Disclaimer: I only own Emma, Vince owns anything WWE related and the Superstars own themselves….
Chapter 7: Ups and Downs
After the holidays, Raw returned on 6th January 2003 which means when January comes around attention turns to the Royal Rumble. Bischoff had been back for 3 weeks and was still making my life miserable however I never let him get me down. He gave me a rematch for the WWE Women's title at the Rumble in 2 weeks time.
Good news for me, behind the scenes was that Dave was now on Raw with Randy on his way back as he was soon to return from his shoulder in jury.
The next week Vince McMahon visited Raw to make earth shattering announcement, he told Bischoff he hired him to shake things up and he hadn't fulfilled that, he was firing people left right and centre, one of them being J.R. Vince told Eric he had 30 days to turn Raw around otherwise he was fired. Of course I was happy to my core but the next week my smile was to be turned upside in utter surprise.
The next night, Raw celebrated it's 10th anniversary, a special award show was broadcast from New York to celebrate the occasion, there categories including Raw Superstar of the Decade and Diva of Decade which I was surprisingly nominated for, along with my fellow nominees Sable, Sunny, Lita and Chyna, I eventually lost out to the lovely Miss Trish Stratus, which I of course didn't mind as Trish had come along way.
They were also counting down the 10 Greatest Moments in Raw History which Steve was included some way or other in about half of them.
Steve was nominated for Raw Superstar of the Decade along with Mick Foley, The Rock, Bret Hart, Triple H and The Undertaker.
When Brock Lesnar announced that Stone Cold had won, Vince McMahon came out to Steve's music while the crowd chanted "We Want Austin" to which I smiled widely from my seat. Vince announced that Stone Cold wasn't there that night while looking me in the eye, he then told everyone that he wasn't there due to the fact that Steve wasn't invited. I scowled up at him from my seat before raising to my feet and heading to the stage as Vince watched me. I grabbed the award from Vince's hand and told everyone that I was accepting the award on Stone Cold's behalf sternly and if he were here he would thank everyone for their support, I also mentioned if there was an award for Jackass of the Decade, Bischoff would win it by a landside and the crowd laughed and cheered.
I finished my speech by saying "And That's The Bottom Line cause Stone Cold Said So!" while staring at the chairman. Steve also had the No. 1 Greatest Raw moment in History when he drove a beer truck into the arena and soaked The Rock, Vince and Shane McMahon in beer. So all round a great night for Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Sunday for that week arrived and it was time for the Royal Rumble in John's home town of Boston, Massachusetts even though he was actually from a little town called West Newbury which was only 40 miles north of Boston.
Both brands were there which meant I got to spend some time with John and even showed me round Boston site seeing and we even drove to West Newbury where I meet some of his family for the first time.
He was actually going to participate in his very first Royal Rumble but unfortunately he didn't win, the eventual winner was Brock Lesnar.
Me on the other hand I captured my 5th Women's Championship beating the women who had defeated me for the title back in December, Molly Holly.
In February, Randy had returned from his injury and teamed up with Dave along with Triple H and the legendary Ric Flair.
During this time, Randy began using the move that would become his signature finisher, the RKO, a jumping cutter, named after his initials (Randy Keith Orton) while Dave used a sitting Power bomb as his finisher simply but effectively calling it a Batista Bomb.
Together they had created a stable known as Evolution which represented the past with Flair, the present with Hunter and the future with Randy and Dave of the business. However Dave was sidelined when he tore his right triceps muscle during the beginning of 2003.
On one episode of Raw Bischoff came up with one hell of a brain wave of how he was going to save his job, he announced he was going to sign Stone Cold Steve Austin, yep that's right my big brother. Time was running out poor old Eric, he was pretty desperate, he called me out to the ring and told me even though we had and still have or differences that he needed my help in signing Steve, again yep you heard right, the man who had made my life hell over the past months now needed my help. Well I was stuck between a rock and a hard place, on one hand and Bischoff's gone from Raw leaving me in peace but no Steve and on the other hand Steve returns but Eric's job is saved. I told him I would think about it and get back to him even though I still couldn't believe he had the nerve to ask me to help him. I didn't get back to him and made him stew over it long and hard.
