Here comes the Money! Here comes the Money! Money! Money! Money! Money!
"Here comes our Smackdown Live Commissioner Shane O Mac himself to open the show!" Corey Graves was more than enthusiastic in introducing the boss on commentary whilst Tom Phillips sat idly by and let the Savior of Misbehavior do his thing.
"I wonder what is so important to tell the WWE Universe that Shane McMahon is going to make his way out here after the beating he took from Kevin Owens last night." Byron Saxton wondered aloud.
"It doesn't matter why he's out here Saxton, the man is the minority owner of the entire company! He can come out here and have a damn tea party if he wanted to!" Corey continued with his usual habit of sassing the rest of the commentary team.
Shane McMahon made his usual entrance, minus the normal dancing across the stage due to his Hell In a Cell sustained injuries. Instead he strode confidently down the ramp to the ring. He climbed through the ropes like the seasoned pro that he is and took a mic from a waiting stagehand.
"Helllllooooooo Grand Rapids, Michigan!" Shane greeted the crowd for the cheap pop that it always was. "Now I know you all think that I should be entirely focused on my recovery from my match last night but as the boss I do have to make sure that this whole show runs smoothly. That being said I need to address a few things, starting with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Now I have no idea when they cooked up that plan but I will be doing my damnest to figure out why in the hell they think they can get away with taking over my show!"
The crowd roared at the exuberance Shane showed in the ring, even though the look on his face showed twinges of pain through his stage smile. "That being said, I have many plans for tonight's show starting wit-"
"YOU BETTER MAKE A MOVE! SOMEBODY MAKE A MOVE!"
Shane looked confused at the strange entrance music that cut off his words. The first notes of 'Make a Move' by Icon for Hire rang out through the Van Andel Arena and after a few moments a figure emerged from the curtains.
A woman was strutting to the ring, mic in hand; an open, hooded cloak on her small frame revealing a pale girl decked out in black skinny jeans with ice blue accents and a black crop-top reading 'frostbite' in jagged ice blue letters. Once she made it half way down the ramp she removed her hood to show off her long ,white-blonde hair which was kept back by several braids and was a severe contrast to the jet black make up smeared across her eyes like a mask.
The crowd went ballistic once they realized who the woman was...
"Is that...It can't be!" Saxton exclaimed into the mic as Tom Phillips tried to explain to the WWE Universe watching at home who the mysterious girl was.
"Shut up the two of you! That woman needs no introduction! Bow down to the Ice Queen!" Graves interrupted the pair in his usual rude manner.
"The Ice Queen; better known as Jayna Frost," Tom Phillips explained to the crowd, "is the hardcore female darling of the Indy wrestling circuit; She has worked the lower promotions for almost a decade making a name for herself as the girl who will do anything to win.. and now she is here on Smackdown!"
Jayna made her way into the ring, pausing at the top of the steps to take in the crowd with a look on her face that spoke volumes of confidence. The moment ended quickly and she perched herself atop the nearest turnbuckle with a smirk across her pale lips and waited for the crowd to quiet itself down. Once they did she finally spoke.
"Yeah yeah, I know you know who I am."
This caused the crowd to go wild all over again and Jayna laughed maniacally as they continued until Shane quieted them down with a wave of his hand.
"Well the crowd seems to know who you are... but I don't... who are you and what are you doing in my ring?" Shane questioned with a quirk of his eyebrow.
"Awww You'd think that this being the "Land of Opportunity" for the WWE as a whole, that you of all people would know the next big thing when you see it." The sass poured out of Jayna's mouth like water from a faucet; and the crowd was eating it up. "but, that's not why I'm here actually."
"Well then do tell me why you have interrupted me today... erm." Shane paused, "What do I call you...?"
The crowd erupted in chants of "Jay-Na Frost!" causing Jayna to laugh and look around at the crowd with an impressed expression on her pale, painted face.
"What they said." she replied with a slight giggle, shrugging slightly.
"Alright then, Jayna, regale me with why you are here in my ring."
"I'm here to right some injustice... now I know that sounds like a Shield Tag line but I can't help but think those boys had some right ideas... There is some injustice in this company and despite your little "Women's Revolution" You haven't done a damn thing to rectify the situation." Jayna used her fingers for air quotes for emphasis as she began to make her point.
"Whoa, we have made so many improvements in our women's division. We have our first Ms Money in the Bank in Carmella, Sasha Banks and Charlotte made history with their first ever Women's Hell in a Cell match and we-"
"Blah Blah Blah, Sure do tell me about all the things that you FINALLY let the women do that the men have already accomplished." Jayna jumped down from the turnbuckle to cut Shane off. "When exactly do the women of this company get to show you what they can do without having the constant shadow of the men hanging over them? When do they get to prove that they are more than just the second class citizens of this company?"
