Monday 17th June
Alexa grinned, taking a deep breath as she walked through the backstage area of the Van Andel Arena in Michigan. It was her first night back since finising shooting the movie in Los Angeles and it felt like coming home.
Since making things up with Jon, they had only seen each other a handful of times; what with him being busy with shows and her filming in LA. So she was really looking forward to getting back into a routine so things went back to normal.
As she entered the catering area, she spotted two people she had missed almost as much as she had missed Jon. Colby and Joe both had their backs to her, the pair sitting at a table with Bryan, Brie and Nikki as they ate. Smirking, she crept up behind them, placing a finger over her lips to signal the trio to be quiet as they caught sight of her over the top of the pair's heads.
Alexa leaned down to poke her head in between them, slinging her arms over their shoulders. ''Yo.''
Both men turned to look at her, both men doing a double take as the twins and Bryan laughed.
''No fucking way, when did you get here?!'' Colby cried, rising from his seat to tug her into a hug.
They had actually be expecting her the day before, but due to some last-minute script changes they had decided to have her return on Raw instead of at the pay-per-view.
''About an hour ago, I had to go and have a meeting with Steph and Paul.''
''It's good to see you baby girl.'' Joe smiled, pulling her away from Colby and into his arms for a quick hug. ''Jon know you're here yet?''
''Nope.''
The two men re-took their seats and Alexa dropped into the chair beside Colby, greeting the other three with a smile before digging around in her bag. A few seconds later she found what she was looking for, pulling out two envelopes and handing them to Joe and Colby.
The Samoan glanced over at her in confusion. ''What's this?''
She grinned. ''Belated birthday gifts.''
During her time in LA, both men had celebrated their birthdays; Colby turning twenty-six and Joe turning twenty-seven. She hadn't been able to see them on their actual birthdays so she had arranged gifts to give them upon her return.
''Oh my God!'' Colby grinned as he tore open his. ''This is awesome, Leighla's going to love it. Thanks!''
''What is it?'' Nikki asked curiously.
''It's a booking slip for an overnight stay at the Villisca Axe Murder House.'' Alexa told her, laughing at her horrified expression before turning to Colby. ''I did check our schedule but if the date's no good, they said it's cool for you to call and change it.''
Joe slowly pulled out his card, smiling over at her when he found two tickets for a spa day inside. ''Thanks, Lex, this is great.''
''No problem, Fabio. Thought you and 'Lina could do with a nice day of relaxation.'' She told him with a half-shrug. ''As long as you use it within the year, you can pick whatever date you want.''
''Pressure's on for her birthday now guys.'' Brie arched a brow at the two men.
''When is your birthday?'' Nikki asked.
''December first.'' Colby answered for her, turning to Alexa with a shit-eating grin on his face. ''And how old are you going to be, Lex?''
''Twenty-eight.'' She grumbled, glaring at him as she pointed to the card. ''I can still take that back, you know.''
''It's okay, Lex, we're turning thirty in November.'' Brie told her with a frown.
''And besides, nobody's as old as Bryan.'' Nikki teased. ''What are you, thirty-five, thirty-six?''
He rolled his eyes. ''I'm thirty-two, actually.''
Alexa, Joe and Colby laughed as the two started bickering, Brie in the middle trying to play peace keeper.
''Hey, what are you reading?'' Alexa asked, reaching over to grab the book that was laying on the table in front of Nikki, raising an eyebrow when she saw what it was. ''Seriously? Fifty shades of grey?''
''What? It's good!''
''More like Fifty shades of awful...'' She mumbled, idly flipping through the pages, snorting as she read through it. ''Listen to this; 'His pointer finger circled my puckered love cave. "Are you ready for this?" he mewled, smirking at me like a mother hamster about to eat her three-legged young.'...''
Bryan snorted loudly opposite her as the rest of the table descended into laughter, Alexa continuing her rant.
''Puckered love cave? I mean, what the actual fuck? I've read better stuff on a bathroom stall... 'He's going to kiss me there!'... 'He gives me a wicked grin, the effects of which travel all the way down there'.. Clitoris! Just say it!''
''I don't think I even want to know what you guys are talking about...'' Jon trailed off, taking in the splutters of laughter and red faces surrounding the table.
In an instant, Alexa dumped the book on the table and was off the seat and in his arms, swallowed up in a warm bear hug.
''Aren't they adorable.'' Nikki cooed.
The Latina shot her a middle finger as she pulled herself out of his arms, planting a soft kiss on his cheek before lowering herself back into her seat; Jon slumping into the one next to her.
Nikki, Brie and Bryan eventually excused themselves before wandering off, leaving Alexa alone to catch up with the three men.
''I'm really glad you guys made up.'' Colby told them happily. ''It was horrible seeing you both so miserable.''
Alexa and Jon shared a look, the man reaching out to hold her hand as he replied. ''Me too.''
After spending a little while chatting with the guys, she decided to go and search the backstage area for Jason. Her fellow Canadian was making his return that night after a long, ten-month absence. After locating him, the duo spent a little while catching up before parting; Jason to go over his match with Stuart and she left to go over her promo with Stephanie and April.
