It had taken her a couple of days before she could even get out of bed, and almost a week before physically she started to return to normal, but surprisingly Maggie's psyche was still intact. She had suffered a terrific beating at the hands of Fire, but walked away with a victory by way of Fire's disqualification. But Maggie viewed the victory as the culmination of her goal, to win three matches in a row. She had accomplished that, but only in the most shallow sense. The victory over Fire came with a steep price, as did her previous win, a costly victory against Helen. Both of those matches were one-sided, with Maggie on the receiving end of the punishment. And yet, if looked upon in terms of straight technicality, Maggie did win both of those matches. She also won a match against a young newcomer named Kim prior to those two, but again Maggie did not have an easy time of it. Nonetheless, her only concern was that she was declared the winner in the end, which she was. Her husband John however saw things differently. He watches as his wife was pummeled, and felt no sense of victory after any of those matches. But despite his feelings, John played the role of a good husband this past week, nursing his wife back to health lovingly, while making no mention of his feelings. They did not speak of any it during the week, nor did they speak of the result. They had agreed that if Maggie were to win three matches in a row, that her next goal would be to either take on Marisol again, or compete for the championship. And with Marisol winning the championship just last week, both goals could now be consolidated into one match.
Each spent a great deal of time thinking about that agreement, though with quite different views. Maggie was very focused on achieving her goal. She did not pay much attention to how she had gotten there, focusing solely on the fact that she had accomplished her first objective and was now ready for the next. John however was more of a realist. He had watched his wife suffer, and was convinced that a match against Marisol would be even worse. And yet, they did not speak about it. But on Monday morning, once John had gone to work, Maggie received the telephone call she had been waiting for. It was from the matchmaker at the federation, and as promised, Marisol had issued her first challenge as the new champion to Maggie. Maggie was elated, and though she and John usually discussed her matches before agreeing to them, she was so confident that he would that she accepted the challenge. The match was set for one month's time from the past Saturday, and Maggie could not hide her joy. The day seemed to last forever until finally John came home from work that evening.
Maggie sat in the living room, anxiously awaiting his entry. John couldn't help but notice the smile on his wife's face as he walked into the room. She jumped off of the couch and hugged him. "I'm going to wrestle against Marisol for the championship!" she blurted out as she squeezed him tightly. John's entire body went limp, and his smile quickly turned upside down. Maggie couldn't help but notice his less than enthusiastic response, and took a step back to look him in the eye. "This is exactly the way we planned it John. I won three matches in a row, and now it's time to move on to the next step!" Maggie stated, arguing her case. John cold not hide his disappointment, and the emotionally fragile Maggie began to get nervous. "Why aren't you happy?" she asked him. John grabbed his wife's hand and escorted her over to the couch.
"Look Maggie, I know you've won three in a row, but let's look at those victories. First you beat a rookie, in a match which was much tougher than it should have been. Then you beat Helen, but she really got the best of you."
Maggie's face began to drop. Her emotions had turned from euphoria to surprise to sadness, and as John spoke, anger reared it's ugly head. "And against Fire, you were completely helpless at the end. If she didn't get disqualified, you would have never had a chance!" John concluded. He knew he was being rough, but he also knew that he had to get his point across. But Maggie did not take it well. She had expected and looked forward to sharing her joy with John. But his reaction had left her feeling angry. Without saying a word, she stormed out of the living room and marched upstairs into her bedroom, where she locked the door. Needless to say, John spent the night on the couch, by himself. The next morning Maggie unlocked the door so that John could get dressed for work, but she did not say a word to him. John tried to get her to talk about it, but Maggie refused. She was very, very angry.
After John left for work, Maggie called her mother Leona, and made arrangements to spend the next few weeks with her. Maggie did not want the distraction of arguing with John while she prepared for the biggest match of her life. In addition, Leona could help Maggie train and prepare for the match with Marisol. So when John came home that evening, Maggie told him of her plans. John was hurt, but did not resist. He asked Maggie when she was leaving, and she told him in the morning. Maggie then went back into her bedroom and again locked John out. The two of them spent the night apart once again, and in the morning, John kissed his sleeping wife on the head and left for work. Maggie awoke, but said nothing as John left, knowing full well that they would be apart for the next few weeks.
