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Chapter 6: Austin Vs Bischoff

After winning my first Women's Championship, my rivalry with Bischoff became one of the hottest rivalries at that time. he would try and find ways to provoke me and screw me out of wins and the title because he couldn't stand the fact I was the champ on his show, he would use his power to help him and other Divas to put me thorough hell but as always some of his ideas would backfire and he would look like a jackass. Back then the Women's Champion along with the WWE Undisputed Champion were allowed to appear, compete and defend their titles on both Raw and Smackdown

On camera I developed a friendship with my former rival and Smackdown GM Stephanie McMahon as she was also having a few problems with Bischoff. Off camera it was a chance for me to see John, Dave and Randy every week until I lost the title when I was back to being solely a Raw superstar.

Bischoff would also like to constantly remind me that I'm nothing without my brother and if it wasn't for him firing Steve years ago at WCW, Stone Cold wouldn't be who is now therefore I wouldn't be who I am which more than enough incentive to keep continuing to kick his ass.

From then (July) till Summerslam (August) I won and lost the title a twice more thanks to the GM however at the beginning of September since I'm the former champ, he puts me in another No. 1 contender's match against Victoria for a chance face Molly at Unforgiven, I beat her one on one on Raw to become the No. 1 contender for the WWE Women's Championship much to Bischoff's dismay.

But of course knowing Eric there was a twist, the next week on Raw I was in the ring doing a promo when I was interrupted by him, I was informed by him that this match at Unforgiven was not going to be any old one on one title match, nope it was going to be a ladder match, the very first ladder match where the Women's Championship would be defended. I was surprised to say the least, surprising to Bischoff I accepted the stipulation to the match no problem. This was my chance to show the company, the fans everyone I was the toughest female in the company, I knew I would have to push my body to the limits as Molly is no walk over in the ring, she could give it out but I can give as good as I can get.

The next few weeks I was mentally and physically preparing for this match, no women in this business had ever competed in a ladder match for the title before and I wanted to ready to give the fans something to remember.

September 22nd rolled around as Unforgiven was finally here, it was live from the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California and to say I was nervous was an understatement. Both brands were there so I got to catch up with Kurt, John, Randy and Dave when I saw Randy he told me that he was being moved to Raw in December which was great news.

Anyway back to match, it was brutal to say the least, it kinda ended up being a TLC match as we used all 3 weapons: Tables, Ladders and chairs. I got busted open thanks to a chair shot and suffered a cracked rib not to mention bumps and bruises, I sent Molly through a table at point in the match which gave me the opportunity to climb the ladder extremely slowly due to the loss of blood I had endured and retrieve the title to become the new champion for the 3rd time in my career, I hope did my brother proud and was continuing his legacy in the way he wanted: kicking ass, raising hell with middle fingers and beer drinking.

At the end of the match after Lillian announced me the winner I stayed on the ladder trying to catch my breathe and retrieve some energy before looking up with blurry vision to the LA crowd who were cheering their hearts out for me, appreciating what we both had just gone through. I manoeuvred on the ladder, lifting my left leg over it planting it on the other side, my foot connecting with a step before lifting the title in both hands above my head in celebration. Some how I managed to get down still weak at made it to the back where Kurt was waiting for me behind the curtain, I stumbled forward and collapsed in his arms before being took for medical attention. Apart from Kurt, John was the first one by my side to see how I was, he was there even though he didn't have a match. He seemed rather impressed at the fact I still managed to walk to the back considering the amount of blood I had lost.

Nevertheless from that day on I think there was a new found respect for me throughout the WWE as even some guys hadn't gone through what I had gone, I was willing to do anything, put my body through hell just to prove I'm worthy of the Austin name and worthy of the Women's title. I wasn't just Steve Austin's sister no more, I was my own superstar, sure I copied some of my bro's trademark moves and gimmicks but I was continuing his legacy long after he left.

