Chapter 1 The Kommando Karla Riker Saga, In The Beginning By Elliebi@aol.com This is the first chapter of an eight-chapter story about Karla Riker, pro wrestler and her partner, Tonya Washington. I wrote the second chapter a long time ago. I hope this is as good. Please let me know what you think of this and be honest. Karla and Tonya were working hard learning holds, moves, and countermoves in Flo Barker's wrestling school. They were coming along very quickly and after nine weeks, Flo thought they were ready for a match. She was concerned about Karla because of her temper. She set up matches in nearby Eden, NC for the coming weekend. The two girls they would face were also rookies and Flo felt confident in her girls. "Tonya, Karla, come on over here," snapped Flo at her youngsters. They came over sweating and winded from the moves and countermoves they were practicing. "You two are going to Eden this Saturday night for your first matches. Before you get all giggly, these two girls you're wrestlin' are pretty good although they're rookies like you. They just may take your heads off and kick them into the crowd. So be fuckin' careful!" Both girls were excited about facing real opponents. They knew there was more to learn and practice, but they were finally on the way. They asked a few questions and were told to meet Flo at the gym at 5PM on Saturday for the ride to Eden, about a 90 minute drive. Tonya had the first preliminary followed by Karla. On Saturday morning, both went to the gym for one last workout before the matches. They went light on weights and worked hard on flexibility. They both were ready and put on their match faces for the rest of the day. When they met Flo she looked a bit upset with them. She tried to explain about getting up too early and peaking before the match, but they were too excited and thinking of only entering the ring. They shared a dressing room and bounced around the room eager to start. Finally an usher came for Tonya and she walked down the aisle with Karla and Flo behind her. The crowd was still coming in and milling around when suddenly it noticed these two young girls. Silence fell over the crowd as they saw how well-built and serious these young women were. Then Tonya's opponent entered and the arena became more alive with people starting to pay attention to the wrestlers. They slowly entered the ring and awaited the introductions. "Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to a great night of wrestling at the Eden Armory. The first match of the evening is between two rookies. Please make them feel welcomed here tonight. In the blue corner, from Ayden, NC, at 187 lbs, here's Dixie Darlin' Number One, Shauna Dooley." The crowd mixed cheers and boos for this large youngster who looked very impressive. She wore black tights with matching boots, black crop top that barely managed to hold in her chest and had very short platinum hair combed back. The makeup made her look even more vicious than she acted. Shaune kept staring and snarling at Tonya. "And in the red corner, from Baltimore, MD, at 179 lbs, here's Tonya Washington." There were more mixed cheers and boos and some whistles as Tonya waved to the crowd. Tonya wore a red and silver leotard with red boots and kept her hair in a short natural look. She was plainly awed by her opponent. The ref called them out for last minute instructions and all Tonya could do was stare at the stout 5'9 beauty she was facing. As they turned to go back to their corners, Shauna whispered, "I'm gonna beat the shit out of you in less than 10 minutes. You gonna cry before I'm finished with you." Tonya grinned at her, but she also had a worried look. Back in her corner, Karla told her to keep moving and don't get trapped in a corner or against the ropes. But Tonya's mind was a million miles away. At the bell, both wrestlers came out and quickly locked up. Tonya tried to muscle her into the ropes, but Shauna shoved hard and sent Tonya into the ropes. The big girl grinned at Tonya and motioned with a hand to come on. Tonya slowly moved in a they locked again. This time Shauna slid an arm around Tonya's head and clamped the worst headlock Tonya had ever felt. Shauna's thick arms squeezed hard on Tonya's head, slowly grinding it and putting unbearable pressure on her neck. Tonya tried to shove her into the ropes, but the one time she got Shauna off, the big girl grabbed her hair and went right back to the headlock. Tonya was slowly losing her focus; her head and neck hurt and she was seeing stars. Shauna could feel Tonya slowly losing strength so she released the hold and grabbing Tonya's hair, threw