Three weeks passed, with Maggie spending the time with her mother in a mini boot camp. Leona worked her daughter hard and long, which is exactly what Maggie wanted. It not only got her into shape, but kept her mind off of John. He did not have the same distractions though, and as a result had plenty of time to think.
He remembered back to when Maggie first started wrestling. He had encouraged her to try and it, which she did. She did it primarily to satisfy John, and for little other reason. Though she wrestled throughout her late 20's and early 30's, Maggie never really embraced her participation in the sport. She did it strictly to satisfy her husband, and John loved every minute of it. He loved watching his wife wrestle, win or lose. And she did okay, winning some and losing some, but never really suffering too badly. But as time went on, it became apparent that Maggie need more personal motivation for such a physically demanding pursuit, and she just did not have it. Losses became more frequent and with each one Maggie became more depressed. So with John's blessing, she gave it up.
Although disappointed, John understood. He missed watching her in action, but was thankful for the years of satisfaction his wife had given him. Then Maggie started wrestling again, just under two years ago. But this time she seemed to be much more personally motivated. True, her first few matches since "coming out of retirement" were partially motivated by a desire to satisfy John, but she also did it for herself. And as time went on, she became even more motivated personally and less so by a desire to please John. Losses seemed to bother John much more than Maggie. But for John, this time around was different.
You see Maggie's matches her first go 'round were much less vicious. This time, she would be bed-ridden for a few days after a particularly tough loss. Yes, that was partially due to her 44 years of age, but also due to the new breed of wrestler, the Helen's and Fire's of the world. These girls seemed to be into the dominance as much as the sport. And it was hard for John to watch his wife suffer the indignities imposed by these sadists. But Maggie seemed to brush them off, choosing to focus always on the next match. Thinking back over Maggie's entire career, John couldn't help but notice the irony.
They had a wonderful relationship. John truly loved his wife. And as time went on, he did some more soul searching. He thought about how his wife had sacrificed for him, and began to feel guilty. And although his intentions were honorable, John began to realize how important this was to Maggie. He still felt a sense of peril, but he also knew that he had to trust his wife. This match with Marisol was her
mission, and John realized that he had to support her in it. So with a week to go before the match, John called Maggie and asked her to come home. They talked for hours, and Maggie agreed to return a few days earlier than planned.
John greeted her at the train station, and although Maggie was tentative, John exuberantly embraced her and welcomed her home. Maggie felt comforted and was even more grateful to hear John whisper in her ear, "Let's kick her ass!"
When they got home, John had the opportunity to get a good look at his wife. Something was different. She had a color to her face and a spring in her step which hadn't been there in months. Maggie looked healthy, energetic and ready take on the world. Apparently the time with her mother had done her good, both physically and psychologically. So much so, that John could not keep his hands off of her. With this added encouragement John provided, Maggie felt indestructible. But she was leaving nothing to chance. With only 6 days left, she continued the training regimen Leona had started, which did not include relations with her husband. Not that Maggie didn't want to, but she was focused on one thing, and one thing only. No distractions.
On the day of the match, John presented Maggie with a gift. It was a new swimsuit, but designed exclusively for Maggie to wear in the ring. The colors were typical of what Maggie always wore, royal blue top with white stars, and red and white striped bottom, but it was more specifically designed as wrestling attire. It was made of an expensive silk and Lycra blend, which looked great and fit perfectly. In fact it was custom fit using measurements John had secretly received from Leona just a week or so ago. He had it made special, sparing no expense. But in addition to it's quality material and custom fit, it was also practical. The top had built-in support which not only shaped Maggie's chest, but padded it all around for protection. And the panty had a thinly padded tummy panel, which also provided a modicum of protection to a limited area.
