November 13th, 2020 - SmackDown
Joey
I felt my body start to feel the burn as I performed my usual stretches and meditating before heading out to the ring. I've been working with the writing staff for a while now about how to go about the formation of Team SmackDown and how it collides with Rollins' feud with Rey and his family.
"Gentlemen, I can't tell you how lucky you are to have the Friday Night Messiah...as your team captain." I can hear Seth cutting his promo on his fellow qualified teammates so far in Kevin Owens and Jey Uso via the TV in gorilla. "Now I see the look on your faces...and I understand the concern. Despite my ongoing issues with the Mysterio family...I can without a doubt...be a captain that will lead his team….to victory." Oh, Seth...are you about to find out the truth.
"Excuse me, Seth!" That was the voice of Adam Pearce who has pretty much been our acting general manager this year. He just left us in gorilla and made his way to the ring to address the team. "Excuse me, gentlemen. Seth, I gotta say, I admire the enthusiasm and the will to lead; but I gotta break it to you, we already have a team captain."
"Excuse me? Already have a team captain? How can that be? We never had a team meeting about this."
"Well, Seth, we did have a meeting. I've tried to reach you about it and you were unavailable so with Survivor Series only 2 weeks out, we went ahead with it. Someone came forward about the spot on the team and after discussing it with Kevin and Jey, we couldn't agree more about it."
"I want to know right now...who the hell is more worthy than me? Who is more worthy than me to be captain of this team?! Who?!"
"Joey, get ready!" That was Vince giving me the heads up that it's time. I waited there at the curtain deep in thought. My pyro hits, scaring everyone in the building, my music hits and like always...there is nothing that beats that feeling of being on that stage.
I walked out of gorilla and quickly soaked in the atmosphere of the arena now bathed in blue lighting. I immediately notice the reactions of the WWE universe on the LED boards as well as my teammates in the ring. The fans were losing their minds at the reveal, Owens and Uso were smiling, seemingly pleased with my entry into the team...but it was also possible they were enjoying the look on Seth's face as he watched me walk down the ramp. The "messiah" looked quite shocked with a hint of angry seething through. I could only reply with my usual evil smirk right back at him.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I don't think this man needs any introduction but here to officially lead Team SmackDown to victory at Survivor Series, give it up to the Prince of Darkness, Joey Kennedy!" Pearce was right, I needed no introduction...but it was always welcome. The fans on the screens were still very excited for me, Owens and Jey were applauding and Seth...just stood there...staring me down.
"Thank you, Pearce." I took the mic and shook Adam's hand and wanted to quickly get to addressing the team. "Owens, Jey, always great to see you two." I quickly shook hands with two talented men. I didn't show it but I'm quite excited to work with them. As I thought so to myself, it was time to talk to our quiet boy of the team here. "Hello, Seth." I say as I slowly walk up to the Messiah. Seth stared directly at me but at points would turn away due to discomfort. "Been a while since I've seen ya in this ring, huh?"
"It has been a while. The brand split kept us apart for so long with me on RAW and you here on SmackDown, and we'd only ever meet during Survivor Series season. Funny how this year, during the same season, we're finally on the same show."
"You're right. It is pretty funny. It's almost as funny as this...whole "messiah" business you've created for yourself. Recruiting people like Murphy, attacking and terrorizing people for this so-called "greater good" and seeing yourself as this hero. It's been very interesting."
"Haha! I'm honored you've been keeping an eye on me. I'm curious to ask...are you interested in supporting the greater good?" That damn smile...I hate it...but I always enjoy turning it upside down.
"No. I'm more interested in how bad I'm gonna whoop your ass the day you give me a reason to." While the audio of the crowd pop was piped in, I can tell the fans loved my threatening of Seth's well-being. Just like I predicted as well, his smile just faded away. "But until then…gentlemen, we have been honored with the task of representing SmackDown at Survivor Series this year. There may be only four of us right now, but already the potential is great; possibly greater than past years. Look at team RAW right now. Keith Lee, Riddle, Braun Strowman, and Sheamus with AJ Styles as their captain. Not a bad team at all. A damn fine team! But...they sure as hell aren't acting like one right now. They'd rather fight each other than work together." Even while speaking in character, Rollins, Owens, and Uso were nodding in agreement. It was crystal clear team RAW is already ready to kill each other. "That is why...WE will destroy them. WE will work together as a team. I want us to work like a well-oiled machine. If any issues arise, we don't fight; we talk about it. The second someone acts up out of line, I WILL...pull you aside and…"
*Royalty-like music plays*
Right on cue to just suck the fun and energy out of the arena, a certain royal jackass's theme song cut me off and it was none other than "King" Corbin on his way down; and oh god...he has a mic.
"Now wait a minute! Wait a minute! As your king of Friday night SmackDown, I will NOT allow this injustice to take place!"
