Beyond the Horizon #15
June 13th, 2021
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It's been a while, hasn't it?
Many apologies, Dear Readers, I didn't anticipate not being able to write blogs for Retribution or Be Careful What You Wish For, but as we all know... sometimes life gets in the way of things we want to do. Retribution, most of my time was caught up by a particularly difficult case at the Horizon House Shelter. I can't go into too many details for legal and privacy reasons, but this particular woman and her child needed special handling, lots of attention and care, and between BlackOut Academy and working with her, I didn't have any energy left for anything else. The woman and her child are okay now, their abuser is incarcerated, and they are working towards healing.
In the process of working that difficult case while still training at the Academy, it became clear to me that I could not continue as I was with the condition my knee was in. Following my final match at Rise to Greatness in 2019, I did have a minor procedure to correct the damage that Andrew Raynes did, and for a while it seemed to be getting along fine. I was limited in what I could do in the ring training my students, but I could still work. Near the end of last year leading up til April, it started to feel worse and worse. If you're a long-time follower or fan of mine, then you know how I can be stubborn. I didn't want to admit something was wrong, I wasn't ready for the possibility of not being able to train at all. But, Fate took it out of my hands when my knee locked up as I was going up the stairs at the gym to the Academy. Even as stubborn as I can be, I know when I'm beat. I went to my orthopedist, and was told in no uncertain terms that I needed another procedure. The fractured patella had healed unevenly on the underside, and over time created friction and damage to the knee joint itself. This is a type of arthritis and the only fix for it is a partial knee replacement. Instead of replacing the entire joint, what's done is called a resurfacing, where the joint is smoothed over with metal, in some cases the underside of the patella is also done this way, but in my case the patella was completely replaced. Yes, I am now partially bionic ;-). This was done in early April, and I was focusing on my physical therapy, so that I could get back to work at the Academy as soon as was healthy and safe.
I need to thank Jeff Alexander, Simon Lyman, and Jason Helms for taking on more of the hands on instruction while I was unable to get in the ring, as well as a few guest trainers, including Bree Lancaster... and my good friends Kara Abheri and Shane Lawson.
Kara and Shane have moved back to New Orleans with their children, and after helping out at the Academy for a few weeks, have accepted my offer to become trainers at BlackOut Academy full time. Their move back was a complete and welcome surprise to me, and I couldn't be happier to be working with them, helping set the future of wrestling on the right track.
Tonight is also a little bittersweet for me, as today is the third anniversary of the day I officially retired. Yes, I did fight two more matches after that, a surprise entry into the Flame, followed by facing Andrew Raynes at Rise to Greatness, both in 2019. At the time I felt I needed to do those things. In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have. It perhaps gave people hope that I might make a real comeback, like David Helms did. He did amazing things last year, and I admit that I thought about it. Hard. Especially after my knee was repaired properly and I was told it would be possible, if I wanted it. But in the end, I have to do what's best for me, and much as it would be fun, and as much as I know a lot of people would love to see it... it's just not what would be best for me. I am needed elsewhere. On the anniversary of the day I announced my retirement, I can say that I am content with remaining on the sidelines. Training the next generation at BlackOut is where I belong.
Before I move on to all things Flame.... I have to make a personal statement, in regards to Bree Lancaster. As you all know, she is my sister-in-law, but I have known her literally since the day she was born. I used to babysit her, I helped raise her in a way... and I trained her to wrestle. It's well-known that our relationship has had it's ups and downs over the years, but we've been in a good place for a while now. And today? I have to express how incredibly proud I am of Bree. Her recent ordeal has only just been made public due to criminal charges filed, but she'd confided in me shortly after the incident. And the way she went from a timid shell of herself afraid to speak, to coming forward and making sure this criminal was held accountable for his unspeakable actions, in such a short time... it's nothing short of inspirational. I always knew she was strong but I'm seeing a whole new level, and I couldn't be more proud.
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Alright. It's Taking Hold of the Flame, 2021. This show kicks off Rise to Greatness season, as the winner of the battle royal will go on to face the World Champion at Rise to Greatness. This year is special though, in that SCW did not hold a Trios Tournament as in years past, so whoever wins the battle royal tonight... they are guaranteed their one on one championship match with either Cid Turner or Selena Frost. I like that, no stress, no uncertainty if someone will contract themselves into the mix. We will know tonight what the main event of Rise to Greatness will be.
As always, the card for tonight is smaller than most pay per views, so let's run down the other matches first.
Konrad Raab vs Chris Cannon
This one has a caveat – Raab must win to keep his spot in the battle royal. Raab isn't really known for winning, though. He's a hard worker, skilled, a veteran... but has had a lot of bad luck. Recently though he's gained confidence and something of a mean streak since becoming involved with Minerva, alongside Kandis and Tommy Valentine. The four of them have caused nothing but chaos in the last several weeks – injuring people, stealing vehicles, stalking. You name it, they have done it. Chris Cannon is set to face Minerva at Rise to Greatness, tonight he takes on her.... lover? Pet? Gimp? I'm not even sure what to call it. Many people have been involved in this battle from the start, all starting when Minerva broke into Cannon's home where Peyton Rice was staying, and beat her down so badly that she may not be able to return. Last week David Helms was another casualty of this war, his leg being broken in a car door by Kandis. I fully expect everyone who has been part of this to get involved here – Jordan Majors, Lucas Knight, Kandis, Tommy Valentine. In the end though, I see Cannon pulling out the win. He's shown his ability to overcome overwhelming odds when he won the Gauntlet Match in February, becoming World Champion. He also has personal motivation here, and I think that will be enough to put him over the top, despite all the extra involvement that is almost guaranteed to occur.
