Starting Off (o2A)

[esther]

Charlotte, NC
12:38 PM

After a plane ride from New York City, Esther had found herself now in North Carolina of all places. This is where the XWA would be emanating from in the month of August, with the Ring Rage PPV coming from this very city of Charlotte. As she was told, if she was to be in action it would be in Chapel Hill some miles away, but she figured she may as well get herself a hotel here and rent a car to the Dean Smith Center-home of the North Carolina Tarheels' legendary college basketball team.

Basketball? What do I know about basketball?

She thought out loud as she stood waiting for a cab to take her to the hotel. In Canada, most people follow hockey of course, and some are fond of pro football...but basketball? There's only one pro team in the whole country after all...

Oh yes, The Raptors. But...they're not very good nowadays, are they? Oh well...

Esther smiled, looking over the program she picked up coming out of the airport that spoke about some sites to see for visitors of the state. Would she even have the time to sight-see now that she was a full-fledged XWA Diamond? All she could think about was making as good a first impression on her first night as possible. She had heard the stories about the female contingent of the XWA. "A handful of actually good people at heart, but mostly attention seekers and butches who have a problem with anything that remotely looks or acts feminine" was what one of her friends told her. She of course scoffed at the rumor. The Diamond Division had not only some of the best women in wrestling, but some of the sexiest as well.

A cab pulls up and she gets in while the driver cordially offers to put her 3 or so bags of luggage into the trunk. Was this that "southern hospitality" that you hear about in the movies? Or was it just that the slightly overweight older man in need of a serious shave was just attracted to her? She didn't think too much on that, moreso on just how it was that she was going to fit into the landscape of things at her new "job".

All it was going to take was some hard work and seizing the opportunities as they come. Easier said than done. There's a long road to walk to reach one's goal, and she knew it. Looking out the window at the city rolling by her, Esther realized that wondering was only going to make her more and more worrisome. "Just go with the flow", her friends told her. "You're in the big time now, so just enjoy it!"

Enjoy it? I'll try...

1:15 PM
Finally, they arrived at the hotel she was booked at. From a portly cab driver to now a slender and actually kind of handsome bellhop helping her bags out of the trunk, the obviously "liking" of her was still quite evident. She smiles.

A confirmation later and she was now given the key to her room. She and the bellhop were now on the elevator.

"So, first time in North Carolina?"

First time in the US, actually. I'm from Canada. Been there my whole life.

"Canada? What part?"

Montreal.

"Oh, so you're French-Canadian, right?"

Yes...making a big move towards furthering my career by leaving home. I'm so nervous...

"I'm sure you'll be fine. What do you do if I might ask?"

I'm a pro wrestler actually. Woman wrestler. I'll be making my debut in the XWA this month.

"XWA? Cool! Me and some of my friends have tickets to the show in Chapel Hill. I'll be rooting for you...er...sorry, what's your name?"

Ha ha...it's ok. My name is Esther. If you do go, can you and your friends make one of those signs with my name on it? That would be so cool.

"Ha! You got it!"

They reach room 702, and the bellhop settles her bags off the rack and in a convenient place.

"Well, you're all ready to settle in then. Everything is expense paid by your employers, so don't hesitate to ask for anything...and when you need anything, ask for Josh. "

I'll do that. Thank you Josh...and don't forget that sign!

As he nodded and closed the door behind him. She stood and took in the scenery. It was a nice room. They did know how to take care of their people the XWA did, but she didn't want to unpack anything yet. She didn't even want to be alone, so only a minute afterward or so, Esther left the room to head back down to the lobby. She saw a restaurant in the hotel and figured she'd grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat there, and just watch the people. Maybe find some small talk to take the edge off.

1:45 PM
She sat in a cozy little seat with her mocha latte, and for the first time in a few days working her way south, exhaled. She relaxed as the world did what the world did around her and took a sip of her latte.

After a few minutes, someone even mustered the gumption to approach her...

[Chris Dynamite]

On his return from his Boot Camp in the UK, Chris Dynamite had made his way straight to North Carolina in order to be there for a few days before the show. Relaxing in a cafe his eye had been caught by the dark haired beauty as she arrived. A few minutes later, having taken in the 'sight' he stood up, and with a confident grin, approached.

Now, I'm not expert, but by the looks of it I'm going to guess your not from around here. Am i right?

He leans on the back of the chair contemplating her.

See, I'd go as far as to say you're a long way from home, or very very lost! So... [he pauses] My apologies, where are my manners? I'm Chris, [he spins the chair round and holds out his hand to her with a mock bow and a grin] May I join you and ask your name, and what brings you here?

[esther]

Only knowing that's it rude to not to accept a kind gesture, Esther shakes this Chris' handshake with a smile and introduces herself.