"They are not second class! We do our damnest to show you that our women can do anything the men can do!" Shane was really heated now, the pain from his injuries being masked by real anger now.
"You're right you know, they can do anything those men can do, some of them even better." Jayna paced around the ring, taking a moment to contemplate her next thought.
"If you agree with me then what exactly is your point?"
"My point Shane, is that your women's division has no balls." Jayna paused and let the crowd laugh, "Your women are still so dainty and not willing to take the necessary risks to prove that they can hang with the boys fully and I am here to rectify that."
"And you think you can just waltz in here and dictate to me, a McMahon, what to do with our women's division so that you're happy with it? What gives you the right?!"
"Shane-y... Baby... I know you haven't heard of ALLLLLLL of this," She jumped down from the turnbuckle and did a twirl with her cloak swirling around her as she went; and the crowd reacted with a cheer in agreeance. "But trust me when I say, I have the experience."
The smirk on her face grew as the crowd roared more, and Shane continued to look flustered and angry.
Shane shook his head and repeated more sternly: "Again, I ask. What gives you the right?"
"Well for that answer Mr. Bossman... Let me bring out the big guns to better inform you..."
With a gesture to the Titantron and an evil grin, music hit and the Grand Rapids crowd completely lost their minds once more...
Behold the King, the King of Kings.
Triple H himself made his way from behind the curtain, mic in hand looking beyond infuriated as usual with his brother in law.
"This is supposed to be THE show to highlight new talent for the WWE and you're blowing it Shane..." Hunter huffed as he walked to the edge of the ramp but didn't quite leave the stage. "Not that I'm surprised if I'm being honest..."
"Don't start on my show Hunter, I'm not in the mood."
"That's right... this isn't the land of opportunity, its the place where you let your superstars run all over you!" The crowd 'oooed' at that response and Jayna couldn't help but laugh in agreeance.
Shane glared at them both and Jayna shrugged at him and muttered "He's not wrong."
"But I'm not here to tell you how to run your show. I'm here to tell you that Jayna Frost is here and officially signed with the WWE." Hunter let the crowd go crazy again as Jayna took a deep, taunting bow in Shane's direction; before continuing with his mocking of his brother in law. "I'm also here to tell you that she gets to choose which member of that locker room she wants to face first. Hell she can pick to have a title match right now."
The smirk on Jayna's face continued to grow as the crowd took this knowledge in.
"You can't do that! She's new! She's a nobody!" Shane gestured towards her and the look on her face became murderous.
"You might want to change that tune Shane, because as of right now, She has more power over that locker room than you do." Triple H responded with a smirk of his own towards Shane's appalled face before he turned as if to leave the stage. Instead he stopped and added: "And THAT... is what's best for business."
Shane stood in the center of the ring as he watched his brother in law head backstage and seemed to forget that there was another person still in the ring. Jayna slipped out of her cloak and set her mic on the ring apron before slipping to the outside of the ropes; poised to strike.
Shane turned and ran his fingers through his gray hair as he took a breath. Just as he was about to return to the original reason for his being out there in the first place, Jayna struck; hitting her finisher: a 720 DDT that she called the 'Polar Vortex'
Shane hit the mat with so much force from her spinning body and she spun herself right back to her feet putting both arms out and taking a bow after her manouever. She took the mic from Shane's unconscious form and spoke firmly; "You may not have known who I am... but I bet you'll remember that."
The roaring crowd was still ringing in my ears as I made my way back through Gorilla after my first segment on the main roster for the WWE. It was still a surreal feeling to even be apart of the company that had originally gotten me into the sport to begin with. I never expected to be allowed to be apart of the most notable wrestling organization on the planet. My fighting style was so abnormal to what the CEO's usually look for in their female talent and after nearly six months of negotiating my contract to make sure that I didn't have to change what made me different in the ring, I finally signed.
"THAT reaction! THAT was why I knew you HAD to be a part of this company." Shane McMahon came up and patted me on the back with a wide grin on his face. "I know that your contract signing was difficult-"
"Don't sugarcoat it Shane, It was hell." I smirked at my new boss.
"Yeah well, blame the stuck up, set in their ways men that my father refuses to let Hunter or myself replace" Shane agreed with my sass and chuckled a bit, holding his ribs slightly from the impact I gave him to the apron. "But you're here now, and together we are going to prove that our Women's division has balls."
