Post by Natalie McKinley on Nov 21, 2015 3:08:17 GMT
The scene opens inside the kitchen of Natalie's home in Cardiff. Natalie - who is wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a black t-shirt - is stood at the sink, pouring a glass of water.
After turning off the tap, Natalie turns to face the camera.
'In a couple of days, I'll be stepping back inside the ring, this time for a match against one of Seishin's native wrestlers: Merlot Ayano.'
Natalie pauses to take a sip of water.
'Seishin is the third promotion I've worked for, and having wrestled in the US and Europe, when I joined Seishin, I made a conscious decision to experience wrestling elsewhere - I joined Seishin to develop my skills, by competing against different opponents, with different styles than I'm used to.'
Natalie walks over to a table.
'I was already aware that wrestling in Japan is distinct - compared with elsewhere - and that the natives can be wary of gaijins; now, it seems that Merlot wishes to use me, to send a message to the other gaijins in Seishin.'
Natalie puts her glass on the table.
'I had considered pouring myself an alcoholic drink, but then I thought better of it - I don't want Merlot to think that I'm trying to antagonise her.'
Natalie takes a seat at the table; she drinks some more of her water, before continuing.
'Merlot, I can appreciate you being protective of your nation's culture, but I'm not going to let you beat me, in retaliation for the sins of some of my fellow foreigners - I won't allow myself to be punished for crimes I haven't committed.'
Natalie shakes her head; following a brief pause, Natalie continues.
'I can't explain why I fell in love with wrestling - it's not something I can put into words; I had tried other combat sports, but when I got my first taste of wrestling, I knew it was the sport for me. I relish getting to step in between the ropes, to do battle, and Merlot, I'm looking forward to testing myself against you.'
Natalie smiles.
'Talented Japanese wrestlers such as yourself, Merlot, are part of what drew me to Seishin. I joined Seishin - like I said earlier - to improve as a wrestler. But as I improve, I want that to be reflected in the outcomes of my matches - I want to be successful. And in the immediate future, Merlot, success for me, means me defeating you.'
Natalie lifts her glass off the table.
'Merlot, it was pleasing to hear you say that you respect me, and I'm happy to show you the same in return - I'll do that by providing you with the contest you want. However, Merlot, I'm not going to roll over for you - you're about to find out, to your detriment, that I'm no pushover. You may have an agenda, Merlot, but I've got one of my own - and next on it, is to defeat you; see you in Tokyo.'
As Natalie takes another drink, the scene fades to black.
After turning off the tap, Natalie turns to face the camera.
'In a couple of days, I'll be stepping back inside the ring, this time for a match against one of Seishin's native wrestlers: Merlot Ayano.'
Natalie pauses to take a sip of water.
'Seishin is the third promotion I've worked for, and having wrestled in the US and Europe, when I joined Seishin, I made a conscious decision to experience wrestling elsewhere - I joined Seishin to develop my skills, by competing against different opponents, with different styles than I'm used to.'
Natalie walks over to a table.
'I was already aware that wrestling in Japan is distinct - compared with elsewhere - and that the natives can be wary of gaijins; now, it seems that Merlot wishes to use me, to send a message to the other gaijins in Seishin.'
Natalie puts her glass on the table.
'I had considered pouring myself an alcoholic drink, but then I thought better of it - I don't want Merlot to think that I'm trying to antagonise her.'
Natalie takes a seat at the table; she drinks some more of her water, before continuing.
'Merlot, I can appreciate you being protective of your nation's culture, but I'm not going to let you beat me, in retaliation for the sins of some of my fellow foreigners - I won't allow myself to be punished for crimes I haven't committed.'
Natalie shakes her head; following a brief pause, Natalie continues.
'I can't explain why I fell in love with wrestling - it's not something I can put into words; I had tried other combat sports, but when I got my first taste of wrestling, I knew it was the sport for me. I relish getting to step in between the ropes, to do battle, and Merlot, I'm looking forward to testing myself against you.'
Natalie smiles.
'Talented Japanese wrestlers such as yourself, Merlot, are part of what drew me to Seishin. I joined Seishin - like I said earlier - to improve as a wrestler. But as I improve, I want that to be reflected in the outcomes of my matches - I want to be successful. And in the immediate future, Merlot, success for me, means me defeating you.'
Natalie lifts her glass off the table.
'Merlot, it was pleasing to hear you say that you respect me, and I'm happy to show you the same in return - I'll do that by providing you with the contest you want. However, Merlot, I'm not going to roll over for you - you're about to find out, to your detriment, that I'm no pushover. You may have an agenda, Merlot, but I've got one of my own - and next on it, is to defeat you; see you in Tokyo.'
As Natalie takes another drink, the scene fades to black.
