-An event in St. Louis had been set-up by the cities biggest radio station. A Halloween themed fund raiser that involved a multitude of celebrities including three members of EBWF's Diva's roster. The Poison Trio and the current and reigning Sky High Champion who was preparing for a title defense on Halloween night, Taylor Wilde. The typically cheerfully blond stood in a fancy, bright backstage area dressed in a light blue colored dress that was straight and loose. The arms were bare while her skirt rose just above her knee's and a pair of matching high heeled shoes were on her feet. Her hair was pulled back and a white cloche hat rested on top of her head. In her hand was a candy cigarette. Finally, some loose necklaces hung around her neck. She gave the skirt a tug or two, looking incredibly confused by her costume.-
Taylor Wilde: I still don't think I look anything like a pterodactyl....
Rayna Von Tosh: Taylor, Taylor....
-Rayna stood up from a large mirror that was covered in light bulbs after putting the finishing touches on her outfit. She was dressed as Little Red Riding Hood but far more sultry than the fairytale probably envisioned. The look has more of a modern twist but the hooded cape is still present, of course. She steps over to Taylor and places her hands onto her cheeks.-
Rayna Von Tosh: For the thousandth time. You are not a dinosaur. You're a flapper. It's from the 1920's.
Taylor Wilde: I wanted to be PRINCESS PEACH!
Rayna Von Tosh: And I have no idea what that is but....
-Two paused as the third member of the group approached them. Her hair was swept backwards, wet and she wore a black singlet with a pair of white boots. With her hands upon her hips, she surveyed her surroundings with a glint in her eyes that would strike terror into even the bravest hearts.-
Rayna Von Tosh: And...what are you supposed to be?
Portia Perez: Knock knock.
Taylor Wilde: Who's there?! Who's there?!
Portia Perez: I'm Braden Walker. And I'm gonna knock your brains out.
-Taylor and Rayna look to one another and exchange confused blinks.-
Taylor Wilde: I'm Braden Walker and I'm gonna knock your brains out who?
Portia Perez: Oh, the hell with it! Never mind!
-Portia pushes the velvet curtains that lead towards the stage aside and storms off.-
Taylor Wilde: That wasn't a very good knock-knock joke...
Rayna Von Tosh: We should get moving too.
-Rayna begins to push Taylor along towards the curtain but she grinds the heels of her footwear into the floor.-
Taylor Wilde: Wait, wait, waaaait! There is a camera here and I have a title defense! I should cut a promo!
Rayna Von Tosh: We're really going to be behind schedule.
Taylor Wilde: But I have pictures!
-Taylor gives a pair of huge puppy dog eyes and Rayna sighs in defeat.-
Rayna Von Tosh: Fine, fine. But get on the stage as soon as your done!
-Taylor waits to make sure Rayna is gone, peeking around the corner, before turning to the camera. She smiles happily and begins to wave.-
Taylor Wilde: HI!
-The champ steps over to the make-up mirror to retrieve her title belt which she tosses over her shoulder and gives a few pats.-
Taylor Wilde: I'm Taylor Wilde and this is my Sky High Title! And guess what? I get to defend it at Fanniversary on Halloween night! Isn't that COOL?! And who is my opponent? Layla! Layla is a very good wrestler and she has a really nifty accent but I don't think she's had a lot of huge victories so far. That doesn't mean I don't think she isn't talented but the facts are facts. But me? In the past few months I have pinned Daffney, Melina AND Torrie Wilson. And between them that's...
-Taylor begins to count away on her fingers for a second or two.-
Taylor Wilde: ...eight Sky High Title reigns, two reigns as Women's Champion and a Queen of the Ring! I would like to think that I've been able to beat some of the best talent we have. So, Layla, if you're thinking of underestimating me like people tend to do...
Taylor leans closely to the camera and shakes her head, actually having a very serious look in her eyes for the time being.
Taylor Wilde: ...I wouldn't if I were you. Because even though I'm nice and happy I know exactly what is on the line here. It took me awhile to get some gold and I won't lose it without a fight. If you want to beat me you are going to have to come with your very best. Because I plan on having a record breaking title reign and then some. And if you you would make a better champion than me, Layla, you are going to have to prove it in the ring. The only way to do that is to pin me or make me submit and when I get into my zone that ISN'T an easy thing to do. Don't believe me? You're going to find out really soon. And I'll be more than happy to demonstrate that for you.