So Maggie was now ready for the fight of her life. It was a stormy, rainy day, so she decided to leave early for the arena, to allow plenty of time. She and John sat silently in the taxi which took them to the arena, Maggie very focused, preparing herself mentally. They arrived at the arena over two hours prior to the start of her match, and Maggie assumed she would be the first wrestler present. She walked back into the dressing area and assumed she would have her pick of dressing rooms. She walked into one, and to her surprise, Marisol and Hector were occupying it. Marisol looked up as Maggie walked up into the room.
She smiled a wicked smile and taunted, "Move on, this is the champion's dressing room!" Maggie smirked, but was not intimidated. "Then I guess it will be mine at the end of the night!" she shot back before walking out and taking the next room down.
John couldn't help but notice how confident Maggie was. But it was different than her usual self. This time Maggie seemed to really have herself together and the mental tactics used by Marisol, which may have worked in the past, seemed to have no affect on her. Maggie did not lose her cool, she simply ignored it and moved on, resolute in her goal. While she was cognizant of their history, Maggie seemed to use it to her advantage rather than against her. But in the next room, the formidable champion was just as steadfast in her resolve.
Though Marisol could easily have taken Maggie lightly, she had not. The raven-haired wrestler was in great shape and ready to hand out another humiliating beating to her neighbor. In fact, the added incentive of doing it before a crowd of spectators drove Marisol to prepare herself even more than usual. The incentive of disgracing Maggie in public was a great motivater, and as Marisol slipped on her suit, it had obviously worked. She wore a yellow bikini, a bit racy for her, but part of the plan to make Maggie feel inferior. Marisol was in great shape, and possessed a much better body than her pudgy adversary. Her plan was to make sure that Maggie knew that, gaining a psychological edge.
Maggie slipped into her new suit, and then turned to face John. Though the changes in her appearance weren't dramatic, they were noticeable. While she remained at right about 160 lbs., her weight was distributed more evenly and possessed more muscle tone. Whereas her upper arms had always been a bit flabby, flapping in the breeze whenever she lifted her arm, it was now a bit more taut. And though not obvious, some muscles actually existed beneath the skin. Her midsection was also much less flabby, and could be considered almost firm. In fact most of Maggie's body seemed to be tightened up a bit. In addition, her skin had a much healthier looking, rosy complexion which meant she really needed no make-up, though she slid some lip gloss across her lips and a bit of eyeliner on her sparkling brown eyes.
John looked her over and was impressed. The time with Leona had paid off, despite the circumstances which led to it, and John found himself becoming aroused as he ogled his wife. But with just under a half hour to go before the match, he knew he needed to leave his wife and let her conclude her mental preparation. He kissed her on the cheek, wished her luck and then went to find his seat.
John entered the arena and walked toward the front row to find his seat. The crowd had already begun to file in, and though a capacity crowd was not expected, a fair amount of spectators were present. As John approached his seat, he noticed that Hector was already occupying the seat next to his. Hector and John did not share the hated rivalry their wives did. In fact Hector was not only John's neighbor and boss, but also his friend. While their wives' animosity toward each other had strained their relationship, the two remained affable. John took his seat and looked over at Hector. They wished each other luck, but the tension was obvious. Hector had a certain air of arrogance to him, based on the indubitable advantage his wife had over John's. Not only had Marisol dominated Maggie in the past, but she was now champion, and Hector could not resist the temptation to gloat. He told John that he had hired a cameraman to film the match, clearing it with the federation beforehand, and offered the tape to the winner. It was an apparent reference to the past meetings between the two women, in which Marisol walked away with a tape of the prior humiliations. John said nothing at the offer, but the faith he had in his wife was quickly replaced with a feeling of impending doom. The few minutes passed like hours for John before finally the crowd began to stir, and the announcer made his way up into the ring.
He welcomed everyone in a booming voice, and then introduced Maggie. She walked down the aisle to an apathetic greeting from the crowd before climbing into the ring. John looked up at her and was overcome with fear for her safety. But Maggie remained purposeful, an intensity burning in her pretty brown eyes. She looked better than she had in years, but a smile never crossed her lips as she concentrated intensely. Then the announcer introduced Marisol and surprisingly the crowd greeted her vigorously. She had never had a large following, but they seemed to be coming around to the realization that she was a gifted wrestler. In the past, Maggie would have been stung by the enthusiastic welcome given her rival, but it seemed to have no effect on her today. Marisol swaggered around the ring, waving to the appreciative crowd, as Maggie stood in her corner, not paying much attention.