"Yeah we are!" Natalya added as she pulled me into a bone crushing hug from behind. Natalya only had a few inches on me, but being the smaller woman, I was scrappy and still managed to weasel my way out of the hug and jump upon my cat loving friend's back.
"I'm telling you we are going to make it known that the WWE has women capable of running the show!" Natalya went on as she carried me on her back through the backstage area. I took the title belt and slung it over my own shoulder to make the trip a little easier. Natalya and I had been friends since we first met at a wrestling convention a couple years back. I'd been working for TNA at the time and wasn't sure what my future held within the company. Nattie had talked me out of punching Dixie Carter in the face for the booking I was receiving whilst we had drinks that night and we'd been in contact ever since.
"I'm still so surprised that you're even here." Nattie said as she turned down the corridor towards catering. "It feels like a dream."
"You think you're dreaming?!" I laughed. "I've been imagining this exact moment since I started my training in Cambridge. It's unreal; and I don't think I'll ever get used to it."
The two of us walked into catering all smiles and Nattie put me down and took back the white and blue title before heading over towards where her husband stood by the food tables. I barely made it two steps before I was tackle hugged and almost knocked to the floor.
"Never thought I'd see the day Jay!"
I spun around to the sound of my nickname as I hugged one of the only people who I called family "Seann! I'm so glad you're here!"
"Pleassseeeee don't call me that!" He laughed letting me go.
"What am I supposed to call you then? Ten?"
"You know most people just call me Tye, have for years seeing as it's my name now!" Tye Dillinger had been one of my closest friend since we worked together briefly in TNA in 2009 back when I was 19. Most people thought we were a couple but Tye was like my older brother. We worked the indy scene together for awhile until Tye re-signed with WWE in 2013. But we still kept in touch; still spent holidays together and Tye was one of the few consistent things in my hectic life. "Besides, I don't call you Janey anymore."
"Because you know I'll go Mike Tyson on you if you do" I bit the air for emphasis and the two of us burst into laughter again.
"You two bicker like an old married couple" Nattie commented; coming over to join us as we moved towards the food tables where the Women's Champion was trying to convince her husband Tyson Kidd, to eat something besides pretzels.
"You two are the married couple, we are just bickering siblings" Tye laughed, grabbing a plate for himself.
"And when I win that belt and Tye gets his main event push we will be the most powerful siblings on the roster" I stuck out my tongue at Nattie while Tye and I laughed.
"Heel tendencies much?" Tyson raised a brow at me with a smirk.
"You're one to talk! You started as a heel!" I responded quickly using a raised eyebrow to emphasis my point. The two of us had a stare off for a few moments before bursting out laughing and Tyson pulled me into a bone breaking side hug.
"That would be pretty awesome oh sister mine, but with the impact you're about to make in this company... who knows if we're even going to be on the same brand for very long." Tye reminded us. We all looked a little put out that we could be torn apart so quickly but decided to put it all behind us, grabbed some food and headed towards a free table to eat and finish watching the show.
The four of us made comments throughout the rest of the show, waiting for Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura to take on Rusev and Aiden English as the main event of the night. Just as the match was beginning the door to catering slammed open and in walked two men I knew quite well: The Phenomenal One and the Glorious One.
"A little birdie told me there's an ice storm on the roster." AJ Styles yelled into the room, wiping sweat off his brow from the rematch he had against Corbin for his recently lost US Title. I felt my face begin to light up like a child on Christmas morning.
"And low and be hold we are the last ones to know!" Bobby Roode continued the statement as if the two of them had planned the whole speech.
"What the Hell Frosty!?" AJ finished.
"She's not a snowman Styles!" Tye shook his head at the nicname he gave me. But I just shrugged and got up to give the 'Redneck' a proper greeting. Giggles fell from my mouth as AJ easily picked me up and swung me in a circle before placing me carefully back onto my feet, which didn't leave me much reprieve as Bobby did the same as soon as my feet had touched the floor.
The three of us had met years prior during our indy days with TNA. AJ was the face of the company and Bobby and I were just coming into it and the three of us became a trio pretty quickly. AJ and Bobby even had a faction together in AJ's last couple of years with the company around the time he helped me with perfecting my finisher.
"Not like I've heard from either of you in months Psycho Killers" I teased, punching them both in the arms with about half of my strength while they feigned injury.
"Qu'est-ce que c'est?" They asked in unison; matching grins on their faces as they finished the lyric. Inside jokes in abundance between the three of us, and they never got old.