"Corbin, this is a meeting involving the actual members of the team…"
"Pearce, don't you give me that crap. You should be ashamed of yourself! You are going to allow this...old, irrelevant, washed up, pathetic waste be on the team?" Such childish words by a childish man.
"So unoriginal. Ya know, usually, I would get miffed by those comments but they mean nothing to me. Just like you...mean nothing to me. Am I an older man now? Yeah. I accept it! But irrelevant? I may have taken a back seat more in recent years but don't get it twisted. No matter what I do or how long I'm away, the second I step in this ring or I pick up this mic, all...eyes...are on me because I have earned the respect of my peers and my fans. Can you say you've done that, Corbin?"
"See, this is why you and I...are so different."
"Ha! You damn right." I improved; cutting him off.
"I don't give a damn about these people. I don't give a damn about anybody but myself. All of you are beneath me because I am SmackDown's king. I am THEIR king which means...I am your king…" Corbin says as he places his finger on my shoulder. This man wants to die today… (Not for real, of course.) "...And as your king, I will not allow this injustice to take place!" The team and I were just dying of laughter. This was just comedy gold. How can anyone take this mook seriously? "You really should be ashamed of yourself, Joey. For someone that despises John Cena so much, you have no problem skipping the line and not earning your shot just like him, huh?" My face went from smiling to downright pissed. I noticed Pearce, Seth, Owens, and Jey grow a weary look on their faces and took a couple of steps back, leaving me and Corbin to stare down; and I stared daggers into him. In character, I despise Cena with everything in me for my own reasons. Cobrin wants to compare me to him? Lord help him...
"Ya know what, Corbin?" I spoke in a deep menacing tone. "You're right. In the interest of fairness, I should earn my spot on the team; and I should thank you for calling me out on that, Corbin. So I'm gonna do you a favor." I look over to Pearce and call him over. "Pearce, I got something for ya. Right here, right now… The almighty king here...versus me. Winner officially joins Team SmackDown." Corbin grew irate and walked around the ring ranting and raving, and I just stood there deviously smiling while still staring him down.
"That's a hell of an idea, Joey! Let's get a ref out here now! This match starts NOW!" Pearce makes it official, everyone cleared out, Corbin and I had the ring to ourselves. It was nighttime for the King.
10 minutes later - Backstage
I walked through back to gorilla completely high on THAT feeling. That feeling of adrenaline after competing in a match...is just something else. I had just beat Corbin in a solid TV Match to earn my spot on the team. Taking in the atmosphere with the fans reacting how they wish towards you, knowing you rocked the house out there for them, and the cherry on top being the announcer stating you are the winner; it's just a wonderful high to be on. This was one of many reasons I love my job and why I wanted to become a WWE superstar growing up.
I was snapped out of that high when Vince and co. welcomed me back with an ovation. I was flattered as always but I wanted to wait until Corbin came through so he could get some of the love as well. The man himself is VERY solid in the ring and has a damn good asshole heel aura around him. He has ways to go but I believe he'll make it fully to the top one day.
"Here he is! Let's give him a little love too!" Corbin walked through the curtain and was indeed welcomed with applause. I can tell he was flabbergasted thanks to the surprise. "Hey, good stuff out there, man! Real good stuff!"
"Thank you. That means a lot to me, sir." He replied as we shook hands.
"Hey, I appreciate the respect but kindly drop that sir shit. I ain't that old." We share a small laugh and let him go on his way. I gave a good shake of the boss's hand too as he enjoyed the show we put on before taking it easy backstage.
Usually, my post-match routine would be just to sit back and relax with a bottle of water and watch the rest of the show with the crew. Thanks to the pandemic though, I'm hauling ass straight to my locker room to wash my hands, get my drink and still watch the show; but at a nice distance away from people in my mask. The only positive thing about it is the extra time to myself.
"There is absolutely nothing wrong with the photos." On my way to my room, I couldn't help catch the voice of ol' Colby sounding distressed. Usually, I would ask out of concern because I like to look after my peers if troubled, but sometimes it is best to just mind my own business. "I think maybe you're overthinking this, babe." My ears perked up immediately and now my attention was caught. Is something up with Rebecca? Now I have to know. "No, no! I didn't mean to offend you. I'm just saying there's nothing wrong with the photos! You look beautiful in the-" Welp, that could've only meant one thing.
"Ain't getting hung up on just the worst?" My funny attempt snapped Rollins' attention to me, making him aware of my presence.
"Huh...hey, man. You overheard all that?" Seth asked, in a quite noticeable shaky tone. Something stinks here.
"Yep. I'm sorry to eavesdrop but it seemed like something was up and Becca just hanging up on you like that? Is everything ok?"
"I wish I could say yes but...things have been weird lately with us." I knew it… but damn, sometimes I hate when I'm right.
