to get better, looking for ways to improve, evolving and one thing that I have learned both in the ring and in the real world?
The nicer and kinder you are, the more people take advantage or stomp all over you, thinking they can, always taking kindness for weakness. Maybe I have had enough? Could it be that I finally have reached a boiling point where I am so sick and tired of this crap which seems to happen every single week whether to me or my friends and those I care about? On a night where we hope to celebrate Aaron Blackbourne’s World Title win, where I’m praying either mine or Owen’s team get a Trios Contract, where we should be celebrating all the talent in the ring and on this show and instead we are trying to defame and downplay one another for what?
It makes you feel better.
I don’t need to break someone down to beat them, maybe I simply have been too nice in my approach. I should probably toughen up more but see guys, I have had so much happen that I am starting to believe less and less in the human spirit as it seems like nobody wants anyone else to succeed in the same profession we have shared gyms, lockers and hotel rooms with? This is why my approach is that with Ali’s, we are here to wrestle, make a statement, show that while we are nowhere near the favorites to win this tournament we can surprise quite a few people and show the SCW that the underdogs can take it. Across from us is in the first round is Marie Jones, Maria Vencejo and Owen Cruze. The chance to wrestle Owen Cruze excites me, I just wrestled Jennifer Helms at the Ricky Memorial. What I see across from us are three individuals that want it just as bas as we do. I look at the entire brackets, Jordan and Bree, Datura coming back, Coach David Helms, I can’t believe it, for me to wrestle him in a real match? Maybe a chance to get a little payback on Ace, Jason Helms, Regan Street, Selena Frost, Coach Tommy Valentine, my favorite person in the world, Kandis… that last one was sarcasm. They are the cream of the crop, monsters to the best wrestlers on the planet and I would go to war with Damian and Alistaire against them anytime no matter how I feel about Damian, because one thing I know?
He will fight for and alongside me.”
Peyton walks up to the glass and looks out into the city, she is there wondering what can or will happen when they enter the Tournament. She hopes for the best but expects the worst. Peyton seems to have had an attitude change lately, not one really out of anger or bitterness, more out of frustration where what she is doing right now is not working. Facing her roommate in the frost round will be tough but whatever happens, she is willing to accept. She continues to speak…
“Looking at Owen and knowing that one of us will eliminate the other right off the bat is a real bummer. I know how much he wants this, and he knows how much Ali and I want a Trios contract too. I wish that things were paired different, but they are not. I’m sure Maria wants to use her contract to help her partner maybe dominate in the tag team ranks, Marie Jones is an awesome wrestler and soon to be Supreme Champion that had a hell of a night at Day of Infamy and I can’t tell her and Kimberly apart though I sometimes want to shake Kimberly, really really hard. Marie Jones is part of the famous family, a great lineage and someone who has become a star by paying her dues and she did well to pick Owen, she knew that if Ali wasn’t available, Owen would have been my choice.
And Owen….
You know how much I love you, dude. We are like brother and sister, you have been my little bro since you were like 15, and always wanted me to be your babysitter. I kid, Owen. I think you understand how much I want to have a Trios Contract in my hand. Like Jordan and Kelcey, young pups that could make our careers in the first year or so. See, I have existed here, I was content with that. I wanted to learn on the job, slowly earn my keep and then get what I deserved. I think I waited long enough and I am TIRED of just being here, now?
I want to BE the one they talk about, show the world that Day of Infamy was my wake-up call and now I am wide-eyed and ready to do whatever I can to reach the top. If that means going through you O-Cru, then so be it. When this is all over, I will buy you a milkshake and we can laugh about the bruises we put on each other’s butt cheeks. I care about you so much but I feel that as a Team Captain, I have a responsibility to lead them to a Trios Contract. Damian will stand side by side, I hate what he is trying to do, I hate that he was talking to Mr. Allocco, I hate that I always have to look over my shoulder but no matter what happens, with Ali by my side, we have what it takes to win this entire tournament. No one is walking over us, I am not going to go out there all smiles and pretend that I am everyone’s friends. Not tonight…
We are coming to compete?
But we are also coming to win.
Everyone has a story to tell, all of us want the Trios for a reason, selfish, honorable does it really matter? Do I want to see Bree, Jordan and Datura win it? No. Regan, Selena and Christy? No. Coach David, Ace and Glory? No. Do I want to see anyone else win it?
NO!
Because I a m not going to stand in line anymore! I am not going to wait my turn! I will not have my face disappear into the sea of wrestlers who rather collect a paycheck and do nothing, THAT IS NOT ME!
I am Peyton Rice, the 2019 Rookie of the Year, the only undefeated EMERGE Champion! The second longest reigning TV Champion missing it by ONE day! Those accolades, I use them as an example so people can see that is what hard work pays off and translates to! And moving forward, I will never break the promise I made to my father….
Instead I will make a new one….
Peyton Rice?
Is a VICTIM NO MORE!”
She glares into the camera, brushing her har back and tilting her head with a cute smirk….
“Alistaire Allocco, Damian Angel and me?
Are not just another set of “Pretty” Faces.”
She slowly backs up and smiles before turning around and walking away.
FADE TO BLACK
/REC
Peyton Rice 