"Talking Heads? Really guys?" Tye asked walking up behind me and putting an arm around my shoulders nonchalantly. AJ and I looked at each other and smirked before continuing the song much to Tye's annoyance and Bobby's amusement.
Bobby and I had been close since 2008 when he was just joining up with James Storm to be part of Beer Money. Storm couldn't travel back home with him as he lived in the opposite direction so Bobby and I started to travel home together because of the close proximity of our hometowns. We spent a lot of time on flights and in cars together and realized that we actually had a fairly similar upbringing. In fact I often spent holidays at his place with his wife and three boys (before I met Tye and we started celebrating Single-Christmas). His wife Tracey an I were pretty close as well, she even designed a good portion of my ring gear.
AJ and my relationship was pretty much the complete opposite of the one I had with Bobby; and if everyone thought that Tye and I had a couple-esque relationship then we had nothing on me and AJ.
We were close enough that AJ's wife Wendy used to second guess our relationship. It wasn't until I actually got to meet her after the Final Resolution PPV for TNA in December 2011. AJ had insisted that I join him back home for the winter break as I wasn't spending it with Bobby's family for the first time in years and Tye was working an indy circuit in Mexico, That was the week that Wendy had finally met the real me after she was so hesitant to do so. I was nothing but myself during my stay at the Jones household and by the end of the week Wendy and I were like old High School friends. Complete with the inside jokes that AJ and myself had between us.
But that was then... After AJ and I decided to leave TNA and move back into the regular indy circuit, Bobby stuck around much longer than any of us expected him to. But the three of us didn't talk nearly as much... We all kind of just... lost touch.
Once the three of us had finally stopped laughing and singing AJ poked me in the shoulder, "We've got lots of time to catch up on the friendship aspect of this here situation, Lord knows Wendy has been asking when you're going to visit next."
"Tracey too, even the boys keep asking about you... Especially Robbie... but that could be the teen hormones, and I'm sorry I even brought it up..." Bobby looked sheepish and tried to laugh off the awkwardness of the statement. Luckily AJ continued without pause.
"But, business first! How are you feeling with this crowd? For that matter how did you wrangle first match choice!?"
"Clearly she's a better contract negotiator than all of us" Natalya laughed.
"She said it, not me." I held my hands up in mock defense.
"Just means that when it comes to renegotiating my contract I know to call you instead of my lawyer" AJ said with a wink.
"Yeah, and I'll charge you double what your lawyer would." I couldn't help the natural heel smirk that graced my face at my owns words.
"Why are we friends with her again?" AJ asked looking at Tye with a fake hurt look in his eyes.
"Beats me, can't be because of her personality" Tye sassed back.
I scoffed and shoved Tye slightly, to show my offense and he laughed.
The four of us chatted away, playing catch up until Bobby had to take off as he was traveling with Ziggler and Dolph liked to check into the hotel early. I said my 'see you later's' first and then watched as Bobby said his goodbyes to the boys – taking my opportunity to walk off away from catering back towards the locker rooms to gather my things for the night.
I didn't have to look back to know that at least one of them was following behind me, so I took it upon myself to skip my way down the hallway to create some distance and play hide and seek with whomever it was.
"Not again Jay!" Tye yelled after me and I heard his footsteps begun to beat faster against the concrete floor as he tried to keep up with my own. I laughed aloud before turning down a side hall and pushing myself into a full sprint to the end of the corridor.
"What are you, five!?" I heard AJ's voice join in and I couldn't help the grin that slid across my face as Bobby told them 'Good Luck' and I continued down and around the corner. Quickly, I ducked into a nearby locker room and slammed the door behind me. I placed my ear against the door so I could listen to their footsteps go by my hiding place quickly and paused as I listened carefully for them continuing down the next hall. I laughed a little, as I listened further and took the time to catch my breathe.
"And who exactly are you?"
I turned to face the question and set my eyes upon the most chaotic member of the Shield. Dean Ambrose was laying atop a bench wearing his usual jeans and black tank top as he began to remove his headphones whilst giving me an ironic look that questioned my sanity.
I flashed a grin at him before placing a finger to my lips in the international sign of 'shush'. My old friend Ambrose continued to give me the once-over as I returned to listening at the door. I heard the footsteps return and the voices of AJ and Tye arguing over my whereabouts just outside the door.
"She's gotta be around here somewhere" Tye thought aloud. "She does this at every new arena she's in, fair warning."
"Trust me, I remember, she's been doing this for years." AJ responded quickly. "I guess we just search the locker rooms?"
"Best idea usually, yeah." AJ's accent was heard agreeing.
