BEFORE:

​​The VIX Headquarters & Gym, a cavernous sports hall in downtown Santa Monica, Los Angeles thrums with an almost electric tension. A sea of expectant faces, from seasoned boxing reporters to wide-eyed boxing enthusiasts, fill the space, their cameras poised, their whispers a low murmur. It’s the eve of the "Queen of the Vixen" tournament, and this press conference is the first taste of the fireworks to come.

Alexis Ren is clad in a sleek black dress that clung to her lean physique, as shadows cast by the stage lights danced across the sharp angles of her face, her eyes narrowed.

Across from her, Nina Agdal sits with a regal composure befitting her former status as the Lightweight champion. Her outfit is a shimmering gold gown that clung to her curves, and her blonde hair tumbles down her shoulders, framing a face that's as beautiful as it is dangerous. A smirk is on her lips, a subtle reminder of her previous victory over Alexis, a victory not without controversy.

"That last one wasn't a fair fight, Nina. Everyone knows it. Eden was the referee, and let's just say her impartiality was questionable. A disqualification that never came? This time, with a fair referee in the ring, things will be different. No outside distractions. No crooked judging," Ren speaks first.

But Nina responds with a practiced ease, her barbs laced with a venomous sweetness. "Still whining about that? You lost. Get over it. But let me be perfectly clear. You haven't seen the best of me yet."

The lights dim, shifting the focus to a starkly lit stage in the center of the gym. The MC's voice takes on a ceremonial tone. "Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the official weigh-in! First up, seeking redemption, Alexis Ren!"

The crowd erupts in a mix of cheers and boos as Alexis strides confidently onto the platform. The spotlight highlights her lithe, athletic form, sculpted and toned beneath the sleek black sports bra and shorts. She steps onto the scale, the digital display flashing 125 pounds – right on the cusp of the Lightweight limit. Her eyes, a piercing blue, dart towards the curtain, a flicker of anticipation betraying her calm facade.

"And now," the MC's voice booms, “looking to defend her legacy, Nina Agdal!" A wave of cheers washes over the arena as Nina emerges, her presence commanding attention. She moves in with confidence, her long limbs and powerful physique accentuated by a crimson bikini. The scale reads 121 pounds.

The stage is set for the staredown. The two women approach each other, the height difference barely noticeable. Their gazes lock, two warriors staring down the abyss of their shared past. Nina's eyes, a stormy gray, meet Alexis's icy blue stare. Then, with a deliberate slowness that sends a shiver through the crowd, Ren extends a gloved hand. It doesn't swing in a punch; instead, it settles against the taut expanse of Nina's abdomen, just above her navel. The impact is gentle, but the message is clear: I remember the last time, and I'm not afraid.

Nina's eyes narrow, a flicker of anger replacing her amusement. She retaliates in kind, her own gloved hand pressing against Alexis's sternum. "Don't get too comfortable, doll," she murmurs, her voice a silken threat. "This tourney isn't yours to win yet.”

Every muscle in their bodies seems coiled, ready to spring into action. Their hips are square, their stances unwavering. Yet, Alexis bridges the remaining gap. Inch by agonizing inch, she leans in closer, until their foreheads are pressed together. Her voice, a low growl, vibrates through the air. "This time," she rasps, "there will be no outside help. Just you and me. Forget about the Queen's title, Nina. It's a joke, just like your reign. Nicola's the future of the VIXENs, and you're a washed-up has-been clinging to past glories. This fight is your last hurrah, and I'm here to send you packing."

A smug smile spreads across the Danish girl’s face. "We'll see about that," she purrs, her lips positioned directly opposite Alexis's. “Don't forget about your last little meltdown. You fell short against Kylie Jenner in your Lightweight title shot back in March of this year. Seems a bit premature to be celebrating a comeback, wouldn't you say?" Then, she shoves her fellow Vixen back a fraction of an inch, her voice dripping with venomous amusement.

