Tuesday 27th August
realmickfoley: I adore nicoleandbri, but that was a tremendous promo by WWEAJLee. AJ keeps it real! #RAW
WWEGraves: I wholeheartedly agree with every word WWEAJLee just said. #Raw
WWERoadDogg: Total Divas whole cast is probably kicking the crap out of WWEAJLee in the back right now! Wow, what a scathing promo! #RAW #HEAT
CMPunk: Yup. That's how it's done. #pipebombshell
RealMikeBennett: AJ speaking the truth, what an incredible promo. She just showed why she's above every diva. That was awesome. Was that an AJ pipe bomb?
RealPaigeWWE: Tell em WWEAJLee ;) #WWE #RAW
WWECameron: Aj you have "it" all because how many of the top guys have you been with? Oh and btw remember this boo, only way from top is bottom! #raw Did I forget mention WWEAJLee I may not be a top girl but at least I can go to bed at night knowing I have a clean conscious. #girlbye
NaomiWWE:" WWEAJLee congrats u r officially crazy as hell I can't wait to show you how a #realathlete represents the diva's championship #TotalDivas
SashaBanksWWE: WWEAJLee speaking the truth!
KaitlynWWE: I want to hate AJ... But sometimes I just can't. #RAW
natalieevamarie: Let's see AJ would you have said no to this opportunity I was given I don't think so I'm super grateful and work hard everyday to be here!
TheRealXPac: Most of the male talent would be main eventing if they could work the mic that good.
ItsJoseann: AJ of all people should know that dynamite comes in small packages. You just watch. And I work hard EVERYDAY. If you were given this opportunity, you wouldn't have turned it down. That father comment to nicoleandbri hit home for me, AJ. That was unnecessary.
NatbyNature: Champ, sometimes it's better to remain silent and be thought a fool rather than speaking up and removing all doubt.
nicoleandbri: AJ remember you would be nothing if WWE didn't partner you up with every top guy. Try being a diva that makes it on your own. Also, bringing up my Dad, AJ, will be something u will regret. Btw how r ur parents like? Oh wait we hear you sob about it all the time. Lastly 4 the jealous 1 AJ try defending ur title & know we all have had a tough road 2 get here. Don't 4get the bad things u did 2 be here.
Alexa looked up from the screen of April's phone, letting out a whistle. ''So, they're pretty pissed then?''
''Understatement of the century.'' The other woman grumble, shoving it back into the pocket of her hoody. ''Surely they see that this is only going to generate more buzz for us?''
''Well, they were kind of blind sided with it... But, I mean, Nattie gets it, she knows that it's nothing personal and it's just to further the storyline.''
''The twins have already gone whining to Carano.'' April scowled. ''You know me, Lex, I'm not a troublemaker but when I go out there I... turn into this douchey jerk and it's so different. So, yeah, it was kind of rude, and terrible, and brutally honest but I really think it'll help us all in the long run.''
''I know, I completely agree with you.''
''Let's just hope that certain people can try and stay professional about it.'' She added, her tone doubtful. ''Hey, so, there was kind of something I wanted to talk to you about.''
''Okay.'' She drawled. ''That sounds ominous.''
April chuckled nervously before blurting out. ''MeandPhilhavekindofbeenseeingeachother.''
It took a few moments for Alexa to get her head around the jumbled words but as soon as she understood, her face broke out into a happy smile. ''That's awesome.''
''Really?'' She smiled, pushing her glasses back up to the bridge of her nose. ''You're not, like, mad?''
''Why would I be mad? You're both my friends, I'm glad that you're both happy.'' She assured softly. ''How long's this bee going on?''
''Not long, maybe a month? He's... he's an amazing guy and we have so much in common. He's smart and funny and he's pretty damn sexy-''
Alexa's loud snort cut her off, her hand coming up to quickly cover her mouth as she laughed. ''Sorry, sorry... but 'Phil' and 'sexy' should never be used in the same sentence. Like, ever.''
''Noted.'' April laughed, shaking her head. ''So... what's the plan for you after you split with the guys?''