After being stitched and bandaged up, John was so kind to take me back to the hotel, once back at my room he told me sternly that he was rooming with me for the night if I didn't mind so he could take care of me all night, he told me that if I needed anything just to wake him up. He was so sweet, he helped me change in my pjs, he kept making sure I was comfortable because of my ribs, making sure that I had taken my painkillers and asking if I needed my band aid on my head needed changing. I kept apologising to him and telling him to go out as after a pay per view everyone heads out to a club or something and he was missing that to take care of me, he told me it was fine and that he was there to take care of his best friend and in no way he would leave me.

One thing that got to me was after he had tucked me in for the night and made sure I was comfortable in bed, I watched him dressed in some shorts and a t-shirt as he walked over to couch that I had in my room where my Women's title was resting, he bent down slightly before placing his hand on it gently, wrapping his fingers round the edge of the leather and metal before lifting it up then gripping on to it with both hands it resting in his palms, his fingers gripping onto the edges still. He stared intently at the belt which still had some my blood on it and now had a gold nameplate which displayed 'EMMA AUSTIN' engraved at the bottom of the main section. I silently continued to watch him as he released on his hands and ran his fingers lightly over the red letters on the belt, he was in a world of his own, lost in his thoughts. I decided to break the silence.

"You ok?" I asked gently trying to sit up so I could see him better. I felt a gush pain rip through me so draping my right arm over my ribcage as if it would take the pain away, it was a little hard to breathe. He looked over to me when he heard my voice, snapping out of the little daze he was in, he smiled slightly but his eyes had a little sadness in them along with a little hope.

"Errm yeah sorry" he replied quietly shaking his head slightly then looking back down at the title shining in the light.

"Don't be" I said softly "John, what's wrong sweetie?" I then asked with concern in my voice, I knew he wasn't fine. Something was bothering him.

"It's just what you had to go through to win this, it's unreal, I could hardly watch knowing you were getting hurt" he said looking back at me with a rather sad expression on his face. I smiled a little at this concern.

"That's the wrestling business sweetie, it's what you've gotta do just to be the best at what we do." I replied softly, that was once of the first lessons I learned when becoming a wrestler.

"Besides Vince has a weird mind, he thinks 2 women beating the shit of each other with a ladder is entertaining" I laughed softly trying to lighten his mood, I guess I succeeded because he chuckled softly.

"Look, this rivalry with Bischoff is putting me over big time and I need it so much, I need to separate myself from my brother without losing the Austin 3:16 stuff too and I'll do what I gotta in order to do that no matter how dangerous or painful. I know it's a little different for us girls but you gotta be prepared to put your body on the line, to give 110% every night to prove you wanna be the best, to work your ass off, Vince likes talent who are willing to do that, to show him you wanna be up there with the best of them." I told him more seriously, he nodded slightly understanding before looking back down at the belt in his hands.

"Is it worth it?" he asked quietly keeping his eyes on the metal in his hands, he possibly already knowing the answer.

"Of course it is, Steve once told me that if you're not here to be a champion and be the best then what the hell are you doing here" I replied softly shrugging my shoulder slightly at the last part.

"You think I'll ever be there, you think I'll have this?" he asked lifting his head and turning to look me, hope and wonder filling his blue eyes. He held the belt up slightly.

"What, the women's championship?" I joked, he smiled in return.

"Yeah I really think you will, you just wait, you'll be headlining pay per views, competing against the best in the business, main eventing Wrestlemania and one day who knows you may even be WWE champion" I told him more seriously "You've got something Johnny and I'm not just saying that cause I'm friend, I know you're only a few months into your career with the WWE but I really see something in you, you just have to find out who you are in the ring, as for me I was pretty lucky, I was given my persona being an Austin. You'll figure it out sooner or later I promise, take it for some one who has learned her trade from the best in the business" I finished meaning every word.

"You really think so Em?" he asked surprised and I nodded happily, I really did believe in him although the hard work was down to him, I would help him as much I as I can, teach him what I already learned even though I was still learning a lot myself. I knew he could pull something out of the bag that the fans will either love or hate, even so it would get him noticed and he can start climbing up the card.