Finally the ring was cleared of everyone but the two combatants, and for the first time, Maggie glanced across at her enemy. She stared Marisol up and down, the powerful Puerto Rican glaring back at her. But Maggie was not intimidated, and as the bell rang, sprung out of her corner confidently.
The two women circled each other for almost a full minute, Marisol sneering and taunting Maggie the entire time. The crowd grew restless and started to voice their displeasure, prompting the two women to finally move toward each other. They locked arms and began to struggle near the center of the ring. Marisol noticed Maggie's increased strength, but though nothing of it as she grunted and struggled to gain control. But Maggie adroitly clutched onto Marisol's wrist and then quickly twisted it, forcing it behind Marisol's head. Marisol's body spun around, and her back was to Maggie now, who continued to put pressure on the armbar. Maggie was careful not to lose her concentration, but couldn't help but feel relief over getting an early advantage. She concentrated on applying more pressure to Marisol's trapped arm, but the firebrand Marisol was positioning herself for a counter attack. She inched over a bit and then rammed her elbow backward, hammering it into Maggie's gut. Maggie grunted, but kept her concentration and held onto the armbar. Undeterred, Marisol launched another elbow into the same spot and this time Maggie could not keep her grip. She moaned arduously and slumped forward, making it easier for Marisol to reach back over her shoulder and grab a handful of Maggie's hair. She then pulled her forward, tossing Maggie across her shoulder and sending her somersaulting through the air.
Maggie landed on her butt in a sitting position before her head fell back and she collapsed to the mat. Marisol charged over and quickly stomped her foot into Maggie's stomach, causing the bewildered woman's head to jerk up from the impact. The crowd roared their approval as John looked on in horror. It was still very early, but he did not have a good feeling about what was yet to come.
Marisol wasted no time and before Maggie could settle back against the mat, she grabbed her by the hair and began to haul her up onto her feet. Maggie rose stubbornly, her confidence still stalwart despite the rough early going. Marisol got her upright, and then tossed her forward towards the ropes. Maggie raced across the ring, but was able to grab hold of the top rope and prevent her from rebounding back toward Marisol. She took a few quick breaths as she rested against the ropes, but then pushed herself off to resume the fight. Her stomach was a bit tender, but she was okay. She circled slowly around Marisol, who now a wide, arrogant smirk spread across her kisser. Maggie made her move and charged at Marisol, and again the two women locked up in the center of the ring. The battled back and forth for a few seconds before Maggie began to overpower her Puerto Rican and force her backward. Eventually Marisol was backed up against the ropes as Maggie continued to drive forward with her legs.
Despite the quick and forceful advantage in the first few minutes, Marisol was now pressed against the ropes as Maggie plotted her strategy. She quickly dropped her upper body and tried to wrap her arms around Marisol's thighs, but the cagey champion quickly raised her arm and drove her elbow into the bottom of Maggie's neck. Maggie grunted, but still attempted to grasp her arms around Marisol's legs.
But the champion resisted, and rammed her fist into the side of Maggie's neck, causing her to stumble a few inches to the side. Surprisingly though, Maggie adjusted her weight and, still leaning forward, drove her shoulder into Marisol's midsection. She then wrapped her arms around Marisol's waist, forcing the champion to bend in half from the drive of her legs, still forging ahead.
They continued to battle against the ropes, Magige continuing to propel Marisol against the rope. But Marisol's arms were free, and Maggie was bent in front of her. Marisol raised her hands over her head and joined them into a fist. But just before she launched them down into Maggie's back, the challenger jerked her body upright, lifting Marisol onto her shoulder. Marisol was surprised as her body bent in half off of Maggie's shoulder while Maggie straightened up. She then shuffled forward a few steps before going into a helicopter spin, giving Marisol a ride. The crowd began to boo as Maggie spun around a few turns, dizzying the champion who hung off of her. Finally Maggie came to a stop, and unceremoniously dumped the champion off of her shoulder and sent her tumbling to the mat. Marisol landed on her back and was sprawled out on the canvas before abruptly rolling onto her side for protection. She was a bit dizzied, but nonetheless slowly began to get to her feet.
