Maggie is seated on the sofa in her mother Leona's living room, the two of them staring off in opposite directions. It is a hot, muggy day in June, and the weather outside is dreadfully hot. Maggie had arrived just a couple of hours ago, riding an Amtrak train overnight to spend some time away from home. It seemed that since Hector's death, her husband John had been spending way too much time with his widow and Maggie's hated rival, Marisol. But whenever Maggie tried to confront john about it, he would turn the tables and call her insensitive. The situation had affected Maggie so severely that she had even cancelled her last scheduled POWA wrestling match, fearing that she wasn't in the proper frame of mind to compete. So with nowhere else to turn, Maggie decided to come visit her mother Leona, in Alabama.
But the relationship between mother and daughter was tenuous at best. While Maggie desperately needed the support and love her mom, she still had deep feelings of resentment towards her. Maggie was never able to get over the fact that Leona had left both her and her father to pursue her wrestling career when Maggie was a young girl of 13. Even now, over 33 years later, Maggie still harbored those feelings. She wanted to be close to her mother, but she just couldn't get over it.
Leona hated what she had done and she hated that her daughter had these feelings, but she understood why.
She was much more pragmatic however, and tried to leave the past behind. She did her best to be supportive of her daughter, and was very proud of her. In fact, when Maggie won the POWA crown the year before, it was one of the proudest days in Leona's life. You see Leona had been a wonderful wrestler in her day, but had never won a title in all of her years wrestling. So when her daughter did, Leone felt a tremendous amount of satisfaction.
But Leona knew that wrestling wasn't what was on Maggie's mind, and that wasn't why she was here. But she also knew that Maggie needed some time before she would be willing to talk about what was bothering her. So she gave her daughter the time and space she needed to relax over the next few days, and gradually the two started to get past some of the resentment. They began to discuss Maggie's problems, her fears, her frustrations, and it seemed to bring the two closer together. Maggie also started to feel a bit better about herself too.
The days passed, and Maggie and Leona would spend hours at a time just talking, getting to know each other better and forming the mother/ daughter bond which had been so severely lacking. Maggie began to join her mother for her daily morning jogs, they cooked meals together, worked out in the health club together. In fact, Maggie quickly learned to admire the physical condition her 66 year old mother was in, and often had trouble keeping up with her.
Finally one night, Maggie and Leona were sitting in the living room talking, having just completed a long and strenuous work out in the health club. They were both still in their work out attire, trying to cool off, when the doorbell rang. Leona got up to answer it and was surprised to see Joe on the other side of the door. She smiled shyly and gave him a kiss before inviting him in.
Leona still carried a torch for Joe even though their relationship had not turned out the way Leona had hoped it would. But they would still get together from time to time, enjoying each other's company. But Maggie had never heard her mother speak of Joe before and had never met him either, so Leona invited him in to meet her daughter.
"I've heard so much about you Maggie. You know your mother is very proud of you. When you won that wrestling title, I thought she would bust with pride", Joe explained. Maggie blushed and smiled, inviting him to come and join them.
"What is that you have there Joe?" Leona asked, referring tot he rectangular shaped box he was carrying.
Joe turned to face Leona and began to explain.
"Well this is something I have been searching for for months, and finally came it across it last week. This here is a videotape of the only Championship Match your mother ever wrestled in. It's a classic, and it took my a long time to locate it, but I finally did."
Leona's face turned pale white and her face dropped. She had hoped that all of this would finally be put behind her, but Joe just would not let it die. But Maggie was very excited about the prospect of watching her mom wrestle. She had heard about her mother's wrestling career and even seen pictures of Leona wrestling, but had never actually witnessed one of her matches. So even though Leona was less than enthusiastic, Maggie was anxious to see it.
You see Leona's opponent in that match, the champion she wrestled against, was none other than Annie. Leona and Annie had a long rivalry, stretching back over 30 years. Annie had always been the "Golden Girl" of the Southern wrestling circuit, while Leona was an ordinary worker, every thing she got she earned the hard way. But once they both retired, the rivalry died. That is until Leona moved into the development where she now lived.
You see Annie, though both in their mid 60's, decided to rekindle their rivalry in the ring, at the prompting of several of the single men who lived in their retirement development. Annie and Leona were celebrities to many of the wrestling fans, and so when urged to get in the ring once more time, they both agreed.
Well the results were disastrous for Leona, who suffered a brutal defeat to her rival. But to make matters worse, a few months later they went at each other again, this time in front of Joe, who was also a big fan of both of them. Well once again Annie got the best of her, and that seemed to have helped derail Leona's relationship with Joe. So she was not particularly anxious to relive any of those memories.
Unaware of all this, Maggie prompted Joe to sit down and pop the tape into the VCR. He looked to Leona, who at first tried to dissuade her daughter. But once it was obvious that Maggie would not relent, Leona gave in, rather than make a scene in front of her daughter.
Though the quality of the videotape was quite poor, the quality of the wrestling was superb. Both women fought gallantly and their wrestling acumen was quite impressive. The brutal match lasted over 20 minutes and though it was a very hard fought battle, in the end, Annie pinned Leona to retain her title. But Maggie was amazed at how talented her mother was. Upon watching the tape of her mother wrestling, even though it was over 25 years old, she felt a very special bond with her, one which she had never felt before.
Watching the match was inspiring to Maggie. It was one of the toughest, hardest fought matches she had ever seen in her life. The advantage went back and forth, each woman taking her best shots, and every time Annie seemed to take control of the match, Leona would some how find the courage to eventually turn the tables. The only downfall for Maggie was the end result, but that did little to dampen the pride she felt in watching her Mom. Maggie had no idea her mother had been that good, and though she lost the match, Maggie was still incredibly proud of her. She showered compliments upon her after watching the tape and though Leona expected to feel quite bad once the tape ended, as a result of the outcome of the match, Maggie's reaction actually left her feeling quite proud of herself too. In fact, Leona was also inspired by the reaction it drew from her daughter, and felt closer with her as a result as well. Joe could sense the effect the tape had on his some time girlfriend and her daughter and so he attempted to take advantage of that.
"You know Leona, the State Fair is coming in 3 weeks, on July 4th weekend and they're going to feature some wrestling matches just like they always do. I hear they have a couple of great women's matches lined up already, but this year they are looking for something different. This year they are looking for a couple of Women's Legends to lace up the boots one more time."