"You know what?" he asked placing the belt carefully back onto the couch that was located near the end of the bed, he then turning his full body towards me and smiling mischievously, the sadness had disappeared from his eyes and happiness now filled them

"What?" I replied cautiously with a smile, cocking one of my eyebrows up.

"Betcha I could be women's champion if I wanted to be" he smiled widely at me placing his hands on his hips, all I could do was laugh slightly at his silly remark before feeling pain again.

"Oh..ah… son of a bitch, please don't joke, it hurts to laugh" I winced through clenched teeth, closing my eyes feeling the pain shoot through me hoping it would soon disappear, I held on to my ribs with my right arm again, I looked over at John when re opening my eyes, his smile had faded and concern was written all over his face.

"Oh shit I'm sorry Em, I forgot" he said quickly making his way over to my bedside sitting on the edge of the bed and taking hold of my left hand with his right, entwining our fingers together.

"It's ok" I sighed as the pain vanished again "Maybe shouldn't do that again" I smiled up at him.

"Defiantly, are you ok?"

"Yes Dr. Cena, I'll survive. I'm a tough chick" I giggled as to not hurt myself again, John laughed slightly shaking his head.

"Very Funny Emmie" he laughed before turning a bit more serious.

"Get some sleep honey, you've been to hell and back tonight" he said softly, his free hand reached up gently pushing some of hair from my forehead then he leaned over and pressed his lips on my forehead being careful of the band aid I still had on from being busted open. He pulled back and looked into my eyes lovingly.

"Good idea, I still got Raw tomorrow" I rolled my eyes, no matter how hurt I was I still had to show up at Raw, thank god I wasn't competing though.

"Good night John and thanks for helping me" I whispered gratefully, I don't know what I would of done without him.

"Good night Em, you're welcome" he replied, his voice just as quiet, I reached up to him the best I could, he knew what I was doing and followed suite leaning down closer to me before I wrapped my arms round his neck, my hands landing on the back of his neck, my chin resting on his right shoulder. He gently placed his hands on my sides, his head resting on my right shoulder, I heard him sigh contently in my ear as we held on to each other for a few minutes. I took in his gorgeous scent, the smell hitting my nose it was so familiar and soothing to me now.

"Stay with me" I whispered in his ear holding onto him even tighter, I felt so safe when he was with me, I maybe tough in the ring but I am human and it's nice to have people care about you out for the ring and to keep you safe.

"Ok" he answered simply running one of hands up and down back, he broke away from me removing his arms from me, I kissed his cheek before he moved completely away from me, I let go of him and watched as he walked round to other side of the bed. He stripped off his shirt leaving him in his shorts then pulled the covers back on the bed.

Since we had met 5 prior, we had become extremely comfortable with each other, of course John is gorgeous but I learned to control myself reminding myself he's my friend. I thought if he wanted us to be more than that, he would of asked me out by now or even mentioned something to me. I put it down to the fact that maybe he did just want to be friends which he was fine by me, maybe if it didn't work out it would ruin or friendship plus he's my co worker so it would be weird so I guess I'd rather have him as my friend than not in my life at all. However I wouldn't mind being more as he's not like other guys I've met, I put it down to being just a little crush I had on him.

He climbed in next to me as I was trying to lie back down and get comfortable again, his head lay down on the pillow facing me. Usually if we shared a bed he'd cuddle next to me but tonight he knew it would be a bad idea.

"Sweet dreams" he whispered his eyes becoming heavier closing fully. I turned my head to look at him so peacefully, I smiled to myself before closing my eyes and drifting off to sleep. As I slept I kept thinking about John in ways I never had before, I was beginning to have strong feelings for him, more than a crush kinda feelings and seeing him not just as my best friend.

