Rivalries…

 

If you thought I was going to be quiet about what is going on in America, then you’re just being lazy.

The battle for America wages on just like in HOW. Unfortunately, in America, it’s generally white men that have a say. The BIPOC people and women are left out. Here in HOW it’s not the same. The people who built this company are all colors, creeds, races, and genders. Currently, the title is held by the epitome of all the things wrong with this country. A Cis Caucasian male who believes his own bullshit. What’s worse is he actually has people who believe the trash he spews. I wonder how far America has fallen in allowing people to believe idiots and then I look at Christopher America and it all makes sense. Of course, you could be a champion if you’re a bully, that’s how you got it in the first place. Playing mind games with weaker people in order for them to give you the title. I was the leader of my War Games team so I gave myself the title. I didn’t manipulate other people into thinking that I was the right person for it. I took it because it was the obvious choice. But Christopher America is a mastermind game player, he always has been. He’s the type of car salesman who will sell you a car that isn’t even running but you believe that someday will. And for that I have to give him credit for that innate ability to manipulate and move people in such a manner. It’s a well-crafted game of chess that he has mastered over his career. But you can still smell the trash regardless of how pretty he perfumes it.

His goal has been the elimination of The highwaymen, he has not made any qualms about it. Yes, we all had to witness the Battle of him and Solex around 4th of July. But I had Juneteenth, that counts, right?

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, two people on opposite political sides that have huge followings and both spew insane nonsense. That is what we were all subjected to… and Eagles…

America has always been a self-serving pompous ass who has turned America into a “brand” to be bought and sold. Something to make a profit off of for his own personal greed. He is the epitome of corporate greed and everything wrong today in and out of the wrestling ring.

He’s a proud American, right? I’m going to use my voice while I still have it. Seeing as how my Reproductive Rights have been taken away, I’m pretty sure my right to vote is going to be taken away next.

But vagina talk bums people out! Women’s rights, people’s freedoms. That is the topic that should be addressed by America. But again his self-servingness is strong, he couldn’t care less about women or any issues we have. 

The 4th of July in HOW was such a huge event. We were celebrating a day that was created for free white men! Wait, were they ever enslaved? They freed themselves from unfair taxes and were free to choose their own religion… as long as it’s Christian… in a country they founded. Wait, weren’t there indigenous people here first? How can they find a country that already had a foundation, history, and rich diversity? I am seeing some cracks in all of this…

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” Sounds beautiful!! 

In 1776 those words were written. But slaves weren’t freed till 1865. And women… well… we women got the right to vote in 1919… our bodies still aren’t ours.

But let’s celebrate America! Let’s celebrate the man who is the embodiment of male privilege. 

The Declaration of Independence says “All men.” So, of course, obviously I do not count. I wanted to be in the battle for America. Let’s talk about true freedom. But I am not a white male so, of course, I was excluded. I was in the Hall of Fame before America. He was an add on for the AoA. A group that used me and my platform to further themselves and get their notoriety here in HOW. I love how my back has been used to push other people up and elevate them. You’re welcome, America.

I’m not who the Founding Fathers had in mind when talking about freedom. No, the two idiots who Simon and I are facing are who the Founding Fathers had in mind. I’m the Founding Fathers nightmare. I am black woman who has been an equal to these men, if not their superior. 

The draft in our lifetimes hasn’t been enacted. So, this is all about freedom of choice. Because how can you get further ahead without acknowledging your failures? This is wrestling, bury your opponent and get your shit in, right? If you fail, you spin it and keep it moving.

At least that’s what we do here… but you know I might be wrong. Then again, I’ve been doing this long enough to know the truth. The truth is that at the end of the day.

All this talk of America and he’s got a partner this time. You know if he can bother to show up, depending on his mood, we all know that. John Sektor, he was HOW before I was. He’s also been one of the most volatile people and they say I’m emotional. It’s interesting how everyone’s so quick to kiss his ring now that he’s back and be all happy and jubilant. Spare me, and watch me while I roll my eyes at this. He’s back for now, but how much longer until he gets upset again and leaves? Right now, he is on the side that suits him and it always has benefited him because he has always been better at being a favored pawn of Lee Best. He and Simon used to be really good at being that. But in recent years it would appear that Simon has fallen from grace and John has found a way to get himself back where he needs to be and in the position he needs to be in. 

For as long as I’ve known Sektor, he’s always been a sleaze ball in my opinion. There’s always been something I don’t trust about Sektor. And at least I know to follow my gut, because I’ve been right every time. Just like I know I’m right about Stevens being the person who is responsible for my nightmares. Just like I know in my gut STRONK is a sweet innocent soul. My gut isn’t wrong. My gut tells me that Sektor will do what he needs to do to be on the same page with America. 