Alexis's eyes harden, her jaw clenching. For a split second, it seems she's about to lunge, to silence Nina's taunt with a swift punch. The cameras flash, capturing the raw emotion, the unbridled animosity between the two women. The officials, however, have seen enough. They swarm the stage, their bodies forming a barrier between the fighters.

Reluctantly, the women allow themselves to be separated, their eyes still locked in a silent battle of wills. The officials escort them to opposite sides of the room, their presence a tense reminder of the fragile truce that now holds. But it's a truce that everyone knows will be short-lived.

Fight night and the lights dim once again, a hush descending upon the arena as the spotlights illuminate the two corners. In the red corner, Alexis stands, a vision of sculpted intensity. Her crimson bikini, the same one she wore at the weigh-in, clings to her lean form, highlighting every honed muscle and sinew. Her sculpted abs are like a washboard, each individual muscle striated and defined years of grueling training. Her toned legs, powerful and explosive, flex slightly as she shifts her weight in anticipation. Custom-made red Everlast gloves, emblazoned with a silver VIX logo on the back, encase her hands, promising protection and punishment in equal measure. Her blonde hair, usually worn in loose waves, is now braided into a tight, no-nonsense ponytail, held secure by a red ribbon that matches her bikini.

Across the ring, Nina exudes a different kind of energy. Her black bikini, also unchanged from the weigh-in, clings to her more muscular frame. The power in her physique is undeniable - broad shoulders, thick arms, and legs that look like they could tree a bear. A thin sheen of sweat glistens on her brow and across the expanse of her sculpted abs, a testament to the nerves battling with her eagerness to get this fight started. Her blonde hair, usually worn in long, luxurious waves, is now pulled back in a tight braid, emphasizing the sharp angles of her jaw and the steely glint in her eyes.

Their cornermen move with practiced efficiency. Tape is wrapped around knuckles, gloves secured, a final sip of water offered before mouthguards are firmly slotted in place. Instructions are barked, whispers of strategy and encouragement lost in the growing roar of the crowd.

The referee, a figure of stoic authority, steps into the ring, his presence a stark contrast to the electric tension. He beckons the fighters to the center, his voice a low growl that commands instant attention. The usual pre-fight instructions are delivered, a reminder of the rules amidst the growing anticipation of chaos.

HERE WE GO with ten rounds of Lightweight action, and the first match in the Quarterfinals of the VIX: Queen of the Vixens tournament!

ROUND 1:

Both fighters launch from their corners, their movements a blur of motion under the harsh arena lights. Alexis, remembering the sting of past defeat and the weight of expectations, takes the center of the ring, her jabs a flurry of precise strikes aimed at Nina's head and body. Nina, however, isn't intimidated. She meets aggression with aggression, her own punches carrying the raw power of a seasoned champion. The crowd roars, a wave of sound that washes over the fighters, fueling their adrenaline. Alexis, her footwork light and agile, dances around Nina, her jabs finding their mark with stinging accuracy. A left hook glances off the cheekbone, causing her to wince and momentarily clench her jaw. But Nina is undeterred. She retaliates with a powerful right cross to the body, her fist sinking deep into Alexis's midsection, a wham as leather meets flesh. Alexis's breath hitches in her throat, her eyes widening in momentary surprise. Her body reacts instinctively, doubling over slightly to absorb the impact. A grimace flashes across her face, but it's gone as quickly as it appears, and the fight settles into a tense rhythm, a chess match of punches and counter-punches. Alexis, relying on her speed and precision, picks her shots carefully, aiming for the head and the exposed flanks. Nina, her movements slower but more powerful, focuses on overwhelming Alexis with brute force, her punches carrying the weight of a freight train. The final minute of the round sees the most action: Nina lands a series of body blows that make Alexis wince, but the younger fighter retaliates with a lightning-fast combination to the head, momentarily stunning her back. The bell rings, a merciful end to a brutal opening round. Both women retreat to their corners, their chests heaving, their bodies already bearing the marks of battle. The judges confer, their faces grim as they tally the scores. The decision is a close one, but ultimately, they award the round to Ren, meaning the underdog has struck first.

