Valora: The Return
Nov 23, 2023 0:07:44 GMT -6
Omar Azure (Blue Dragon), Josh Cole, and 1 more like this
Post by Valora on Nov 23, 2023 0:07:44 GMT -6
The scene opens up on the balcony of Valora’s Estate in Mexico City. Valora is sitting out, enjoying the sun as she has a drink from her trusty tequila bottle. Samantha, her friend and agent, stands off to the side, leaning against the balcony. “You’re really sure you want him here?”
Valora’s trademark smirk crosses her face. “Oh yes. The very first time we signed, I was forced to sign on his terms. Promising a talent as I was, I was an indie wrestler. A big fish in the minor leagues. I evened the scales with the LeBron James money event. Now, I want to make it clear that whatever happens will happen on my terms..” Samantha nods. “With him coming this far, you know what he’s going to want, don’t you?” Valora nods. “Of course. The man who told me I would never be welcome in his fed again wants me back in his fed. That’s not the question. The question is how vindictive I’m going to be feeling when he gets here.” Samantha raises an eyebrow and shrugs. “We could have just told him no over the phone.” Valora takes another drink and nods. “But that’s not as fun. I wanna see his eyes. I wanna see how desperate he is. Also, he deserves the chance to make his case.”
Samantha shakes her head and smiles. “You know, I think you like him more than you let on.” Valora shrugs as she takes another drink. “Like is a strong word. I’d say I respect him. For the most part, behind closed doors, when he needs to get serious, he’ll be honest with you. Take me for example. I might not be his favorite person in the world but he knows I’ll give him what he wants. He knows I will provide him with the very best in violence. He knows I will put fans in the seats. He knows I can build a title, he knows I can generate interest and hype in a match. All of these reasons are why he agreed to make me one rich puta.”
The conversation is interrupted by a young Mexican woman who comes in and looks to Valora. “Senora Salinas. Senor Styles es aqui.” Valora nods and replies in Spanish, instructing the woman to offer a drink. The woman nods and starts to head out and Valora stops him. “Oh, use English. His Spanish is pretty bad and it’ll make him feel comfortable to speak in English.” The woman smiles and nods, heading off as Valora and Samantha make their last minute preparations and head down to the study.
As they walk into the study, Jesse Styles turns and looks to Valora, drinking from his scotch. Valora raises an eye and Jesse shrugs. “I don’t trust your cheap ass Mexican beer down here. By the way, I notice you have Mexican servants.”
Without missing a beat, Valora smirks. “Yeah I hired some gringos but turns out they’re really lazy and do a shit job. So I hired Mexicans, a couple of refugees from Venezuela, similar types. I treat them like human beings, I pay them well. Is it business time yet or do we exchange more racist banter first?”
Jesse smiles. “Damn, I almost miss this at times.” He looks around. “I buy this?” Valora shakes her head. “Naw, I got this before the LeBron James money. That helped me buy my house in Barcelona though. So..gracias.”
Jesse nods. “You know, it’s funny you keep mentioning that contract. I wonder if you noticed there’s a clause in that contract allowing me to re-sign you to NEW at will.” Samantha steps forward. “Which you won’t exercise because then you would have to pay my client the so called ‘LeBron James money’ again.” Valora nods. “And I’m betting your bank account can’t afford that. So let’s start with question numero uno. Why the fuck should I return to NEW? Last time we spoke, you made it clear in no uncertain terms you did not need me, did not want me and would never let me wrestle in your fed again. So what changed?”
Jesse shrugged. “I thought NEW was finally closing it’s doors. I-” Valora steps forward and cuts him off. “You made a bad business move. You decided to trust talent that couldn’t carry a fed, had no interest in building titles or anything else other than their own egos and that decision bit you in the ass big time.”
Jesse sighs. “Yeah…something like that.”
Valora shrugs. “So why should I trust you not to fuck me over again?” Jesse thinks about this for a second and shrugs. “There’s nothing I can say. You’ll have to trust me to do what I always do. Do what I think is best for business. You don’t want me to fuck you over? Make sure that doing so would be bad for business.”
Valora thinks for a moment. “Here are my terms. You will pay me what I am owed as a former World Champ, a 2 time Trans-Atlantic Champ and a tag team champion in NEW oh.. And can’t forget I’m a hall of famer. You will guarantee me a fair wage for those honors which I earned. And you will give me an option to bring in my student. She will be given a standard NEW Rookie contract.”
