Heavyweights Disrespect

[The Riders]

Thereisa is standing in the middle of the ring. Mic in hand as she sits down and crosses her legs with the spotlight on her, knowing what she is going to say is going to send waves in the locker room. Taking a moment to think about what she is going to say for now, as she looks over the fans who are waiting to hear the woman speak since it seems like something big is going to happen.

'I'm out here to talk about some things that has been on my chest... and I want all of you to hear what I am going to say because this is more about all the ladies in the back who had to watch our heavyweight champion lose, so yeah I have something about that and what I feel is the disrespect that we the Heavyweights wrestlers are feeling. You see, I come out here to call out the nerve of Astrid to book herself in a match just to lose allowing some lightweight wrestler to brag about who she beat our champion... when in my eyes she buried our title in the ground and made the heavyweight title look like a joke in front of everybody.' she says. 'Who was the ones who broke their sweat bloody bodies to reach heights that still to this day is held in high regard, the weight class I come from we were the ones who keep companies afloat, bringing in the big draws so that you lower weight classes can be shown and put in the spotlight we did that not you. And now we have to sit and watch our legacy be disrespected and spat on just for show.' shaking her head at that thought.

' Being a heavyweight wrestler means everything to me... it shows that I am the pillar that made wrestling what it is today, and all you ladies who are heavyweights in the back know what I am talking about... it was us every female heavyweight and male heavyweight in the eras where we ruled, we kept everything from falling apart and now to see our LAW heavyweight champion be defeated to have our title the one we are all fighting for claiming the highest prize in the company lose, to have our highest honor and prize be buried like that I would say something about it.' This isn't sour grapes. But the fact is that the title who is to represent us lost in embarrassing fashion, but hey it was a tough, close loss so nothing wrong with that you may say?. well I say there is something wrong with that each title is made to show that you are the best of your weight class... now we have to that one is better than the other because their champion won? So we're going to start doing that now, so when is the middleweight champ going to come out and challenge the heavyweight champ since in her mind well Astrid lost to the lightweight champ maybe I should try to take her down as well.' she turns to the camera. 'I don't hate you, Astrid, Rose. I don't even dislike you both. I do like you both somewhat. I like you both hell of a lot more than I like most people in the back. I hate this idea that you both call yourselves the best or, in rose case, the Ace. Because you're not. I'm the best. but enough about me... this is more about why us the heavyweights are being disrespected why we the ones who built wrestling companies with our bare hands are being shoved aside for what?. we don't do fancy flips, we don't jump off the turnbuckle and do five- forties in the air for you all to see. We don't do the fast pace putting our bodies on the line for high flying high risk moves that can break our bodies even farther than what we did already, tell me... no tell every heavyweight signed to this company and others that why we are getting shafted for lower weight classes huh.' as she points to the backstage area.

' Because you all can't answer that question... None of you can answer that because you all know that we are being called relics of an old era... that we mean nothing to you all since we don't do none of the cool new hip stuff that you want to see. Well I'm sorry I don't do flips off the ring apron to the outside, or do a cartwheel kick to my opponent chest to keep them down, or do some fast pace match because the way we wrestle is considered to boring for you all to watch and see so forgive me for that but that is how we wrestled since we first started. So yea, I take offense to something like that, something I toiled and struggled to keep afloat when wrestling was moving to this new era of smaller wrestlers doing these great feats. So forgive me for taking offense to seeing our heavyweight champion losing. Now I know I am going to get suspended for saying this, but I said what I needed to say on the matter. To all you ladies in the back to everyone wrestler in this company period I said what was needed to be said on this matter Make the heavyweights the ones who built who bled for your entertainment... put us back in our rightful place instead of viewing us as this weak worthless group of slow moving relics that get beat by those smaller than us.' while tossing the mic to the side.

[CaptainL]

When Thereisa finished with her rant and cast the microphone to the floor, causing it to erupt with a burst of static over the speakers, everyone thought that was the end of that. They watched it go rolling across the floor, clattering to a side door...but there, a set of fingers swiftly wrapped around it, pulling it back up. And when the owner of that set of fingers stepped into view, the crowd erupted in cheers and gasps alike. Making an entrance to respond to Thereisa's promo was none other than the very same woman whose loss to Rose Gold in a Champion vs. Champion match at We Are LAW just a week ago had sparked the veteran's discontent in the first place - Astrid Ostberg!

