A Cross Brand Challenge (Ms. Steele)

[Crymson]

The LockUP! Arena here in Providence, Rhode Island was ecstatic to be housing Global Championship Wrestling for the evening. Promo videos are shown from none other than the GCW Top Debutante, Shelby Steele. Of course she has caught the attention of one person in particular, who, despite having her own little issue to deal with in Miss Kenisha Williams... is not one to neglect paying attention to her landscape. Even if it is the wrong colored show.

Atreyu's "Ex's and Oh's" filters through the speaker systems overhead... the foreign sounds of another shows theme song accompanies the darker shaded flickering lights, with the Bloody Queen herself making her appearance on the stage. All in all, it made Claire's reasoning to be here that much clearer... could title dreams be on her mind? Perhaps... We'll find out as she enters the ring and is given a microphone.

"Right... I know that you're all thinking... "Just what is MayheM doing on the LockUP! show?"

Right?

Well, isn't it obvious? My show should be CHOMPING AT THE BIT to get at this show... the home of not only ONE, but BOTH major championships of Global Championship Wrestling. But, of course, in the anomaly that is our sport of professional wrestling... everyone has their heads too far up their own asses to realize that this is what we get paid to do! To be the best, to win the gold, to bring the company ratings, which, in turn, gives you that much more of a bonus come pay day! It's not lost on me, of course... but, hey. I've spent a year being an example for another federation of just how to do their job right... and, now, while all of that is nothing but a great memory in mind, I have to do it all again, it seems.

One thing I took solace in in my time with VWE before they shut their doors is that I had the drive each and every day to prove that I was the best... no matter WHO decided that they could step in my way. Just ask the guy that I turned emo running out of his Championship match that he lucked out on being placed in... only for me to bloody with a patented kick to the temple! Ask the entire roster I sent into an uproar, for that matter! But... I'll do you one better. Instead of having you ask... I'll let you all take the lazy route, and I'll show you.

I'm here to fight the very best that GCW has to offer. For, a little future showcase, because I know damn well that I'll be hitting the top and hitting it soon here in GCW. Am I going after that title yet? That's up for the management to decide on all of these new roster additions, but for now, nothing in any written rule whatsoever says that I can't come out and do this. I'm issuing a challenge to one Shelby Steele, the very best female in GCW today, to fight me... one of the new blood, already accomplished other-fed people, in a match to not only prove your words to us... but to prove not only to myself, not only to the fans in attendance and watching at home, but as well as to the roster and management that Crymson is still very much one of those big names, and one that DOESN'T have a problem with having to earn and prove it over and over again!"

[phoenix]

And now on the Stage, with a microphone in her left hand...

''Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa...''

''... WHOA WHOA!''

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Someone that Claire Arlett could remember and dislike quite well. Veronica Valentine. Simply dressed. Jeans and a red Nike sport bra. She was simply walking towards the ring and fast.

''Goddammit!''

''Enough of that garbage Ms.Blood. Every person that watched VWE already know how awesome and lame you are. Quit your fucking title hugging already. GCW is full of newcomers, waiting to get their name known and yet here is your red bitch-ass again, wanting some more unnecessary spotlight!''

Things were heating up. Vivi climbed into the ring.

''I know your challenge is to Sheele, but I just couldn't care less about what you think Arlett. You come in the show that I'm part of with your side gimmick of how awesome of a Superstar you are. How about how awesome of a fucking red clown you are instead...''

''If you remember, there was one person in VWE that had not 'Crymson' shove right down her throat, and that was me. So back off from that Championship before I make you!''

Whoa... What was wrong with Vivi? That wasn't like her at all.

Claire Arlett was her rival in the past... but damn..[/color][/center]

[Crymson]

"Whoa yourself, you blonde airhead. Did I come out and say, "I'm taking that championship from you at Danger Zone?"

No.

Pay attention. What I DID come out here and say is that I am here to fight the very best that GCW has to offer right at this point in time. That being Shelby Steele. No, I'm not challenging for the championship, yes I'm aware that there are GCW newcomers more established than both you and myself. Next time, sit down, hit rewind on the VCR, quit living up to your hair color's stereotype, and pay a little attention, will you?

Not to mention that I kind of find you coming out here and talking about how lame I was in VWE kind of a lot like the pot calling the kettle black, hm? After all... who was it that BAILED on both the company and the championship that made them while trying to play "One last shot for super points" first chance she got? Oh, right, it was you. Not me... It sounds an awful lot to me like someone was trying to title-hog when they were gonna quit anyways? Yeah?