November rolled around and the next pay per view on the list is Survivor Series. My rivalry with Eric had created a lot of buzz in the wrestling world and the fans were loving it. It was said that it reminded of them of the Austin Vs McMahon rivalry, an Austin going up and battling against the authority figure although it wasn't a guy battling the boss but a girl and of course it was intense. It was a game of cat and mouse, he would do something to me and I would retaliate the next week, it would go back and forth and just one each of us thought we had the upper hand

One night on Raw I had successfully won a match and celebrating in the ring when I hear Bischoff's annoying voice coming from the speakers calling my name, I respond turn around placing my title belt on my shoulder and look up at the titantron to see Eric outside in the parking lot, earlier in the night the cameras had shown me arriving at the arena in a black pick up truck just like Steve used to drive.

The camera then panned out to show he was standing right next to the truck baseball bat in hand, then suddenly out of no where his '3 Minute Warning' group he had aligned himself with were shown also with bats in their hands, I stood there shocked continuing to watch, my chest heaving up and down as my breathing became shallow knowing fine well what they were thinking of doing.

Bischoff gave the word and they starting hitting the truck, one of the on the windshield it smashing and cracking, the other beating the body, another one smacking the wing mirrors until they flew off and Eric hitting down the bonnet leaving dents and scratches all over the paint work. I stood their mouth wide open in shock and disgust at the men destroying my truck and funny thing was in the script it was suppose to be Steve's that I had borrowed.

Eventually I managed to pull myself together and I rolled out of the ring leaving behind my title belt in the ring, I ran up the ramp, through the curtain and made my way to the parking lot. By the time I got there they had all gone leaving behind the battered truck. I examined the damaged before yelling 'Son of a bitch' at the top of my lungs in anger. In reality the company had bought the truck just for it to be wrecked for the show.

The week on Raw of course it was my chance for revenge after all I was a rattlesnake and needed to get him back, Eric opened the show by heading to the ring and started blabbering on all pleased with himself about how he got one over on me wrecking my truck with his goons helping him commit the crime. As he kept talking he was suddenly interrupted my voice calling his name, trying to get his attention, exactly the same was he had done to me the previous week. He looked up to where the voice was coming from and found it came from the titantron, he looked up as I appeared on the screen, instead of pissed off expression on my face which is probably what he was expecting, I was smiling brightly. I first went on the tell well done for last week and that he really got me by wrecking the pick up truck and that it wasn't even my truck, it was actually my brother's. I then told him that he had me thinking of what I could do to get back at him and since he cared about nothing or no one but himself, that I was out of ideas. To this he smiled knowing he might of finally won a round against me. Suddenly my smile dropped into a more serious one, his face also dropped at the expression, I then told him I actually thought a little harder and came up with an idea.

"Look where I am Eric" I stated matter of factly as the camera panned out and I was in his office inside the arena, it was the only thing that was there that meant anything to him. In there was a desk with a chair behind it, a small table, a couch and even a picture of himself hanging on the wall in a glass frame, talk about egotistical. The camera also showed I had a solid wood baseball ball bat in my left hand.

"That's right, I'm your precious little office and I'm gonna do to it what you did to my truck" I scowled before beginning to destroy his office, first I whacked the small table taking it off it's legs, then I swiped all the belongings on his desk off clashing to the floor using my hand, I then turned to look at he wall where his hung proudly on the wall, I took the bat and with one huge swing back, I swung it forward towards the picture the wood connecting with the glass, it shattering to the floor, I then placed the flat my foot on the front of the desk and with all my strength and I pushed my leg out tipping the desk over to its side. I had done one hell of a number on his office, as one final act I grabbed the can of black spray paint that was in my jean pocket, shook the can a few times before defacing his office wall branding it with the words 'Austin 3:16' in big black letters, I step back to look at my handy work on the wall and smile before looking round the rest of room. Slightly out of breathe, I turned back to face the camera with a proud and mischievous smile on my face.

"You know what hey say Eric? Payback's a bitch" I smiled evilly before walking out of view of the camera, Bischoff was going absolutely crazy in the ring as the fans cheered and laughed at the General Manager.

A few weeks before Survivor Series on Raw, I had came to a conclusion that Raw or the WWE even wasn't big enough for the both of us so I proposed a challenge at the upcoming pay per view, he had to find me an opponent and my Women's title was indeed on the line but that wasn't all.