Jesse chokes on his scotch at this. “Wait, hold the phone.. You’re training someone?! And you haven’t killed her yet?!”
Valora nods. “Yeah, she’s pretty tough for a gringa. I’m vouching for her.”
Jesse nods. “Uh-huh. Sure you’re not getting soft in your old age?”
Valora smirks. “Well tell me who I’m fighting first in NEW and we’ll see.”
Jesse nods. “Battle Royal. Top 3 finishers will get prizes. After that is the world title match.”
Valora raises an eyebrow. “Who’s the champ?” Jesse keeps his eyes on Valora. “Roger Wright.” Valora scoffs and rolls her eyes. “No wonder you need me.” Jesse narrows his eyes a bit. “You’re not the end all be all, you know.” Valora shrugs. “Maybe not, but while Roger Wright is solid at holding and building a championship, I don’t think it’s presumptuous of me to believe that I beat him in the personality and charisma department. So we’re about tied in ability to properly be a damn champion. I’m better than him in personality and charisma and if memory serves we’ve pretty much drawn even in ring against each other he beats me sometimes, I beat him sometimes.” Valora does the math in her head and shrugs. “Meh. I guess overall he’s not a bad choice.”
Jesse Styles turns to face Valora and nods. “He’s also managed to win the World Title more than once. You could only take the belt off Matt Slater. So if I were to take your attitude I could point out your history of choking in the big match. You’re a one time World Champ and how many shots at the title have you had?”
Valora clenches her jaw and nods. “Fair enough. Again, do we want to trade insults again or do you have thoughts on my terms? And also, why are you here trying to get me back to Chicago?”
Jesse Styles shrugs. “Because I want and need the best. You’re a Hall of Famer. You know how hard it is to run a fed? Let alone how hard it is to try and bring one back from the dead multiple times? I need A-list talent. Talent that is going to bring fans, ratings, money. Now our rollercoaster relationship aside, I’ve always respected your ability to perform.” He walks over and takes a seat, looking at Valora. “Give me the story on your girl. Where’s she from? Training? All of it.”
Valora leans against the wall and smirks. “Swansea, Wales. I know you have no idea where that’s at, it’s in the U.K. 9 years old. 9 years old while you and I were watchin’ fuckin’ Seasme Street or some shit she was signed to a contract by Swansea’s women’s team and went to their youth academy. 5 years later, age 14 she starts begging me to train her. 1 year later she succeeds after literally flying to Los Angeles, walking into my gym and passing an impromptu test when one of the kids training at my gym starts a fight with her and loses. I’ve been training this girl for 3 years, Jesse, and as you said, I haven’t killed her yet.”
Jesse thinks about this for a moment and withdraws his phone. “You got anything I can look at?” Valora nods. “Yeah Conquest Wrestling Federation. Latest Warzone show. Eron Hunter, a world champion level talent vs. Abbigail Dresden.”
Jesse dials a number and waits for a few moments before nodding. “Yeah, it’s me. I want you to get a hold of some film for me. Conquest Wrestling Federation. Their latest broadcast. Eron Hunter vs. Abbigail Dresden. Yeah, have it ready for me when I get back to Chicago.” He says before ending the call and turning to Valora. “There. Olive branch. I’m going to take a look. You, your agent and your girl will meet me in Chicago and we’ll continue this discussion there.”
He lets silence hang in the air and then takes a risk Valora was not expecting stepping forward one step. “We don’t have to be enemies, Val. You’re a Hall of Famer. Don’t think I don’t know that you have said some complimentary things about me and NEW. Say what you want. You loved your time in Chicago.” He holds out a hand. Valora looks at it for a long moment and then nods and shakes his hand. “I’ll see you in Chicago. Hopefully we can come to a deal.”
Jesse nods and leaves. Both know the truth of the situation. Getting Valora in Chicago was the goal. Once there, it is almost a foregone conclusion Jesse will convince her to sign. He is right. Val loved Chicago. Loved New Edge. Samantha looks to Valora and she nods. “We’re going to Chicago. Tell Abbs to get ready.”
O’Hare Airport, 2 days later:
As the plane comes to a stop, Abbigail looks at Valora and her get up. “Seriously?” Valora smirks. “I’ve always told you pro wrestling is more than fighting. There’s a showmanship angle. Part of that is handling the fans. Just wait, Hermana.”