''Not completely sure, I mean, I think I'm going to be causing trouble for them for a while but, after that...'' She trailed off, shrugging. ''Who knows?''
''Well, I hope they let us do a real program soon, since the last one kind of fizzled out.''
''Hopefully.'' She agreed. ''Hey, you never know, we could have a match at 'Mania.''
''That would be awesome.''
''I know, right?''
''Maybe we should come up with some ideas and go straight to Vince with it.'' April suggested, her eyes sparkling with eagerness. ''We've got plenty of time to come up with something in the run up to Mania, we just have to make it so awesome that he can't say no.''
Sunday 1st September
''Dude, your dog's trying to hump my leg.''
Alexa laughed, watching on as Colby and Leighla's dog excitedly pawed at her boyfriend's denim clad leg. Shoving her bag into Jon's arms, she crouched down and beckoned the small creature towards her. ''C'mere Kevin.''
Jon shook his head as the dog rushed towards her, the woman picking him up and cradling him against her chest. ''I hope it pees on you.''
''He.'' She corrected with a tut, standing and quickly turning her gaze on Colby. ''He won't, will he?''
''Of course not.'' The man shook his head with a small chuckle. ''He's fully trained.''
Alexa turned to poke her tongue out at her boyfriend before resuming her cooing over the animal. ''Aren't you just the cutest little thing, huh? Yes, you are.''
''God, you're such a girl.'' Jon teased, a small smile gracing his lips.
Keeping her eyes on the bundle in her arms, she smirked. ''Well, I don't usually hear you complaining...''
Colby clapped his hand down on the other man's shoulder before he could bite out a retort. ''Come on dude, I'll help you get the bags out of the car.''
The pair had landed at Quad City International a few hours ago, and after a long delay in waiting for their luggage, had finally made it to Colby and Leighla's place in Davenport. Raw the following evening was being held in Des Moines, so the couple had kindly offered Alexa and Jon their guest room to save them booking into a hotel for the night.
''Leighla at work?'' Alexa questioned, stepping back as the two men dragged the cases through the door.
''Yeah, she should be home soon though.'' Colby replied, kicking the door shut with his foot before dragging the bag towards stairs. ''Come on, I'll show you guys the room.''
''This is a really nice place.''
''Thank you. It's finally starting to feel like home, you know?''
Alexa nodded, sending the woman a small smile before taking a sip of her wine.
Leighla had arrived home just after Colby had finished giving them the grand tour of the house, bringing with her some take-out for the group. After wolfing down their pizza, Jon and Colby headed over to the gym while Alexa decided to hang back. Most of her time was spent with the guys, and although she loved them all to death, it was nice to finally be in the company of another woman.
So, taking advantage of girl-time, the two women had grabbed a bottle of wine and two glasses before making themselves comfortable on the rooftop patio; the silhouette of Davenport City Hall illuminated in the distance by the a spectacular sunset.
''So, Colby tells me you and Jon have been looking for your own place in Vegas? How's that going?''
A smile instantly broke out on Alexa's face. ''We actually put an offer in on a house last week.''
''That's awesome, congratulations.''
''Thanks.'' She took another swig from her glass before letting out a small chuckle. ''It's going to be tough finding the time to actually move in, what with us both being on the road five days a week, but we'll get there eventually...''
''I'm sure Colby will be happy to help.'' Leighla pointed out. ''I mean, Jon did help us move all our shit up from Florida, so he kind of owes him one.''
''Hmm, that's true...'' Alexa chewed her lip for a moment, wondering who else she could rope in to help them with their move. ''The offer hasn't even been accepted yet, I'm trying not to think about it too much because I'll only stress myself out.''
''Not a fan of moving?''
''I hate it.''
''Considering you practically live out of a suitcase, that's really surprising.''
''That's different. All I have to do is re-pack my case once a week and I'm set. Moving house is just one massive pain in the ass... and I've got so much crap I have to sort through.'' She flung her head back with a loud groan. ''And I've still got a lot of stuff at my old place in Canada...''
Leighla's eyebrows shot up. ''How long have you been in Florida?''
''Uh... four years.''
She snorted. ''That's really bad.''
