Randy walked through the doors of the arena and into an almost empty hallway. No one but a few road agents and technicians were scattered backstage, doing what they needed to do before the show starts. He was three hours early. He didn't mind it though; in fact it's how he liked it. Contrary to his character – the egotistic, attention-seeking Viper, he was pretty much closed off from everyone else.

With his gym bag on one arm and a small nod to acknowledge those who passed him, he silently slithered his way into the locker room. Considering the time, he wasn't surprised when he found the room empty. Good. He treasured the moments when he can be alone at work; no road agents harassing him to go here and there, no general managers screeching orders to do this and that, no co-workers to listen to whine or brag. No, he didn't have time for that, he didn't need that. He had enough problems himself.

He had just finished changing into his work clothes, which mainly consist of his wrestling trunks and Viper shirt, when the door burst open. John Cena.

"I'll catch you later babe, have a good day" Randy heard him bid goodbye to his girlfriend, Nikki Bella.

"Hey man! How's it going?" John greeted him in his usual jolly voice.

Him and John go way back; meeting roughly 10 years prior to WWE and was brought to the roster almost at the same time. It was safe to say that he was one of his best friends; probably the closest one he's got in the business.

"Hey! Nothing much, just the usual" He answered, a small smile gracing his lips.

"Good to know" The two friends slipped into a comfortable silence, minding their own business. Then John spoke.

"So, uh, how are you holding up? You know, after…" He didn't need to finish for Randy to understand what he meant. As much as he didn't want the topic to be brought up, he was silently thankful for John's concern.

"Well, I'm getting by somehow. I still miss her and can't stop blaming myself for it. But work is a good distraction, let's me "legally" lash out on my opponent" a small chuckle passed his lips. "But can we please not talk about it?" hoping his friend would just drop the issue.

"Right, sorry. Anyway, Evolution is back I see! Not taking anything away from the Wyatts and The Shield but I gotta say your trio is probably the most dangerous stable yet. Sucks that Rick Flair isn't part of it anymore, but hey, New and improved, right?" John said, giving a hearty laugh to lighten up the mood.

"You're damn right we are! And yeah, no offense to the Wyatts and The Shield but we are most definitely better now. I must say that I'm liking this angle with The Shield; those guys are awesome, in and out of the ring. How about you, how's your constant battle with the Wyatts?"

"Going great! I mean, Bray still creeps me out with that whole exorcist back bend thing, and Erick and Luke with their sheep mask and crazy eyes but I think they're great competitors, individually and as a group. And I'm not afraid to admit that they have been handing me my ass since."

The two friends continued their work talk and banter until a road agent called them out for the usual briefing for the night's show.

Just another typical night for the roster.

-MANDYXLOVE-

Stamford, Connecticut

Meanwhile, at WWE Headquarters…

A signed contract and a firm handshake with Mr. McMahon sealed the deal on her return. A lot has changed in the last 4 years but the love and excitement she had towards the business never faltered. To her, this was home.

"It's good to have you back, Maria. I'm expecting great things from you this time and I know you won't let me down." Smiling brightly at the red head that stood confidently in front of him

"Thank you, Mr. McMahon. It feels great to be back too! And yes, I won't let you down"

Stepping out of his office, a smile broke on her face. Gone are her clumsy, ditzy diva days. This was a new Maria; Confident, fierce, headstrong. She was determined to make a new name for herself and she'll be damned if anyone stood in her way.