ROUND 2:

Stung by her momentary lapse in the first round, Nina emerges from her corner looking to shift the battle in her favor. Now, the blonde brawler's movements are sharp, precise, her punches a calculated assault aimed at dismantling Alexis's defenses. A left jab snaps out, barely missing the chin, followed by a powerful right hook that lands with a whud against her ribs. Alexis's breath catches in her throat, the impact visibly jolting her entire body, her posture collapsing slightly as the force of the blow drives the air from her lungs. That single punch has stolen her momentum, her previously nimble footwork faltering for a split second. It's this hesitation, this momentary lapse in concentration, that Nina seizes upon for her next attack, closing the distance rapidly, her punches unleashing a flurry. The crowd roars as the two women exchange blows, with Alexis trying to maintain her composure, her arms a shield against the onslaught. But the force of the punches is undeniable. Nina throws a series of body shots, targeting the midsection with the aim of disrupting her breathing and weakening her core. A sharp right jab lands with a snap against the solar plexus, causing her to wince and momentarily hunch over. This disrupts her rhythm and opens her up for a follow-up attack, and Nina follows through with another left hook aimed at the liver, leather striking flesh -- Ren lets out another gasp, her body tensing as the impact steals the air from her lungs. Later in the round, the American retaliates with a right cross, but Nina anticipates the move, slipping to the side just as the punch whistles past her ear. The Viking then counters with a right hook of her own, aiming for the midsection, yet again, which connects just below the leaner girl’s ribcage. Alexis lets out a grunt, her body bent over slightly, her hand instinctively flying to her stomach to ease the pain. It’s not looking good for Ren at all this round, and it’s made worse when Nina throws another uppercut in the waning seconds, a risky move that leaves her open for a counter, but Alexis is too slow and spent to capitalize. The blow lands flush on the jaw, snapping her head back and sending a jolt through the arena. The impact even loosens Alexis's grip on her mouthpiece, which falls to the canvas with a clatter! Alexis's eyes widen in shock, her vision momentarily blurring. Blood trickles down her chin from a split forming on her lower lip. But finally, the bell rings, a merciful end to a brutal round. Both women stagger back to their corners, chests heaving, their bodies battered. But it's Nina who wears a triumphant smirk, the knowledge of a decisive victory fueling her confidence.

ROUND 3:

Round Three is another of Nina's dominant display. The playful taunting is a thing of the past, replaced by a cold, calculated focus that sends a shiver through the arena. From the opening bell, she unleashes a barrage of jabs. Her left jab, a weapon honed over years of training, snaps out with lightning speed, targeting Alexis's lead eye. Then, the right cross follows in quick succession, aimed at the chin, forcing the other blonde to duck or cover up. This one-two punch combination keeps Alexis on the defensive, disrupting her rhythm and preventing her from launching any counterattacks of her own, and Alexis, her earlier confidence waning, is forced onto the defensive. Her attempts to close the distance are met with a wall of leather, Nina's gloves deflecting her attacks with practiced ease.The crowd, initially stunned by the sudden shift in momentum, erupts in a frenzy of cheers for Nina. The Vixen faithful try to rally behind Ren, but their voices are drowned out by the deafening roar of support for the returning champion. Her strategy is clear: keep Alexis at bay, wear her down with a constant barrage of punches, and then capitalize on her fatigue. She stalks her fellow Vixen around the ring, her footwork a measured dance, cutting off any angles for her to launch an attack. Her left jab becomes a piston, a constant reminder of the danger zone Alexis enters if she tries to get close, followed by that right cross that follows like a hammer blow, aimed at the midsection and head, forcing her to cover up or retreat. In the final minute of the round, Nina shifts her focus. Her punches, once aimed at Ren’s head, now target her body. A left hook thud to the ribs, a right cross whumphh to the stomach. Alexis winces, her breath hitching as the pain radiates through her torso. The momentum of the fight remains firmly in Agdal’s grasp, her eyes blazing with a cold fury, as she corners Alexis against the ropes. The once nimble dancer finds herself trapped, her back pressed against the unforgiving canvas, her tummy pulsing with desperation. And Nina wastes no time! A barrage of leather to bone and muscle, her punches dipped under the arms and aimed Alexis's midsection.

