Chapter 78
All of Evelyn's friends got permission from their parents to go for WrestleMania. Evelyn was excited for it. She would get spend time with her friends while also enjoying WrestleMania. It was not just her friends of Becky, Ashley, and Pam's kids, but her own friends from school.
But with that Colby and Mercedes began getting ready for WrestleMania themselves. Colby had started working on his speech for the Hall of Fame. He, Joe, and Jon had decided on Paul to present them at the Hall of Fame. Mercedes got plans together for everything. She got dates together for when the kids would be out of school and then plans for taking them out of school for it. The teachers and the schools were forewarned about the kids going to miss school. That was not problem. Evelyn's friends' parents didn't have any problems either with it being known their kids would be missing school.
"You all are going to have so much," Evelyn commented just a day before she and her friends were leaving with her parents and her siblings for Chicago for WrestleMania week.
"You too, Evie," Liza said.
"I always do. But this year will be more fun, because I have all of you!"
"I'm looking forward to Hall of Fame," Christina said. "That will be so much fun."
"Walking the red carpet of it," Mona added, clapping her hands with excitement.
"Andy and I are going to enjoy all of it," Trevor said.
"Yep, two wrestling fans getting to experience everything," Andy said.
"It'll be better when you get to meet all the superstars," Evelyn said. "You guys will die. And the best part is, you can see them again. I got my parents, plus wrestling aunts and uncles." She winked.
"I love you," Andy said.
"So you've said."
The group laughed.
"I love you, too, Andy," Evelyn replied with a grin.
In the early morning of Tuesday, March 29th, Mercedes and Colby with the kids drove from Moline to Chicago. They could have flown, but it was much cheaper to drive and only a few extra hours. Plus, everyone loved road trips. Despite the long drives and only a few hours of sleep sometimes, Mercedes and Colby missed those times on the road with WWE.
Aaron, Katianna, Mariah, Derek, and Valerie all rode with their parents. But Evelyn with Andy, Christina, Trevor, Liza, and Mona rode with Evelyn's grandparents—Colby's mom, Holly and his stepdad, Bob. Evelyn loved it, because it was just her with her friends.
"I hope you'll be having a WrestleMania moment in the middle of the ring ten years from now, Evie," Holly commented. "Maybe eight years."
"You know I will if I became a wrestler, Grandma," Evelyn replied. "But I know Andy and Trevor will."
"Believe that," Andy said, making everyone laugh.
"How are you and Trevor doing with training?" Bob asked.
"We're doing great," Andy said, looking at his friend.
"Yeah," Trevor replied. "Colby says we're doing great. He started off real slow teaching us stuff. But we're getting full training mode now."
"Dad says he sees definite potential and passion for wanting to train," Evelyn said.
"Well, keep up with it," Holly said. "I know we'll see you both in the WWE someday too."
"That's the plan," Andy said.
The following days were fun and busy. Both Mercedes and Colby had some appearances and stuff, but Colby had a lot more than his wife. He was part of the Hall of Fame Class that year. Mercedes had had the same stuff he did the year before. However, everyone had fun.
Evelyn loved hanging out with her boyfriend and her friends. They were all excited when they were walking around WrestleMania Axxess. Evelyn's friends were excited. She had fun, of course. But it was a first for her friends. She had been to a few WrestleManias already. Plus, she had had the same fun the year before.
However, the real fun and main purpose was Friday night for the WWE Hall of Fame.
"Look who I have here with me," The hostess, Anna of the WWE Red Carpet said as she stood with Mercedes, Mercedes's mom, Colby's parents, and all the kids. "I have WWE Hall of Famer, Sasha Banks here with her very large family. Hello Sasha."
Mercedes said, smiling brightly.
"How have you been? The last time I really saw you was for last year's WrestleMania."
"That is true," Mercedes replied. "And I'm great!"
"And I see the whole family is here."
"Yep, I have all six of the kids, my mom, Seth's parents, and five extra kids."
"Five extra kids?"
"Five of Evelyn's friends," Mercedes said, turning back to her daughter and her friends.
"Well, let's talk with her," Anna said.
Evelyn smiled as she and her friends moved over to the hostess.
"Hello Evelyn," Anna said. "Its great to see you."
"Thanks and you too," Evelyn replied with a bright smile. The same bright smile she had inherited from her mom.
"You look great. And you like you have grown up a little more too. Aren't you fifteen now?"
"Yep."
"So Sweet Sixteen soon, huh?"
"In July," Mercedes said.
