The following morning, I was cleaning up the room. I found some of Matt's toys and things. It was tedious, but it had to be done. I was in the middle of my cleaning when there was a knock at the door. I brushed pieces of my hair that fell out of the pony tail back and answered the door. I opened the door in baggy sweat pants and a Y2J shirt. It was Paul.
"Hey baby girl." He said.
"Hey daddy." I replied. Since the whole Kurt thing at Unforgiven, Paul and I were honest about each other. After everything happened with Matt, he told me how he felt, how he really felt. And, how he was honored to have a baby girl like me, it made me cry harder. We've come a long way in our relationship since I got here.
"Cleaning?" He asked. "You must be bored."
"I've got hours to kill before my interview and photo shoot with RAW Magazine." I said. "I've got to leave at 12:30."
"You have a cover story?"
"Yeah. My incredible change of style." I smiled. "I'm the game now."
"Well, you're the Women's Champ, you've been IC Champ, and Hardcore Champ for 24 hours. That's impressive."
"Like I said, I am the game."
"I have an apprentice." He smiled. "You don't have Matt. Let me take you out before the big shoot and stuff. I'll take you to where you have to go."
"Let me get cleaned up."
I got some clothes and went to get changed. I had a pair of jeans and some shirt I got last time we were in New York, which is where I live now. In that damned apartment I grew up in. I'm not in Cameron anymore, for obvious reasons. My parents died a few months back. It's a Godsend and a bad thing all at the same time. So, I took the place. During the time I didn't have a place to stay, Paul took me in. God, am I thankful for Paul.
I put my faded blue hair back up and came out. It was a warm fall day out, almost November, but felt like late September. I grabbed a light jacket and my bag with my belts and we left. I was asked to bring my belts along.
"Where are we going?" I got in the passengers seat.
"Figure we'd go to lunch and talk."
"I'd like that." I said.
Paul drove to a Friendly's. I always loved the times I spent with Paul. He meant the world to me and was always there for me. He was there for me, no matter what it was. He was my daddy, my world, the only man I needed in my life. He was the only one there for me through everything. I was sort of thrown at him and he handled me so well. We took to each other, and we're the perfect pair.
"How's things going with you?" He asked.
"All right." I answered. "They could be better."
"Yes, well, things happen." He said. "I have to say, though, you're doing all right."
"If it wasn't for you, and Chris, I wouldn't be here. I owe you so much."
"I did what I thought was right." Paul said.
"You saved me." I told him. "You saved me, daddy."
He smiled. "You have Dwayne on Smackdown, don't ya?" He said. "Good luck."
"Thanks. I'm not going to win, but hey, it's experience."
"I'm proud of you, hun." He told me. "You've come a long way from a bad situation."
"Being in the ring is the only place I feel comfortable, feel right. I don't feel right anywhere else anymore, I can't."
"I know it's rough." He replied. "But, you're doing just fine. I am very proud of you."
"Thank you, daddy."
"Anyway, you want me to be at ringside with ya?"
"No, I got it. I'll be all right."
"You've come along way."
"I've had the opportunities." I said. "Vince has changed his ways."
"I know, since the match you had with me." He replied. "I won't lie, you gave me a run for my money."
I smiled. "Naturally." I was surprised to hear him say that.
Paul and I talked about my match against Dwayne. It was going to be some match. I wouldn't call it an even match, but we were charismatic and we could sell it. Dwayne was looking forward to working with me in that manner. And, I was very happy to have the chance to fight him.
"Fans love the new Destiny." Paul said.
"Me too, but I still have one thing left to fix." I replied.
"Time will tell."
"It's been a year. Time has told all it can."
"Well, you've learned something."
"I'll say. And the coast is killing me." I said.
"I can't say you didn't deserve it."
"I know." I said. "I know."
Paul, like he said, dropped me off at the photo shoot and interview. He opped to stay and watch. This was my first solo cover story ever, hard to believe. I had some idea of what would happen. I sort of knew what they would ask me. I had to be ready.
"I'm here with Destiny, Women's Champion and 1/2 of the WWF Tag Team Champions." The interviewer by the name of Charles said. "It's great to have you here."
"Thank you. It's good to be here."
"For the past month, you and Chris Jericho have been chasing after the Tag Team Titles. Now, the both of you own that title for the first time. What was going through your mind during that match?"
"Well, I was really psyched and nervous. I, and Jericho, wanted those titles very badly. We knew it was our time the moment we stepped into that ring. Personally, I was just trying to stay focused on the match and win."
"The match was incredible. Congratulations."
"Thank you."
"We all know of you infamous feud with Lita. That hasn't died down any even since you tagged with Jericho. The two of you of you will meet in a steel cage at Unforgiven in two weeks. And, the WWF Women's Title is on the line."
"That's right. Last year, if you remember, I ripped into her and became the Women's Champion. This year we meet for the same title in a steel cage. And, the outcome will be just the same."
"Lets go back to Unforgiven last year. A stronger, more charismatic, more dynamic Destiny emerged. In this past year, you have accomplished more than many in their entire career."
"Longest reigning Women's Champion, Intercontential Champion, Hardcore Champion for 24 hours, first time female World Wrestling Federation Champion, and first female to be part of the Tag Team Champions." I said.