''I know. Like I said, I hate moving. Anything I didn't really need, I didn't pack up.''
''You guys are in Canada next week, right? You could always see if you could grab your stuff then, arrange for it to be shipped to you in Florida ready for the move.''
''That's actually a really good idea.'' She conceded, making a mental note to give her old friend a ring to see if she could go pick up her stuff.
''I try.'' Leighla joked, bringing the glass to her lips.
''So, I know you and Colby have been together, like, forever.'' Alexa said, hand darting up to whisk away several strands of hair the nightly breeze blew over her face. ''But he's never told me how the two of you met. ''
''We met while I was still at college. I was working as a waitress part time to pay the bills and he came in to eat with his buddies one night... it kind of went from there.''
''Were you a fan of wrestling before?''
''No.'' Leighla shook her head, scoffing lightly. ''I'm still not, to be honest, I only watch for him... One night he came in with some friends they were watching some pay-per-view or something while I was taking their orders, and he just blurted out that he was actually a professional wrestler. I actually thought he was full of shit.''
''I bet it's hard though, him being on the road all the time.''
Her finger ran over the rim of her wine glass as nodded. ''It can be, but this is his dream, you know? Just because it gets tough sometimes doesn't mean I'd ever take that away from him.''
''He's really lucky to have you.''
''We're lucky to have each other.'' She amended, a smile teasing the corner of her lips for a moment. ''What about you and Jon, how did you and Jon get together?''
''We kind of, uh... we had this whole friends-with-benefits deal going on... it kind of grew from there.''
Leighla whistled. ''You guys must have got lucky, that kind of thing never usually ends well for anyone.''
''It nearly didn't. I broke things off with him when I realized I was starting to fall for him, we barely spoke for about four months after that.''
''Then what happened?''
''He broke into my house in the middle of the night and persuaded me to give him a chance.''
''You're shitting me?''
''I shit you not.'' She laughed. ''It was right after I returned to TV and I had flown back late the night before. I was super tired and then this noise woke me up at, like, four in the morning. I grabbed my baseball bat on the way downstairs, I thought I was being robbed or something. Luckily, Jon managed to move out-of-the-way before I could do any damage.''
Leighla covered her mouth with her hand, trying to keep in the laughter. ''I'm sorry, that's fucking hilarious... but somehow kind of romantic, at the same time. ''
Alexa couldn't contain her smile. ''Yeah, it-''
''Boo!''
The two women jumped as Colby's voice suddenly boomed from behind them, almost causing Alexa to spill her glass of wine all over her lap.
''Urgh, you are such a turd.''
''Sorry.'' He grinned, not looking the least bit apologetic. ''Couldn't resist.''
''Hey, beautiful.'' Jon greeted as he dropped into the seat beside her.
''Barf.'' Colby smirked, earning himself a slap from his girlfriend.
The Ohioan turned around, flipping the bird in the other man's direction with a scowl. ''Screw you, Lopez.''
Moving her palm to the side of Jon's scruffy jaw, she gently turned his face towards hers before softly pressing her lips against his. She pulled away after a moment and brushed the tip of her nose against his, opening her eyes to find him starting back at her.
''Hey yourself.''
''Jeez, get a room.'' Colby teased before remembering where they were. ''Forget I said that, I really don't want to have to bleach the guest room...''
Leighla shook her head with a laugh. ''Hey, babe, did Jon ever tell about the time he broke into Lex's house...''
Monday 2nd September
''Sweetie, you look all kinds of shit... what's wrong?''
Alexa had walked into the women's locker room the night, which had been empty save for the twins who were sitting in the corner, talking quietly between themselves. Well, Brie had been doing the talking while Nikki just sat there, a look of utter dejection on her face.
The twins had looked up at her question, Nikki heaving out a sigh before speaking softly. ''Well, you know how I just moved in with John?''
Alexa fought the urge to roll her eyes, of course she knew, it was all the woman had been talking about for weeks. ''Yeah, what about it?''
