Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or WWE.


The Fox of Pro-Wrestling

Road to Backlash

Week 1


In Los Angeles, California, an orange Hummer pulled up in the back of the Crypt- Staples Center. When it stopped, Naruto stepped out of the car wearing a blue-clothes ninja headband, sunglasses, an orange suit, a black shirt, a red tie, and black shoes; with the titles on his shoulders and a luggage bag rolling behind him. As he neared the building, Not-Raw and Smackdown General Manager and WWE Official Adam Pearce came up to him.

"Naruto, once again, congratulations on your big win at WrestleMania, but right now, you need to hide!" He exclaimed before motioning for security to come over.

"C'mon Pearce-san, I don't need a security detail," Naruto assured him while pulling out an orange bat, with Pearce looking weary at it. "Like it? I call it Kyūbi. I got it from Sting-sensei back in TN-"

"That's good and all, but right now, I rather have a smooth show running tonight, and not have anything being taken to a medical facility-"

"Hospital."

"You get my point! Look, they'll be with you whether Roman and The Bloodline are here with you, alright? Just…accept the protection, please?" Pearce begged him.

Naruto gave him a deadpan stare before sighing. "Fine, I won't be difficult. For now."

"Thank you," Pearce said, sighing in relief as Naruto walked off. "Phew."

Naruto followed the directions to his new locker room. Now that he had both championships, changing with the other Superstars was no longer an option, especially when he used the Money in the Bank and fooled everyone. Arriving, he opened the door with his name on it, whistling as he noticed that it looked similar to the Bloodline's locker room, and figured it was a room fit for the top champion. As he set his things inside, the security detail swept the room, finding nothing odd.

"Okay guys, give me the room." Naruto requested, with the leader of the security team nodding and ushered his team out.

"We'll be with you the rest of the night." the leader said and closed the door behind him.

"Right," Naruto said as he sat down and looked over the scheduled booking for tonight on his phone. "I come out for a promo after Triple H speaks. No doubt Roman and his Bloodline jabronis will be there too. The main event is undecided. Probably for myself and Roman in a tag-team match. Great. This is going to be a long night…"

He could sure use some company for the next three hours…


Chapter 02: A Samoan Roadblock


[WWE Raw]

Triple H was in the ring, touting the success of WrestleMania 39, and how it lived up to its name of the Grandest Stage of them all. He thanked the WWE Universe for their support; and the Superstars, staff, and crew for making everything possible, even Stu the cameraman. There was power and passion in his voice that resonated with the WWE Universe, who all chanted his name. The WWE was the talk of the town, from the sold-out arenas to the packed stadiums, with Triple H declaring that World Wrestling Entertainment was going nowhere.

"Then. Now. Forever. Together!" Triple H declared to the cheers of the crowd, and continued as the crowd died down. "And with that said, I would like your help in acknowledging one more person," he said, grinning as the crowd booed. "This man won last year's Money in the Bank ladder match!" his grin increased as the boos turned into cheers. "And from the shadows, has successfully cashed in his ticket to immortality! Ladies and gentlemen, your new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, NARUTO UZUMAKI!"

Naruto's new theme, Spin and Burst, an upgraded variant remix of Reversed Situation, started booming in the arena to the deafening cheers of the crowd. Moments later, Naruto stepped out onto the stage with the championship belts on his shoulders, and his security detail behind him. Naruto nodded, seeing how the WWE Universe was ironically acknowledging him, and raised his championships up, with orange pyro going off behind him. As the pyro died down, Triple H came up and shook his hand, with Naruto returning the gesture. The Game then made his way to the back as Naruto strode on down and rolled into the ring. He made sure his security stayed outside the ring and went to pose on the turnbuckles, raising the championships. The music faded when Naruto grabbed a microphone and started his promo.

"Before we start, just know that this security detail wasn't my idea. It was Adam Pearce-san." he started with his hands up, drawing noises of amusement from the crowd. "Now I would ask you all, what do you want to talk about, but that's Cody Rhodes' shtick now. No disrespect to him of course. I could tell you all that it's storytime with Naruto Uzumaki, but that's my pal Adam Cole's shtick. No disrespect to him either," Naruto chuckled when everyone gasped at him invoking the name of an AEW wrestler. "So allow me to indulge you all in the latest chapter in the Tales of Uzumaki Naruto."

Falling into a cross-leg position in the middle of the ring, Naruto continued on. "For those that fell asleep because it was a late night, or you missed all the clips and cliff notes on social media, I knew cashing in on Roman would be a pain. I feinted cashing it in twice before dropping the briefcase off in Japan, and went back to NXT to complete some unfinished business; so no, I wasn't running from Bray Wyatt when he came back. I wasn't going to put my plan in jeopardy because of him, so I did my thing in NXT. However, Cody Rhodes came back, won the Royal Rumble, and everyone, even me, was convinced that he could finally be the one to dethrone Roman Reigns." he paused, the crowd booing Roman's name before continuing. "I was invested in Cody finishing the story as all of you, but anything can happen in the WWE. And sadly, Cody was screwed by the machine, and Roman won again…that is until I came along," Naruto suddenly raised his voice as the crowd cheered. "Cashed in, and became your Undisputed WWE Universal Champion!" he yelled as the crowd started chanting his name.