The veteran fighter, her composure shattered, can only raise her gloves in a desperate attempt to shield herself. Each blow lands with a thud, followed by Ren grunting with every punch, her body instinctively twisting to absorb the punishment. A left hook digs into her belly, a crunch and sending a jolt of pain shooting up her torso. Ren’s face contorts in a grimace, her lips pressed into a thin white line. A bead of sweat rolls down her temple, tracing a salty path across her cheek. She grits her teeth, trying to block out the searing pain that explodes in her abdomen with each blow. The next punch, a right cross, lands with a whoof against her navel, driving the air from her lungs. Her eyes widen momentarily, a flicker of despair crossing her features before steely determination slams back into place. She lets out a guttural gasp, the sound raw and primal. Her arms, once her primary weapons, are now a desperate shield, her gloves a blur as she tries to deflect the onslaught. But Nina finds the gaps in Alexis's guard, continuing to wail away. Ren’s face is now contorted in a grimace of pain and frustration. She knows she needs to break free, to find a way to turn the tide. The ropes dig into her back, a constant reminder of her precarious position. For a terrifying moment, it seems as if she might crumble. But then, the bell's shrill ring pierces the air, offering a momentary reprieve, forcing Nina to step back, her chest heaving, a triumphant smirk spreading across her face, while Ren, her legs trembling like jelly, collapses against Nina's body. The Danish fighter's arms instinctively wrap around her fellow Vixen, a gesture that could be interpreted in multiple ways. On the surface, it appears to be a moment of sportsmanship, a victor offering support to a weary opponent. But beneath the veneer of concern, there's a hint of something more - a subtle dominance, a predator cradling its prey. For a moment, Ren allows herself to sink into the temporary relief of her rival’s hold. Nina, however, seems to revel in her weakness. Her smirk widens, her voice dripping with condescension as she leans in to whisper in Alexis's ear. "That all you got, Baby Girl? I was expecting more from a hall of famer." Later, the judges' decision is swift and unanimous: a wide win for Agdal. The fight is far from over, but the momentum has shifted dramatically. The question now is whether Alexis can regain her composure and find a way to break through Nina's offensive. Or will the former champion reclaim her throne, proving that her reign is far from over?

ROUND 4:

Both girls collide in the center of the ring, their gazes locked in a primal duel. Gone are the tentative jabs of the opening round, with Alexis throwing the first punch, a right hook aimed at Nina's jaw. But Nina dodges to the side, countering with a jab that snaps her head back. They continue to trade blows in a flurry of punches, each swing targeting both face and body. Sweat flies, leather cracks against flesh, and the crowd roars its approval. Alexis, the quicker fighter, lands several stinging jabs to the face, but Nina responds with more powerful hooks aimed at the midsection, trying to wear her down by targeting the same spots as before. The fight becomes a slugfest, both fighters trading punches in close quarters. Alexis's speed is on display, but Nina's power starts to take its toll. A right cross from Nina lands flush on the side of her ribs, making her grunt in pain, before Renretaliates with a left hook that snaps Nina's head back. In the final minute, the fight explodes into a frenzy. Alexis springs forth, unleashing a barrage of punches: a left jab snags the nose, snapping Nina's head back, followed by a right cross that catches her flush on the cheekbone. Nina stumbles back, momentarily stunned, her guard dropping for a split second. AND HERE REN COMES, looking for payback! She unloads another four-punch combination – a left hook to the body, a right cross to the forehead, one more hook to the ribs, before a final right uppercut snaps into the base of Nina's chin! OUCH!