I quickly spun around and looked for a place to hide. Settling my eyes on one of the open lockers against the wall, I hurdle-jumped over the bench as well as all of Dean's gear and quickly stuffed myself in one of the navy colored lockers and shut the door carefully behind me to wait.
With my eyes peering from between the slats on the locker I could see a look of realization come across Dean's face, obviously he finally figured it all out, but I could also see the locker room door open and Tye stick his head in.
"You haven't seen a hot blonde girl have you Ambrose?" He asked carefully.
"Always my man. In my bed every night. Have you seen my wife dude?" Dean responded with a smirk and I had to cover my mouth to stifle a giggle.
Tye looked at the lockers for a moment before taking a step into the room, "Right, Renee is gorgeous man, congrats on that by the way."
"Yeah, I am a lucky man. Married to a Canadian Bombshell, one of the Top billed men in the company, not to mention half of The Red Brands tag champs, and to top it off, I get random visits from Hurdle jumping, deadly blondes." Ambrose went on nonchalantly and I almost jumped out of the locker and pounced on him for mentioning me.
"Deadly Blonde? Like practically white blonde? Jet black mask-like make up?" Tye questioned further, entering the room.
Dean shrugged, "Could be."
AJ entered the room, "Well which is it? Did you see her or not?"
Dean just shrugged again and I had to stifle the giggles that threatened to spill from my mouth.
"You're impossible Ambrose" Tye shook his head exasperated before pushing AJ out of the room and back into the corridor. "C'mon, lets go back to look in catering."
The pair left and the door shut behind them as I let go of the breathe I hadn't realized I'd been holding. It was a few more moments before Dean looked over at the locker I was hidden within.
"You can come out now Jay."
I opened the door hesitantly and he continued to look at me like I was insane as I did so, but a smirk was on his scruffy face.
"I'm not sure if you looking at me like I'm nuts should be taken as a compliment or an insult. So please, enlighten me." I requested as I climbed out of the metal confines of my hiding place with a similar smirk upon my own lips.
"Depends on the time of day and who I'm talking to" He sat up and reached for a water bottle at his feet and took a long drink. "You know I thought you died."
"Nah, nothing could keep me down... have to crush my heart and you know I don't keep that in my chest" I leaned against the concrete wall of the locker room and shrugged at him.
"You fell off a twenty foot ladder through a table covered in light tubes..." He reminded; "But who am I kidding, that was like a regular Tuesday for CZW"
I couldn't help but laugh before I tackle hugged the psychopath from my most violent wrestling days. He embraced me tightly while trying to keep his balance on the bench and I took the moment to take in that familiar scent of his hair before he started tickling me mercilessly causing me to jump away from him in giggles.
"You are a cruel man Mox." I tried to put on most menacing look as a threat to never tickle me again.
"There's a name I haven't heard in a while..." He grinned, "I go by Dean now though... and before you say it; I know, it sounds like a frat guy name, but it works."
"I'll stick with Mox probably. Old habits and all that." I took a seat next to him, one leg on either side of the bench.
"Fair enough... I mean its been what? 6? 7 years?" He questioned, searching his mind for the answer and not being able to come up with one.
"I think 6 or so yeah. Not like either of us could remember much from those days anyways."
"So true... between the blood loss and the drinking?" He grinned with a knowing look in his eyes, as if he was going down memory lane under that sandy blonde hair so I returned his nostalgic smile with one of my own.
"We're lucky to be alive really..."
Mox was always there for me when I was trying to make a name as a hardcore vixen. He never told me I couldn't do something and when I was hurt was the first one to tell me how to not injure myself next time before helping me to a medic or helping me bandage myself up depending on the arena. We used to go everywhere together during those days, when he wasn't off with Dragon Pro USA. We'd train together and drink together. There were parties back then that neither of us could remember that we both woke up from entangled in the other with promises to never speak of it... only to have a repeat performance a few weeks later. I'd always harbored feelings towards him, but as he never seem to show any interest in me other than being good friends- unless he was hammered as hell. So I never tried to have anything serious with him. We were close and the last thing I wanted was for our friendship to get weird because I couldn't keep my heart in its steel box.
Not that it ended up mattering anyways.
When he got signed to WWE we swore we'd keep in touch but his schedule got hectic and then he met Renee and by then it was just safer to stay away in case we had another repeat of our drunken escapades.
The last thing I would ever become was a homewrecker.
"You know I never thought that I'd see you sign with WWE" He said suddenly coming back to reality from memory lane.
"You had that little faith in my abilities?" I scoffed in offense. "How dare you Jonathan Good."