''So, I'd moved in, like, all of my stuff when he comes in with this paperwork which he asks me to sign. I look at it and it's this... cohabitation agreement or whatever.'' Nikki waved her hands about as she explained. ''It basically says that I'm a guest in his home, I'll be accountable to and damage or missing property and if he ever asks me to leave, I'd have to vacate myself and all my possessions within forty-eight hours of the request.''
Alexa's eyebrows shot up into her hairline. ''Seriously?''
She nodded sadly, whining. ''God, I don't know what to do.''
Brie rolled her eyes from beside her. ''I've already told you, Nicole, you need to quit hiding and talk to him instead of talking to us.''
''Wait, you haven't spoken to him about this?''
Her sister shook her head. ''She just took off after he gave her the contract.''
''Brie's right, Nik, you'll have to talk to him about it eventually.''
''I know, but- hey, aren't you and Jon moving in together soon?'' Nikki asked curiously, continuing at the other woman's nod. ''Has he asked you to sign any stupid contracts?''
Alexa snorted. ''Well, no, but it's not really the same is it?''
''What? Yes it is.''
''Look, Nik, any idiot can see that John really loves you but after everything that happened with Liz... he earns a shit ton of money, right? I'm pretty sure he uses a lot of it to help his family and he probably doesn't want to risk losing that. I really doubt this was intended to hurt you in any way, he's just trying to protect himself.''
''See.'' Brie nudged her in the side, sending her a reassuring look. ''That's what I said.''
''I know...'' Nikki trailed off, glancing up at the other woman with a small smile. ''Thanks.''
Brie's head snapped towards Alexa after a few moments of silence. ''Hey, you hear about Hayes being suspended?''
''No!'' She replied, eyes widening in surprise. ''Why? What did he do?''
''Well, the official line is personal reasons.'' She air quoted the words. ''But apparently someone caught him at the hotel bar last week trying to give Milena alcohol.''
''Are you serious? He knows she's just got out of rehab, what a fucking idiot.''
Nikki smirked slyly. ''Maybe that's the only way she'll sleep with him.''
''Nicole!'' Brie admonished.
''What?''
''You're right... If I was her, I'd need to be pretty damn wasted to get into bed with that wrinkly, old-''
''Lex!''
''Eww.'' Nikki scrunched up her nose in disgust. ''No. I don't think there's enough alcohol in the world that would make me want his sweaty, hairy body on top of me...''
Brie sighed, shaking her head at the two women. ''Oh. My. God.''
RAW
Coming back from the first commercial break of the evening, the titantron lit up and showed Randy Orton and Triple H making their way through the backstage area, their laughs echoing through the hallway.
''- and when you said he had to fight Big Show tonight...'' Randy smirked, giving the other man a pat on the back.
''The look on Big Show's face. That's the look I'd have liked to of seen.'' Triple H chuckled. ''I mean, he's probably back here crying somewhere.''
The pair laughed at that and moved a few more steps down the hall before they came to a halt; smiles dropping from their faces as they came face to face with Cody Rhodes. There was an awkward pause as the man's eyes shifted between the pair nervously.
''What's up, Cody?'' Triple H stepped forward, shaking the other man's hand firmly. ''How are you? How's it going?''
''Good.''
''How's your dad?''
''Oh, he's great.'' Cody smirked lightly. ''Thank you for asking... I just want to say, I think tonights main event will be great... as long as nobody gets involved.''
Triple H shared a look with Randy before returning his gaze back to Cody. ''Why would anybody get involved?''
Cody just shook his head, turning to his former Legacy team mate. ''Listen. Randy, I know you. Help me here. Why avoid a match with Daniel Bryan? Why don't you want to defend the title against Daniel Bryan? You're not scared of Daniel Bryan...'' He turned to the older man. ''With all due respect, with the utmost respect... Daniel Bryan versus Randy Orton IS what's best for business.''
Triple H let out a humourless chuckle. ''So, you're deciding what's best for business now? Last time I checked, I was deciding what's best for business... I wouldn't rely on your judgement for anything like that. And, I mean, I think Daniel Bryan versus the Big Show is what's best for business tonight and I can see how you're probably clouded on that, after all, you've got a lot on your mind lately. With, uh... you're getting married, and everything, right? You got a wedding coming up, you're probably busy planning that. A lot on your mind.''
