Raw rolled around and Ali found herself in John's locker room. She watched as the wrestler put on his shirt and adjusted his baseball cap.
"It's crooked." she teased, earning a chuckle from her best friend.
"My hat?" he arched an eyebrow at her from over his shoulder.
"No, your face." she smirked and he threw back his head and laughed.
He slowly turned around and replied in a low voice, "Oh, you're gonna pay for that one, short stuff."
Ali's eyes widened and she carefully came off the bench, making sure to keep it between herself and him.
Suddenly he took off for her. She let out a squeal and tried to get away. He jumped over the bench in hot pursuit and caught her up easily, wrapping his arms around her waist and lifting her in the air.
"Gotcha!" he said triumphantly.
"Ugh, put me down!" she gasped in between fits of giggles, "Your breath smells worse than your feet!"
"That's it." John announced as he easily tossed her over his shoulder and began to make his way towards the restrooms, "You're getting a swirly."
"No!" Ali shrieked, beating her fists against his back playfully, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
John came to a stop and grinned over his shoulder, "Do you mean it?"
Ali slumped against his back, tuckered out, "Uh huh."
"You sure?"
"Uh huh."
"You're gonna be nice?"
"Uh huh." Ali propped her elbows against his back, chin in her hands. She had a feeling this was going to take awhile.
"And who is the nicest guy in the world?" John prompted.
"You." the assistant muttered, rolling her eyes.
"And who is the best looking guy in the world?"
"Hugh Jackman." Ali instantly answered, mischief dancing in her eyes.
John couldn't help but smirk at that, "Yeah, yeah. I know."
He set her down and mocked, "Oh Hugh! Hugh Jackman! He's so cu-ute!"
Ali turned around and swatted him on the arm, "Jerk."
"Yeah, I know." he sighed, completely unoffended.
Something clicked in his mind and he gradually grew serious. Immediately Ali's lighthearted mood disappeared. Something was definitely up.
"Hey." she reached out and touched his arm, "What's going on?"
"I want you to stay out of sight tonight." he stated, "Just stick around my locker room, okay?"
He took off his cap, running a hand over his short hair, "I don't know how far Sheamus is willing to push this and I don't want to see you get hurt."
"All right." Ali nodded, for once not arguing with him, "I'll stay here."
"Good." he slipped his cap back on and gave her a smile, "Now I'm going to go out there and call the son-of-a-bitch out."
Ali blinked, stunned by his announcement. She knew he wouldn't just turn the other cheek, but still. . .it worried her. She was afraid of what Sheamus might do to him next.
"Be careful." she stated as she reached out and took his hand.
He grinned and gave it a squeeze, "This is different. He's not gonna be attacking me when my back is turned. He'll have to be a man and come face me."
"Still, be careful."
He gave her a grin and released her before leaving the locker room.
Ali wandered over to the TV set up in the corner of the room and turned it on before once again taking a seat on the bench. She watched on as Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler announced that John was going to come out to confront Sheamus. The show then cut to commercial.
She bit her lip, thoughtful. She had promised John that she would stay in the locker room, not wanting to give him a reason to worry about her. Especially when he had so much to deal with already.
But the truth was, she really didn't believe Sheamus would hurt her. It was weird, and maybe she was completely wrong, but she just didn't think he would go that far.
He had plenty of opportunities to do it in the past and yet he hadn't. He had intimidated her, yes, but he had never tried to hurt her.
She went back to the event a few nights ago, when he had grabbed her arm. Even then, it was like he was trying not to harm her. His grip had been firm, yes. But not hurtful.
She laid back on the bench with a grunt. Ugh, she just couldn't figure him out. One minute he calls her high and mighty, tells her she's not a prize and then the next he tells her she's looking good.
What was his game? What could he possibly hope to accomplish?
Was he hoping she would let her guard down? And if so, why?
She began to smirk. Maybe he just wanted to screw with her head. Yep, that was probably it. She wouldn't put it past a man like that. He had no qualms about beating up time keepers and kicking announcers in the head. What was the big deal about playing with a woman's mind to him?
She heard the sounds of the fans cheering and she sat up, her attention going back to the TV. John was standing in the ring. And though he was smiling, she could see that the smile didn't reach his eyes. He was actually very serious; like a sleeping panther, ready to strike.
She felt trepidation well up inside of her.
Down in the ring, The WWE Champion looked out over the crowd and grinned.
"So, Sheamus, you want a title match." he shrugged, appearing nonchalant, "I got no problem giving you one."
He grew serious, "But only for the WWE title. Alina-she has nothing to do with this."
