Bree Lancaster

Breakdown 5-6-23

I didn't reclaim the Adrenaline Championship.

I gave it everything I had, I had a plan... but Syren had a plan too, similar to mine. In the end she just... caught me. I don't have any excuses, she just got the better of me at the right moment with enough impact to pin me.

Walking backstage minutes after the match is over, I'm not mad. Disappointed, upset. But not angry. There isn't anything to be angry about. At least... not about the fact I lost.

What I am angry about, is what happened to Liz. Now that I've had my match, I can turn my attention back to her and how she was brutally attacked, obviously by Kandis, simply because Kandis thinks SCW is playing around with her.

I get to medical, and Liz is still there, with an icepak on her head. She looks up and smiles when she sees me.

“Bree... you didn't have to come to me. You're tired, hurt...” She gestures to my leg. Syren gave it a good working.

“It'll be okay by tomorrow. I'm more worried about you. Did you do the impact test yet?”

Liz nods, pulling the icepak off her head. “Yeah. No concussion. Just a large knot up there that should go down in a day or two.”

“Oh good. I know you have a big match elsewhere next weekend and I didn't want you to have to miss it.”

“I'm pretty stoked about that, too. But.... here, sit. We should have a discussion.” Liz pats the chair next to her. I sit, looking at her with trepidation.

“About what?”

“This.” Liz points back and forth between us. “I'm starting to think Statera is not meant to be.”

“That's ridic-”

“Just hear me out.” I nod, already thinking this is going to be bullshit. “We've been telling everyone for months now that we want to work together, we have a team name! We even somehow earned a contendership for the Tag Titles despite not having even one tag match yet.”

“Liz-”

“On top of that, every time I turn around, you're reaching out a hand to save me, or something I'm doing is affecting you. Like tonight. I got attacked, you and Jaina came to my aid... and then you got beat.” Liz shakes her head, exasperated. I grab her hand.

“Listen to me. You being attacked and me getting beat has nothing to do with the other. I am not going to let you blame yourself for something you had nothing to do with. Syren was just...” I shake my head. I didn't want to admit it, but I underestimated her.

“If it was once I would agree with you. But lets go back to last month. The chaos created by Kim. After you dealt with upsetting news over the phone, you sought me out, rather than jumping into the fight to try to make up for lost time. You could have kept your title. You could have-”

I squeeze her hand. “Stop. Listen to me. I know you're going through some things right now, and you think the worst of yourself. But I'm here to tell you, none of this is your fault. I made my own choices, in that match and earlier tonight. And I also choose to insist on being your tag partner.”

“Bree-”

“No. I'm serious. I don't know why SCW is holding us back, but it doesn't matter. We made plans and I gave you my word. You gave me yours, too, and I'm not going to let you go back on it just because you feel like you're letting me down. I get to decide that, and I say that you're not.”

Liz sits up and turns to look at me directly in the eyes. “You're sure about that?”

“Positive. You're doing the best you can, and you're not to blame for other people attacking you. I'm never going to see that as you letting me down. I'm going to blame the people responsible. In tonight's case, Kandis.”

“The last thing I ever want to be is a burden to anyone. I understand friends take care of friends but you have to admit that lately it's been a little one sided.”

“Maybe lately. But look at two years ago. When those pictures were leaked and I became a hermit for a month. You were there. After I was raped. You were there. You came through with the best floral décor I could have wanted for my wedding. When I was pregnant and home and bored to death, you were there. Phone calls, video chat, visits when you had time. It's just my turn to be here for you now. Balance, remember?”

“I suppose. It's a giant swing and I didn't notice it.”

I give her a smile. “Well, I did. And once things calm down some and we get our chance to show this place what we can do together, we're going to be there for each other. It'll all even out. You'll see.”

“I don't see it now, so I'll just have to trust you.”

“There's my babe.” I smile, and Liz grins. “So, no more talk of quitting on me before we even get started. Right?”

“Right. No more. I'm sure I'll feel better once we really get going.”

“I know you will.” I look around, and realize there are no medical staff in sight. “Where is everyone? Have they released you?”

“Yeah. They said I could stay here if I wanted. I did because it's quiet. Are you ready to leave?”

“I'm ready to get awa from medical. But I do want to watch the main event.”

“I didn't know you were invested in the result.”

“Let's just say... I've had some personal involvement with both, and I'm interested to see how it all turns out.”

“Oh. You're going to have to explain that.” Liz gets up and grabs her icepak.

“Well, Jaina used to date Owen. And.... I wasn't much of a fan of that.” We start walking awat from medical towards the locker rooms. I'll have time to shower before the main event.

“And Josh?”

“I'll explain that later.” This isn't the time or place for that. Liz gives me a side eye as we walk.

“Oh. So it's like that....'

I just laugh a little as we continue to our locker room.