Spoiler

"I beg your pardon!?" the Norsewoman called out, stepping up to the apron and over the ropes to get in the ring alongside Thereisa. The fans began to cheer, with a few chants of "Holy shit! Holy shit!" breaking out. After the beating she had endured at Rose's hands, Astrid had needed a check-up from the medical staff - after all, she had finished the match passing out on her feet, with all the air wrung out of her lungs thanks to Rose's Midas Clutch just before she could hit the powerbomb that everyone knew would end the match. Even now, she had a few bandages wrapped around her forehead, covering the stitches she had received for when Rose had flipped her over the ropes and onto the floor outside, and she teetered a little on her footing as she climbed to a greater height. Although Astrid hadn't taken any serious injuries, no one expected her to be back on TV so quickly. But here she was!

Turning to the crowd, Astrid lifted the microphone to her mouth. "Let's make one thing perfectly clear. Yes, it's true. I lost to Rose Gold. It's not my proudest moment, and I'll be the first to admit that. You've already seen all the arguing on the forums, all the Twitter wars about who should have won, and if the ref made the right call. I can't deny that I'm more than a little disappointed about how things went myself. Rose Gold and I...let's say the two of us don't see eye to eye. And I'm not just talking about our size, either. I have a lot of things I'd like to say to her that I don't think I can say right now - and believe me, if this was a just world, I have no doubt she would've gone out with that powerbomb. But...I'm afraid that, as much as we'd all wish for it to be, as much as we can all try to do our part to make it better...this isn't a just world."

Astrid let out a sigh, shaking her head. "There are people telling me that I lost to Rose clean. I'm not so sure I agree with that. She did get me in the eyes back there, but even in the finish...if I had just managed to hold out a little while longer, we'd all be singing a very different tune tonight. In my book, you can put this down to luck - and no matter what Rose Gold tells you, take it from me, she got off on luck."

After a few cheers, Astrid continued. "However. We're not here to talk about the past tonight. Much as I wish things were different, what happened happened, and we can't change that now. But what we can do is move forward, learning from our failings and letting ourselves grow stronger than before. Believe me, I lost my fair share of matches back before I hit my stride. But I didn't step down. I didn't quit. I pushed myself even further, I got back up, I kept fighting...and look at me now, Heavyweight Champion!" Astrid slapped her hand against the faceplate on the belt slung over her shoulder, drawing a cheer from the crowd.

"And that is what I intend to do now, too. At We Are LAW, I lost to the worst person I ever could have lost to. But I won't let it hold me back. And, no matter how much you think it would, Thereisa, I won't let this sully the reputation of the Heavyweight Championship. This belt means just as much to me as it does to you, and the last thing I want to do is to let this - the title I've fought so hard for, that I've lived my life to live up to the expectations of - lose its luster because of Rose Gold."

"That is why I'm going to keep my chin up, I'm going to take this running, and I'm going to go right into my next title defense!" A few gasps could be heard at Astrid's announcement - she was clearly still recovering from her last match, and a few had to question the wisdom of her decision to take on another challenge so soon, let alone against another hopeful for the Heavyweight Championship! Yet, Astrid remained firm in her decision! "I don't want to leave any doubt as to if I deserve this title, or if the Heavyweight Division deserves a place of honor. I'm going to prove that to you all - and to you, Thereisa - by shrugging this off, getting back up, and taking on the next challenger! When you see me defend my championship, you'll all see that one little loss won't hold me back. You'll all see that I'm a champion at heart, and as a champion, I won't settle for anything less than the best."

"I won't say that what happened isn't devastating to me. But I won't let it be the moment that defines me. I want to be remembered for my triumphs, not for my loss to a woman who knew she couldn't beat me in a fair fight, and didn't even try to. And if I may indulge myself a little...I have faith that no matter who I face next, I can make it a triumph worth remembering!"

Once again, the crowd cheered Astrid for her boldness and her defiance, even in the face of such a blow to her honor. The Norwegian woman grinned a little wider before she continued. "So I'm making this announcement now! Whoever's out there who thinks that I don't deserve respect, that I don't deserve my title, that they can beat me, I want you to come out there and just try to prove me wrong! I'll give you a week to prepare - but in two weeks' time, we'll meet back here, and we'll see how well you fare! Until then, though..." Astrid brought her fists together. "Who's going to step up?"

