Day of Judgment 2: Crossing The Line

Chapter 1: The Return

(For those of you who didn't read Day of Judgment I suggest reading it first then this one. But you don't have to.)

Disclaimer: I do not own trademarks on the TNA or any of the wrestlers.

I woke up that morning the way I did many days recently, thinking what could have been. My name is Ben Bordonaro I was a WWE superstar. Hell I had even won a Royal Rumble, and had my own stable. However things went down hill from there. About two weeks after the rumble disaster struck. I was doing a big move and landed wrong on my neck. I had to have surgery and have been out for a long time since. Sure I still talk to some of the guys but it's just not the same. I even started working indy shows again just to get that feeling I had when stepping into the ring. I even formed a tag team with this guy Chris Cameron and he and I have become good friends.

The phone rang one morning, shaking me out of my nostalgic haze. I stumbled to my phone.

"Hello?" I said acting being groggy.

"Ben its Chris" A familiar voice said. "You'll never believe who I just got off the phone with. Mic Foley from TNA. He wants to sign us and wants us to be in Orlando this week's Impact."

"Ha Ha Ha Chris." I said yawning. "Could you at least have waited until after I got my coffee before making a joke like that?"

"I'm not joking" He said. "Foley wants to bring us in as a surge in the TNA Tag Division. He asked us to bring our gear so we can face one of the teams already there as our try out."

That shocked me awake. This was my chance to be in the spot light once again and this time I had a partner I new I could rely on without question. My mind raced as I tried to figure out what I needed to do to be ready.

"Ben?" Dave asked. "Ben are you there?"

I looked back at the phone. I had forgotten Dave was still on the line.

"Yeah I'm here" I said. "Ok can you take care of the ride to Orlando? My car is all but falling apart and I don't think it could hold together for a road trip."

"Sure man" Chris said. "I'll talk to you tomorrow with the rest of the details. I think we should break out the duster coats for this."

With that he hung up. The duster coats he referred to were a couple of coats we found at a street fair that was part of a charity event we wrestled at. They were in good condition and were almost identical. We had a friend fix them up and were waiting for the right moment to debut them. This seemed like the perfect time.

The rest of the week went by really quick. I spent half the time watching the recorded TNA wrestling episodes on my DVR so I could know everything there was to know about TNA. From The Hulk Hogan news to the names of everyone on the roster and their styles. I knew it all. The rest of the week was basically spent making sure my ring gear was set and packed up. I was already for the trip and my shot at reviving my career.

When the day came to finally make the trip up to Orlando. I was as excited as a five year old at Christmas. Chris pulled up in his car and I tossed my bag into the back seat and hopped in. I could tell Chris was just as excited as I was. I even caught him speeding a few times.

As we drove into Orlando I felt a surge of energy I hadn't felt since the day I debut in wwe. We pulled up to the back of universal where we were met by security. They guided us to a parking lot behind the studio where TNA does its shows. Chris pulls into a spot and looks at the building.

"Well there it is" Chris said. "TNA's Impact Zone is in there. Grab your bag and let's head in."

I grabbed my bag and followed Chris. It seemed like just as we entered the building we ran into Mic Foley.

"Ah you must be Chris and Ben" Mic said. "TNA's potentially next big tag team. I've seen you on tapes and I got to say you really are good. The question is can you be good when the lights are on and the crowd's roaring?"

"I think we are" I said as I shook Mic's hand. "After all I have been out there before in WWE. I know this is a different type of crowd than what they had but I think we can handle it no problem."

"Ph Yeah I forgot you worked with them" Mic said. "I'll have to let JB know when he introduces you. He's going to do an interview with you before your match and he'll tell you who you're facing. Down the hall are the locker rooms. You can change into your gear there and then head farther down the hall to the interview area. JB will be waiting for you there."

We both nodded and headed back to the locker rooms. I got changed quickly and started to explore the area while I waited for Chris. The first place I headed for was catering. My stomach was grumbling from the long drive from Buffalo to Orlando. I found the room and looked around.