her into the blue corner. Shauna wanted to end this match quickly. Tonya's back slammed into the turnbuckle and she momentarily froze, then sat on the middle turnbuckle, her head and back in severe pain. She saw Shauna come up to her but was powerless to fight back. Shauna grabbed her hair and pulled her up. She scooped her up and stepped onto the second turnbuckle. A quick turn and she flew off the ringpost and landed on top of Tonya with a bodyslam-splash. The crowd went crazy. They'd never seen such a large and obviously strong wrestler move so quickly. The dazzling move nearly killed poor Tonya. Shauna didn't bother to pin her, she just got up and pulled her legs to the nearest corner. Shauna placed both legs on either side of the middle turnbuckle and jumped as high as she could, kneedropped both legs. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEE," screamed Tonya at the horrible pain shooting up her legs. She tried to move, but the pain had her breathless and dazed. Karla yelled at her to try to roll out, but Shauna had her trapped. She pulled Tonya up by the hair and threw her against the ropes. As Tonya came off, Shauna ran into her with a shoulder, lifting her and throwing her back about 7 feet. Tonya rolled around the mat unaware of her opponent who stood over her and suddenly stomped her chest with both feet. Tonya was nearly finished. Shauna moved around the ref and bent over to grab her hair when Tonya managed to ram fingers into her eyes. Shauna screamed and stood up, rubbing both eyes. Tonya rolled out and rested on the floor. At the count of 18, Tonya came back in and stood away from this monster. Shauna glared at her opponent, then swore at her. "You black whore, I'll fuckin'kill you." She charged at Tonya who managed to drop and roll into her legs, taking the big girl down. Tonya quickly applied a reverse toehold, sitting with her back to Shauna's head and pulling back hard on both legs. She had her trapped on her belly and shoved one leg behind the other knee turning it into a reverse figure-4. Shauna tried desperately to reach the ropes, but Tonya had her at center ring. Tonya needed the rest time and wanted to keep her trapped for a while. She wanted this pig to slowly lose her legs then she'd finish her. After about three minutes, Tonya moved around directly behind her and while holding both legs, yanked back hard on Shauna's hair. The big girl screamed as she was partially lifted off the mat by her hair. Now it was Tonya who could feel the strength leaving Shauna. She eased up on the legs, then suddenly jumped high and came down hard on Shauna's back, pulling back even harder on the figure- 4. All Shauna could do was slap the mat and cry out in pain. But she refused to quit. Tonya knew she couldn't get a win this way, so she released the figure-4 and stood over Shauna, yanking her up by the hair. She could barely stand on the nearly lifeless legs. Tonya didn't give a moment's peace, first applying a front headlock, then driving a knee into Shauna's chest. The shock of the knee slamming into the ample chest stunned Shanua. The force made Shauna halfway stand up, then fall forward on her chest and face. For all her strength, she seemed badly out of shape. She lay there breathing like a bull. Tonya yanked her up again by the hair and threw her into a corner. The force of the body slamming into the turnbuckle jarred the ring and visibly hurt Shauna. She slumped in the corner unable to look up. Tonya moved in quickly holding her by the chin and driving a fist into her forehead, stunning Shauna. Tonya continued by taking an arm and spinning around into an armbar. A quick kick to her chest and Shauna dropped to one knee. Tonya stepped over the arm and sat down hard on the shoulder socket. When she sat on the shoulder, it drove Shauna face first into the mat. Tonya pulled back on the arm, trying very hard to dislocate it. Shauna barely slapped the mat or kicked her feet. Tonya knew this was over. She smiled at Karla and slamming an elbow into Shauna's head, pulled back again on the arm. This time Shauna feebly waved. The ref asked her if she quit and she waved again. He tapped Tonya and pulled her off the stricken wrestler. Tonya stood up waving and walked to Karla who gave her a big hug. She then went back to Shauna and helped her up. She actually helped Shauna to her own corner. "At 12:47, the winner, Tonya Washington." The crowd cheered for her with a few boos thrown in. "Next time you say anything about my color, I'll break both legs and your fuckin' neck. Good match." Tonya held out a hand and Shauna stared at her then shook hands. Tonya