I had to fight, claw and scrape my way to this title after A LOT of set-backs. Most people might have given up but I never did and I finally achieved my goal. And, even though I think you're a strong competitor, you just sort of got handed this shot and that kind of annoys me. And I will take on all comers but I'm not sure you even have the right to tell me how you're going to take away something I worked so hard to earn.
-Taylor's eyes remain focused in a serious fashion until she breaks out into smiles again-
-Taylor's eyes remain focused in a serious fashion until she breaks out into smiles again-
Taylor Wilde: ...OK, picture time!
-Overjoyed, Taylor pulls down a screen and carefully places a projector in front of it. She flicks it to it's on position and clears her throat, folding her hands at her stomach-
Taylor Wilde: The pictures that I am about to show you will properly describe exactly why I believe I'm going to defeat Layla and retain my championship this Sunday. I think so anyway. And it might seem silly but I think you can find a lot of wisdom in kid's shows. So BLEH to you if you don't have an imagination.
-The projector shows the following image displayed behind Taylor:
Taylor Wilde: This is a My Little Pony. Technically her name is Twilight Sparkle. And in my match with Layla, I am Twilight Sparkle. We what a lot of the same qualities! Twilight Sparkle doesn't give up, always perseveres no matter what and is a very strong and capable person. Erm, Pony. Just like me! We're both out to make things better and that's exactly what I want to do with my title. I want to make it the most sought after prize in our division, something everyone wants to be a part of and has to work uber hard to obtain. Twilight Sparkle wants to do the same thing with her kingdom. See? Totally comparable. I kind of wish I had a horn sometimes...oh! And this one is Portia!
Portia Perez: WHAT?!?!
-Portia pokes her head in from the curtain, growling in anger at this supposed representation of herself.-
Portia Perez: That one is a total WUSS! THAT ISN'T ME!
Taylor Wilde: OK, OK. How about this one then?
Portia Perez: I guess that one is...kind of bad ass. For a fricken horse.
Taylor Wilde: PONY! There's a difference!
Taylor Wilde: PONY! There's a difference!
-Portia ducks her head back through the curtain and makes an exit once again.-
Taylor Wilde: And, unfortunately, if we have someone to represent me then we have to have someone to represent Layla. And my next slide is about to show that.
Taylor Wilde: Evil, evil! Awful, bad, terrible person!
-Taylor points feverishly at the sinister looking character that had appeared on the wall via the projector.-
Taylor Wilde: This person is JUST like Layla! Trying to ruin everything good, pure and awesome. Like my title run! She wants the title all to herself for whatever terrible purposes are running through her polluted, bad, bad mind. But guess what? Whether you are a human or a pony, evil never triumphs.And wanting to take my title from me is SUPER EVIL. And when I'm encountered with super evil things I show them zero mercy! So, Evil Mare, I mean, LAYLA, I hope you're ready for the fight of your life! No matter what low you might be able to stoop to, it won't be stop me or take my title! I'm completely prepared for whatever you may be ready to throw at me and, more importantly, ready to give it back to you even harder! I don't know what you plan on dressing up as for Halloween this year but guess what you aren't going to be? Sky High Champion! Now if you'll excuse me I've got some funds to raise or...something!
-Taylor flicks the projector to it's off position and rushes through the curtain, carrying her title along, as some muffled cheers heard from the crowd as she makes an appearance.-
****
-1st Annual Make a Wish Foundation/St. Louis Children's Hospital Charity Softball Game! Too bad Taylor wasn't particularly very good at baseball. So, during a brief intermission between innings, she had been arranged to meet up with a kid who was one of her biggest fans. A man in sharp suit who represented Make a Wish led the diva along to a small, in-door area around the playing field. Taylor had her Sky High Title over her shoulder and was carrying a box of t-shirts and other assorted merchandise. With her personality, it shouldn't be too hard to imagine why kids would connect with her.-
Taylor Wilde: I bet I'm WAY more nervous to meet her than she is to meet me!
Rep: No, somehow I doubt that.