SCW Tag Team Championship
Lexy's Angels vs The Golden Boys
Both of these teams are known for their in-ring shenanigans. I expect the official to lose control quickly while everyone involved here pulls out every trick in the book, and invents new ones, all in the attempt to walk out with the Tag Team Championships. I have to speak about Adam Allocco's behavior recently, showing up to Breakdown drunk, drinking while working.... I've heard fans laughing and some people around the locker room treating this as a joke, but to me? It's not a joke. Someone needs to intervene here and make sure Adam isn't trying to work a match under the influence. He could hurt himself or someone else. It's really a shame because when Adam is sober and not playing around, he can still go. Autumn Valentine is an experienced tag team wrestler, but Ace Marshall is not, he is more accustomed to doing things his own way. That could be a detriment if Ace can't or won't act for the good of the team. If Adam and Bison actually fight, they could retain easily. I also expect a table to be crashed through. Winner? I'll go with Golden Boys, if Adam is sober.
SCW World Championship
Selena Frost vs Cid Turner
Selena was awarded this opportunity after defeating Syren at Be Careful. Cid Turner, despite having become World Champion in a very controversial and accidental manner... has proven himself to be championship material, as much as his detractors would hate to admit it. I am not happy to admit it either, the way Asher Hayes and Holly Adams have been using him, controlling him, Asher's delusion with the fake second title belt and believing he is a champion as well... I have to shake my head and wash my hands of him. We were friends, and as he revealed on Twitter, a bit more than that for a few weeks. He thought he was embarrassing me by saying so but I'm not. I'm more embarrassed for him. One day he'll come to his senses and realize how ridiculous he's being... but by then it will be too late. But, as I was saying, despite the way his so-called friends are using him for their own gain, Cid has proven himself. He's defeated Datura and Bree Lancaster.... on his own. Neither of them are easily defeated. Next for Cid is Selena Frost, another highly skilled and decorated competitor, also not easily defeated. Tonight, Asher and Holly are banned from ringside from the start, so we will get to see if Cid can continue his reign truly on his own. He believes everything Asher and Holly tell him, his confidence seems to come from their presence, he doesn't want to let them down. Without them physically at his side, in his corner, (even for a little while, as they were ejected from ringside during the match with Bree) I think Cid may not have that confidence. Selena meanwhile is one of the most self-confident people on the roster, and she has been for a long time. I think this could be her night, and we will see her in the main event at Rise to Greatness, taking on the battle royal winner.
Taking Hold of the Flame Battle Royal
This year we have forty entrants – and I promise you that I am not one of them. There are always surprises though, and I think you will be pleased with at least one of them. Battle royals are so hard to predict. By the very nature of the rules they are unpredictable. Other than number one and number two this year – Syren and Gavin Taylor – we don't know the entry order. We don't know all forty people who will enter. It's almost impossible to name one person as the eventual winner.
I usually refrain from making any picks at all, but this year I will give a few names who I think stand a good chance, depending on entry order and endurance.
Firstly, I have to name Jordan Majors. She was last year's Ironwoman, having the longest in-ring time. It's obvious she has the endurance and the tenacity to survive to the end.
Next, call me biased if you want but I will say Bree Lancaster. She has a mission, she feels responsible for fixing the current situation with the World Championship. She, like many others, feels that Cid Turner is degrading the championship by letting Asher and Holly lead him around. She's tough, and she's motivated. She will be hard to stop.
Next, I'll go ahead and say it, Asher Hayes. He may be delusional, but he has to have an image in his head of winning this and facing Cid to become the “only” World Champion. Delusion can be a big motivator.
Another good possibility – Syren. She's being made to start at number one, but she has also proven herself able to defy odds. She is angry at Mr. D for what she sees as holding her back, she would love to go the distance and get her championship shot just to spite the boss.
Finally... I'll go with a wild card, which could be any one of the mystery entrants. It's hard to prepare for the unknown, and there is a chance that one of these people could come in, wreak havoc, and take the Flame.
Those are my professional potential picks. I have my personal choice in who I hope takes it home, but I'll keep that to myself. It's not hard to figure out if you think about it.
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Who do you want to see take the Flame and main event Rise to Greatness? I'd love to hear your thoughts as we wait for the event to begin. Tonight, live from St. Louis. I am in attendance and I can't wait to see how everything unfolds. Don't miss the kick off to Rise to Greatness season.... Taking Hold of the Flame. It's going to be amazing, as SCW always delivers.
Stay strong, Dear Readers, and always be brave.
~ Amy Chastaine