[PrinceArjuna332]

The moment Astrid finished with her speech, the lights in the arena dimmed slightly before the familiar tune of Birth of a New Witch was played from the loudspeakers, causing the crowd to go wild. It seemed that if there was a challenge that Astrid was looking, she would certainly get it as the renowned veteran, Dana Ashford, stepped out to the ramp, clad in her signature leotard. As always, she had her signature smile which earned her the nickname 'Smiling Demon'.

Dana Ashford

Her smile remained unmoving as Dana made her way into the ring. Soon, she joined Astrid in the ring. Once she was inside, she asked for the microphone and received it. Though for a few seconds, she just brought the microphone close to her lips without saying anything while her eyes were on the current heavyweight champion. After a few seconds of silence, Dana let out a small chuckle, which the microphone picked up, allowing everyone in the arena to hear it.

"My, my..." Dana began. "You're dangling quite a tantalizing prize for others to take, aren't you? LAW Heavyweight Champion. There's no doubt this is a gold worth pursuing, no?" Dana spoke in her usual gentle, motherly tone, though the way she jerked and tilted her head seemed to indicate that she was nothing but a predator waiting for a chance to strike. "If you don't mind, I'd like to step up to the challenge. I mean, it's only fair for me to step up, considering that the title seems to have lost some of its luster after... an unfortunate event."

It was clear that Dana was referring to Astrid's loss to Rose Gold during the last We Are LAW. "Of course, I won't begrudge you for losing. I mean, I'm not Thereisa who cares too much about weight classes. In wrestling, weight isn't everything. There are other factors that need to be considered, but of course, I'm not here to teach you about how to wrestle." Dana let out another chuckle. "It's only fair for you to improve the prestige of that title after it takes a hit from your defeat, but I wonder..."

Her motherly smile didn't change, but from the way she tilted her head, which allowed her face to be obscured from the lights in the arena, one could say that Dana's smile seemed sinister.

"Are you issuing this challenge to improve the worth of that title, or are you simply trying to cover up your own inadequacy as a wrestler?"

[CaptainL]

No sooner had Astrid issued her challenge that the next contender made her presence known - and when the music sounded over the speakers, the Norsewoman's eyes went wide in shock. She expected her words to drum up some interest, and maybe serve as a call to action for some of the more ambitious heavyweight hopefuls in the back. But it seemed as though Dana was waiting for this very moment. She already had lights set, the music prepared - all she needed was the right cue in order to come out. And Astrid had delivered that right into her hands.

The champion turned to stare back at the entrance ramp, transfixed by the sight of Dana emerging onto the scene. She recognized her immediately - Dana Ashford was a big name when it came to wrestling, boasting not only a storied career but staying active today as a competitor and a trainer alike. And she was famous not only for her strength, but for her cruelty. The tortures Dana had unleashed on those who were unlucky enough to go against her were notorious; she didn't just seek to win her matches, but to leave anyone who dared to opposed her hopeless and broken. She saw no signs of slowing down since she had come to LAW...and now, Astrid seemed to be caught right in her crosshairs.

The tension was palpable as Dana stared back wordlessly at Astrid - she looked on at the veteran unblinkingly, her muscles rigid and tensed; the hairs on the back of her neck rose. It was only a few seconds that passed between them, but Dana had a presence about her - a look of malice in her eyes that was only intensified by the smug grin on her face - that made each moment seem like an eternity. She left Astrid waiting for when the moment would come when the silence would break, and Astrid didn't know what she was going to say - or if she was going to strike out at her then and there. Dana was notoriously unpredictable, and Astrid had no way of even guessing what had in store.

But eventually, she did say her piece. She had accepted Astrid's challenge! The Norsewoman nodded her head to that, maintaining a steady eye on Dana as she kept a grave look on her face. If Astrid was out to prove her worth, to show that she really did have what it took to carry the dignity and the honor of the Heavyweight Championship, then facing off against Dana Ashford would certainly suit her purposes. She was a legend in the wrestling world, and for Astrid to stand in the same ring as her would be to make a statement that she belonged on her level. If she could defeat Dana, proving herself her better, it would only be that much more of a boost to her credibility.

Astrid knew, too, that it would be dangerous - she was no stranger to what sort of pain she might experience at her hands, or what dirty tricks she might use to catch her off-guard. She bit at the inside of her cheek, feeling that fear of what might come creep into her - but a moment later, she flexed her muscles, forming a bicep with one arm and clutching her wrist with the other to put on a show of strength. She couldn't be afraid now. She needed to prove that she had the confidence and the strength to be a true champion - and standing up to Dana would say all she needed to.

