Hello everyone! This is my first time posting here! So forgive me if I have obvious errors in my post but I will do my best to keep you all entertained! Any and all comments are appreciated as well as advice! Hope you enjoy my premiere story, Hinder.

I DO NOT OWN ANY CHARACTERS OR ATTRIBUTES OF THE WWE. ANY CHARACTERS OR STORYLINES AFFILIATED WITH THE WWE ARE THE SOLE PROPERTY OF THE WWE. MY OCs ARE MY PERSONAL PROPERTY.

Emily Graham is a young professional woman that has just been given an opportunity to work with the WWE talent roster. She was hand picked for the position of Talent & Branding Coordinator by Stephanie & Triple H. She has worked her whole life for this opportunity and is planning on being nothing but successful. What Emily didn't plan on was finding a pleasant distraction along the way. She has been forewarned to remain professional at all times and to never conduct herself inappropriately with her new colleagues. Otherwise, there will be consequences to her actions. Is this enough to keep her focused on her career? Or will her success be hindered by new conquest in her love life?

Hinder

Looking out the window of the back seat, I start staring off at the pedestrians wandering through the city as we pass them. I never thought in a million years I'd have this opportunity.

"We believe you would be the best person for this position."

A deep voice says.

"Wow, Mr. Levesque. I truly appreciate you keeping me in mind and thinking highly of me."

I replied as I crossed my fingers in front of me and bring my hands together.

"Don't give it a second thought, Emily. You have done an excellent job as my promotional assistant. My wife does not have one negative thought in her mind about you and your potential."

Triple H says alongside his equally professionally dressed wife, Stephanie.

"As soon as the position of Talent & Branding Coordinator became open, we both felt it would only be conducive for business if we assigned you to the task."

Stephanie says with a gentle smile.

"Again, I cannot thank you both enough for this opportunity."

I respond as I reach out to shake Stephanie's hand.

"Just remember one thing, Emily. You are going to deal with different personalities. Our roster has some difficult personas you will face almost daily. We want to remind you to conduct yourself professionally at all times."

Triple H says as I begin to take Stephanie's hand.

"Also, if there is any behavior we feel is inappropriate or harmful, it may require action on our part. Just keep that in mind as well."

Stephanie says with a stern tone.

"I understand."

I replied as I reached for a pen to sign the agreement in front of me. That was several weeks ago. Today is my official first day on the job and tonight I would finally be introduced in my new title. The town car pulls into the arena and parks near the tour buses. "Ma'am, we have arrived." My driver says kindly. "Yes…we have." I respond as I gather my things and exit the town car.

My introduction to the whole WWE roster was to take place in staggered groups with the current coordinator, Martin Kearney. Martin had been in his current role with the WWE for well over 15 years. Prior to that, he was apart of the Talent Training and Development team. He even had a hand in the implementation of the WWE Performance Center. He was well known and widely respected among the talent. And so, in order to help make a smooth transition, he was going to be working with me his last few weeks with the company. After our group meetings, I was then to have a more private introduction with senior talent as their schedules are normally filled as soon as their day begins.

"Alright guys, listen up!"

A semi-professionally dressed Martin says to the group of men and women in front us.

"For you new guys, I'm Martin Kearney. My job is to pretty much be the communication hub between you, the marketing team, and if necessary the creative team. If there's a promo we're rolling out, I'm the one to tell you about it. If there's a new face coming onto the roster, I'm the one to tell you about it. If you have displeased the higher ups in the marketing or creative realm, guess who is the one to tell you about it?"

The group smiles in response to Martin's humorous, but strict demeanor.

"So, even though that is my job, it is not going to be for long. Some of you may know, I'm going to be retiring in two weeks. I know you'll miss seeing my gorgeous face everyday but, I promise you, you will get over it. In the mean time, your new Talent & Branding Coordinator is none other than the lady in black standing to my right. This is Emily Graham and she will take a second to introduce herself."

Everyone turns to me and gives their full attention. I see a few kind smiles while others held a solemn look on their faces. I could feel the stares burning through me while they all visually sized me up. I mustered enough comfort to smile and toss my hand up in a wave to the group.