The blows drive the Danish fighter back towards the ropes, where Nina digs her heels in, refusing to go down. She raises her gloves in a desperate attempt to block the follow-up onslaught, but Alexis stays on top of her, snarling as a final right hook catches her high on the temple, sending another painful jolt through her body! The force of the blow SPINS Nina around in a 360 degrees arc, her back slamming back against the ropes with a groan! Trapped against the crimson barrier, she covers up as best she can, with Ren digging another left hook to her body, right cross to the head – each blow seems to drain a bit more energy from the former champion. The momentum has shifted once more, a brutal pendulum swinging back in Alexis's favor this time! A surge of adrenaline propels her forward. And Nina, her earlier swagger a distant memory, finds herself wedged against the unforgiving ropes, her legs tangled with Alexis's in a desperate clinch. The once-dominant fighter could only raise her forearms in a meager defense, her face a mask of shock as Alexis unleashed a torrent of punishment.

Their bodies are pressed chest-to-chest, arms wrapped around each other in a struggle for dominance. Alexis uses her leverage to pin Nina against the ropes, her hips grinding into Nina's lower back, effectively trapping her. Their chests heave inches apart, a snarl twisting Alexis's face. With Nina's mobility restricted, Alexis, her face contorts with a feral snarl, raining a barrage of blows into Nina's exposed torso. Her fists, wrapped in crimson leather, hammer her once-pristine abs. Each punch lands with a thud and whudd, the impact reverberating through her body. Nina’s breath comes in ragged gasps, her arms raised in a futile attempt to shield herself from the onslaught. "Still think you’re gonna win this, Nina?" Alexis screams in her face, before her gloved fist slams into her taut stomach, the leather folding momentarily into the soft flesh around her navel. The impact knocks the wind out of Agdal as her body folds over the impact zone, a strangled cry escaping her lips as the pain lances through her core, a "womp" followed by a pained "oof" from the Viking’s lips. Then, in a moment of calculated cruelty, Alexis reaches further down, her crimson glove dipping below the waistband of Nina's black bikini bottoms. The fabric strains against her toned flesh as another leather gloved fist sinks into the soft flesh of her lower abdomen, just above the pelvic bone. With a choked gasp, Nina's body convulses instinctively, her face contorting in a mixture of pain and humiliation. Alexis deliberately bunches the fabric with her fist, twisting and yanking with a viciousness that makes the crowd gasp, forcing Nina's body to lurch forward. "Still think you're the queen, Nina?" Alexis sneered, her voice a venomous whisper in Nina's ear. "Looks like your reign is over, darling."

Finally, the bell rings, a merciful end to a brutal display of willpower. Ren is pulled off Nina’s sagging form, and though she knows she’s clearly won this round, the road to the finish line seems too far away. Both fighters stagger back to their corners, their chests pulsing, sweat dripping from their bodies. Alexis, despite landing the flurry of punches at the end of the round, bears the marks of Nina's power. A developing bruise is visible on her ribs, and a cut has to be relooked at above her right eye. Nina, though battered, seems to have weathered the storm. Her face is flushed, her breathing ragged, but her eyes still hold a spark of defiance.

ROUND 5:

Round Five commences, and the tension in the VIXENs' sports gym is thick enough to choke on. Both fighters emerge from their corners, their movements cautious yet purposeful. Nina, still nursing a bruised cheekbone, pulsing tummy, and a wounded ego, seems to have regained her composure. Her eyes are cold, her expression one of vengeance. She controls the center of the ring, her jabs snapping out like whips, keeping Alexis on the defensive. A left hook glances off her fellow Vixen’s jaw, followed by a right cross that lands squarely on her ribs, forcing a grunt of pain and doubled steps back. The crowd roars its approval, chanting Nina's name. It seems as if the former champion is back in control, ready to reclaim her throne. But Alexis isn't giving up that easily. Driven by an urgent need to prove herself, she digs deep and finds a renewed fire in her belly. Her punches, once hesitant, now find their mark. She dips under Nina's guard and throws a vicious left hook to the body, forcing Nina to grunt in pain, her breath momentarily leaving her lungs. Then, she follows up with a right cross aimed at Nina's solar plexus, her glove slipping through the arms and driving the air from the Danish fighter's stomach, forcing her to hunch over, eyes wide and mouth hanging open. IT’S REN’S SHOW! Alexis unleashes a left hand to the face, another right hook to the ribs, before a left hand snaps Nina's head back! Agdal tries to cover up, raising her gloves in a desperate attempt to block the onslaught, but a final right cross lands flush to her midsection, doubling her over again and sending a gasp escaping her lips! With seconds ticking away, Alexis sees her opening. Nina has dropped her guard for a split second, and she EXPLODES forward, unleashing a final hook across her face! The impact is explosive. Nina's head whips back, her eyes widening in shock. Her legs buckle beneath her, and her body CRUMPLES to the canvas like a felled tree! The arena erupts in a stunned silence, followed by a deafening roar! It’s a KNOCKDOWN for Alexis Ren!