"Well, that's great," Anna said. "But of your friends do we have here?"
"Well, first off, let me introduce three of my best friends," Evelyn said. She turned to her friends. "This is Christina Sullivan, Mona Stephens, and Liza Griffiths."
"Hello ladies, welcome to the WWE Red Carpet."
"Thanks," Mona said.
"It's great to be here," Christina said.
"Yes," Liza added.
Anna smiled.
"These are the Bayley, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte Flair to my Sasha Banks for the Four Horsewomen," Evelyn said.
"Awe. How wonderful. How long have you all been friends?"
"Since middle school."
"Wonderful. And who are these young men over here?"
Evelyn smiled. "Those young men are my boyfriend and his best friend/Christina's boyfriend."
"You have a boyfriend?" Anna asked
"I do Come on over, guys." Andy and Trevor stepped up. "This is my boyfriend, Andy Turner and his best friend/Christina's boyfriend, Trevor Roberts."
"Hello Andy and Trevor. I guess this is your first WrestleMania."
"Yep," Trevor said.
"But it won't be our last," Andy said. "We're training to be wrestlers too."
"Really?" Anna asked.
"Yes, they are training with Seth at his school since August," Mercedes commented.
"That's awesome. Future WWE Superstars then."
"That's the plan," Trevor said.
"Well, great. Good luck to you two. Let me get over here with Sasha again."
Mercedes and the family talked with Anna a little more before they were ushered over to their seats.
Colby smiled as he was backstage. He felt good as he waited for the ceremony to start and for The Shield to be presented. He had his Hall of Fame ring on his hand already and on his right. He looked at it proudly. But then he looked at his left hand seeing his wedding band. He wore the ring proudly too. They showed his love and devotion to his beautiful wife. He believed everything happened for a reason and even with what happened to Mercedes. He knew they were meant for each other.
The ceremony soon got underway. And too many a surprise Finn Balor was the first inductee to be presented. Most of Fergal's family came all the way from Ireland. He parents were definitely there. They wouldn't miss their wrestler son achieve something else in his wrestling career.
Mercedes was very excited as the video package for Finn Balor was shown. She knew Becky was backstage standing with him and their kids.
"Ladies and gentlemen, presenting Finn Balor into the Hall of Fame, please welcome his wife, Becky Lynch!"
Whoa! Whoa! Sounded on the speakers and everyone jumped into their feet in applause and/or cheers and screams. Mercedes did both.
Becky simply walked out on stage. She wore the beautiful smile on her face she always wore. Becky walked over to the podium. She stood there for a little bit just listening to the fans.
"Thank you, everyone," Becky commented. "Last year I was luckily enough to be standing up here and be inducted myself into the Hall of Fame. And I wasn't alone. I stood here with my three fellow Horsewomen making up the Four Horsewomen."
Cheers, applauses and whistles came from the crowd.
"Shout out to my girls, Bayley, Sasha Banks and my main bestie, Charlotte Flair. Woo!"
The camera showed Ashley in the crowd. Her two children and Rami sitting with her.
"But today I stand here to present one of my favorite people in the world, my husband, Finn Balor," Becky said.
The crowd went wild.
"Now everyone knows my history with Finn. He trained me. He was a great friend and helped me through some dark times. Then we were dating. Now we are married and three beautiful children. And a shout out to my in-laws sitting front row here," Becky said.
The camera showed Fergal's parents and some other family members.
"Thank you, my beautiful mother-in-law and handsome father-in-law for raising such a wonderful man."
"Thank you for three grandchildren you two gave us," Fergal's mom shouted.
"Anytime, Mom."
Fergal's mom smiled. The camera moved back to Becky.
Becky talked a little bit longer and announced Fergal.
The arena went dark and sound of a heart beating began to play. The crowd went wild. I smiled. The music that was played was Fergal's original theme song. But then there was a remix of the song. The original theme song was the one he came out to as the Demon King.
As the music played, fog smoke was released giving that fog that went with the Demon King entrance. Everyone was on their feet waiting. Someone slowly came out. It was Jaime. The lights went on showing Jaime dressed up at the Demon King. Then the remix of Fergal's theme song began to play. The fans went wild. They knew this was the actual Finn Balor coming out.
The theme processed and went to the breathing/blowing of the wind. Then actual music began to play. A few seconds later, Fergal walked out. He smiled brightly as he had both his daughters on his arms. Ashley and Lexi smiled too as they proudly walked out with their father.
