Ring of Roses

[Ben M]

OOC: A few of the RPs I'm writing for the Rumble will follow on from each other. Where this has happened, I've tried to keep any overlap to a minimum, and briefly transition between the RPs.

Friday, January 26, 2018: EBWF House Show, Tucson, Arizona

And as for you...

After dismissing Don Callis, Braun Strowman turned his attention to Nikki Cross. Nikki grinned maniacally at him. Braun responded with a small smirk.

Braun Strowman: I like you. You don't need him. If you decide to ditch the old man, call me.

As Strowman walked away, Nikki turned her attention to Don Callis.

Nikki Cross: Braunie has a point. What have you done for me as my manager?

Callis looked puzzled by the question.

Don Callis: I've offered you guidance. Kept you out of trouble.

Nikki shrugged.

Nikki Cross: You said you'd make me Women's Champion. Seems like you're more bothered about getting Braunie as a client.

Nikki shook her head and sighed. Callis spoke calmly in response.

Don Callis: Nikki, I want Braun as a client because together, I think the two of you would be unstoppable. You could dominant the men's and women's divisions together. But you're still my priority. If you want to be Women's Champion, all you have to do is win the Women's Rumble on Sunday and then you'll get a title match at Wrestlemania. You can win the championship on the grandest stage of them all. Isn't that your dream?

Nikki nodded. Callis smiled.

Don Callis: Well, when you get into that ring, make sure you're the 11 other women's nightmare.

Nikki clapped her hands together.

Nikki Cross: That I can do. Good pep talk...

Nikki patted Don Callis on the shoulder, then walked away.

**********

Sunday, January 28, 2018: Undisclosed Location

Nikki Cross was stood in the centre of a field. It wasn't clear where, exactly, but with the Royal Rumble just a few hours away, we can assume it's somewhere in or near Phoenix, Arizona. Around Nikki was a ring of a dozen roses - 11 red, 1 black. Nikki spun around, looking at all the roses, then turned to face the camera. She began to speak.

Nikki Cross: A ring, a ring of roses, a locker room full of posers...

Nikki laughed, then began to sing.

Nikki Cross: First, five feet of fury, little Alexa Bliss. But I've got far more fury, Lex... you just can't handle this!
At number two Candice LeRae, she's making her debut. Consider this a warning, Candy... I won't go easy on you!
Third, another blonde, Liv Morgan... the first woman here I beat. She won last year, so eliminating her will be a lovely treat!
At number four it's me! The black rose and the thorn. The other women in this match are sure to feel my scorn...
After me, it's my old rival, mean girl Summer Rae. You beat me in the past, but tonight, you're dead, m'kay?
Halfway through at number six, we're in for a surprise! Mystery girl, you won't stop me, I'll claim my Mania prize.
Then in at number seven, old timer Velvet Sky. I'll pick that bimbo up, and over the top she'll fly!
Up next at number eight, the "crazy" Alicia Fox. I'm crazier, you'll suffer Fox, in my School of Hard Knocks.
At number nine Maria Kanellis, so in love with husband Mike. What I will love, Maria, is hitting you with strike after strike.
The tenth woman is Trish Stratus, with her record breaking reign. Tonight I'll break your bones, Trish... you'll be in so much pain!
Then in at eleven, second from last it's Natalya, the former champ. Nattie, I think you talk too much, so I'll crush your throat with a stamp...
Last in at twelve, Carmella, she's fabulous and hot. At least that's what she says, but I promise you she's not.
You might be last Carmella, but you're certainly not least. Carmella, girls, I'll warn you all, tonight I'm unleashing a beast!

Nikki screamed like an animal, then began to laugh. With her eyes wide and a furious look on her face, she spoke once again.

Nikki Cross: A ring, a ring of roses, a locker room full of posers...ashes, ashes, they all fall down!

Nikki called out "Don!" and Don Callis handed her a jerry can. Nikki doused the 11 red roses in gasoline, then lit a match and set them alight. As the roses burned to ashes, Don handed her another red rose.

Nikki Cross: There's one more rose I haven't mentioned... the Women's Champion, Mandy Rose. Mandy, when I win the Rumble, I'm coming for you. That's if you're still the champion. Actually, even if you're not I'm coming for you anyway. They all fall down, Mandy. Even you. Especially you.

Nikki ripped the rose into pieces, then threw it into the remnants of the fire she had lit. Nikki looked mesmerised as she watched the fire burn.