The referee dives in, his arm raised as he begins the count. "One... Two... Three..." Nina lies motionless, her body sprawled awkwardly on the canvas. The crowd holds its breath, the tension almost unbearable. "Four... Five... Six..." Nina stirs, her limbs twitching as she struggles to regain her senses. But her body is too battered, her energy reserves depleted! "Seven... Eight... Nine... Ten!" The referee's voice booms through the arena. It’s OVER in SHOCKING KO fashion!

Official Result: Alexis Ren defeats Nina Agdal via KO5!

AFTER:

The echoes of the referee's final "knockout" declaration reverberate through the arena, met with a wave of shocked silence. Then, as the reality of Alexis's victory sinks in, the VIXENs' gym erupts in a cacophony of cheers and boos.

Alexis, momentarily overwhelmed by the sudden end of the fight, staggers back from Nina's crumpled form. The adrenaline rush begins to fade, replaced by a wave of exhaustion and a dull ache that pulses through her body. But the fire in her eyes hasn't dimmed.

She yanks off her gloves, the Velcro ripping apart with a harsh sound that cuts through the crowd's noise. Her movements are deliberate as she approaches the still-dazed Nina. Roughly, she hauls the shattered Nina to her feet with a grunt of exertion. The Danish girl’s head lolls back, her blonde hair cascading down her back in a tangled mess. Alexis's grip is brutal, her fingers digging into the roots of her hair with a force that makes her wince. A look of pure hatred contorts Nina's face, her jaw clenched tight, but there's also a flicker of something else in her eyes – a sense of vulnerability that Alexis savors.

As Alexis hoists her upright, Nina's face slowly glides up Ren's body in a humiliating display of dominance. Her dazed blue eyes take in the sight of her rival’s toned legs, clad in crimson boxing shorts that barely cover the impressive musculature beneath. The friction of Nina's face against Alexis's sweat-slick skin sends shivers down both their spines. Nina's gaze continues its slow ascent, traveling up the smooth expanse of Alexis's taut stomach, the crimson fabric of her sports bra straining against her defined abs. A single bead of sweat trickles down Alexis's chest, leaving a glistening trail in its wake. Nina's lips part slightly, her breath hitching in her throat as her eyes finally meet Alexis's. For a fleeting moment, there's an unexpected spark of something akin to desire in their gazes.

Alexis seizes the opportunity, her face inches from Nina's. A cruel smile twists her lips. "You thought you could break me?" Alexis taunts, her voice dripping with venom. "This isn't over. I came here for revenge, and I won't stop until I claim this entire tournament.”

But apparently, Nina isn't done yet. As Alexis continues to tug on her hair, a spark of defiance reignites in her eyes. With a guttural cry, she twists her body, her powerful legs finding purchase on the canvas. Then, she lashes out, her fist connecting with Alexis's jaw in a blind, desperate swing. The crowd roars as the two fighters remain locked in a chaotic embrace. They grapple for renewed dominance in the center of the ring, their bodies a tangle of limbs and sweat-soaked fabric. Punches fly, each one a wild haymaker aimed at inflicting pain.