ON CAMERA

The scene opens to a familiar sight for Bree Lancaster fans – a large fireplace. This one is different though, instead of the painted stone with the championship belt she currently holds on display on the mantle, we see an all brick fireplace, hearth, mantle and all. It's entirely too warm for a whole fire today, but there are flames. Tiny ones, on three candles. Placed in front of the fireplace grate, the candles are on tall iron candle holders, about three feet high. We zoom out some and Bree Lancaster herself sits to the right of the burning candles, up on the hearth and on a large gray pillow. She has her legs sideways off the edge, bare feet on the floor. She sits with her hands comfortably in her lap, head tilted somewhat down, eyes closed. After a few seconds, she raises her head and opens her eyes, gazing at the flickering candles for a moment. A small sigh escapes as she then turns to the camera.

I don't like failing.

Most people don't, but me especially so. I grew up with strict religious parents. Not overly strict, there were no strange rules or borderline abusive punishments.... I just had certain expectations I had to adhere to. I couldn't wear makeup until I was fifteen, and that only became allowed because I was on the high school competitive cheerleading squad and I had to match my team mates. I was expected to do well in school, and for my dad, that meant any grade less than a B was unacceptable. I should have studied more, paid more attention in class, not gone out with a friend. Even in cheer, if I made a mistake in the routine, I would hear about it when I got home. I had to practice harder, pay more attention.

I was raised to not accept failure.

I guess I picked the wrong business to get into, huh?

Bree grins at herself, with a small laugh.

Kind of explains the way I reacted to certain loses over the years, doesn't it?

Not that that's an excuse for some of my behavior, it's just a trigger for why I was so... dramatic. I wasn't balanced then. I hadn't looked inside myself, faced my own shadow, to find out why I was the way I was. I know better now.

Obviously, I'm bringing all this up because at Playing the Wildcard, I fought Syren to try to reclaim the Adrenaline Championship... and I failed. I watched the match back, I heard the commentary. The questions if I was off my game because of what happened to Datura. I want to make it very clear right now... that had nothing to do with it. I saw her after the attack, I knew she was with medical and in good hands. I put my anger and concern about that situation into a closet in my head and went into the match with full focus. I won't let anyone try to blame Datura or use her as an excuse. I don't deal in excuses, they're usually not truthful.

No, my mistake was made long before I walked to the ring. Before anyone arrived at Ky-Vee arena, or stepped foot into Kansas City. My mistake was... I assumed that Syren was the same person that I've always dealt with in years past, only with the salt dialed back. I assumed that given her history of only caring about the World Championship, that she didn't care about the Adrenaline Championship at all, and that her heart wouldn't really be in it.

In all of my efforts to leave the past behind and move forward, with all of my hopes of others doing the same for me and giving me a chance to be something different, I failed to do what I've asked of everyone. I failed to see the change in Syren. Therefore I went into that match underestimating her, and I was proven wrong.

Syren fought with passion. With heart. Like a champion.

She deserved every bit of that victory, and I deserved every bit of the loss.

Bree turns her gaze back to the candles. One deep breath, then a small smile as she turns back.

When I got home from Kansas City, I knew I had work to do. Not only continuing to train physically, but mentally too. My failure, the thing I was conditioned to avoid as much as possible as a child, was my own fault. It's humbling, for me to sit back and look at myself and admit that. My parents have to be turning in their graves. Not only that, it's also humbling to be so blatantly proven to have misjudged someone. I am not perfect, I have never tried to be – anyone who's followed me for a long time knows that well. But I do try my best to uphold lux veritatis. I thought I was speaking truth and I wasn't. The real truth is that I didn't give Syren the grace and respect that I asked for myself. That's hypocritical and I don't want to be that way.

So, Syren. I apologize. I misjudged your intentions and I underestimated your heart. You proved me wrong, and I'm woman enough to admit that. We went tooth and nail, sweat and tears, and in the end you were the better fighter that night. I wish you all the best in carrying and defending the Adrenaline Championship.

Bree nods slowly, with a sincere smile on her face.

So now, we move on. SCW is in a state of flux now, thanks to the way the main event at Playing the Wildcard went. We saw Josh Hudson and Owen Cruze face off one more time, this time with both the World and United States Championships on the line. Having been in a match like that myself a few years ago, I know the pressure that comes along with it – winner take all with the two most prestigious championships in the business. There was the added pressure that win or lose – we were watching Owen's last match. With his victory came the immediate questions. What would happen to the titles?

It seems that plans were in place in the event of Owen defeating Josh, because we found out pretty quickly. Two tournaments, one for each championship.

Before anyone tries to lay something at my feet that isn't the truth, let me get this out of the way right now. I am perfectly happy with being entered into the United States Championship tournament. Those in the World Championship tournament deserve it. Josh, obviously. Syren... she beat me, so that makes sense. Selena, she's always in the running. Some might say I should be too, but I don't think so. I'm still getting my feet under me after coming back less than a year ago. There are others who might say I shouldn't even be in the United States Championship tournament, given I just lost a title match. That's a fair opinion, but to that I would counter that I must have impressed those in charge enough in my effort to be given this opportunity. And for that, I am truly grateful.