He started to look around, most liking keeping an eye out for the Irishman, "What kind of a man does that anyway? What kind of a man demands a woman be put up, like she's some kind of piece of meat?"
He slowly began to grin, "Unless, of course, you knew I wouldn't do it. You call me out for a title shot and when I say no, 'cause who's really going to put up their female friend, you get to tell everyone I was too scared to face you. When, in actuality, it's you who's too scared."
The champion looked right into the camera, "That's it, isn't it, you human jar of mayonnaise. You're too afraid to face me one-on-one and you figure if you ask for some ridiculous stipulation there's no way I'll say yes."
Ali cringed at his words.
"Come on, John." she murmured with a frown, "Don't piss him off."
Suddenly the crowd began to go nuts.
Ali leaned forward and watched with wide eyes as the Celtic Warrior came out from under the ring. He slipped under the bottom rope and climbed to his feet.
"Look out!" the assistant screamed at the television screen.
John turned around too late as Sheamus launched himself at the other man, knocking him to the canvas. He came on top of him and plowed him with blow after blow to his face and torso. John tried to fight back, but because Sheamus had the element of surprise the champion was too stunned.
The Celtic Warrior grabbed a hold of John's throat, strangling the other man while keeping him pinned down. He reached over and picked up the microphone.
Leaning over the other man, practically snarling, he muttered, "Ah ain' afraid of you, Cena. Ah think yer the one who's afraid of me. If you think you have no problems beatin' me give me my title shot."
John struggled to breath, fighting not to lose consciousness. Just before he felt the last traces of air leave his lungs Sheamus relaxed his grip.
The champion began to cough, struggling to fill his air starved body.
"Go to Hell." he wheezed.
Ali cried out in fear and alarm as the Irishman began to beat John about the head with the microphone.
Sheamus stood up and began to kick at the man, driving his foot into his torso and abdomen again and again.
He grabbed John by the neck and brought him to his feet. He started to whip him into the ropes when John reversed it. As Sheamus came back it was now John on the offensive, hammering the Irishman with blow after blow.
Somehow the redheaded man managed to duck out of the way, rolling out of the ring and coming to the ground below. He stood up and glared as Cena, snarling and breathing heavily. John stood in the center of the ring, waving him back in and yelling for him to come on.
Suddenly a beeping, much like the sounds of an incoming instant message, filled the arena. The crowd began to boo at the sound, knowing what it signified.
Michael Cole began to grin arrogantly as he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a pair of reading glasses. He stepped up to a podium, which housed a laptop, and made a great flourish of opening it and hitting a few keys.
At last he looked up and announced, "May I have your attention, please. I've just received an email from the Anonymous Raw General Manager."
If possible, the fans' boos began to get louder.
"'John Cena, Sheamus, this thing between you has got to stop.'" Michael read, "'John, Sheamus has earned his right to face you for the WWE Championship. Therefore, I've decided that either you agree to the match, on his terms, for the upcoming TLC or you will be stripped of the WWE title.'"
"What?" John looked completely astounded and the fans' booing continued.
"Unbelievable!" Ali cried out in disbelief.
Sheamus appeared triumphant, a huge grin on his lips.
"'John,'" Michael went on, "'You have until the end of the night to tell me your answer.'"
The screen cut to a commercial at that moment.
Ali instantly got to her feet and hurried from the room, making her way towards the backstage entrance. She knew John had told her to stay put, but there was no way she could do that now. She had to see him.
Her mind was reeling. She didn't know what to think. Just when she thought she couldn't dislike the Anonymous GM any more, they turned around and did something like that.
It wasn't fair! John shouldn't lose his title, something he worked so hard to keep, just because of that stupid match stipulation.
She met the WWE champion as he exited through the curtain.
He looked down at her in surprise and demanded, "What are you doing? I thought I told you to keep out of sight."
"There's no point to do that now." Ali objected, "God, I can't believe that jerk sided with Sheamus! This is so unfair!"
She let out a sigh and walked with him back to the locker room. As soon as they entered the WWE champion began to pace the length of the room. Ali could see he was getting angry, but trying to keep his temper in check.
"What are you going to do?" she asked as she followed him with her eyes.
He stopped and turned to her, shaking his head, "I'm not doing it."
"John-"
"No. Way." his tone was set, resolved, "There's no way in hell I'm putting you up. They can strip me of the title, I don't care. I'm not doing it."
Ali leaned back against the wall, sad, "But it's not right. You worked so hard. You shouldn't have to give up everything because of me."