Right. Back to the backstage with you. I'm here to issue a challenge to Shelby Steele. One on one. No title involved. In fact, it's surprising that I'm the only one taking offense to her singling us out when we're coming in here to earn our own stripes... I guess if it's not Vivi-catered, you frankly don't want to pull your head out of your ass long enough to pay attention to it, hm?

Now. Lets have the ORIGINAL person that is responsible for me to show up behind enemy lines, hm?"

[phoenix]

...

''Yeah right. You don't want the title. Sorry me.''

''... Wait one second there Arlett.''

''There is nothing in any rule whatsoever says that I can't come out and do this... That's about what you just said here a minute ago. There was no rules against me in the past either. I did what I had to do to surpass you, and I did. All you could say was that you were injured.''

And now?

''Well now, on this show, I have priority over you logically, and I too, had to come out here for a challenge to the Top Girl of GCW. I am here to fight. To do my 'job' as you would say. And since that idiotic assistant of Kimberly Masters is tough to get in a ring, I had to aim to the top... Just for the challenge of a good match. You came out first to challenge her, but this is my home show.''

''I guess she'll have a choice to make but I can gladly fight you to get to her, birdbrain.''

...

[Shelby Danes]

"First of all, Claire, get your ass out of this ring, because quite honestly, I don't give a damn about you anymore. You lost your match, after a Tiger Suplex; if you can't get your ass out of a Tiger Suplex, then what are you chances of getting out of a Northern Lights? If anyone should be issuing a challenge it's Sarah Andrews, not you. So sorry if things aren't set for you on a silver platter, but please, please get out of our LockUP ring, you shouldn't even be here, scoot scoot." Shelby's voice rings out, as she walks through the entrance curtain, smile on her face. "The person you were then, and the person you are now, are completely different people. Perhaps back when you were seemingly interesting, and not shooting out this piss-poor promo, that's been done a million times, perhaps I might reconsider, but for now, re-work your material, and come back at me when you're ready. Oh, what's that you're saying? You're ready now? No, no honey, perhaps when you can actually win your matches, you'll be ready, but for now, take a back seat, and set your eyes on the lovely future you have with Miss Kenisha Williams." Shelby places her hands on her hips as she nods, thinking of what she's going to say next.

Rolling her neck, she walks her way towards the crowd area, and asks for a chair. An excited fan hands her his, and Shelby proceeds to unfold it on the entrance ramp, and takes a seat, "Hello Veronica Valentine," she begins taking a haughty tone, "I've heard so much about you. From your feats in VWE, to your most recent war with Mr. Pheonix, and I have to say, I'm quite impressed. Never before have I faced a person who can kick--no wait. Let me correct myself; never before have I met someone who's so confident in herself, yet, lacks the charisma to carry her character. Yes, yes, you can kick. Yes, yes, you can lift, but as for your lovely words, I have to say, when comparing between you and Miss Arlett, I'm just a tad disappointed, but I have to say, you certainly have the look of someone who's somewhat interesting, and for that, I salute you." She then salutes Veronica as she begins to laugh, "Oh yes, I forgot, let me introduce myself. I'm Shelby Steele. Easy name to remember, kind of has that Stan Lee-esque feel to it, and currently, I'm your Global Championship Wrestling Top Debutante Champion, but before we continue with our little heated dispute, I have to ask you one question. In your opinion, why do you feel you're deserving of perhaps carrying this title one day?"

[phoenix]

She slowly shook her head, fists on her hips. Shelby didn't understood Veronica at all either. She won enough titles before to be in a hurry to win another now.

''Sorry maybe you didn't understand me correctly Steele.''

''My character must have been weak or something. I am not here for that Debutante Championship or anything. Silly name for a title. In French it means Newbie Championship. Well anyways, I'm not here for the belt. I'm here for you. I'm challenging your ass to a Single Match, no title, nothing but wrestling. Although I'm not the most popular figure in GCW, these fans know what I can do. They can expect good wrestling. I'm simply looking for a good match and a good opponent to face on Lock Up!. Without a good opponent, I'm nothing in the ring.''

She pointed at the Champ.

''And that belt makes you that good opponent.''

...

[Shelby Danes]

Shelby lets out a sigh, "I need a better reason then that, if you want me to face you. Get creative, say something I haven't heard before, because honestly, I want to face someone who's actually going to keep me interested. So, let me rephrase my question," she clears her throat, "In your honest opinion, why should you face Shelby Steele tonight?"

[phoenix]

She raised her two arms in joy.