The United States Championship has a special place in my wrestling heart. I've held it three times before, at a time in my life when being a champion was the only way I could define myself, because everything else around me was falling apart. It gave me purpose. I remember some backlash when I vacated it after becoming World Champion in that winner take all match I was in years ago. People claimed I didn't care about it anymore once the World Championship was in my hands. That was the furthest thing from the truth. I cared about it so much that I had to let it go, so it would have the focus and challengers it deserved, not fitting in defenses in between World Championship ones.

I'll tell you all a deep truth that anyone who knows me is well aware of but I haven't said publicly before now – the United States Championship is my favorite. For all of the reasons I already mentioned. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing like the feeling of carrying the World Championship and representing the best of the business. But for me... the US just means something different. It's hard to put into words. Maybe it's just me being sentimental. Whatever it is... I couldn't be happier to be involved in this tournament, a chance to once again hold a belt that has great meaning for me.

Bree holds a hand over her heart with those last few words, the flickering light from the candles highlighting the genuineness of her words in her eyes.

What makes it even better, is my opponent in the first round. Alexis, you and I have had some entanglement a lot this year. Both working together and as opponents. I have to tell you babe, I've gain a lot of respect for you over the last few months. You work hard, you train hard, and you fight hard. I've been on both sides of it so I know from experience. Outside of the ring, you're a talented artist, you help train new wrestlers.... and most importantly to me, you speak the truth.

The light you shine on truth is a little harsher than mine. I try to be as gentle and compassionate as I can, especially when telling a truth that's hard to hear or accept. You though? You just throw it out there, blunt and with little regard for how it makes a person feel. I've been on the other side of that, too. You've said some things to me in the past that really made me stop and think, and take a look at myself, and figure out why you would say such a thing. In most cases, you were right, and it was something I needed to address.

So, allow me to do you the same favor, Alexis.

This tournament for you? Stops here. The last few months, since our brief alliance to pull Datura away from the Brand followed by our triple threat... you've seemed lost. Unfocused. Like you don't know what you want, or where you're going. Took a crack at the Underground Championship when Owen had it, picking fights with James Evans – although I understand that also had to do with how he was targeting Datura, it's why I faced him as well. But I've had goals. I was Adrenaline Champion, I had a clear direction. Even after the Trios cash in match, where SCW got shaken up, I still came out of that with focus. A different championship to carry and defend to the best of my ability. You though?

You have no direction. You're getting yourself involved in things that matter to other people, under the guise of trying to help them, but I think the truth.... is that you're searching. For meaning, for a purpose. For something to define you. Maybe you see this tournament for the United States Championship as that something you've been looking for.

But therein lies the problem.

Trying to use anything in this business to define who you are is where things start to go wrong. I used to be that way. If I wasn't a champion, I felt like a nobody. It became almost an obsession, where nothing else was important except that title. That validation. It took something drastic and traumatic for me to realize how wrong it all was.

If you don't have validation from yourself, from inside...

Bree lays a hand on her chest again for emphasis.

… nothing you do in that ring is going to fill that space for you. You're searching babe, but you're searching in the wrong place.

I know you're going to stand face to face with me, toe to toe, and give me everything you have. I know that a night fighting you is never an easy night. But I also know... that in the end it's not going to come down to strength, or agility, or technical wrestling. It's going to come down to one thing.

Focus.

I've been United States Champion before, three times. If I make it through this tournament and win the title? It will be a record-breaking fourth time. That's a goal, that's a focus. Not to define myself as a champion, or a record holder... but to have one more opportunity than anyone else has ever had to represent that championship to the best of my ability. To let the championship be defined by the holder. I'm not saying that Josh Hudson and Owen Cruze weren't defining champions, far from it. What I am saying... is that it can be my turn to continue holding it up to a high standard.

I believe that everything happens for a reason, and that the Adrenaline Championship is no longer in my hands, because it was meant for someone else to use holding it as a reason to be better. And that I was meant for something else, too. To work hard and earn the right to keep up the reputation of the United States Championship as a title made for fighting champions.

I have that focus.

What do you have, Alexis? Another match against someone you have a somewhat tenuous relationship with? Another thing to try to attain for no real reason other than it's there and dangling in front of you? Something to grasp on to, to find some definition and validation? It seems to me like any match, any win, any title, could do that for you.

Right now? The only thing that will make me happy is winning this tournament and becoming United States Champion, one more time. It's not an obsession, I'm not looking to define myself by the title. I know who I am outside of this business. But inside the ring... I know I was meant for this, I know I can beat whoever I need to beat... to be the one to uphold the reputation of the United States Championship that the previous holders set.

I know I won't fail the championship.

Getting to her feet, the camera follows Bree as she moves to stand behind the candles.

It all starts tomorrow night. We'll tear the house down, Alexis won't make it easy. I'm not going to make the same mistake I made with Syren, I won't underestimate her. I fully expect to be battered, bruised, and possibly bleeding by the time it's over and my hand is raised in victory. They say the best wins are after the toughest battles. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Bree smiles for a moment, then blows the candles out.