"I'm not." he tried to reassure her, "Ali, look, it's just a title. I won it once. I can win it again. I'm not giving Sheamus a chance to get his hands on you. It's not happening."
Something came over the assistant and she straightened, heading for the door, "I'm going to go find Sheamus. Maybe if I talk to him, try and reason with him, maybe he'll take out the stipulation."
John was at her side in an instant, taking hold of her arm and halting her exit.
"No." he turned her around and leaned down till they were nose-to-nose, "No, you're not. You can't reason with an animal, Ali. Trust me, the guy's not going to change his mind."
They were silent for several moments, each alone with their thoughts.
Ali looked up at her best friend. She remembered how excited he was when he won this last title shot. How proud he was to represent the WWE. She couldn't let him give all of that up. Not for her.
"Do it." she announced, heartfelt.
John blinked and looked down at her in surprise, "What?"
"I said do it." the assistant stated, "Agree to the match."
"Ali-" the champion started to protest, but she cut him off.
"John," she told him with a gentle smile, "You can do it. I trust you. I believe in you. I know you can win. Agree to the match, kick his ass, and lets be done with this once and for all."
He took off his cap and ran a hand over his hair, "I don't want to do this."
"It's the only way." Ali told him.
John shook his head and gave her a knowing smile, "No, it's not. I can still give up the title."
"Please don't do that." the assistant pleaded.
He looked out over the locker room and sighed, "The truth is, I don't know what to do."
Ali reached out and took his hand, waiting to catch his eye before she spoke, "Whatever you decide, just know that you have my full support."
He gave her hand a squeeze, a motion that she readily returned.
"Do you mind if I be alone for awhile." he asked her, "I just need some time to think."
"I understand." she gave him a quick hug and left the room, closing the door softly behind her.
John tossed his hat onto the nearby bench and sat down. Leaning over, he ran his hands through his short hair as his mind raced.
He looked up, his eyes landing on the title belt which sat a few feet away on a table. He regarded it thoughtfully. . .
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The end of the night had finally come. Ali had spent the majority of the time hanging around John's locker room, hoping he would come out. But in all that time he had stayed secluded, trying to figure out what he was going to do.
At last the door opened, the WWE champion stepping out. He drew to a stop when he noticed Ali waiting for him and an easy smile came to his lips as she approached.
Before she could speak he jumped in, "I need to know that you'll back me in whatever I decide."
Her heart sank. He had decided to give up his title for her. She was sure of it.
Oh, John, she thought, heartsick, Don't do it. Don't give up your title. Not to protect me.
She reached out and gave him a hug, nodding, "Whatever you decide, you have my full support. You know that."
John picked her up, returning the embrace.
"Thanks." he sighed, looking at the far wall pensively, "I needed that."
He sat her down and started to head off when she took hold of his hand. He looked down at her, brows knit.
"What?" he asked.
"I'm going with you." Ali stated.
"Ali, no." he was adamant, "I don't think it's a good idea."
"Hey," she offered a slight smile, "This concerns me, too. I have the right to be there when you make your announcement."
John paused, considering her words.
On one hand, she had a point. This did concern her and she did have a right to be there.
On the other, it was too dangerous. As soon as he announced his decision he knew Sheamus would come down to the ring. He couldn't deal with the human jar of mayonnaise if he had to worry about her safety.
Ali, as though she were able to tell what he was thinking, crossed her arms and stated, "I'm going, either with you or I'll just follow you after. Your call."
John inhaled, growing frustrated with her stubbornness. She arched an eyebrow at him but remained silent.
"Fine." he muttered, leading the way towards the ring, "Let's go."
His theme hit the arena and he stepped out onto the stage. Ali came after him, her eyes locked on her best friend. She continued to watch him as the made their way down to ringside.
John helped her up the steps and soon joined her out on the apron. He raised the ropes, allowing her to enter first before, again, joining her. Ali watched on with a frown as he made his way over the side of the ring and got a microphone from Justin Roberts.
She wanted to cry. She really did. She couldn't shake the immense feeling of guilt that ran through her body. He was going to give everything up for her.
She bowed her head, her eyes narrowing. This was all that animal, Sheamus', fault. Why did he have to drag her into it? And that stupid anonymous GM, forcing John to do this. What a coward that man or woman was! Why didn't they just show their face already?
John returned to the center of the ring and raised the mic, "So here it is, the end of the night. And I have a decision to make."
"This title," he removed the belt from around his waist and held it up for the crowd to see, "Represents so much to me. You see, the last time I won this title was in a sixty minute Iron Man match with Randy Orton. We beat the hell out of one another and just when I thought I didn't have anything left in me I dug down deep, kept fighting and managed to get the win."