Leona knew what was coming next and she gulped even before Joe said the words. Maggie knew had a feeling about what was coming too, but her reaction was quite different. Her eyes lit up and a huge smile stretched across her face as Joe proceeded.
"So I was thinking Leona, how about you and Annie lacing 'em up again?"
Maggie's face lit up and she immediately jumped up off of the sofa and attacked her mother.
"That would be great mom. Come on, you're still in great shape, I'm sure you could beat anyone even close to your age. Besides, it would be fun. What do you say?"
Leona got up ejected the tape from the VCR, pulling it out before walking over toward Joe and handing it to him.
"Thanks for bringing the tape over Joe, it was fun to watch.. It's getting kind of late though, so we'd better be getting to bed."
Joe took the tape and smirked in a disappointment as he got up. Leona escorted him to the door and gave him a kiss on the cheek as she opened it. Joe turned and said goodbye to Maggie before walking out, Leona following him.
"I told you already Joe, that's it for me and wrestling. Now don't you come in here and get Maggie all worked up about this. I'm not wrestling Annie again, and that's it! And don't you dare say a word to her about the other times either. Understand?"
Joe sheepishly nodded his head in agreement before giving Leona another kiss on the cheek and turning to walk away. But once Leona got back inside, Maggie started again.
"I don't get it mom. This could be so much fun for you. Why don't you want to give it a try? I mean how hard could it be? Annie can't be in the same shape you are in, right?"
Leona brushed aside Maggie's remarks, not answering the question nor wanting to discuss it further. But Maggie was determined to convince her mother to do this, and so over the next couple of days she kept the pressure on. But Leona was steadfast and could not be broken, no matter how hard Maggie pushed, but that didn't stop Maggie. During their morning jog, Maggie would push Leona to run further and faster, and Leona was always able to beat her. In the health club, Maggie would push Leona to do one more sit-up, one more-push-up, and Leona was always able to squeak one more out.
"You're in better shape than most women 20 years younger than you mom. You should be proud of that, so get in the ring at that Fair and show everybody that! "
But Leona continued to brush off the suggestions without discussing it any further. The next morning however when they were both out on their morning jog through the development, Maggie noticed a woman, dressed in a bulky robe, walking out of her house to retrieve the newspaper from her lawn. The woman looked a bit disheveled, like she had just woken up. Maggie turned back a number of times before finally realizing that the woman was none other than Annie.
As Leona and Maggie jogged away, Maggie couldn't help but think how tousled Annie looked, and from beneath her bulky robe, she looked a bit hefty too. Maggie then looked over at her mom, jogging briskly, and thought that she could surely beat Annie if the two were to meet in the ring. But as Maggie and Leona ran out of site, Joe emerged from Annie's front door after obviously having spent the night, a reasonable excuse for Annie's windswept appearance. She discreetly opened her robe to give him a hug, and since wearing only a revealing negligee, it was very obvious that she was in extraordinary condition.
As Maggie and Leona continued jogging, Maggie decided this was it, that once they got back home, she would make her final pitch. So as they reached Leona's house, the mother and daughter team walked into the kitchen, each taking a long drink of water. They were both perspiring heavily after the jog, and were both out of breath. But as they rested and caught their breath, Maggie began her pitch.
"You know mom, seeing you on that videotape the other night really made me feel special. I was very proud of you, something I can't say that I've felt for a very long time. But watching you in the ring, it made me feel closer to you than I think I ever have before. It gave me a feeling which I can't explain..... but it just made me feel connected to you. I mean I love you..... and we get along great.... but that was the first time I felt that connection."
Leona stopped and listened, realizing how sincere Maggie was being. As she went on, Leona's eyes began to water.
"So if there is something you're not telling me mom, than tell me. And if you REALLY don't want to wrestle in that Fair, than it's okay.... But I would love to watch my mother wrestle, even if it is just this once. It would make me feel like I was a part of something in your life which I was never a part of before. So what do you say?"
Maggie had a tear in her eye too as both women hugged for a long time before Leona pulled away and stared into her daughter's eyes.
"I never meant to hurt you Maggie, and I'm sorry for all the time we've missed. You know when I was watching that video with you the other night, I felt that connection too. To sit there with you, it just felt as if I had finally shared something with you which I didn't feel I ever would. And it felt very special to me too. It was like when I came to watch you wrestle for the first time. It was a wonderfully proud moment for me. So if you really want me to wrestle in that Fair, than I will."
Maggie smiled widely and wept some more, hugging her mother once again. The two women continued to cry as they embraced, sharing a moment which only a grown mother and daughter could understand.
Later that day, Leona called Joe and asked him to make the arrangements for the match. Annie readily agreed, and all that was left for the day to arrive. The women's matches were scheduled for Sunday afternoon, the 4th of July, and as always, a large crowd was expected. Maggie and Leona spent the weeks leading up to the match getting ready for it. The worked hard to get Leona in shape, which only helped to bring them closer.
But the next step was to pick out something for Leona to wear. So one night they both went up to her attic and began to go through all of her wrestling memorabilia. Leona had saved many of her wrestling outfits, and one by one she tried them all on with her daughter. Maggie was like a little girl as she watched her mother sort through the scores of pictures and other keepsakes. But after Leona had tried on every one of the outfits, her daughter had not found one which she liked.
Suddenly Maggie stopped and stared at the wall, before a huge smile stretched across her face. She instructed her mother to wait there while she ran down to her bedroom and shifted through the contents of her suitcase. Finding what she was looking for, Maggie ran back upstairs and handed it to her mother. It was the red, white and blue bikini which Maggie typically wore in the ring. Leona laughed upon seeing it.
"Are you crazy? ME? IN A BIKINI?!?!?"
Maggie encouraged her to try it on before she said no. They argued playfully for a few more minutes before finally Leona relented, if only to appease her daughter. Slipping the suit on, Leona turned to face her daughter, who nodded her head and smiled.
"Perfect.... It fits perfectly!
Leona turned in front of the mirror, smiling and giggling as she stared herself down. Though a bit tight, the suit fit her reasonably well. Leona would never have agreed to wear a bikini, especially in front of such a large crowd, but with her daughter convincing her that she looked great, Leona started to break down, though she continued to argue the point..