Maggie was feeling good about the way things had turned, but made sure that she did not give up the advantage. As Marisol got first to her knees, and then to her feet, Maggie charged up in front of her and placed her in a front headlock. Marisol was bent in front of her, with her head trapped beneath Maggie's arm. John let out a deep breath, obviously relieved that Maggie had turned the tide of the match. Hector however seemed calm and under control, almost as if he knew what was to come. Meanwhile, Maggie bumbled forward a few steps, still clutching Marisol's head beneath her arm. She then raised her free arm before slamming her forearm into Marisol's bare back. The champion's knees wobbled a bit, but she remained on her feet, albeit hunched forward.
The action was now moving much more slowly, and the crowd reacted to it. The began to jeer more loudly, taunting Maggie for slowing things down. But Maggie's mind was working overtime as she plotted all of her possible moves before pursuing them. But she had made the mistake of allowing Marisol the same privilege, and the champion took advantage. She wrapped her arms around Maggie's waist, and almost if she counted to three, began to elevate her torso up into the air. Maggie tried to resist, but she began to feel her feet leaving the floor as Marisol had turned the tables and was now lifting Maggie up onto her shoulder. Maggie folded in half over Marisol's shoulder as the crowd reacted to her awesome display of strength. She stood erect, Maggie draped off of her before she began to make her way to the side of the ring where John and Hector sat.
The crowd was rejuvenated, and although the action was still not exactly fast paced, at least heir favorite wrestler was again in control. The champion carried Maggie over to the side of the ring and, standing in front of the ropes, dumped Maggie off of her shoulder and sent her tumbling onto the ring apron. Maggie landed in a heap, directly above where John and Hector were sitting. Marisol then punted her foot forward, driving it into Maggie's gut and knocking her off of the ring apron and onto the floor below. Maggie huddled into a ball, not hurt badly, but not feeling great either.
John looked down at Maggie and a lump developed in his throat. He knew she was okay, but he wasn't worried about what had happened so far, it was what was yet to come which concerned him. Marisol meanwhile took the opportunity to raise her arms over her head and parade around the ring to the cheers of the crowd. Joining in those cheers was Hector, who was really enjoying himself. Maggie slowly got to her feet, pushing herself up off of the floor, and then grabbing the ring apron to pull herself up. She glanced over at John but then turned her attention back into the ring. John was nervous, but there was something in Maggie's eyes which was different. He didn't see that despair which he had seen lately. Instead he saw a gritty determination. It didn't make him feel any better, but he couldn't help but notice it. Maggie began to pull herself up onto the ring apron and eventually got up, standing outside of the ropes.
Marisol noticed and stopped her celebration. She slowly made her way over to Maggie, who was now ducking between the ropes and re-entering the ring. Marisol, never one to pass up an opportunity, raced over and placed the bowed Maggie into a side headlock. Maggie had expected it and tried to get into the ring as fast as possible, but Marisol was too quick for her. Maggie was beginning to perspire, and the fact that her head was trapped beneath Marisol's arm was now helping the matter. She was sore, but not so much that she began to despair, at least not yet anyway. Marisol paraded the hunched Maggie to all four side of the ring, displaying her before the cheering crowd. But Maggie still had some fight in her. She alertly took her arm and wedged it between Marisol's legs, wrapping it around Marisol's thigh. She pulled up as much as she could, forcing Marisol's foot off of the mat. Marisol tightened her grip around Maggie's head, but could not do anything about her trapped leg. The pressure on Maggie's head became extreme, but she still managed to keep her grip on Marisol's leg. Then, with a quick jerk, she yanked Marisol's legs forward, forcing it inward and toppling the champion. Marisol was forced to release her headlock as she fell to the mat, and Maggie quickly straightened up as the champion hit the canvas.