He looked at the belt thoughtfully, "To me, this represents everything I believe in. Hustle, loyalty and respect."
Ali regarded the title sadly. And he was going to give it up. This wasn't right. It just wasn't right at all.
"So I have a choice." the champion went on, "The Anonymous Raw GM tells me I either agree to Sheamus' terms or I'll be stripped of my title."
That garnered boos from the crowd. Ali wanted to join in with them.
"The truth was, I didn't know what to do until just a little while ago."
"And it was, uh, it was actually something Ali said to me backstage." John looked down at the assistant with affection, "She told me she'd give me her full support, no matter what I decided."
He looked out at the crowd and began to grin, "And if there's one thing you should know about this woman, it's that she's honest."
"Painfully so, sometimes." he smirked at her before going in, "But honest all the same. If she says she's got my back, then she's got my back."
He turned his attention towards the ramp, smile vanishing as he grew serious, "She also told me she trusted me. She believed in me. She said I should take the match, kick Sheamus' ass and be done with it. And that's what I'm going to do."
The fans began to cheer and Ali looked up at him in surprise.
He was actually going to do it? She couldn't believe it. She had been so sure he was going to vacate his championship.
"I will face Sheamus at TLC." the champion went on, "I will beat him. And then this whole thing will be over and done with."
As predicted, Sheamus' music suddenly erupted over the arena. John handed Ali his mic and motioned for her to get back. The assistant did as she was told, walking towards the far end of the ring and out of potential harm's way.
John laid the belt in a corner and came back to the center of the ring, leaning down and preparing himself for the inevitable fight to come.
Seconds later the Irishman started making his way down the ramp. There was a wide grin on his lips, his eyes filled with triumph.
He knew it. He knew that arse, Cena, wouldn't give up his championship. And now that bleedin' pride of his was gonna cost him everything.
He came to a stop in front of the ring and raised the mic in his hand, "Ah couldn' help but hear some of that, Cena. But Ah think you got a lot of that wrong.
"You and Ah will meet at TLC, fella," the Celtic Warrior went on, his smile fading away and his eyes growing cold, "But Ah'm the one who's gonna walk out of there the next WWE champion."
His eyes landed on Ali and his grin subtly changed into a leer, "Ah think yer lass here might like the sounds of that. It'll give her a chance to be around a real man for a change."
Ali scoffed, her eyes constricting. Real man? Seriously?
John motioned for his assistant to hand him the mic. She did so nervously. She could just imagine what he was going to say and she was sure the Celtic Warrior wasn't going to like it.
The champion began to smirk as he raised the microphone, "'Real man'? Did you just call yourself a real man?"
"Ah am!" Sheamus bellowed, growing angry.
How dare this eejit try to insult him.
"A real man doesn't need to bully a woman to be with him." John slowly began to grin, "A real man doesn't need a stupid match stipulation to get one to willingly spend more than five minutes with him. Cause let's be honest, Sheamus, the only way you'll ever get a girl to spend time with you is if you force her."
The Celtic Warrior saw red. He started to go for the ring when John dropped the mic and waved him on.
Sheamus glared from Cena to Alina. She was looking back and forth between the pair, clearly concerned. It actually surprised him. Here he thought she'd be cheering her man on, even throwing a few insults his way. At the very least he thought she'd have piped up and agreed with his comments.
But she had said nothing. In fact, she looked like she wanted all of this to just go away.
He couldn't figure her out. And that infuriated him more than anything else.
"You think this is why Ah'm doin' this, Cena? You think Ah'm interested in yer little assistant? Fella, Ah'm just doin' this because Ah can." Sheamus growled, pointing a finger at them both, "This is about takin' everythin' away from ya. Everythin'. Includin' her."
He dropped the mic on the ground and began to walk backwards up the ramp. He grinned back and forth between the pair, letting them both know that they weren't going to get to him.
Once he hit the top of the stage he beat his fist against his chest and threw out his arms, bellowing.
Ali flinched at the scene, her dread growing.
Soon the Celtic Warrior was gone. It was only then that John at last turned to her.
He reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her, "You okay?"
She nodded, but didn't speak. The truth was, she wasn't sure she had the words to anyway.
He led her out of the ring and up the ramp to the back. As they went past the curtain a few of the Superstars and Divas applauded him. John chuckled, embarrassed by their attention. He thanked them but continued to head towards his locker room, his arm still around his assistant's tiny shoulders.
Once they went inside and John closed the door Ali took a seat on the bench. She looked up to find him watching her with a frown.