That’s how things happen though, isn’t it? Especially with people like America and John Sektor. It’s not really friendship and that’s the problem: loyalty doesn’t exist among them, just mutual goals. It’s a sad way to live but it’s how they have survived. Whereas I, on the other hand, find friendship more important than just an alliance. It doesn’t make me weak? It makes me understand the value of a human being. Something neither of them could understand or grasp in a compassionate manner.

 

———-

Downtown Cleveland Ohio

Thursday Sept 22nd 

 

We see downtown Cleveland, slowly moving towards public square, as we zoom in closer we see Colossal Cupcakes. The outside of the building looks pink and ketchy. Inside we see bright vibrant pastels. Giant high back throne seats. Chairs shaped like picture frames with gold lemay coming out of the walls. There are several different chandeliers around the place as well as display cased pastries. Not regular pastries but macarons, giant cookies and the most beautiful decadent cupcakes that Cleveland has to offer. 

Honestly, if you’re a Barbie fan this looks like an ideal place for you to hang out, this is not the type of place you would see most people going on a weekday. Then again she is not most people, she is the one and only Queen of Epicness. She’s wearing a magenta button up poet blouse with a black corset belt. She has on a black pencil skirt with black ballet flats. Her hair pulled back into a half updo. Her eyes watch the window from a large blue high back chair. She nurses a milkshake as she seems to look anxiously out the window.

This was her city. Yes, she hailed from “Parma Heights, Ohio” but that’s the thing. If you are from a suburb of Cleveland then you’re from Cleveland. She was a west side Clevelander and it felt safe that she was on home turf this weekend. She didn’t have to travel all over or take a jet, just hop on 480 and head downtown. So, why was she already downtown? The show is days away. She didn’t have a victory to celebrate, at least not one that mattered to the fans. But this meant a lot to her. 

Her thoughts were dashed as she saw people wearing black and yellow. She squinted seeing a familiar symbol on the shirt. 

Bobbinette: Disrespectful…

She mumbles under her breath. 

Bobbinette: You don’t wear that… not in Cleveland.

She says even louder as the person working the counter hears her. She notices more people wearing the same paraphernalia. She sees people wearing brown and orange clothes walking across and cussing out the people in black and yellow. A small smile spreads across her face. As the realization slowly creeps in that this is Thursday and she’s in downtown Cleveland. It’s game night against one of the biggest rivals of the Cleveland Browns, the Pittsburgh Steelers. She grabbed her milkshake and her bag and exited the store with a cute pink bag with her cupcakes in it. She stands outside watching fans bicker with each other. She smiles bigger as she watches it. Sipping her milkshake. It’s this feeling that you can only get from watching this type of interaction. The spark she’s been missing on this wild goose hunt. 

As if an idea came to mind she sends a text to a group chat called the trio.

Bobbinette: I’m heading home before things get wild. If you’re wearing black or yellow leave the area.

She slips her phone into her pocket as her pink Limo pulls up. Alton, her trusty chauffeur, gets out of the limo opening the door for her.

Voice: Queen shit on turds Island! Ladies and gentlemen of Cleveland there is my big sister. She can’t even drive herself around because she is too good to mingle with us common folk!

Bobbinette freezes as she hears the voice. Her eyes see her younger sister Elysia Carey. Elysia is wearing an orange form fitting t-shirt with a gray leather jacket. Bobbinette looks over at her sister crossing her arms in front of her. 

Bobbinette: What are you doing down here?

Bobbinette feels her eye twitch.

Bobbinette: Wait… you haven’t been working with Scott Stevens to kill me, have you?

Elysia laughs at her sister.

Elysia: Not everything is about you. Also, I live here. But it’s pretty funny that you managed to be in the main event of a show the same weekend as the Steelers play the Browns in Cleveland. Who’s dick did you suck to get that to happen?

Bobbinette glares.

Bobbinette: Cleveland deserves a main event on an Epic level. I’m the hometown girl.

Bobbinette says in a matter of fact tone.

Elysia: So, everyone is going to see you fail. You know people don’t go over in their own hometowns, and this is just going to be a continuation of your losing streak. I don’t need to help anybody murder you, you’re killing your career all on your own.

Bobbinette hands her cupcakes to Alton who sets them in the trunk and steps back, aware that it’s not a good idea to get in between the two Carey women.

