John nervously paced back and forth. The FCW arena was a medium sized venue located in Tampa where the WWE's developmental talent performed regularly for local fans. John had been there several times before, a few occassions for fan meet and greets and other times to give pep talks to the up and coming wrestlers. John knew what it was like to be young and hungry, eager to break into the biz. He was always eager to help out developmental talent, even going so far as to open his exclusive home gym to them for training. Yes, he had been inside that venue many times before for different reasons but he never would have imagined what would have brought him there on that day. It was Christina Carter's idea. Though she and the WWE had put much thought into planning the event, the media had not been notified until the last minute. The location had been perfect, small and inconspicuous enough. There was a prepared statement and John would not be taking any questions from anyone at that time. They would say what they needed to say then leave.
The days leading up to the press conference had been one big hectic blur. For John life just seemed to continue to spiral out of control. All of a sudden it was like he didn't know who he was anymore or how he'd even gotten there. Once the press got wind of the rape case, the story became a hot commodity for the sports entertainment world. Because Cena was such a huge star, the story had made its way into the mainstream media as well. There was much speculation, innuendo and rumors along with little facts. John was torn. Sometimes he tortured himself by sitting in front of the television for hours at a time watching the footage about himself. He'd end up screaming at the TV or throwing things, wanting to yell at anyone who would listen that most of what was being printed and broadcasted was untrue. He didn't get how or why people would be allowed to just say anything even if it meant damaging another person's reputation and career. How could they do that without a shred of proof?
He sighed as he looked over at Ava. Wearing a dark brown dress, she sat on a simple fold out chair, legs crossed, arms folded. She looked as scared as he felt. She was just a normal girl who liked living a simple life. When she had met and began dating wrestling Superstar John Cena, her whole world had changed radically. Suddenly she was the significant other of a famous celebrity. Average dinner and movie dates were traded in for movie premieres. It had taken a while for her to get used to the bright lights and the noise but she had settled into it with ease and grace. Now the spotlight would be on them as a couple once again but it had nothing to do with Summerslam or Wrestlemania or some big blockbuster movie. The cameras were shoved in their face now for another reason. More than ever the public had renewed interest in them, wanting a piece of their private lives in the darkest of times.
It had been a rough few days to say the least. For John it had been bad enough to deal with the false accusations but it had been made ever so much worse when he had to involve his wife in the drama. It wasn't fair. Ava was a good person, a wonderful wife. She did not deserve to have her life turned upside down. And she was pregnant, carrying his, their child. The stress of their new reality was too much. Both of them were walking around the mansion like zombies. Sometimes the only thing they could discuss was the charges and at other times they avoided that conversation like the plague. She had pledged to support him no matter what and had been a rock for him during the tough time but sometimes at night he heard her sobbing softly to herself.
Ava wasn't the only support system he had. It had been a hard thing to do, to pick up the phone and explain the surreal situation to his parents, grandmother, brothers and longtime friends. They had been shocked and horrified as expected but knew John was not capable of such acts and had vowed to stand behind him until the end. His WWE family had offered their support as well. His co-workers knew him and knew him well. They had his back and had called and texted him to let him know so. Corporate had worked day and night with his lawyer to ensure his best interests were being taken care of and had gone public to support him. And lastly there was the loyalty of the Cenation. His fans were the best in the world and the fan mail, blogs and Twitter posts let him know they were behind him 100 percent. It was a long, horrible road to walk but at least he was not alone.
"John," Christina walked over to him. "It's time."
"Alright," he nodded.
"We've been over this. You know what to do, right?"
"Yeah. Um, can you give me just a minute?"
"John…"
"Please. I need to speak to my wife."
Her face softened just a bit, showing a small amount of understanding.
"Make it quick," she waltzed away, leaving him alone.
John stood and approached Ava who had never left her sest. She looked more nervous than ever.
"Hey," he said softly, putting a large hand on her slender shoulder.
She looked at him.
"Hi."
"You sure you're up for this?"
She forced a nod that lacked confidence.
"I am. You?"
He shrugged.
"Ready as I'll ever be. You know, I've never backed down from a fight in my life. Now it looks like this is the fight of my life."
"It's gonna be okay," she tried to reassure him.
"You know, you don't have to go out there with me…"
"But Ms. Carter said…"
"I know what she said and I don't care. Yeah, it looks good that my wife is standing beside me openly supporting me. So what? Ava, all I care about is you. If this is too much for you to handle, I don't want you to. We're here because of my mistakes, you shouldn't have to suffer anymore than you already have."