Despite all that, it was what Dana said next - accusing Astrid of only taking on such an offer to restore her image - that made Astrid bristle. Her muscles tensed, and her teeth clenched with a growl as her eyes narrowed on the veteran. It was true - after losing the match, and after seeing how Thereisa had responded, Astrid felt like she had let the title down, and that she had dishonored it in failing to rise to the challenge when there was more at stake than ever before. Dana's accusatons were only causing those feelings, that doubt, to bubble to the surface. And, for a moment, she froze, feeling the color draining away from her face and knowing that Dana was already on to her - no less that maybe, she was right; maybe Astrid had let the belt down. That possibility was even worse.

But a second later, Astrid stood taller, shouting back at Dana in defiance! If there was one thing she knew, it was that she couldn't let her win - Dana was throwing the first blow before this match even started, but she needed to stand tall and weather it nonetheless if she was to survive!

"Mark my words," Astrid said, "this goes beyond myself. I do this because there's something I want to prove, but that something is that there's still prestige in the Heavyweight Championship - and that I've earned it through my own merits! I want to prove that those skills, that strength, and that fighting spirit that allowed me to win this title in the first place live on in me still, and that they've deemed me worthy of this honor! Unlike some champions, I don't seek challengers I know I can beat, just to inflate my record. Rather...Dana, the reason I accept your challenge isn't that I know I can beat you, it's because I don't."

She took a step closer, continuing. "You and I are on the same level. You have just as much of a chance to win as I do. But I want to try nonetheless - because even then, I'm confident I stand that chance too, and I'll make no excuses for not rising to that challenge! I'm not going to back down from danger, and I'll take on anything I must! So, when the time comes...do your worst! A champion is always ready, and you'll find I'm no exception!"

[PrinceArjuna332]

Dana continued smiling as she observed Astrid's reactions to her words, seeing the myriads of emotions from the younger woman's face. Of course, the heavyweight champion refused to be cowed by mere words as she shot back at her, and Dana nodded, almost feeling proud of seeing the resolution displayed in the champion's face. Of course, she was here to be an obstacle, and if things could go her way, she could even become the new champion.

"Then, I don't have anything else to worry about..." Dana said. "If you're going to prove your worth as the champion, then, by all means, try to beat me." She pointed at the belt held by Astrid. "Just remember the price of failing to do that, champion. Lose, and that title will be mine. Perhaps I will bring the title to a brand new height, higher than it is right now." Showing Astrid her motherly smile, she added, "I hope you won't disappoint me, champion. One night of disappointment is enough already."

Now that the challenge had been officially issued, Dana turned around, ready to leave the ring. Unless if Astrid had anything else to add, Dana would exit the ring, head held high as she took confident strides down the ramp.

[CaptainL]

Astrid let out a huff, nodding to the challenge Dana had accepted. "So be it," she said. "Two weeks from today, we'll meet again in this ring...and that will be when the world sees how much the Heavyweight Championship is truly worth," she added, looking to Thereisa with a glare.

As the veteran made her way down the ramp and out of the arena, Astrid's eyes never left her for a moment; the whole time, they were locked on her with a stony glare. All the while, the fans had begun to whisper to each other in hushed tones, debating as to whether or not Astrid was up for the task. Certainly it was going to be a high-profile match, with both women well-known for their exploits; even if Dana had more experience than Astrid did, the Norsewoman had amptly proven that she could be a worthy opponent for the Smiling Demon. But even as confident as Astrid had been, assured that she could go toe-to-toe with Dana, there was still a tension in her, and it was one that anyone could see - her fists were clenched, her eyelid twitched ever so slightly, and the hairs rose on the back of her neck as she grit her teeth. Astrid was going to give it her all to hold onto her title. But Dana would be doing the same - she had the opportunity of a lifetime in front of her, one she'd be a fool not to take seriously. And when she was as famed and feared as she was, she would doubtlessly rank among Astrid's most fearsome foes.

What made everyone even more anxious was the knowledge that Astrid was still weary from her match against Rose Gold. Although she hadn't sustained any serious injuries, she still hadn't fully recovered, and she was still showing the wear and tear from her previous bout. Though she'd given both Dana and herself time to prepare, many wondered if it would be enough to get her back into good enough shape for a match - let alone a championship match against Dana Ashford! If there was one thing anyone could agree on, it was that Astrid had set herself up against some steep competition in the name of defending the honor of the Heavyweight Championship. But when that title meant as much to Astrid as it did, she'd do anything to stand up for it.

Continued here