Bobbinette: The main event in Cleveland with three other Hall of famers. We all have history with each other. The bronze era of HOW. So, it makes sense to me that the weekend that Cleveland has its historic rivalry-

Elysia: You prove that you’re a hometown girl and lose just like the Browns?

Bobbinette: Why are you wearing the team colors if you don’t support them?

Bobbinette says with annoyance.

Elysia: I love the Browns and I support the Browns, but I know they’ll let me down. That’s what being a Cleveland fan is. Just like I know you don’t belong here anymore.

There is venom in the matter of fact tone the younger sister displays. Elysia pulls a scrunchie off her wrist, pulling back her black hair with purple streaks into a ponytail as she stands there.

Bobbinette: That’s where you’re wrong. This match might as well be a handicap match. Sektor’s back with a vengeance. Yes, like old school him, and teaming with America… and I’m teaming with a transphobic… Simon is more lost than I was.

Bobbinette says, shaking her head. It’s clear the younger sister is not buying what she is saying.

Elysia: Were? You lost to Scott Stevens… you’re still lost. America came back and he’s the World Champ. You’ve held no belts since you’ve been back.. you have all the chances in the world and you waste them. You won’t let your daughter wrestle, you won’t quit. Lee Best took a chance on the wrong Carey. I don’t quit, I don’t waste people’s time. You came back and were offended at Jatt’s comments and contacted HR. I would have knocked his ass out.. .you’re in a place where people kill each other. I get the blood lust that people there have. You just “wrestle.” You are the Cleveland Browns of wrestling.

The two sisters by now have garnered the attention of people walking by.

Bobbinette: The Browns actually did pretty good before they screwed over Baker and then brought in somebody who has how many charges and accusations against them? I’m in HOW because I want to educate the damn masses. I am a role model to girls out there, to little kids in general. Main event chalked full of Hall of Famers! Who knows, John Sektor could throw a tantrum and quit again… but…

Bobbinette says, rolling her eyes.

Bobbinette: America, we know that as long as he has that title he’s here. But we also know as soon as that belt is off his waist he’s gone for another 10 to 15 years. I didn’t need a title to bring me back. You talk about how I don’t have it anymore? You fail to realize: I am wrestling. I didn’t need a belt to bring me back. I had goals in mind and until I achieve those goals I will not leave. And I’m sorry Ms. Hand-me-downs that I didn’t hand you down my contract in HOW to you, because you’re not worthy of it!

Bobbinette’s cheeks flare red as her eyes glare scornfully at her sister.

Elysia: Really? You’ve been scared of your own damn shadow and now you all of a sudden have balls? Where did this come from? You haven’t been Hall of Fame worthy in the longest time and now you’re going to stand up because your sister is questioning you? Really?

Elysia laughs at her sister’s audacity.

Bobbinette: Doesn’t have a damn thing to do with you. Has to do with the fact that this is MY city. I am Cleveland wrestling! Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach. That’s why you have a wrestling school on West 25th and I am selling out The Gund.

Elysia: It’s not even called that anymore!

Bobbinette rolls her eyes.

Bobbinette: I’m aware.

Elysia: So, you’re calling it by its dead name therefore proving you’re a hypocrite and don’t mean any of the woke things you talk about.

Bobbinette: It’s a building!

Elysia: And now you’re sounding like the white men who won’t call the team The Guardians because you are so attached to the former name.

Ely counters as she watches her sister look frustrated. The two seem to be ignoring the crowd that’s observing and even filming it. Bobbinette balls her fist stepping towards her sister. The two are nose to nose, Elysia seems to have a smirk along with a happy look, knowing she has upset her older sister.

Bobbinette: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse!!

Bobbinette screams in her sister’s face.

Bobbinette: Happy?

Elysia shrugs her shoulders.

Elysia: A little. You called poor Jatt transphobic. How the hell can you get along with a partner who you can’t stand?

Bobbinette: Wrestling is chemistry. We all know what we are doing in the ring and Conor trusted him for a bit so maybe that may help. Simon hates me. It’s a mutual dislike but he is probably still bitter at Sektor for his betrayal and that trump’s disdain any day. We can both use the win. So, Simon I’m sure is willing to work on somewhat of a cohesive level for that fact alone.

Bobbinette says walking towards her limo.

Elysia: Is that the one you’re fucking?

Her sister asks, leaning now against the building.

Bobbinette: Don’t be crass, Elysia Javon!

Bobbinette says, not even looking over her shoulder.

Elysia: You have so much going on with a bunch of men, I just figured I’d ask Bobbinette LeShawn!