The room was filled with wrestlers. Some I knew from my time watching the old WWE and WCW, Some I knew from working indy shows, and some I knew very little about. The first group that caught my eye looked like the United Nations had come to TNA. The guy I knew as Davari in WWE, a Japanese guy, a few guys who looked like British Bulldog want-to-bes, and a bald guy in a suit. They were talking with one of my idols in wrestling Kevin Nash. I couldn't really tell what they were saying but it seemed important so I didn't interrupt them.

"Well look what the cat dragged in" A familiar voice said. "It's our old friend Ben Bordonaro."

I turned around and sure enough Bubba Ray and D-von Dudley were standing there along with Rhino and some rookie with a weird hair cut. Bubba looks me over.

"I guess it's true that TNA will take anything WWE throws away" Bubba said. "Last time we saw you; you were being carted out of a stretcher and sent back down to the minor leagues. What are you doing here cluttering up our company?"

I could feel my anger level rising. I didn't want to make a big scene here though.

"Well if you must know I am here for a tag team try out with my friend Chris" I said calmly. "We were personally invited by Mic Foley. I'm more wondering why it's such a big deal to you. If memory serves I beat you two so many times that I thought you learned not to mess with me."

The rookie looked angry at my comments. He reminded me of someone but I couldn't place him. I looked him over and figured it wasn't him it was who he reminded me of.

"This guy the new Spike?" I asked. "He looks like he got some more meat on his bones than that little runt you used to get bossed around by."

The rookie looked angry and so did the Dudleys. Bubba had to hold the kid back from taking a swing at me.

"Easy Jessie you'll get a shot at him another day." Bubba said as Rhino and D-von take him out of the room. "good luck in your match tonight Ben. I want to get a few shot in at you soon."

Bubba follows the others out of the room. I grab a sandwich from the table and start chomping down until I see Chris walk over. I met up with him and we headed over to the interview area. A man with a microphone stands waiting.

"You must be JB." Chris stated.

"That's me and you must be the new tag team." JB answered. "Ben and Chris. By the way do you have a team name or something? That way I can introduce you to the fans properly."

I looked at Chris. He was always good with wrestling names. In fact he was going to be wrestling under the name of Chris Baine. It wasn't his real name but close enough that way fans didn't bother him when he was home relaxing. He looked like he was thinking for a bit then turned to me.

"How about The DOA Crew." Chris says. "We can even call that double team move we do the 'Doomed On Arrival'."

"Sounds good to me." I said as we got into position.

The red light turned on the camera. As it did all my nerves just melted away.

"Hello fans and welcome to another great night of TNA impact. Tonight we're going to start off with a tag team match where a new tag team will debut and if they can win will get a spot on the TNA roster. Let me introduce them they are Ben Bordonaro and Chris Baine. They are the DOA Crew"

We quickly slide on our duster coats that Chris had brought and walk into view of the camera. I stand on one side of JB and Chris on the other.

"Alright Let's start with Ben." JB Says. "Ben you've been around the business before. You were very successful in a different organization. How do you think you'll do here in TNA?"

"That's right" I said looking straight at the camera. "I have been around the block before and know what this business can do to you. I was on top of the world and then with a neck injury I was dropped from my former company like a ton of bricks. That's something I don't see TNA doing. On a different note, the company I was in used to see the bigger guys as their potential champions not giving the little guys their shots that's why I like it here in TNA. You don't have to be a Super Heavyweight to get anywhere. That's why I'm here. Not just Because Hulk Hogan is working here. I'm here because this truly is the future of professional wrestling."

"And How about you Chris?" Jab asked. "You have been working with Ben for a while. Do you think you can win your match tonight against the Motor City Machine Guns?"

Well now I knew who we were facing. Chris Sabin and Alex Shelly are two of the greatest lightweights in the tag division. I have seen them in the ring in person. When they sync up there is nothing better for a show. I knew we would have to be at the top of our game and I could see in Chris' eyes he was thinking the same.

