Backstage, Bailey was icing her left cheek waiting for an update on what just transpired. While she witnessed the whole scene play out personally, the kick to the skull disrupted her memory and she needed confirmation.
"How you doing?" Mr. Root slaps Bailey's back, sitting beside her. She notices the words "Champ" was omitted. It didn't make her feel good. "I'm sorry what happened out there. You have to admit, it's damn good for business." Bailey could care less about fattening Mr. Root's pockets.
"What about my title?"
"As of now, the title is vacant. But Hearst will enter the match with the belt around his waist." Mr. Root explains.
"What?" Bailey was growing frustrated, unable to untangle Mr. Root's logic.
"Don't worry. All that matters is you unhook the actual championship belt from the hook."
Bailey wanted to tear Mr. Root a new one for making her jump through so many hoops to obtain something that's already her's. Her body was still sore from the Royale. To have another match right after is fine, to schedule something strenuous as a ladder match, Bailey worried Mr. Root didn't want to see her as champion.
"Bailey, are you okay?" She shook her head. "No." She huffs. "Every time I think I've climbed the mountain, there's another layer."
"All the more reason to keep going." Raven tried to boost Bailey's spirits, but saw this was a special kind of dread her friend was experiencing. "Bailey, you went into the Royale number one and walked out on top. You can do anything, because you're amazing."
"Am I?" She wasn't so sure. "Or am I just some girl who benefited from a fluke. I can't do it, Raven. I can't. I know something is waiting to be thrown at me."
"You have to stop with those capitalized I's." Bailey looks at Raven like she's lost it. "All you're doing is wallowing in self-pity. Whining about your time and when will it arrive. I got news for you... your time is here." Raven walks away to let Bailey collect her thoughts, already planting the seeds of her rebirth.
"That belt is mine, and I'm going to get it."