Marisol was now growing angry. Maggie was like a fly she couldn't kill, not doing any real damage, but just enough to be annoying. But Maggie was persistent, and hoped to pack some sting into her annoyance as the match wore on. She marched over to the fallen champion and reached down to grab her by the arm, but Marisol nimbly grabbed onto Maggie's wrist and pulled it toward her, flipping her adversary into the air. Maggie tumbled over, but used her momentum to roll forward and get to her feet quickly. She had curled her back so that the landing did not hurt her, and now both women were once again on their feet and facing each other.
Though Marisol had controlled a fair amount of the action, this match was in no way similar to the previous ones. Maggie was holding her own for the most part, and still alert. They circled each other once again, this time the smirk gone from Marisol's face. But replacing it was a look of hatred and raw cannibalism. Maggie, whether intelligently or not, was not intimidated though. She still had a determined look in her eyes, and was not about to give up any ground.
The champion then did something which surprised everyone, especially Maggie. She walked to the center of the ring and raised both of her arms up and forward, challenging Maggie to a test of strength. Maggie looked at her for a few seconds, puzzled. Was this a trick or was Marisol truly challenging her to a test of strength. Maggie was convinced she could beat Marisol and gain an advantage, but she was cautious. Slowly she moved toward Marisol, making sure she was prepared for anything. But Marisol did not flinch as Maggie moved closer, did not make a move toward her or try anything underhanded. She just remained in the center of the ring with her arms stretched in front of her.
Maggie debated it internally for a few more seconds before finally positioning herself a couple of feet in front of Marisol. Finally she slowly raised her arms and opened her fingers to clench them together with Marisol's. Marisol still did not flinch as Maggie continued to raise her arms ever so slowly. But just as she was about to place the palms of her hands against Marisol's, the champion thrust her hands downward and sent a double Karate chop into both sides of Maggie's neck. The blows were fast and powerful and Maggie's head bobbed rapidly from side to side as a result. Marisol had tricked her, and now Maggie's neck throbbed as her muscles began to spasm. She had a hard time controlling her neck muscles, and her head jerked involuntarily as a result.
John watched in utter horror as his wife struggled to regain control. But Marisol did not feel the same sympathy, and immediately slapped the back of her hand into Maggie's breast plate. The slap made a loud CRACK as skin hit skin, and a bright red spot instantly appeared on Maggie's chest. Maggie raised her hands to cover her chest, but Marisol then sent a vicious kidney punch into Maggie's side. Maggie slumped over to her side, her body feeling as if it were about to go into convulsions from the impact. Marisol's smirk returned to her face as she watched Maggie's body pitch to the side. She then pushed Maggie backward, forcing her back against the ropes. Maggie slumped down into them, her shoulder blades resting just above the top rope as Marisol backed up a step.
She stood directly in front of Maggie but about three feet away as she looked her up and down. Maggie looked back just as Marisol bent her leg in front of her. She knew her rival was about to plant her foot into her gut, and she knew she had to stop it. The next few seconds would determine the outcome of the match, Maggie thought to herself. So as Marisol began to thrust her foot forward, Maggie raised her hands to try and protect herself. The bad news for Maggie was that she was not able to block Marisol's kick, and her foot sunk into Maggie's stomach. But the good news was, despite the tremendous pain the kick caused. Maggie was able to grab a hold of Marisol's ankle and now had her foot trapped in the air. Marisol hopped on her other leg to maintain her balance as Maggie clutched onto her ankle like a piece of gold. Marisol tried to shake herself free, but Maggie would not let go. Despite the throbbing in her stomach, the pain shooting throughout her side and the twitching in her neck, she would not let go.
John was feeling horrible. He watched in horror, completely convinced that Marisol would shake free and resume control. He had watched as Marisol's foot seemed to disappear into Maggie's paunch and could only imagine the pain it caused. But Maggie struggled to regain her focus and then, with an awkward twist, jerked Marisol's ankle to the side. Marisol gasped as she felt a biting pain in her ankle while Maggie twisted it. A hot, tingly pain resonated throughout her ankle, and she knew it was more than a sprain. Maggie then gave it another jerk, and the pain intensified. Marisol was now in agony, and knew she had to free her injured ankle. She lunged her fist forward, sending it square into the center of Maggie's throat. The crowd gasped as Maggie finally released Marisol's ankle, dropping her foot down to the floor before she slumped back against the ropes, clutching her throat. Marisol's foot landed on the floor and she slowly shifted her weight onto it. But she knew right away that something was wrong. She could not keep any weight on it whatsoever, and her expression revealed that fact.