2 weeks before No Way Out, Vince returned in time for Bischoff's deadline asking him if he had signed Stone Cold, of course he blamed me for not helping him when in fact what he didn't know as I had secretly contacted Steve. Just as Vince was about to fire Bischoff, J.R headed to the ring and told Vince that I had just talked to Steve and guaranteed he would be at No Way Out. Vince then told Eric his job was saved however he was to make a match between Eric Bischoff and Stone Cold Steve Austin. I was to defend my title at the pay per view against Jazz and Trish in a triple threat match.
When I heard the news on the Sunday night before Raw I called one person to them the news.
"Hello" I heard his voice answer the phone after a few rings.
"Hey, it's me, you are not gonna guess who I just spoke to" I replied happily, hearing him chuckle at my excited tone.
"I dunno Em who?" he asked calmly
"Steve, I just talked to Steve and he gave me some great news, he's coming back soon, oh god John I can't believe it, I didn't think he would ever return"
"That's great news, do you know when?" he asked happily, John had always been a big fan of Steve's.
"No Way Out, Vince has put him and Bischoff in a match which will be announced tomorrow night at the pay per view" I explained smiling form ear to ear
"Oh thanks Em, you just spoiled Raw for me now" he joked, I could just see him rolling his eyes although in a playfull manner.
"Sorry Johnny but I'm too excited, listen I gotta go just wanted you to be first to know and don't utter this information to anyone for me please" I asked nicely smiling even though he couldn't see.
"Ok sweetie I won't, see you at No Way Out" he replied
"Counting down the days, bye John" I finished before putting the phone down.
The Raw before No Way Out meant there was only 6 days till I saw my brother for the first time in 7 months or so I thought because he made a secret return that night after Raw went off the air.
During the show Bischoff decided upon himself to send a message to Steve by putting himself in a match against Steve's best friend J.R, he could of gone against me but he knew I would have a chance of beating his ass so he picked on Jim knowing he wasn't a competitor. During the match I was banned from ringside so I couldn't help, Bischoff and Chief Morley kicked the hell out of J.R to set up for Sunday.
No Way Out came and I successfully defended my title in the triple threat match and I sat down in the back to watch Bischoff get his ass handed to him by my big brother.
I cut a promo with J.R after my match where he stopped me in the hallway to ask whether if Stone Cold was here, I replied to him letting him know for sure Steve was here and I told him I didn't bring him back for Bischoff, Jim replied by letting me know he knew I wouldn't never help Bischoff out purposely.
During the match, every now and then there would be shots of me watching the match from the locker room with a huge smile on my face, my brother getting revenge on Bischoff not just foe the hell Eric had out me threw but for firing Steve back in WCW. Steve beat the shit of the GM getting the pin after 3 Stunners and I couldn't be happier that the Rattlesnakes were back together once again.
filmed an exclusive promo backstage, just after Steve had come back through the curtain, I was waiting for him. We exchanged smiles before I told him I missed him, he told me that I didn't do to badly when he was gone tapping is hand on my title belt resting on my shoulder. I then told him it wasn't the same without him around. He told me not to worry cause he back and he did that out there to Bischoff for me as well as him, he told me he saw the crap I had gone through but he was proud I never cracked under Eric's pressure. I thanked him before placing my title down and jumping into his arms and hugging him no caring how sweaty he was. Reality was I had actually seen him for the first time in months, the Monday before on his secret return, this promo was for the fans to see he was certainly back and I was over the moon about it.
Wrestlemania 19 was only around a month away and was the night before my birthday. the set up for the show was for Steve to face the Rock and I was to defend my title in a fatal four way match against Trish, Victoria and Jazz.
However a few weeks before Vince McMahon came to Raw to settle down this feud between me and Bischoff, explaining that it had gone on long enough was going to all end the night after Wrestlemania, he made the match I had always wanted: Emma Austin Vs Eric Bischoff live on Monday Night Raw.
Steve had told me that his match with The Rock at Wrestlemania, would be his last one and he was retiring from the ring, only me, J.R, Dwayne (The Rock) and Vince knew about it as Steve kept it secret from the world, I was sad that Steve had to end his wrestling career but understood why he had to it.
The night before Wrestlemania Steve was rushed to hospital as his heart rate was beating faster than normal so to make sure he went to the hospital in Seattle to make sure everything was ok, he stayed the night just to be on the safe side and was discharged the next morning with the all clear.