"Hello everyone, as Martin said, I'm Emily Graham. I've been with the company for a few years. My last position was Paul's, or as you may know him, Triple H's Promotional Assistant. I have also been a fan since I was a 6th grader so I am not a newbie when it comes to the WWE. I just want you all to know that although I am here to be the communication hub, I also will make myself available to you individually. If you have any questions or concerns that you would like me to follow up with marketing or creative, I can definitely take that off your plate. I am very excited and cannot wait to work with each one of you. Now that I've introduced myself, are there any questions you may have for me?"

I ask as I adjust my black blazer over my black bandage turtleneck dress. I look and see a few members of the roster rolling their eyes, specifically some of the divas.

"I have a question."

A feminine voice says as she raises her hand.

"Yes, Nikki?"

I reply after recognizing diva Nikki Bella.

"Um, yeah. How old are you? You look very young for being a legitimate professional."

"Cool it, Bella."

Martin says in response to Nikki's snide question.

"No, it's fine."

I say as I keep my focus on Nikki Bella.

"Well, Nikki. Some of us did not get into modeling right out of high school. I ended up going straight to college and starting my career very early in life. I know I look awfully young, but that's just because I am 26 years old. So, to answer your question, yes. I am a legit coordinator and if there are any concerns in that respect, I highly recommend taking it up with Stephanie or Paul. I'm sure they would not mind discussing their business decision with you as they were the ones who distinctively hired me for this position."

I reply with a firm tone.

Most of the group smiles while the others have a surprised look on their faces. I especially notice one member of the crowd that even lets out small clap.

"Well. Looks like this one can handle herself well, Martin."

A man leaning against the wall says as he stops his small clap.

"I can see that, Dean."

Martin responds impressed with my disposition.

Chapter 1

After my episode with Nikki, I was able to get through two more introduction meetings with the rest of the roster. All that remained on my schedule were two introduction meetings with two senior superstars.

"So Daniel & John. Any warnings before we meet them?"

I ask Martin as we make our way down toward their individual locker rooms.

"Nope. I think it's important that you determine your own impressions of them. You were able to deal with a little resistance earlier today, I think you'll be able to get through these two."

He replied as we came upon Daniel Bryan's door. Martin knocked as I readied for my encounter.

"John?"

Martin said in reply as John Cena opened the door.

"Come in."

John said kindly as he left door open for us to enter.

"Me & Daniel were just prepping for the show tonight. Hope you two don't mind killing two birds with one stone."

Cena said as he sat on the couch near the door. Daniel Bryan was standing across the room grooming his beard.

"Not at all. This shouldn't take too long anyway. You both know I only have two weeks left here in the WWE."

John Cena nodded as he leaned back onto the couch more comfortably. Daniel stopped grooming and started for the couch to take a seat.

"Sadly, yes."

Daniel says as he smiles and plops down on the other end of the couch.

"Well, this is Emily. She's going to take over my position so I'm pretty much showing her the ropes and helping her get familiar with you all."

Martin says as he motions toward me.

"It's very nice to meet you both."

I say kindly as I put my hand out to Daniel Bryan.

"Likewise."

Daniel replies with a smile as he shakes my hand.

"So you're the one that got sassy with Nikki earlier today?"

John says as he stands up.

"Yes, that would be me."

I said with no hesitation.

Cena walked toward me in an intimidating manner and squared his eyes onto mine.

"I'm just kidding. It's nice to meet you, Emily."

He says as a smile comes upon his face and he puts his hand out.

"Same to you, John."

I respond with a chuckle and shake his hand firmly.

"Look, I have an understanding with Nikki. She and I are together but once we are on the clock, business is business. We don't have to agree on everything when it comes to business."

John says as Daniel nods his head in agreement.

"Brie and I also have the same understanding, Emily."

Daniel says as he strokes his beard.

"Well I definitely appreciate your professionalism, gentleman. It is my first day and I'm not trying to be negative or rude in any fashion."

John smirks as he releases my hand.

"Well guys, we should get going. If you have any questions, you know you can take them up with Emily or myself while I'm still here."

Martin says as he motions for me to exit with him.

"Thank you, Martin. And hey, let us know if you have anything planned on your last day. Maybe we can do something in your honor."

Daniel says as he arises out of his seat and heads toward the restroom.

"Will do, Bryan."

Martin confirms.