Maggie meanwhile had her own problems. Marisol's punch had landed in the middle of her windpipe, and she could not breath. She began to panic as she gasped for air, but not was flowing through. She wrapped her hands around her throat, and finally small streams of air began to filter into her lungs. She took a few short breaths and eventually began to replenish her lungs with oxygen. She was not aware of what had happened to Marisol, but couldn't help but notice her expression. Marisol was standing directly in front of her, and had had the opportunity to really pummel her in the past few seconds. But she didn't and Maggie didn't know why. As she continued to breath, Maggie knew she had to take advantage of the opportunity. She pushed herself forward, and then sent a side Karate chop into Marisol's throat. The shot knocked Marisol off balance, and she was unable to stay on her feet. Marisol clutched her throat as she toppled over onto her side. Maggie slumped back into the ropes for a few more seconds, trying to fully recover. But she knew her advantage wouldn't last long, so she gradually pushed herself forward again and stood over the fallen champion.
Both John and Hector knew that something was wrong with Marisol, though neither was sure exactly what. Hector, for the first time, seemed nervous as he anxiously watched his wife writhe on the mat, clutching at her bruised ankle. But his concern was more for his wife's health than for the match. He was convinced that even on one leg, his wife could beat Maggie. John viewed it differently. He saw how Marisol had "manhandled " Maggie, and was hoping that she cold now fight back and get into the contest again.
Maggie looked down at Marisol, who was pre-occupied with the jarring pain in her ankle. Maggie, using her foot, pushed Marisol onto her back, and then quickly placed her foot on Marisol's stomach before stepping off of the mat with her other and placing all of her weight down onto the champion. Marisol groaned as Maggie stood on one foot, on top of the champ. The crowd began to boo, taunting Maggie, but she paid them no mind. She stepped forward, off of Marisol, and then walked around her and up toward her head. She reached down and grabbed a handful of Marisol's hair, yanking her onto her feet.
As Marisol got up, it became obvious that she could not support any weight on her injured ankle, a realization which Maggie seemed to be the last to know. She placed Marisol in a side headlock, and then lifted an uppercut into Marisol's bowed kisser. The crowd became furious, jeering Maggie even more loudly. Finally, Maggie released the headlock, comfortable that Marisol could offer no resistance. She stepped back to survey the situation, but Marisol lashed out and rammed her fist into Maggie's side with another kidney punch. Even though it only had the force of one leg behind it, it nonetheless hurt Maggie. It had landed in the same spot as the prior, extremely effective punch, and did a fair amount of damage.
Maggie groaned and again pitched to the side, placing her hands over the wounded area. Then Marisol sent a Karate chop into Maggie's ribs, forcing her to bow forward. And finally, Marisol grabbed Maggie from behind her head, clutching her by the hair. Maggie was now bent forward when Marisol launched her wounded leg up and rammed her knee square into Maggie's face. The crowd gasped from the force of the knee. Even though it was delivered by Marisol's injured leg, the injury was in her ankle and did not affect her propelling her knee into the air.
Maggie careened backward and landed on her back, clutching her face in her hands as she rolled from side to side on the mat. Her body was now slick with perspiration and she was dazed. Marisol, even her state, was proving Hector right. Even on one leg she was beating Maggie. But the pain had not subsided for Marisol and she hobbled over to the corner. She raised her injured leg and tried to massage the ankle, though she knew that wasn't going to help.
