A/N: Hey everybody it's great to be back. Hope you all have been great since last met. Anyways, the Derek Russo saga is finally back, with the second installment of his career. The rosters are present day rosters. Without further due here is War Zone!
Disclaimer: I do not own anything in this story except for Derek Russo.
War Zone
Chapter 1: April Showers
That damn Monday afternoon…
"Hey Derek. How's it going?"
"I've been better Shane." I said with a blank look upon my face.
He frowned a little before responding, "Well I can only imagine. It's always tough to lose somebody close to you, none the less your father. That's why I called you in here. First off, that was one hell of a match last night and congratulations on the Money in the Bank win. Now I want you to take as much time off as you need. Go get everything done, we are going to pass this off as an injury when you fell off the ladder on your ankle and will talk when you're ready to return."
"Ok, but where does that leave me with my briefcase?" I asked with a displeased and concerned look.
"Well unfortunately, it has to be used. We just can't deprive the fans of that. So tonight, your briefcase will be up for grabs for the second straight night. I'm sorry Derek."
Needless to say I did not take kind to the received information. I explained loudly to Shane McMahon how I put my body on the line, hurt all over and it was all for nothing. He continued to dish out apologies as I had no choice but to except the situation. I stormed out of Stamford and headed back home to Long Island for the funeral.
That damn Monday night…
"The following match is scheduled for one fall and is for the Money in the Bank briefcase…introducing first from Green Bay, Wisconsin weighing in at 247 pounds, Mr. Kennedy…and his opponent from Cameron, North Carolina weighing in at 225 pounds, Jeff Hardy…and their opponent from Orangeburg, South Carolina weighing in at 245 pounds, Shelton Benjamin." Lilian said introducing my last moments as Mr. Money in the Bank.
JR called the ending, "Oh by God! A Mic Check from out of nowhere by Kennedy on Benjamin… Wait a minute, Hardy going for a Swanton Bomb, but nobody home and a school boy roll up. He's got the tights."
1…2…3!
"Kennedy steals it! Kennedy steals it!" JR yelled.
"Steals it? That's being strategic! And he is now a two-time Mr. Money in the Bank…" King replied.
Two emotionally abandoned days later…
Hugs and sorrow faces were exchanged throughout the whole week of my father's burial and funeral. I was proud and surprised to see the superstars who came. Mickie of course, Jeff and Matt, Shelton Benjamin, and even Shane and Stephanie McMahon which surprised me as I just assumed the stubborn and sadistic trait came along with the last name McMahon.
I talked to Jeff for a moment alone to receive in full detail his match against Shelton and Kennedy. I could tell that he felt bad that he did not retrieve the briefcase that night. He felt as if it was important to keep it within Team Extreme. Nothing could be further from the truth, I rather it go to someone I am not friendly with just so it is easier on me to work up the determination to take it right back and return it right where it belongs.
My father looked life like lying in his casket almost to a point where it became strange. Certain moments of life with him raced through my mind. Having a catch with him in the back yard and him showing me how to break in a new glove, sitting on a boat on the boarder of the Long Island sound and casting fishing rods into the water, shaking his hand as I graduated college, and hugging him good bye as I went off to college. It pained me to think off how much time I could've spent with him went to waist, to the point of tears could be seen running down my cheeks.
Friday, April 5th 2008, 3:23 PM
Beep!
"Hey Derek, its Shane-O-Mac. I know it is still early since we last talk and you probably got a lot still on your mind. We hear at WWE are waiting on your call so call me back when you get the chance…"
Wednesday, April 10th 2008, 6:17 PM
Beep!
"Derek, what's up? Its Shane again. Um I guess you're not home again, you're probably out to dinner. Anyway, give me a call back on when you will return to work. Ok talk to you later…"
Saturday, April 13th 2008, 8:42 PM
Ring! Ring!
My mind was finally ready. I should pick up that phone. I mean it's not like I didn't want to come back, I just wasn't ready to get back in the ring, or to do anything rather. "Hello?" I said in an interested tone.
"Derek? Hey this is Jim Cornette from TNA. How are you?"
"…Who is this?" I asked totally oblivious to the call.
"Yes I know this seems out of the blue but it is Jim Cornette. How is everything? I understand that you have been dealing with troubling family issues."
"Yea but, I'm feeling better now ready to get back in WWE. If you don't mind me asking Jim, why are you calling?" I asked afraid of sounding rude and frustrated.
"Well Derek, I'm going to cut right to the chase. We here at TNA are aware that your one year contract expired last month and we just want to let you know that while WWE seems like your home, there are other choices. I mean that match you were in at Wrestlemania was amazing and you definitely deserve that briefcase and title shot. But, the WWE gave it away none the less, the next night. I don't know I find that kind of odd don't you?"
"Hey I mean, they had to do what they had to do and, you know, I get that."
"Alright I just want to let you know Derek, that we here at TNA don't treat our guys like that, just ask any of them. Hell, a lot of them use to work for Vince and they don't seem to like their time there. Plain and simple, I'm just letting you know that if you decide to jump shows, you will definitely have a spot, and a bright future in TNA."
"I don't know Jim; you're asking a lot of me right now."
"Oh don't get me wrong, I'm not asking for your answer now. I'm just putting the offer out there; you think about it and get back to me whenever you feel ready…"
A/N: The first chapter of second story which is more of a summary and a chapter to get you all caught up on the situation and what may lie in the future. Not only dealing with the loss of his father and the Money in the Bank briefcase, he now has a decision to make between the WWE and TNA. It is great to be back and I hope you guys continue to follow along this story and leave me some reviews. Thanks!