"Your accomplishments are something else."
"Thank you." I replied. "I am thankful for what I have received in the World Wrestling Federation. No woman, and even many men, have been able to do what I have done."
"Having done what you have, what are you plans for the future?" He asked.
"I'm not one to look into the future. Live for the moment, ya know. I would like to, though, own every WWF title out there. I am well on my way. I want to continue to burn up the women's division. I want to show the world what a tag team Jericho and I are. I want to prove to everyone that I am not a silicone filled airhead like most of the females we have working for us. I want to exist to inspire."
"You are doing just that. Inspiring the next generation of WWF Superstars both men and women. I am proud to be sitting next to you."
"Thank you, it's an honor to be a double champion like I am and it's an honor to be as successful as I have been. I will only get better, and you'll be seeing gold around my waist all the time."
"It's a color we're used to seeing on you, like many other colors we've seen on you."
I laughed. "I'm a colorful person."
"You mentioned you wanted to prove to the world what a great tag team you and Chris Jericho are. You have proved to us all ready, and winning the Tag Team Titles sealed the deal. Where do you think this team will be in the next year?"
"Still going strong. Jericho and I have chemistry, a strong bold chemistry that will shine for years to come. This team isn't going anywhere any time soon. We will continue to show the world what we can do. You will be seeing us all the time."
"The WWF fans love you guys and really took to you."
"And, we love the fans. I think I speak for Jericho when I say, we love our fans. It's because of the WWF fans that we are as big as we are. Those fans are what make the World Wrestling Federation as big as it is. Vince McMahon doesn't make the WWF what it is, and the superstars don't make the WWF what it is. The fans make the WWF what it is."
"If we could talk about Vince McMahon."
"If you wish." I said.
"Vince McMahon was never on your side, never. But, now we're seeing a different Vince McMahon. We're seeing a Mr. McMahon that shows feeling and emotions. He's still the same Vince McMahon, in a way, but he's also different."
"Very different. I really can't give you any reasons why he changed his ways, but it's a good thing for all of us. He shows compassion now for his employees, and it's a big step in making the World Wrestling Federation work."
"What belt will we be seeing you reach for next?" He asked.
I laughed. "None yet. I am very happy being a double champion. If an opportunity comes my way, I'll take it. But, I'm not looking for anything."
And so went the interview. Next, was the photo shoot. I still kept my ground when it came to revealing my body. I still never appeared in a bra and panties match and was never involved in a Divas photo shoot. I was never comfortable with that. I wasn't a bitch about it, I didn't have to be.
"All right. I want to get the hard shoot out of the way first." The photographer said. "I know your really not into all that Divas stuff, but I want to do this shoot."
"Oh, no, that doesn't sound good."
"I want to use the belts. One around your waist and the other around your chest." He told me. "You can wear your underwear under the one belt." I looked at him. "You don't have to."
"I-uh-wow." I said with a smile. "You weren't kidding when you said Divas."
"You don't have to."
"I'll do it. Just this one time."
"All right, good, good. Women's on top, Tag on the bottom."
I kept my underwear on, freaking neon green thong. I had a long jacket on over the belts when I walked out. I was reluctant to take it off at first. Paul was there, and I knew what he'd do. But, I said I was going to do it, and I never go back on my word. The jacket came off.
"For the record, I am incredibly embarrassed." I said.
"Don't worry, Destiny, we're only taking a few shots." Man, was Paul shocked.
I stood there in the two belts, and underwear. It was so embarrassing and akward, but I went along with it. I'll admit, it was fun and sexy, but I'll never do it again. I wasn't Trish, I wasn't Amy. I wasn't like that, it wasn't my deal. But, getting to be sexy like that was pretty cool.
My physical style didn't change at all. My fighting style was updated, but was still risky as hell. When it came down to appearance and clothes, I was just the same. Same clothes style, same look. I didn't feel the need to change my look. The photo shoot showed that. It was just me in my own clothes.
"Thanks for the belt shots." The photographer said when it was all said and done. "Took guts."
"Thanks, and no problem. But, that was a one time deal only."
Paul was still in shock. Millions seeing his little girl like that. He looked at the photographer and that guy walked away quickly. I laughed. He put his arm around me and we left.
"That was, some photo shoot." Paul said.
"It was just a few shots, they're only using one." I told him. "Did I like it? No, not really. But, I did it for the WWF."
"I'm just shocked." He said. "Didn't know you'd actually go through with it."
"Neither did I, but I did. Only going to use one, and that's in the centerfold. It was my Divas moment, my only Divas moment."
"I know how you stand on that." Paul said.
Word of my belt shots got around the locker room. I walked in and got a standing ovation. I bowed and put my things down. Adam came by and sat down. He had a huge smile on his face.
"I'm getting that issue." He said.
"I can't believe I did that." I smiled and shook my head.
"It's a change."
"One I won't be keeping." I said.
"Aw nuts!" He laughed and Paul walked over.
"Don't get any ideas." He told Adam.
He stood up. "Don't you worry."
