Monday 19th November
''So, we wanted to run a new storyline angle by you to see what you think.''
''Okay, shoot.''
As soon as they arrived at the Nutter Center earlier that afternoon, Colby, Jon and Joe had been whisked away to do a photo shoot while Alexa had been told that Stephanie wanted to see her. So, after dumping her bags in the women's locker room, she had headed straight over to Stephanie's office for the evening.
''So, the whole premise for The Shield is that they're a security team for Punk, hired by Paul Heyman to ensure he keeps his title. And Paul hired them through you, as we hinted at last week. We're not going to be revealing that to the fans just yet, but we need to have a reason for you to want to help Punk.''
Alexa nodded. ''I was wondering about that, actually.''
''Well, we were thinking of putting you two in a romantic angle...'' Stephanie's gaze was fixed on the younger woman. ''It would only be for a little while and, of course, you'd still be carrying on with the other angle and attacking the other women during their matches. We eventually want to have you align with The Shield but we need to build up to it.''
Alexa didn't say a word, just listened with a growing sense of dread.
''We'd start tonight.'' She handed her a revised copy of that night's script. ''When Punk has his celebration down in the ring, you'll go down to congratulate him, with a kiss, and we'll go from there.''
''So, will I be addressing the fact that I'm attacking the other Divas?''
''Not just yet. We'll wait until we reveal you as the one who brought The Shield across from NXT before we have you explain your reasons.''
''Okay.'' Swallowing hard as she flicked through the pages, she glanced up to meet Stephanie's eyes. ''Well, I guess I better go find Phil and go over everything.''
The older woman smirked. ''Remeber to keep it PG.''
''Uh oh, what's wrong with you, cranky pants?" Colby's teasing tone greeted her as she stomped their locker room.
Alexa turned her glare on him, silencing him immediately. ''Not in the mood, Cruella. Where's Jon?''
''He's in catering.'' Joe piped up as he moved past her into the room, glancing back at her with a smile.
''You guys mind if I wait here for him?''
''Sure thing.''
''No problem, Lex.''
Nodding, she stomped over to the bench and took a seat beside Colby, crossing her arms over her chest.
He gently nudged her shoulder with his. ''Aren't you a shiny, happy person today.''
''I've just had a meeting with Steph...''
''And?'' Joe prompted. ''What did she have to say that put you in such a shitty mood?''
The back of her head made a thud on the wall, and Alexa groaned. ''They're making me do a romantic angle with Phil.''
Colby snorted out a laugh. ''That's hilarious.''
Alexa raised a dark eyebrow, the scowl still curling her lips. ''It's not funny. It's fucking ridiculous. They've already got the whole Cena/A.J thing going on, why do they need us to do that shit too?''
Joe sunk down into the seat beside her, pulling the papers from her hand and skimming over the highlighted sections. ''This isn't too bad, there's even some notes at the bottom saying it's only a temporary angle.''
''Yeah, depending on the crowd's reaction tonight. If they like it, I think they'll carry it on.'' She ran a hand through her hair, biting her lip worriedly.
''Why are you so worried about it?'' Colby asked softly. ''You had that thing with Cena before, surely this will be easier because you and Phil are friends.''
She rolled her head against the wall, turning to face him. ''I don't know, this is just different. Phil's like a brother to me, it's just super weird.''
''You told Jon yet?''
''Told me what?''
Three pairs of eyes looked up to find the man in question strolling into the room.
Alexa pushed herself to her feet and grabbed her script back from the Samoan before walking over to her boyfriend, glancing up at him apprehensively. ''Have you got a minute so we can talk?''
A frown marred his face. ''Never in the history of the world, has a conversation that started with, 'can we talk,' ever ended well.''
''Come on.'' She grabbed his arm and pulled him from the room, closing the door behind them. ''So, Stephanie wanted to talk to me about the new angle they're having me doing. With Phil and then, eventually, you guys... and, well, I kind of have to kiss him later...''
Jon just stared at her for a few moments, his expression giving nothing away. ''Okay.''
''Okay?'' She repeated, raising an eyebrow. ''You're not mad?''
''Of course not.'' He shook his head, giving her a small smile. ''I mean, yeah, I don't particularly like the fact that another dude's going to get to put his hands on you but I get that it's just work. Besides, you and Phil are practically like family so I know I've got nothing to worry about.''
Alexa just gaped up at him in shock.