The door opens and the trio make their way through the tunnel and into the terminal, before emerging, Valora pulls the hoodie up over her head. As they collect their bags, they see someone holding a sign with Valora’s name on it. Valora walks over to the man and the trio are led through the airport, as they come out, the cold air hits. Valora is unbothered by it. So is Samantha. Abbigail walks out and gasps. “Jesus wept, it’s cold!”
Valora laughs a bit. “Wait til winter hits, Hermana.” They look at the car, and Valora whistles as a Aston Martin is waiting for them. A few minutes later, the trio are in the car, being driven through Chicago traffic. Abbigail watches the city with wide eyes, impressed by the impressive skyline and the elevated train system. Valora removes the hoodie and prepares herself for the arrival at NEW arena and HQ.
As the car pulls up, Valora gets out of the car. She wears her trademark blue bandanna around her head and a NEW T-shirt. While the driver and her team get the bags, Valora enjoys the reaction of the fans gathered to see arriving stars with rumors of NEW getting restarted and Valora, Samantha and Abbigail enter NEW HQ. Jesse Styles is in the lounge to greet them and nods. “Enjoy the ride?” Valora nods. “Not my usual style, but I appreciate the ride.”
Jesse sees Valora’s outfit choice and gives a smile. He leads the trio up to their office and once everyone is settled, he sits down and sighs. “I’ll get right to the point. I’m interested. Your girl went toe to toe with a veteran wrestler and held her own. In other words…” He says as he sets two contracts on the table. “I’m prepared to meet your conditions.” Samantha takes the contracts, reading them carefully and then turns to Valora and nods, before noticing something. “Wait, there’s something added here.” Jesse nods. “Yeah. A signing bonus. Invest it in your school or something. Also, I added a clause giving you the option to stay on as a talent scout and/or trainer when your in ring career ends.”
Valora looks at Jesse. “That is… unusually generous for you.” Jesse nods. “It’s good business Val. You’re a Hall of Famer, and Abbigail’s performance in her first match has convinced me you have an eye for talent and ability to train. I’d be stupid not to offer you the option.”
Valora nods and signs the contract and Abbigail signs her contract before Valora looks at her team. “Alright, let’s go. We need to find a place to stay in Chicago and then begin to prepare for my return match.”
After saying their farewells to Jesse, the trio heads out and a few hours later, The trio is situated in the hotel room of Valora. Valora looks to Samantha. “So what do we know about our opponents?”
Samantha sets up her laptop and a few minutes later looks up. “Hunter Valentyne.”
Valora rolls her eyes spitting out her tequila. “Fuck me, he’s not dead yet?! Jesus Christo, someone put a fuckin’ pillow over his face and do the world a favor! Next.” Abbigail clears her throat. “ That’s kinda mean.” Valora looks to her protege. “The man is a philistine. Uncultured swine, A sexist, a Racist and a grade creep and a total waste of space, I suggest murdering him to harvest blood and organs except I wouldn’t put his shit into a fuckin’ rat. Trust me. He’s earned every bit of my response to him.”
Samantha nods. “Blair Buchanan.”
Valora nods. “Ah, Blair. I think she might hate Hunter more than I do.” Abbigail smirks a bit. “Nothing bad to say about her?” Valora smiles. “ No, nothing bad. We were allies once. In the same stable. Was a fun time and I look forward to being in the ring with her. I’m not going to start something with her, not in a battle royal where it’s constant chaos anyways.”
“Scott Adams.” Samantha says and sees Valora’s face and nods. “Australian wrestler.” Valora shakes her head. “Never heard of him.” Samantha nods and moves to the next. “You’re next on the list, can skip that. So.. Josh Cole, who has no entry on the NEW website.” Valora smirks. “Jesse apparently hasn’t gotten around to hiring an IT team to manage the website.”
Samantha nods. “Omar Azure. 6 time World Champion of Japanese Championship Wrestling, blackbelt in Karate and seems to be a bit of a kick boxer and high flyer type.” Valora nods. “Wouldn’t be the first Chinese martial artist I ever fought.” Samantha girns. “But you have never beaten her, either.” Valora shrugs. “I’m still fighting and she ain’t so I win.”