"John, I'm your wife. For better or worse, right? That's what I said and that's what I meant. I want you to know, I want the world to know and I especially want Jacey Breedlove to know that you are an innocent man and that I believe in you. By your side today is where I belong and there is nowhere else I'd rather be. I love you."
He squeezed her hand. God, she was amazing.
"I love you, too."
"John," Vince McMahon poked his head around the corner. "We can't wait any longer."
John and Ava looked at each other before standing. He let her lead the way, guiding her with his hand on the small of her back as they made their way to the front of the building where a large rectangular table had been set up. A few armed Tampa police officers were in the building along with selected reporters and camera crews. Vince led the way and took his seat at one end of the table followed by Christina Carter and finally Ava and John. The latter two nervously made their way and took their seats as the only sound that could be heard was the constant clicking of cameras. Clearing her throat, the dynamic legal eagle who had been hired to defend him spoke first.
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Christina Carter and we called this press conference to address the charges that Jefferson County authorities have filed against my client, John Felix Anthony Cena earlier today. First of all, let me start by saying that Mr. Cena is an innocent man. He has been falsely accused of a vicious and serious crime, so heinous and violent, that it can carry a life sentence in the state of Kentucky. Our legal system mandates that no charges should be filed in a court of law unless the evidence of guilt can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. I am here to tell you today that the evidence in the case against Mr. Cena falls far short of that. John Cena did not rape his accuser and we intend to enter a not guilty plea in the preliminary hearing.
No sexual encounter consentual or forced, has ever taken place between Mr. Cena and his accuser, including the night in question in Louisville, Kentucky. The physical evidence in this case will support that statement. Mr. Cena has been compliant and cooperative with Louisville authorities. Mr. Cena is a well known public figure but this case will not be tried in the court of public opinion. At present time, we will not be discussing the details of this case or our defense. It is Mr. Cena's constitutional right to be considered innocent until proven guilty and if said charges result in a trial, Mr. Cena also has the right to a fair and impartial jury. Today we ask you the media to respect our position and please refrain from speculation and inapprporiate commentary that may damage Mr. Cena's right to a fair trial. Thank you."
It was then John's turn to speak. For the first time in his life, the outgoing Champion was at a loss for words. So much was at stake and he was in an impossible situation. Trying to work past the lump in his throat, he glanced over at his left to his wife. She nodded and again took his hand in hers.
"I'm an innocent man. I have never had a physical or sexual relationship with my accuser and I certainly did not attack her. I fully intend to defend myself against the false accusations and clear my name completely. I have a lot at stake and it's much more than just my career. I have had the support of so many people during this difficult time…my family, friends, my WWE family, the fans and especially my wife. I thank you for that and ask for your continued prayers and support in the weeks to come. And to my wife, Ava," he turned to her. "I love you. You're my whole world. I am deeply sorry for the aggrevation and stress this has caused you and I thank you for your unconditional love and undying support because I know I can't get through this without you.
I am innocent and that will be proven. I ask that you the public not listen to rumors and speculation and in turn treat me like a criminal, like a rapist because I am not. The truth is the truth anyway you spin it and I am confident the truth will come out eventually. My integrity has remained steadfast, that and my reputation mean everything to me. To my loved ones and co-workers, in the weeks to come I apologize in advance for the burden it may cause you just by knowing and supporting me but I am an innocent man. Thank you."
With that, the four of them stood and made their exit and walked to the back. John's heart was still pounding.
"Are you alright?" Ava asked, looking at him, her eyes filled with concern.
"Yeah. That…that was hard."
"I know."
"It's unreal, all of it."
He pulled his wife close as his attorney approached them.
"That was good. Now no more public statements, neither one of you," she instructed.
"Is John still going to be arrested?" Ava questioned.
"Charges were filed this morning. It's probably inevitable, Mrs. Cena. I'm sorry."
"Oh God," Ava sighed.
"As I stated, we should be able to get bond and hopefully this will go no further than the preliminary hearing. If it does, I am confident a jury of 12 will not find the People's evidence compelling enough to convict on a rape charge."
Vince looked at the ground.
"Now I guess we just wait and see," he said. "John, are you going to be okay?"
John nodded. What other choice did he have? It was time to pay the piper, face the music. It was an impossible situation but the only way to deal with it was to face it head on.