"How pissed are you?" he asked, uneasy with the thought of her answer.
Ali shook her head, "I'm not angry. I'm worried for you, of course, but that's it."
When he didn't look convinced she went on, "John, I told you I would back you in whatever you decided. And I meant it. I also meant it when I said you could beat him."
He walked over and knelt down beside her, his forearms braced on her thighs. He sighed and offered her a sad smile.
"I'm sorry, kid." he replied sincerely, "I'm sorry you have to be involved with all of this."
She gave him a gentle smile and reached out, touching his cheek, "It's not your fault so don't even go there. You'll win your match. I know you will."
He patted her hand before rising and heading to the showers. When he was gone Ali laid back on the bench and looked up at the ceiling with a frown.
This was it. No going back now. Come TLC her fate was sealed one way or another.
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Sheamus stormed into his locker room, slamming the door behind him. He began to pace the length of the room, his rage growing with each step he took.
He could still hear Cena's taunts. Could still hear the crowd as they laughed along with him.
He closed his eyes tightly, teeth grit, as he tried to block it out. Instantly he was taken back to when he was chubby, pale, ginger lad getting bullied by the other boys.
His blue eyes opened, wild and filled with rage. Growling, he stalked towards a nearby folding chair and picked it up, slamming it against the concrete wall again and again.
He continued to beat it until the chair started folding in on itself. He didn't stop until he felt his energy begin to die out and only then did he throw the chair against the wall before collapsing onto a bench. He leaned forward, head buried in his hands. His breathing was heavy, his face flushed from the exertion.
He wasn't that little boy anymore. Nobody would ever get the better of him again. Nobody. Not Cena. Not those stupid fans. Not that little assistant of his.
He looked up, practically snarling.
So little Alina was so sure her man could win. No only sure he could win, but that he could kick the Irishman's arse in the process.
His sneer slowly twisted into a very dark grin. That woman was in for a surprise, all right. He'd make sure of it.
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The week flew and soon it was time for another episode of Raw.
Sheamus paced the length of the ring, breathing heavily and practically snarling. He gripped the plush leather chair that was seated before the long conference table, his fingers digging into the interior. He had to force himself to release it before he ripped it to shreds.
It was real. It was actually happening. Finally, finally, he was getting what he rightfully deserved. And it was about bleedin' time.
He could hear Jesse Ventura, Raw's Guest GM or whatever it was they were calling him this evening, droning on beside him but he paid the older man no heed. He couldn't care less what the fella had to say. He just wanted him to hurry up and call Cena to the ring so's that they could sign the contract all ready.
"Now, as we talked about earlier," Ventura went on, "The winner of the Number One Contender's match between Randy Orton and Sheamus. . .Sheamus!"
At the sound of his name the Irishman beat his chest and raised his hands, calling out in victory. The fans didn't seem to share his enthusiasm, the crowd booing him instead.
He couldn't care less for them, either. They were nothing more than a bunch of sheep to him.
"Me!" he yelled, pointing to himself.
"Now," Ventura stated, "This man is not only undefeated, he has put people out of wrestling. And I think it's time now to sign the contract."
Sheamus began to smirk at that.
"John Cena, your presence is demanded down here in the ring!" the older man announced.
Sheamus turned towards the ramp, adrenaline coursing through his body. His hands once again returned to the chair, knuckles turning even white if that were possible, from the fierce hold he had on the leather.
Cena's music hit and the fans began to scream and cheer. It wasn't long until the WWE champion came out onto the stage, belt in one hand and finger raised in the air. Ali trailed after him, the young woman continually glancing towards the ring with nervous eyes.
She didn't like this. She didn't like this at all. She had told John she would back him up in whatever decision he made but the fact remained that she couldn't shake the anxiety she was feeling.
She caught sight of Sheamus, the way the redheaded man was staring a hole in John with his eyes. He looked keyed up and just itching for a fight.
Sheamus watched on as John made his way down to ringside. He could feel a sneer gracing his lips just at the sight of the man. The champion looked so sure, so confident, that he had everything in the bag.
The Irishman's gaze traveled to Ali. Now that one, she was worried. He could see the concern in her eyes.
At the sight of it he felt something, some unknown emotion he didn't want to name, come over him. He ruthlessly pushed it away and allowed his ever present anger to come back.
Best be worried, lass, he thought darkly, Come TLC you'll be mine.
John and Ali reached the ring. He turned and took her hand, helping her up the steps. The assistant made her way along the apron, waiting for John to join her. Once he did, and held the ropes open for her, she slipped between them.