Maggie was completely bewildered. The kidney punch was painful, but the knee to her face was debilitating. She continued to roll back and forth, covering her face the entire time. Almost two minutes passed before either of the women made a move. But then Marisol decided she needed to get out of the corner and pin Maggie once and for all, so she could get the medical attention she knew she needed. She took a few deep breaths and then courageously began to limp over toward Maggie. The bewildered Maggie saw her coming, but didn't think there was much she could do about it. She had begun to feel that despair which was so common in her matches with Marisol. But then she got angry with herself. She could beat Marisol! She knew she could. So as Marisol approached, Maggie flung her legs across and leg whipped Marisol. Maggie connected directly on Marisol's injured ankle, causing the champion to scream with pain. She tumbled over, collapsing to the mat as she curled her leg in toward her body. Maggie slowly and tediously pushed herself onto her knees, where she remained for a few seconds, shaking her head to clear the cobwebs.
She had to get up. She took a few more deep breaths and then gradually got to her feet. She walked over to Marisol and then stuck her arm out in front of her, bending it at the elbow. Maggie then fell toward the mat, dropping her elbow into Marisol's side. Marisol groaned and rolled over as Maggie rolled to her side as well. She slowly got to her feet again and walked over to Marisol. This time she reached down and grabbed Marisol by the wrist, pulling her arm up over her head. Maggie stretched Marisol's arm up over her head, and then sent a vicious kick into the champion's fully exposed ribs. Marisol groaned and tried to curl up for protection, but Maggie was still clutching wrist and again yanked her arm up over her head. Marisol was flat on her back as Maggie stretched her arm further before again launching her foot into the champion's ribs. Marisol rolled onto her side abruptly, forcing Maggie to let go of her arm.
A million thoughts ran through Maggie's head as she watched her rival writhe in pain. If the roles were reversed, Marisol would take every opportunity to pummel Maggie some ore, and then humiliate her. Maggie thought about what she could do to humiliate Marisol, evil thoughts racing through her head. She could pull her top off and throw it into the crowd. Maggie could plant herself on Marisol's face and suffocate her. Lots of interesting things, she thought. But Maggie finally reached the conclusion that she couldn't do any of them, that wasn't in her. But what she could do at least, was dish out some more punishment.
So, Maggie walked down to Marisol's feet and reached down, trying to grab Marisol's injured ankle. But as she was about to grab it, Marisol kicked her good leg up and clipped Maggie in the nose with her foot. It didn't connect very much, but it was enough to send a warning to Maggie, which she heeded. She then walked back up toward Marisol's midsection and, using her foot, kicked Marisol onto her back. Maggie then moved closer, standing over the champion's side before dropping her knee down into Marisol's stomach. The champion's body folded in half, her legs and head shooting up into the air as an expression of severe suffering stretched across her face. Maggie then turned, still kneeling on Marisol's midsection, and faced her head.
This was the moment Maggie knew would happen, and she paused to absorb it. She had Marisol right where she wanted her. Maggie raised her hands over her head and then began to fall forward. Her body plunged downward until it covered Marisol's entire upper body. The champion's shoulders were pinned to the mat, her head trapped beneath Maggie as well. The referee began to count, and the crowd screamed it's displeasure. Marisol squirmed beneath Maggie, but once the count reached five, she gave up her struggle. She knew she couldn't go on with her ankle in the condition it was in.
Finally the referee reached ten and Maggie felt a rush of emotions. She had just beat Marisol! She had just won the championship! Everything she had hoped for had happened. She pushed herself up off her adversary and slowly got to her feet. The announcer climbed into the ring, as did the medics who attended to Marisol immediately. But the announcer grabbed Maggie by the wrist and raised her hand over her head. "THE WINNER, AND NEW CHAMPION......MAGGIE!" he exclaimed as the crowd booed. But Maggie did not care. She began to cry as she lifted both arms over her head. John jumped out of his seat and screamed his approval. After a brief celebration, he turned to Hector and said, "You can bring that tape over whenever it's ready!". Hector sneered at him and then climbed up into the ring to check on his wife.
John meanwhile ran back to the locker room where he waited for the new champion to arrive. A few minutes later she was helped into the dressing room where join was waiting with open arms. The two embraced for at least five minutes, Maggie transferring her perspiration to John's clothing. But John didn't seem to mind. His wife had done exactly what she had set out to do, and John was as proud as could be.