Back in 2005, when she had first told Randy about her upcoming storyline with John, he had been absolutely livid; his ego couldn't handle the fact that he had to share his girlfriend like that. Honestly, she had expected a similar reaction from Jon, but there he was, surprising her at every corner.
''I love you.''
Her eyes widened and she automatically clapped a hand over her mouth, not meaning to actually voice so loudly what she had been thinking.
''Shit, I-''
She was caught off-guard when he stepped forwards and softly pressed his lips to hers, effectively shutting her up. When they parted, she looked up to find Jon staring down at her with a boyish grin on his face.
''I love you too.''
RAW
The show came back from commercial to show Paul Heyman standing in the centre of the ring. The canvas had been changed and was now covered in black with a big red X spread over it. Behind him, were two big posters of CM Punk and one showing where his title reign ranked on the list of greats.
''Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman and-'' The man standing in the ring was cut off by a flurry of volatile boos. ''Alright. Hold on for one second. Let's get something straight, okay? You don't boo me! I'm here tonight to honour a man that has successfully defended the WWE Championship for three hundred and sixty-five consecutive days and you have the nerve to boo me?!''
The boos got even louder and he waved them off with a scoff.
''Whatever. Are you angry at me? Are you upset with CM Punk because he successfully defended the title last night? Against BOTH John Cena and Ryback? Is that what's bothering you, ladies and gentlemen? Oh, maybe you're mad because last week we made fun of Jerry Lawler?
Last week had been Jerry's first night back following his heart attack and the two men had mockingly reenacted the event in the middle of the ring.
''Oh, boo. You tweet and you tout and you cry for the attitude era but when CM Punk and I give you a taste of attitude you don't really like it anymore, do you? You have the temerity here, in Dayton, Ohio, to chant 'ECW' at me. But when we give you just a little bit of the extreme, you don't really like it. You see, the problem is, I don't think the WWE Universe has ever been able to truly handle the greatness that stands before you. When your reigning, defending WWE Champion stands in this ring and makes history every single night by raising the bar so high, that even in the most hyper-competitive environment in WWE history, this man, for whom this celebration is about... stands head and shoulders above the rest. Not just in today's environment, but for ALL time. It's time, ladies and gentlemen, for you to put some smiles on your faces because THIS IS A CELEBRATION! A celebration of three hundred and sixty-five glorious days of the consecutive title reign of YOUR reigning, defending WWE Champion, and the BEST IN THE WORLD. Ladies and gentlemen, I am honoured, humbled and privileged to present to you... CM PUNK!''
The static hit and despite the majority of the crowd booing the man appearing at the top of the ramp, a lot of cheers could be heard.
''I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted just hearing that introduction!'' King laughed from ringside.
''Well, it's his night.'' Michael Cole added. ''Three hundred and sixty-five days, CM Punk has held the WWE Championship.''
''What about that shirt he's wearing tonight? He's a 'Paul Heyman Guy'.''
''You know, we say a lot about the way that CM Punk has held onto the title, he has survived a number of times but you really have to go back and look at some of the people that CM Punk defeated over the past year to realize how much of a feat this has been, King.''
The man proceeded to list the people who CM Punk had beaten while the man in question slowly made his way down the ramp with a smug grin on his face. Paul Heyman clapping enthusiastically from inside the ring as he watched on.
''Nobody, including myself, is going to argue the fact that you have to respect what he's done.'' King stated. ''In just being the champion for three hundred and sixty five days. And you have to respect the WWE Championship. But, you don't have to respect the individual. Like you said, Michael, the things he says, the lack of respect he shows others... I don't think he, personally, deserves that respect.''
After sharing a hug with Paul, the champion moved over to the corner, looking as though he was going to move to the top and pose for the fans. He looked around at the audience for a second before waving his hands dismissively, turning away with a sneer.
''See, there?'' King pointed out, watching as the man did the same at the other corner. ''Heck with you, WWE Universe.''
''Is Heyman crying?'' Michael asked incredulously.
The music faded out as the older man handed Punk his microphone; the young man shaking his head and moving to the corner to request his own.
''Those tears are about as real as his heart attack last week.'' King commented wryly.
Punk moved into the middle of the ring, laughing as he pumped his arms up and down to encourage the crowd to boo even louder.
''Shawn Michaels, he couldn't do it. Triple H couldn't do it. Bret 'The Hitman' Hart; best there is, best there was, best there ever will be... could not do it. I guess that makes me, the best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be?'' He turned to Paul, who nodded. ''The Undertaker. Could. Not. Do. It. And Dewie. Sorry, Dwayne. The Rock. Couldn't do it. Three hundred and sixty-five days as WWE Champion. One calander year.''