He and Jay left to go back to their locker room. Stephanie, Paul, and I shared a locker room. Jericho was sort of in and out. I hated most of the girls in the girl's locker room, and I couldn't go anywhere else. Besides, Paul forced me to be with him. With Jericho as my new tag partner, does he rank on Stephanie? Yes, he does. But Steph's always got a zinger of her own. So, it's not so bad.
"I know what you're thinking." I said. "Just, can't believe I did that. Never again."
"I'm getting better, aren't I?"
"What do yo mean?" I asked.
"I didn't yell or anything." He answered. "I was good about the whole belt thing."
"Don't worry, never again."
Chris popped his head in and said, "ready?"
"Yup." I answered.
"I have Jeff tonight."
I looked up. "You do?"
"IC shot." He smiled.
"Good luck." I told him.
"Thanks." Then, he left.
I put on a pair of pants and a Y2J shirt. I wore a blue fishnet under the T-shirt. Like I said, my style didn't change. Paul changed, putting on his ring gear and his own shirt. The show was just starting and we had time to kill.
"I'm going to wander." I said. "I have to cut a promo."
I walked down the hallway, dragging my feet. I said hello to everyone who passed in the halls. I seemed to know everyone without even trying. Matt was walking down the hall, holding Matthew's hand. It was an adorable sight.
"Good luck." He said to me.
"Chris has Jeff tonight."
"Ouch."
"I know." I sighed. "Should I go to ringside with him?"
"Up to you." He said.
"I know." I got down on one knee. "Hey, Matt." My son hugged me. He's so much like his father. I've seen baby pictures of Matt and they look so much alike, it's scary.
"He turned my room upside down." Matt said.
"Told you." I smiled and picked him up. Matt wasn't fond of haircuts, so Matthew's hair was pretty long.
I said good-bye to Matt and my son and went to cut my promo. No one could compare to The Rock when it comes to promos. But, I was going to try. Try my hardest. I hung around with Coach before I had to say what I had to say.
"Destiny, tonight you take on The Rock." He said. "You have never faced The Rock."
"I've had a lot of firsts here in the World Wrestling Federation. This is just another. I'm confident that I'll win tonight. Lets face it, The Rock and I are similar in a lot of ways. The both of us have been WWF Champion, the both of us have been Intercontinental Champion. The both of us are funny, and have a way with words. And, the both of us are very good looking. But, it's not about that tonight. Tonight, The Rock will meet his Destiny." I walked away.
Corny? Oh, hell yeah. But, I didn't care either way. I walked around thinking if I should join Chris at ringside. He was my tag partner, and this was a title shot we're talking about. It seemed right. I must have walked up and down the same hallway a million times.
"Is there a reason why you're pacing outside my door?" Vince asked.
"I'm sorry, Vince. Just thinking, ya know. Chris has Jeff tonight for the IC Title."
"That he does." Vince said.
"And, I don't know if I should join him at ringside. He is my partner and all."
"Well, I can't tell you what to do."
"I know. I'll think of something."
"By the way, how's your son?" Vince asked.
"He's fine." I answered. "Looking more like daddy everyday."
"That's wonderful. He's a great kid, pleasure to have around."
I smiled and thanked Vince. I went back to the locker room. Paul and Stephanie were joking around. They were so cute together. I sat down in a chair. Paul sat on the floor next to me and looked at me for a while before talking.
"Thought more about assisting Chris anymore?" He asked.
"Yeah." I answered. "And I still don't know what the hell I'm going to do."
"You're very spontaneous, Des. No one has any idea what the hell goes on inside that head of yours. Honestly, I don't want to know what goes on up there. I'm afraid of your mind."
"I'm afraid of it sometimes too." I smiled.
He laughed. "I have to do my thing." He stood up and walked out.
"You have balls." Stephanie said. "That photoshoot was something else."
"I know! I'll never live it down."
"It's your moment of glory." She said.
"One I'll never do again."
She laughed. "You can be sexy!"
"Yes, I can do that wearing clothes."
She laughed again and went to change. I put on a new Y2J shirt and went to change. I was putting my big boots on when there was a knock. Stephanie answered it. Chris walked in.
"Hey champ." He said to me.
"Hiya, Chris." I replied. "Double gold for you after tonight."
"Yeah, I know. I net Jeff's not that happy he's got to drop the belt to me." He shrugged. "I have to get out there."
"Wait, I'm going too." I said.
"Sure?" Stephanie asked. I nodded. "All right."
Chris and I walked to the ring. I was thinking about what I was going to do to Jeff. I couldn't mess everything up in that match. I knew I had to keep my ground. Just being there was going to be a big enough distraction for Jeff.
"You sure you want to do this?" Chris asked me. We were by the curtain. Jeff was all ready out there.
"I'm sure." I answered.
The intro to Jericho's music hit. We walked out together. Jeff's face was picture perfect, I hated it. It was times like these where I wonder why I'm still doing this. I went into the ring. It was the first time I stepped into the ring with Jeff since Unforgiven. One year and I never stepped inside the same ring with Jeff. I avoided it as much as possible.
Jeff and I looked at each other. We had the stare down, as if we had the match. It was too intense, but I couldn't look away. Jericho broke the stare down with a few shots to the back of the head. I got out of the ring and watched the match. It was a tough match to watch. Former tag partner against the new tag partner. That's all I am now, the former tag partner. I didn't want to see Jeff lose, but I wanted Chris to win, which he was slated to do.