"I can't wear a bikini Maggie, I'm 66 years old!!"
"But you look great Mom. Besides, it's the 4th of July. What better suit to wear on the 4th of July than a red, white and blue bikini. The crowd will love it!"
Leona continued to turn and stare at herself giggling. The suit revealed a generous amount of cleavage from her abundant bust line, which Leona had also passed onto her daughter. It also revealed a bit more of her midsection than Leona was comfortable with, especially since she had been wanting to lose a few inches. But all in all, it wasn't too bad she thought to herself. Maybe she COULD pull it off after all!
She then remembered something and began to quickly rummage through another box in the attic. It contained several pairs of wrestling boots, and before long, Leona found the pair she was looking for. She slipped them on and then turned to face Maggie once again.
"I used to call these my Supergirl boots, because I got them at a costume store in Las Vegas. They belonged to a Supergirl costume, but I just bought them to wrestle in. I wore them in the ring a few times, but they still look good as new. And they go with the outfit too, don't you think?"
Leona smiled, staring down at the boots. They were calf high and made of red vinyl, with a white stripe
down the middle of each. And they did match the red, white and blue of the bikini. Maggie nodded her head, smiling widely as she watched her mother in the semi-sexy outfit.
"So, are you going to wear it ?"
"We'll see!" said Leona, as the two continued to giggle and laugh for the rest of the night as Leona kept the bikini on the entire time.
Finally the Sunday came, the big day! Leona was visibly nervous, but Maggie did her best to keep the mood loose. Maggie turned on the radio and a few minutes later the weather report came on.
"It's gonna be a hot one today y'all. Temps at 101 degrees with 92 % humidity. Leona's face dropped, but she wasn't completely unprepared. After all she had been living in the south for the past 25 years, so hot weather was nothing new. Everything at the State Fair was done outdoors, and the wrestling was no exception. In fact the wrestling ring was typically set up right in the center of the fairway so everyone could watch the matches at no additional charge.
Maggie tried to converse with her mother throughout the morning, but Leona was not in a talkative mood, choosing to be very solemn and focused. About an hour and a half before the match was to begin, they left the house and drove to the fairgrounds together, in total silence. Reaching the wrestler's entrance, Maggie gave her mother a hug and wished her luck before leaving her and going to find a seat.
As Maggie reached ringside, she ran into Joe, and the two found seats next to each other. They began to talk for a few minutes, Maggie repeating how proud she was of her mother a number of times. Joe was happy for Leona, happy to see her daughter so proud of her. They talked for a few more minutes, sharing their thoughts on a number of topics until Maggie changed the topic back to the impending match. But as Maggie began to discuss how easily she felt her mother would beat Annie, Joe suddenly grew quiet.
It was difficult for Maggie not to notice, and so she asked Joe if there was something she didn't know. Joe was uncomfortable, and his non-response easily gave him away.
"What are you not telling me Joe? I want to know!"
Joe squirmed in his seat and hemmed and hawed for a minute, but soon began to fess up.
"Well Maggie, this ain't exactly the first time your Mom and Annie will have met in the ring since they retired. You see they fought twice before this, the first time about a year ago, and the second about 7-8 months ago."
Joe stopped, but Maggie prompted him to continue.
"And.... What happened?"
Joe again squirmed and tried to avoid answering, but had no choice.
"Well let's just say that Annie got the best of your mom both times."
Maggie's face went blank as she was amazed at the development. How could Leona not have told her?
Maggie then started to feel guilty, like maybe she had talked her mother into doing something she really didn't want to do. And maybe there was a reason Leona didn't want to do it. Maybe Annie was too good for her? Maybe Leona could get hurt? But then Magie thought about it some more. She had seen Annie outside of her house that day and she didn't look so great. Leona was in much better shape than her!
Maggie's mind raced, but soon the crowd started to surround the ring and before long, the announcer stepped up and began to welcome the large crowd.
"Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to the Alabama State Fair. Now I know lots of you have been in the pie eating contest and enjoyed some other aspects of our Fair.... But right now we got a special treat for you..... Tonight we are proud to present two of the veterans of women's Professional Wrestling, both of whom make their home right here in Alabama. They've agreed to lace up the ole wrestlin' boots one more time... and we're lucky enough that they've agreed to let us all watch.... So without further adieu.... Let's bring 'em both out here.... OKAY?"
The crowd of mostly farmers and ranchers gave an exuberant welcome as the announcer continued....
"Our first Legend of the Ring is one many of you will remember. She stands 5 foot 7 inches tall and weighs in at 176 pounds ..... the voluptuous.... LEONA!!!!!"
From a tent about 30 feet or so from the ring, Leona marched out, wearing her red, white blue bikini. The crowd cheered loudly as Leona made her way towards the ring, Maggie clapping nervously as beads of sweat appeared on her forehead. Leona looked confident as she strode toward the ring, much more confident than her now terrified daughter. Her face showed her certainty as her pretty, twinkling brown eyes looked confidently out into the crowd.
The crowd's reaction changed minimally however once Leona passed by each section. The site of a 66 year old, full figured woman in a bikini was not something everyone approved of, and though no one protested, some clapped a little less exuberantly upon witnessing Leona's semi-bare body. But Leona did not notice as she made her way up the stairs leading to the ring as the announcer began to introduce her adversary....
"And her opponent today.... A woman you probably remember VERY well..... the former Southern Wrestling Champion and a true legend of women's wrestling..... standing 5 foot 8 inches tall and weighing a svelte 162 pounds... the Legendary ..... ANNIE!!!!!"
The crowd erupted, and though Leona had received a rousing welcome, Annie's welcome was even more rambunctious. Annie darted out of the tent, wearing a long, flowing white cape and made her way to the ring in a flurry. She jogged briskly, slapping hands and waving to the cheering crowd along the way, before finally climbing up into the ring. She walked over to Leona, and the took shook hands, Annie smiling politely at Leona.
"Good luck Leona! Better luck this time!"
Leona smirked at Annie's taunt, and the two women each made their way into their respective corner. As was typical with these State Fair wrestling matches, there would be no referee. The contestants were left to dictate the rules, which basically meant that there were none.