She couldn't help but peek over at Sheamus and the pair locked eyes. He was smirking, his eyes cold. She quickly ducked her head and looked way, going to stand in a far corner. She couldn't believe he was actually going through with this.
John climbed into the ring and laid his belt on the table. Heart light, he took a seat in one of the chairs, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the world champion!" Jesse announced to a chorus of cheers and a few boos.
"Well the Number One Center match was exciting and we got a winner, Mr. Cena." the older man stated, "You now will sign a contract to defend the title against Sheamus. His first time, ever, getting a world championship match!"
Sheamus stared down at Cena, grinning hugely. As John began to chuckle his grin instantly twisted into a sneer.
He felt his rage begin to churn in his gut. What right did he have to laugh at him?
He seized the mic, "Ah am the Number One Contender. Ah demand that you stand up and face me!"
Ali swallowed hard, nervously glancing from John to Sheamus and back again. She could see the Irishman getting angrier and angrier by the second. It frightened her. There was no telling what he would do if his temper raged out of control.
John swiveled his chair back and forth, thoughtful.
At last he reached out and picked up his mic, "'I'm the Number One Contender'. How many times have I heard that before? Usually the guy saying it is a future Hall of Famer like HBK. Or Randy Orton. Triple H."
Sheamus was confused. Where the bleedin' hell was he going with all of this?
"And now standing before me is Sheamus, demanding that I take him seriously." John leaned back in his seat, "Why is that, Sheamus? Because you crippled a harmless announcer? Or is it because you retired a guy that's half your size? What's next, are you gonna beat up Michael Cole? Maybe have some sort of match with one of the cameramen?"
The fans began to cheer as John slowly rose to his feet. Ali bit her lip and took a shaky breath. She didn't like where this was heading. She didn't like it at all.
"For the past eight years of my life I have hung in here with the best in the land," John went on, his voice gaining in passion and volume with each passing word, "And I am proud to stand before you tonight a champion!"
He picked up the belt and held it high in declaration and the fans cheered loudly.
Despite the trepidation Ali was feeling she couldn't help but smile at his words. She was just as proud of him. He really had earned all the accolades he had received.
Sheamus glowered at the other man, teeth bared.
"Not because I'm some punk and I like to prey on the weak." John went on, his own eyes beginning to narrow, his own anger starting to come forth, "I stand before you a champion because I have never given up. I stand before you a champion because I have earned it! I stand before you a champion because everyone in this arena, because everyone watching at home, whether they like me or they don't like me knows that this is my life! This is my passion!
"This is all I got!" he finished, voice breaking with emotion.
The fans screamed, a few of them chanting John's name. Ali had to blink back tears. Because she traveled with him, because they were so close, she knew just how much being in the WWE and being a champion meant to her best friend. Those just weren't empty words. They were spoken right from John's heart.
"You want serious?" the WWE Champion bellowed as he glared at the Irishman, "You got serious! I have performed the impossible! I have achieved the improbable! I have gone toe-to-toe with the meanest, the baddest and the toughest and every single one has been compromised!"
Sheamus continued to stare at the other man, gaze unwavering. But inside his mind was working full force. Was the smiley, joking clown finally getting serious? He never thought he'd live to see the day.
The truth was, he didn't care about whatever sacrifices Cena had made. He didn't care about who he had beaten.
Because he hadn't stepped into the ring with him yet. He hadn't faced the Celtic Warrior. And he swore to himself that he would be the one to put this arsehole down. He would be the one to beat the high and mighty Cena. And not only would he take his title, but he would have little Alina, too. And there wasn't a damned thing he could do about it.
John looked down at his belt, getting a handle on his emotions. A bit calmer now, he placed it on the table and turned his attention back to the Irishman.
"Take a good look at that." he said, pointing to the title, "Cause in a few seconds you're gonna sign that paper and I want you to know what that means."
John stepped closer to the table and Sheamus felt his body begin to tense.
"I'm not an announcer." the champion told him, "You will not put me in a retirement home. When you sign that paper you go to war with me. You better be ready to make a statement."
Sheamus began to smirk at him. Oh, he had a statement to make all right. When all of this was said and done his statement would be read loud and clear and would be the only thing anyone talked about for days to come.
"And take a good look at her." John pointed back at Ali, "Because you will never, never, get anywhere near her again."
Ali glanced over at Sheamus, taking note of the way his eyes burned on her. She felt an icy finger of fear slide down her back and she shivered. She hoped to goodness that John was right.
Sheamus regarded the young woman darkly. Just as Cena represented everything the Celtic Warrior wasn't, she represented everything he would never have. Could never have. Not so long as there were men like the so-called champion around.
