January 16, 2010

"I don't give a damn about my bad reputation" blared throughout the arena as the music started. By the second line of the song, Penny came into view on the monitor. She smiled and winked at the camera before walking down the ramp and climbing into the ring. Her opponent, Eve, was already waiting for her and Divas Champion, Beth, had joined commentary for the match.

Half the crowd cheered Penny, and the other half booed her, neither half really sure if she was heel or face after her actions the week before. She blew a quick kiss to Beth, earning her a scowl, which Penny returned with a smile.

The bell rang, and the match started, it wasn't hard to defeat Eve, but Penny played with her. She let Eve think she was in charge. Penny layed there while Eve prepared to do her 'evesault', and rolled out of the way just in time. Without Penny to land on, Eve felt the full effects of the move, and Penny grabbed her by the hair, pulling her to her feet and tossing her around like a rag doll.

Finally, Penny delivered her Sunset Flip Powerbomb, and brought an end to the match. After the three-count, her arm was raised in victory as Eve rolled out of the ring, and made her way to the back.

Beth stood up at the announcer's table, and Penny stood in the ring, taunting her, begging her to join her. Beth grabbed a microphone, and climbed through the ropes, and a stage-hand gave Penny a microphone as well.

"You know, the only reason you won last week is because I wasn't expecting you. You caught me off guard. Trust me, you don't want to face me again."

Penny smiled, "That's funny, because, you see, there are only three divas, yourself included, that are even worth my time. FYI, those other two are Tamina and Natalya. All these models, because that's all they are, like Kelly and Alicia Fox, are just a waste of space."

"I don't disagree with you on that one, however, you can't just waltz in here after being gone for six months and expect a title shot. Even Kelly and Alicia are more deserving simply for the fact that they've actually been here. They weren't off traveling the world."

"In case you haven't forgotten, I beat you last week, and I beat you before I left. It's obvious-"

Penny was cut off by John Laurinaitis who was being followed to the ring by his lackie, David Otunga. Both women sighed, and Penny rolled her eyes, sharing her brother's dislike of the man.

"Ladies, ladies, calm down." Penny leaned against the ropes, not really listening to him. "Now, I have a solution to the problem. Penny, you want a shot at the title, and Beth, you think she needs to prove herself. So, Penny, if you can beat Natalya and Tamina, you can have another match against Beth."

Penny smirked and Beth looked angry. John started to walk back up the ramp. Beth and Penny got in each other's faces. "You'll have to pry this belt from my cold dead fingers," Beth told her.

"That can be arranged," Penny replied.

"Oh, and Penny, one other thing," John said from the stage, "It will be a handicap match."

Penny was now infuriated, but she refused to let him see. Beth got right in Penny's face, pressing her forehead to Penny's. Being the shorter woman, Penny had to use force to make Beth back up, which she did.

Penny slid out of the ring, and walked up the ramp, Joan Jett's voice blaring through the speakers once more.

Penny walked down the hall, and just as she went to turn the corner, she could hear Laurinaitis's voice, talking about her. "She's a big girl, Stu, I'm sure she'll be able to take care of herself out there."

"It's two on one, that's not fair," came Stu's smooth voice. "Besides, Tamina and Natalya are both bigger than her. You might as well put her in a match against Kharma."

"You know, that's not such a bad idea."

Penny peeked around the corner to see Stu shake his head, a few of the curls fell out of place. "You can't do that to her. What did she do to deserve that?"

Laurinaitis didn't respond.

"I think you're just abusing your power again. You can't bring Phil down, so your trying to destroy Penny."

"Why do you care? You're not married to her anymore."

Stu didn't say anything, but from where she was watching, Penny could see his jaw tighten. Laurinaitis patted him on the shoulder and slipped past him.

Penny revealed herself, and his jaw relaxed, "You did great out there," he said, hoping she hadn't heard what had transpired between him and Laurinaitis.

"Thanks."

"You haven't missed a beat."

She smiled, "That's what they keep telling me."

He smiled, and they stood there, awkwardly for a few moments.

"I'm going to go shower," she said, and quickly slipped past him.

Stu watched her walk away and when he turned around, he seen Cody standing there. "You're still in love," Cody said.

Stu shook his head, "No I'm not."

"Stu, it's obvious, to everyone. The lustful looks in the airport all last week. Watching her walk away. That gnawing feeling that you have to just take her in your arms and kiss her like you never kissed her before..."

"Would you just shut up?"

"I'm just saying what you're clearly too afraid to admit."

Stu looked at Cody, "So what if I did still love her?"

Cody shrugged, "It wouldn't matter. I heard she's dating some Italian guy she met in Verona."