He pointed over to the titantron where a video package started to play; showing all the highlights from his year-long reign as WWE Champion. Punk watched on happily and the crowd clapped when it had finished, a loud 'CM PUNK' chant starting up.
''Today is a very special day. It's a night of celebration. But it's not just about honouring the past. It's about looking forward to the future. It's about recognizing my spot, my place in history. And I know my place in history, it's at the top. Can't stop, won't stop until I'm on the top of everybody's list. This list.'' he stepped back, pointing to the large poster showing the ten longest WWE title reigns in history. ''That's why I'm already looking to the future. I have a goal, I have my sights set on July 25th 2018 on what will be the three hundred and fifty-fifth episode of Main Event, when I surpass Bruno Sammartino as the longest reigning WWE Champion in history.''
Paul moved closer to him. ''You know, when I was just a little kid running around as a photographer in Madison Square Garden, I knew Bruno Sammartino. I liked Bru- I was a fan of Bruno Sammartino's. Bruno Sammartino belongs in the WWE Hall of Fame just as you will be an inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame. But, truth be told, Bruno Sammartino could never beat CM Punk. As a matter of fact, truth be told, Hulk Hogan could never beat CM Punk.''
The crowd booed as Punk mockingly did Hulk Hogan's famous routine around the ring, raising his arms to cup his ears with his hands.
''As a matter of fact, another Paul Heyman guy... Stone Cold Steve Austin could never on his best day beat CM Punk. As a matter of fact, at the Royal Rumble, it's going to be proven that not even The Rock can beat CM Punk.''
''Thank you.'' He reached out to place a hand on the older man's shoulder. ''Thank you very much for setting all this up, Paul. I appreciate it.''
''It was my honour.''
''A lot of people ask me very important questions specifically about my title reign, as historic and epic as it is, and one of the more frequent ones they ask me is what my most important victory has been. Before last night, I'd be hard pressed to come up with a single one, because, let's be honest, there's been a lot of victories. But last night at Survivor Series, beating Ryback and John Cena single-handedly in the same match... number one with a bullet. And I'll tell you why; it's because nobody thought I could win. All of you.'' He pointed at the crowd. ''Maybe it's because you're losers yourself, thought I was going to lose, I don't know. Only two people believed that I could pull off the impossible and they're both standing in this ring. With the odds stacked up against me-''
She takes to the spotlight, to the stage.
You can tell she craves it by the look on her face.
''What's Sierra doing out here?'' King wondered, watching as the woman appeared at the top of the ramp.
''Your guess is as good as mine, King.'' Michael replied. ''Last night at Survivor Series we saw her launch a vicious, unprovoked attack on both Eve and Kaitlyn after their match. And tonight, she did the same during Kaitlyn and Aksana's match.''
King snorted. ''At least tonight she didn't bring the chairs out.''
''No, but it was still totally uncalled for.''
The crowd was a mix of heavy boos and cheers as she climbed into the ring, moving past the two men with a smirk and going to grab herself a microphone.
''What are you doing here?'' Paul sneered at her as she approached them.
Sierra raised the microphone to her lips, raising an eyebrow. ''Oh, I'm sorry. I thought I heard you say earlier that everyone was invited?''
''Well, yes, but-''
''But nothing.'' She countered with a shake of her head. ''I decided to accept the invitation you so graciously extended, so I could come down here and personally congratulate our WWE Champion. We are friends, after all.''
''Were friends.'' Paul corrected with a laugh. ''I think you're just out here tonight because you know you'll never get a celebration like this for yourself, so you had to come and encroach on CM Punks.''
''Paul-''
''So cynical, Paul.'' Sierra cut across the other man. ''Like I said, I just came down here to congratulate Punk. Three hundred and sixty-five days as champ is extremely impressive.''
''Oh, it is. Much more impressive than your meager one hundred and eighty-two days as WWE Diva's Champion.''
''You want to know what else is extremely impressive?'' Her eyes narrowed at the man in front of her. ''The impeccable timing of Ambrose, Rollins and Reigns last night.''
The crowd jeered at the mere mention of the three men from NXT, Paul's eyes widening as she continued.
''Which, obviously, was just a happy coincidence.''
Paul puffed out a sigh of relief as the woman shot him a subtle wink, the other man in the ring completely oblivious to their exchange.
