A/N: Although much has been made of some sort of supposed backstage "sibling rivalry" between Shane and Stephanie McMahon based on rumors and sensationalist reports, I don't buy any of it. Stephanie enjoys writing and is better at it. Shane enjoys the business side. It's that simple. On the other hand, it does make for an interesting story.

Another note, this is my second story with Shane as a jerk (I just can't see him playing any other character, plus when I actually did finally get to see him in real life he unfortunately came off as a jerk then too. Hopefully it was just a one time thing but it has stuck with me.) I haven't decided yet how much of a jerk I want to make him but if you are a Shane McMahon fan please don't hate me. Anyway, enjoy the story!

SUMMARY: Vince fakes his own death to see which McMahon sibling is more capable of running the WWE. You'll be surprised at what he finds out, and on his return decides that old enemies are his biggest ally. Stephanie, Shane, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, John Cena, Melina, others.

Chapter 1

Vince McMahon sat with his wife Linda and held her on his lap.

"This is what's best Linda. Shane and Stephanie have never really been tested. We need to start thinking of the future." He told her sensing her discord over the whole idea of faking his own death.

"But it's just not right to play with their minds like that, isn't there another way?" She asked.

"We've tried. They both have enough power in the company now to make the big decisions, but with me around they still seem distracted." Vince replied.

Vince thought back to the many times Shane had tried to show Vince he truly was the "heir apparent" and the many off the wall ideas that came along with it. His latest brain fart being the suggestion that stars from the TV show "Jackass" get at least one main event match at the second biggest PPV event of the year. As a non wrestler himself, Shane seemed to embrace the idea of non wrestlers stealing spots from legit, hard working and talented wrestlers already on the roster. What he failed to realize is that few true wrestling fans actually want a see a bunch of morons in the ring who simply make a mockery of the business.

Then there was Steph. Although she had taken the constant insults from the fans and media alike gracefully, she still doubted herself. She still thought she had a lot to prove in the eyes of the naysayers. It seemed the harder she tried to get out from underneath her last name, the more she was accused of using it. Vince had been successful at deflecting some of the name calling against her, but what Stephanie had to learn on her own was that some people simply loved to point the finger and if someone doesn't like you, there's probably nothing you can do to change their mind.

Linda signed. Even though she hated the idea, she new Vince was right. She simply wished they didn't have to go through such extremes. But, this was the McMahons, it's not like they enjoyed doing things the easy way.

"I suppose you're right." Linda finally acknowledged.

"I know I'm right." Vince returned with his typical goofy grin plastered on his face. "Now, you better get going. You've got a memorial service to attend. Let me know if the 'asshole' chants start. It will make me feel all warm inside." He teased and then planted a kiss on Linda's lips.

Linda rolled her eyes. Only she could truly appreciate Vince's insane way of thinking.

Ooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

As the memorial service for Vincent Kennedy McMahon came to a close, Shane smirked as he looked at his sister holding on tightly to Paul's arm for comfort.

Shane worshipped his dad as mush as anyone, but business was business, and as the oldest McMahon sibling, and Vince's only son, it was time for him to take charge. No longer would he have to sit back and watch his brother in law and sister make all the creative decisions. Shane had ideas of his own and he couldn't wait to implement them.

"Hey Shane O, sorry man." John Cena said getting Shane's attention. "Your old man and I didn't always get along, but deep down I actually think I'm going to miss the guy." John was trying his best to offer some support over the elder McMahon's loss.

"I appreciate it man." Shane replied, giving John a friendly slap on the shoulder. "But don't worry, we'll take care of the belt for you." Shane remarked and then made his way over to where Stephanie and Paul were standing.

As John watched him leave he raised an eyebrow. Shane's last remark seemed odd to him. The Championship belt was the last thing on John's mind right now, and considering that Shane's father had just died, it should be the last thing on Shane's mind as well.

"You okay babe?" Paul asked.

Stephanie looked up at her husband and wiped a tear from her face. Vince had been there time and again to stand up for her when back stage politics got in the way of the big picture. She knew that many in the industry saw her as daddy's little girl and nothing more. If there was a storyline that failed, she was usually to blame. If there was a popular Superstar who failed to give his or her best effort and was now being buried in mid card status, she was usually to blame. But never was she recognized for the many things that went right. The wrestling industry was a funny business; the fans are passionate and vocal. But despite the few who liked to complain about every angle, every push and every decision being made, there was the big picture, and that was TV ratings. Despite the loud few who hated John Cena, thousands loved him. He was a champion of the people and kept his nose clean in and outside of the ring. Stephanie saw that and so did the advertisers. Stephanie realized that if she ran the business based on the whims and complaints of a few that ultimately the business would fail and that thousands of wrestlers would be out of a job. That was the big picture.

"I'll be fine. Thanks." She replied softly, smiling up at Paul.

Now that Vince was gone, Stephanie felt more pressure than ever. She didn't always agree with her father, but he had taught her to stick to her guns. If not for him she would have crumbled at every unjustified insult thrown in her direction. So, was she daddy's little girl? Sure, Vince was a good father if not anything else, and she was a better person for it.

As Shane made his way over to Stephanie his face showed warmth and sincerity.

"Paul." He nodded to his brother in law.

"Shane." Paul replied back raising a suspicious eyebrow.

Shane reached for Stephanie's hand and held it while gently rubbing his thumb across the top to sooth her.

"Monday's a new day Steph, I'll see you at Raw." He told her and then bent down and kissed her lightly on the top of her head.

As he walked away he adjusted his tie and let his famous arrogant smirk play on his lips.

"Yep." He said to himself. "Monday's a new day and the beginning of the Shane O Mac Era."

A/N: Okay, I know this chapter was a little short, but it was just to set things up for the story. They won't all be that short I promise. Hope you like it so far. I'd love to hear what you think.