I was successful in my title defence during Wrestlemania but couldn't help but feel sad, John could tell something was up with me, even though I wanted to tell him and confide in him I couldn't, I had to respect Steve wishes of keeping his retirement secret. To top it off Kurt had reinsured his neck during his match with Brock Lesnar.
The next day was my birthday and even though I still felt for Steve he told me not to worry and enjoy my birthday plus I needed to focus as I had an important match later that night. I celebrated the day with Steve, John and Randy although Amy and Dave were missing but they had every right to be, I received phone calls from them both even though I wished they were both were there in the flesh.
Raw came and I was feeling pretty tense, Steve opened the show in the ring by calling out The Rock, instead of getting him Bischoff comes out running his mouth to Steve about how The Rock was better than him and for some reason brings up all of Steve's former injuries and defects. He flaps his gums about the fact he was gonna kick my ass later in the night. Cleverly Eric then fires Stone Cold because of these injuries but I know it's so he can't interfere in our match, he took Steve out the picture for good. One Austin down, one to go.
It was time for my match and everything was going along well, I was kicking the crap out of Bischoff, feeling the frustration of the past months leaving me as I took revenge. I knew the end of the match was coming so I kicked him in the gut and turned around to go for the Stunner, I grabbed hold of Eric's head and slammed down bringing him with me, however as I brought him down, my foot twisted round not leaving the canvas, I felt the muscles in my left calf rip and tear. The pain was shooting up my leg as I lay on the mat not moving, biting my lip because of the pain, I was supposed to win the match at that point, I heard Eric's voice say to me "What's up? Are you alright?" knowing I should of pinned him by now. I groaned in pain replying "I'm hurt, just cover me" I used my instincts and told him to finish the match as I don't think I could of stood up on my feet without screaming the place down. Eric slip over to me and pinned me for 3 count as I continued to lay on the canvas, all sorts of thoughts were running through my mind. After the match the ref signalled for the trainer to come to the ring, he asked me what was wrong and I explained what I did and he told it sounded like I tore some muscles. Chris our trainer touched my leg ever so slightly and I screamed loudly in agony it was that bad. They both helped me and I refused to stretchered out, they held me as I struggled up the ramp and to the back, I was sent straight to hospital for a MRI scan that would be sent to Dr Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama for analysis. Happy fucking Birthday to me.
The next day I flew out to Birmingham, to Dr. Andrew's office with Steve for the results of the scans, he told me I had tore several crucial ligaments and tendons right off the bone in my calve and would need to undergo surgery to fix it, I was looking at months out of action and even possibly a career ending injury. I was devastated to say the least and I cried after Dr. Andrews broke the news to me.
I felt guilty cause it was Randy's birthday I didn't get to see him or celebrate with him but I made sure to call him to wish him a very happy birthday.
I couldn't believe I had known those guys for a whole year, my my did time fly by.
The next day I under went surgery which was a success and begin healing up, Steve and I flew back home to Edna, Texas where I could begin to heal, he now had a few weeks off after retiring but the company had plans for him later. I stayed at my parent's house by orders of my mom. I received several phone call throughout the week from John, Randy, Dave, Kurt, Trish, Amy, Vince, Steph and Eric plus many more to ask on my progress, I would talk to John for hours in the evening after shows and he kept my spirits up by saying things like "Don't worry, you'll be back to being a Rattlesnake soon".
The next week on Raw the storyline consisted of 2 things, one: the Women's title was now vacant as I couldn't compete due to the 30 day rule. Trish would then go on to win the title shortly after and two: how Bischoff had single handed destroyed 'Austin 3:16' by firing Steve and putting me on the shelf.
A couple of weeks later Steve is announced as Co General Manager of Raw, he was brought back by CEO Linda McMahon. The move to the role of Co-General Manager was a way to keep Steve on-camera while limiting his in-ring performance due to long running injuries wearing him down throughout his career so at least the fans got to see him on TV still without him being overly physical except for the odd Stunner here and there. I watched Raw and SmackDown every week from the couch as I healed up, Randy and John were both doing great, John was even scheduled to face WWE Champion at the time Brock Lesnar for the gold at Backlash, personally I didn't think John was quite ready for that yet and I was honest with him, he told me the same however it was always a step in the right direction for him to get noticed more and more.