Samantha rolls her eyes. “River Riley. Navy Seal? Huh. Didn’t know they were letting women in. Anyways. I heard some talk around the HQ about her. Likes to call Jesse ‘Admiral’ Seems to be distracted with some domestic issues.”
Valora nods. “If she calls Jesse Admiral, she isn’t a vet. Military types are kind of funny about civilians having ranks they haven’t earned. I’ve spoken to vets. They use ‘Sir’ or ‘Ma’am.’ So either she was a SEAL and was just shit at being military, or something else is going on. Makes no difference anyways, does she have any actual wrestling experience?” Samantha uses one of her programs and does some digging with her skills and her own access abilities and looks over things. “Huh. PTSD. Military record has some records of discipline due to temper. She’s has, apparently, trained in maybe a third of all fighting styles used in professional combat sports.”
Valora nods. “Then she’s an expert in none of them. PTSD and a temper? I can use that.”
Samantha nods. “ Hands of Steel, Megan Coleman.. Huh she’s from South Bend, Indiana.”
Valora scoffs. “So she’s a racists like approximately 75% of the town, likely Fascist Catholic too given Fascist U being in town.” Abbigail raises an eyebrow. “Fascist Catholic.” Valora nods. “American Catholics who use their religion to justify Theocratic Fascism. They’re not Nazi Fascists, they’re more Italian, Spanish and Vichy regime fascists mixing Fascism with Catholic religion.” Samantha finds a promo video and sends it to Valora’s phone. Valora looks at it and rolls her eyes. “Oh, isn't she precious? Present and future huh? Yeah. and in a month no one will remember her fuckin’ name.”
Samantha scrolls down and laughs a bit. “Andrew Garrison. Former rugby player hmm.. Seems like he was trained by Al Envy.”
Valora chokes on her drink again. “Wait what? Al Envy actually put his fuckin’ ego aside to train someone?!” Samantha says nothing just looks at Valora then looks to Abbigail, then back to Valora who rolls her eyes. “Point taken. Issues with Envy aside.. If he trained this Garrison guy, he’ll be prepared for NEW. We definitely need to put Garrison on the people to take seriously list.” Abbigail clears her throat. “Is there anyone here you get along with?” Valora scoffs. “Al Envy is a racist, sexist piece of shit, and a hypocrite who will bitch about how minorities get everything handed to them and then blatantly use his privilege to get out of consequences for his actions. What pisses me off about him the most is he’s actually fuckin’ talented. To answer your question.. I got with people here.. I was even part of a stable so there.”
Samantha nods. “Rylee Ruin. Rich girl who got into MMA but was too small.” Valora raises an eyebrow in confusion and Samantha shrugs. “5’1 and 112.” Valora blinks. “Jesus Christ.. I know kids bigger than her. I’m afraid she’ll have a short career in this business.. What Martial arts?” Samantha checks the bio. “Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai.” Valora nods. “Not a bad combo. Gives her some versatility.. Still in a battle royal I sure wouldn’t want to be as small as she is.”
Samantha continues on. “Looks like Bianca Davis is up next. But NEW has no information on her.” Valora rolls her eyes. “Then she’s obviously a coward afraid that ‘ohmygosh’ if I have my information out there, my opponents might be able to scout me!”
Samantha laughs a bit and nods. “Bia. Aussie female wrestler who seems to be using Greek mythology, passing herself off as the daughter of the Titan Pella and the Goddess Styx.” Valora smirks and nods. “Maybe I’ll bring Hecate to Chicago. I’m sure she would be interested to see this girl.
Samantha looks at the next name. “Sirrius Le Beau, who goes by the ring name of Nocturnal 2.”
Valora takes a drink of her tequila and looks at Samantha. If Valora ever feels fear, she feels something close to it now. “Definitely need to take him seriously. He and I have the same problem.. We can’t die. Trust me, we’ve tried to kill each other multiple times. I’m pretty sure some of the highest rated matches in NEW history have been Nocturnal vs. Valora Salinas.. And no matter how much we try to kill each other.. No matter how many other wrestlers we cripple and destroy.. Against each other.. Both of us just keep getting up and coming after each other.” She looks to Abbigail. “I fucking despise Nocturnal and he likely feels the same about me. But I respect him. I don’t think I’ve ever faced a more dangerous person.”
Samantha nods. “The last 2 are Brandon who seems to be coming out of retirement as well and Apathy, who we are already very familiar with.”