"It's like this JB" Chris said. "The Guns are an amazing team but Ben and I are ready for anything that comes our way. You see they are a good highflying team but with Ben's technical skills and my power I think we can handle them."

I felt a rush of confidence from Chris' words.

"That's Right" I said. "Sabin, Shelly, Your doomed on Arrival."

We walked of the set and made our way to the entrance tunnels. Mic stopped us before we got out to the crowd.

"Hey boys how ya doing?" Mic aked. "I wanted to catch ya before you go out there. One of the security guards got me a message that an old friend of your is sitting right at front row Ben. A lady name Arianna."

My jaw dropped. I couldn't believe Arianna was actually here in Orlando. Mic and Dave both looked like they could see just how shocked I was.

"Any ways" Mic said. "My sources tell me that Arianna was dropped by WWE and so I was thinking that maybe you guys could use a manager."

I couldn't believe my ears. Mic wanted my old friend Arianna to join us and TNA.

"It's ok with me" Dave said looking at me.

"Alright but I want to be the one to tell her" I said. "We'll go out there and I'll invite her over the guard rail. Then we'll give her the rest of the details later."

"Alright" Mic Said. "Hit the music."

A nice almost country song started playing as Chris and I walk out. The crowd is electric when we make our way to the ring. We stop at ringside right about where Arianna is. I don't make eye contact and just lean on the guard rail.

"It's been a while Arianna" I said trying to look like I wasn't surprised to see her. "You know you really shouldn't be in the crowd."

"Oh then were should I be?" She asks giving me a look. "I don't work for WWE anymore as if you noticed."

"Weel I think you should be closer to ring side" I said as I reach out my hand to help her over the rail. "As The DOA Crew's Manager."

I couldn't tell if she was in shock or awe as I helped her over the rail. She gave me a hug and the three of us entered the ring. Chris and I were both pumped to get this match rolling. My heart almost skipped a beat when the guns music started playing. They were obviously the crowd favorite, I knew we would have to try and win over the crowd as well as win this match and it was plain to see neither of those were going to be easy with the energy and ability of the Guns.

I started off the match against Sabin who tried to rush me once the bell rang. However I caught him coming in and landed a nearly perfect bell to belly overhead suplex. Sabin rolls to his knees and gives me a look that to me said nice job. He tried a few times to rush me and each time I had a counter for him. Finally he tags in Shelly. I look over at Chris who from the look of him wants in too. I tag him in and step to the outside.

The Match up between Chris and Shelly was a bit more of a seesaw battle than Sabin's and mine. Shelly was a bit too fast for chris and was able to get in some offence every so often but when Chris got a hold of Shelly there was some major impact. It was obvious both would need a tag soon. Both Sabin and I had our arms reached out. Sabin was first to be tagged in but I was not to far behind.

I stepped back through the ropes just in time to get a kick to the face. I hit the mat and then feel a pair of boots driven into my gut. I look and see the ropes right by me. As Sabin tries another low dropkick I slide myself out of the ring. Arianna helps me to my feet. Dave meets with me and checks how I'm doing. We both hear some commotion in the ring. By the time we look Sabin is diveing over the top rope towards us. We catch him and drop him right on the guard rail. Shelly tries nad get the same result. The ref has reached a count of seven. Chris and I roll into the ring and look down as both guns lay on the floor. The ref reaches ten. Neither of the guns are up. The bell rings and our arms are raised. Chris looks at me and I nod. We got to the out side and help the guns to their feet. They both look confused and the four of us re-enter the ring as if the match is still going on.

I thought they were going to attack us again but instead they just extend their hands in friendship. We exchanged hand shakes when a new music played. Sabin and Shelly seemed to know the music and turned to face the entrance way. Out from the tunnels comes Bubba and D-Von. Bubba has a microphone.

"Sabin, Shelly, I sugest you get out of the ring" Bubba said. "D-von and I have a problem with TNA's newest tag team and we're about to settle it."

Sabin calls for a microphone from one of the camera men.

