Jesse Rogers vs Alicia Wells

Ironically enough, Jesse had immense respect for Alicia as a fighter by this point, even despite the less than flattering gesture with her middle finger. It was a wordless “fuck you,” but not made because of Jesse’s bitterness toward her now-inevitable defeat. Rather, it was a final act of defiance to let Alicia know that no matter how badly she beat the blonde down, Jesse was going to remain unintimidated through the bitter end.

Sure enough, a third explosive kick crashed into Jesse’s head, and her lights instantly went out. She was unconscious well before her body even hit the ground, sprawled out on her back with her limbs just resting out on the mat.

Julia had stopped cheering Jesse on the moment she’d started standing up, not because she’d given up on her sister, but because she knew any advice she threw out at that point would’ve gone unheeded anyway. And now, the luchadora at ringside only could only observe sadly and silently as the ref again grabbed Jesse’s hand, raised it, and dropped it. This time the hand fell down three times without a hint of resistance, and the bell was promptly rung to call an end to the match.

Jesse had fought hard in her AFW debut and given it her best shot, but tonight she’d simply been outmatched... She’d hope that sentiment would mean a bit more to those who’d watched the match tonight than it would to her.

Silently, Alicia stood over Jesse’s now-still body, watching with narrowed eyes as she slowly breathed in and out. This time, though, there was no last minute reprieve. There was no cheering. There was just a sad silence from both fans and family as the hand was raised and dropped once, twice and thrice. The bell rang and Alicia Wells had another win to add to her record at AFW. As the referee made the declaration, more than a few boos rang out but the big redhead didn’t seem to care.

To be fair, it was mixed with more than a few cheers as well, but Alicia didn’t seem to care about those either.

For a long moment, she stared down at her opponent, expressionless.

And then she stepped away, walking slowly to the ropes and slipping between them before she dropped down to the ground with a slight grunt. But the redhead didn’t immediately quit ringside. Instead, Alicia made her way around to where Julia stood, hands at her sides to show she had no interest in starting anything.

”Do me a favour?” Her voice was quiet, her words meant just for herself and the smaller fighter, ”Tell your sis it was a good match and, if she wants to go again, I’ll be waiting.”

With that, she gave the other Rogers sibling a respectful nod, backing away and turning to walk up the ramp to the back.

She needed a shower and there was a cup of tea calling her name as always.

Normally not one to care much for the crowd’s opinion of her, it had been a tad flattering to hear how much they’d supported her in her debut, though she fully knew it was mostly because of her relation to Julia. Still, it was appreciated nonetheless. Or it would be, once she was conscious again.

Julia had watched hopelessly as the ref checked on and confirmed the knockout, then sighed as the bell rang. Her eyes then moved to Alicia. Jesse’s little gesture at the end hadn’t exactly been a kind or respectful one, but Julia was ready to jump in there and defend her sister if the redhead tried to keep attacking even though the match was over. Fortunately, that didn’t happen. Alicia moved away and exited the ring, and that was it.

The masked blonde grabbed the ropes and was about to pull herself into the ring, but stopped when she noticed Alicia coming around toward her. She turned to face the redhead, half expecting the bigger girl to try to start something, though her posture seemed to indicate that wasn’t the case. And after Alicia spoke, though surprised, Julia nodded. “I’ll be sure to tell her.”

After the girl turned to leave, Julia then rolled into the ring and knelt by Jesse, who was finally starting to come to. “Ya alright, Jess?” she asked, prompting a small groan from the floored blonde, who moved a hand over her aching head. “Yeah, think so. Could really go for an aspiring right ‘bout now though...” Julia chuckled, and gave her a pat on the shoulder. “Hey, ya gave it your best shot. The other girl said good match, and that she’d be up for a rematch anytime.” This time it was Jesse’s turn to chuckle, though she quickly stopped when that just made her headache worse. “Cool. But if it’s all the same, think I’d like to rest this one off before I start thinkin’ ‘bout another fight.” “Of course. Now c’mon, lets get ya otta here.” Julia replied, then helped her sister out of the ring, where she draped one of Jesse’s arms over her shoulders to support her while they slowly went back up the aisle together.

The crowd gave a respectful around applause to Jesse for her effort tonight, and Julia gave waved to them one final time before the sisters disappeared backstage.

Winner via knockout: Alicia Wells