Ashley and Lexi let go of their father's arms. The two plus their dad and brother got ready for the part of the song where Fergal raised his arms in the air. When that part came about, the lights flashed with it. A lot of people were doing that pose. Finn Balor fans for life!
Everything settled down a minute later. Fergal walked over to Becky. He said something to her and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. Fans cheered and gave a whistle. Fergal and Becky laughed. Fergal stepped up to the podium. The fans cheered for him. He smiled brightly as he listened.
Fergal soon began to speak. He talked about his journey in wrestling. From training to all the way to Japan. Then all the way to WWE and to NXT and then to the main roster. Talked about his shoulder injury that set him back some months in 2016. He then mentioned Becky and the kids.
"The greatest thing about wrestling is that I met one of the most beautiful women in the world. That being my wife, Becky Lynch," Fergal said as he looked over at Becky. Becky smiled as she stood there with their daughters and son.
"And that beautiful woman came me three of the greatest things in the world, our three kids, Ashley, Lexi, and Jaime. My princesses and my definite Demon Prince. Doesn't my son look great?"
The crowd clapped and cheered. Mercedes smiled as her kids screamed.
"Thank you, Rebecca for those three children."
Becky nodded her head.
Colby smiled as Fergal wrapped up his speech. Once he had, Fergal turned to Becky and the kids.
I can't wait to get out there and look at my family from the stage. Colby thought.
The Shield ended up being the very last ones to be presented. Paul came out first to present. After talking for a couple minutes he announced them.
Mercedes was quickly on her feet as The Shield music began to play. She was clapping and cheering.
Colby smiled. Jon walked out first. Joe followed him. And he followed Joe. Stepping out onto that stage was quite an experience for him.
Look at that crowd and that audience. Damn!
"Whoa!" Mercedes shouted.
Colby smiled as he looked at Joe and Jon. They smiled back at him.
"Look at this," Joe said. "This is amazing."
"And its all for us," Jon said.
"Sure is. Let's do this," Colby said.
The three all walked over to the podium. They stood there for a few seconds and then held their fists out, touching.
"Yeah!" Screamed some fans.
Mercedes smiled seeing her husband on the stage. It was so great. She knew how he had felt the year before.
Colby smiled as he scanned the crowd for Mercedes, his parents, mother-in-law, and all the kids. He found them. He waved.
"Daddy sees us," Derek said, quickly waving back.
Everything settled down a little bit after that. Colby with Joe and Jon stood at the podium. The three of them spoke together a little bit before Joe and Colby backed away for Jon to talk. He gave his speech.
"And thank you to my wife, Renee Young for putting up with me for so long," He said, which made everyone laugh.
The camera showed Renee laughing and smiling as she sat with her and Jon's two sons, Luke and Joey.
"Also thank you for our boys, Luke and Joey. And a special thank you to my two brothers of The Shield. Thank you, WWE Universe as well."
Everyone cheered for him.
Joe walked up to the podium and gave his speech.
"Now please welcome the Architect, The Man, Seth Rollins!"
Mercedes and the kids cheered for him.
"All right," Colby said, stepping up to the podium. He began his speech.
He talked a little bit about his upbringing with his decision to be a wrestler. He then moved on to talking about his training, the few territories he worked for, going to Ring of Honor, following with signing with WWE to go to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) which went to be WWE NXT. He then talked about going to the main roster. He eventually went to when he turned on Joe and Jon. Going on to win Money in the Bank and everything going to WrestleMania 31 where he cashed in his contract winning his first WWE World Title. He got to his knee injury and all that with that. But then he moved onto Mercedes and the kids.
"So everyone knows I am married to Sasha Banks," Colby commented.
Cheers from the fans.
"Sesha! Sesha! Sesha!"
Mercedes grinned. She couldn't believe they were still calling them that.
"Damn, they're still calling us that, babe," Colby said looking to Mercedes
A camera showed her and everyone. "Sesha for life, baby!" She said.
"Damn right!"
Mercedes grinned again.
"But yes, I'm married to Sasha Banks. And everyone knows the story with her rape and all that. But let me talk to you about from my perspective," Colby said.
Mercedes knew he was going to talk about from his point of view.
"When came back from my knee injury in May of 2016, Sasha and I were talking and slowly getting close. Slowly as friends, but hopefully more. However, but the days where she was raped and all that, she didn't answer any of my text message. I was worried and I asked her why she didn't once we were at work again. She said she was going through something. I said she talk to me about and I touched her arm. She pulled back. Later that day I came to conclusion that she might have been raped and my suspicions were confirmed when she yelled it out to everyone.