Cody cleared his throat. ''Yeah.''
''Makes me, uh...'' He tapped Randy on the shoulder. ''Did you get an invitation to that wedding?''
''I didn't get an invitation.'' Randy replied, turning to raise an eyebrow at him. ''Did you?''
''No, I didn't-''
''Come on!'' Cody scoffed. ''Hey-''
''Funny.'' Triple H continued. ''But, uh, you know what, I went out of my way and, even though you didn't invite me, I got you a little something for your wedding. I got you an early wedding present. I got you a match. Tonight. One on one, with Randy Orton.''
''Thank you.'' A small, surprised grin broke out on the younger man's face. ''That's... thank you, very much. That's a huge opportunity.''
''It is a massive opportunity.'' He nodded, his tone turning cold. ''It's a massive opportunity to keep your employment... Because, if you don't win tonight Cody, then... I doubt you'll be here very long. Matter of fact, I know you won't be here very long... Good luck...''
Cody's face filled with dread as the words registered in his head, the man shifting his gaze to Randy for a brief moment before he clenched his jaw and started to stalk away.
''Got a lot counting on it!'' Triple H called after him, turning to Randy with a smirk. ''Come on, we-''
The two men had turned around, intending to continue on the way they were originally headed, only to find Sierra standing in front of them; arms folded over her chest and an unimpressed look on her face.
''I heard you wanted to see me.'' She asked casually, eyes flicking between the two men.
''You heard right.'' Triple H nodded, looking down at her with narrowed eyes. ''Look... I know that we kind of went over your head when we offered The Shield a deal and I just wanted to make sure that we were all on the same page, so to speak.''
''And what page is that?'' Sierra cocked a brow. ''The page where I sit back and watch while you use them to fight your battles for you? While you get them to beat up anybody who doesn't agree with you? That page?''
''Sierra... how long have we known each other?''
''Too long.'' She shot back venomously.
He ignored her. ''You know first hand what I'm capable of... do you really want to get on my bad side?''
Scoffing derisively under her breath, Sierra asserted. ''I wasn't aware that you had a good side.''
Pinching the bridge of his nose, he let out a heavy sigh before stepping towards her. ''While you may have some qualms about what we're doing, you're a part of this now, whether you like it or not. They refused to cut you loose when I asked and-''
''Excuse me?'' She hissed. ''You told them to get cut me loose?!''
''Of couse I did, you're a liability.'' He laughed. ''But, they refused, said you were a package deal... maybe they feel some sense of loyalty to you for bringing them up here, I don't know. But, it's only a matter of time before they realize that you're only going to hold them back... See, they KNOW that what we're doing is best for business, but you... you, just can't see that... I heard you on commentary last week, when they took out Daniel Bryan on Raw... it even looked like you were about to stop them before I came out... and when they decimated Dolph Ziggler on Smackdown... you looked like you were going to cry.''
She swallowed thickly, her gaze dropping to the floor as she spoke softly. ''What you're having them do... it's NOT what's best for business.''
''Look at me.'' Triple H demanded. ''I'm giving you one chance. One chance to change you mind and see the bigger picture. Tonight, I want you to accompany Randy to the ring for his match against Cody. Take a good long look at what happens to him... because if you aren't careful, it'll be you soon enough.''
'I hear voices in my head, they council me, they understand, they talk to me...'
''The winner of this match, the WWE World Champion... Randy Orton!''
The crowd were booing heavily as Randy slowly got to his feet, snatching his Championship belt from Charles Robinson.
''Unfortunately, I think we've witnessed a first here tonight.'' King sighed from the announce table. ''Right before Cody's wedding, it looks like his career... is over...''
The referee went to raise Randy's hand but he snatched it away, his eyes searching ringside until they landed on Sierra with a smirk; his arm beckoning for her to enter the ring.
''Uh-oh.'' King murmured. ''I wonder what he wants.''
Reluctantly, Sierra climbed through the ropes; moving over towards him with a look of caution as she asked what he wanted. Her face quickly turned into a scowl as he said something that the camera's couldn't pick up, the woman shaking her head in response.