Jeff wouldn't mind dropping the belt. He wasn't like that. It did bother him that it had to be Chris, my tag partner. I cheered Chris on best I could. All three of us knew the out come of this match, it didn't make Chris's victory any easier to swallow.
After his victory, I went into the ring and raised his hand in victory. The whole ring presences was horrible. You could feel the coldness. It wasn't the best place to be. I wanted to cry. I saw Jeff out of the corner of my eye, and how he looked. I couldn't just run out of there. Chris had to do his thing in there before we could leave. It wasn't fast enough.
Once we got backstage, I just about cried. Stephanie was backstage walking around and hugged me. I hugged her back and then went straight to the locker room to change. I put on a fishnet and a tank-top under that. I was stretching and bouncing. I had to get in the mind set now. I had to forget about Jeff and think about the match.
"You ready?" DJ asked me.
"Yup." I answered. "If you weren't slated to win, I'd kick your ass."
He laughed. "I'm the Great One."
We walked to the curtain together. He patted my shoulder and wished me good luck. I took a deep breath and then my music started. I came out with a huge pop from the crowd. I slid into the ring and showed off my double gold. The Rock came out next and the fans exploded. I paced around the ring as he did his thing. He shot his head to me and stared at me.
"Former teammates square off again tonight." Michael Cole said. "If you're just joining us, Chris Jericho defeated Jeff Hardy for the Intercontinental Title. And now The Rock is set to face Destiny."
Rocky and I squared off. This was less tense than being out here with Chris. We had fun with it. That's what it should be about, fun. We talked to each other during the match. Mostly, we didn't even talk about the match. It was a way to keep your sanity. When we weren't talking about what to do next, we told each other jokes. It was hard not to laugh.
Anyway, I had gotten The Rock right where I wanted him. I got on the turnbuckle ready to nail the Destiny Drop. It's a pretty much guaranteed knock out. Meaning, if I land it, you ain't getting up. I nailed the move perfect, and went for the cover.
"It looks like The Rock has met his Destiny. This could be a huge upset!" Cole cried. But, he just kick out. "Oh my, God! How the hell does someone kick out of that?"
We got to the count of five on a double fall before I got up. I fired a few right hands before Rocky got me in The Rock Bottom. Then, he went for The People's Elbow. He went for the cover, but I kicked out just before the three count.
"How the hell did Destiny kick out of the most electrifying move in all history!"
"You have to give Destiny credit, she's one tough cookie." Tazz said.
How was the match won? Via submission like I said. The Rock got me in the Sharpshooter. And, after a long struggle of making it to the ropes and being pulled back, I tapped.
"The Rock picks up the victory, but I know he's thanking the man upstairs." Cole said.
I walked backstage and Dwayne jumped at me. I screamed then laughed. I slapped him on the shoulder. He put his arm around me and we walked to the locker room.
"You know, they still call us former partners." Dwayne said.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Every time one of us fights, they still say former partners."
I shrugged. "They wish we were."
He shoved me playfully and I went into my locker room. Paul clapped. Chris came out of the shower. He smiled. I grabbed my street clothes and went to shower. I pulled the curtain and turned the water on. Chris yelled at me to hurry up. I hurried up as fast as I could. I came out and grabbed my bag.
"I have to stop giving you pointers." Paul said.
"Ha! Like you helped?"
Actually, Paul's pointers were a big help. My success was a mix of his pointers, help of other former Alliance members, Vince McMahon(beleive it or not), and my own personal will power. I was very determined to show everyone what I was really made of. I didn't want to live in anyone's shadow. I wanted to shut the bad critics up and show everyone what a real woman could do.
I threw my bag in the back seat of Chris's rented car. The four of us talked some more before deciding to leave. I stuck a Pearl Jam tape in the cassette player and sang along.
"Destiny, the singing, double gold holding, WWF Superstar." Chris said. "Is there anything you can't do?"
I opened a bag of chocolate covered pretzels. "Hang on to a good relationship." I answered putting one in my mouth.
"It will work itself out."
"It has, it's all said and done." I said. "He moved on, and I'm trying to."
"What you two had was too great and too special. You both know it. You both know you'll never find another lover like yourselves. He knows it, you may not think he does, but he does. There is still a love there, because it was just too good."
Everything Chris said was true, in my case. I still loved him, and I knew there was no one in the world more right for me than him. But, I just didn't know about Jeff. No one really knew about Jeff, and those who did weren't so quick to talk about it. Probably because I wasn't so quick to ask about it.
When we got to the hotel, Vince congratulated Chris and I. Why was Vince on our side? Well, when our Alliance broke up, he was happy, he got what he wanted. But he realized that his best superstars were against him. And, a week after Unforgiven, the day after I lost my WWF Title, he tried to build a new relationship with us all. he suddenly realized what he had Character and real life was finally separated. I believe he was just to caught up in the character.
I put my things down in my room. I opened the window and let the cool air in. I took myself back to last year. Replaying the situation over in my head. I had so many chances to prevent it. I could be with Jeff now, just like I was before all this mess. Everyone says it'll come together, but why would it? If you were him, would you? I think not. I wouldn't go back if I were him.