"Weird? How so, if you don't mind my asking?" I never liked probing for info...but again, if Becky is involved here, I wanna know if she's ok.
"Lately, she and I have been...kinda distant. She's been keeping to herself more lately and that's very unlike her." I couldn't help but agree. Unless I suppose it's something really bad, Rebecca is usually an open honest book. "I wanna say maybe the mood swings are back and it's hitting her because we're so close to the due date next month...but it does bother me she's closed herself off like this. I've tried to talk to her, to get through to her...but she even shuts me out I feel."
"Jesus, man. That is so unlike her. It's so crazy, it's actually bothering me now. Like holy shit…" I've never been this confused in a long time. This was so unlike Becky. Seth had a point about the mood swings I have to admit. The due date was fast approaching and it's totally possible anxiety is kicking in again for her, but to shut herself like this? Something was wrong here.
"You're telling me. I'm sorry to drop all of this on you like that."
"Hey, don't sweat it. I'm the one that asked here." I immediately responded.
"Hmmm. If you don't mind, Joey, I have a small favor to ask of you."
"Sure, what is it?" Well...this can only get weirder.
"Would you be willing to talk to Rebecca?" Ok, not super weird but definitely out of nowhere. "I just think maybe because you've known her longer than I have, you can get through to her. I know this is out of nowhere but I know this is gonna keep bothering me and I don't wanna go out there for my match with Rey and risk hurting him because my mind's not in it." Very out of nowhere...but I couldn't ignore the chance to maybe find out myself what's wrong with Rebecca.
"Ok. First off, take a deep breath and relax." I asked of Seth in return and he quickly obliged. "Second...ok. I'll give it a shot and I'll get back to you if I can learn something." Never have I ever seen someone look so relieved in my life when Seth heard me accept his favor.
"Oh, thank you so much, dude. I really appreciate it." I nodded and dismissed myself. I'm not gonna lie, my thoughts are all over the place. This was an out of nowhere thing Colby asked of me. I get the concerned part because I'm concerned myself now, but I'm still weirded out here. I finally made it to my locker room, locked the door tight, and just paced around the room as my finger hovered over the call button on Becky's number...until I finally slammed my finger down.
*RING...RING*
"Hey, ya big lug!" Even though it's been a few weeks, hearing her voice again... put a big smile on my face.
"Hey, Bex! Someone sounds pretty damn happy right now!" I was loving to hear she was happy of course...but so happy after that little spat with Rollins? Hmm…
"Of course! I'm here watching the show with food cooking in the oven and you surprise me with a call! Oh man, Joey, you and Corbin were great! That promo beforehand, aww. That was excellent!"
"Jeez, you keep buttering me up like this, I'm gonna forget why I called! Haha! But thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed that!"
"Oh, I'm sorry! What's up? What's the special occasion here?"
"Yeah, I'll cut right to it cus I know this is gonna sound weird but...I called you because Colby boy asked me to."
Rebecca
"Colby...asked you to call me?" Oh...my...god. No way he asked Joey to call me. There's no way he did.
"Yeah. I know it's out of the blue but here's what went down. After my match, I was passing by Colby and he sounded a little panicked on the phone. I stood behind when I heard he was talking to you. You know I'm not one to eavesdrop and I'm sorry for that BUT he mentioned you two have been distant lately...and you've been closed off?" I can't believe you, Colby. Not only do you have Joey worrying about me but you ask him to call me...what is this, middle school?!
"Oh no...he told you that?"
"So all of it is true?" Well, I know I can be honest with him...and I should; but I just need to choose my words carefully.
"Um… Yeah...it is true. Things have been...complicated lately." And it's all because of me...way to go, Rebecca.
"Damn...I'm sorry to hear that, Bex. I got some time to kill before the main event. Wanna talk about it?"
"Oh no...I mean I would but I don't wanna distract you and bore you while on the job." Nice stalling tactics, Becky. Real pro move there…
"Well we can be bored and distracted together until then cus I'm not hanging up until I know YOU are ok." Those words...really warmed my heart right there. I couldn't help but giggle and get emotional a bit.
"Bless your heart, Joey…ok, you got me. It's just...I feel like everything is finally hitting me at once. I'm about to be a mother, I'm going to have my first baby and it's a girl, the due date is getting closer and closer. I know it's been several months already but...I guess it's finally settling in." While I am in a way telling the truth, I also wasn't...and I feel so damn dirty lying to Joey like this. I hate that I just did.
"That makes a lot of sense. I think it's perfectly normal to feel like this with the due date literally around the corner. But like I said to you when that little stick read "pregnant", there is not a doubt in my mind nor anyone's mind that you are going to be a fantastic and wonderful loving mother." Oh, Joey...again, bless your freaking heart. "What I still don't get is why close yourself off and be distant from Colby about this? I feel like this is a normal thing to experience and be open about; especially with the father of your daughter." I couldn't help but let out a weak chuckle because...oh dear...if only you knew that I already am, Joey.