Alexis, her earlier composure shattered, retaliates with a flurry of rage-filled blows. She keeps her grip on Nina’s hair and yanks it back, the blonde strands ripping free from her scalp. A stinging slap returns on Nina's cheek, followed by a vicious backhand that sends her head snapping to the side. But Nina ain’t idle either. She retaliates with a haymaker that cracks into Alexis's jaw with a satisfying crunch, forcing Ren to stumble back, momentarily stunned. With a roar, Nina surges forward, driving her knee upwards to SLAM into Alexis's groin with an even more devastating THUD!! and OUUFFF! Immediately, Alexis is doubled over, and a guttural gasp escapes her lips!

Smiling wickedly, Nina hauls a stunned Ren close to to her by her hair, one hand looped around her bikini string top, pulling her in and taunting her back. Ren’s body visibly strains against her hold, her back muscles tensing as she tries to pull away. The crimson fabric of her bikini, already damp with sweat, stretches taut against her torso, threatening to tear,, revealing a sliver of her toned stomach and a tantalizing glimpse of her cleavage. But of course, this wardrobe malfunction was the least of her worries at the current moment, with a flash of hot pain still radiating through her thighs and groin.

"Guess we’ll settle the score in a third fight, huh, Alex?" Before Ren can reply, Nina delivers more short, snappy punches – one across her cheek, another to her exposed stomach just above the waistband of her bikini. These blows weren't knockouts, but they were filled with a vicious satisfaction, a promise of more pain to come. Alexis, caught off guard and momentarily defenseless, could only snarl and writhe in Nina's grip, as the first blow lands with a smack on the side of her head, snapping it to the right. A wave of dizziness washes over the trapped girl, her vision blurring at the edges. The second punch, aimed at Alexis's exposed abdomen just above the waistband of her bikini, slams in with a dull thud, stealing her breath. Her body convulses instinctively, her back arching and her stomach muscles clenching in a desperate attempt to absorb the blow.

Then, the referee, who had been momentarily frozen in shock, blows his whistle frantically, his voice lost in the maelstrom of violence. Security officials rush into the ring, their faces grim as they tried to pry the two women apart. It’s a chaotic, ugly scene, a stark contrast to the carefully orchestrated spectacle that had preceded it. Finally, after a tense struggle, they manage to separate both fighters. Alexis, her hair disheveled, her face streaked with tears and blood, is dragged back to her corner, while Nina, still snarling and spitting curses, has to be restrained by her team.

Backstage, the VIXENs' locker room is chaos. Medics tend to the fighters' wounds, while coaches and PR reps bark instructions in hushed tones. Nina, her face bruised and swollen, sits hunched on a bench, her eyes burning with a cold fury. Reporters crowd around her, their questions a barrage of accusations and speculation.

"That was a disgrace!" one journalist throws out, shoving a microphone in her face.

Nina glares at him, her voice a low growl. "I have nothing to say to you," she spits. "You wanted a show, you got one. And you can bet your ass I'm not done with Ren yet."

A camera flash blinds her momentarily. Another reporter asks, "Are you saying you're not sorry for what happened?"

Nina scoffs. "Look, it got a little out of hand at the end, that's for sure. But Alexis was the one who came after me first. I was just defending myself. Get real. There may have been some pushing and shoving before things escalated, but she was the one who threw the first punch. And she won't be in the ring to finish it. Next time we meet, it won't just be a fight. It'll be a war."

Her words hang heavy in the air, a chilling promise of the violence to come.

Meanwhile, in a separate room, Alexis is equally defiant. Her team fusses over her, applying ice packs to her bruised face and cleaning the blood from her split lip. But their efforts are in vain. Alexis's fury burns brighter than ever before.

Alexis snarls, her voice laced with venom. "That little b*tch thinks she can humiliate me and get away with it? I'll show her what real pain feels like."

Reporters hover cautiously around Alexis, their questions hanging in the air unanswered. The fighter is a wounded animal, best left undisturbed.

Back in Alexis's room, the questions continue. One reporter asks, "Alexis, with Nina out of the tournament, who would you like to face in the finals?"