During this feud with Lesnar, John unveiled a new finishing manoeuvre: the FU, a Fireman's carry power slam, named to mock Lesnar's F-5 which I thought was funny but clever. The move was simple yet affective.
In August, at Summerslam I decided to make the trip to Phoenix, Arizona for the show as Steve called me and invited me to come. I wondered why at first then he told me it was Vince's birthday… how could I forget.
After the show went off the air, Steve invited Vince and the locker room out to celebrate with the Chairman and of course I managed to hobble out and join my bro and co-workers in wishing our boss a happy birthday: Austin style.
The months ticked by and in October, Dave returned to the ring after his injury and cemented his place with Evolution once again, those guys had got really hot when I had been away and I was so proud of Randy and Dave, they had really learned a lot from Paul (HHH) and Ric and were really coming into their own. Dave was now nicknamed 'The Animal' and Randy was nicknamed 'The Ledged Killer' as he would supposable 'killing' legends.
John had battled with The Undertaker and Kurt Angle and was also doing pretty good still with his rapper gimmick he seemed to be getting over with the fans even though they disliked him.
I was healing nicely by this time, rehab was going well and speedy. I could actually stand and walk slightly making sure I didn't put a lot of weight on my left leg.
Survivor Series was coming round and the set up for that was that Steve was frustrated at the fact he couldn't 'be himself' as he put it, he wasn't allowed to physically beat anyone up unless provoked so at Survivor Series Steve would have a team of five guys and so would Bischoff and if Bischoff's team won Steve would lose his job as Co GM and if Steve's team won he could go back to being the Texas Rattlesnake we all know and love. But it comes with consequences as Steve's Don't Trust Anybody philosophy has to got out the window in order for him to keep his job.
Bischoff' team consisted of Chris Jericho, Christian, Randy Orton, Scott Steiner and Mark Henry and Stone Cold's team consisted of Shawn Michaels, Rob Van Dam, Booker T, Bubba Ray Dudley, and D-Von Dudley.
On November 10th I was lying on my parent's couch in Edna with my leg propped up on cushion like I do every Monday and Thursday ready to watch Raw. Tonight was the Raw before Survivor Series and I watched as Lita opened the show (yes she returned while I was gone) talking about her title shot at the pay per view when she was interrupted by Triple H, Randy Orton and Batista and told her to take a hike.
Triple H then flapped on about Goldberg and how Dave had taken him out blah blah blah, Stone Cold then interrupts Hunter much to the dismay of Evolution, he tells Hunter to take a hike like he did with Lita, he then utters about having one last great Triple H/Stone Cold moment before Sunday.
Orton then pipes up saying "And as a member of Eric Bischoff's Survivor Series team, I'm gonna make sure that I, Randy Orton, The Legend Killer, am responsible, responsible Stone Cold for killing the legend of the Rattlesnake" I could only laugh at that comment knowing that Randy really has respect for Steve.
Triple H then went on to say "What about that sister of yours huh Austin? What if you lose your job on Sunday and when Emma comes back, she'll be all alone without you to protect her. But don't worry Steve I'm sure Evolution and especially Randy over here will take good care of her in more ways than one" he continued smugly trying to get provoke him verbally using me as a subject. He gestured towards Orton at the last part of his sentence, who was grinning from ear to ear at the thought of what Hunter just said.
Steve gritted his teeth at the thought of Evolution putting their hands on his baby sister and looked down to the canvas, rubbing his hand over his face before speaking into the mic again telling them he was trying really hard to maintain his composure, as he wasn't allowed to touch them.
Once again I laughed at what was being said about me knowing fine well in the real world Randy or the other guys wouldn't really touch me inappropriately like that and that they were my friends. Then when Dave called Steve a coward I thought the same thing chuckling still to myself as I did about Randy, Dave had so much respect and admiration for Steve.
Survivor Series was held from right at home in Texas, Dallas to be precise so I thought I would drive over to the American Airlines Arena. When I arrived creative asked me to cut some promos and possibly be part of the show, like a true pro I agreed and wondered what I needed to do.