''I SOOOOO hope to have your autograph one day! You're my hero in wrestling since now girl. You're the Champ. You fight nude when asked. And you're so full of yourself. I like that. It makes the match better and when the ending as come, and you have lost, you realize how great you are. Don't worry Shelby. Maybe I'll be easy on you. But wait a minute...''

She looked worried. Obviously, all of this was fake.

''Maybe I won't be facing you. Maybe you will be like Kimberly Masters' assistant. Inaccessible in the ring for the likes of me. So now I need a good reason hm? Because it's my job to kick your ass? No. Quite frankly... This is weak. Because you've encountered someone that can easily kick your butt? Nah. Doesn't work really. So cliche and not good enough to satisfy you.''

''Damn... You really like to be desired hm?''

''If I pretend to be a lesbian and if I would want to wrestle nude with you... Would that be enough? Maybe that's what you want you perverted dirty Champion.''

''Or maybe I'll try this... Last chance.''

''A fight with me is cool. I'm cool. You're cool. Are we cool? I really want a match before year 3000 against you.''

How could she go on and on with this shit? Give her a good reason? Vivi's feet was itching for Shelby's jaw...

... or arrogance.

[Shelby Danes]

"So, now you're trying to impersonate Jennifer Drew?" Shelby asks laughing to herself, "Seriously, I mean, as much as that was entertaining, that fact that you're trying to impersonate one of my closest friends is somewhat funny. I mean, I used to think that only one that can pull a Jennifer was Jennifer herself, but wow, and you just proved me wrong, but...unfortunately, as much as that impersonation was spot-on, it would be great if you can just...be yourself. It's easy to make yourself look interesting. It's easy to be yourself, while you're trying to prove someone you're worthy of their attention. You can crack jokes all you want, you can call me names, whenever you want. You can even claim that you're friends with our lovely GM, and have her beautiful assistant come out, whenever you want. But the fact is, you don't need to do any of that." She then begins to cockily laugh, "And this promo has only been going on for a mere five minutes, so if you're already fed up with all of this, then why are you even here? Besides, you never answered my question. I asked you for your opinion. I asked you, why you think, you're ready to face me. But instead, you decide to call me names, claim something that isn't necessarily true, and start to get fed up with this little pep talk. But never once, never once did you ever show me who you truly are. Anyone can shoot a wrestling promo. Everyone can answer questions. But only a select few can truly claim to be themselves when they're up here, so let ask you this again, and maybe perhaps the true you will finally shine amongst all of us."


Shelby then stands up from her seat, stands on top of it, and straightens herself up smiling, "If you recall, I asked you what makes you deserving of holding this title one day. Now, that wasn't asking you, or assuming that you wanted a title shot right now. I was merely asking a question, saying that some day, even if it just happens to be in the year 3000, why would you feel you're deserving of holding this title?" She then looks away, shrugging, as she jumps off her seat, and then begins to climb up the stairs, "Basically, I'm asking you, what makes you different then everyone watching us in this ring? What makes you unique? What makes you a legend? Because what I see right now, is someone who's already had it all. Who's already been there, and because of this, I'm beginning to find you boring. Convince me otherwise, and you have yourself, a one-on-one bout with the champion. " As she was saying this, she worked her up the turnbuckle, and laid on top of it, Eddie Guerrero-style.

[phoenix]

She folded her arms.

''Well, I am Veronica Valentine. I am a Legend. A Lock Up! Wrestler and now what makes me different? My actions does. They always did. Although I grow tired to even explain this to anyone, I'll do it.''

''It's quite simple. I'm not someone who let her words drive her. I've been the same, always. I let my actions in the ring speak for me. Believe it or not, I've been through a lot since 2006 but it wasn't here. It was elsewhere and I know that place doesn't matter here. I have one match done here. I defeated Johnny Phoenix, who was unstoppable before. I've been where you stand. Even higher. I know where you're coming from. It's simple.''

''I don't back down from a challenge from anyone, unless it makes no sense. That's how I do my things. You ask for reasons. Good ones. I don't have any other reason other than looking forward to a good match to improve myself. I said that before, plenty of times. I thought you understood it. So this is me. I fight. I like it. No reasons outside my passion for wrestling. There's always place for improvement in what I do.''

''This is Veronica Valentine.''

''Now you have a choice to make. You stop this bullshit about giving you reasons to fight you. You take a stand. You fight me. Or you back down. It's that simple. These fans came here to see us wrestle, not chat endlessly.''

She was now standing in the middle of the ring. Her eyes went to check Crymson before going back on Steele.