Na-ru-to! Na-ru-to! Na-ru-to! Na-ru-to! Na-ru-to!

Naruto nodded his head and raised his mike to quiet the crowd. "With me, these championships now make for useful bargaining chips to finally enact true, meaningful change that'll evolve the WWE to the next level! And that change happens at Backlash in Puerto Rico!" he declared with the crowd cheering again. "But first, there's a major roadblock-"

He was then interrupted by the booming, haunting sound of Head of the Table, making Naruto laugh. "Speak of the Devil, and he shall appear."

The security guards got into position as Roman, Solo, and Heyman appeared on the stage, all of them not looking happy.

"Took you long enough. It's okay, guys. Let them pass." Naruto said, getting up and pulling out his orange bat. "I got good ol' Kyūbi here with me if they try to get cute. Let them pass. Let's talk business."

The security looked unsure but relented as they backed off. Roman didn't give them a passing glance, his murderous gaze focused solely on Naruto, with Solo staring at the security with cold eyes. Both got into the ring, with Heyman following suit. The latter was about to speak, but saw his Tribal Chief motioning for the mike and humbly handed it to him.

"You got a lot of balls, Uzumaki. I'll give you that." Roman said over the crowd's boos, but Naruto motioned for them to quiet down. "You know I can smash you and be done with it right? What's to stop me from doing you right now?!"

"Okay first off, as the Americans would say, pause! I'm flattered, but not interested." Naruto said with a laugh along with the WWE Universe. If looks could kill, Naruto would be dust right now from Roman's rage. "Second, if you want a go, we can do it tonight if you want. And third, I don't know why you're all pissed off when you already know our rematch is scheduled for Backlash. Be happy man-"

"HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO BE HAPPY WHEN YOU TOOK EVERYTHING FROM ME?!" A furious Roman snarled, taking a step towards Naruto, who raised his trusty bat. "YESTERDAY! TONIGHT! THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE MY NIGHT! MY MOMENT!"

"Okay, tranquilo tomo! Calm down." Naruto said as security suddenly jumped to the apron. "You have your chance at revenge at Backlash, so chill the F out!"

"Please calm yourself, my Tribal Chief! You'll be playing into his hands!" Heyman tried to pacify Roman. "As he said, your rematch is set! No need to waste your energy!"

"Is this what they call dick-riding without a license?" Naruto wondered aloud, making everyone except the Bloodline to laugh, with Heyman looking peeved. "Then again it's what I come to expect from you, Heyman-san. To think I was once a Paul Heyman guy. And Solo, my old friend, if you want another ass-kicking from me, I'll be more than happy to provide if you don't back off!" Naruto suddenly snarled, noticing that Solo was shifting his position to blindside him, and pointed Kyūbi at him. "This is between you and me, Roman-san," he said as they focused on each other. "I know you want to get at me badly, and a regular wrestling match won't be able to contain you. And it's already agreed that after Backlash, there will be no rematch between us as long as one of us holds the belts. So since it'll be for all the marbles, I propose the following: you and me, at Backlash, in a Three Stages of Hell match!"

The WWE Universe "Oh'ed" and cheered at the prospect, since that type of match was rare and made famous by Triple H during his prime. Heyman looked horrified, Solo expressionless, and Roman…

"I'm interested." he simply said.

"First fall, a standard match with no count-outs. The second fall, a Street Fight. And if it gets to a third fall, a Last Man Standing match!"

Roman nodded, ignoring Heyman's plea to reconsider.

"How about it, Roman-san?"

"Alright then, Uzumaki. It's on! But trust me when I say that it won't even get to the third fall. It's only going to be a harder night for you, as I get back what's mine!" Roman declared as he got in a grinning Naruto's face.

"Wrestling has more than one Royal Family…" a voice echoed before Kingdom started playing, signaling the arrival of Cody Rhodes, who appeared from the smoke, holding his bruised ribs.

While Naruto was jamming out, the blonde motioned to his security detail to let him pass and held the ropes for Cody to pass through. Cody got the microphone everyone chanted his name.

Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!

"I know what I want to talk about, but first things first. Naruto, congratulations!" he began to the cheers of the crowd. "You were at the right place at the right time, with the perfect plan. Like everyone, I forgot you had the briefcase. I'll be honest, if I had won and you cashed in on me, I wouldn't have been mad." Cody assumed Naruto, who shrugged.

"Whatever you say, man," Naruto said, adjusting his title belts. "But listen, if you're here for a title shot, can it wait until I finish my business with Roman and the Bloodline?"

"It's alright. I can wait, because while he may no longer be champion, I actually have business with Roman and Solo." Cody said to the surprise of many, including the Bloodline. "Today turned out to be a lot differently than I or anyone else expected it. I expected to be standing here as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion."