He wasn't oblivious. He had seen the way she looked at Cena, pride and love shinning in her eyes. And it made his stomach clench. Made his chest burn with rage. Because he knew that she would never, could never, look at him the same way.
"Let me tell you somethin', Cena." he stated menacingly, "Ah retire people because Ah can! Ah beat up Hall of Famers because Ah can! But that is nothin' compared to what Ah'm gonna do to you!"
He took a threatening step closer to the table and practically snarled, "And you look at that girl. Because Ah will take her from ya, because Ah can!"
Ali wanted to yell for them to stop this, end it now. She had told John she would back him in whatever he decided and she truly believed he had a chance to beat Sheamus.
But the fact was, she wasn't a psychic. She could hope, she could pray, for him to win. But she wasn't sure. She knew John was strong, but so was Sheamus. She knew John was tough, but again so was Sheamus. She knew John had a heart.
But the man standing across from him now didn't. And she didn't know if that made him more or less dangerous. She didn't know if he could beat the man everyone referred to as an animal, a savage, a barbarian.
A beast.
John took off his hat and tossed it into the crowd without a glance, the champion also stepping up to the table. The Irishman had just made things very personal.
Both men drew closer to the table, each glaring at the other one. Each looking like they were about to come to blows at any moment.
"Hey." Jesse raised his arm between them, trying to keep them separated.
But even he found he couldn't control those two men, those rage filled warriors. They squared off with each other, each breathing heavily, each ready to fight.
Suddenly John took off his shirt, throwing it into the crowd. He came back to the table just in time for Sheamus to seize the pen and contract and sign it.
The Irishman couldn't wait to get his name down and make this thing official. Now. The sooner that was done the sooner he could kick Cena's arse.
He finished signing and, slamming the pen on the contract, turned his attention back on the champion.
"Sheamus has signed!" Ventura announced.
Ali felt her heart sink.
John picked up the clipboard holding the contract and, also, began to sign. It was then that Ali knew her fate was sealed. She just wished she knew if it were for the better or not.
John slammed the board onto the table and glared over at his opponent.
Jesse picked up the clipboard, holding it high above his head, "I have it right here. The official signatures. Three weeks from today at TLC Sheamus and John Cena for the WWE Championship!"
Sheamus began to smirk as he stated, "Kiss yer title goodbye, Cena. While yer at it, kiss yer woman goodbye, as well. Because Ah'm gonna kick yer arse."
"But ya know," Jesse suddenly turned his attention to John, his whole demeanor beginning to shift, "You know what? I think there's a conspiracy in the World Wrestling Entertainment. I think there's a conspiracy, Cena, to keep you champion!"
Ali's brows began to knit. What in the world was he talking about?
"You got the look! You got what it takes! You do commercials!" the older man went on, "You do movies. You're the perfect looking little champion that they want."
John couldn't help but laugh at him. Ah, now this was the Jesse Ventura he expected to see. Some things never changed.
"Ya know," now it was Ventura's turn to be angry, "There was a time I didn't get the title shot because I didn't go with the flow. Because I was a rebel, a revolutionary. They don't want that as a champion. They want somebody like you that goes along to get along."
John was genuinely perplexed. Jeez, he would have thought he was facing Ventura for the title and not Sheamus.
"What are you talking about?' he demanded.
"I never got a shot at the title." Ventura snapped.
John looked down at his title. Well, if Ventura wanted his shot, why not.
"John, let it go." Ali called out to him. She didn't like where this was heading.
John ignored her, though, walking to a corner to set the title down. He came back to the older man, stepping up to him. If he wanted to go, he had no problem with it.
Sheamus saw his opportunity and he went for it. The Irishman launched himself across the ring and planted his boot right in Cena's face. As the champion fell to the ground Ali cried out in alarm.
She looked back and forth between Ventura and Sheamus in anger. They had set this up! She was sure of it!
She started to go to her fallen friend when suddenly there was Sheamus. The Celtic Warrior stalked towards John before grabbing him and hauling him to his feet. With a growl, he tossed the other man into the ring post, John's shoulder hitting it with vicious force.
"No!" Ali gasped in alarm.
Teeth grit and chest heaving, Sheamus took hold of Cena and dragged him back to his feet. He picked up the champion and put him on his shoulder, his eyes locked on the table before him.
Ali shook her head, her voice suddenly failing her. She knew what he was going to do and she was helpless to stop him. The only thing she was able to do was watch on in horror.
Bellowing, Sheamus slammed the other man through the table, shattering it in two.