Valora nods. “Brandon doesn’t ring a bell. Doesn’t mean much other than I’ve not heard of him. Liz is someone to take seriously. As you said, we’re very familiar with her.”
Valora stands up and thinks for a moment. “Let’s get some rest, then we start training.”
Valora’s trademark smirk crosses her face. “Oh yes. The very first time we signed, I was forced to sign on his terms. Promising a talent as I was, I was an indie wrestler. A big fish in the minor leagues. I evened the scales with the LeBron James money event. Now, I want to make it clear that whatever happens will happen on my terms..” Samantha nods. “With him coming this far, you know what he’s going to want, don’t you?” Valora nods. “Of course. The man who told me I would never be welcome in his fed again wants me back in his fed. That’s not the question. The question is how vindictive I’m going to be feeling when he gets here.” Samantha raises an eyebrow and shrugs. “We could have just told him no over the phone.” Valora takes another drink and nods. “But that’s not as fun. I wanna see his eyes. I wanna see how desperate he is. Also, he deserves the chance to make his case.”
Samantha shakes her head and smiles. “You know, I think you like him more than you let on.” Valora shrugs as she takes another drink. “Like is a strong word. I’d say I respect him. For the most part, behind closed doors, when he needs to get serious, he’ll be honest with you. Take me for example. I might not be his favorite person in the world but he knows I’ll give him what he wants. He knows I will provide him with the very best in violence. He knows I will put fans in the seats. He knows I can build a title, he knows I can generate interest and hype in a match. All of these reasons are why he agreed to make me one rich puta.”
The conversation is interrupted by a young Mexican woman who comes in and looks to Valora. “Senora Salinas. Senor Styles es aqui.” Valora nods and replies in Spanish, instructing the woman to offer a drink. The woman nods and starts to head out and Valora stops him. “Oh, use English. His Spanish is pretty bad and it’ll make him feel comfortable to speak in English.” The woman smiles and nods, heading off as Valora and Samantha make their last minute preparations and head down to the study.
As they walk into the study, Jesse Styles turns and looks to Valora, drinking from his scotch. Valora raises an eye and Jesse shrugs. “I don’t trust your cheap ass Mexican beer down here. By the way, I notice you have Mexican servants.”
Without missing a beat, Valora smirks. “Yeah I hired some gringos but turns out they’re really lazy and do a shit job. So I hired Mexicans, a couple of refugees from Venezuela, similar types. I treat them like human beings, I pay them well. Is it business time yet or do we exchange more racist banter first?”
Jesse smiles. “Damn, I almost miss this at times.” He looks around. “I buy this?” Valora shakes her head. “Naw, I got this before the LeBron James money. That helped me buy my house in Barcelona though. So..gracias.”
Jesse nods. “You know, it’s funny you keep mentioning that contract. I wonder if you noticed there’s a clause in that contract allowing me to re-sign you to NEW at will.” Samantha steps forward. “Which you won’t exercise because then you would have to pay my client the so called ‘LeBron James money’ again.” Valora nods. “And I’m betting your bank account can’t afford that. So let’s start with question numero uno. Why the fuck should I return to NEW? Last time we spoke, you made it clear in no uncertain terms you did not need me, did not want me and would never let me wrestle in your fed again. So what changed?”
Jesse shrugged. “I thought NEW was finally closing it’s doors. I-” Valora steps forward and cuts him off. “You made a bad business move. You decided to trust talent that couldn’t carry a fed, had no interest in building titles or anything else other than their own egos and that decision bit you in the ass big time.”
Jesse sighs. “Yeah…something like that.”
Valora shrugs. “So why should I trust you not to fuck me over again?” Jesse thinks about this for a second and shrugs. “There’s nothing I can say. You’ll have to trust me to do what I always do. Do what I think is best for business. You don’t want me to fuck you over? Make sure that doing so would be bad for business.”
Valora thinks for a moment. “Here are my terms. You will pay me what I am owed as a former World Champ, a 2 time Trans-Atlantic Champ and a tag team champion in NEW oh.. And can’t forget I’m a hall of famer. You will guarantee me a fair wage for those honors which I earned. And you will give me an option to bring in my student. She will be given a standard NEW Rookie contract.”
Jesse chokes on his scotch at this. “Wait, hold the phone.. You’re training someone?! And you haven’t killed her yet?!”