I closed the window a little, changed, and went to bed. I dreamt about the whole situation. Tossing and turning all night. I didn't sleep well at all. But, I brought it upon myself, though.
"Hey baby girl." He said.
"Hey daddy." I replied. Since the whole Kurt thing at Unforgiven, Paul and I were honest about each other. After everything happened with Matt, he told me how he felt, how he really felt. And, how he was honored to have a baby girl like me, it made me cry harder. We've come a long way in our relationship since I got here.
"Cleaning?" He asked. "You must be bored."
"I've got hours to kill before my interview and photo shoot with RAW Magazine." I said. "I've got to leave at 12:30."
"You have a cover story?"
"Yeah. My incredible change of style." I smiled. "I'm the game now."
"Well, you're the Women's Champ, you've been IC Champ, and Hardcore Champ for 24 hours. That's impressive."
"Like I said, I am the game."
"I have an apprentice." He smiled. "You don't have Matt. Let me take you out before the big shoot and stuff. I'll take you to where you have to go."
"Let me get cleaned up."
I got some clothes and went to get changed. I had a pair of jeans and some shirt I got last time we were in New York, which is where I live now. In that damned apartment I grew up in. I'm not in Cameron anymore, for obvious reasons. My parents died a few months back. It's a Godsend and a bad thing all at the same time. So, I took the place. During the time I didn't have a place to stay, Paul took me in. God, am I thankful for Paul.
I put my faded blue hair back up and came out. It was a warm fall day out, almost November, but felt like late September. I grabbed a light jacket and my bag with my belts and we left. I was asked to bring my belts along.
"Where are we going?" I got in the passengers seat.
"Figure we'd go to lunch and talk."
"I'd like that." I said.
Paul drove to a Friendly's. I always loved the times I spent with Paul. He meant the world to me and was always there for me. He was there for me, no matter what it was. He was my daddy, my world, the only man I needed in my life. He was the only one there for me through everything. I was sort of thrown at him and he handled me so well. We took to each other, and we're the perfect pair.
"How's things going with you?" He asked.
"All right." I answered. "They could be better."
"Yes, well, things happen." He said. "I have to say, though, you're doing all right."
"If it wasn't for you, and Chris, I wouldn't be here. I owe you so much."
"I did what I thought was right." Paul said.
"You saved me." I told him. "You saved me, daddy."
He smiled. "You have Dwayne on Smackdown, don't ya?" He said. "Good luck."
"Thanks. I'm not going to win, but hey, it's experience."
"I'm proud of you, hun." He told me. "You've come a long way from a bad situation."
"Being in the ring is the only place I feel comfortable, feel right. I don't feel right anywhere else anymore, I can't."
"I know it's rough." He replied. "But, you're doing just fine. I am very proud of you."
"Thank you, daddy."
"Anyway, you want me to be at ringside with ya?"
"No, I got it. I'll be all right."
"You've come along way."
"I've had the opportunities." I said. "Vince has changed his ways."
"I know, since the match you had with me." He replied. "I won't lie, you gave me a run for my money."
I smiled. "Naturally." I was surprised to hear him say that.
Paul and I talked about my match against Dwayne. It was going to be some match. I wouldn't call it an even match, but we were charismatic and we could sell it. Dwayne was looking forward to working with me in that manner. And, I was very happy to have the chance to fight him.
"Fans love the new Destiny." Paul said.
"Me too, but I still have one thing left to fix." I replied.
"Time will tell."
"It's been a year. Time has told all it can."
"Well, you've learned something."
"I'll say. And the coast is killing me." I said.
"I can't say you didn't deserve it."
"I know." I said. "I know."
Paul, like he said, dropped me off at the photo shoot and interview. He opped to stay and watch. This was my first solo cover story ever, hard to believe. I had some idea of what would happen. I sort of knew what they would ask me. I had to be ready.
"I'm here with Destiny, Women's Champion and 1/2 of the WWF Tag Team Champions." The interviewer by the name of Charles said. "It's great to have you here."
"Thank you. It's good to be here."
"For the past month, you and Chris Jericho have been chasing after the Tag Team Titles. Now, the both of you own that title for the first time. What was going through your mind during that match?"
"Well, I was really psyched and nervous. I, and Jericho, wanted those titles very badly. We knew it was our time the moment we stepped into that ring. Personally, I was just trying to stay focused on the match and win."
"The match was incredible. Congratulations."
"Thank you."
"We all know of you infamous feud with Lita. That hasn't died down any even since you tagged with Jericho. The two of you of you will meet in a steel cage at Unforgiven in two weeks. And, the WWF Women's Title is on the line."
"That's right. Last year, if you remember, I ripped into her and became the Women's Champion. This year we meet for the same title in a steel cage. And, the outcome will be just the same."
"Lets go back to Unforgiven last year. A stronger, more charismatic, more dynamic Destiny emerged. In this past year, you have accomplished more than many in their entire career."
"Longest reigning Women's Champion, Intercontential Champion, Hardcore Champion for 24 hours, first time female World Wrestling Federation Champion, and first female to be part of the Tag Team Champions." I said.
"Your accomplishments are something else."
"Thank you." I replied. "I am thankful for what I have received in the World Wrestling Federation. No woman, and even many men, have been able to do what I have done."
