The scene opened backstage at the Madison Square Garden, where the EBWF Women’s Champion, Dr Britt Baker, was seated in a black leather chair. She wasn’t in her ring gear yet; she was wearing black jeans, boots, and a “D-M-F’N-D” shirt. Britt had the EBWF Women’s Championship resting in her lap, and in front of her was a TV. Britt was watching the end of her match with Himeka on Warfare, when Mina Shirakawa – Himeka’s Oedo Tai teammate, and the women who would challenge Baker tonight for the EBWF Women’s Championship – had run in and attacked Britt just as she was about to make Himeka submit. The footage ended with Mina standing over Baker, holding the Women’s Championship aloft, whilst Baker laid on the match, clutching her ribs in pain. Baker touched her ribs, wincing slightly as she did so, then turned to face the camera and began to speak.
Britt Baker: It’s funny, isn’t it, how even when it seems as though everything has changed, some things stay the same? On Warfare, I was outnumbered and beaten down by Oedo Tai; a position most of the other women on the EBWF roster, past and present, have been in over the past two years. The group is nowhere near as big as it used to be – Tam Nakano has left, Jamie Hayter and Rhea Ripley are doing their own thing, so Mina and Himeka are all that’s left – and yet, here I was like countless others before me, taken out by one of the most dominant groups EBWF has ever seen. It was a throwback to the Oedo Tai of old, as Mina herself has acknowledged… and you know what, Mina? I’m not even mad. Sure, I’m sore and bruised – but I’m also grateful. Because you’ve given me even more motivation for tonight. Now I’m not just walking into Madison Square Garden with a title to defend; I’m walking in with a score to settle.
Britt paused, brushing her hair behind her ear. Then as she continued speaking, her tone sharpened slightly.
Britt Baker: You say you did it for your friend? Because Himeka was in trouble? Let’s not rewrite history. Himeka was in trouble because I had her beat. You said it yourself. You didn’t save her. You saved yourself the embarrassment of watching your teammate tap out to the woman you’re about to face tonight. And as an added bonus, you got to soften me up, and get your hands on the title you’re desperate to get your hands on. I hope that felt nice, Mina, because mark my words… that won’t happen again tonight. By all means, have Himeka in your corner, but remind her that if she plays a bit of role reversal and gets involved in our match, you lose. I retain my championship, and the story you’re so desperate to finish merely ends in disappointment. Maybe there’s a twist; maybe Himeka gets involved without the referee noticing, like Oedo Tai managed to do so many times when Tam Nakano was at the helm. But even then, you still lose… because you’ll spend every day feeling like a fraud, knowing that you couldn’t beat me on your own. You don’t want that; I don’t either. So, tell Himeka to stay well clear. That way, she won’t be tempted, and you and I can put on a show. Two of the best professional wrestlers in the world, leaving it all in the ring, in one of the most famous and special venues there is. Madison Square Garden.
Britt paused again as she got to her feet. She stared down the camera, as if speaking to Mina directly, gripping the Women’s Championship tightly as she did so.
Britt Baker: You were right about one thing, Mina. You and I? We are a lot alike. In fact, we’re probably more alike than you want to admit. We weren’t handed anything; we fought our way to the top. You clawed your way out of the background; I walked in and carved out space for myself in a company that didn’t know what to do with someone like me. You wrestled with a smile painted on your face; I worked with blood on mine. We earned everything. But here’s where we’re different. You say you need to finish the story tonight — to prove that you’re more than just a pretty face with a good work ethic and a ruthless streak. You think that winning this title will silence every doubt in your head. But the truth is, Mina… it won’t. Because if you need this to validate yourself, then you’re already fighting from behind. I didn’t need this title to prove I belonged here… but I finally got my hands on it, it proved to everyone else just how good I was. And in my first reign as champion, I went from strength to strength. When Tam Nakano beat me, it was a setback… but I did what I always do when I get knocked down, and I got back up. I didn’t hang up my boots like Tam did, I didn’t run back to my dental office or return calls to Stamford or Jacksonville to see if they still wanted me. I came back sharper, tougher, and better than I’d ever been. And when my second reign as EBWF Women’s Championship ends… I’ll do the same thing all over again, and work my ass off until I’m a three-time champ. You want to prove yourself by driving me out of EBWF, Mina? You’ll have to put me in the ground. Because I’m not leaving this company or this business for anyone.
Britt held up the championship, glancing at it before turning her eyes back to the camera.
Britt Baker: Winning this title isn’t a storybook ending, Mina. It’s entering a warzone. And if you’re so focused on your “happily ever after”, then you’re not ready for what comes next. Because whether I walk out with this title or not, you better be ready for the fight of your life. You better be ready for what happens when Dr Britt Baker, D.M.D., fights for something that matters to her. Because you can win this match, Mina. You can shock the world. You can stand on that stage, belt in hand, and bask in the spotlight you’re so desperate to claim. But if you do? I promise you this – I will fight tooth and nail until I get a rematch with you. And if it goes the other way… If I win tonight, and you fall short… then I hope you won’t do what Tam did, and walk away. Let that hunger eat at you, Mina. Let it drive you. Because one day, we’ll do this again. And I want that. I welcome it. Tonight isn’t the end of either of our stories, Mina… it’s simply the end of this chapter. After whatever happens tonight, I’m excited for the next chapter. Because our story? It’s only just beginning.
Britt winked into the camera as she brought things to a close.