thought this girl is solid and tough. I hope we never meet again. She returned to her corner and left the ring with Karla and Flo. "Well, that's one down. Karla you're also facing a rookie. This one is only 19 and supposedly very fast. She weighs about 140 so you should beat her on muscles. But don't get cocky." Flo was all business until the matches were over. Then you could party for all of 5 minutes. After that, it was back to work. Flo talked about taking the fight to her opponent from the bell and never letting up. Karla felt good about this match and was very eager to show her stuff to Flo and the crowd. Soon the usher came and all three went to ringside. Both girls entered the ring at the same time. "Ladies and gentlemen, this match is one fall with a 20 minute time limit. In the blue corner, from Lynchburg, VA, at 143 lbs, here's Dixie Darlin' Number Two, Lila Lee Forester." The crowd gave some very loud cheers and boos as she waved to the crowd. They certainly liked what she wore, a black high-cut leotard with matching short boots. The leotard was nearly backless and when Lila Lee bent over to stretch, the thong-like material moved into her butt, exposing two tight globes. Her blonde hair was tied back in a ponytail. "And in the red corner, from New York City, at 166 lbs, here's the wonder of the wrestling world, Kommando Karla." The crowd half cheered and booed for her as she struck a double-bicep pose. She definitely had the muscles to control this match, but her opponent kept eyeing her, looking at her like she was sizing her up for a kill. Karla wore a gold leotard with short red boots. Her very short blonde hair was neatly brushed to one side. The ref called them out for instructions and went over the rules. Lila kept glaring at Karla and as they turned to go to their corners, Karla blurted out, "Take a fuckin' picture, it lasts longer." "Fuck you bitch," snapped Lila as she stood her ground. At the bell both girls came out ready for action. A quick lockup and Karla pushed Lila into the ropes. She tried to slide into a choke, but the ref moved in between and broke it up. They locked up again and Lila pulled Karla's hair down and drove a knee into the muscular girl's chest. The sudden move surprised and stunned Karla who fell to one knee rubbing her chest. Lila quickly took advantage and pulling her hair, slammed Karla to the mat face first. Only her hands across her chest saved Karla from having her nose smashed into the mat. Lila expertly dropped an elbow into Karla's neck, then sat across the wide back grasping her chin and yanking back in a chinlock. The ref asked Karla twice if she quit and both times the answer was a quiet "screw you." Lila kept pressuring the neck, but Karla wouldn't quit. Finally on the advice of her manager who wanted a quick finish, Lila released the chinlock and yanked Karla up by an arm and threw her against the ropes. On the rebound, Lila drove a knee deep into Karla's belly, causing Karla to fold in half and drop to the mat. She looked for help to her corner, where Tonya was screaming for her to roll away and Flo was looking in disgust. Lila slowly pulled her up by the hair and once again threw her against the ropes. This time Lila charged at her, but Karla saw her and grabbed the ropes. When Lila got close enough, Karla took a step and lashed out with a solid left leg driving it deep into Lila's belly. The smaller girl grabbed her belly and staggered away. Karla shook her head once and then stomped toward Lila, grabbing an arm and throwing her into a corner. She bounced off the turnbuckle and landed on her butt. The force knocked the breath out of her, and she sat gasping for air. Karla came over and grabbing the ropes, leaped high and came down hard with both knees across Lila's shoulders. Karla yanked Lila's hair back and slammed her head into the middle turnbuckle, then rested a leg across her exposed throat. Before the ref could break the choke, Lila was gagging and gurgling from the pressure of the knee. Karla stepped back, then moved around the ref and pulled Lila to a center rope and placed her throat across it, then laid a knee across her neck. Lila's tongue hung out as she was unable to breathe. The ref counted to 4 before Karla broke it, then came around the ref and reapplied the knee. This time the ref pushed her away and let Lila get up before resuming the match. It didn't matter because Karla came at her and pushed her into the ropes where she rammed a knee into her belly several times before the ref stopped it. An arm toss against the ropes and a vicious clothesline dropped lila in her tracks. She barely moved as