"But we didn't talk outside of work following that. I told her I was there for her if she needed me. She said okay and all that. But I was hurt. That wasn't Sasha's fault. Something bad had happened to her and there was nothing I could do to really make her feel better.
"I truly hated that time we weren't talking other than casual conversation at work. I was a bit miserable. I was a bit miserable like I had when I had been out on my knee injury. I wanted to talk to her and have fun conversations with her like we had. We did start talking outside of work again after three weeks. Then we were doing it for three weeks until she didn't answer my texts yet again. That was when Sasha found out she was pregnant.
"Sasha had Stephanie announce to the whole Raw locker room that she was pregnant. I was standing across the room from her. I was standing with a few Superstars. I saw her after Stephanie made the announcement. She did not look happy. I quickly went over to her, not caring if she wanted the distance. But then she suddenly hugged me when I was in reach. I was shocked, but hugged her back."
Mercedes looked toward Evelyn. She saw Evelyn and Andy holding hands. She smiled. But she wondered if Evelyn was getting a little upset about what her father was talking about.
Mercedes looked back to the stage.
"Then from there I was there for her. I kept her company and helped her through a few weeks. I went with her to her first appointment to check on her and the baby. Sasha was overwhelmed when she heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time. I was too. It was a wonderful sound. Once we were outside her doctor's office she said she was keeping the baby. I was happy for her. That was when she kissed me, having our first few kisses, actually. That was then where things took off for Sesha officially being together.
"Now here we are sixteen years later. We have six wonderful children. I thank her every day for them. I know I changed her life, but she changed my life as well. And with the mention of my wife and kids, that brings me to the rest of the family."
Mercedes smiled.
"Thank you to my mom and my step dad (camera over to them) for everything in my life as I grew up. Thank you for understanding my dream to become a wrestler. Thank you for not doubting me once I showed that I was passionate about becoming a wrestler.
"Thank you to my big brother, Brandon (camera still on Colby's family). If it wasn't for you getting me into loving wrestling, I wouldn't be here. You got me watching wrestling and then everything took from there. And if it wasn't for becoming a wrestling and getting all the way to the WWE I would have met my wife and had our six children. Thanks, brother."
"You're welcome," Brandon shouted.
Everyone laughed. The camera went back to the stage, showing Colby.
"Thank you to my mother-in-law for supporting me and for her wonderful daughter."
Mercedes looked over at her mom. Judith smiled.
"Thank you to my kids. I love each and every one of you. Derek and Valerie, Daddy loves you with all his heart."
The camera showed Derek sitting on Aaron's lap and Valerie sitting on Katianna. The two little ones waved to Colby.
"Hi," Colby said, waving back as the camera went to him.
The camera showed the kids again. This time with Katianna and Aaron saying something to their little brother and sister.
"To my girls, Kati and Mari," Colby said. "I love you. You two with always be my little girls no matter what. But I love watching you grow up too.
"To my boy, Aaron, my second child and firstborn son, you mean the world to me. And I hope many years from now you will be standing up here being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame."
"Future WWE Superstar no matter what," Aaron shouted.
"Yeah!" Mercedes said as she clapped.
"Well said son," Colby continued. "To my oldest daughter, Evie."
The camera showed Evelyn. She smiled.
"You changed my life the day you were born. You are my little girl! No one else's! I am so proud of you and I love the young woman you are and going to be," Colby said. "And a special shout out to Liza, Mona, Christina, Trevor and Andy sitting over there with you."
The camera showed Evelyn and all her friends.
"Thanks for coming, kids. But here's the most important thank you. It goes out to my beautiful wife, Sasha Banks!"
The fans went wild as the camera showed Mercedes. She smiled her brightest smile. The fans began to cheer "Sesha."
Colby and Mercedes looked at each other from where they both were. They smiled. They never got tried of the fans and "Sesha."
"To my beautiful wife, Sasha," Colby continued. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be the man I am today. You changed my life just as much as our kids have. I have never loved a woman as much as I love you! And if it wasn't for the WWE and becoming a wrestler, I wouldn't have met you…"
Mercedes continued to smile as she listened to her husband.
"…You are one of the main reasons I live and breathe. And you will be until the day I take my last breath. You are the first thing I think about when I wake up every morning and the last thing I think about when I go to sleep at night. It will be that way until the day I die too. I love you so much, baby!"
People clapped and cheered. Mercedes continued smiling as she looked at her husband on the stage. Colby smiled back at her as he stood on the stage at the podium. Life was good.