Annie stood in her corner and then gracefully removed her cape, revealing a very elegant, white, one piece suit. It was very appropriate for a woman her age, conservatively cut, but still a bit sexy. Opting for a one piece suit, Annie had the luxury of using a tummy control panel, which helped to flatten her abdomen, though she needed little help anyway. Annie was in great shape, her skin tanned, her body taut. With her shoulder length jet black hair, bronze skin and white outfit, she looked very glamorous.
Leona on the other hand, though also in terrific shape, looked a bit less elegant. The bikini which Maggie had given her to wear, while not in any way cut daringly, was nevertheless inappropriate for a woman her age, and a bit too tight to make matters worse. Though Leona's body was fit, her middle was still a bit flabby, which would not have been so obvious had it not been clearly on display. While in good shape of a 66 year old, she was nevertheless still a 66 year old. She had long since lost the battle against gravity, as proven by the wrinkles on her face, her large, dropping chest and of course, the soft rolls of flesh around her middle. So in contrast to Annie's glamorous look, Leona looked a bit unbefitting, even though she was a pretty woman. Even Maggie, who had thought her mother was in far superior shape, no longer had that opinion as she stared at Annie who paraded around the ring.
But Annie just seemed to make better use of the things available to her. While Annie had a healthy tan, Leona's skin was pale white, and since so much of it was visible, that did little to enhance her appearance.
Annie dyed her black hair to hide her gray and kept it a nice shoulder length, with a pretty flip, making it look natural and well coiffed. Leona wore her hair short, shaved up against the back of her neck and puffy on top. Though it was not a very stylish cut, she still looked cute But Leona opted not to dye her brown hair, which as a result, was swathed with gray. So as the two stood in opposite corners, though Annie was a year older, Leona looked the elder of the two. In fact in her tight bikini and graying hair, she looked like an older woman trying unsuccessfully to recapture her youth, while Annie seemed to be winning the battle against aging.
But with the crowd anxious for action, none of that seemed to matter as the bell rang to start the match. Leona took a final deep breath, her brow beginning to perspire already as she trotted out of her corner, ready for battle, Annie doing the same across the ring.
The two veterans each circled slowly in the same direction, about 7 or 8 feet apart. They were both cautiously eyeing the other as the distance between them slowly diminished until they were just a couple of feet apart. They each darted forward, locking arms and beginning to struggle for an advantage. Maggie looked on nervously, watching the action from her seat at ringside with Joe. She regretted offering her mother use of her bikini, since seeing her and Annie standing toe to toe, Annie looked much more suitably attired. She began to think about what lie ahead in the match, and she grew increasingly nervous.
In the ring, the struggle continued for quite a few more moments, neither able to get much of an advantage until finally Leona was able to shift to the side and quickly place Annie in an Overhand Armlock. Leona set herself behind Annie's right shoulder, and twisted her arm up and over her head, keeping a firm grip on it as Annie grimaced in pain. The two continued to struggle for a few moments, Leona content to keep the painful locked on her opponent for a little while.
Annie tried to reach back with her free arm and grab hold of Leona's hair, but the savvy veteran avoided her grasp, dodging her upper body away from Annie's clutches. But Annie was relentless, desperately reaching across her shoulder, forcing Leona to switch to another move. She released the Armlock, but then quickly clutched onto Annie's right wrist, quickly converting the Armlock into a WristLock. Annie was now bent forward, her right arm pulled out to her side and being twisted at the wrist by Leona, who was holding on tightly.
The crowd cheered as Leona wrenched Annie's arm a half turn before easing up, only to tighten it once again. Annie slapped at her twisted arm, but the pain kept her at bay, hunched forward and unable to break the hold. Leona kept the pressure on, but before long, whirled Annie's arm in the air, using it to flip her foe into the air and onto her back.
Annie landed hard, her arm still trapped as Leona positioned herself above the downed warrior. Leona was in control, kneeling on one knee while wrenching Annie's arm with an Armbar. Maggie watched, still nervous but impressed with her mother's ring acumen. She had Annie in a great position as a result ofa series of impressive arm holds.
Annie began to buck her legs into the air, trying to free herself. Leona kept her grip as Annie fought, fervently kicking her legs in the air. Leona was able to keep control until suddenly Annie reached up with her free arm and grabbed a handful of Leona's hair before forcefully pulling down on her head and sending her flipping over and onto her back.
Leona quickly got to her knees while Annie rolled onto her side, finally free from Leona's grasp. The women each got to her feet at about the same time, staring each down as they set themselves for the resumption of the battle. Annie had a fiery look in her eyes as she shook her aching arm while setting herself for battle. She got in position and then charged at the waiting Leona. The two robust women again locked arms and began to struggle, neither gaining control for several moments.
The crowd cheered, encouraging the veterans as they labored against each other, muffled grunts and groans growing louder as the battle for control raged on. Finally Annie was able to grab onto Leona's forearm with both hands. She then took a quick step forward before pulling Leona and whipping her forward, sending her running towards the side ropes. Leona lumbered forward, her bulky frame racing towards the ropes as her large chest bounced freely from beneath her bikini top. She plunged back against the ropes before being launched back into the ring where Annie was waiting, delivering a flying clothesline into Leona's chest. The blow sent Leona's legs lifting into the air before she tumbled down onto the back of her shoulders.
Annie got up quickly as the crowd reacted, cheering the powerful move. Leona rolled onto her side, but not before Annie grabbed a handful of her hair and yanked her onto her feet. Leona rose reluctantly and lifted her hands to her head to try and break Annie's grip, but Annie would not let go. In fact, Annie clutched tightly onto Leona's graying tresses with both hands and then quickly began to race towards the corner, pulling Leona along by the hair.
Reaching the corner, Annie stepped aside and unceremoniously flung Leona's head downward , sending her forehead crashing into the turnbuckle. Leona's head slammed into the padded cushion, her left leg lifted out to her side upon impact, her head bounding out of the corner. Her body did a half turn before she stumbled down onto one knee, covering the top of her head with her hands. Leona was dazed and breathing heavily as Annie shook her right arm some more, her arm still aching from the earlier series of holds Leona had subjected it to. But now it was Annie's turn, as she went to work on her adversary.
Annie grabbed Leona by the wrist and yanked her onto her feet before backing her into the corner once again. Leona tried to resist, but before she could defend herself, Annie had again forcefully grabbed a handful of hair on the back of her head, prompting Leona to raise her hands to try and break the hold. Annie was really yanking on Leona's hair, pulling it as hard as she could before she took off, racing across the ring once more. Leona was forced to keep up, chugging hard as Annie pushed her forward by the back of her head.