Alton opens the door to the limo, seeing that Bobbinette seems ready to finally make her exit from Cleveland.

Elysia: Good talk big sister, let’s do this again in six months when you waste more of mine and everyone else’s time. Unless you die or something…

Elysia crosses her fingers with a hopeful look as Bobbinette ignores her sister and lets Alton close the door for her. Bobbinette rolls her eyes as her sister makes faces and flips the bird through the blacked out windows. Bobbinette leans back in her seat and tries to focus her mind on more pressing matters.

Bobbinette: Color me shocked and surprised that a white man named America remembers history incorrectly. America’s been friends with some of my biggest enemies and he still is! That’s what he does. And because of that he sees history in a grossly inaccurate light. I have to remind him that Mario took the World title from me. The only reason he got it was because he beat me for it. I didn’t leech on him for it. He got famous here in HOW off of MY name.

She seems annoyed as she squints.

Bobbinette: I’m half nervous by even bringing up his name. He’s like a bad Penny. You say his name three times and he appears like Beetlejuice! 

She has the partition between her and the limo driver down. Alton might be her chauffeur, but she knows these streets. She knows how to get in and out of this city without getting caught in traffic.

Bobbinette: Don’t take 480. Will be stuck in traffic for hours. Take Lorain to the 25th.

She instructs as she looks at her phone and sighs. Alton nods his head as he knows it’s better to be silent. She needs a sounding board and he is great at that. It’s why he has been driving her off and on for over 15 years.

Bobbinette: I know all three of these men. Two were the bronze age, I’m the silver age, and America the golden age. And we’re all back. All four of us have the prestigious Hall of Fame ring, at least I think they do… I don’t know about them. I mean mine is kind of in a box somewhere.

She squints her eyes while going off topic thinking about where she set it down, at which home it is in. The worry creeps in for a second that maybe it was in her Chicago sanctuary. She shakes her head dismissively, taking a deep breath and refocusing.

Bobbinette: I’ve been on opposite sides with all three of them. I don’t think I could ever say I’ve considered any of those men friends. Actually, I know for a fact I haven’t. Through my entire history of HOW. I respected John, wanted to punch Jat… I mean Simon… I mean, what the hell is his name now? Or her name? 

She pauses as her hand goes to the side of her temple in annoyance.

Bobbinette: I don’t want to miss gendering them. You know what? I’m just going to go by the they/them pronoun for them for right now. Because, what if I’m wrong? What if they actually are identifying as a woman? Then I’m just a giant ass hypocrite and I can’t be that. I despise this person with everything that I am and it seems like a cheap tactic to try to further their career…

She closes her eyes, shaking her head from side to side.

Bobbinette: Instead of doing it out of the movement of so many people that have suffered to have themselves identified in the way that they feel comfortable with in their body. If this is just a ploy they are doing it’s disgusting. It wouldn’t surprise me though that’s who they’ve always been. Self-serving just to get attention. At least what I stand up for has to do with me. And now I have to get along in the ring with them… I don’t even know what name they’re going by right now, I know Simon and then whatever the other one wasI don’t know. He was naked and it disturbed me, I had to look away and turn off the TV… but they teamed with one of my newer friends, Conor, but during that time they were also with JPD. 

She rolls her eyes with disgust.

Bobbinette: That man has become a problem. All because he’s jealous that I might have a crush on his protector. But he’s had issues with me before he got STRONK. And when STRONK came out to help me, who was there to stop him and lay me out? JPD. The jealousy is so prevalent I almost want to ask JPD if he’s got a crush on STRONK and is trying to cope with those feelings in an unhealthy manner? I mean it would explain why he’s got a new female friend and why he’s treating Madison so terribly. He doesn’t know how to cope with the emotions because men for the most part are not taught how to handle their emotions and feelings. And seeing someone take away something that was his, is causing him to throw a tantrum.

She sighs heavily. 

Bobbinette: Big words and big feelings there buddy, huh? 

She says with a laugh.

Bobbinette: I haven’t even taken him, I’m just letting STRONK know I am genuinely interested and that there’s a vibe there but noo! Everyone has to come between that…even Conor, God bless his soul…

She pauses and shakes her head as she’s watching Alton drive when she realizes Cleveland is becoming gentrified and her city is changing. Public square is now a circle, the crossover between West 25th and Lorrain has a Whole Foods about to go up. It’s great to see the city being revitalized, the City that she loves, that was her own form of Gotham City. Truly has changed but she knows deep down underneath it all, it is still her City, it is still her home.