She was really excited that she would be working with them both; April had become a really good friend to her and she was excited to see what would come of their feud and Stephanie... well, the woman was one of the best on the mic and she felt really privileged to be doing something with her.
Alexa was just heading to gorilla when she heard raised voices up ahead, finding an irate Bryan as she turned the corner.
Paul Levesque was trying to calm him down from behind the desk. ''Look, we needed to stop it, for your own safety. You-''
''You wrestled through a torn quad! Don't tell me what to do, you would've done exactly the same and you know it!''
The pair continued to argue as Alexa came to a stop beside April, who was leaning against the wall, the smaller woman meeting her wide eyes with a similar look of shock.
''What's going on?''
''Bryan hurt his neck when he landed the dropkick, apparently both his arms went numb.'' April explained quietly. ''He's pissed that they stopped the match.''
''I don't think I've ever seen him that angry.'' She mumbled, watching as the medics led her old friend away to get checked out. ''But he must know it was for his own good.''
April just shrugged, grabbing her title belt as her music started to play. ''See you out there!''
RAW
''So, this is what it feels like to have it all...'' AJ gloated as she paced the ring. ''Now, unfortunately, my baby Ziggy couldn't be here tonight because he's not medically cleared. But, soon enough, he will be back and he will share this spotlight with the greatest Diva's Champion of all time. Me! I've always been the champion. Now, I just have proof.''
She lifted the belt into the air, an arrogant smirk curling at her lips as the audience booed.
''Last night, I made Kaitlyn tap out. Did I play mind games with her? Yes. Did I crush her spirit? Yes. But I am the hero of this story. I am a woman who knows how to get exactly what she wants. And that is an example to women everywhere. There is not a woman in this audience, there is not a woman in that locker room, there is not a woman in the whole world who is as strong, brilliant, as courageous as I am... and if there is a woman back there, who thinks she can compare to me, who thinks that she is a fraction of the woman that I am... I dare you to come out right now.''
AJ looked up towards the ramp expectantly before turning around, a smug look on her face.
''That's what I thoug-''
Style and grace, I'm never gonna be done, lean on in.
Now, welcome to the Queendom.
The crowd let out a loud cheer when Stephanie McMahon appeared on the stage, Jerry 'The King' Lawler, JBL and Michael Cole laughing at ringside.
''Oh, boy!'' Michael chuckled. ''Talk about strong women.''
The Billion Dollar Princess strode confidently down to the ring, AJ watching on with an unimpressed look inside.
''Well, that changed the expression on AJ's face, didn't it!''
''This doesn't end well.'' JBL predicted.
AJ plastered a saccharine grin on her lips as Stephanie entered the ring, skipping over to her as she lifted the microphone to her lips.
''Hi! Hi, boss lady! Are you here to congratulate me?''
''You know, AJ, there is an entire line of Diva's literally waiting to come out here. But I asked if I could say my piece first... you're a true underdog, you know? You're out here and you're riling everybody up and you've got everyone buzzing... you have this amazing, tremendous story and what a victory last night. And, for that, I do say, congratulations AJ.''
''Thank you!'' The woman beamed up at her happily. ''Thank you, Stephanie. You see, I knew you would understand-''
''Oh, I do understand... but what I don't understand AJ, is why you perpetuate this stereotype about women. That we're vicious and conniving and manipulative... that we'd rather tear each other down than build each other up. You and Kaitlyn briefly put your differences aside, and violently assaulted Sierra... injuring her badly enough for her to have to give up the Diva's Championship... after which, you turned on Kaitlyn... and what you did to her was degrading to women everywhere. It's time, AJ, that you start acting like a champion.''
''You know what, Stephanie...'' AJ started sincerely, placing a hand over her heart. ''I'm sorry, you're right. I should be thinking more like you. I should be acting more like you and, instead of dating superstars, maybe I should marry one.''
The crowd jeered as the smaller woman looked up at Stephanie with a vindictive grin.
''And, let's not get started on your daddy issues-''
''AJ-''
''That's a whole other can of worms-''
''How is it that you so humbly put it before? That you're brilliant? If you're so brilliant, I would've expected something a little more original.''
AJ took a step back. ''I am original! What I did to Kaitlyn, that was highly original! All of it! I managed to convince her to help me take out Sierra, knowing that after, I would come out victorious with the title... That was cunning, that was well-planned, well-executed, months in the making... That was my masterpiece!''
''AJ, you want to give me those crazy eyes?'' Stephanie ducked her head down to the other woman's level, staring her straight in the eyes. ''Did you forget who you're talking to? I'm a McMahon. Nobody does crazy better than us. Now, if you want to be a Diva's Champion then I suggest, like I said before, you start acting like one.''
''I am! I am the Diva's Champion, Stephanie! And the only reason you're even out here, is not because you're disappointed in me! It's because I am you. Only... younger...'' She smirked as the crowd booed. ''And I don't have the fancy pant suit on-''
''You know, AJ, you are the Diva's Champion. But, please remember, that I can take all of that away from you. As a matter of fact, if I want to, you won't have a job anymore... I'm sorry, as you were saying?''
SIERRA. HOTEL. INDIA. ECHO. LIMA. DELTA.