"Pleasure meeting you, Emily."

John says as Martin opens the door for me.

"Same to you, John."

I reply as I exit and close the door behind me.

"Hey Daniel!"

Cena shouts.

"What!"

Daniel shouts from the restroom.

"I think I found one!"

John shouts back with a grin.

Martin and I decide to grab a bite while we make our way down a corridor to the catering area. The pyrotechnics rang through the arena as Monday Night Raw began.

"So, Emily. What do you think so far?"

Martin asked as he grabbed a paper plate.

"My dream job, Martin."

I said as I followed in suit and picked up a paper plate. It felt like high school all over again, the way they laid out the catering area. Looked a lot like a make shift cafeteria complete with folding tables and chairs. The food looked amazing, however. A few wrestlers were eating and hanging out, some dressed in their gear. As Martin and I sat at a table, a young man dressed professionally came toward us.

"Martin, Operations wants to speak with you privately."

He said, nicely.

"What? I didn't get any emails or notifications."

Martin responded in confusion as he pulls out his cell phone.

"You know how Ops can be, Martin. Always last minute discussions on a minute's notice. I'm Jake, by the way."

The young man says as he looks to me.

"Emily."

I respond as I look to Martin. Martin sighs and puts his fork down.

"Probably something with my exit paperwork. I'll be right back, Emily. Go ahead and mingle around. We'll meet up later."

I nod my head as Martin gets out of his seat and follows Jake. A feeling of nervousness comes upon me as I realize I'm now alone. It then starts to really feel like high school with me being the new girl. I put on a brave face as I start to dig into my salad. Pretending I'm not fazed, I pull out my cell phone to check the time. Just then, a familiar voice from behind me begins to sound.

"Eating alone, huh?"

I turn to see Dean Ambrose sitting at the table behind me.

"It appears so."

I reply nicely.

"You like being a loner?"

He asks simply.

"Sometimes."

I reply.

"Well, I don't."

Dean says as he gets up and seats himself across from me at my table.

"Hope you don't care. You're new anyway. You probably could use a new friend or two."

He says as he sips his water bottle and leans back into his chair.

"Sure."

I said as I took a bite from my plate.

"I saw the way you handled yourself with Nikki. Thought that was cool. She can be hard for the girls to deal with sometimes. Especially new girls."

I smiled as I reached for my water and took a drink.

"I've dealt with worse. New blood can make the veterans feel out of place sometimes."

"You are pretty young too. I know a little how that was when I came into the picture two years ago. But I had two others I came onto the scene with. It must suck you just being by yourself."

Dean says as he tilts his head and starts tapping his water bottle.

"Not really, I'm not too bothered by it. I'm used to doing things alone. Plus, I have Martin showing me around."

I began to feel warm and decided to remove my blazer.

"Look at that. Already got you taking off your clothes."

He says as I place the blazer on the chair next to me. I shoot an unimpressed look back at Dean as I register his crass comment.

"Better be careful, Ambrose. You don't want to get inappropriate with someone you work with."

He smiles awkwardly.

"Already been there. Done that, Emily."

"Well I don't plan on it."

I say in a serious tone. Dean grins at my effort to remain professional. He starts squirming around in his seat as he sits up toward me.

"Word of advice, Emily. New blood might make some feel out of place, but it might make others feel like there's a new ground to play in."

I focused on him and squared my eyes. I was not sure if he was talking about himself or if he was giving me fair warning on the other guys on the roster. Either way, I didn't like where the conversation was going.

"Like I said a moment ago, I've dealt with worse. Good luck tonight, Ambrose."

I reply sharply as I grab my blazer and make my exit.

After my encounter with Dean, I decided to walk around and get familiar with the atmosphere. It wasn't going to be easy, especially in a form fitting dress and black high-heeled booties. However, I figured I would use the time to see how backstage operates during the show. I became more acquainted with some of the wrestlers waiting around for their matches to start. I even stood by and began watching some of the show on the monitors placed outside the production room. I watched as Dean's segment aired and could not help by notice how talented he was on the microphone. He was charismatic but in his own manic way. I was intrigued that someone could play the "unstable" card in a non-obvious way. Just then, I felt my phone buzz and saw it was Martin. Guess it was time to meet up and touch base on my first day with the team.