"Having done what you have, what are you plans for the future?" He asked.
"I'm not one to look into the future. Live for the moment, ya know. I would like to, though, own every WWF title out there. I am well on my way. I want to continue to burn up the women's division. I want to show the world what a tag team Jericho and I are. I want to prove to everyone that I am not a silicone filled airhead like most of the females we have working for us. I want to exist to inspire."
"You are doing just that. Inspiring the next generation of WWF Superstars both men and women. I am proud to be sitting next to you."
"Thank you, it's an honor to be a double champion like I am and it's an honor to be as successful as I have been. I will only get better, and you'll be seeing gold around my waist all the time."
"It's a color we're used to seeing on you, like many other colors we've seen on you."
I laughed. "I'm a colorful person."
"You mentioned you wanted to prove to the world what a great tag team you and Chris Jericho are. You have proved to us all ready, and winning the Tag Team Titles sealed the deal. Where do you think this team will be in the next year?"
"Still going strong. Jericho and I have chemistry, a strong bold chemistry that will shine for years to come. This team isn't going anywhere any time soon. We will continue to show the world what we can do. You will be seeing us all the time."
"The WWF fans love you guys and really took to you."
"And, we love the fans. I think I speak for Jericho when I say, we love our fans. It's because of the WWF fans that we are as big as we are. Those fans are what make the World Wrestling Federation as big as it is. Vince McMahon doesn't make the WWF what it is, and the superstars don't make the WWF what it is. The fans make the WWF what it is."
"If we could talk about Vince McMahon."
"If you wish." I said.
"Vince McMahon was never on your side, never. But, now we're seeing a different Vince McMahon. We're seeing a Mr. McMahon that shows feeling and emotions. He's still the same Vince McMahon, in a way, but he's also different."
"Very different. I really can't give you any reasons why he changed his ways, but it's a good thing for all of us. He shows compassion now for his employees, and it's a big step in making the World Wrestling Federation work."
"What belt will we be seeing you reach for next?" He asked.
I laughed. "None yet. I am very happy being a double champion. If an opportunity comes my way, I'll take it. But, I'm not looking for anything."
And so went the interview. Next, was the photo shoot. I still kept my ground when it came to revealing my body. I still never appeared in a bra and panties match and was never involved in a Divas photo shoot. I was never comfortable with that. I wasn't a bitch about it, I didn't have to be.
"All right. I want to get the hard shoot out of the way first." The photographer said. "I know your really not into all that Divas stuff, but I want to do this shoot."
"Oh, no, that doesn't sound good."
"I want to use the belts. One around your waist and the other around your chest." He told me. "You can wear your underwear under the one belt." I looked at him. "You don't have to."
"I-uh-wow." I said with a smile. "You weren't kidding when you said Divas."
"You don't have to."
"I'll do it. Just this one time."
"All right, good, good. Women's on top, Tag on the bottom."
I kept my underwear on, freaking neon green thong. I had a long jacket on over the belts when I walked out. I was reluctant to take it off at first. Paul was there, and I knew what he'd do. But, I said I was going to do it, and I never go back on my word. The jacket came off.
"For the record, I am incredibly embarrassed." I said.
"Don't worry, Destiny, we're only taking a few shots." Man, was Paul shocked.
I stood there in the two belts, and underwear. It was so embarrassing and akward, but I went along with it. I'll admit, it was fun and sexy, but I'll never do it again. I wasn't Trish, I wasn't Amy. I wasn't like that, it wasn't my deal. But, getting to be sexy like that was pretty cool.
My physical style didn't change at all. My fighting style was updated, but was still risky as hell. When it came down to appearance and clothes, I was just the same. Same clothes style, same look. I didn't feel the need to change my look. The photo shoot showed that. It was just me in my own clothes.
"Thanks for the belt shots." The photographer said when it was all said and done. "Took guts."
"Thanks, and no problem. But, that was a one time deal only."
Paul was still in shock. Millions seeing his little girl like that. He looked at the photographer and that guy walked away quickly. I laughed. He put his arm around me and we left.
"That was, some photo shoot." Paul said.
"It was just a few shots, they're only using one." I told him. "Did I like it? No, not really. But, I did it for the WWF."
"I'm just shocked." He said. "Didn't know you'd actually go through with it."
"Neither did I, but I did. Only going to use one, and that's in the centerfold. It was my Divas moment, my only Divas moment."
"I know how you stand on that." Paul said.
Word of my belt shots got around the locker room. I walked in and got a standing ovation. I bowed and put my things down. Adam came by and sat down. He had a huge smile on his face.
"I'm getting that issue." He said.
"I can't believe I did that." I smiled and shook my head.
"It's a change."
"One I won't be keeping." I said.
"Aw nuts!" He laughed and Paul walked over.
"Don't get any ideas." He told Adam.
He stood up. "Don't you worry."
He and Jay left to go back to their locker room. Stephanie, Paul, and I shared a locker room. Jericho was sort of in and out. I hated most of the girls in the girl's locker room, and I couldn't go anywhere else. Besides, Paul forced me to be with him. With Jericho as my new tag partner, does he rank on Stephanie? Yes, he does. But Steph's always got a zinger of her own. So, it's not so bad.