''Exactly!'' CM Punk exclaimed, slinging an arm over her shoulder. ''See, people, she gets it. It was just a coincidence. Serendipity, if you will.''
Sierra shook her head in disbelief as the audience, once again, started to boo him. Shifting out from under his arm, she moved to stand in front of him. ''Ignore all these losers, who cares what they think?'' She scoffed, the boos increasing in volume. ''Just now, you said only two people believed that you could pull off the impossible last night and beat Ryback and Cena to retain your title. Well, you were wrong, there's three.'' She shared a look with Paul. ''I knew for a fact that you would walk out of Survivor Series as WWE Champion.''
''Why's that?'' He questioned, arching a brow.
''I believed.''
''Than-''
Punk's words of thanks were cut off when she dropped the microphone and suddenly pressed her lips to his. The cheers from the crowd were deafening and Paul's mouth dropped open in shock.
''Oh my God!'' King cried.
Michael chuckled. ''Looks like Sierra has her own way of congratulating Punk!''
The kiss only lasted a few seconds before Sierra backed away from Punk, the man looking down at her with a confused expression. She smirked at Paul as she passed him, stepping through the ropes and jumping down to the ground.
FEED ME MORE
''Oh come on! It's a celebration!'' Punk cried angrily.
''I don't think he's here to celebrate!'' Michael said.
Sierra had frozen at the bottom of the ramp as soon as the music hit, her eyes widening in surprise.
''Sierra needs to get out of there!'' King shouted.
She had her hands held up in front of her defensively as Ryback approached, the man eventually coming to a halt just in front of her, shouting at her to get out-of-the-way. When she didn't move fast enough, he gave her a light shove and she tripped over a wire, sending her stumbling backwards.
''Hey, that- Wait a minute! It's those guys again!''
Sierra had been caught by the strong arms of Roman Reigns before she met the ground, while Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins launched themselves towards Ryback.
''Oh my God!'' King muttered.
''Reigns! Rollins and Ambrose! The three men that cost Ryback the title at Survivor Series!''
''Did Reigns just HELP Sierra?!'' King exclaimed in shock.
Once she was back on her feet, Sierra quickly made her way to the back while Roman ran over to join the other men in their attack.
Ryback managed to fight off all three men and was just about to step through the ropes when his leg was grabbed by Dean, who held on tight. Seth rolled into the ring and landed several heavy punches to the big man while Dean kept him in place.
''These kids from NXT, the developmental program, for some reason they're here and they've targeted Ryback!''
Heyman quickly exited the ring as the men inside continued to brawl, Punk pressing himself tightly into the corner. It lasted a few more moments before they, too, ended up on the outside of the ring.
''They're like a pack of dogs!''
''Let's do it again, King!'' Roman hollered as he pulled out all the monitors, clearing the announce table.
''Oh, no...''
''That psychopath just shouted, 'let's do it again', in reference to what they did to Ryback last night at Survivor Series!''
Just like the night before, the three men hoisted Ryback up onto Roman's shoulders and sent him through the table with a powerbomb. The three men stood over the fallen man, staring for a few moments before their gaze turned towards Punk in the ring.
Paul just shrugged when CM Punk looked towards him questioningly. He stepped out of the ring as the three men climbed in; the crowd booing as he edged down the steel steps, keeping his eyes on the men inside the ring.
He shared a few words with Paul before he slowly walked over to where Ryback lay, laughing as he lifted a foot to rest on the man's chest. ''I'm the BEST IN THE WORLD!''
As soon as she walked through the curtain, Alexa was greeting by a grinning Stephanie McMahon. ''That was great! The whole thing was great, good job.''
''I'm really sorry I tripped over that wire.'' She sighed, knowing it wasn't part of the plan. ''Ryan pushed me harder than I was expecting and then my fucking shoe got caught... I think Joe caught me purely out of instinct.''
Stephanie shook her head, the smile never leaving her face. ''No! It was a nice touch actually, gives a hint of things to come.''
Alexa gave a relieved smile. ''Good, I was worried there for a second.''
''Don't be. And speaking of things to come, here's your itinerary for next week that I meant to give you earlier.'' She handed her some more paperwork. ''There's some radio shows we have you booked at to promote the shows in Louisiana next week.''
Her eyebrows shot up. ''By myself?''
''Well, we were going to send you with Paul and Phil. But then we thought that the three of you doing interviews together was just asking for trouble.''