Tam Nakano: A Reunion

[Utami]

Our scene opens on a view of a black satin jacket, embroidered with a magic circle that's circled by the words "BELIEVE IN TAM". Slowly the EBWF Women's Champion turns around , expression cool and collected as the glitter on her cheeks sparkles in the light from overhead. For a long few moments she looks down the camera as if peering right into the soul of the viewer. After a few moments she nods and smiles.

Tam: "It's funny how the journey of life can bring a pair of souls back together isn't it? When you're in one place, thousands of miles away from here, and then people move to new destinations, you never know if you'll ever see them again. A lot of times it's best to just say your goodbyes and assume that you'll never cross paths again. Three years ago there were a lot of people who left the place I called home. It just seemed like a natural part of life when they did, and I thought nothing of it. One hurt more than others, but they were all goodbyes. When I came back here to prove I'd become stronger than ever, I never expected two of those people to join me in this new world. One keeps putting herself in danger to chase me, but tonight isn't about her. It's about that other face I never expected to stand in a ring with again."

She takes a step back and we can see both her gear and the EBWF Women's Championship, which itself is secured around her chest like a sash.

Tam: "Jamie Hayter. Three years ago we were both in the same promotion, but we were in completely different camps. While she was busy imposing her will on people by brute force, I was still fighting to find myself. She'd found her place, I still unsure what mine was. She seized the moment to take the spot she wanted. I don't think she truly understands what it was like for someone like me who was struggling to become what I dreamed of being. Just before she came into my world the first time I'd been forced to leave the place she called home. I spent years trying to prove myself to the Icon of Joshi wrestling, being the strongest and most loyal member of her team. But the Icon has wandering eyes and anytime someone new appeared or came back, I'd fall down to the third or fourth most important person to her. But I kept fighting because I knew I needed to be there for her, and then later the family I tried to start on my own. Does the Lord and Savior of EBWF understand what it's like to be an afterthought to the person who means the world to you? Does she really know how those experiences shaped me, or how much stronger I became because I just wouldn't give up."

The champion's expression goes serious.

Tam: "We never had the opportunity to meet in the ring one on one. It was always with teammates surrounding us, so we never had that one chance to test each other's strength. Then she left Japan and I didn't think I'd ever fight her. Three years later and we finally get that chance to lock up. Jamie is stronger than before, just look at how she's gone through very talented wrestlers like Mina and Alexa. She made it to the semifinals of this year's Queen of the Ring before she was just barely outshone by the Shining Star. Anyone who looks at Jamie Hayter now wouldn't be wrong to say that she's one of the best and most dangerous competitors in the world. I know she's determined to become the Lord and Savior, the one true power, here. But let me remind her of something."

Tam gives the championship belt a gentle pat.

Tam: "You may be strong, you may be ruthless, but you have never fought someone like me before. I'm not even the same lost, struggling former idol I was back when you were in Oedo Tai the first time. I've trained and fought countless hours to become the very strongest version of Tam Nakano there's ever been. I came back to this place to prove that I was better than I have ever been, and the results don't lie. Since returning to EBWF one year ago I've gone undefeated in EBWF. I have a finishing move that no one in EBWF has ever kicked out of. For the past 260 days I've lived the dream of reigning as the EBWF Women's Champion, holding this beautiful belt around my waist and proving to the world that miraculous dreams do come true. So tonight, Jamie, you're going to get a taste of who the new Tam Nakano is. You're going to see just how much I've grown up. And I hope you show me how much you've grown. But it won't be enough to stop my Twilight Dream."

She winks into the camera and then steps off camera.