Calm Before The Storm

[Ben M]

“Focus...”

Nikki paced back and forth frantically backstage at the Scottrade Center. She felt the same emotions she usually felt before a big match - anger, determination, excitement - but there was another feeling, one she wasn’t used to. Nikki felt nervous. She knew what a huge opportunity facing Natalya for the Women’s Title was, and she knew that if she didn’t win the title, there was no guarantee of a second chance. She was angry at herself for feeling nervous, and that made her more determined to succeed. The prospect of becoming the Women’s Champion made Nikki feel excited, but the possibility of failing made her nervous. Which made her angry. It was a vicious cycle. Hence the frantic pacing back and forth.

Nikki’s new manager, Don Callis, stood in the background, stoic. He tried to be a calming influence, simply telling Nikki to focus in what he thought was his most soothing tone.

Don Callis: Try to stay focused, Nikki. Focus. You can do this. You deserve to be the Women’s Champion, but you aren’t going to beat Natalya unless you get your head in the game...

Nikki didn’t find his words soothing. She found them irritating. And as she turned to glare at him, she made damn sure he knew it.

Nikki Cross: Piss off! I am focused! I’m always focused. The problem isn’t that I need to focus, Don, the problem is I can’t seem to relax. Christ, I’m gonna have a heart attack if this carries on.

Don nodded, sympathetic.

Don Callis: Tell me, Nikki, why can’t you relax?

Nikki rolled her eyes.

Nikki Cross: For crying out loud, isn’t it obvious? I want to win the Women’s Title... I want it bad. But Natalya always seems to find a way to come out on top, so although I know I can beat her, the thing I can’t stop thinking about is... what happens if I don’t?

Don Callis: Nikki, has anyone ever told you that you think too much?

Nikki couldn’t help but laugh.

Nikki Cross: Normally people tell me I act without thinking.

Don shrugged.

Don Callis: The point is, you’re wasting so much energy stressing out about your match right now. What you should be doing is saving your energy, building it up until you step into that ring. Right now instead of beating up Nattie, you’re beating up yourself. Stay calm, and when you get into the ring.... come back with the Women’s Championship.

Nikki nodded, then turned to face the camera which had been recording their conversation. She grinned, then began to speak.

Nikki Cross: Nattie, Nattie, Nattie... I’m coming for you!

Nikki then head butted the camera, cracking the screen! Don Callis looked stunned. Nikki smiled.

Nikki Cross: I feel a lot calmer now. Thanks!

She walked away as the scene faded.