"I know what you're thinking." I said. "Just, can't believe I did that. Never again."
"I'm getting better, aren't I?"
"What do yo mean?" I asked.
"I didn't yell or anything." He answered. "I was good about the whole belt thing."
"Don't worry, never again."
Chris popped his head in and said, "ready?"
"Yup." I answered.
"I have Jeff tonight."
I looked up. "You do?"
"IC shot." He smiled.
"Good luck." I told him.
"Thanks." Then, he left.
I put on a pair of pants and a Y2J shirt. I wore a blue fishnet under the T-shirt. Like I said, my style didn't change. Paul changed, putting on his ring gear and his own shirt. The show was just starting and we had time to kill.
"I'm going to wander." I said. "I have to cut a promo."
I walked down the hallway, dragging my feet. I said hello to everyone who passed in the halls. I seemed to know everyone without even trying. Matt was walking down the hall, holding Matthew's hand. It was an adorable sight.
"Good luck." He said to me.
"Chris has Jeff tonight."
"Ouch."
"I know." I sighed. "Should I go to ringside with him?"
"Up to you." He said.
"I know." I got down on one knee. "Hey, Matt." My son hugged me. He's so much like his father. I've seen baby pictures of Matt and they look so much alike, it's scary.
"He turned my room upside down." Matt said.
"Told you." I smiled and picked him up. Matt wasn't fond of haircuts, so Matthew's hair was pretty long.
I said good-bye to Matt and my son and went to cut my promo. No one could compare to The Rock when it comes to promos. But, I was going to try. Try my hardest. I hung around with Coach before I had to say what I had to say.
"Destiny, tonight you take on The Rock." He said. "You have never faced The Rock."
"I've had a lot of firsts here in the World Wrestling Federation. This is just another. I'm confident that I'll win tonight. Lets face it, The Rock and I are similar in a lot of ways. The both of us have been WWF Champion, the both of us have been Intercontinental Champion. The both of us are funny, and have a way with words. And, the both of us are very good looking. But, it's not about that tonight. Tonight, The Rock will meet his Destiny." I walked away.
Corny? Oh, hell yeah. But, I didn't care either way. I walked around thinking if I should join Chris at ringside. He was my tag partner, and this was a title shot we're talking about. It seemed right. I must have walked up and down the same hallway a million times.
"Is there a reason why you're pacing outside my door?" Vince asked.
"I'm sorry, Vince. Just thinking, ya know. Chris has Jeff tonight for the IC Title."
"That he does." Vince said.
"And, I don't know if I should join him at ringside. He is my partner and all."
"Well, I can't tell you what to do."
"I know. I'll think of something."
"By the way, how's your son?" Vince asked.
"He's fine." I answered. "Looking more like daddy everyday."
"That's wonderful. He's a great kid, pleasure to have around."
I smiled and thanked Vince. I went back to the locker room. Paul and Stephanie were joking around. They were so cute together. I sat down in a chair. Paul sat on the floor next to me and looked at me for a while before talking.
"Thought more about assisting Chris anymore?" He asked.
"Yeah." I answered. "And I still don't know what the hell I'm going to do."
"You're very spontaneous, Des. No one has any idea what the hell goes on inside that head of yours. Honestly, I don't want to know what goes on up there. I'm afraid of your mind."
"I'm afraid of it sometimes too." I smiled.
He laughed. "I have to do my thing." He stood up and walked out.
"You have balls." Stephanie said. "That photoshoot was something else."
"I know! I'll never live it down."
"It's your moment of glory." She said.
"One I'll never do again."
She laughed. "You can be sexy!"
"Yes, I can do that wearing clothes."
She laughed again and went to change. I put on a new Y2J shirt and went to change. I was putting my big boots on when there was a knock. Stephanie answered it. Chris walked in.
"Hey champ." He said to me.
"Hiya, Chris." I replied. "Double gold for you after tonight."
"Yeah, I know. I net Jeff's not that happy he's got to drop the belt to me." He shrugged. "I have to get out there."
"Wait, I'm going too." I said.
"Sure?" Stephanie asked. I nodded. "All right."
Chris and I walked to the ring. I was thinking about what I was going to do to Jeff. I couldn't mess everything up in that match. I knew I had to keep my ground. Just being there was going to be a big enough distraction for Jeff.
"You sure you want to do this?" Chris asked me. We were by the curtain. Jeff was all ready out there.
"I'm sure." I answered.
The intro to Jericho's music hit. We walked out together. Jeff's face was picture perfect, I hated it. It was times like these where I wonder why I'm still doing this. I went into the ring. It was the first time I stepped into the ring with Jeff since Unforgiven. One year and I never stepped inside the same ring with Jeff. I avoided it as much as possible.
Jeff and I looked at each other. We had the stare down, as if we had the match. It was too intense, but I couldn't look away. Jericho broke the stare down with a few shots to the back of the head. I got out of the ring and watched the match. It was a tough match to watch. Former tag partner against the new tag partner. That's all I am now, the former tag partner. I didn't want to see Jeff lose, but I wanted Chris to win, which he was slated to do.
