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Post by terrybgoode on Jun 6, 2009 19:55:47 GMT -4
To call Friday's show explosive would be to massively understate the fact. FFP has been shaken to the core once again; and so soon after Psychotica's vicious manipulation of Matthew Kraven. The actions of his jealous brother may or may not be less heinous, they may be more understandable, but they could hold even greater consequences for the promotion's future.
In fact, even the present is currently in question.
To this end, before heading out to Japan - and despite claiming that she will focus solely on her match in Osaka - aspirant Diamond champion Jessie Clinton makes a trip to the president's office. Often casual to a fault, she has made some effort to dress herself up to meet whomever she might find there; wearing suit trousers and sensible shoes along with an expensive white blouse. The bulk of her dyed blonde hair has been pulled into a high ponytail, with carefully styled bangs falling to either side of her face.
As mentally prepared as she is physically, Jess approaches the door to Kraven's office and drops calloused knuckles to hard wood, rapping four times before lowering her hand and awaiting a response. ...From which Kraven, she is none too sure.
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Post by President Matt Kraven on Jun 6, 2009 20:10:50 GMT -4
Matt Kraven: Come on in...
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Post by terrybgoode on Jun 6, 2009 21:00:08 GMT -4
The resulting revelation draws a surprised blink from Jessie as she opens the door to the president's office and steps inside.
Jessie: President Kraven, it's good to hear your voice. How's your head?
She smiles, slightly teasing with her opening query; genuinely pleased to see the rightful man is still here.
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Post by President Matt Kraven on Jun 6, 2009 21:07:23 GMT -4
Kraven smiles.
Matt Kraven: I'm good. I have a headache, and pretty much have since my prick of a little brother attacked me, but hey, I'm getting used to being attacked here. Apparently being the president of the biggest wrestling promotion in the world...you become somewhat of a target for just about anyone. Anyway...what can I do for you?
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Post by terrybgoode on Jun 6, 2009 21:17:12 GMT -4
Jessie's gaze intensifies as Matt makes first mention of his brother; well hidden on camera or not, she's clearly none too happy about the younger Kraven. But when the president makes grim light of the situation, she ekes out a rye half grin.
Jessie: Funny how that works.
Dropping the expression with a shrug, she dips her chin in a gesture that would seem stiff and formal on anybody less genuine, seguing into the original reason for her visit.
Jessie: I told myself I'd stop by and thank you before we both headed out. It means a lot to get a shot at something so soon. To be given that chance in Japan... well. That means all the more. I'm grateful.
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Post by President Matt Kraven on Jun 7, 2009 8:35:38 GMT -4
Matt Kraven: No problem Jessie. You've earned it. You've proven that you have a bright future here in Full Force Pro. The Diamond Division is on the rise, and with girls like you coming in here, the rise will continue. And as far as the J-Cup, I wanted to make sure that deserving individuals were in the Tournament, and I think that you would be one of the Diamonds that could go in there with the boys, and show them who's boss.
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Post by terrybgoode on Jun 7, 2009 9:24:58 GMT -4
Jess bobs her head in agreement, doing nothing to suppress the flare of pride that Matt's comments bring. There's no need for false humility, because he's right. She has earned it. The important thing is to never stop doing so, to keep striving, lest the ego take reign.
Jessie: I think you know that's a huge part of why I'm here. I wouldn't have left Japan for just anybody. I feel respected here, as a wrestler. There's not many major promotions who realise how little difference gender actually makes - we all train just as hard, we all sweat, we all bleed...
She tails off, shaking her head.
Jessie: If I'd accepted a contract anywhere else, there's every chance I'd end up trying to look pretty at ringside. The only reason I should be waiting out a match down there is if I'm put there by an opponent who's better than me.
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Post by President Matt Kraven on Jun 7, 2009 9:29:18 GMT -4
Matt Kraven: This promotion is a lot different than others. I have always tried to be different...to be better. Women are respected here. They aren't divas. They aren't knockouts. They don't compete in bikini contests or stupid stripper matches. I know that you girls work just as hard. Sometimes, harder, than the men. I think it's cool that we have a woman as the World Champion...of course the way she got it wasn't the greatest, but nonetheless. Keep doing what you're doing here Jessie. You have been winning non stop. I enjoy watching you in the ring, and can't wait to see you compete in Japan. Good luck to you.
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Post by terrybgoode on Jun 7, 2009 9:56:03 GMT -4
At the mention of those infamous T n' A contests, the rookie Diamond can't help but laugh. Throughout her career to date she's been praised for her versatility in the ring, but Matt has highlighted the one area in which she would feel truly lost and exposed. She considers it no bad thing.
When the president is done speaking, she bows her head once more. On raising her eyes they are alight with resolve.
Jessie: I won't disappoint you. I promised myself I'd go into this at one hundred percent, and keep getting better. I told somebody very special the same thing. Thanks, again, for giving me the chance to keep that promise. I'll see you in Japan, President Kraven.