Karla stood over her and pulled her up. Another arm toss into the ropes, a scoop off the ropes and a ring-shaking bodyslam nearly ended it for Lila Lee. Flo was yelling to her to pin her and end it, but Karla had other ideas. She yanked Lila up and threw her into the ropes. This time she grabbed her in a bearhug as she came off the ropes. This was a surprise move to both Tonya and Flo. Women didn't use this hold, but Karla had this down. She lifted Lila off the mat and shook her like a ragdoll. Lila screamed in pain, but Karla held her tight. She walked to a corner still holding Lila in the air, then ran into the opposite corner, slamming Lila's back into the top turnbuckle. Poor Lila's head snapped back, her mouth opened wide, but nothing came out. She was totally winded and her back was seriously hurt. Her arms hung limp at her sides. Finally she screamed and the ref decided this one-sided slaughter was enough. He waved for the bell and literally pried Karla's fingers loose. Lila dropped to the mat and didn't move for several minutes. "The winner at 11:02, Kommando Karla." The crowd mostly booed because of the vicious nature Karla had taken. She waved and strutted back to her corner. Tonya was too shocked to say anything but, "good win" and Flo just told her to get back to her dressing room fast. "What the hell was that display out there? Flo yelled at Karla. "You're a fuckin' rookie, not some hotshot champ. All you had to do was win, not kill the poor girl. She's tryin' to make a livin' at this just like you. You dumb shit! You know word gets out about this and someone will be gunnin' for you. They don't like rookies doin' this. You dumb shit." "Hey, I can't help it if she sucks," Karla snapped back. "Maybe she should sell perfume if she can't wrestle. I did what I had to do to win. So fuck off!" With that last comment, Flo slapped Karla, leaving red marks across her cheeks, then slapped her again. "You better wise up fast missy. There's a big fuckin' difference between you and anything resemblin' a champ or even a real wrestler. You did this to a rookie so don't think you're red hot. You ain't! Now get dressed, we're leavin'." The drive back to Cary, NC was very quiet. Only Tonya spoke and she was very relieved when the ring doctor said Lila Lee was okay, just shaken up, a few bruised ribs and some aches and pains. Nothing rest couldn't cure. Karla didn't say anything, but she was also relieved. Thinking about how nasty she had been in the ring scared her a bit. She now knew she had a killer instinct, but she had to learn when to use it. This poor girl hadn't deserved that. God, what happened? What if I had killed her or maimed her for life? The next week, Karla went though the motion of learning. She was very sloppy on her holds, countermoves and calisthenics. Finally Flo had enough. "Karla, either you shape up or get out. If you can't cut it here, I don't want you around. That girl is ok so get over it." "Look Flo, I'm thinking of leaving. Maybe I shouldn't do this anymore." "Okay kiddo, see y'around. But remember, you're very good at wrestling and have a hell of a future. But if you can't learn from this and grow into a technically better and more mature wrestler, then get out. You're wasting my time." "Yeah, okay," Karla said in a soft voice. "I'll pack my things." "Hey, you ain't goin' nowhere without me sayin' somethin'," yelled Tonya. "We've been together since Basic at Ft. Jackson. "You never quit then and you ain't now. So you're feelin' sorry for yourself, okay, hurry up and get over it. You gotta grow from this and get better. What happened to the dream of us winnin' a tag-team title? Shit, I can't win that by myself. I could find much better partners, but I like you. Now get back to work before I kick your cotton-white ass all over this gym." Karla stared at her close friend, then squinted her eyes. "You couldn't kick a beach fuckin' ball around this gym. Get in the ring and I'll show you what ass kickin' is all about. Goddamn bitch thinks she's good cuz' she was lucky last Saturday. Get in here now." Tonya laughed as she climbed into the ring. Back to the good ol' days again. Later that week, Flo told the six girls in her class they were all going to Eden for the Saturday night matches. There was some wrestling and she wanted the girls to meet her. That Saturday, they all got into the van and drove to Eden. They arrived about an hour before the matches, and went to the dressing rooms. Flo knocked on a door and a booming voice told her to come in. Flo threw open the door and jumped into a wrestling stance. "Flo Barker, you blonde whore! How are you? God it's