SHIELD.
AJ's eyes widened in horror and Stephanie turned around, rolling her eyes when Sierra appeared at the top of the ramp. The crowd cheered raucously, a loud mixture of cheers and boos heralding the woman's return.
''Looks like Sierra's back!'' King cried as the woman casually made her way down to the ring. ''And I think she's going to be gunning for AJ.''
JBL snorted. ''Well, I don't blame her. AJ just said that she was the one who orchestrated the attack on Sierra. It took her out of action for almost two months AND forced her to give up the Diva's Championship.''
Sierra entered the ring, the woman making eye contact with AJ as she moved into the corner to request a microphone. The two women watched her expectantly as she wandered towards them, spinning the mic around in her hand while she waited for the audience to quieten.
''Stephanie, AJ... I would apologize for coming out here and interrupting whatever... 'this' is, but I'm not sorry at all, and I'm not a liar, so...''
''What do you want, Sierra?'' AJ hissed, glaring over at her.
''Well, I was back there listening to your little victory speech and, as much as I enjoy when people set aside a special time to humiliate themselves in public, I just had to come out here and clear some things up.''
Stephanie stepped forward, her eyes narrowed at the younger woman. ''Now is not the time, or the place, for-''
''This won't take long, Stephanie, I promise.'' Sierra's intense gaze was a stark contrast to her honeyed tone, the woman turning back to AJ. ''You think you're a hero, AJ? If you truly believe that, then I guess what everyone says is true. You ARE crazy.''
Stephanie watched on in amusement as the petite woman clenched her jaw, seething at Sierra's words.
''Hero's don't do what you did to Kaitlyn and they definitely don't do what you two did to me... You want to know who the true hero of the story is, huh? It's ME. I am the hero. I am the example to women everywhere. I am stronger than you and every single Diva in that locker room. I am the one came back from a broken neck, just to save this division from pathetic little wannabes like you.''
Giving AJ an indulgent smile, Sierra glanced down at the title belt resting on the other woman's shoulder.
''You ARE an amazing wrestler AJ, I'm not going to dispute that. But the truth is, you don't even compare to me... you're not on my level and you never will be... you stole that Championship from me and I will get it back, but first... I'm going to show you that you made one hell of a mistake when you screwed me over. Believe that.''
With that, she dropped the mic to the mat, the thud echoing through the arena as the two women stared each other down in the middle of the ring. Sierra faked a lunge towards the other woman and laughed as AJ jumped back, her eyes wide with fear.
''Looks like Sierra's the one playing mind games now!'' JBL chuckled as the woman climbed out of the ring.
Michael nodded. ''She's obviously taking a page out of AJ's book.''
Boos sounded throughout the arena as The Shield appeared on the big screen, the trio sauntering backstage after Dean Ambrose's successful title defence against Kane.
''We run this place.'' Seth declared with a smirk as he trailed along behind the United States Champion. ''Kane didn't stand a chance.''
Roman just grunted from beside him before looking up as the man in front came to an abrupt halt, his attention the angry woman storming over to him.
''Who do you think you are?'' Vickie cried angrily, jabbing a finger at the Tag Team Champions as Brad Maddox watched nervously from beside her. ''I told you two not to get involved! You need to remember that I am your boss.''
Dean looked at her expectantly. ''And now there will be... uh, what was it? Severe ramifications?'' He cocked a brow. ''What are you going to do Vickie? Spank us?''
''What are you going to do? You going to slap us on the wrist?'' Seth chuckled. ''You going to put us in time out?''
''Nah...'' Dean drawled. ''Vickie, maybe from now on you should think about what you're doing before you do it.''
''Are you guys causing trouble again?''
The group turned to find Sierra approaching them, the woman crossing her arms as she came to a halt in front of Roman, beside Dean.
Dean smirked, shrugging an arm over her shoulder. ''Of course not, Si.''
''She looks kind of mad...'' Looking over at Vickie, her eyebrows creased in concern and she leaned up to whisper loudly in his ear, gesturing towards the other woman. ''Look at that big-ass vein in her forehead. She-''
''ENOUGH!'' Vickie bellowed, making the man beside her jump. ''Enough. I've had enough of ALL of you. Especially you!''
''Me?'' Sierra questioned innocently, holding her hands up. ''Hey, I just got here.''
''I don't care. You're the reason they're even here in the first place.'' She cried, pointing at the three men. ''You know what? I'm going to do everyone a favour and fire-''
''Hey! How you doing, guys?'' Vince greeted as he strutted over to them. ''Vickie, Brad... Sierra. Awesome.''
''Thank you, sir!''
Vince nodded, shaking the other two men's hands before stepping back. ''You guys remind me, of me... we're talking, ruthless aggression here! Way to go.''
Seth, Roman and Dean all chuckled, sending a sour-looking Vickie victorious looks as the boss turned his attention to Sierra.
''And you, young lady...'' He trailed off, staring at her blankly for a few moments before a grin appeared on his face. ''Good job!''
She beamed up at him. ''Thanks, Vince.''
''Keep up the good work, guys, and have a good night.''
''Thank you.''
''Believe that.''