My name is Esther, and you're correct, I'm not from around here. I could say the same about you though. You look as local as I do. I don't think very many people who live in this city hang out in hotel restaurants. This is the United States though, a free country, right? You don't need to ask me to sit, help yourself.

She giggled a little bit before taking another sip of her latte, then waved her hand at any given open seat nearby her.

I suppose you could say that I'm here on business. This will be my first night on the "job" coming up so to speak.

[Chris Dynamite]

Chris dropped into the seat with a grin,

[laughs]Esther? Beautiful name, I'm going to guess Canadian? Or European and been over here for a while!

Chris leans back in his chair and looks around the cafe for a moment. He catches the waitresss eye and as she heads over he turns back to Esther

No you're right I'm not from around here either. I'm in town for the XWA shows coming up. You should come along and see us, unless... [he pauses and raises an eyebrow] ...what is it you're here to do?

[esther]

As soon as Chris mentioned the letters XWA, Esther's interest piqued a little. She scoots up a bit from her recline in the seat.

The XWA you say? You work for them? That's what I'm here for as well. I just finished signing a contract with them to wrestle this season. I literally flew from Montreal to New York, then from New York down here...

She had been following the XWA the last few months, and just now she managed to put things together.

Now I know where I recognize you from. You are...Chris Dynamite, right? Pleased to meet you. You're still fairly new to XWA yourself, how has it been going for you?

[Chris Dynamite]

Chris leaned back in his chair and grinned. both at being recognised and at the fact that Esther was joining the XWA. He nods and spreads his arms in a mock pose

Chris Dynamite, Yes I am! The One and Only. I'm glad to know I've made a big enough name for myself; it's been a challenge working through the pack of newcomers! Hows it been going?

He puts his hands behind his head, leans back and laughs,

It's been an experience! Hell, I'm working in the biggest company, on the biggest stage, how much better could it be? This is the high life baby! I've had my, uh, ups and downs. Become the first of the newcomers to strike gold this season, and clearly done well enough that I've popped onto your radar. [raises and eyebrow and grins] I'd call that a success so far.

He pauses for a moment as the waitress arrives, Chris orders another coffee and turns his attention straight back to Esther

Can i get you anything?...So how are you feeling about your debut? Nervous? Do you have any plans, or are you setting out on a wing and a prayer, and seeing where you land?

[esther]

I'm fine for now...but thanks for the offer.

Esther smiled and took another sip of her latte, still warm.

I suppose that all that I can do is "wing it" for now. There's no way to be sure what's going to happen once I step out there. I mean, it's not as if I don't know how wrestling works, and that's exactly what's good and bad about it. You really don't know what to expect.

She breathes in deeply and sighs...

I just want to make a good first impression out there. This will be my first time on a worldwide stage and I don't want to look bad.

[pancho]

Oh god, I can't stand by and watch this anymore.

From not to far across the room can be heard an unmistakable voice. He walks up and generally shoves Dynamite aside to initiate a classic C-Block maneuver.

I normally don't bother getting into the business of pathetic losers like this guy here, but I owe you the courtesy since you're not from the country and all to tell you that all my poorly dressed friend here is really doing is making an attempt...and a sad one at that, of trying to get in your undies. And he's trying it by pulling the oldest trick in the book, the "nice guy" act. If you Wikipedia the word "Asshole" you'll see his picture on the web page.

He pauses seeing ample opportunity to introduce himself.

Oh, by the way...I'm Dan Ripley.

With a cheeky grin, Ripley awaits the next response from either person.

[Chris Dynamite]

Chris looks up, thoroughly unimpressed with the interruption. He didn't like having his nice guy routine undercut, and he certainly didn't like being upstaged,

Ah, Dan Ripley. So that's your name? Sorry, you're not really noteworthy enough for me to have learned it before. I must beg to differ though, I think in the Asshole stakes I am a mere second to you. That is the only area where that applies though!

he turns back to Esther,

You'll have to forgive my boisterous, and badly mannered friend. His trust fund hasn't run out yet, so he's still very full of himself!

he smirks at Rilpley and awaits a reply from either

[esther]

She briefly nodded to Chris did Esther, to acknowledge the fact that she got what he was saying, but her words now were geared towards this new person.

Dan Ripley, hmm? Tell me something then Dan, what if I told you that most women actually do like the "nice guys"? Or...did you think that a majority of the female human species prefers the brash, overbearing, arrogant type of man? I would have liked to have thought from seeing how you act on television that it was in fact an act. Unfortunately...I see that it's all reality.

She shook her head and sipped her latte again, waiting to see what would be said next.

[pancho]

Promptly prepared with a counter jab, Ripley retorts.