been what seven, eight years?" Yelled an older black woman sitting on a table getting a massage. Despite her age, she was looked solid and quite muscular. "Mabel Thornton, I thought you died at Valley Forge, you old hag," Flo said in a totally joyous voice. "Girls, this is Mabel Thornton, one hell of a wrestler, four-time women's champ here and in Europe. Mabel, these girls are my latest class." "Jesus, couldn't any of you afford someone better than her," Mabel joked as she shook hands with each girl. She looked at Tonya who just stared at her. "You okay honey?" "Uh, yes. It's just that my mother talked about you all the time when I decided to become a wrestler. She always told me to be like you. You're the greatest is all she ever says about you. This really means a lot to me." "Wow! I don't know what to say." Tears came to Mabel's eyes as she talked through them. "Thank you and I hope I live up to your mother's talk." "Mabel, how long are you gonna be wrestlin'?'" Flo asked to lighten the room. "You must be pushin' 80 or 90." "Yeah, and I still look better than you. Actually I'm 56 and will stop at 60. I only wrestle in the Carolinas and Virginia so I can be near home and my family. It keeps me in shape and the extra money is much better than when we started." They left Mabel, who was the semi-final match and took their seats. They sat through four matches taking notes on moves and countermoves. Finally, Mabel's match was called. She came down wearing a high school letter jacket, a gift from a grandson, red leotard, black tights and short boots. She looked about 10 years younger. Her opponent, Teri Watley was a rising star on the West Coast. At the bell Mabel and Teri came out fast. Teri pushed Mabel into the ropes and began a severe beating with her left fist and right knee. She pummelled Mabel's chest with heart punches and drove a knee into the older woman's groin. When the ref broke it up, Mabel slumped to the mat, dazed and breathing hard. Teri quickly grabbed Mabel's hair and dragged her around the ring. She was definitely out to destroy this legend and make a bigger name for herself. She dragged Mabel to the ropes and placed her throat across the middle rope, then sat on her upper back. Poor Mabel gagged, but was unable to defend herself. When the ref broke it, she lay there on the rope. Teri slowly pulled her up by her hair and scooped her up for a bodyslam. But she carried her to a corner where she placed her on the tope ropes, then viciously drove a double axhandle into her belly. Mabel folded and collapsed to the mat. Teri Watley strutted around the ring as Mabel tried desperately to stand. She was almost up when Teri kicked her belly then clamped on a side headlock, wrenching the neck. She walked Mabel all around the ring to show how helpless this old hag was. Suddenly Mabel lifted her high and fell backwards, landing hard on Watley's head and neck, The dazed and hurt Watley fell to one side and Mabel rolled away. She stood with the help of the ropes and slowly walked to Teri who was rolling in pain. She pulled Teri into a sitting position and lowered an elbow into Teri's forehead. She repeated the blow and Teri looked nearly unconscious. Mabel pulled her up and threw Teri into a corner. As Teri's back slammed into the turnbuckle, Mabel slammed a forearm across Teri's chest, crushing the now hapless wrestler. Teri collapsed, unable to fight. Mabel dragged her out by a leg, then holding the leg up, began kicking the hamstrings. Teri screamed as Mabel kept kicking. Finally the ref broke it and Teri was left stretched out rubbing her leg. Mabel yanked her hair, pulling her up, then spun Teri around and lifted her into a standing backbreaker. She walked around the ring, pulling down on Teri's chin and a thigh. Teri waved her arms, but neither the ref nor Mabel thought she quit. The pain was too much and she couldn't yell. Finally her manager and husband threw in the towel and submitted. Mabel dropped her opponent like a sack of potatoes and held up her arms in victory. She did her victory walk around her beaten opponent who was barely able to sit up. Tonya was beside herself, seeing a hero come back and win like that. Even more satisfying was hearing the cheers for the local girl who rose to be a champion. Mabel climbed out of the ring and walked back to her dressing room, slapping high-fives along the way. Flo brought the girls back to the dressing room to congratulate Mabel. Tonya hugged her and they left for Cary. That next week, the effort put out by all the girls was tremendous. They left the gym exhausted each night, but felt like great progress was