Jeff wouldn't mind dropping the belt. He wasn't like that. It did bother him that it had to be Chris, my tag partner. I cheered Chris on best I could. All three of us knew the out come of this match, it didn't make Chris's victory any easier to swallow.
After his victory, I went into the ring and raised his hand in victory. The whole ring presences was horrible. You could feel the coldness. It wasn't the best place to be. I wanted to cry. I saw Jeff out of the corner of my eye, and how he looked. I couldn't just run out of there. Chris had to do his thing in there before we could leave. It wasn't fast enough.
Once we got backstage, I just about cried. Stephanie was backstage walking around and hugged me. I hugged her back and then went straight to the locker room to change. I put on a fishnet and a tank-top under that. I was stretching and bouncing. I had to get in the mind set now. I had to forget about Jeff and think about the match.
"You ready?" DJ asked me.
"Yup." I answered. "If you weren't slated to win, I'd kick your ass."
He laughed. "I'm the Great One."
We walked to the curtain together. He patted my shoulder and wished me good luck. I took a deep breath and then my music started. I came out with a huge pop from the crowd. I slid into the ring and showed off my double gold. The Rock came out next and the fans exploded. I paced around the ring as he did his thing. He shot his head to me and stared at me.
"Former teammates square off again tonight." Michael Cole said. "If you're just joining us, Chris Jericho defeated Jeff Hardy for the Intercontinental Title. And now The Rock is set to face Destiny."
Rocky and I squared off. This was less tense than being out here with Chris. We had fun with it. That's what it should be about, fun. We talked to each other during the match. Mostly, we didn't even talk about the match. It was a way to keep your sanity. When we weren't talking about what to do next, we told each other jokes. It was hard not to laugh.
Anyway, I had gotten The Rock right where I wanted him. I got on the turnbuckle ready to nail the Destiny Drop. It's a pretty much guaranteed knock out. Meaning, if I land it, you ain't getting up. I nailed the move perfect, and went for the cover.
"It looks like The Rock has met his Destiny. This could be a huge upset!" Cole cried. But, he just kick out. "Oh my, God! How the hell does someone kick out of that?"
We got to the count of five on a double fall before I got up. I fired a few right hands before Rocky got me in The Rock Bottom. Then, he went for The People's Elbow. He went for the cover, but I kicked out just before the three count.
"How the hell did Destiny kick out of the most electrifying move in all history!"
"You have to give Destiny credit, she's one tough cookie." Tazz said.
How was the match won? Via submission like I said. The Rock got me in the Sharpshooter. And, after a long struggle of making it to the ropes and being pulled back, I tapped.
"The Rock picks up the victory, but I know he's thanking the man upstairs." Cole said.
I walked backstage and Dwayne jumped at me. I screamed then laughed. I slapped him on the shoulder. He put his arm around me and we walked to the locker room.
"You know, they still call us former partners." Dwayne said.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Every time one of us fights, they still say former partners."
I shrugged. "They wish we were."
He shoved me playfully and I went into my locker room. Paul clapped. Chris came out of the shower. He smiled. I grabbed my street clothes and went to shower. I pulled the curtain and turned the water on. Chris yelled at me to hurry up. I hurried up as fast as I could. I came out and grabbed my bag.
"I have to stop giving you pointers." Paul said.
"Ha! Like you helped?"
Actually, Paul's pointers were a big help. My success was a mix of his pointers, help of other former Alliance members, Vince McMahon(beleive it or not), and my own personal will power. I was very determined to show everyone what I was really made of. I didn't want to live in anyone's shadow. I wanted to shut the bad critics up and show everyone what a real woman could do.
I threw my bag in the back seat of Chris's rented car. The four of us talked some more before deciding to leave. I stuck a Pearl Jam tape in the cassette player and sang along.
"Destiny, the singing, double gold holding, WWF Superstar." Chris said. "Is there anything you can't do?"
I opened a bag of chocolate covered pretzels. "Hang on to a good relationship." I answered putting one in my mouth.
"It will work itself out."
"It has, it's all said and done." I said. "He moved on, and I'm trying to."
"What you two had was too great and too special. You both know it. You both know you'll never find another lover like yourselves. He knows it, you may not think he does, but he does. There is still a love there, because it was just too good."
Everything Chris said was true, in my case. I still loved him, and I knew there was no one in the world more right for me than him. But, I just didn't know about Jeff. No one really knew about Jeff, and those who did weren't so quick to talk about it. Probably because I wasn't so quick to ask about it.
When we got to the hotel, Vince congratulated Chris and I. Why was Vince on our side? Well, when our Alliance broke up, he was happy, he got what he wanted. But he realized that his best superstars were against him. And, a week after Unforgiven, the day after I lost my WWF Title, he tried to build a new relationship with us all. he suddenly realized what he had Character and real life was finally separated. I believe he was just to caught up in the character.
I put my things down in my room. I opened the window and let the cool air in. I took myself back to last year. Replaying the situation over in my head. I had so many chances to prevent it. I could be with Jeff now, just like I was before all this mess. Everyone says it'll come together, but why would it? If you were him, would you? I think not. I wouldn't go back if I were him.
I closed the window a little, changed, and went to bed. I dreamt about the whole situation. Tossing and turning all night. I didn't sleep well at all. But, I brought it upon myself, though.