Once again they reached the corner and Annie pulled back on Leona's head before hurling it downward toward the turnbuckle. This time the center of Leona's face mashed into the padded cushion, her pretty, little nose squashed into her face. Again Leona's left leg lifted behind her and bent awkwardly out to the side in a reflex reaction as she stumbled onto both knees, her twinkling brown eyes showing her bewilderment.
But Annie was on a roll and quickly reached down, placing her hand on the back of Leona's head while pushing down, forcing the kneeling Leona to further bend forward onto all fours. With Leona's back spread open in front of her, Annie then jumped into the air, pulling her free arm out in front of her and bending it at the elbow as she descended. The point of her elbow then smashed into the top of Leona's back, directly between her shoulder blades, Leona groaning loudly, her head dipping in front of her from the pain.
Annie got to her feet slowly as Leona remained kneeling below her. The heat was already starting to have it's affects on both women, and Annie was sure to take her time, moving slowly to conserve energy. She caught her breath and then reached down, grabbing another handful of hair from the top of Leona's head and gradually hauling her up onto her feet before spinning her around so that they both stood near the center of the ring. With Leona stooped over, Annie then yanked up on her hair, forcing Leona upright as she raised her hands to her head to ease the pain. Leona's ample bosom heaved up and down as she struggled to catch her breath, the heat and the running taking their toll on her already. As Leona was plucked onto her feet by the hair, Annie lifted a powerful punch square into her chops, landing the blow into her bare skin, just below the right side of her ribcage.
"UUUMMMPPPHHH"
Leona quickly hunched forward, wrapping her arms around her midsection as she blurted out the pain. Annie continued to take her time, slowly walking over to her ailing foe as the bowed Leona suffered. Annie then grabbed hold of Leona's right wrist, pulling her arm out to her side as Leona remained hunched forward. Annie then quickly whirled her body around while clutching onto Leona's wrist, dipping beneath Leona's arm in the process before completing a full rotation. Leona moaned loudly as her arm was now twisted painfully out to her side, Annie trapping her in a Side Wrist Lock, similar to the one Leona had used earlier against her.
Annie continued to twist on Leona's extended arm before again spinning and dipping beneath it to tighten it another turn. The loose, pink skin on Leona's fleshy upper arm was now wound tightly and turning a deep, rosy color. Leona groaned loudly, her head bowed as she stomped her foot to either protest or to help take her mind off of the pain. But Annie then raised her free arm and sent a hard chop into the middle of Leona's, outstretched arm, just above her elbow, causing it to bend painfully and in a way that arms were not intended to bend.
Leona instantly dropped to one knee and yelled in pain, her head dropping backward as Annie kept the pressure on. The crowd cheered, even though the action had slowed and was now moving at a snails' pace. Annie began to move closer to Leona, walking up in front of her while continuing to twist on her arm. So rather than pulling Leona's arm out to her side as she had been doing, it was now straight up over her head as Annie stood within inches of her kneeling rival, still twisting and wrenching it painfully over her head .
Leona's face showed her agony as her arm was wound tightly in the air, leaving the entire right side of her body extended and vulnerable. Wearing a bikini, her bare skin allowed a clear view of her ribs, which could be seen pressing against the stretched skin on her midsection as Annie continued to pull up on her arm, thereby elongating Leona's body in the process. Leona's skin was slick with her own perspiration as the right side of her body was stretched, leaving the left side to dip down, soft rolls of flesh forming on that side of her middle.
Annie then gave one hard yank on Leona's arm, pulling it up as far as she could while at the same time kicking her foot forward and stomping the sole of her boot into the susceptible right side of Leona's ribs. Leona groaned loudly as the crowd seemed to give a combined gasp, watching Leona's upper body collapse forward. But Annie yanked up on Leona's wrist once again, stretching her right side as her arm was pulled into the air.
Though still kneeling on both knees, Leona's body was once again stretched gracelessly, her head now bowed in front of her. Annie once again jerked up on Leona's arm as large droplets of perspiration began to roll down the right side of Leona's body, starting up at her wrist and running down past her armpit and disappearing into her bikini top. Leona tried to swipe her free left arm across at Annie, but before she could, Annie once again sent a devastating stomp into her defenseless ribcage. Leona blubbered and gurgled out loud, but Annie quickly yanked her up and stomped into her ribs yet again. This time Leona collapsed forward, Annie dropping her wrist and allowing Leona to curl into a ball on her knees as she walked away toward the opposite corner.
Maggie looked on in horror as her mother cowered on the mat. She couldn't believe how quickly and forcefully Annie had turned things around. But Maggie also couldn't believe how it seemed like Leona had almost stopped trying. There were surely a couple of occasions where Leona could have fought back, but it seemed to Maggie like she just did not do it. This wasn't the same woman who Maggie had watched on the videotape, showing so much courage by never giving up. Maggie now wondered if, between Leona's age and the intense heat, it wasn't too late for Leona to fight back at all. She became less worried about whether her mother would win or lose, and more concerned about whether or not her mother would even survive!
Annie paused for a moment to catch her breath and reserve her energy. She stood in the corner for a short period, enjoying her accomplishments and the cheers of the crowd, but feeling ready, she began to slowly make her way back over towards Leona. Annie reached down and grabbed a handful of hair from the back of Leona's neck, pulling her up onto her knees. She then grabbed hold of her wrist and pulled her up onto her feet, Leona wavering slightly as she got up.
Annie was feeling very confident now. Leona looked exhausted already and was showing little sign of fighting back. So Annie interlocked the fingers on each of her hands with those of Leona and then raised her arms in the air, initiating a Test of Strength. It seemed like she was trying to showboat, to emphasize her superiority by forcing Leona to her knees. But Leona shocked her by quickly lifting her leg and shoving the sole of her boot into the pit of Annie's stomach.
Annie's eyes opened wide as she was completely surprised by the move. But Leona wasted no time and quickly fell backward, pulling Annie's arms with her as she hoisted her into the air with her leg. As Leona fell backward, Annie was flipped into midair as the crowd erupted in cheers. Most fans had sensed that the match would have an early ending, including Maggie, but with Leona now fighting back, the excitement level rose.