made. Flo had set up matches for all six for the next weekend. Two were going to Richmond, VA, one to Greenville, SC, one to Raleigh, and Karla and Tonya were going to Bristol, TN. Tonya was facing Joan Carter, a wily vet who had been a state champion, Karla was facing Gina Capetti, a former champion who wanted another shot at a title. They drove to Bristol without Flo who went to Richmond. They got to the high school gym and went to the girl's locker room to change. Soon their opponents arrived which made the air very tense. "Hey rookies, don't get all tight. We're in this together, so relax. Save everything for the ring, not here." Neither Tonya nor Karla said a thing; they kept dressing. Tonya was first, her's was the second match of the night. The two relaxed as best they could by watching two young men in the opening match. They were impressed by the speed and ability of the two as they fought to a draw. Tonya suddenly got butterflies as the usher came for her. They both walked down the aisle together. Tonya climbed into the ring while Karla stayed on the apron. Her opponent, Joan Carter soon arrived with her manager. The announcer took the mike. "Ladies and gentlemen. This next match is one fall with a 20 minute time limit. In the far corner, from Nashville, Tn, at 158 lbs, the former Tennessee State Champion, here's the great Joan Carter." The crowd cheered for the local champ. There were also a lot of whistles as The Champion removed her robe to reveal a nearly sheer red leotard with gold boots. The high-cut leotard brought every man in the crowd to attention. Her jet black hair was cut short and combed back. "And in the near corner, from Baltimore, MD, at 179, here's a new sensation, Tonya Washington." The crowd cheered and booed for her. A couple of guys down front whistled at her as she took off her jacket to reveal a black leotard with silver boots. Her breasts strained against the material as she stretched and jumped to loosen up. The fans became more animated when her breasts bounced. At the bell, Joan ran out the took down Tonya with a leg tackle. She quickly crawled on top and pushed Tonya's face into the mat. Joan grabbed an arm and twisted it into a hammerlock. She pulled up on the arm, trapping Tonya in a painful hold. Tonya stamped her feet in pain, but couldn't escape. Joan kept pouring on the pressure, but didn't cause Tonya to quit. In her weakened condition, Tonya wouldn't quit. She was taught to try to rest and overlook the pain. In frustration, Joan released the hammerlock and grabbed Tonya's chin, pulling back hard. Tonya grimaced at the hold and her neck being pulled back, but slowly tried to reach the ropes. Joan sat on her, but the bigger girl's power really showed when she reached the ropes and made the ref break the hold. Joan was mad as hell for being unable to stop her. As soon as Joan released the chinlock, she stood up and kicked Tonya's ribs three times before the somewhat inept ref stopped her. Tonya rolled around in pain and was helpless to stop Joan when she grabbed her hair and yanked her up only to toss her across the ring. Joan threw her, but it wasn't easy with this big an opponent. Tonya was sprawled out when Joan leaped high for a splash. At the last split second, Tonya rolled under the ropes and Joan fell flat on her chest. Tonya stood up on the floor and reached in for Joan. She pulled her out by the hair and dropped her on the floor. Holding her hair with one hand, she kicked Joan's ribs repeatedly, then elbowed her forehead. Joan fell back dazed and plainly hurt. Tonya climbed back in and Joan's manager tried to help her up and back in. As Joan climbed onto the apron, Tonya grabbed her hair to pull her in over the top rope. But the move left Tonya wide open and Joan, the ever-smart veteran, rammed her head into the vulnerable belly. Tonya let go and fell back. Joan quickly climbed in and grabbing an arm, threw Tonya into the ropes. Coming off, Tonya was dropped with a vicious clothesline across the throat. She fell backwards, clutching her throat angd gagging. Joan hauled her up by an arm and again threw her into the ropes. This time a dazed Tonya came off and caught an elbow square in her chest. She fell back to the mat in severe pain to her breasts. She writhed on the mat, hoping desperately the pain would go away. But more was coming. Joan pulled her up by her hair and scooped her up for a bodyslam. She lifted her as high as she could and slammed her back into the mat. The wind rushed from Tonya's lungs and a searing pain shot through her back and neck. Oh God, she thought, please end this. Instead, Joan dragged her to a