December 13, 2011

Tribute to the Troops

Immediately following Raw the twenty or so roster members that were competing at Tribute to the Troops took a short chartered flight to Fayetteville so that they could be at Fort Bragg first thing in the morning. While performing for the troops was a rewarding experience, it was the day of the show that was the most fun. The troops took the roster on helicopter rides, ill-advisedly let them handle weapons, and this year they invited a small group to do a tandem skydive. This was one of the times Punk used his status as Champion to make sure he was on the list of those who got to parachute. John was content to hang around with the troops and play with firearms.

Punk was joined by, very surprisingly, del Rio and Cody Rhodes, along with Kofi and Eve. Del Rio looked decidedly sick when he found out that they would be jumping from 13,500 feet. The jump from the plane was exhilarating and Punk just wanted to turn around and do it again. Shooting off machine guns seemed bland after that experience. He joined the rest of the roster, hanging out with the troops for the rest of the day.

They eventually had to report to the hangar where they were filming the show and the roster changed into their gear in the makeshift locker room. For once everyone was crowded into one room which meant he had to change in close quarters with people like Miz and del Rio. The only reason a fight didn't break out was because they all believed what they were doing was important even if they were sharing the stage with the insufferable Nickelback. Punk was scheduled in the main event, teaming with Show and John against Henry, Miz and del Rio. Punk decided that the troops deserved something special and conspired with the Show to give them something worth seeing.

There was no monitor bay set up for the event so the roster just hung around the back and socialized, getting reports of the matches second hand. It was finally time for his match and he, John, and Show walked to the entrance just as their opponents were entering the ring. All three men seemed to be keeping their usual asshole antics to themselves for once. He and Show entered first, John entered the arena last to thunderous applause; the troops were his guys through and through.

His team was having a hell of a good time in the ring. The exchanges between him and John were hilarious, although at one point he forgot he was no longer the legal man in the ring and both he and John tried to cover Miz at the same time. When they were not in the ring they made sure to keep the crowd amped up.

He was sure the other side was not purposely trying to be comical but it seemed like none of them were particularly eager to get into the ring tonight. The tags usually came when a team mate wasn't paying attention, the tags being delivered to any random body part in reach, having to enter the match against their will.

They pretty much owned their opponents and the crowd went wild when Punk climbed onto the shoulders of Show and performed a flying elbow on Miz. He locked in the Anaconda Vice which del Rio broke up before Miz could tap. Punk was briefly at the mercy of Henry but managed to counter the World's Strongest Slam and tag in John. John performed his usual move set but the crowd could care less, John Cena was their man.

Sensing defeat del Rio, Miz, and Henry all entered he ring only to be met by the finishing maneuvers of his team. Punk was well aware of John's strength but it was still amazing when he managed to AA Henry to get the win. Their team celebrated the win in the ring with the crowd. Punk and Show exited the ring and stood with the rest of the roster at the head of the ramp while John gave one of his patented John Cena speeches. While Punk usually found these speeches to be rather corny, he couldn't deny the heartfelt thanks John was conveying to the troops from the WWE as a whole.

After returning to their hotel room he and John finally took the time to try and figure out what the hell happened out in the ring with Kane the night before. Mark Henry had been right there, the man who had injured Kane in the first place, yet he choose to attack John instead. They were both mystified. Punk was further incensed when he found out that he had won Superstar of the Year and Laurinaitis had accepted it on his behalf. He was sure that after his stunt at the Slammy's that was one trophy that he would be getting back in pieces.

December 17, 2011

John and Punk were living in a state of permanent confusion. It had started when a road agent had approached John and informed him that he wasn't needed for the press appearances prior to TLC because he would not be involved in the pay-per-view at all. Punk could only deduce that Laurinaitis had gone off the deep end. While John wasn't exactly beloved by the fans these days, he still had a very large fan base that would definitely oppose their hero being sidelined at TLC. Punk wanted to be the face of the WWE but he didn't think that completely eliminating John from the event was the way to go.

The inexplicable intentions of Kane continued through the next week at the two house shows. Kane had interfered in John's matches, attacking John again and again with no explanation. Kane didn't seem like he would be giving voice to his reasons for attacking John anytime soon which was making John pretty jumpy. The only time he calmed down was when they were alone in the safety of their hotel room. Punk knew that this would not be a permanent condition. John Cena couldn't be held down for long and Kane should expect a confrontation sooner rather than later.