She smiles, a perky cant of the head punctuating the honorific, and starts to turn away only to pause. The hesitation is not nervous, but when she looks around her expression has changed, more solemn and intense.
Jessie: Oh, and... hey. I didn't only come here to thank you. I came to make sure you were still here. I don't like to play games backstage, but if you need any help with your brother... know that I'm in your corner. He's not taking over here. Full Force Pro is what it is because you've made it that way. Don't forget that.
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Post by saturnine on Jun 7, 2009 10:14:11 GMT -4
And I'm the new Diamond Champion. Don't forget that.
Jessie and Matt turns to see Samantha Fox heading towards them, her newly won title displayed proudly over her shoulder. She stops to size up one of her two opponents at Glory, the woman that currently remains unbeaten in the Diamond Division.
Samantha: Jessie Clinton. Finally, I have the chance to meet you face-to-face. I heard you're in the J-Cup tournament. Good for you. See, I told you Matt Kraven is a genius when it comes to booking matches.
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Post by terrybgoode on Jun 7, 2009 11:19:43 GMT -4
Jessie's eyes dart to the approaching champion as she makes her presence known. There's a lot in that stare; and how could there not be? In seven days these two, with the equally driven Vanity, will be pushing each other to the very limit. Even aside from the newcomer's recent conflict with Youth Gone Wild, it would not be surprising for sparks to fly here.
Moreso is the gesture that follows, as Jess brings her palms together at her chest, not once taking her eyes from the other woman.
Jessie: Samantha Fox; the honour is all mine. Congratulations on your victory at Redemption. You weren't messing around out there.
An eyebrow raises, and she seems genuinely impressed. Does she actually mean it? A small smile glances across her lips.
Jessie: But make sure you wear that belt nice and tight. You're right that President Kraven knows exactly what he's doing. He wouldn't let me challenge you unless that strap was a perfect fit for either of us. There's only one champion in this room right now, and I won't forget that. But you, me, and Vanity? We're going to put on a fight that Tokyo won't ever forget. Be ready, champ.
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Post by saturnine on Jun 7, 2009 14:59:25 GMT -4
Samantha: Oh, I'll be ready, don't you worry about that. The question is, will you be ready? And since you mentioned last week, it seems I have my answer by your equally impressive performance in your match as once again you've managed to put doubters, naysayers and hecklers to rest. Three-and-oh. That has a nice ring to it, wouldn't you say?
Samantha pauses, taking time to formulate her next few words to Jessie.
Samantha: Dita has a singles match against the new Diamond, Se7en in this First Event. I'm sure she'll learn form this loss. But as far as the J-Cup Tourney is concerned, did you know that Hunter Brown, the United States Champion and one-half of the new FFP Tag Team Champions will be participating? You want to know what that means, Jessie? It means that Youth Gone Wild is going to win the tournament.
Samantha pauses again to see if her words have sunk it. She can see her reflection almost in Jessie's soft brown eyes, yet she was in hope of finding some intimidation there, too. But if Jessie was supposed to be fazed by all of this, she sure didn't show it. Samantha takes a step back, then continues on.
Samantha: See, that J-Cup trophy is all but ours. We've got most of the titles, minus the World, but hoisting that trophy...hoisting that trophy will cement our name in the annals of FFP history. Not that we're making history already.
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Post by terrybgoode on Jun 8, 2009 18:07:59 GMT -4
Jessie watches Samantha levelly for the duration of that speech. Every single word sinks deep. To any onlooker, including the nearby Matt Kraven, she would appear barely to react at all. But the wily champeen is watching those eyes. She can see their depths fill with strong emotion as Jess listens; not rage, however, nor jealousy, hatred or resentment.
Beyond all of those, her eyes scream her desire and her intent. This other woman she beholds is a challenge in the flesh. She represents the raw, visceral, honest fight that Jessie wants. A fight she is getting come the week's end. Patient as she guides herself to be, the plucky technician would fight the Fox in an instant.
She breathes in and out slowly before replying, her exhalation twisting into a smile that is two parts pleasant, and one part incensed. When she speaks, her tone is similarly measured.
Jessie: It sounds like I should wish you all the best of luck. You'll need it. Hunter might get through one round on his own, but do you really think your group can carry him all the way? Madison couldn't save Dita from me; do you think she could save Hunter from Alexander Monroe or Genocide? From me or Jeff Jackson? Pick any two, because they're who he'll end up facing. If Madison can't make the dirty save, it comes down to the rest of you...
She lifts one shoulder in a loose, dismissive shrug, then abruptly slides forward into Samantha's personal space, raising her chin as she leans in, meeting the other woman's gaze from slightly below.
Jessie: And you're the only one I'd bet on. So it all comes down to one question. Will you risk taking heavy punishment before our match? You're not stupid. You know the threat that Vanity and I pose. What's more, we both know what you and your friends are capable of. If you can win in a fair fight, you'll keep your title; lower the tone and there's no reason for me not to do the same. That goes for Hunter as well.
She remains close, but darts a pointed look to the belt upon Samantha's shoulder.