[Shelby Danes]

"So, you basically kick people's asses, okay." Shelby says nodding, as she positions herself so she's sitting on the turnbuckle. "You allow your actions to speak louder than your words, meeh...okay. But I wouldn't call this bullshit, you stepped on new territory, people don't know you. People want to know what exactly you're all about, what exactly all this hype is about, and as their champion, it's my job to make that news public, so that everyone not only watching us, but backstage knows as well. It's stupid to merely assume everyone knows about you, and I believe you'll agree with me on that fact." Smiling she jumps down from her turnbuckle, and rolls her shoulders, "Besides, we're basically fueling this match we're going to have tonight. If you claim all this, and claim all that, and if I beat you tonight, then well, tomorrow you have some proving to do, and thus, tomorrow you start where I started three or so months ago, the starting point of making yourself something in this company."

[phoenix]

She took a few steps towards Shelby.

''I AM starting new here, just like anybody else. And just like anyone new, I'm challenging to have good matches. I have nothing above anyone here. I'm a VWE Legend looking to compare her talents to a brand load of new people. So what? I still need to prove myself to the GCW audience. It's different here. I can see it.''

''I'm looking forward to this match, just like anyone would be thrilled to face the Champion.''

Vivi nodded to Shelby. If this was official, she would need to prepare for tonight. Tough match.

[Crymson]

"You two done yet?" Those words rang out before an answer came. One thing they forgot to do while trading back words was make sure Crymson was gone.

"Because I sure didn't decide to come through the backstage area of hostile territory to just get sent away, now did I? No, I don't believe I did. And, honestly, not only do I find this all boring myself, since I actually did this just a little under a year ago today when I was in your shoes... Shelby... with, the same person you've just been talking to, ironically...

But I also find it to be hypocritical. Especially, given the nature of a triple threat match and the randomness that ensues. You were the one that called us out. The people coming in from VWE. We answered... we're not deaf. In fact, I even had the truck play your little promos before I even came out here. You want to bring up the Tiger Suplex? Fine, fine... you got me. Losses happen, boo-hoo, how am I ever to recover? Simple.

Buy re-instating my challenge to you yourself, to put your money where your mouth is. The Championship? Include me in the rest of those that you wish to see out here, that want their time in the spotlight, that are grasping at straws to get back at it. That includes, in actuality... me.

2008 has been a wake-up call. 2007 was dream street, and you're right when you say I'm not the same as I was back then. It didn't take me long to figure that one out myself. What this is all about, is a fresh beginning, a Renaissance of my career, and eventually, GCW. Am I saying that I'm going to be the driving force? No. But if the roster that you've been a representative of for the past three months is going to willingly sit idly by, while two outside invaders come face to face with you, regarding your title, or just wanting to fight the best period, and not pipe up and say anything about it or come out here to run interference?

That's their problem. I want one match. What it turns into beyond that, that's to worry about in the future. In this present, I need this match, I need my eye opening proof that I belong, as well as presenting that proof to each and every individual in the stands, in the back, and in the offices.

That's where I come out calling you out, to put your money where your mouth is. You want to single us out in your victory speech and we are here... and, hell, since you're already perfectly mimicking what I was doing during my run with a big belt...

Perhaps you can complete the little trifecta of Crymson Champion stunts? An episode with the champ... I'm sure Veronica will remember that right after I beat her to retain mine. What I did, was take the three people that believed they were in line for a shot at my belt, and it took all the way to the third person I faced in one on one combat to defeat me. I lined them up, and win or lose against each and every one of them, I went on to the next challenger.

The question is, Champ... do you have that same fortitude... will you practice what you preach? Or are you just another little bitch that doesn't know when to stop barking?"

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[Shelby Danes]

"I don't care if you need this match, I don't care if you need to prove to yourself that you're still on your game. Quite frankly, I don't care about you. I don't care if you somewhat see yourself in me, the fact is, I don't think you deserve to be in a LockUP arena right now, despite what you've accomplished in the past. Stay on your show, and focus on the people on it. Besides, you had your match last week, and you lost, and I'm sorry, but I'm not going to fix that for you. This is LockUP. People on this show, deserve their chance in the spotlight, and you've already had yours." Shelby then shrugs and exits her way out of the ring, she wasn't going to face someone who she felt didn't deserve it, despite what they might say or do. Crymson wasn't going to face Shelby tonight, if she wanted to fight someone, she was going to have to pick it with someone else. Stopping before the entrance curtain, she turns back around with a smile on her face, "Though, let me thank you for giving Veronica and I this lovely set up. Much appreciated."

-End