When In Rome
Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 11:23 pm
OOC: I kept confusing the pantheon and the parthenon.. Good luck Cory!
The weather in Rome at this time of year was cool, with a light breeze, and very mild. In other words, perfect for taking a tour of the beautiful city. It wasn’t only aesthetically enticing; it was also a source of rich history. Great leaders were born from Rome, and intricate buildings were erected just the same. Nothing about the Italian capital conveyed the idea of weak or dwindling. Every aspect of the Eternal City was alive and growing, just as it was more than two thousand years before. This setting attracted Michelle McCool, and she took advantage of her surroundings when the EBWF made its next Pay Per View stop for Fallout, and progressed on the World Tour leading to Wrestlemania.
A crowd had congregated outside the Pantheon as noon hit. The bells of the Vatican rang and carried far out into the refreshing surroundings. While tourists and residents strolled by that morning, a makeshift staging area had been set up directly in front of the Fontana del Pantheon, and now Michelle was at its center, microphone in hand. A few cameras were rolling inside the taped perimeter that kept out observers. Select reporters had been allowed within its boundaries, and were also recording with their phones and cameras, ready to hear what the diva was going to say. Much of what was going on was candid. No stage production, no lighting, just her, the cameras, and the people.
Michelle: Bring it in people, bring it in. I want to make sure you hear every bit of what I have to say.
She brushed a few strands of hair away from her face, letting them rest behind her shoulder. Then she beckoned for the crowd to push closer as she started to walk around her stage, her heels clicking on the cobbled pavement.
Michelle: Hopefully some of you plumber-crack slobs speak English because you’re about to be graced with some words of wisdom from yours truly.
There was a reaction from the crowd, mostly negative, in response. A man had proudly spoken for everyone.
Man: We speak English bene, Michelle!
Michelle nodded in mocking approval.
Michelle: Yeah thanks for answering a question I never asked. Anyways, Rome... The city and its people are leaders. They not only make history, they’re the start of it. The Pantheon, Caesar, Constantine; all of this began here in your city.
This time there was a swell of approval from the group. Fans cheered and a few whistled and clapped.
Michelle: I’m creating my own history, too. I’ve been building a little streak here in the EBWF, and I hope to continue it. And you, citizens of Rome, will get to witness its growth. Tomorrow night I’ll be facing Natalya at Fallout. She’ll probably be one of my biggest challenges in this company.
She paused a moment before continuing, letting the crowd react when she mentioned the highly-praised diva. The blonde had a smug look on her face and held her index finger in the air for emphasis. The mild pacing she had taken up came to a stop.
Michelle: Probably. She has a lot under her belt to make herself look good, but that doesn’t mean she stands a chance against me. Nat, it’s time to come to terms with yourself, with these people, with all those girls back there in the locker room. You’re over. You’re done, you’re never going to be the talk of the show, not when I’m around.
She shrugged as murmurs consumed the crowd. They were turning against her. Michelle feigned a look of confusion.
Michelle: I don’t even know where this match came from. You’re probably bitter that I tossed you right over the ropes at the Royal Rumble last month, and you got in talks with the people up top, right? You’ve got the connections. That’s fine. I can embarrass you again, and it’ll be more fun doing it on an international stage. Sorry… Not!
Now the heat had turned up. A few people started to boo loudly and put their thumbs down in disapproval, but Michelle smiled despite the unwelcome reception.
Michelle: You look like Hellga from that game show American Gladiators. You don’t belong in a wrestling ring, you belong in the Colloseum like those garbage peasants who paid to watch flappers like you roll in the dirt and die! Because that’s what you are to me, Natalya! A bottom feeder, a hungry little puppy, a hopeless has-been trying to hold on and keep up with people like me. The Roman gods and goddesses will be watching, but they won’t save you from your fate. They can’t, because it’s not their place to change it. It’s up to me to bring you to the outcome of our match, and there’s only one choice when it comes down to it: You lose.