Valora nods. “Yeah, she’s pretty tough for a gringa. I’m vouching for her.”
Jesse nods. “Uh-huh. Sure you’re not getting soft in your old age?”
Valora smirks. “Well tell me who I’m fighting first in NEW and we’ll see.”
Jesse nods. “Battle Royal. Top 3 finishers will get prizes. After that is the world title match.”
Valora raises an eyebrow. “Who’s the champ?” Jesse keeps his eyes on Valora. “Roger Wright.” Valora scoffs and rolls her eyes. “No wonder you need me.” Jesse narrows his eyes a bit. “You’re not the end all be all, you know.” Valora shrugs. “Maybe not, but while Roger Wright is solid at holding and building a championship, I don’t think it’s presumptuous of me to believe that I beat him in the personality and charisma department. So we’re about tied in ability to properly be a damn champion. I’m better than him in personality and charisma and if memory serves we’ve pretty much drawn even in ring against each other he beats me sometimes, I beat him sometimes.” Valora does the math in her head and shrugs. “Meh. I guess overall he’s not a bad choice.”
Jesse Styles turns to face Valora and nods. “He’s also managed to win the World Title more than once. You could only take the belt off Matt Slater. So if I were to take your attitude I could point out your history of choking in the big match. You’re a one time World Champ and how many shots at the title have you had?”
Valora clenches her jaw and nods. “Fair enough. Again, do we want to trade insults again or do you have thoughts on my terms? And also, why are you here trying to get me back to Chicago?”
Jesse Styles shrugs. “Because I want and need the best. You’re a Hall of Famer. You know how hard it is to run a fed? Let alone how hard it is to try and bring one back from the dead multiple times? I need A-list talent. Talent that is going to bring fans, ratings, money. Now our rollercoaster relationship aside, I’ve always respected your ability to perform.” He walks over and takes a seat, looking at Valora. “Give me the story on your girl. Where’s she from? Training? All of it.”
Valora leans against the wall and smirks. “Swansea, Wales. I know you have no idea where that’s at, it’s in the U.K. 9 years old. 9 years old while you and I were watchin’ fuckin’ Seasme Street or some shit she was signed to a contract by Swansea’s women’s team and went to their youth academy. 5 years later, age 14 she starts begging me to train her. 1 year later she succeeds after literally flying to Los Angeles, walking into my gym and passing an impromptu test when one of the kids training at my gym starts a fight with her and loses. I’ve been training this girl for 3 years, Jesse, and as you said, I haven’t killed her yet.”
Jesse thinks about this for a moment and withdraws his phone. “You got anything I can look at?” Valora nods. “Yeah Conquest Wrestling Federation. Latest Warzone show. Eron Hunter, a world champion level talent vs. Abbigail Dresden.”
Jesse dials a number and waits for a few moments before nodding. “Yeah, it’s me. I want you to get a hold of some film for me. Conquest Wrestling Federation. Their latest broadcast. Eron Hunter vs. Abbigail Dresden. Yeah, have it ready for me when I get back to Chicago.” He says before ending the call and turning to Valora. “There. Olive branch. I’m going to take a look. You, your agent and your girl will meet me in Chicago and we’ll continue this discussion there.”
He lets silence hang in the air and then takes a risk Valora was not expecting stepping forward one step. “We don’t have to be enemies, Val. You’re a Hall of Famer. Don’t think I don’t know that you have said some complimentary things about me and NEW. Say what you want. You loved your time in Chicago.” He holds out a hand. Valora looks at it for a long moment and then nods and shakes his hand. “I’ll see you in Chicago. Hopefully we can come to a deal.”
Jesse nods and leaves. Both know the truth of the situation. Getting Valora in Chicago was the goal. Once there, it is almost a foregone conclusion Jesse will convince her to sign. He is right. Val loved Chicago. Loved New Edge. Samantha looks to Valora and she nods. “We’re going to Chicago. Tell Abbs to get ready.”
O’Hare Airport, 2 days later:
As the plane comes to a stop, Abbigail looks at Valora and her get up. “Seriously?” Valora smirks. “I’ve always told you pro wrestling is more than fighting. There’s a showmanship angle. Part of that is handling the fans. Just wait, Hermana.”
