Rita Hayworth
Ava GardnerEven before the battle between the two came to its brutal conclusion, the lucky spectators were all silently agreeing to themselves that this was without a doubt the greatest catfight since the legendary Marlene Dietrich/Loretta Young epic battle of 1938. Rita and Ava were both at the peak of their powers, each coming into the fight with undefeated records, and the two of them utterly determined to do whatever it takes to defeat the other.
As the match wore on, it became obvious to both women that their skills were too evenly matched, resulting in a veritable stalemate. It was Gardner who resorted to underhanded tactics first, kneeing her rival in the groin. Gaining the upperhand, the sultry brunette subjected the screaming Hayworth to a string of tortures, Ava's gorgeous face a mask of malicious glee. Realizing she had to fight fire with fire if she hoped to still claim victory, Rita was soon resorting to similar methods, and soon it was Gardner who howled in anguish from the punishment subjected upon her.
As the contest approached an incredible length of 45 minutes, exhaustion was clearly overtaking the two beauties, and only their fierce spirits kept them fighting. They could no longer even muster up insults, but instead could only make the most animalistic of grunts. But as command of the battle swayed back and forth, none in attendance could predict who might emerge the victrix.
Suddenly, Gardner drew back her right arm, balled her fist, and threw a wild blow aimed at her opponent's face. But Hayworth was able to just barely sidestep the blow, and as Ava stumbled forward, the redhead slipped behind her and wrapped her right arm across the brunette's throat. Ava's eyes bulged in fear as she gasped for breath, her nailed clawing at the strangling limb even as Rita tightened her choking embrace.
Gardner keened forward, collapsing to the carpeted floor, with Hayworth now atop her, pouring her last vestiges of strength into the stranglehold. Ava squirmed as the breath was squeezed from her throat...and then she ceased to move altogether. Realizing she had won, Rita released her hold and began to rise, only to have her legs buckle and she fell semi-conscious across the body of her beaten nemesis.