Jessie: If Youth Gone Wild walk out of this a title richer, it'll be because you've earned it. There's no other way. You deserve what you earn, so why not take this opportunity to prove that you deserve what you've already got? Go ahead and make history. Do it the right way, and I don't care. I may even be happy for you.
The last sentence comes out slowly, each word carefully enunciated, before the rookie Diamond moves to step around her future opponent.
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Post by saturnine on Jun 9, 2009 16:58:29 GMT -4
As she slowly process what Jessie has said, Samantha stands there, almost detached from where she was. She spins around and grabs Jessie wrist to get her attention. She pulls away as Samantha speaks again.
Samantha: Now just hold on one damn minute, Clinton. You think...you think I didn't earn this? You think I'm not worthy to be Diamond Champion? (She holds up the title between them). Jessie, let's get a few facts straight here. First of all, I beat Veronica Clyne--on my own-fair and square this past Friday. I know it, you know it, those fans in Atlanta know it.
Jessie looks to interrupt her, but Samantha cuts her off, her rage just building.
Samantha: Secondly, did you at all see Hunter Brown out there? No. What about Dita, Madison or Brandon? Nowhere in sight. I won this title, I earned this title, by myself, on my own, Jessie. The same way I defeated Vanity to become number one contender.
The last three words are said with impact as Samantha's gaze unawavered.
Samantha: So it would behoove you--a mere rookie-to tell me what I did or did not earn. Jessie, this title wasn’t given to me on a platter. I didn’t become number one contender just by sitting on the couch watching soap operas while eating bonbons.
She turns to Matt Kraven now, her eyes still with that wild glaze.
Samantha: And I certainly didn’t become the new Diamond Champion by unleashing some harebrained scheme that involved abducting the main figurehead of this company and then torturing them to no end in order for them to hand me this belt.
Her words were meant to be daggers to the figurehead. The way he treated Psychotica like she was a goddess sickened her. Though he has tried every conceivable way to get that title off her, she somehow managed to walk out still champion. Samantha felt it could have been solved the moment he recuperated from his injuries--just strip her of the FFP World Title. Samantha eyes turned to Jessie once more.
Samantha: I worked hard for this, I worked my tail off. The same determination, the same iron will, never-say-die attitude that you bring in week in-week out is the same gameplan I’m bringing to Glory. This title isn’t going to change hands without a fight. So whether I have to go through you or Vanity—who already blown her first opportunity for the title thanks to a certain World Champion that lurks here—I’m going to defend my title walking into the Tokyo Dome and I’m not leaving Japan without it. You claim to be the one that has one hundred ways to make your opponent scream? (laughs). Well, I have one hundred and one.
Samantha takes a deep breath before she speaks once more.
Samantha: You know, it seems as if it were only yesterday that you, a mere rookie, wandered into this place. You experienced your first PPV and watched alonside thousands of other die-hard FFP fans the matches that made Guilty Pleasures an astouding success. Of course, Youth Gone Wild dominated their matches as we always have and and always will, but that's beside the point.
If you think you’re going to win this title off me on Sunday, think again. I find it hard to believe that's it’s been only a few short weeks and already you've competed in a tournament and in a mere few days you also be competing in your first championship match. I guess Kraven here gives you a lot more credit then I do.
Jessie and Matt watches as Samantha turns and leaves, but not before she holds up her Diamond Championship between her and Jessie one last time.
Samantha: You think you'll be a suitable champion one day? Well, you're going to have to earn it. That also goes for Vanity.
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Post by terrybgoode on Jun 9, 2009 18:02:23 GMT -4
The sudden grip comes as no surprise to Jessie. She would have been disappointed had the federation's top female done nothing but let her pass. As a result, she does nothing but stop, staring askance with a tactfully-underplayed smirk.
What follows - from that dramatic display of the belt, to the subtle barb directed at Matt, until Samantha turns away - she digests with a confident air, saying nothing and reacting little. If anything, her expression relaxes throughout the tirade, and she watches the Diamond champion leave thoughtfully. A sigh pours from her throat in tandem with the death of those departing footsteps. The final echo dies, and Jess directs a soft smile down the corridor, her head nodding slowly.
Jessie: You earned it, Samantha Fox...
Her voice is barely above a whisper, intended for her own ears only; but some thoughts are too important not to phrase aloud.
Jessie: You did earn it.
The last is a little louder, spoken with a contented lilt. She has an opponent who's beyond worthy, and it feels good, even aside from the guilty buzz she can derive from forcing that impressive explosion. It only proves the other woman's point all the more. True passion is not easy to fake.
Breaking her revery, Jess twists upon her heel, glancing at Matt.
Jessie: I'm sorry you had to hear that.
Far from self-assured, she sounds sheepish, her nose even wrinkling as she says it. She rallies with a smile, however, and cuts a brief bow toward the man.
Jessie: Stay well, President Kraven.
After waiting for a reply, she leaves the office. She has one hell of a week to prepare for.
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