''Well, whatever it is, she obviously doesn't like it.'' Michael added, watching as the pair shared a few heated words inside the ring.
Not even trying to hide the distaste from her face, Sierra stepped right up to Randy, took a hold of his wrist and raised it up in the air; the man smirking viciously.
King scoffed. ''Oh please-''
''Oh, call a whambulance!'' JBL cut in with an annoyed sigh. ''I don't know why she's got such a problem raising his hand, he won the match fair and square!''
''I'm pretty sure it's more the fact that she just doesn't like The Authority.'' Michael commented knowingly. ''And to be honest, I don't blame her.''
''Well, she needs to get over it! You heard Triple H earlier, she needs to be careful or she'll be joining Cody in the unemployment line!''
Sierra dropped the man's hand as soon as she could and climbed out of the ring, stalking up the ramp with Randy hot on her heels. The tall, imposing figure of the COO suddenly blocked her planned retreat to the back, causing the crowd to jeer unhappily.
''Well, look who it is.'' King spoke, seemingly unsurprised at the man's appearance.
Triple H nodded at Randy as the man made his way to the back, before his gaze dropped back to Sierra. She went to follow after the Champion but a firm hand on her shoulder stopped her from moving.
''Stay. I want you to watch this.''
Triple H's soft words were picked up by the microphone as he turned her around, slinging an arm over her shoulder.
''Everybody give it up for Cody! I've got to admit, Cody, you went all in. You fought like your life was on the line... man, you fought with heart, Cody... and I've got to tell you, from the bottom of my heart, personally, you have no idea how much I respect you. But, this is a business. And in business, I need winners. That's why I can't let my personal feelings cloud my judgement. I have to do what's right for everybody back here...''
Des Moines unleashed a heavy round of boos when they realized where this was going; Sierra was biting down on her lip as Cody's desperate pleas from inside the ring fell on deaf ears.
''Cody, it's with deep regret that I have to tell you... you're fired.''
Boos were still raining down as Triple H wordlessly made his way backstage, leaving the woman alone at the top of the ramp; her teary gaze locked on the devastated form inside the ring.
''Even I feel sorry for Cody.'' JBL murmured from ringside.
Sierra briefly glanced around as an impassioned 'Thank You Cody' chant thundered through the arena, eyes finally moving back to rest on the man. She gazed at him sorrowfully for a few moments before bowing her head, turning around and making her way to the back.
BACKSTAGE FALLOUT
''Sierra! Sierra!''
''What?'' The woman huffed, turning around and scowling at the man as he came to a halt. ''What do you want, Renee?''
''Can I have a few words from you?'' Josh asked politely.
''Any particular words? I know several.'' She quipped, crossing her arms over her chest.
''Last week you stood by and watched as your fellow Shield team-mates brutaly attacked Daniel Bryan, The Miz and Dolph Ziggler. You didn't appear to particularly... condone what you were seeing-''
Sierra eyes flashed and her mouth parted, ready to respond, before she quickly snapped it closed; instead, just raising an eyebrow at the interviewer.
''What are your thoughts on what happened tonight?'' Josh wasn't put off, choosing to carry on his questioning. ''With Triple H practically threatening your job and forcing The Big Show to-''
''I think everyone knows what my thoughts are.'' She told him with a frown. ''On all of this.''
''Are you going to stay with The Authority?''
Sierra let out a derisive snort, shaking her head at the man in front of her. ''I'm not with The Authority, Josh, I'm with The Shield. My loyalty is to them, and them only. We were supposed to stand for justice... and I don't know how Triple H can promote whatever he's been doing lately as justice...''
''So... what are you going to do?''
''Well, right now I'm going back to my hotel room. I need some time to think about ever-''
''You're not staying for the rest of the show?'' He asked, eyebrows lifting in surprise.
''Nope.'' She drawled, taking a step back and nodding at him. ''See you around, Matthews.''
A/N - Well, finally updated, sorry it's taken me so long. Please, please, please leave a review. Even if you think it's utter crap, just give me some feedback. Thanks :)