Annie landed flat on her back, as Leona scrambled to get to her feet first. Her ribs were terribly sore, which prevented her from moving too quickly, but she was still able to get to her feet a few seconds before Annie. She trudged over to the kneeling Annie and reached for her hair, but Annie fired a straight jab towards Leona's belly. Leona was able to shift to the side, and though the shot glanced her, her slick, bare skin helped to allow the fist to slide off of her without doing much damage.
Leona continued to pull Annie up by the hair and then quickly spun her around while placing her in a side headlock. Annie was squirming and waving her hands wildly however, and Leona did not feel that she had control nor was she in the right position. So she decided to start again. Pulling Annie up by the neck, she snapped her over, sending Annie flipping onto her back once again.
Annie once again landed hard as her arms fell out to her sides, her legs bent at the knee. Leona stumbled over and stood over her, taking the opportunity to quickly stomp her foot into Annie's midsection. Annie's legs rolled to the side as her head lifted off of the mat upon impact, before settling back down. Leona then again stomped her foot into Annie's abdomen and once more her head lifted off of the canvas. But this time, Leona grabbed her by the hair as she ascended, before Annie's head descended once again.
Maggie was now on her feet and cheering for her mother, who once again had taken control of the match. Maggie had underestimated her mother's heart and desire and was full of pride. She cheered her encouragement, as did a large portion of the crowd.
Leona pulled Annie up onto her feet and then forced her back into the corner. Leona was very cautious, knowing how crafty Annie was, so she watched her every move. But Leona had her under control for the moment and clenched onto her wrist with both hands before slinging Annie across the ring. Annie raced forward, her body turning as it approached the corner and smacking into the turnbuckles, her arms falling over the tope rope and outside of the ring as she settled into the corner.
Leona ran across the ring after her, but it was obvious she was growing increasingly more tired. She was sweating profusely now and breathing quite heavily too as she reached the corner, standing in front of Annie. She panted heavily before delivering a strong knee into Annie's ribs. Annie moaned and doubled over as Leona backed away, still trying to catch her breath. It took her a few moments before she did, but then she plodded forward again, standing within inches of Annie, who was still pressed into the corner.
The sun burned hotly on Leona's back, her perspiration acting like suntan oil to draw the strong rays of the sun towards her now reddened skin. Her moves were growing very slow and calculating, desperately trying to preserve her energy, though still in control. She raised her arm and sent a cross body chop into Annie's chest, knocking her back into the corner once again. But as Leona leaned forward to grab Annie by the hair, the wily veteran quickly lifted her knee into the right side of Leona's ribcage, the same spot that Annie had stomped on earlier several times.
The blow stopped Leona in her tracks as her arms feel to her sides, the pain throbbing throughout her body as she stumbled backward several feet. But she only paused momentarily before again lifting her arms to reach toward Annie. She grabbed Annie's hair with both hands and began to pull her out of the corner, but Annie was not easily persuaded and grabbed Leona's hair in a similar fashion. The two women backed away from the corner, each clutching firmly onto the side of the other's head.
As they both took a few steps back while struggling to gain control, Annie made her move. She jerked Leona's head forward with all of her might while dropping her own head in the process. Leona's head was driven forward, the bridge of her nose collided violently with the back of Annie's head. While the collision sent a pain ringing through the back of Annie's head, Leona suffered much more from the crash. She stumbled backward, her eyes immediately watering, her ears ringing. She was seeing stars and quickly raised her hands to her face to ease the pain.
Though Leona was reeling, Annie continued to move slowly, saving her energy as best she could. The temperature had now reached 104 degrees and both women were showing the effects. But Annie slowly and methodically reached forward for the bumbling Leona and grabbed hold of her by the wrist. She dragged her back toward the side ropes and then paused, taking a few deep breaths.
Leona was still dazed by the Head Butt, tears streaming down her face from the blow. She did little to resist as Annie whipped her across the ring, sending her plodding forward. As Annie set herself to deliver a spectacular blow, Leona sagged into the ropes, ready to rebound back. But with a heroic effort, Leona was able to hook her right arm over the top rope, averting a disastrous return. Quite contrarily, the move proved disastrous for Annie.
Annie had expected Leona to come bumbling back towards her and so she charged forward and leaped into the air, planning to deliver a match-ending drop kick to Leona's bouncing chest. But with Leona now slumped against the ropes, Annie had no target on which to land her dropkick and so she descended helplessly, landing painfully on her side as Leona watched.
The crowd roared as Annie writhed in pain on the canvas, her shoulder and hip taking the brunt of the landing. Leona gradually pushed her withering body off of the ropes and straightened up, her head still ringing from the Head Butt. She schlepped over to the fallen Annie and reached down, grabbing a handful of hair from the back of Annie's head.
As the crowd cheered the heroic efforts of the two veterans, Leona gradually coaxed Annie up onto her feet, wrapping her arm around the front of Annie's head as the two faced each other. As Annie bowed forward, trapped in a front headlock, Leona huffed and puffed, each movement a chore. But the dropkick attempt of Annie's had proven to be very unwise, since it not only did not work, but it had drained a good deal of her remaining energy too. So the two veterans were each trudging on, both exhausted at this point as Annie was pulled slowly around the ring by Leona, who used the opportunity to further recover.
After slogging the bowed Annie all around the ring, Leona then pulled Annie's head up, grabbing her from beneath the chin with one hand, while grabbing her from the back of the head with the other. Leona then pulled in opposite directions with each hand, wrenching Annie's neck in the process with a forceful Neck Twist. The force of the jerking hold sent Annie flipping over and onto her back, grabbing her neck with her hands as she bent her legs in at the knee. She moaned as she grabbed her aching neck with Leona standing ominously over her.
Annie looked to be in pain as Leona backed up a few steps, sagging against the ropes in order to take a short break. But Leona did not waste much time as she took a few more deep breaths and then forcefully bounced off of the ropes, her body falling as she stuck her elbow out in front of her. She was planning to deliver an Elbow Drop to Annie's midsection, but the cagey brunette rolled out of the way just in time, leaving Leona to slam the point of her elbow painfully into the canvas.
Annie rolled over one more time and then slowly got to her feet as Leona lay face down, her elbow throbbing. The crowd was growing increasingly more vocal as Annie now moved in on Leona, slowly and methodically. Leona rolled onto her side as Annie approached, and got herself into a sitting position as Annie stood over her.