Alexis doesn't hesitate. "f*cking Cohen, of course," she declares, her voice cold and resolute. "I want to rewrite history. My last match with Nina was a fluke, a moment of weakness. Eden cheated her way to the top of the roster, and now it's my turn to show everyone what I'm truly capable of. I want my revenge, and I want it in front of the whole world."

AFTER AFTER:

The echoing clang of metal on metal resonated through the VIX locker room, the aftermath of the evening's fights a distant hum compared to the raw tension brewing in the steam-filled showers. The air was thick with the scent of chlorine and sweat, a potent mix that clung to the skin like a second layer.

The tiled walls, usually a sterile backdrop, now played witness to a primal scene. Nina, her golden bikini dripping with water, was pinned against the cold porcelain, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and rage. Alexis, a shadow in the dim light, loomed over her, her black bikini a stark contrast against Nina's pale skin.

"You thought you could get away with it?" Alexis snarled, her voice a guttural growl that echoed against the tiles. "You thought you could humiliate me in front of the world and I wouldn't retaliate?"

Another punch, a vicious right uppercut, launched itself at Nina's navel. Her fist, a weapon encased in damp leather, slammed into Nina's taut stomach with a crunch. Her knuckles, white and stark against pale skin, momentarily disappeared into the soft flesh, creating a brief indentation before exploding outwards as Alexis ripped her fist away. A ripple of pain erupted across Nina's midsection, a wave that seemed to steal the air from her lungs. Her body convulsed instinctively, her back arching against the tile in a desperate attempt to absorb the blow. The force of the uppercut sent a jolt of white-hot pain shooting up her torso, a primal scream clawing its way up her throat but dying unheard in a strangled gasp. She gasped, her fingers clawing at the slick tiles in a desperate attempt to find purchase. But Alexis held her in a vice grip. Meanwhile, the water cascaded down around them, a shower that mingled with sweat and tears.

Nina, needing to escape the onslaught, lashed out with a desperate swipe. Her hand, slick with water, connected with a glancing blow on Alexis's shoulder. It was a feeble attempt, a fly buzzing against a windshield, but it was all she could manage. Frustration and a surge of adrenaline fueled a second attempt. Her other hand, propelled by a surge of defiance, shot up, her fingers digging into the damp blonde strands of Alexis's hair. She yanked with all her might, the surprise of the attack momentarily breaking Alexis's focus. A strangled cry ripped from Alexis's throat as her head snapped back, the force of the yank sending a jolt of pain through her scalp.

"This is for fighting back, b*tch,," Alexis hissed, her lips brushing against Nina's ear, the contrast between the soft touch and the venomous words a chilling reminder of her ruthlessness. "For every taunt, every cheap shot, every moment of humiliation."

A left hook to the stomach, followed by a right uppercut that landed squarely on Nina's solar plexus. The air whooshed out of her lungs in a strangled cry. Her body convulsed, her abs rippling and tensing. But there was no escape, and Alexis was just getting started. “Maybe you’re not cut out for this life after all, Nina,” Alexis taunted, her voice dripping with satisfaction as she continued to rain blows down on Nina’s midriff. “The fans were right. You’re weak. Maybe it’s time to give that crown to someone who actually deserves it.”

As she spoke, the punches kept coming. A rhythmic whump-whump-whump echoed through the tiled room, each blow sending a fresh wave of agony through Nina's body. Her once-taut abs now trembled and spasmed with each impact, the skin rippling and folding under the continuous assault. A guttural "Hnngggnn" escaped her lips, followed by a desperate "haaaugghhh" as her fist sank deeper, carving a temporary crater in her flesh.

Nina's body slumped further, her head lolling against Alexis's shoulder. Her grip on Alexis's hair loosened, her fingers now tracing weak patterns on Alexis's back, a silent plea for the torture to end. And then, the footage CUTS OUT, the CCTV screen flickering to static. The shower stall remains shrouded in mystery, the only sound a muffled thudding and the faint echo of desperate gasps. The rest is, unfortunately, left to the imagination…