DISCLAIMERS/NOTES
1. This is a fan fiction based on characters owned by World Wrestling Entertainment. I DO NOT OWN THEM. This is just for fun.
2. This is a femslash story. If you don't like that sort of thing, you won't like this.
3. This is also in no way meant to represent the real people behind the characters on WWE television. Again, this is FICTION.
4. This is kayfabe-friendly - meaning, it treats professional wrestling as if it's a legitimate sport.
5. And finally, I've thrown in some references showing how I, personally, would handle aspects of the title picture in the Brand Split.
PART 1
"No. No no no no. You... you can't be serious."
Shane McMahon smiled smugly at Becky Lynch's stammering. "I'm completely serious."
Bewildered, Becky simply glared the SmackDown General Manager, who looked back at her nonchalantly. Becky blinked - she could not believe this. It could not be so. Shane had to be joking. But the expression on his face showed he meant it.
It had been like this since the latest Superstar Shakeup. In an attempt to better differentiate Raw and SmackDown, it was decided to unify the two Tag Team and Women's titles, and make each division exclusive to a brand. As a result, tag teams became property of Raw, and the women were now all on SmackDown.
Unfortunately, while the wrestling scene was now more focused, it seemed to have a terrible effect on Shane. In the process of the shakeup, he reverted to his more underhanded ways. In short, as Becky and everyone else realised, he was now once more a complete arse. He sealed the deal with a beatdown on Daniel Bryan, putting the former WWE Champion and co-GM on the bench for the foreseeable future.
Still, the fact remained competition was now fiercer, as there was just one belt to strive for. Becky was desperate to be champion again; she never managed to win the NXT strap, and only held the SmackDown Women's Title briefly. She would do anything to win gold again, especially from that arrogant cow Alexa Bliss.
But Becky's mind faulted on one aspect - anything. Was that true? Would she do anything to be champ again? Because that was the crux of her problem with Shane right now.
"I... I... " Now the Lass Kicker's voice matched her mind. "You... you can't expect me to... to have a match with Sasha?"
Shane just shrugged. "Of course I do. You've had matches before. And this will be a No. 1 Contender's Match. Winner challenges Alexa. That's what you want, right?"
"Well, yes, but... " Becky was at a loss for words. "But... not like this."
"I really don't see the problem." The classic Shane O'Mac smirk crossed his face. "You and Sasha have fought before."
The Irishwoman narrowed her eyes. She knew exactly what the GM meant by that. Becky Lynch wrestled Sasha Banks many times in the past, but Shane was not referring to that. It was common knowledge the two women were now a couple. And it was common knowledge they both had fiery temperaments. Meaning, sometimes they argued. No big deal - they loved eachother too much to let stupid fights ruin their relationship.
So for Shane to make a glib joke about that? Becky struggled to reign in her fury.
Before she could do anything she might regret, Shane spoke again. "Becky, I understand, and I sympathise... " - what bollocks - "... but you're both competitors. Sooner or later, you'll have to face eachother. If one of you wins the title, sooner or later the other will climb up the ranks to challenge her. It's simply the way of the business."
Beckly simply shook her head. "No. There's no way I'm fighting my girlfriend. Forget it. You can't make me."
"Well, actually, yes I can," replied Shane. He then threw his hands up in mock surrender. "But hey, I get the message. I understand this makes you uncomfortable, and if there's one thing I don't want, it's my Superstars feeling uncomfortable. It's my job as General Manager to take care of everyone on SmackDown."
Becky was not buying this BS.
"Problem is," continued Shane, "the rest of the ladies are all signed up for matches. So what're we gonna do about the No. 1 Contender's Match?"
Becky clenched her jaw. "Drop it."
That seemed to faze the Prodigal Son. "What?"
"You heard me," replied Becky, power coming back into her voice. "Give the title shot to Sasha."
For once, Shane seemed at a loss for words. "You... you're serious, aren't you?"
"Completely. My relationship with Sasha is more important than any titles." Did Becky really just say that? Her career was vital to her: she gave up everything to be a professional wrestler, left her family and homeland. And yet... she loved Sasha so much, their coupling was now the most important thing in Becky Lynch's life. Even moreso than title glory.
Shane shook his head in awe. None of the McMahons could ever comprehend anything meaning more than WWE. It seemed for a time Shane at least got past the family business, but since his return in February 2016 he gradually became obsessed once again. "You'd sacrifice the championship for her?"
"Oh, trust me, I fully intend to be champion again," said Becky. "Sasha and I fully support eachother's careers. If I go for the belt, she'll be behind me all the way. But if it comes to a situation where I have to choose between the two... then yes, Sasha wins."
Shane looked at her, and something in his expression made her uneasy. "That's... interesting." He let the comment hang in the air for a moment. "OK, Becky, I get the message. I won't force you to do anything you don't want to." Yet, Becky knew. "I'll make it official on Tuesday - Alexa vs Sasha for the title. I trust you'll be in Sasha's corner?"
Damn Shane and his presumption, especially since he was right. "Always," responded the Lass Kicker. "I'm loyal to the ones I love... something your family still needs to learn." With that hanging in the air, Becky left the dumbfounded GM's office.
She knew she might live to regret that snarky parting shot, but right now she did not give a toss...
TO BE CONCLUDED