Breakdown 5-25-23
In front of the familiar fireplace, Bree Lancaster stands, leaning on the mantle. There, the SCW Television Championship belt sits, on its display stand. Bree looks at it and smiles, then faces the camera.
Before I turn my full attention to this championship I'm defending, I want to say something about last week.
Polly Playtime. A lot of people look past her or don't take her seriously because of the games she likes to play. I can understand how one might feel that way, especially when she turns a match into a spectacle with some stipulation or another. But... as someone who's fought her one on one twice, both with championships, or at least a shot at one, on the line? I'm here to tell you that you overlook and underestimate her at your peril. Polly wanted to prove that she knows when to play and when to work, and, to me at least.... she did that. I may have won in the end, but she fought with her all and I respect that.
At Taking Hold of the Flame, I won't be in the battle royal. I'll be facing Amelia Blythe for the United States Championship. I have... a lot of thoughts about that, that I will save for another time. For now... Amelia? I'm looking forward to the challenge.
Bree turns and takes the TV belt down from the mantle, holding it with both hands, facing out.
Now. This championship comes back into play. Defending it was put on hold during the tournament. I didn't ask for that, but I do thank SCW for allowing me to focus on one thing at a time. I realize that if I retain this week and go on to become United States Champion, I won't have that option. I'm prepared for that. I can balance that.
With my focus turned back to the Television Championship, I also turn my focus to my challenger, Yuyo. Being completely honest with you, I don't really know much about her. I remember some obsession with fire and a lighter a few months ago. And more recently, associating herself with Cassie Wolfe. Both call themselves Princesses, and Yuyo seems to find camaraderie in that.
One other thing I know about Yuyo, is that she's a big believer of justice. That... I can relate to. There are so many injustices in the world today. All around us, just listen to the news. We as wrestlers, who put our bodies at risk for the spirit of competition and the entertainment of the fans, can't really do much about those. But there are also injustices right here in our little microcosm called SCW. Every person on this roster has been the victim of at least one injustice in that ring. Being cheated, screwed, overlooked, betrayed, injured. Those things... we can do something about.
Rise above.
Bree grins.
What, did you think I was going to say 'get revenge?'
I would have said that a few years ago. And even today, in some cases, that's justified. But in most... the simplest thing is to rise above. Prove those who overlook you wrong. Work hard and come back from that injury stronger. Show the world that being betrayed or screwed out of something you worked hard for won't break you. That's what true justice is.... righting wrongs by righting yourself. That's the lesson I want my son to learn when he gets old enough to watch me wrestle, and sees old matches. Sees my evolvement, my growth. To understand that no matter what kind of wrongs or how many people were affected by it, it's never too late to look in the mirror and right yourself. Some wrongs can't be undone... and personally there are a few things I just have to live with, knowing I've done and can't fix. But attitude can change. Motivation can be less self-serving and more selfless. The end goal doesn't have to be revenge, when in most cases justice is enough.
I don't know if that's what Yuyo means when she talks about justice. I'm guessing it isn't. But at Breakdown it isn't going to matter. Yuyo and I aren't fighting for justice this week. We're simply fighting for the Television Championship. Two women, strong fighters, challenging each other to see who will be the best on that night.
I honestly believe it will be me. I faltered a bit when I lost to Syren but since then I have found my footing, gained momentum, and I don't plan on allowing that to stop any time soon. I have this championship to represent and retain... and at The Flame? The United States Championship to gain once more.
Putting the belt back on the mantle, Bree then takes a deep breath with a smile.
I've honestly never felt better in the ring and I'm excited to see just how far I can go.
Bree walks out of view, the shot lingering on the championship belt a few seconds before fading out.