The stipulation to this match was that if I lose not only do I lose the gold but I would have to quit my job in the WWE, I'd be gone and he wouldn't have to deal with me again however if I won the match Bischoff would have to quit his job with the company and I would become the new General Manager of Monday Night Raw. After careful consideration he accepted knowing he could be rid of me for good and he chose Victoria as my opponent.

That night at Survivor Series which was appropriate name for the show we were in Madison Square Garden, New York City, I battled Victoria with Bischoff at ringside sticking his nose in when possible but eventually I came up with probably the biggest win of my career, keeping my gold and my job and most importantly Eric was gone and the next night on Raw would begin my rein a the new GM.

The night was also important as I had some visitors, Steve's ex wife Jeanie along with my two nieces, Stephanie who was 10 at the time and Cassidy who was only 6, came to New York to visit me all the way from England as Jeanie is originally from there, after she and Steve split she took the girls back home so we all don't get to see them as much as we'd like but it was great to see them all again and spend some time with them. I had always liked Jeanie and got on great with her, I still keep in touch with her to see how she and the girls are doing. I introduced them to some of my favourite people like Kurt, John, Randy, Dave Trish and Amy (Lita).

They had front row tickets to the show thanks to me to see their favourite Aunt in action. When I was in the ring doing my entrance I got up on the ropes in one corner and gave them a little wave before my match and met up with them after, I took them all out for dinner and enjoyed seeing my girls again before they head off back home to the UK.

Behind the scenes Eric had told Vince he had a family emergency and was gonna need at least month off so Vince and creative came up with this idea of me becoming GM for a few weeks while Eric was home attending to his emergency. It was great chance to cover up Eric's absence as I was the one feuding with him they saw it seemed to fit for me to take over Raw. Of course I agreed to help, this was giving me a chance to something different and to have a little power. During my time as GM I actually had some input into storylines and matches and was told that the since my takeover on Raw, the ratings had rose over 40% which was a huge percentage increase, people were tuning in every Monday night to see what I was gonna do next, so I was doing something right. Vince had even said to me privately that he wouldn't of minded me becoming GM permanently however it would be unfair on Eric to return to find out I had stole his job and also that I was a great asset out in the ring and couldn't retire so young and early in my career.

On screen, as GM I was not allowed to physically compete or even touch anyone so that defiantly ruled out stunning anyone which of course frustrated the hell out of me due to my character.

During my first week of being in charge, after my first Raw, they had me attend Smackdown on Thursday which was great cause I could see the guys.

I was told when I arrived at the arena that I was going to be doing a promo backstage with Randy and one in the ring with John. Randy had actually hurt his shoulder in September but they still had him showing up on Smackdown every few weeks for an update.

The set up was Steph was in her office leaning against her desk when she heard a knock on her down, after yelling come in the camera showed me walking in in a black business suite with white dress shirt underneath, the WWE Women's title resting on my right shoulder. We have a little bit of a conversation, Steph congratulates me on my 'promotion' and thanking me for getting rid of Bischoff, we continue to chat until there's another knock on her door. After yelling come in again none other than Randy Orton enters her office, this would be the first time we would meet on camera. Steph introduces us to each other and we shake hands while he congratulates on my win at Survivor Series at which I thank him for and I tell him Stephanie has told me a lot about him, I also politely asked him how his shoulder was coming along and replied by telling me it was healing nicely.

He then awkwardly asks "Didn't you 2 used to hate each other? I mean really hate each other, I remember that cat fight you had" he asked, Steph and I look at each other awkwardly remembering our feud. That night we had that cat fight was the first time we met on camera, Steph was pointing out to me that she was the dominant female in the company and on one was going to replace her, anyway she ended up giving me one of her famous hard ass slaps across my face in which I returned with one of my own and we ended up on the canvas scratching, clawing and slapping each other until Triple H and Steve both pulled us from each other, Steve hoisted me over his shoulder, still kicking and screaming trying to release from him and carried me up the ramp to the back leaving the married couple in the ring.

"Erm..yeah we did, not anymore though" Steph answered still feeling the tension of bringing up the past.