I caught up with everyone including Steve and told him about these promos I was doing and how it fit in with the storyline, I hobbled (as I didn't need crutches anymore but my leg was heavily bandaged still) my way out of Steve's locker room and headed down the hall to wardrobe and make up when I saw John standing at the end of the hall heading my way, he smiled brightly when he realised it was me and began quickly making his way towards me, I hopped as fast as I could not wanting to hurt my leg even more since I wasn't far off returning. He scooped me in his big arms as he got near and held on tight, I wrapped my arms around his neck holding on tight.
"Hey hop along" I hear him chuckle in my ear
"Hey cheeky" I laughed in reply, he let go and he helped me down the hallway as I linked my arm through his manly for support as we caught up on things, he was surprised to see there knowing I was not scheduled to appear. He was in a 5 on 5 Survivor Series elimination match that night being apart of Kurt's team, he had actually turned into a fan favourite and made the decision to become a face. As I talked to him I remembered why I felt the way I did about him, his smile just lightened up my day, his voice made me melt and his eyes, I could get lost in them.
I reluctantly broke away from him wanting to spend every second by his side but I had to go get ready.
The first promo was with Bischoff in his office with his so called team. I went into the office to see all 4 out of 6 guys chatting at the camera was being set up.
"Surprise" I said heading into the room as they all turned towards the voice in shock. Randy was the first one to spot me and smiled widely.
"Emma?" he asked shocked before heading over to me and wrapping his arms around me
"Hey to you too Killer" I laughed as we hugged, he asked me what I was doing here and I told him I was just visiting until I got roped into doing some promos.
I caught up with Eric, him asking me how the recovery was going, I also caught up with Chris, Jason (Christian) and Randy some more before Scott (Steiner) and Mark (Henry) arrived so the ball could get rolling.
The Promo…..
Eric Bischoff is surrounded by his team and are in his office discussing strategy for tonight's match, Bischoff is siking his team up to get rid of Stone Cold for good.
He is in the middle of a sentence when there is knock on the door, he stops before yelling come in. The talking stops when the last person Bischoff expects to see, I limp into the room and into view, shocked expression on his face the GM tells the guys to leave so he can speak to me in private. Before they all leave Bischoff grabs Orton's arm to stop him and tells him he might want to hear what I has to say, I roll my eyes before muttering "Fine, your little jackass can stay" before receiving an evil look from Orton who was dressed ready to in his trunks and a 'Evolution' t-shirt. The rest head out to leave when Jericho stares me down before muttering "Austin" as a greeting, i reply by muttering "Jericho" just as coldly, before hearing the door close behind them.
I turn my attention back to the two remaining men in the room to find Bischoff staring me with a evil smile on his face, I look over to Orton who has a cocky, arrogant grin plastered on his face and is looking me up and down.
"Emma, what a pleasant surprise, what are you doing here, how's the leg?" Eric asks sarcastically
"Last time I checked I lived in Texas and the leg's fine no thanks to you" I replied boldly.
"So you do, have you come to see me take away your brother's job?" he laughed evil looking at Orton who also laughed. I shook my head no before turning serious.
"Why are you doing this Eric? What have you got to prove?" I asked my tone deadly serious looking straight at him, meaning this whole getting rid of Steve thing, his smile disappeared.
"Why am I doing this Emma? I'm doing this cause I want him gone and I want you gone, I want you both out of my life for good because I've had it up to here with the pair of you, if it's not you I have to deal with it's your brother. When I guarantee my team wins tonight and I receive complete control back on Raw, not only is Austin done but so are you Emma, I won't think twice about firing you too" he scowled at me and I gritted my teeth
"And what have I got to prove, I want to prove to the world that I can destroy what's left of the Austin legacy again, my Legend Killer here will make sure of that" he added gesturing towards Orton who was still arrogantly smiling, hands on hips.
"We'll see about that" I scowl before he continues.
"Don't worry Emma, the career of one of the greatest superstars ever is in my hands tonight and I plan on fully adding Stone Cold Steve Austin to the long list of legends I've killed and after what Mr. Bischoff and informed you about your own career I guess I can add one of the greatest female wrestlers on that list too" Orton so confidently informs me staring at me with those icy blue eyes.
"As I said before we'll see about that later tonight and when I come back" I scowled at Orton emphasising on the word when "The crap we went through before, Eric will seem like a day at freakin' Disneyland compared to what Steve and I will do to you then" I continued angrily turning my attention back to Eric, clenching my fists at my sides in rage.