"Pulling out the birth name. Not cool Jay." He shoved my shoulder playfully, "Besides, its not like I was expecting the big shots at corporate to actually sign a legitimate hardcore chick for their 'Divas' division."
"Didn't you get the memo? We're Women's Superstars now. No more butterfly belt remember?" I rolled my eyes slightly at the thought of the 'tramp stamp' belt that was.
"And yet, they still make appearances on 'Total Divas' every week"
I shrugged at the mention of the reality show, thanking the heavens that I made sure that my contract was very clear about never appearing as part of the Divas cast. "Never said that it was logical."
"So why exactly are you hiding?" Dean pushed himself up from the bench and headed to where his gear was thrown haphazardly in the corner. He started tossing it all back into a plain black duffle as he spoke again, "One of them your ex or something?"
I laughed aloud at the notion that he would even think that way and he gave me another curious look, followed by a brief smile before turning back to his task at hand. "I guess not."
"Definitely not" I confirmed. "Its just a little game we used to play. Tye while in ROH and AJ in TNA..."
"Girl you really do get around." He laughed. A look of shock passed over my features before I picked up the nearest thing, one of his wrestling boots, and hurled it at his head. He ducked just in time to miss getting the heel of the boot in his face.
"Yeah I deserved that one" He said sheepishly running his hand through his hair.
"Damn right you did." I nodded before continuing. "As I was saying, If I win, drinks are on them this weekend, and they owe me a favor."
"And if you lose?"
"Then I have to buy... and they get one request. Usually along the lines of helping pick out a gift for AJ's wife... or loading their bags into the van... that kind of thing." I continued explaining our usual agreement as he finished his packing. "And those requests stack up too. So I try to win as frequently as possible. Don't think they remember that I'm on a streak at the moment though..."
"Taker streak or Asuka streak?" He finished picking up his gear and zipped the bag shut, placing it on the bench and putting his red tag belt on top of it.
"Taker streak. They've won a few times once in awhile but I'm currently on a nine time winning run. So not quite legend status but it's getting there."
Dean looked thoughtful for a moment as he slung the bag over his shoulder and checked the time on his phone before re-pocketing it. "Well I've got to head to Talking Smack to meet Renee, I'm literally only in the building because we try and see each other as much as possible, you know?"
"Awww How cute." I teased.
"Shut up," He shoved my shoulder slightly but there was a small grin on his face, "Are you staying hidden or coming with so we can keep this reconciliation going?"
"Are you good to cover me if I decide to venture back into the unknown?" I raised an eyebrow at him questioningly, but pulled the hood back up on the cloak I still had on over my TV attire.
"That depends I guess..." he attached his tag belt to the strap of his bag as he pondered my possible answer to his statement.
"On what?"
"Can I play next time?" The look on his face was that of a child asking for more dessert and I couldn't say no to that dimpled pout.
"The more that play, the more I get to drink" I said, shrugging as if it didn't matter to me much if he played or not
"Is that a yes?"
"Of course its a yes you idiot! I get to see you more that way." I grinned at him and gestured towards the door so he could go first. "Make sure the coast is clear would you?"
Dean pressed his ear to the door and waited a moment. I assumed he heard nothing because he soon opened the door up and stuck his head in the gap, checking both ends of the hallway for AJ and Tye. When he was satisfied with the lack of their presence he pulled the door the rest of the way back and shuffled me through the opening.
He pulled me slightly down the hallway, throwing his free arm over my shoulder to keep me flush against his side. I made to look up and question his actions when he answered my silent inquisition, "You're about the same size as Renee. People aren't going to question my arm around the shoulders of a petite blonde."
"And if we run into Renee like this?" I asked, moving so my arm was around his waist for comfort.
"Then you pretend you're my sister." He laughed.
"Yeah because your wife is going to love that you hid a sister from her."
"Yeah you're right... Better tell her you're my cousin." He led me around the corner a little further into the depths of the arena.
"Wife have a temper?" I teased.
"Something like that..." he trailed off, turning down another of the twisted corridors. After a moment he spoke again, "Why is it that every arena in the country is a damn maze? How are you supposed to find where you're going!?"
"I know what you mean. But there is one way. When all else fails: go right." I pulled him down the next right hand turn and grinned. "Because you gotta be right sometimes."
"That was... a terrible joke."
I shrugged slightly, laughing a little, and continued to walk cautiously through the corridors, but I failed to notice the look of mischief upon the Lunatics face.
