Chapter 2: In Too Deep
Fear filled Lita's eyes as she realized that she was the legal competitor in tonight's Mixed Tag match. She knew she could easily beat Maria, but the legal competitor from the opposing team was the reigning WWE Champion, John Cena. She didn't know what else to do, so she lifted the hem of her black t-shirt to reveal her breasts as a distraction to Cena. Edge, hoping to take advantage of a diverted Cena, rolled into the ring. He set himself up to spear Cena. But, Cena dodged out of the way at the last second, and Lita became Edge's target.
A shocked Edge was thrown out of the ring by Cena, almost hitting Maria in the process. Before Cena could realize what was going on, Maria blind-tagged herself in and ran to pin Edge's girlfriend. The referee counted to three, and Maria and John Cena won the match.
A stunned Cena pointed to his partner. Shock was written on his face. "I didn't know she had enough confidence in herself to do that," Cena thought to himself. The referee lifted Maria's right hand and Cena's left, signifying their win. Maria exuded a confidence that Cena did not see earlier that night. She was sure of herself and of her abilities.
The referee let go of their raised hands, and John moved to hug an ecstatic Maria. He looked like he could kiss her again, but more passionately than earlier tonight.
Cena cut the celebration short, making this the time to announce his chosen guest referee for Raw on February 16. His dimples showed his enthusiasm. Unable to wait any longer, Cena made a reference to a "hardcore" wrestler, and the sound of a car crash squealed from the speakers.
"Mick Foley!" Cena exclaimed.
Much celebration followed the arrival of the beloved hardcore wrestler. Amidst the screaming crowd, Cena's taunts toward Edge were unheard, though not imperceptible. "I won," he mouthed, "My ref." Edge's eyes were wide in fear.
Minutes after RAW footage was cut, Cena and Maria decided to leave the ring. Cena, ever the gentleman, exited the ring first in order to separate the ropes for Maria. He held out a hand for her and walked her down the steel steps at ringside.
Cena smiled down at the intriguing girl beside him. "We're good to go?" he mouthed. Maria nodded in reply; she lost the ability to speak when in his presence.
Cena held up the WWE title belt to the roaring cheers of the sold out arena. He possessively wrapped his other arm around Maria's shoulders. Maria's smile grew wider, and she leaned into the champion's embrace.
"Maybe things won't be so bad after all," she supposed.