Thirty-Eight
It was the night of the match. Two weeks had gone by with Celina training herself ragged. She was standing in the Gorilla, jumping from foot to foot, trying to jumpstart her cardio. She was dressed in tight black vinyl pants and a red corset top, her hair styled elegantly around her face. She couldn't figure out why she had to go to hair and makeup; it was only going to run during the match.
"There you are! Jesus, I've been trying to find you for the last twenty minutes."
Celina turned around and saw Mark behind her, a wide smile on his face. "Mark!" she exclaimed, giving him a huge hug. He hugged her back tightly.
"I wouldn't feel right if I didn't come and wish you good luck on your match," he replied. "Are you ready for this?"
"I'm ready," she answered.
"I, uh, talked to Vince last week, and he and I picked out a theme for you, if that's okay."
"Knowing you - I'm about to walk out to the Macarena, aren't I?" Mark laughed.
"Nah. It's something cooler," he assured her. He gave her a kiss on the forehead. "Good luck out there. Kick some ass for me."
"I promise you, she's in for a world of hurt." He smiled.
Beyond the curtains, the lights went out. "Everybody Down" by Nonpoint blared through the arena and red and blue lights flared up, keeping in time with the beat as Celina stepped through the curtain. She'd have to thank Mark for the cool theme later. She made her way down the ramp, keeping herself focused. She wanted to wave, to high-five the fans, but she knew she had a character to maintain. She climbed up the steps and climbed into the ring. She stood in the center and watched the ramp, her eyes blazing as she awaited the entrance of Michelle McCool.
Michelle's theme blared through the loudspeakers and she burst through the curtain, eyes blazing. She was dressed in a blue vinyl outfit, and she made her way down towards the ring, pointing at Celina and trash talking her. Celina just motioned to her. "Bring it on, bitch!" Celina murmured, a sadistic smile crossing her face. Michelle slid into the ring, grabbing Celina's legs from under her and repeatedly punching her in the head, much to the chagrin of the referee. Celina tried to shield herself until the referee grabbed Michelle around the torso and pulled her off of Celina. Michelle started arguing with the referee while Celina made her way to her feet. Michelle charged at Celina, who ducked it and ran off of the ropes, landing the aerial clothesline that Mark had taught her. Celina made her way to her feet and smirked at Michelle, who slammed her hands on the mat in frustration. She stood to her feet and charged Celina again, who leveled her with an arm drag that Shelton had taught her. Michelle slammed her hands on the mat in frustration again. She stood up and she tied up with Celina. Both girls planted their feet and refused to budge. Michelle broke the hold and tried to punch Celina, who caught her hand and twisted it into a wrist lock. Moving backwards, Celina climbed the ropes, and the fans started screaming in adulation as she performed the Old School. She could only see Mark backstage, smiling and laughing at the tribute.
She leapt off of the top rope and hit Michelle, knocking her down to the mat. Celina smirked, kicking Michelle hard in the ribs. Michelle crumpled into the fetal position, holding her stomach on the brink of tears. Celina kicked her again, taunting Michelle. She pulled Michelle up and whipped her into the ring corner. She lunged at Michelle, who lifted her feet and knocked Celina down. Michelle grabbed Celina by the hair and dragged her to the middle of the ring. Attempting to lift her, Michelle was surprised with a kick to the head when she leaned over. Michelle stumbled back and Celina shakily made her way to her feet. She was a little dazed from the kick. Michelle kicked Celina in the stomach and attempted to go for the Wings of Love. Celina struggled with her arms, moved them and flipped Michelle over her back. Michelle landed, her body arching on the mat as Celina made her way up the turnbuckles and to the top, landing a moonsault on Michelle. She quickly covered, referee Charles Robinson making the three count. The bell rang and the fans screamed, Celina rolling down and making her way up the ramp. The referee slid out of the ring and ran towards Celina, raising her hand high in the air, leaving Michelle to throw a tantrum in the ring.
Michelle made her way to the ropes, pointing at Celina. "This isn't over!" she screamed.
"We're just getting started," Celina agreed with a sick smirk on her face. Michelle was holding her torso. It had been a short match, but Celina had made her point that she could hold her own.
The referee dropped her arm, and Celina began making her way up the ramp, never taking her eyes off of Michelle. She turned her back at the top of the ramp and emerged through the curtains, into the awaiting arms of Shelton Benjamin. He hugged her tightly, giving her a light kiss.
"You did a wonderful job," he whispered in her ear, hugging her tight. She broke the hug and looked around.
"Where's Mark?"
"Vince called him away for a few minutes. Something about the championship." She nodded. She couldn't hide the disappointment. "Vince wants to see you in his office, too."
"Where is his office?"
"Come on, I'll show you." Taking her hand, he led her through the halls towards Vince's office. He opened the doors and together, they walked in.