corner and climbing to the top ropes, leaped off into a perfect kneedrop across Tonya's chest. Her legs shot out and flopped to the mat. A simple crossbody pin with a three count and it was over. Joan Carter had completely wiped the mat with this rookie. The fans cheered for their heroine and she responded with waves and blowing kisses to them. Then she turned to Tonya and kicked her ribs again until the ref pushed her away. "The winner at 11:47, our own great champion, Joan Carter." There were more cheers as she climbed down and walked to the locker room. Karla helped Tonya up and they slowly made their way to the same locker rooms. Once they got there, Joan had some words for them both. "Are you okay kid? You need to know how tough this business is, so I showed you tonight. Next time you won't even have that little bit of playtime on the floor." "You know she's a rookie and you still nearly killed her," Karla screamed at Joan. "Well look who's talking about rookies now. Weren't you the snot that almost killed that girl a few weeks ago in Eden? Don't talk to me unless you want some of that." In a flash, Gina stepped between them. "Look Karla, back off; you'll have your hands full with me in a minute," Gina warned. "Don't ask for anymore cuz' you'll never make it to the ring. Now back off." "Fuck you both," Karla yelled. "You two hags are lucky you got this far." Gina just smiled at her and walked back to her locker. About ten minutes later, an usher came for both Gina and Karla. Gina stepped in front of Karla, pushing her aside and walked to the ring first. The fans cheered for her as she was a local favorite for years. She was from the Midwest, but liked the Tennessee area and had a home near Knoxville. Karla waited until Gina was in the ring, then walked down the aisle with a groggy Tonya. The fans booed them, but they ignored the fans and walked straight to the ring, Karla glaring at a smiling Gina Capetti. The announcer stepped forward. "Ladies and gentlemen. This next match is one fall with a 20- minute time limit. In the far corner, from Knoxville, TN, at 151 lbs, here's our own former world champ, the legendary Gina Capetti." The fans loved her and loudly cheered for her. She wore red tights and a black crop top with short, red boots. Even Karla had to admit she looked great for someone who was nearly 50. "And in the near corner, from New York City, (the boos started), at 166 lbs, here'e the next great wonder of the wrestling world, here's Kommando Karla." The crowd booed her and some threw cups at her as she ignored them and kept glaring at Gina. She wore a new white leotard which looked great over her dark tanned body, black boots and her short, platinum hair was combed back. She struck a double-bicep pose which stopped the crowd for an instant, but then the boos grew even louder. At the referee's instructions, both wrestlers started shoving and before the ref could stop them, the match had started. He rang the bell for formalities. Karla started by pushing Gina into the ropes and holding her there while driving a knee into her belly and groin. Gina fell to one knee gasping for air. A yank up by the hair and Karla had tossed Gina across the ring. As Gina got up, Karla drove a shoulder into her belly, sending her through the ropes and onto the apron. Karla grabbed the ropes and slid under them, kicking Gina to the floor. As Gina fell, Karla stood up and yelled to her. "Hey, great champion, what are you doin' down there? Come and get me, you old cow! Come on." Gina slowly walked around the floor, getting her wind and clearing the cobwebs. At 18 she stepped back into the ring. This time they locked up and Karla pushed her into a corner. She wore down Gina with repeated shoulder rams into the belly. Gina looked to be in trouble. The ref separated them and Karla thought this is easy. This is gonna be over in a minute. But Gina had other ideas. At the next lock up, Gina allowed herself to be pushed into the ropes. When Karla had her trapped, she held one of Gina's shoulders and lifted an arm to punch her chest. Gina slid away from the hand on her shoulder and grabbing Karla's hair, headbutted her. Gina quickly repeated the headbutt and Karla stepped back dazed and seeing stars. Before Karla could protect herself, she fell under an onslaught from her very worthy opponent. Gina pushed her into the ropes and leveled forearm smashes into her chest and throat. She held Karla at center ring and applied a hammerlock with a hairpull takedown. The resulting move left Karla's face raw from sliding against the mat. Gina shifted the hammerlock into an armbar, sitting on Karla's