At this point the crowd reached its peak with booing and curses. Michelle took that as her cue to end the segment. But a short, old woman at the front of it all caught her attention. She was waving furiously and made it clear she wanted to speak. Michelle found herself walking towards her and stopped just shy of arms reach, like she didn’t want to be touched.
Michelle: Oh, you have something to say?
She stuck the mic out in the lady’s direction, before rolling her eyes and placing her free hand on her hip.
Woman: Michelle McCool, si guarda come un cavallo!
Another man had managed to yell loud enough for his remark to be caught in the sound system.
Tornare in America!
Michelle shook her head and squinted at the woman. She had no idea what they said, but a lot of people were laughing.
Michelle: Ciao!
She then let the mic fall into the woman’s fingers. She started chanting into it. The crowd joined in as McCool walked away in arrogant fashion, not even turning to look back.
Nasone! Nasone! Nasone!
--------------------
It was now Sunday evening, the night of the pay-per-view. Backstage, inside the PalaLottomatica arena, the EBWF Universe was tuning in with Matt Striker, who was as usual smiling handsomely into the camera.
Striker: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here LIVE at EBWF’s Fallout with Women’s Rumble Winner and #1 Contender for the Women’s Championship, Michelle McCool!
The camera slowly zoomed out and swept to bring Michelle into the frame. Behind the two was a black curtain with an enlarged EBWF logo in the center. Michelle was already in her wrestling attire, which was also black , but with gold embellishments. She was looking off camera and away from Matt, barely acknowledging him. He seemed indifferent and nodded at the camera, then continued.
Striker: We’re a little more than a month away from Wrestlemania, but first things first. Tonight, Michelle will be facing former Women’s champion Natalya. Besides the Rumble, statistically this will be her toughest opponent to date. Natalya has achieved quite a few accomplishments since she signed with the company, some of those greater ones being Women’s champion and Sky High Champion. She is also the Dangerous half of Beautiful Dangerous with Trish Stratus, another woman who has solidified her name in the EBWF Women’s division. Michelle, any comment on Natalya’s standing?
Michelle had finally turned to look at Matt, an all too familiar look of irritation on her face. She put her hands up dramatically.
Michelle: Are you done glorifying Natalya, Matt? Because I thought this interview was supposed to be about me.
Matt had a a confounded look on his face, just like Michelle. She didn’t give him a chance to answer. Her hands fell and started to gesture naturally as she spoke.
Michelle: Since we’re on the topic of Natalya’s career, we may as well keep going. It sounds like you did your homework Matt. I did too. Actually, it was more like digging because I had to go deep down into the archives to find anything relevant about Natalya. If I’m wrong, please, please correct me… For Natalya’s sake.
She chuckled softly.
Michelle: The last time she was women’s champion was in 2010. FOUR years ago. And you’re still calling her former women’s champ? Listen, that is so far in the past even Jay Gatsby wouldn’t want to re-live it. I have to say though, she was a good competitor… Was.
No one cares about what happened four years ago. No one even cares about what happened one year ago. They’re focused on what’s happening now. And what’s happening now in the world of divas is Michelle McCool. You can use your words in all the interviews and videos you want Natty, but a silver tongue won’t save you from your defeat. Face it, you’re outdated.
She shook her head, which was already held up arrogantly. Her ego practically radiated from her and she wasn’t trying to hide any of it.
Striker: Don’t you think you should show a little more respect, Michelle? Natalya is highly—
Michelle: Excuse me, show her a little more respect? Are you being serious right now, Matt?? I was at the Pantheon today and I was told I looked like a horse and that I had a big nose by these rude ass, noodle breath Italians! Who are they to talk?! If anyone deserves respect around here it’s ME. Who won the Women’s Rumble? Me! Who’s the diva going for the Women’s title? Me! Presently no one can say they’re better than me, not even Angelina Love, because what’s she been doing? Nothing. They’d be lying to themselves. Natalya doesn’t get any of my respect. Maybe if she’d done something worthwhile in the last four years, I’d consider giving her the respect everyone claims she “deserves”. And even then, I’d STILL deny it from her.