December 18, 2011

Tables, Ladders and Chairs

Even though TLC wasn't considered a main pay-per-view Punk thought that it had much more major implications than the more recent pay-per-views. Zack would finally be getting his US Title match against Ziggler, Show looked poised to win the Heavyweight Championship, and Punk was damn well going to retain his title. The only downside of the night was John's absence. He had tagged along to Baltimore but elected to remain in their hotel room, watching the PPV from there. Punk knew John couldn't bear to be in the arena while he didn't have a match and there was no explanation given as to why.

The show began with Zack taking on Ziggler for the US Title. The majority of the roster excitedly watched as Zack won the title that he had been lobbying so long to get a chance at. Zack returned to the monitor bay to raucous applause, Zack running around like a madman with the title held high over his head. The night improved even more when Randy defeated Barrett, putting him through a table with an amazing mid-air RKO. Punk watched with glee as Triple H gained control of the sledgehammer and beat Nash so badly he had to be carried off on a stretcher.

The night continued as Show beat Mark Henry for the Heavyweight title. While the actual wrestling wasn't exactly stellar Punk was glad for Show who had helped him get the rematch from del Rio at Survivor Series. The roster was surprised when Henry recovered quickly from the WMD that Show had delivered and began to beat him down with a chair. What really shocked the room was when Daniel jumped up from his seat, briefcase in hand, and took off at a run towards the arena entrance. Punk watched the screen as Henry DDT'd Show on a chair.

Henry rolled out of the ring just as Daniel's music blared through the arena, Daniel ran into the ring and cashed in his briefcase, pinning Show and becoming World Heavyweight Champion. While Show was somewhat of a friend, he had known Daniel for years and while he had immeasurable success in ROH, Daniel had finally risen to become a Champion in the WWE. Punk was even happier when Daniel leapt onto the announce table screaming at a stricken Michael Cole who had been denigrating Daniel on a regular basis.

In the course of a few hours the state of the WWE had changed entirely. He was a fan of Pin Up Strong because both Natalya and Beth could probably out-wrestle quite a few of the men on the roster. While he wasn't exactly a fan of Cody Rhodes, he would much rather see some new blood hold the title than a has been like Booker T who would be better served staying behind the announce table. He kept his preference quiet and as Rhodes won the match Punk reflected on the title picture of the WWE. When he retained his belt all the gold in the WWE would be held by people that could be considered the future of the WWE.

Punk was optimistic heading into his match against Miz and del Rio. Punk had given up his belt to a backstage tech earlier in the night to be hoisted above the ring for his match. He was eager to get his belt back and around his waist where it belonged. Punk entered the ring after del Rio and Miz and was greeted with deafening applause. He walked under one of the ladders set up along the ramp, luck, even bad luck, was still for losers.

Miz and del Rio's détente seemed to continue as they worked together to put Punk out of commission. Although in pain, Punk couldn't help but laugh as that partnership broke down minutes later. Being that it was a TLC match the action moved to ringside where the weapons were spread about everywhere and were well-used. Punk was getting frustrated as he would get one of his opponents down only to be faced by an attack from the other. He took those frustrations out of Miz beating him viciously with a chair, and then using the same chair, set it up and gave Miz his patented high knee, sending him flying into the first few rows of ringside.

Both Miz and del Rio were down outside the ring so Punk took his opportunity and set a ladder up in the ring. He was climbing when he felt his arm being yanked, preventing him from going any higher. Rodriguez had grabbed ahold of his arm. While Punk was considering what Rodriguez deserved for his interference he felt something snap around his wrist. He looked down at the handcuff and heard a second click when Rodriguez cuffed him to the ladder. Punk panicked for a moment. He was unable to defend himself when del Rio entered the ring, taking the time to deliver a series of kicks to his body before trying to climb the ladder. Punk looked around wildly until he finally directed his attention to what was restraining him. Punk kicked the hell out of the supports holding the legs of the ladder together and freed himself. He was still stuck wearing handcuffs but with the other cuff in his hand it was the equivalent of brass knuckles.

Of course, just when he had taken care of del Rio who he tossed to the outside, Miz showed up. He had Miz on the top rope for a superplex when del Rio came from nowhere, kicking him in the head, sending him flying from the top rope and instead of the ground, Punk fell through a table. He was stunned and couldn't get his body to obey his mind and get the fuck up. Hopefully del Rio and Miz could keep each other occupied until he was able to get his body to function again.