shoulder and pulling straight up on her arm. Karla screamed, which made Gina laugh at her. After almost five minutes, Gina was sure the arm was dead. She released the hold and pulled Karla up. She held her face with both hands, then brought her head down driving a knee into it. The kneelift exploded in Karla's head and sent her back into the ropes and down. The dazed look in her eyes said it all. Gina pulled her up by the dead arm and shook it hard. She twisted it into a hammerlock and then sent her into a turnbuckle shoulder first. The damaged shoulder hurt like hell as Karla fell holding her shoulder. She had never experienced anything like this. Gina stepped up to her and kicked her back. She bent over and grabbing Karla's hair, pulled her into a kneeling position. She looked at her, then viciously rammed her face into the ringpost behind the turnbuckle. The cut over Karla's left eye looked bad. The blood ran down the side of her face and over her nose. Gina pulled Karla up and to the ropes. She laid her head over the top rope, then pulled the middle rope over, trapping her head. She grabbed the ropes around her throat and squeezed. Karla gagged and couldn't get free. The ref tried to help, but while he fumbled around, Gina repeatedly kicked Karla's ribs and belly. When she did get free, Karla fell in a heap, barely able to focus on the match. Gina helped her up and lifted her for a front atomic drop. The move sent shockwaves of pain through Karla's tortured body. The knee driving into the pubic bone nearly made her pass out. She fell off Gina's knee and lay nearly still on the mat, softly whimpering. Gina rolled her over and sat on her chest for the three count. "The winner, at 14:04, our great champion, Gina Capetti." The fans yelled and cheered as she left the ring. Karla was helped up by Tonya and the two broken bodies walked slowly back to the locker room. When they entered, Gina had some words for them. "Okay rookie, I hope you learned something tonight. You never, never, never make fun of your opponent, no matter who she is and how tough you think you are. You two clowns needed this. I knew exactly what to do and how hard to do it. Unlike you, I can control my anger and still win without breakin' you in two. Now tell Flo I said hello. She never was any good as a wrestler." They showered and dressed, went out for dinner, then drove back to the motel for the night. Tonight was one of those nights when a strong cuddle would go a long way. And Karla and Tonya loved cuddling in bed. The following week, Flo talked to them about their matches. They were the only ones who lost. She encouraged them to forget it and move on. There were always times like these. Just move on and get better. She set up a matches for Karla in Richmond and Tonya in Elizabeth City, NC. Tonya was facing Lila Lee, the Dixie Darlin' Karla had nearly destroyed. The match went the full 20 minutes with both wrestlers tired and breathless at the end. They beat each other, but neither came close to a win until the very end. Lila Lee was very close to a pin, but Tonya managed to kick out three times before the bell saved her. Karla took the bus to Richmond to face Tameka Williams, a youngster with about two years experience. When she climbed into the ring, something came over Karla. She suddenly felt very confident, but not in a cocky way. She felt comfortable with her abilities as a wrestler. This match would show Flo Barker, she was on the way. For the match Karla wore her red leotard with black boots. She left her hair messed to look more dangerous. Tameka wore silver tights, red crop top, and red boots. She was a beautiful wrestler and took full advantage of the moment to make a beauty statement. But she was outweighed by almost 30 lbs. They wrestled for about 10 minutes with neither gaining an advantage. Finally Tameka clamped on a side headlock, but Karla threw her into the ropes. The lighter girl came off the ropes and Karla grabbed her in a bearhug. She squeezed and lifted Tameka off the mat, carrying her around the ring. Tameka pushed hard on Karla's chin trying to break it, but couldn't. Suddenly, with great effort, Karla lifted Tameka over a shoulder in a near-perfect belly-to- belly suplex. The force of slamming into the mat followed by Karla landing on her crushed Tameka. Karla quickly followed up by hooking a leg and pinning her. Before Tameka had a chance to get her senses, the match was over. Karla had won a hard fought match and did it without any showing off. Just good, solid wrestling ability. She helped Tameka up and they shook hands. That night Karla slept all the way back on the bus.