Putting In The Work

Almost time. It's almost time. The first time Emma Dee will be back in a ring in front of people in almost a couple of years. And there are some doubters, there always are. Has she lost a step, has this new crop of women, of wrestler passed her by? Only time would tell. But would Emma herself admit that? Never. To say she's very headstrong would be a giant understatement. And what was one thing that set her apart from the rest? Her commitment. Her drive. That she was going to be the hardest working person in the room no matter what room that might be. It can't ever be said Emma Douglas didn't put the work in.

We open up on a sunny day, bird chirping and all that jazz. Looking out, we see a football field. An old middle of nowhere beaten down football field. And running up and down a set of somewhat rickety metal bleachers is Em. Up and down, up and down. Not stopping, just pushing herself and going through it, lost in her own head. Wearing a pair of black yoga pants and a pink tee shirt, she's pouring sweat, her hair done up in a tight ponytail. After a few more repetitions, she takes a seat on one of the bottom bleachers.

It's been years. Years since I've been back here.

She had finally noticed the camera that had been watching her. Her head slumped over and she catches her breath, her hair flipping up over her face slightly.

This is where I grew up. Not in Austin, but this little two bit town in BFE Texas. One of those towns that's only around because of the train that went through. And it's here I found out I'm a whole other caliber of athlete. Granted, didn't play football, cause, yanno... But I excelled at every other sport I played, not only because I was bigger and badder then the other girls, but because I never stopped trying to get better. Even to this day...

Emma shakes her head, raising her head, pulling her hair back with one hand.

But enough about me waxing poetic, let's get down to brass tax. Ev. You are one driven individual as well. That's something I never doubted. But I have to tell you something. you're fighting outside of your weight class...

Emma Dee puts her fists up in the air towards the camera, a wry smile on her face.

You want the moon and the stars. You want Frankie and his top belt and that's all well and good. I mean, everybody in this business wants to be the best and only a few can really claim that. But if you aren't in it to be that top champion, might as well get out of it, right? Baby steps, girl, baby steps.

She stands up slowly, turning her body towards the camera, showing the words written across her front saying "Goddess Reign Supreme" Em lightly chuckles to herself.

I know it sounds kind of funny for me to say that to someone whom is likely a ten year vet at this point. But listen to me, this isn't a hill you've conquered before. This ain't a mountain you've climbed, and well, I have. I know exactly what sort of fortitude it takes to go out there and throw hands with the boys and MAKE them take you seriously. It ain't for the weak of heart. And I know you look up to the example set by Georgia and use that as motivation. Hell, I get it, I used her as a template as well. Her, Isabella Taylor and Kit Black were all those shining examples for me to strive for. And you know, I did it. I made people recognize that this girl don't play. So listen to me when I tell you this, you are out of your element, Donnie.

She takes a deep breath, the exhales it.

Eventually, you might get there. You might very well get to the point to where you can say that there is no denying the impact that Ev the Great has made. But that time is not now and it surely ain't gonna be at my expense. Do you want to know how I got this far? Is it because I didn't take no for an answer? Sure. Is it because I worked harder than every guy out there to make a name for myself? Sure. But deep down, I knew I had to do whatever what was necessary to get the job done. Period. And what does that mean? I've broken necks, I've torn people's knees to shreds. Hell, I've ended careers. There are people out there whom can't wrestle again because they stood in the ring across from me. Can you say the same? Can you say that you're willing to be that focused on what you have to do?

Emma glares long and hard at the camera.

As of yet, I'm not convinced you're there yet. You say all these nice bold statements and the way I hear it, it's almost like you're trying to convince yourself more than anyone else. You claim to be a fighter. To be a warrior and that's all you know. And that's all well and good, but you've never done anything on this scale and that's a whole different beast. And you're fighting a whole different type of opponent. There ain't a soul in this business quite like me. That takes the psychical attributes I have and combines them with a mind for this business. I caught on very quickly to doing this. People aren't supposed to catch on like I did and I have refused to take a step back since. But I want to let you know one thing, it's not really a secret at this point, but it needs to be stated...

She motions for the camera to pull in a little bit closer.

I like hurting people. I do. And I have a degree in Kinesiology, which in laymen's terms, is knowing how the body works in motion. So you'll be going up against someone whom likes putting others in pain AND knows exactly how to do it. How to apply pressure here to get you to wail in agony until you just can't take it anymore. That's me. So you think you're the better soldier? I very much doubt that.

She sneers at the camera as it pulls back out a little.

But this isn't even about winning for me. Oh, you'll do your damnedest to try and fight and pull out a victory, I know this. But that isn't the end all and be all for me. You don't know it, but you're in a fight for your life, your very well being. Win if you can, but survive if I LET you. You won't be quite the same after you spend some time in the ring with me, no one ever is. This is about me going out there and making a statement and using you to prove a point. To use your carcass as a beacon for everyone to see when people mess with me. It sucks to stiffle such a career as yours when you're just starting that climb, but them's the breaks. Try and stop me, I know you will, but you're fighting a losing fight. I won't be denied my prize. I'm not here to collect more gold and add accolades to my name. I'm here to sew as much discord and strife as I possible can. I'm what you might call an agent of chaos. To bring as much pain as I possibly can is my ultimate goal. And if I have to use you, or Artemis Kaiser, or Shawna Martinez to do just that, I will.

Emma chuckles a little bit.

You've stepped in it. You're in the deep end of the pool and you don't even realize it yet, but you will. Come Unstoppable, you'll truly understand how screwed you really are. Step up to me with all the bravado you can muster, I implore you to do so. And I'll be right there to forearm you in the face every step of the way.  See you soon...

As she finishes talking, a man in a black wifebeater walks into the shot with his hands in his jeans pockets.

What are you doing here?

Kevin said you'd be here.

Yeah...needed some time away from people. You know me, I don't play well with others...

Yeah, I know.

Glad you came though, thanks Spence.

The two nod. He tosses her a towel that he had brought with him and hung over his shoulder. She catches it and starts patting down her face with it as the two start walking off together, their conversation inaudible.