"I know, I know. It's just...in my head…" Come on, Becky. Think of something! "...I feel like me stressing out about motherhood is stressing out those around me. I don't wanna feel like a bother to anyone, ya know?" How the hell did you pull that out of your arse, Rebecca?
"I...guess I can see where you are coming from." Holy shit, is he gonna buy this? "But at the same time, things are still not adding up. I get this is a life-changing event for you but from what I've been told, it doesn't sound like the Rebecca I know." Of course, he wouldn't buy it. He knows me better than this… "That's the part that's bothering me right now."
"Heh, you know me too well."
"And you know me too well to not notice something stinks here." God, I hate when he's right.
"Yeah...I do." I can't...I can't lie to him. I hate lying to him. This was the first time I think I've lied to Joey to hide something and I hate myself for it. No more. "I'm sorry, Joey."
"What for?"
"I'm sorry for...making you worry about me like this. I'm sorry for not being open to you when I should be. I've been lying. You got me."
"Well...that wasn't obvious at all." Damn your sarcasm, ya big lug… "But...I accept your apologies and I appreciate you opening up to me now."
"Thank you…" I was able to mutter out as I realized I was getting emotional again. "But it's still not easy, Joey. What's really going on...what's been eating me up...is something I can't explain like this. Over the phone I mean."
"Oh shit...how serious is this?"
"Very, very serious; and I really would feel much more comfortable talking about this in person. I wish I could right now, Joey...but that's what I need right now...and I hope you can respect that." I felt my tears just running down my face. I had damn near completely broken down...but it's finally gonna happen.
"Hey, hey...take it easy. I want you to take some big breaths. Stay with me, girl." I took some deep breaths as he asked me. He was right. I needed to regain control of myself. "Whatever this may be that's going on with you, I'm sure it will work out. You want to talk about this in person? Of course, I'll respect that. I'd like that myself."
"Thank you so much, Joey. You have no idea how happy and relieved I am to hear that."
"Well, when it comes to the ladies, I always aim to please."
"Oh my god…" That made us burst out a well-needed laugh together. For the first time in weeks, I was starting to feel actual relief in my head. I felt really good right now thanks to my favorite big lug.
"I can tell you feel better right now."
"Oh, you have no idea. Thank you, Joey. I don't know where I'd be without ya."
"Aww...well…"
"Don't you dare even think about it, you dope! Haha!"
"I wasn't gonna say anything! Haha! BUT...for real, there is something else I'm curious about."
"Shoot!"
"When I was passing by Rollins at first, I heard a mention of photos you were freaking out over?"
"OH! So, you know the paternity photoshoot I did with Colby a while back?"
"I do! Those came back?!"
"They did! I do love them...but I feel some shots...I look…"
"Don't you dare say you look bad! I'm already calling bullshit!" I don't know why but that sudden interruption just made me burst out laughing hard.
"You haven't even seen them yet! I'm planning to post them soon on-" Before I could finish, I was startled by the smoke alarm going off from the kitchen. "Oh, shit! My food! Hey, I'll text you a photo and I'll get back to you later! I gotta go!"
"Gotcha! You go rescue your food! Haha! OH WAIT! What do I tell Colby?" That...was a good question.
"Umm...just tell him I was just really sensitive about the photos. I'll deal with the rest later! Gotta go!"
Joey
This call had the potential to be one of the most interesting conversations I've ever had with Rebecca. I come across her and Colby having issues, I get asked to talk to her and I find out something BIG is going on with her. So big that she'd feel better talking about it in person. I'm very happy and grateful she felt like she could open up to me about this...but I still felt like I was being held by a cliffhanger...and I hate cliffhangers. What the hell could be going on with her that's eating her up like this?
*Phone Vibrates*
My phone vibrated in my hand and I saw it was from Rebecca. I assume this was a photo from the shoot she mentioned. I opened up the message and...oh...my...lord.
"Here's one that I actually really like. What do ya think? OH, and the food couldn't be saved…" Her text was attached with the photo. A photo of the soon-to-be mom dolled up in a white jumpsuit-like dress...standing so gracefully as she had her hands placed on her baby bump.
"RIP dinner haha but damn, girl...that photo. You look so beautiful. You legit got me shaking here!" I replied with an honest text. It was all I could think.
"Aww thank you! You got me shaking here! Haha! I'm gonna post more on Instagram soon. Thank you for everything today again, Joey."
"You're welcome. You know I'm always here for you."
"And I'll always love you for that. 3" My body felt warm reading her newest reply. Seeing her say she loves me... just made me smile like a damn lovesick goof. My mind went back to that one morning, however… That crazy but wonderful morning.