Leona reached forward in desperation, trying to grab hold of Annie, but the cagey brunette slipped behind her and out of her reach. Leona got up onto her knees, but Annie quickly made her move, now standing directly behind Leona. She reached forward and grabbed hold of both of Leona's wrists, pulling her arms back behind her in the process while at the same time, thrusting her foot forward and planting the sole of her bot into Leona's back, directly between her shoulder blades.
Leona began to grunt as she tried to free her arms, but once Annie set herself, it became obvious that she was trapped in the surfboard hold. Annie stood on one leg, pushing forward into Leona's back with the other as she pulled on both of Leona's arms. Leona's back arched, her shoulders dipping and curling behind her as her arms began to feel the strain of the hold. Leona's face began to contort from the pain, her upper body stretched as she knelt upright. Her large chest protruded straight out in front of her as a result, her breasts pressed tightly up against her bikini top, revealing a generous amount of glistening cleavage.
The crowd cheered loudly as Annie strained to increase the pressure on the sexy hold. Leona's bosom was now on display for the crowd to see, her glossy, reddened skin sparkling under the harsh sunlight. Joe looked on and remembered that Annie had used a similar hold in the last fight these two had, and he became aroused as he remembered it. Annie had placed Leona in a different variation of the hold when they had catfought, only on that occasion, Leona's jutting chest was only a few inches away from him and he remembered staring straight ahead into it. She was in a similar situation now, though Joe did not have as good a view of it this time around.
Leona seemed to be losing stamina with each passing moment, Annie still pulling back on her arms as hard as she could. Eventually Leona's head began to gradually bob down in front of her, the sweat literally pouring off of her body at this point. Finally, after keeping the hold in place for over 2 minutes, Annie released her grip on Leona's wrists while kicking forward with her foot and knocking flat on her face. Unable to lift her arms quickly enough to prevent the painful, unobstructed meeting between her face and the mat, Leona landed like a slab of beef.
The crowd cheered boisterously as Leona lay flat, Annie gradually getting to her feet. A few more moments passed before Annie finally got to her feet and placed her hands on her hips, catching her breath as she stared down at her foe ominously before moving on. Though perspiring heavily, once she wiped her forehead with her wrist, she looked ready to go.
Maggie looked on in terror. Her mother had put up an honorable fight to this point, but the heat and the ferocity of Annie's attack had taken a big toll on her. Leona slowly got to her knees, but looked much less game than she had just a few minutes ago. Her shoulders were drooping, her hair tussled and her body saturated as Annie moved in front of her, Leona now kneeling upright on both knees.
Leona knew she had to try and push herself up further, otherwise she would be leaving herself in a very vulnerable position, but before she react, Annie charged over and suddenly grabbed her by the wrists, tugging her arms up in the air. Leona's arms were soon stretched above her head as Annie continued to yank on them, pulling them straight up into the air. But even in this precrious position, Leona saw an opportunity rather than a threat. Though she had lost the use of her arms to propel herself up and onto her feet, Annie was helping her to get up by pulling her up anyway.
So as Annie pulled up on her arms, Leona tried to hop up onto her feet. She got off of her knees, but before she could get her feet under her, Annie lifted her leg and drove it forward, hammering the sole of her boot into Leona's ribs.
BBBAAAWWWHHH!!!
Leona blubbered loudly while collapsing forward, her head bowed in front of her. The pain from the powerful stomp resonated throughout her body, forcing her to try and curl herself into a ball for protection and relief of the pain. But before she could, Annie secured her grip on Leona's wrists and pulled up on her arms, once again stretching Leona's body upright in the process. This time Leona's body hung limply as Annie straightened her arms up and over her bowed head, twisting them painfully in the process.
Annie had adjusted her grip so that she could Leona's beefy arms a three quarters twist while pulling on them, spreading the pain to other parts o Leona's embattled body. Annie looked down at Leona's face, observing her pained expression while straining to lug Leona's burly body up by the arms, her own body quivering from the exertion of the task. Leona's head hung down in front of her, her body soon stretched out completely once again as her large chest sagged, each of her ribs visible as her ribcage pressed tightly against her slick skin. Annie's own arms began to quiver violently from the strain, prompting her to once again lift her leg and send a brutal stomp into the right side of Leona's ribs, the same spot as before.
UUUOOOOWWWWHHHH!
Leona howled loudly before collapsing forward once again. Annie wiped the sweat from her brow and paused for a moment, but then reached down, grabbing Leona's wrists for a third time. Once again she pulled her up by the arms, but Leona had became truly dead weight. Annie struggled, able to gradually lift Leona's arms straight up yet again, the hefty body of her battered opponent dangling lifelessly in front of her.
As Leona hung there, sweat dripped off of her body and onto the canvas, leaving small puddles. She tried to tighten her abdomen in order to soften the expected blow, causing it to twitch slightly as a result, but Leona knew there was little she could do to protect herself in all reality.
Her ribs were already screaming with pain, but as Annie lifted her leg yet again, Leona knew the worst was yet to come. This time however, Annie punted her foot straight forward, driving the tip of her boot into the soft pillow of skin on Leona's tummy, just below her bellybutton. The yielding, succulent skin on Leona's tummy seemed to be made of rubber as it immersed into her own body, swallowing the front of Annie's boot in the process.
BAAAAWWWHHAAAAAAA!!!!
Leona cried out loud as she fell into a ball, Annie releasing her grip and backing away a few steps before again placing her hands on her hips. The crowd had gasped initially, but as Annie stood silently, the cheers soon reemerged. Joe looked on and felt horrible for Leona, but as he watched Annie stand defiantly over her, he could not help but be struck by her beauty and arrogance. The fact that she was so dominant as she stood over her prey only added to her appeal in Joe's mind.
But Maggie had a completely different perspective. She looked on in anguish as her mother suffered in the ring. Though she had fought back valiantly on a number of occasions, it had now become obvious that Annie had begun to dominate her mom and apparently begun to finish her. Maggie thought back to how she had convinced her mother to fight and now felt incredibly guilty about that as she watched her cowering and crying in the ring.