Now Matt was the one shaking his head, and Michelle had folded her arms defiantly, looking away once more. He decided to move on and bring up a new question.
Striker: The EBWF Universe has been talking Michelle, and it’s been brought up that Natalya has a deadly finisher that very few have successfully escaped: the Sharpshooter. What do you have to say about that?
Michelle scoffed and quickly shot back a response.
Michelle: Sharpshooter… Oh that seems like SUCH a threat! First of all, I have to be on the mat for Hellga to have even the slightest chance of locking in that submission. Have you ever heard of that saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do?” To translate it for the sheeple back home, it means “Abide by the customs of a society when one is a visitor.” In even simpler terms, if you still don’t get it Matt, fit in and don’t do anything stupid when you’re in another person’s square. Considering I’ve been owning everybody I’ve come across in the ring, we can say Natalya will be a visitor stepping into my domain. Yeah, I said it Matt. I’ll show that little twit her place in the wrestling world: on the mat and rolling right back out of the spotlight. I’m gonna knock her around so much the Pope will have to denounce Canada, okay? If that isn’t clear enough you need to soak your head in a bucket of anti-freeze so what’s left of your brain cells won’t burn up and die.
Matt’s eyebrows were raised and he had mouthed the word “wow” at her last couple of statements, and shook his head in disbelief.
Striker: Before we end this interview, Velvet Sky called you out on Warfare last Monday and challenged you to a match. Do you have a response to this?
With unimaginable swiftness the diva grabbed Matt’s wrist which held the mic and brought it to her face while she looked into the camera. In this position he had been out of the picture. Only Michelle and Striker’s arm were in the center of the screen.
Michelle: Of course I have something to say about that. Velvet Sky I GLADLY accept your challenge. But let me make things crystal clear. You may think I talk a lot of smack, but don’t mistake me for some high school mean girl. If I were you Ms. Piggy I’d be careful what you wish for. I’ll have no problem breaking you down in the ring too. It’d be such a shame if you were the one to fall on your face AGAIN. Now if you’ll excuse me, I don’t have time to focus on something so irrelevant right now. I’ve got another pay per view match to win. Thanks, Matt.
Michelle let go of his arm with a little force before strolling away to prepare for her match. The camera panned to show a flustered Matt Striker standing alone, letting what the diva said linger in silence as the screen faded to the next segment.
A crowd had congregated outside the Pantheon as noon hit. The bells of the Vatican rang and carried far out into the refreshing surroundings. While tourists and residents strolled by that morning, a makeshift staging area had been set up directly in front of the Fontana del Pantheon, and now Michelle was at its center, microphone in hand. A few cameras were rolling inside the taped perimeter that kept out observers. Select reporters had been allowed within its boundaries, and were also recording with their phones and cameras, ready to hear what the diva was going to say. Much of what was going on was candid. No stage production, no lighting, just her, the cameras, and the people.
Michelle: Bring it in people, bring it in. I want to make sure you hear every bit of what I have to say.
She brushed a few strands of hair away from her face, letting them rest behind her shoulder. Then she beckoned for the crowd to push closer as she started to walk around her stage, her heels clicking on the cobbled pavement.
Michelle: Hopefully some of you plumber-crack slobs speak English because you’re about to be graced with some words of wisdom from yours truly.
There was a reaction from the crowd, mostly negative, in response. A man had proudly spoken for everyone.
Man: We speak English bene, Michelle!
Michelle nodded in mocking approval.
Michelle: Yeah thanks for answering a question I never asked. Anyways, Rome... The city and its people are leaders. They not only make history, they’re the start of it. The Pantheon, Caesar, Constantine; all of this began here in your city.
This time there was a swell of approval from the group. Fans cheered and a few whistled and clapped.
Michelle: I’m creating my own history, too. I’ve been building a little streak here in the EBWF, and I hope to continue it. And you, citizens of Rome, will get to witness its growth. Tomorrow night I’ll be facing Natalya at Fallout. She’ll probably be one of my biggest challenges in this company.