"Ray your jokeing right?" Sabin said. "This has got to be the worst time to fight a team. They just got finished with a match between us. They are probably sore, tired, and a bit memorized by our greatness. So…."

Chris grabs the microphone from Sabin.

"Sore but I think we got enough for a fight." Chris looks at me and I nod. "So why don't you walk the ramp and get into the ring and test your might. I promise you you'll be DOA."

Bubba and D-von march down to the ring as Sabin and Shelly leave. While they climb in I make sure Arianna gets out of the ring too. I turn around just as the Dudley boys enter the ring. They both seem to get in my face more than Chris'. Bubba threw the first punch hitting me square on the side of my head. I wobble back and then return one of my own. Chris makes sure D-von doesn't get a shot in by landing a hard right.

We fight on with neither side really getting an advantage. I get a good shot on bubba sending him to the outside. The fans are going wild. Some of the fans infront of me are telling me to turn around. I do and get hit with a wicked spear from Rhino who must have gotten into the ring. I tell you it hurt like hell. The next thing I know Chris is standing over me with a kendo in hand. He helps me up and along with arianna helps me out of the ring and to the back.

As we make it to the back stage area Mic is sitting in and watching the match on a monitor. He gives us a bit of an applause as we make it to him.

"I tell you what guys" Mic said. "I like what I see of you out there. You had a great match against one of the top teams in TNA and then got into a fight with one of the top teams in the history in team 3D. And hearing the fan reaction. I mean we're gonna have to check if there still is a roof on this place. Look why don't you get some rest in your locker room and talk. I'm sure your going to want to see what happens later."

Chris and Arianna help me back to the locker room. After I am all set Chris heads out to get me a drink and let me and Arianna catch up on old times.

"So WWE let you go" I said holding my ribs that were hurting greatly. "I thought that stable would go on forever without me.I mean Dave was just like me and I thought he would take over and bring you guys to fame."

"More like drive us into the ground" Arianna said. "he just kept making decisions and not worrying about the repercussions. One by one we broke off and did our own thing. I unfortunately fell through the cracks in WWE. I was set as a interview personality when my heart belonged in the ring. I ended up leaving the wwe about five months after you were released. I just started getting back into the swing of being a fan of wrestling. You know how it is. Once you tasted the big time it's hard to just watch."

"Yeah I do" I answered. "It's tough to see people you work with and think that it could have been me out there. I mean look at me. I was in line to have a heavyweight title shot. Then this neck injury side lines me and I never thought I would get back to the main stream. Then about a week ago I get a call from Chris. And well the rest is history. Any ways would you like to be the DOA Crew's permanent manager? "

Her eyes widen in shock. There is a quiet pause and then she nods. I was so excited and I knew Chris would be too. Chris walks in with a bottle of water.

"Alright I got good news." Chris said. "Were officially TNA superstars. The DOA Crew will be in two singles matches next week I will be faceing Rhino and you Ben will be faceing "Brother Ray" of Team 3D."

"Cool" I said takeing the cap off my water. "But what about tonight?"

"Well" Chris replies. After the show there is a big autograph party and Mic wants us to be part of it. HE told me to tell you to get changed and meet him at the entrance way after the show. I'm going to grab something at catering before they close down. I'll catch ya in a bit. "

As Chris leaves Arianna heads out to tell the group she was with not to wait up for her. I get changed and sit back down to rest my ribs. Just as I sit I hear a nock at the door.

"Yeah, Come in." I yell.

The door opens and a large man wearing a blue flannel shirt and a mask walks in. I knew who it was from the moment he walked in. "The Monster" Abysse as he was called had worked a few indy shows in western NY. He even did a show at the local baseball diamond that was named the Ball Park Brawl. I had never faced him but of all the TNA superstars I think he was the one I knew the best.

"You're one of the two new guys huh?" He asked. "I've heard of you. You're the guy who almost made a big name for himself in WWE then went back to the indy shows. I have seen a match or two of yours and I think you got great potential. Just don't go around acting to mighty or there is a locker room of guys ready to knock you down, including me."

"Well thanks Abyss" I replied.