Punk finally recovered and returned to the ring, seeing Miz entering from the other side. Punk and Miz tipped the ladder del Rio was on, sending him to straddle the top rope. For some reason, Rodriguez began to climb the ladder; he and Miz tipped the ladder again, sending Rodriguez through a table at ringside.

He and Miz finally locked up. Miz was in the corner and Punk tried to spear him, but Miz moved at the last second, Punk slamming his shoulder into the ringpost. Miz ran at him, but instead of hitting him, Punk felt a tug on his wrist for the second time that night. Miz had cuffed him to the turnbuckle. He hadn't even noticed that the cuff had opened. What the fuck kind of cuffs were these! Of course, as much as he tried, he couldn't get the cuffs to open for him. Miz stood just out of arm's reach and mocked him, Punk trying over and over to take a swipe at his smirking face. Miz didn't even see it coming when Punk kicked the head off his shoulders and fell to the canvas.

Punk turned his attention to the turnbuckle he was cuffed to. He uncovered the turnbuckle to reveal the metal mechanisms. He kicked at them with no effect. In his indie days he had helped set rings up and take them down and knew that it couldn't be done with bare hands but it didn't stop him from trying. Punk struggled with the turnbuckle while he saw Miz recovering and del Rio entering the ring. Finally it budged and he began unscrewing it as fast as he could, watching del Rio and Miz both start to climb the ladder. The turnbuckle finally gave, collapsing the center rope and freeing Punk. He rushed to the ladder, all three men trying to get to the belt.

Punk rammed Miz's head into the ladder, sending him falling to the ground. After two well-placed kicks to the head del Rio followed Miz falling back to the canvas. Punk climbed the ladder and retrieved his belt. He sat perched on top of the ladder while the crowd went wild. He looked down at his wrist, to the cuff that had caused him so much trouble, and there it was, open again. What was it with these fucking handcuffs! He tried to cuff himself to the belt, to ensure that the title wasn't going anywhere but it wouldn't work. He had to settle for holding the title above his head.

After celebrating he returned backstage to find Daniel and Zack waiting for him. They all hugged, Zack then snapping a picture of him and Daniel. They had both come so far from their beginnings in the indies. No one would have ever believed that they would both be sitting atop the WWE. Zack took off and minutes later returned with Evan, Kofi, Beth and even Cody. It was probably easy to bring Beth along as she would take any chance to show off her dominance but Punk had no idea how he managed to get Cody to come along. Zack probably threatened to dog his every step until he agreed.

Zack handed his camera to a tech and they were all posed to take a photo together. No matter their personal feelings and current alignments they were ushering in a new era in the WWE.

John waited impatiently for Punk to return to the hotel room. He greeted him like the conquering hero he was and laid a kiss on him of epic proportions. Punk's hands were roaming all over any body part he could reach and whimpered when John reluctantly pulled back, looking down at Punk's waist.

"Are you going to wear that belt all night?" John asked, his growing erection had been rubbing against the metal around Punk's waist and it was pretty painful.

"Possibly. I may also choose to wear the belt and nothing else."

"I'm sure if you used that as your autograph photo all my female fans would defect."

"And then all you would be left with are fans that still have a bedtime."

John watched as Punk stepped around him, throwing the belt aside and lying down on the bed, smiling invitingly.

"I have won the battle and I'm here to collect my spoils of war."

John quickly took his clothes off, finally joining Punk in bed, draping his body over Punk's, continuing the mind-numbing kiss that he had greeted him with at the door. Punk rolled on top of him, sliding his hands up his side, and anchoring his arms over his head, holding him there with one hand while the other cradled his face.

John knew he could pull free any second if he wished but he was willing to go along with the game. Punk's hand left his face and John eagerly awaited where Punk's roving hands would fall next. That's when John heard the click. He looked up to see one wrist cuffed to the slats in the headboard. He moved to pull his other arm out of range but Punk used both his arms to force his wrist back down to the bed and John heard the second cuff click into place.

"Phil…" John growled, jerking at the cuffs holding him in place.

"What? You can drag me into a random storage closet and give me the fucking of a lifetime but I can't return the favor?"

John couldn't deny that when he saw Punk in handcuffs at TLC this wasn't the scenario he had envisioned. He was now laid out on the bed with a lapful of Punk who was looking at him like he was something to eat.