-The man chuckled as he paused in the middle of the room where a little girl was present with her back turned. We could tell that she had long blond hair and was probably around nine or so. She's wearing a baggy EBWF t-shirt with a matching baseball cap.-
Rep: Autumn?
-The little girl turned around upon hearing her name being called and her eyes became as wide as saucers. She instantly rushed over to Taylor and gave her a massive hug around the waist that caused her to wince.-
Taylor Wilde: Omigod!
-Taylor managed to squeeze her arms free and held the box 'o swag high above her head.-
Taylor Wilde: I've got stuff!
-The representative laughed and gave a friendly wave, allowing the two to get to know one another. The small girl finally released her hold on Taylor's waist.-
Autumn: Omigodomigodomigod...you really are Taylor Wilde!
Taylor Wilde: And you're like a little me!
-Taylor handed the girl the box and the two took a seat on the floor. Autumn searched through all of the stuff, still with wide eyes, before looking back up at Taylor.-
Autumn: You are my favorite wrestler EVER. I know everything about you. You're strong and funny and smart. And I know you're defending your title against Layla. You are going to beat her, aren't you?
Taylor Wilde: You are my favorite you ever! Aw, no one ever really calls me smart. And I want to beat her! I hope I win. I can't promise that I'll win but I promise I'll do the very best that I can. Plus I get to wrestle someone who is the exact same height as me and that doesn't happen very often. So that helps, ya know?
Autumn: You can win, I know you will! WILDE RIDE STRAIGHT THROUGH THE CENTER OF THE MAT!
-The little girl through her fists into the sky in victory as Taylor's eyes beaded around while she laughed softly and nervously.-
Taylor Wilde: I-I guess I have said something like that before, haven't I?
Autumn: This is for you.
-The young fan handed over a drawing done in crayon. It depicted a stick figure version of Taylor with her title high above her head, which had sparkles all over it, standing in the middle of a ring. At the bottom of the ring with another stick figure with a band aid on it's head and an arrow pointing to it that said "Layla". There was also a happy, smiling sun hanging out at the top of the drawing.-
Taylor Wilde: I'm going to be 100% honest with you and tell you that this is EXACTLY what I want to happen on Halloween! Big happy sun and everything! YAY! And THIS is for you.
-The Sky High Champion passed her golden title to the young girl and carefully laid it across one of her shoulders. Young Autumn beamed with a ridiculous amount of happiness.-
Taylor Wilde: Looks super cool! Wanna play a game!
Autumn: (almost before the sentence had ended) Yes!
Taylor Wilde: OK! You get to be me-
Autumn: I get to be YOU?!
Taylor Wilde: Yep! And I'm going to be Layla! RAWR! I'm from ENGLAND! GIMME THAT TITLE!
-Taylor shook her hair in front of her face and held her fingers out like claws, creeping towards the mini-her. She responded by taking the title off of her shoulder and lightly hit Taylor across the head with it.-
Autumn: BONK.
Taylor Wilde: ARGH!
-The girl lifted the title over her head with both arms in triumph before copying Taylor's pose where she forms a heart over her chest with her hands. Taylor imitated a roaring crowd before setting up-
Autumn: BONK.
Taylor Wilde: ARGH!
-The girl lifted the title over her head with both arms in triumph before copying Taylor's pose where she forms a heart over her chest with her hands. Taylor imitated a roaring crowd before setting up-
Taylor Wilde: Well, I don't know if I'm going to hit her head in the head with my title but that was still pretty good. You're going to root me on, right? I'll need all the support I can get.
Autumn: Of course!
Taylor Wilde: Pop quiz! What is the name of Layla's move?
Autumn: The...Lay-Out! If she tries to hit you with it just wiggle around like a crazy octopus!
Taylor Wilde: That's...actually a pretty good idea! I don't think Layla is trained to defend against that kind of tactic. Crazy octopi are my favorite kind!
Autumn: Octopi are cephalopods.
Taylor Wilde: ...Neat! OK. I've got to go back and be really bad at baseball but as soon as I'm done I'm going to come right back. We can take some photos, draw pictures and you can tell me how I can win over Layla, alright? Keep my title safe for me! Don't let any evil people come and try and take it!
Autumn: Mm hm!
-After giving her huge fan a hug, Taylor rushed back to rejoin the baseball game. Wrestling could often be very painful but moments like this made everything very much worth it.-