"Oh Call me Chris" He interrupted."

"Ok 'Chris'" I said getting back to my comment" "Don't worry about me getting to mighty. That happened before and an injury brought me back down. If you heard about my WWE career then you probably know about that."

:Oh yes I do" Abyss answered. "But sometimes history repeats itself. And I don't want to be the one who extinguishes such a bright future. All I'm saying is to earn what you want here and you'll be fine. I got to go for my match. I just wanted to let you know."

Abyss left and I started thinking. Was I really that big a threat to others here in TNA that people are warning me not to step into their territory? Did I really have this potential that everyone else could see but I couldn't? I didn't know but I would find out eventually.

Chris came back in not too long after and then Arianna. Chris grabs his stuff and heads to the bathroom to change. Arianna and I watch the rest of Impact. Everyone was buzzing about Hulk Hogan joining TNA. I had to admit so was I. I had been a Hulkamaniack ever since the first time I saw him on TV.

The show's end was drawing near. The Main event was AJ Styles and Kurt Angel vs Desmond Wolf and Eric Young of World Elite. About half way through a knock comes to our door. We open it up and Mic Foley is standing in the door way.

"Ready to meet the fans?" Mic asked us. "they look like a good crowd to get out there and get your names out there. And even get your fan base going."

We follow Mic to the entrance way were we wait for the end of the main event. Kurt had gotten an Ankle Lock on Eric Young and he had tapped out. Desmond Wolf attacks Kurt. The entire thing turns out into a big brawl. Kurt is able to get the upper hand and Olympic Slam on Wolf. Kurt and AJ walk out of the arena with their arms raised. After the ring clears out JB comes out of nowhere with a microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen" JB says getting the crowd's attention. "Don't go yet we got a special treat for you. A few of the TNA superstars are going to be coming out here for autographs and pictures. So let's just get this party started. Introducing first the one and only Mic Foley."

Mic turns to us as his music plays.

"See you out there" He says as he walks out. The crowd is very loud when he comes out. He Walks to the ring and grabs the microphone. "Thank you. Now for a group of friends of mine. You saw them debut tonight on Impact. Ben Bordonaro, Chris Baine, and their manager Arianna. Together they are the DOA Crew."

The music we had played on our entrance earlier played. I led Chris and Arianna out to the arena floor. The crowd was louder than earlier. Possibly because Mic gave us an endorsement or the fight we had against 3D. I didn't care though and by the looks of it neither did Chris or Arianna. We made our way down the ramp shakeing fans wands and soaking up the cheers. We enter the ring and Mic hands me a his microphone. He wispers 'their yours' to me and leaves the ring to start signing autographs.

"Did everyone enjoy the show?" I asked and was almost immediately answered by cheers. "That's good. As You know we are the DOA Crew and we're new to TNA. However most of you know this isn't my first trip in pro wrestling. I have to say you guys are a lot better than the crowds I saw from that other company. Your louder, more energetic, and all together more crazy than anything I have ever seen anywhere. I guess it's true that TNA fans are the best in the world."

The crowds roar was almost deafening. I toss Chris The microphone and take Mic's lead to start signing autographs.

"I have to agree Ben" Chris says. "That's why I was wondering why you kept talking. These fans don't want to hear us jabbering they want to party. Let's get a few more guys out here and get this party started."

Impact's music plays and a few more wrestlers come out. Leading the Pack is AJ Styles and Jay Lethal. I make my way around the crowd getting pictures and signing autographs. The crowd eventually dies down and it's just me in the arena. Chris and Arianna had gone to the back and were prepareing to head to the hotel. I sat in the ring looking out at the empty stands. The events of the night replayed in my head. After a while Chris comes for me.

"Yo Ben" Chris says let's go. I want to get back to the hotel and have a drink. Ya Comming?"

I stand up and climb out of the ring. I catch up with Chris and we head out of the arena. Before we make it to his car I look at him.

"And this was on our first day on the job" I said. "Just think what will happen next week"

I hop in the car and we drive off to the hotel.