Trust fund? Seriously? Is that the best you've got? Oh wait, that IS the best you've got. I mean seeing as you're Mr. 1 Hit Wonder and all. Tell me, how did it feel being the shortest ever reigning Champion in XWA? Whereas I'm going to be headlining the biggest PPV of the year. You know, headlining? When you wrestle at the end of the show and not at the start when people are still watching CSI. The only reason you wouldn't know who I am is because you spend so much time getting beat like a rag doll that it's probably hard to notice anything else besides the searing headache you have every week. *Heh heh*[/font]

His focus turns then to Esther.

Word to the wise, if you wanna make a good 1st impression...stay clear of losers like this guy. His fail might rub off on you, and I'd hate to see a pretty lady like you become the Diamond Division's punching bag like he is to the male competitors on Takedown. As far as my "act" on TV, it's not. I don't do gimmicks like some other chumps. I am who I am. And who I am is better then most. Like my fine, pathetic friend here. And if you actually think his nice guy act ISN'T exactly that, and act...oh boy you're walking into a minefield of disappointed, toots.

[Chris Dynamite]

Chris could not have looked more pleased with Esther's response if he had tried. He turned to look up at Ripley,

Yes Daniel. To be honest I don't think i could have put that better myself. Why don't you do us all a favour and run along? Because your particular brand of self-obssessed, narcissistic verbal diahorrea is about as attractive as that lovely unitard you wear to the ring. he turns to Esther That is one of the sights of the XWA which you have to look forward to. Mr Ripley here will parade around in a - well stuffed - unitard all day, every day!

he leans back in his seat, smirks and turns back to Ripley,

I will however compliment you on your outstanding originality, Im not sure anyone has called me a loser in the last week or so. Don't let that score go to your head though, i don't want you falling over from the weight of it. I may have suffered a few slip ups, but i have at least managed to acheive originality...

he turns to Esther

In order to save yourself the trouble of watching Mr Ripley here, tune into Overload and watch Scott O'Dell. You see Dan here is just O'Dell Lite, its really very sweet. And a bit tragic!

[esther]

I find it quite interesting that...

She continues, her words aimed at Ripley still...

...guys like you have to always try to make yourselves sound as if your so much better in everything. Do you realize that all that does is prove the total opposite? I can speak for most people when I say that I could care less whether you "headline" or not...or even if you were to actually win the big one. Success is the only reason that you get what little bit of attention that actually does come your way. It's the only reason anyone pays any mind to your "type".

Just as much as Chris' fortune might change, so might yours. You may become the "punching bag" for all we know, and the only other thing you'd have going for you is the fact that you made it to the main event. If that's all you have going for you Dan, then being in a major position like you are in doesn't mean anything.

[pancho]

Ripley chuckles and responds.

This coming from a guy who stole his wrestling gear from a Comic-Con nerd? Seriously, what's up with the Lime Green? You have to dress for success, which is probably why you've only won one match all year. Shows how much you know about wrestling as well, cuz my attire is a wrestling singlet, what REAL wrestlers wear. Guys with credible wrestling careers, like myself. But what would you know about being credible, eh? Wait, you credibly get your ass kicked every week. I guess that has to count for something. You've got me beat there, buddy. Females love charity cases, and you're about as big a charity case as the Christian Children's Fund. *Heh heh* Y'know what? I'm gonna leave you two crazy kids alone. But Chris? When you decide to talk about me when I'm gone because let's face it...it's about the only actual thing you're good at...please refer to me as "The Douchebag". I get a kick outta' that. Oh, and if you really wanna win her over, tell her about how you got destroyed by Kayn, demolished by Lionel Xander in under 7 minutes and then got your skull split open AND put head 1st through a table by Jonny Punch all in a span of three weeks. That should earn you plenty of pity points. Maybe even enough for her to pet you on the head. Of course that's if she doesn't mind cheap 99 cent hair gel ruining her manicure.

Ripley walks away laughing. He turns back around to add...

Oh yea, and comparing me to Scott O'Dell? Thanks. Greatest compliment anyone's ever paid me. The man's a genius and a pioneer. Unlike you, who's just like Chet Dixon. Don't know who he is? Read up on your XWA history. Worst losing streak in wrestling and even HE had more career wins then you. Now that's what I call sad. Oh, and Esther? I've done a lot more then just make it to the main event. I guess this means you're another person who has a selective attention span. I'm not even gonna bother running down my XWA resume. Just watch what I do in the ring. A punching bag is something I'll never...ever be. Just to damn talented for it.

He gives a cocky wink before making his way to the lobby exit.

[esther]

I'm quite sure he'd have loved to run down his resume right here and now...except there aren't enough cameras and microphones in this room.

Esther thinks back to what one of her friend back home said, and thinks...

I guess when my friend said "attention seekers", he didn't mean just the women.

She giggles to herself and turns her attention back to Chris Dynamite. Time to cool the mood off a bit.

Chris? I could use a refill on the latte right about now.

She smiled as she pointed to the now empty mug in her hands.