"Is that so? Come to think of it, maybe you don't have faith in your brother and his team, maybe deep down in your soul, you know my team will be successful tonight so you've come here to reason with me, to beg for mercy on your jobs, it's assuring to know for once the bad ass Texas Rattlesnakes are vulnerable and desperate"
"Besides you and that brother of yours will be nothing more than beer swilling, middles finger gesturing, foul mouth rednecks" he counts on his fingers getting in my face.
I shake my head slightly before taking a deep breathe, I think for a minute at his comment.
"I got news for you Eric, that is what we are and for your information, I'd rather be desperate and vulnerable as you put it than the biggest asshole I've ever laid my eyes on, go ahead say and do what you want tonight but when Steve's team wins and he can go back to being his old self ,I'll guarantee you will be first on his hit list Bischoff along with your little team right behind you, you've only seen a small part of what Steve can do, you don't know him like I do, you have no idea what he's capable of and how far he'll go, just ask McMahon" I reply through gritted teeth before glancing at Orton before turning on my heels and heading out the door.
Long story short the second promo is basically me visiting Steve to tell him what transpired Bischoff said and that it's not just job on the line, it's our legacy that's on the line. He was surprised that I went to visit him after he put me out of action, he was also shocked to learn Bischoff would fire me too and apologised saying he didn't think he would put my job in danger too, I told him he wasn't to know that.
I also told him that for the first time he has to go back on DTA (Don't trust Anybody), back on what we believe in, I was trying to reason with him more than anything knowing that looking at Eric's team, he has pretty good chance of losing out and wondering if it's worth all the hard work and sacrifice just so he can go back to being the old Stone Cold.
The match was about to begin and Bischoff and his team made their way out to the ring. They waited as the glass shattered and with me accompanying them (Although not as fast as them), Steve and his team made their way to the ring. I took a seat at ringside to watch the match.
Scott Steiner was the first one eliminated, as Booker T was able to hit a Book-end on Steiner and capture the pinfall after Stacy Keibler (who was not by her own choice accompanying Steiner) distracted Steiner. Booker T was then eliminated by Mark Henry after a World's Strongest Slam. Mark Henry was then eliminated after a 3-D and Five-Star Frog splash. Rob Van Dam was eliminated next after Randy Orton hit an RKO on RVD, allowing Orton to cover him for the elimination. D-Von Dudley was the third eliminated member of Team Austin, after Chris Jericho hit the Flashback. Bubba Ray Dudley was the next member eliminated off Team Austin, after an Unprettier from Christian. Christian was the next to be eliminated, after Shawn Michaels, who was the last member of Team Austin, hit Christian with Sweet Chin Music. Jericho was the next member eliminated of Team Bischoff, as he tried to apply the Walls of Jericho on Michaels, however Michaels countered it into a Cradle. As the elimination took place, it left Michaels and Orton as the final two members of their respective teams. However, the match came to an end, when Batista gave Michaels a Batista Bomb, after Austin and Bischoff brawled in the entrance set, Orton draped an arm over Michaels and got the pinfall. I sat in shock yelling "No" ever so dramatically as Shawn was covered, there was nothing I could do to stop the count cause of my injury. I watched sadly knowing what my destiny was now after Bischoff threat earlier, as Steve came back out onto the walkway looking just as disappointed as me. He got in the ring and I followed suite, he looked down at me and told me he was sorry so the whole world could see. Jonathan Coachman came out and bragged about what had just happened and Steve kicked the shit of him as I stood by and watched smiling a little. Then in true Austin fashion we shared our last beers together in the ring, both leaving a can behind as a symbol of our legacy that we were leaving behind.
Alls end that ends well as in December, Stone Cold returned as Sheriff on Raw, still having some authority but being back on his terms and could kick the crap and stun anyone he wanted.
Also in December at Armageddon both Dave and Randy won their first pieces of gold.
After Dave had defeated Shawn Michaels, him and Flair won a tag team turmoil match along to become one-half of the World Tag Team Champions. While Randy beat Rob Van Dam to become WWE Intercontinental Championship. By the end of the night, all four members of Evolution held every male championship on Raw, with Triple H winning the World Heavyweight Championship later on.