"Yeah, you don't get away that easily." He slung his duffle bag cross-body, and then promptly picked me up and threw me across his shoulders in what was probably the easiest fireman's carry he'd ever done.
"Do you normally manhandle people who try to joke with you?" I huffed as I let myself go as limp as possible in hopes that he would struggle to keep me perched a top his shoulders. He merely shrugged and readjusted my weight to compensate. So no such luck on my part.
"Just the cute ones." I could feel the light blush creep up my neck and was grateful that I could only hear the smile in his voice because I couldn't see his face; and thus he couldn't see mine.
"Best keep that comment to yourself Mox, or else I'll have a match with your wife next week."
"You say that like Renee would react like that." Dean turned down another corridor and finally saw some members of production at the end of the corridor, so we could figure out where we should be.
"From my experience, every wife is protective. Especially newlywed ones." I replied, still trying to shift my weight so that he would put me back on the floor, to no avail. "Trust me. AJ's wife is still testy with me; and he literally looks at me like a sibling."
"Well I'll have to watch my tongue then." He turned his head and stuck his tongue out at me as he said such.
"Child."
"That's half of my appeal though." He responded while readjusting my weight on his shoulders again.
"If you insist." We were pointed in the right direction by a runner and continued our way down yet another hallway. "Can I walk on my own yet?"
"Why would you want to do that?" he asked, genuine note of curiosity evident in his voice. "Besides, this is like the perfect work out.'
I couldn't help but laugh at that and stopped my struggling, instead focusing my energy on making sure I was still covered by my ring outfit and hooded cloak.
We chatted a bit more about nonsense before finally reaching our destination of Talking Smack and Dean FINALLY deciding to let me go, but he did so in style.
Dean kept a tight grip on my shoulders and swung my legs around, while pulling my chest around to meet his; and in the same movement, flipped me completely over so I was standing again. I turned to look at the smirk on his shaggy face once I'd regained my balance and couldn't help but laugh at him.
"Let me know when you want to be my gym weight again."
"And risk a possible death match with your wife?" I sassed back at him.
"With your track record; you'd win, Ice Queen." He winked at me before making his way past the camera men to wait on the sidelines for Renee to finish running the after-show. I just shook my head at the scruffy Lunatic as he dropped his duffle on the floor by what I assumed was Renee's luggage. I hadn't seen an episode of Talking Smack up close like this before but I had to say I was thoroughly amused by the amount of Superstars just waiting in the wings in case they were needed at a moments notice. I always assumed that unless you were announced for the talk show throughout the night that you didn't have to stick around. But apparently, this was the place to be after Smackdown.
There were groups of wrestlers all huddled together... almost clique-like. I didn't see Nattie around the area though so I chose to stay watching from the opposite side of the camera that Dean was waiting on; closer to his wife actually. I focused back on what was happening on screen; Daniel Bryan was being his over exuberant self, much to the obvious annoyance of the 13 time World Champion; and Renee was doing her usual best to regain control of the situation. A giggle escaped my lips at the antics of the trio and I barely noticed when I received company in my little alcove.
"So how was your first night?" I turned to look at the source of the deep voice coming from behind me and came face to face with the walking Attitude Era Legend himself; Triple H.
"So far so good. I'm still hiding from a few friends though, so don't let Styles, or Dillinger find me" I grinned and winked at him in hopes of creating a good friendship/working relationship from the start.
"Well I'm glad that you're enjoying yourself so far," Hunter laughed, "but I'm afraid I have some bad news for you."
"Are you doing a Wade Barrett impersonation or am I about to be upset on my first day?" I asked cautiously.
Hunter shrugged a little, "I wish I could say that I was doing an impression but unfortunately Vince has decided that a change needs to be made in order to make you work with the company."
"What do you mean? What kind of change exactly?" I laughed a little due to nerves before allowing him to continue.
"He wants you to be a free agent." Hunter explained further, "And because of this want, seeing as it's so rare for a female superstar to be given such status he also wants you to be doing a small media tour. Combine that with also wanting you to help mentor a few of the NXT up and comers You're about to have a very overloaded schedule."
"Is it not overloaded enough?" I laughed. The Game gave me a small chuckle himself knowing how hectic a schedule every member of the main roster dealt with on a regular basis.
"Actually with Survivor Series and TLC coming up for Raw and your history of 5-star-no disqualification matches under your belt," Hunter appeared to be thinking aloud, "You should really be helping mentor some of the current roster as well. Your presence is really going to zhoosh up the Womens division."
I sighed heavily, "So what I'm hearing is that my next day off will be...?"