The door opens and the trio make their way through the tunnel and into the terminal, before emerging, Valora pulls the hoodie up over her head. As they collect their bags, they see someone holding a sign with Valora’s name on it. Valora walks over to the man and the trio are led through the airport, as they come out, the cold air hits. Valora is unbothered by it. So is Samantha. Abbigail walks out and gasps. “Jesus wept, it’s cold!”
Valora laughs a bit. “Wait til winter hits, Hermana.” They look at the car, and Valora whistles as a Aston Martin is waiting for them. A few minutes later, the trio are in the car, being driven through Chicago traffic. Abbigail watches the city with wide eyes, impressed by the impressive skyline and the elevated train system. Valora removes the hoodie and prepares herself for the arrival at NEW arena and HQ.
As the car pulls up, Valora gets out of the car. She wears her trademark blue bandanna around her head and a NEW T-shirt. While the driver and her team get the bags, Valora enjoys the reaction of the fans gathered to see arriving stars with rumors of NEW getting restarted and Valora, Samantha and Abbigail enter NEW HQ. Jesse Styles is in the lounge to greet them and nods. “Enjoy the ride?” Valora nods. “Not my usual style, but I appreciate the ride.”
Jesse sees Valora’s outfit choice and gives a smile. He leads the trio up to their office and once everyone is settled, he sits down and sighs. “I’ll get right to the point. I’m interested. Your girl went toe to toe with a veteran wrestler and held her own. In other words…” He says as he sets two contracts on the table. “I’m prepared to meet your conditions.” Samantha takes the contracts, reading them carefully and then turns to Valora and nods, before noticing something. “Wait, there’s something added here.” Jesse nods. “Yeah. A signing bonus. Invest it in your school or something. Also, I added a clause giving you the option to stay on as a talent scout and/or trainer when your in ring career ends.”
Valora looks at Jesse. “That is… unusually generous for you.” Jesse nods. “It’s good business Val. You’re a Hall of Famer, and Abbigail’s performance in her first match has convinced me you have an eye for talent and ability to train. I’d be stupid not to offer you the option.”
Valora nods and signs the contract and Abbigail signs her contract before Valora looks at her team. “Alright, let’s go. We need to find a place to stay in Chicago and then begin to prepare for my return match.”
After saying their farewells to Jesse, the trio heads out and a few hours later, The trio is situated in the hotel room of Valora. Valora looks to Samantha. “So what do we know about our opponents?”
Samantha sets up her laptop and a few minutes later looks up. “Hunter Valentyne.”
Valora rolls her eyes spitting out her tequila. “Fuck me, he’s not dead yet?! Jesus Christo, someone put a fuckin’ pillow over his face and do the world a favor! Next.” Abbigail clears her throat. “ That’s kinda mean.” Valora looks to her protege. “The man is a philistine. Uncultured swine, A sexist, a Racist and a grade creep and a total waste of space, I suggest murdering him to harvest blood and organs except I wouldn’t put his shit into a fuckin’ rat. Trust me. He’s earned every bit of my response to him.”
Samantha nods. “Blair Buchanan.”
Valora nods. “Ah, Blair. I think she might hate Hunter more than I do.” Abbigail smirks a bit. “Nothing bad to say about her?” Valora smiles. “ No, nothing bad. We were allies once. In the same stable. Was a fun time and I look forward to being in the ring with her. I’m not going to start something with her, not in a battle royal where it’s constant chaos anyways.”
“Scott Adams.” Samantha says and sees Valora’s face and nods. “Australian wrestler.” Valora shakes her head. “Never heard of him.” Samantha nods and moves to the next. “You’re next on the list, can skip that. So.. Josh Cole, who has no entry on the NEW website.” Valora smirks. “Jesse apparently hasn’t gotten around to hiring an IT team to manage the website.”
Samantha nods. “Omar Azure. 6 time World Champion of Japanese Championship Wrestling, blackbelt in Karate and seems to be a bit of a kick boxer and high flyer type.” Valora nods. “Wouldn’t be the first Chinese martial artist I ever fought.” Samantha girns. “But you have never beaten her, either.” Valora shrugs. “I’m still fighting and she ain’t so I win.”
Samantha rolls her eyes. “River Riley. Navy Seal? Huh. Didn’t know they were letting women in. Anyways. I heard some talk around the HQ about her. Likes to call Jesse ‘Admiral’ Seems to be distracted with some domestic issues.”