"And guess what?" Ventura announced to the fans, "This match will be a table match!"
Ali looked over at the older man in disbelief. No!
She turned her attention back to John. He was still laying on his back on top of the broken table, unmoving. Sheamus was still standing over him, glaring down at him heatedly.
Not thinking about what could happen, the assistant instantly went to her knees by her fallen friend.
"John!" she cried out, voice shaking and tears beginning to trail down her cheeks, "John! John, answer me please!"
The redheaded man blinked, growing surprised. And for an instant he felt something other than anger course through him. An emotion he wasn't used to feeling. An emotion he didn't want to feel.
He felt shame.
"John!" Ali was leaning over the champion, her small hand reaching out to stroke his cheek to try and bring him around, "John, can you hear me?"
She leaned back and dashed the tears away with her hand. It was then that she noticed the Irishman above her, watching. All of her fear transformed itself into something more, honing in on him.
"Get away from him!" she cried angrily, eyes flashing, "Get away from him, you animal!"
And instantly his shame burned up, turning to ashes. He was an animal, was he? Well he'd show her an animal.
He beat his fists against his chest and let out a roar, arms thrown out at his sides. He then placed a boot on John's chest, grinning down at her triumphantly.
"Why don't you just leave?!" Ali shoved at his leg with her hand, but trying to move it was like trying to move a tree stump, "You made your point! Just leave!"
Sheamus took his foot off of Cena's chest and suddenly knelt down. Ali tried to draw away but his hand struck out, lightening fast like a snake, and grabbed a hold of her arm, yanking her back to him. He kept it there, holding her in place.
She struggled, trying to pull free from his grasp. There was a part of her that was confused and stunned. Just like the last time his grip was firm but it wasn't hurtful. It anything it was all very controlled.
She didn't understand that. She would have thought a man like him had no control. Only knew how to hurt others.
Sheamus began to grin coldly, "Look at him. Look at yer man!"
Ali did so, concern washing over her. He still hadn't moved. She slowly brought her gaze back to the Irishman, silent, angry tears trailing down her cheeks.
The Celtic Warrior felt his heart clench at her tears but he ruthlessly shoved the feelings away. He was sure she wouldn't give a shite for any of his pain. So he was going to do the same for her.
He began to chuckle darkly, "Ah'm gonna take his title. And then, Ahlina, yer gonna be mine."
He released her a little rougher than he would have liked, Ali falling back onto her behind. She looked up at him in disbelief as he rose to his feet and climbed out of the ring. He stormed up the ramp and towards the back, not even giving her a backwards glance.
John let out a groan, finally coming around. The assistant leaned over him, gently running her hand over his temple.
"Hey, you." she gave him a watery smile as he fixed his gaze on her.
"Did you get the number of that truck?" he grunted, trying to rise to a sitting position.
"Yeah." Ali muttered dryly as she slipped an arm around his shoulders, trying to help him, "666."
John chuckled despite the pain he was in. He finally got to a sitting position and winced, pain throbbing in his back.
It wasn't long until he rose to his feet, the sounds of the fans' cheers and applause accompanying him.
John and Ali made it out of the ring and the pair slowly began to walk up the ramp. The champion was hobbling a bit and Ali stuck close by in case he needed her.
They slipped to the backstage and found others watching them, their expressions ranging from triumphant to worried.
The pair ignored them all, though, heading to John's locker room. They were just about to enter when Eve came running up, concerned.
"John!" she cried out in alarm, "Are you all right? How is your back?"
"I'm okay." he tried to assure her, offering a small smile by way of comfort, "Don't worry about it, Eve. I'll be all right."
He gave her a pat on the shoulder and slipped into the locker room. The Diva looked after him, crestfallen.
Ali reached out and rubbed her arm comfortingly, "He'll be okay. Don't worry.
"And don't take any of this to heart, all right?" she caught the other woman's eye and added, "John's just got a lot on his mind right now."
Eve nodded, though she still appeared deflated.
Ali gave her one last smile and slipped into the locker room, closing the door behind her.
She leaned against and quipped lightly, "Why do all of these contract signings always end in violence? Huh? Just once I'd love to see one of these things end with a nice handshake. Maybe even a hearty, manly hug. Something nice like that."
She sent a teasing grin to her best friend, but the expression slowly died on her lips. It was clear that the champion was not in a joking mood.
He turned to her, his features fearsome, "Sheamus wants a war? Well, by God, he just got one."
He stepped up to her, set and determined, "Come TLC I'm gonna destroy him."
Ali swallowed nervously. And so it had begun.