"We've put that behind us" I told him sternly, he looked at me worried he had upset me or Steph.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to offend you both, I'll just be going, nice to meet you Miss Austin" he quickly replied regretfully before almost running out of the room, I look at Steph and we both begin laughing wondering why he came to see her in the first place.

Later on the show Steph and I headed to the ring to cut a promo. As we stuttered down to the ring Michael Cole on commentary stated that Stephanie and I were two of the most powerful women in Sports Entertainment to which he wasn't wrong.

Anyway as Steph was talking we were interrupted by the theme song John Cena, after October and thanks to a recent trip to the UK, John had came up with this rapper gimmick, cutting promos using raps and freestyles that he had come up with, he called himself the Doctor of Thugamomics and was going along with it, it turned him into a heel which he was playing really well. This was also the first time me and him were to meet on camera just like Randy.

John entered the ring dressed in jersey and jean shorts complete with a cap turned backwards on his head. He started insulting the crowd before turning his attention to me and Steph, he stated the obvious saying we were both powerful women, he didn't so much insult Steph as she was his boss but then he turned on me insulting my win at Survivor Series and then he touched a nerve when he insulted my brother, he did a little rap and talked his street lingo. I told him first of all speak English, after turing to Steph to ask second of all who the hell is this guy? She smiled back and he told me his was John Cena, I replied by saying ok Cena and I told him he would never be as good as my brother. I then lifted my title from my shoulder shoving it in his face telling him he would never have one of these, that would be the closest he would ever get to a title if he kept up with that attitude, I told him I should kick his Vanilla Ice ass right there and then. He scowled at me speechless before remembering the little clause that as GM of Raw I couldn't physically touch anyone on Raw or SmackDown. I sighed heavily hating the fact that I couldn't kick his ass, he had got me there, I regained composure and uttered "Fine, I can't touch you but Steph tell him the good news" I smiled turning to Steph who happily told him he had a match to get ready for against Kane. His face dropped as I smiled at the punk kid as he scuttled out the ring and up the ramp as Steph and I smile at each other.

When I got to the back I gave him a big hug and told him he did great and that I was proud of him all he could do in return was smile a cheeky grin at me.

December was when Eric was due to come back to work after his absence so on Raw one week I had made a No. 1 contender's match for my gold between Trish and Molly, the winner facing me at Armageddon. Even though I couldn't be physical to anyone there was exception when it came to defending the title. Molly won the match and that same night Eric showed up asking me for another chance to get his job back reluctantly I agreed confident in myself, the same stipulations applied except if I lost I wouldn't quit, I would just lose the gold and he would get his job at GM back while I became just a wrestler again.

During the beginning of December, I went to SmackDown once again and 'stole' 2 of Steph's talent, I silently signed Randy Orton and Batista to join Monday Night Raw when in reality the company thought it would benefit the two superstars to be on Raw, they scripted in the fact that I had stole them away from Smackdown, Randy was still injured but they had him doing promos of him giving updates on his recovery. Personally I was happy as I got to work with 2 of my friends, although a certain someone was still over on SmackDown.

At Armageddon I lost the match and the title while Eric had his job as GM of Raw back and I was back to being a Diva again much to my dismay.

The next week I was so down and pissed off I even told some home truths to Stephanie McMahon when all she was trying to do was tell me this mopey, down in the dumps Emma I had become wasn't me and the Emma she knew would go to Raw and fight for what was hers. I snapped back at her asking her what would she know and I wasn't the one born with the silver spoon in my mouth.

However she got me thinking and the next week on Raw I returned with a Vengeance. As Bischoff, Molly and 3 Minute Warning were all in the ring gloating, my music hit and I drove into the arena in a black pick up truck, baseball bat in hand, I stormed the ring swinging but Bischoff, Molly and the rest had cleared from the ring. In a rage I climbed on the roof of the truck while yelling and pointing at Bischoff to get back in the ring as he was making his way to the back. After they were gone, I stayed stood on the truck breathing heavily in defeat as the fans cheered me loudly.