She paused a moment before continuing, letting the crowd react when she mentioned the highly-praised diva. The blonde had a smug look on her face and held her index finger in the air for emphasis. The mild pacing she had taken up came to a stop.
Michelle: Probably. She has a lot under her belt to make herself look good, but that doesn’t mean she stands a chance against me. Nat, it’s time to come to terms with yourself, with these people, with all those girls back there in the locker room. You’re over. You’re done, you’re never going to be the talk of the show, not when I’m around.
She shrugged as murmurs consumed the crowd. They were turning against her. Michelle feigned a look of confusion.
Michelle: I don’t even know where this match came from. You’re probably bitter that I tossed you right over the ropes at the Royal Rumble last month, and you got in talks with the people up top, right? You’ve got the connections. That’s fine. I can embarrass you again, and it’ll be more fun doing it on an international stage. Sorry… Not!
Now the heat had turned up. A few people started to boo loudly and put their thumbs down in disapproval, but Michelle smiled despite the unwelcome reception.
Michelle: You look like Hellga from that game show American Gladiators. You don’t belong in a wrestling ring, you belong in the Colloseum like those garbage peasants who paid to watch flappers like you roll in the dirt and die! Because that’s what you are to me, Natalya! A bottom feeder, a hungry little puppy, a hopeless has-been trying to hold on and keep up with people like me. The Roman gods and goddesses will be watching, but they won’t save you from your fate. They can’t, because it’s not their place to change it. It’s up to me to bring you to the outcome of our match, and there’s only one choice when it comes down to it: You lose.
At this point the crowd reached its peak with booing and curses. Michelle took that as her cue to end the segment. But a short, old woman at the front of it all caught her attention. She was waving furiously and made it clear she wanted to speak. Michelle found herself walking towards her and stopped just shy of arms reach, like she didn’t want to be touched.
Michelle: Oh, you have something to say?
She stuck the mic out in the lady’s direction, before rolling her eyes and placing her free hand on her hip.
Woman: Michelle McCool, si guarda come un cavallo!
Another man had managed to yell loud enough for his remark to be caught in the sound system.
Tornare in America!
Michelle shook her head and squinted at the woman. She had no idea what they said, but a lot of people were laughing.
Michelle: Ciao!
She then let the mic fall into the woman’s fingers. She started chanting into it. The crowd joined in as McCool walked away in arrogant fashion, not even turning to look back.
Nasone! Nasone! Nasone!
--------------------
It was now Sunday evening, the night of the pay-per-view. Backstage, inside the PalaLottomatica arena, the EBWF Universe was tuning in with Matt Striker, who was as usual smiling handsomely into the camera.
Striker: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here LIVE at EBWF’s Fallout with Women’s Rumble Winner and #1 Contender for the Women’s Championship, Michelle McCool!
The camera slowly zoomed out and swept to bring Michelle into the frame. Behind the two was a black curtain with an enlarged EBWF logo in the center. Michelle was already in her wrestling attire, which was also black , but with gold embellishments. She was looking off camera and away from Matt, barely acknowledging him. He seemed indifferent and nodded at the camera, then continued.
Striker: We’re a little more than a month away from Wrestlemania, but first things first. Tonight, Michelle will be facing former Women’s champion Natalya. Besides the Rumble, statistically this will be her toughest opponent to date. Natalya has achieved quite a few accomplishments since she signed with the company, some of those greater ones being Women’s champion and Sky High Champion. She is also the Dangerous half of Beautiful Dangerous with Trish Stratus, another woman who has solidified her name in the EBWF Women’s division. Michelle, any comment on Natalya’s standing?
Michelle had finally turned to look at Matt, an all too familiar look of irritation on her face. She put her hands up dramatically.
Michelle: Are you done glorifying Natalya, Matt? Because I thought this interview was supposed to be about me.
Matt had a a confounded look on his face, just like Michelle. She didn’t give him a chance to answer. Her hands fell and started to gesture naturally as she spoke.