But Annie felt no such guilt and after taking a short break, once again went on the offensive. She stomped over to where Leona was still huddled together on the mat and reached down, plucking her onto her feet by the hair. Leona rose slowly, her eyes red, her expression vacant, her body swollen. Streams of water ran down her face, though it wasn't clear if they were tears or merely perspiration, neither considered to be a good sign.
Annie dragged her over to the corner where she pulled her backward before clutching onto her left wrist. Annie then hurled Leona across the ring toward the opposite corner, Leona gracelessly trudging forward until her back slammed against the turnbuckles, her arms sailing over the top rope as her head snapped back ferociously upon impact. Her body came to rest, wilting from the corner, her armpits holding all of her body weight against the top ropes as her legs dangled lazily below her.
Annie again stopped and rested, still conserving her strength, though at this point, it wasn't quite clear why. Maggie watched in angst as Annie approached her mother, feeling a sudden rush of emotion as Annie stood over her. Leona had pushed herself up so that the two were somewhat eye to eye, but Maggie could take no more. She charged from her seat and ran toward the ring, screaming up at Annie while being restrained.
"Leave her alone you bitch!"
The threat stopped Annie cold, and even startled her a bit. Still standing directly in front of Leona, Annie turned to see who had shouted at her. She saw Maggie, though did not know who she was. They exchanged angry stares for a few moments, Annie focusing all of her attention on Maggie. The crowd reacted as well, some laughing, some cheering, all of which seemed to give Leona an opportunity to mount a sneak attack. Annie was just inches away from her and clearly distracted, yet Leona did nothing. She couldn't, she had nothing left! Instead she watched as Annie gave Maggie the finger before turning her attention back toward Leona.
Maggie was escorted back to her seat before she turned her attention back to her mom, who was now sanding upright, though her arms were still draped over the top rope. Joe noticed that Leona had an opportunity to take advantage of Annie during that time as well, and was stunned that she did nothing about it. In fact, it was soon fairly obvious to most observers that Leona seemed to have lost all of her will, that the match was, for all intents and purposes, over.
But that did not stop Annie, who thrust the ball of her left hand under Leona's chin, wedging her victim's head backward in the process. She then cocked her right arm and delivered a powerful uppercut into the side of Leona's submissive tummy. Leona gurgled as her head fell forward, Annie turning to see Maggie's reaction to the blow.
Seeing the tortured expression on Maggie's face, Annie smiled, though as if she were facing Maggie and not Leona. She then cocked her leg and rammed her knee into the right side of Leona's ribs, causing the stocky Leona to groan loudly and incoherently. The blow landed within the same vicinity as all of the others which had landed throughout the match, and it knocked Leona down onto one knee, causing her tremendous pain.
But Annie seemed to have been motivated by Maggie's verbal barrage and quickly hauled Leona up by the hair, pushing her back into the corner. Leona dropped backward like a ragdoll, her body limp. Annie then lifted her right leg high up into the air and placed her foot down onto Leona's hip. Grabbing onto Leona's hair on both sides of her head, Annie then lifted her left leg and placed her foot down onto Leona's other hip.
The crowd erupted at the site as Annie stood atop Leona, the sides of her wrestling boots digging into the tender skin on the sides of Leona's hips. Had she been wearing a one piece outfit, her skin would have been a bit more protected, but with the top of her hips exposed by wearing the bikini, Annie's boots were gouging her skin, which folded around Annie's boots. Leona sank back into the corner, but as Annie clenched tightly onto her hair, she began to fall backward, pulling Leona forward with her.
Annie began to fall onto her back as she yanked down on Leona's head. But as she fell, she pushed up with her legs, driving Leona's hips into the air and sending her soaring into the air as she tumbled head over heels. Annie quickly rolled to the side as Leona landed awkwardly and painfully, flat on her back. Her body sprawled open, her arms and legs each sailing in opposite directions.
As Annie pushed herself up onto her feet, she received a raucous ovation from the appreciative crowd. It had been a long and grueling match, but at this late stage and in the searing heat, she had still pulled off an impressive Monkey Flip on her 176 pound opponent.
Leona meanwhile was done. She was in shambles, her body sloppily spread as she panted while flat on her back. The only part of her body to move was her large, heaving chest as she breathed heavily, the sun's ray dancing off of her shimmering, swollen body. Annie continued to accept the cheers as she paraded around the ring, a tear forming in Maggie's eye at the site of her mother. But after a minute or so, Annie made her way to the corner and began to ascend the ropes. She climbed up onto the bottom rope, and then the middle, stopping there as she steadied herself.
The crowd got to their feet, cheering and screaming their appreciation as Annie lifted her arms over her head in a mock swan dive. She then pushed herself forward as she spread her arms, majestically soaring through the air until she landed flat on top of Leona's chest, pinning her shoulders to the mat in the process.
Leona's legs shudder slightly but quickly came to a rest as the crowd screamed a three count loudly in unison.
ONE.....TWO.....THREE!!!
With that Annie pushed herself up, using Leona's chest as a springboard for her hands. She then paraded around the ring with her arms over her head, receiving the adulation of the impressed and appreciative fans. Meanwhile several paramedics entered the ring to check on Leona, and Maggie climbed up as well, charging beneath the ropes to see if her mother was okay.
It took a few minutes, but eventually they were able to help Leona up into a seated position as she and Maggie hugged. Annie then turned to leave the ring, but as soon as Maggie noticed that, she walked over to confront her mother's attacker. But before Maggie could say anything, Annie issued this threat.
"Anytime you want to take your mother's place in there, you let me know."
Maggie was caught off guard by the threat, and stood with her mouth open as Annie walked away, fans reaching for her, clamoring to get their hands on the victor. Annie was happy to oblige as well as eventually Leona was helped to her feet, Maggie going back over to her. Though Leona could not stand on her own, she draped her arms across the shoulders of two broad-shouldered paramedics, who helped her out of the ring.
To her surprise, as she was being assisted back into the dressing area, Leona also received a loud and appreciative ovation. A large number of fans also converged on her, some slapping her softly on the back, others yelling words of encouragement. Though it was little solace to the aching, conquered Leona, Maggie appreciated the gesture. Though very upset at having witnessed her mother at the receiving end of such a terrific beating, there was a hint of pride in the back of Maggie's mind. For she knew her mother would be okay, and that not many 66 year old women could come close to accomplishing what she had just done.