Punk just smiled wickedly and stood up on the bed obviously taking in the scene with relish. He began stripping off his clothes slowly. The vision of Punk's naked body and no means to lay his hands on all that soft skin was driving him slowly toward madness and Punk hadn't even touched him yet. Punk finally kneeled down next to him and began trailing his fingers lightly over his skin from the hollow of his throat, stopping just shy of his groin. This gentle exploration continued for some time, his skin heating up more with every pass. While this hadn't been in his plans the plans for tonight, John found himself aching with anticipation at being at the complete mercy of Punk.

John sighed in relief when Punk replaced his hands with his mouth, kissing his neck from one side to the other. Punk dipped his tongue into the hollow of his throat, sucking the skin into his mouth. Punk moved to his collar bone, scraping his teeth over the thin layer of skin. The kisses continued down the midline of his chest, again stopping shy of his groin. Punk explored his muscled abdomen, taking his time to outline every muscle. John felt like his skin was ready to ignite when Punk dragged his tongue over the V outline of his stomach.

Punk slid further down the bed, spreading John's legs wider so he could bite down firmly on the muscle that connected his groin to his upper thigh. The other side was given the same treatment and Punk continued down his leg until reaching his ankle and then working his way back up the other leg. After the sensual torture of Punk kissing every inch of his body, John's cock was leaking precome, it sliding down the shaft. Punk ran his finger up the length of him, catching the liquid on his finger, sucking it into his mouth and moaning.

Punk moved to straddle John's hips, John looking forward to the weight of Punk's body settling on his but Punk did not sink down all the way, hovering just shy of John's groin. John watched heatedly as Punk wrapped his hand around his cock, jerking himself off firmly, his free hand trailing over his body as he moaned John's name over and over. John appreciated the view but he would much rather his hands be the one's making Punk moan like that. John watched raptly as Punk got himself off, his come splattering John chest.

Punk leaned down and John lifted his head for a kiss but Punk veered off at the last second whispering in John's ear, "Hands and Knees."

Fortunately the long chain between the cuffs allowed for the change in position, and John practically dislocated his wrists trying to move quickly into the position that Punk had demanded. Punk continued his earlier actions of bestowing kisses upon every inch of skin. John felt Punk's cock prod his entrance, Punk brutally slamming into him, taking him hard and fast. Punk had never been this rough with him before. Punk didn't even need the handcuffs, John would have submitted to this treatment gladly. His moans were so loud he was sure the neighbors could hear.

Punk's hands had a bruising hold on John's hips, jerking them back with every one of his strokes. The movement was testing the strength of the handcuffs, the metal biting into his skin, the pain only amplifying the pleasure. John wrapped his hands around the slats of the bed, desperate for anything to hold on to. Punk pulled his hips back with a particularly vicious thrust and John felt the wood give, freeing his hands but John didn't dare move them, not wanting Punk to stop what he was doing to him.

"Phil, please, touch me…"

John moaned in relief when Punk's hand wrapped around his cock, jerking him off at the same frenzied pace of his thrusts. John felt his stomach tightening and he came, coating Punk's hand in wetness, Punk fucking him through his orgasm. Punk delivered a few more thrusts, coming deep inside him.

His limbs finally gave, Punk's body falling on top of his. John could feel his racing heart in time with Punk's against his back. Both men remained in that position as they came down from their high. Punk eventually rolled off of John, John rolling with him, looping his still cuffed hands around Punk's neck and kissing him soundly.

After a while Punk sat up, "Let me go get the key, I had to storm the trainer's room and shake Rodriguez until the key came loose" and Punk got up and retrieved the key from his pants. He knelt over John, opening the cuff on John's left wrist. Punk watched in surprise as John took the cuff in hand and clicked it shut over one of the slats that were still intact. Punk unlocked the other cuff, John again recuffing himself. John wrapped his legs around Punk's waist, pulling Punk's body back against his own.

"I want more."

By the end of the night there wasn't a single slat intact.

AN: Finally, TLC! The last scene has been kicking around in my head since the second Punk was cuffed for the first time at TLC. Hope you enjoy and thanks for all the reviews that have sent me on an updating tear this past week. Now it's time to deal with this Kane/John thing which I am at a loss on how to write and I'm practically breaking into hives over here with the Punk injury rumors floating around the internet today. In other words, unless the inspiration fairy visits tonight the next update may take awhile.