Michelle: Since we’re on the topic of Natalya’s career, we may as well keep going. It sounds like you did your homework Matt. I did too. Actually, it was more like digging because I had to go deep down into the archives to find anything relevant about Natalya. If I’m wrong, please, please correct me… For Natalya’s sake.
She chuckled softly.
Michelle: The last time she was women’s champion was in 2010. FOUR years ago. And you’re still calling her former women’s champ? Listen, that is so far in the past even Jay Gatsby wouldn’t want to re-live it. I have to say though, she was a good competitor… Was.
No one cares about what happened four years ago. No one even cares about what happened one year ago. They’re focused on what’s happening now. And what’s happening now in the world of divas is Michelle McCool. You can use your words in all the interviews and videos you want Natty, but a silver tongue won’t save you from your defeat. Face it, you’re outdated.
She shook her head, which was already held up arrogantly. Her ego practically radiated from her and she wasn’t trying to hide any of it.
Striker: Don’t you think you should show a little more respect, Michelle? Natalya is highly—
Michelle: Excuse me, show her a little more respect? Are you being serious right now, Matt?? I was at the Pantheon today and I was told I looked like a horse and that I had a big nose by these rude ass, noodle breath Italians! Who are they to talk?! If anyone deserves respect around here it’s ME. Who won the Women’s Rumble? Me! Who’s the diva going for the Women’s title? Me! Presently no one can say they’re better than me, not even Angelina Love, because what’s she been doing? Nothing. They’d be lying to themselves. Natalya doesn’t get any of my respect. Maybe if she’d done something worthwhile in the last four years, I’d consider giving her the respect everyone claims she “deserves”. And even then, I’d STILL deny it from her.
Now Matt was the one shaking his head, and Michelle had folded her arms defiantly, looking away once more. He decided to move on and bring up a new question.
Striker: The EBWF Universe has been talking Michelle, and it’s been brought up that Natalya has a deadly finisher that very few have successfully escaped: the Sharpshooter. What do you have to say about that?
Michelle scoffed and quickly shot back a response.
Michelle: Sharpshooter… Oh that seems like SUCH a threat! First of all, I have to be on the mat for Hellga to have even the slightest chance of locking in that submission. Have you ever heard of that saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do?” To translate it for the sheeple back home, it means “Abide by the customs of a society when one is a visitor.” In even simpler terms, if you still don’t get it Matt, fit in and don’t do anything stupid when you’re in another person’s square. Considering I’ve been owning everybody I’ve come across in the ring, we can say Natalya will be a visitor stepping into my domain. Yeah, I said it Matt. I’ll show that little twit her place in the wrestling world: on the mat and rolling right back out of the spotlight. I’m gonna knock her around so much the Pope will have to denounce Canada, okay? If that isn’t clear enough you need to soak your head in a bucket of anti-freeze so what’s left of your brain cells won’t burn up and die.
Matt’s eyebrows were raised and he had mouthed the word “wow” at her last couple of statements, and shook his head in disbelief.
Striker: Before we end this interview, Velvet Sky called you out on Warfare last Monday and challenged you to a match. Do you have a response to this?
With unimaginable swiftness the diva grabbed Matt’s wrist which held the mic and brought it to her face while she looked into the camera. In this position he had been out of the picture. Only Michelle and Striker’s arm were in the center of the screen.
Michelle: Of course I have something to say about that. Velvet Sky I GLADLY accept your challenge. But let me make things crystal clear. You may think I talk a lot of smack, but don’t mistake me for some high school mean girl. If I were you Ms. Piggy I’d be careful what you wish for. I’ll have no problem breaking you down in the ring too. It’d be such a shame if you were the one to fall on your face AGAIN. Now if you’ll excuse me, I don’t have time to focus on something so irrelevant right now. I’ve got another pay per view match to win. Thanks, Matt.
Michelle let go of his arm with a little force before strolling away to prepare for her match. The camera panned to show a flustered Matt Striker standing alone, letting what the diva said linger in silence as the screen faded to the next segment.