"Probably sometime around Christmas?" Hunter looked apologetic at his response and I cringed at his answer. Working the indy circuit was exhausting and I had hoped to be able to secure at least one day a week back home with my new schedule.
"Well, it's not like I'm used to having time off anyways." I took a deep breathe in and held it for a second before letting go of the air and the tension that crept in with his response.
"I like the optimism, I do," A genuine smile etched itself across Hunter's face as he watched me process the news. He placed his hands upon my shoulders and had me face him. "Just know, that if you need anything at all during the next few months that you need only ask."
"I've done with less, but if you can guarantee that I have a bed to sleep in each night, I'll be golden." I tried to laugh off the thought of the many nights I slept in my car while traveling between shows or the number of times I'd slept on airport benches waiting for flights to come in.
Hunter looked appalled at the mere thought of doing anything less than providing a full hotel room for my troubles. "My dear girl! Did you read the last page of your contract?"
"I did... but I am not sure what you are referring to" The look of confusion on my face could probably be seen from the Talking Smack set.
"Jayna, Your contract includes accommodations, vehicle rentals, flights and paid injury; in the case of that unfortunateness. As well as a large abundance of other things. You're being well taken care of here. Don't you worry."
The sigh of relief that came at his words could have been heard down the block. I couldn't fathom the idea of going back to couch surfing and scavenging for meals. "Any other marching orders Bossman?"
Looking up at him I could see the smirk spread on Hunter's face at my reference to him being my boss. I don't think he ever gets used to being reminded he has a lot of power in the company.
"Raw is in Portland next week, so we will need you there for Monday. I've got your itinerary finished and changed over already, should be emailed out in the next few hours. Media and a photo opp for the website. You'll have to update your twitter bio this week, it's all in the email. But there is one thing we need of you before your Raw debut."
"What ever you need Bossman."
Hunter gestured towards the Talking smack broadcast that was still happening. Naomi had taken her spot at the desk to talk to Daniel and Renee while I was busy talking to Hunter. He then grabbed a folding steel chair from against the wall and handed me the weapon. "I think a little bit of our audience doesn't know what you can do with one of these bad boys... and seeing as you're going to be on both shows..."
I grasped the steel in my gloved hands and smirked at him. "You think I need to make more of an impact?"
"Wouldn't hurt that heel character, that's for sure." He winked. I nodded in understanding and he let me walk past him before he moved behind the camera to make sure the camera operator knew what was about to go down.
I decided to move over beside Dean who had finished doing whatever it was he needed to do and was now just waiting on his wife. He looked at me questioningly when he noticed the steel chair in my grip but I merely winked at him and plastered the most innocent smile I could muster before turning back to watch Naomi in her interview...
"I think the WWE Universe knows what I'm capable of as their Smackdown Womens Champion and would love to see me hold the belt again" Naomi told Renee as she flipped her neon hair over her shoulder.
"I agree with you there Glow-worm!" Daniel exclaimed, fist pounding against the desk, causing Renee to jump a little in surprise.
"So do I, don't think I don't," Renee added quickly, "But how do you feel about the new threat in the women's division; Jayna Frost. You've never faced her in a ring, you've never even seen her compete, and she has an unprecedented amount of power for a new female superstar:both with her ability to set her own first match and her actual power- I mean just look at what she did Shane McMahon. What are your thoughts on having to face such a force Naomi? "
"That Ice Chick ain't got nothing on me and my Glow Renee, Have more faith!" Naomi laughed. "I can handle anything she dishes out and return it ten fold, so if she thinks she's just going to march in here and take my spot in line for that title, she's got another thing coming! Me and my glow will never be put out! And I can guarantee-"
Naomi was cut off by a steel chair hitting her in the spine and instantly she crumbled beneath the glass desk. The camera caught her every move as she tried to shield herself from the onslaught of chair strikes being rained down upon her before a pair of black gloved hands gripped Naomi by her hair and picked her up only to throw her back down on the glass. The camera didn't pan up to show the attacker until the viciousness was over and Naomi lay still.
Jayna Frost stood over the lifeless body of the former Womens champion with a sick smile on her face. She looked at Renee and Daniel before crouching to pull Naomi up by her hair once more and hiss just loud enough for the camera and sound crews to catch it, "Handle that, Glow Worm."
Jayna threw the champion back down to the ground and stomped back off screen with a laugh pouring from her lips.
"She's hurt real bad Renee, She needs a medic NOW." Daniel yelled as he went to crouch beside Naomi as she groaned in pain on the floor. The medical team came and placed her on a gurney before carting her off screen promptly ending the broadcast.