Believe? (Leva Bates)

[Ben M]

OOC: This RP was definitely inspired by me binge-watching Ted Lasso over the past few days lol. Good luck AJ!

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It was Friday evening, less than 48 hours before EBWF Fanniversary. Although she was not booked on the Fanniversary card, Britt Baker had been asked to take part in some "behind the scenes" filming for the events leading up to the pay-per-view. Britt had just finished her signing at Access, and now the camera crew was following her as she walked back to her hotel room.

Britt Baker: So here we are at the Four Seasons, just across from The Dome at America's Center. I might not be important enough to get one of the suites, but clearly Wes likes me, because my room has a lovely view of the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River. I even got a fully stocked mini-bar! Well, it might not be fully stocked any more... I am sharing with Leva.

As Britt reached the door to her room, she could hear someone crying. Britt looked concerned. She knocked, then heard Leva sniffle and tearfully tell her to come in. Britt entered, and saw Leva sat on the bed, tears rolling down her face.

Britt Baker: What's wrong, Leva?

To her surprise, Leva laughed.

Leva Bates: Oh, nothing. I'm just being silly. I started watching this new show and got emotionally invested... have you heard of Ted Lasso?

This time, Britt laughed.

Britt Baker: Umm... who hasn’t? You know Jason Sudeikis came up with the character years ago, right? He was part of NBC's commercials for the Premier League back in like 2013 before Apple picked up the TV series.

Leva Bates: Well I don't watch a lot of TV, Britt! You know that. Books are more my thing. Ted Lasso though... I don't know, it sucked me in. I've basically just watched the entire first series in an afternoon.

Perhaps forgetting his place, the cameraman who had been filming Britt Baker spoke up.

Cameraman: It's a great series! I really enjoyed it.

Although initially surprised that the cameraman had said anything, Leva looked up at him and nodded.

Leva Bates: I just have one criticism... Ted's whole "believe" thing is, if you'll pardon the crass language, bullshit. Sure, believing in yourself is great, but if you don't have the talent to back it up, it won't get you anywhere.

Britt Baker: Like Alexa Bliss, you mean?

Leva Bates: Exactly! It's like you read my mind, Britt. Alexa Bliss... I mean, she's got some talent, I can't deny that. But man, if she was as good as she believes she is, she would be a force to be reckoned with. Her and the rest of Coalition, I don't get it. They all think they're top dogs, but Christian is the only one with a championship. And I'm pretty sure the only reason he's held onto that title for so long is because no one else wants it.

Britt Baker: That's not entirely true. He's defending it on Sunday against Samoa Joe and Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Leva Bates: Fair point. Okay, allow me to rephrase. The only EBWF Superstars who want the Breakout Title are the guys who know they aren't good enough to win any other championship. The Breakout Title is supposed to be for up and comers – the clue is in the name. Instead, we've got former World Champions, supposed veterans of the sport, coming in and taking the spots at the bottom of the card so the stars of the future don't get a look in. They might as well call it the Desperately Trying to Stay Relevant Championship.

Britt Baker: Or the Hulk Hogan Title for short.

Leva snorted.

Leva Bates: Right? It's funny though, EBWF has been around for 20 years, and while it's a great place to be I feel like they're still a little behind the times in the women's division. The men have a clear progression path when it comes to working their way up the card, or at least they're supposed to when you don't have the likes of Christian Cage and Stone Cold upsetting the balance. You start out in the Breakout division, then once you've proven yourself, you go for the Gateway Championship, which brings with it the opportunity to challenge for the World Title. But if you're a woman, it's the Women's Championship or nothing. That's why I couldn't just let Alexa declare herself the next challenger. I'm sick of people trying to cut in line. I beat Becky Lynch a few weeks ago, Alexa lost to Trish Stratus at Summerslam, so how can she believe that she deserves a title shot? Believing isn't enough when you're out of your depth. That's why Ted Lasso got Richmond relegated.

Britt Baker: Spoiler alert!

Leva Bates: Well you said it wasn't a new series, so bite me. Anyway, my point stands. If the women's division had the equivalent of a Breakout Championship, that's the level Alexa Bliss would be at. She's got talent and she's got heart, I'll give her that. But compared to the likes of me, Britt, Raquel, Trish, even Becky... she's little league. Out of her depth. And no matter how many times she gets beaten, she still keeps talking about how she deserves that title. I almost feel sorry for her. People have accused me of being a coward by attacking her on Warfare, but I threw that book at her to try and knock some sense into her. It didn't work, sadly. If zombies took over and were trying to feed on people's brains, Alexa wouldn't have anything to worry about.[/color]

Britt Baker: Is that a Simpsons Treehouse of Horror reference? I thought you didn't watch much TV?

Leva Bates: Come on, Britt, who hasn't seen those classic Treehouse of Horror episodes? They were part of my childhood. It's just a shame I injured Alexa's knee when I attacked her. Now she'll be able to use that as an excuse when I beat her. But hey, who knows. Maybe if you believe in yourself enough, Alexa, you'll be able to overcome the odds after all.

Leva winked into the camera, as if mocking Alexa. Her and Britt then sent the cameraman away, so they could have some time to unwind before the rest of the weekend's events.