Valora nods. “If she calls Jesse Admiral, she isn’t a vet. Military types are kind of funny about civilians having ranks they haven’t earned. I’ve spoken to vets. They use ‘Sir’ or ‘Ma’am.’ So either she was a SEAL and was just shit at being military, or something else is going on. Makes no difference anyways, does she have any actual wrestling experience?” Samantha uses one of her programs and does some digging with her skills and her own access abilities and looks over things. “Huh. PTSD. Military record has some records of discipline due to temper. She’s has, apparently, trained in maybe a third of all fighting styles used in professional combat sports.”
Valora nods. “Then she’s an expert in none of them. PTSD and a temper? I can use that.”
Samantha nods. “ Hands of Steel, Megan Coleman.. Huh she’s from South Bend, Indiana.”
Valora scoffs. “So she’s a racists like approximately 75% of the town, likely Fascist Catholic too given Fascist U being in town.” Abbigail raises an eyebrow. “Fascist Catholic.” Valora nods. “American Catholics who use their religion to justify Theocratic Fascism. They’re not Nazi Fascists, they’re more Italian, Spanish and Vichy regime fascists mixing Fascism with Catholic religion.” Samantha finds a promo video and sends it to Valora’s phone. Valora looks at it and rolls her eyes. “Oh, isn't she precious? Present and future huh? Yeah. and in a month no one will remember her fuckin’ name.”
Samantha scrolls down and laughs a bit. “Andrew Garrison. Former rugby player hmm.. Seems like he was trained by Al Envy.”
Valora chokes on her drink again. “Wait what? Al Envy actually put his fuckin’ ego aside to train someone?!” Samantha says nothing just looks at Valora then looks to Abbigail, then back to Valora who rolls her eyes. “Point taken. Issues with Envy aside.. If he trained this Garrison guy, he’ll be prepared for NEW. We definitely need to put Garrison on the people to take seriously list.” Abbigail clears her throat. “Is there anyone here you get along with?” Valora scoffs. “Al Envy is a racist, sexist piece of shit, and a hypocrite who will bitch about how minorities get everything handed to them and then blatantly use his privilege to get out of consequences for his actions. What pisses me off about him the most is he’s actually fuckin’ talented. To answer your question.. I got with people here.. I was even part of a stable so there.”
Samantha nods. “Rylee Ruin. Rich girl who got into MMA but was too small.” Valora raises an eyebrow in confusion and Samantha shrugs. “5’1 and 112.” Valora blinks. “Jesus Christ.. I know kids bigger than her. I’m afraid she’ll have a short career in this business.. What Martial arts?” Samantha checks the bio. “Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai.” Valora nods. “Not a bad combo. Gives her some versatility.. Still in a battle royal I sure wouldn’t want to be as small as she is.”
Samantha continues on. “Looks like Bianca Davis is up next. But NEW has no information on her.” Valora rolls her eyes. “Then she’s obviously a coward afraid that ‘ohmygosh’ if I have my information out there, my opponents might be able to scout me!”
Samantha laughs a bit and nods. “Bia. Aussie female wrestler who seems to be using Greek mythology, passing herself off as the daughter of the Titan Pella and the Goddess Styx.” Valora smirks and nods. “Maybe I’ll bring Hecate to Chicago. I’m sure she would be interested to see this girl.
Samantha looks at the next name. “Sirrius Le Beau, who goes by the ring name of Nocturnal 2.”
Valora takes a drink of her tequila and looks at Samantha. If Valora ever feels fear, she feels something close to it now. “Definitely need to take him seriously. He and I have the same problem.. We can’t die. Trust me, we’ve tried to kill each other multiple times. I’m pretty sure some of the highest rated matches in NEW history have been Nocturnal vs. Valora Salinas.. And no matter how much we try to kill each other.. No matter how many other wrestlers we cripple and destroy.. Against each other.. Both of us just keep getting up and coming after each other.” She looks to Abbigail. “I fucking despise Nocturnal and he likely feels the same about me. But I respect him. I don’t think I’ve ever faced a more dangerous person.”
Samantha nods. “The last 2 are Brandon who seems to be coming out of retirement as well and Apathy, who we are already very familiar with.”
Valora nods. “Brandon doesn’t ring a bell. Doesn’t mean much other than I’ve not heard of him. Liz is someone to take seriously. As you said, we’re very familiar with her.”
Valora stands up and thinks for a moment. “Let’s get some rest, then we start training.”