"Then everything changed when an ejected Solo returned to the ring and interfered as usual." Naruto drawled, with Cody looking at him. "Avatar. Last Airbender."

"...I have yet to get to that one," Cody said before continuing. "I'll acknowledge this. Despite some…interference, you were the better competitor." he bit out, with Naruto giving him a look. Cody then shook his head, knowing that it wasn't true. "...Roman, I know we already have to do this but, the world watching, that's one part of the job, but this, over here," he gestured towards Solo. "Always being a factor, I wish it wasn't, because I know that you know; until now, you've won a lot of matches where you skated by, narrowly defeated people, but you were the victor. Last night wasn't the case. Last night, before Naruto here came calling, I had you."

"Damn right, you did." Naruto agreed as the crowd chanted Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!

"So I said I knew what I wanted to talk about, and boils down to one word: Rematch!" Cody said to cheers, will Roman looking like he wasn't in the mood. "It may not be for the championship, but if I can't beat you and the Bloodline, then there's no chance of me winning the top prize in our sport. Well?!"

Roman bought the microphone up, but shook his head and handed it to Heyman. "Handle this, Wiseman. Make it clear to them."

"I thought you knew how to do a promo, Roman-san! For once in your life, speak for yourself instead of through Heyman-san!" Naruto shouted at him without the microphone. "Tell him you accept or piss off!"

Roman waved him off and whispered to Heyman, who took up the microphone.

"Now really, Cody Rhodes, you have nothing the Tribal Chief wants. All focus is on the usurper, Uzumaki Naruto, currently holding championships that do not belong to him-"

"Heyman-san, your former client Brock Lesnar once held the Money in the Bank briefcase, and you even read out the contract to him year ago, so you know exactly that what I did last night was legitimate!" Naruto snarled, making Heyman back up as he pointed Kyūbi at him. "Try again- You know what, screw this! I have the championships, so I have all the stroke around here, not you bozos!" he snapped, losing his patience as he waved Kyūbi in front of the Bloodline. "So tonight, in the main event, Cody Rhodes, you will have the opportunity to get your hands on Roman, when you team up with me in a tag team match against Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa!" he declared to the horror of Heyman. "Tonight!" he concluded, with his WWE Universe cheering in agreement.

Cody grinned at that, "Sounds good to me! Let's go it!"

"Now hold on a second-!" Heyman started to say.

"Security, we're leaving!" Naruto yelled, with security now swarming the ring. "Roman Reigns, the next time I see you, you better speak for yourself. Play my music!"

Spin and Burst played as Naruto jumped out of the ring, with Cody following him up the ramp. Roman was looking frustrated, Solo's anger bled through his emotionless mask, and Heyman was now looking fearful for his life.

When Naruto got up to the ramp, he shook hands with Cody, and raised his championships up high.

Backstage later in the night…

"Don't worry, I got this. You don't have to send the guys. It'd be unfair." Naruto said, sitting on the couch while on the phone and watching the show. "C'mon, give these guys a chance. They might be future stars like Punk and MJ- Hold on," he said and addressed the security guards behind him. "Can you guys go back outside? The way you're positioned makes it look like that one meme with the girl on the couch and four guys behind her. Go on, shoo." He lightly scolded them. "Shoo."

The security looked slightly disgruntled as they moved to the side, just as there was knocking on the door. Naruto stood up with Kyūbi in hand and nodded to one of the security guards near the door, who opened it, causing his jovial mood to fall when he saw who it was.

"I'll have to call you back, tou-chan, kaa-chan," he said and ended the call. "…What are you doing here?"

"What? Can't a girl drop in and hang out with her bestie?" Alexa Bliss cooed as she walked in and plopped herself on the couch.

"Out," Naruto growled, pointing at the door with his bat. "And tell Wyatt and Howdy that I'll deal with them later. Now is not the time."

"Bray and Howdy have nothing to do with this, and I'm not The Fury anymore, Naruto. This is all me, and this is the only way to get it through your thick skull that those two have no control over me. And if they do," she crossed her legs. "I have you around to save me."

Naruto and Alexa have been together since NXT. NXT audiences knew, and back when NXT invaded Raw and Smackdown for Survivor Series. Naruto and Alexa made their relationship public to the main roster audience despite being on opposite sides, as Alexa was with Raw and Naruto was still with NXT. While Naruto got the win for the Men's NXT Survivors Series' and NXT won the overall PPV, it didn't sour their relationship.

That was until after The Horror Show at Extreme Rules, she underwent an eerie transformation when "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt, got his claws on her. She became captivated by The Fiend, seduced by his supernatural powers as she grew cold, distant, and unrecognizable; causing her to smash her friendship with Nikki Cross, and stopped returning Naruto's calls as she jerked him around with mind games backstage.

This resulted in Naruto getting entangled in a feud involving The Fiend and Randy Orton on the main roster to try and rescue Alexa; with some help. It all culminated at Fastlane, where Randy Orton and Alexa were in a rare intergender match. Naruto was close to getting Alexa back, or so he thought…

"Fat lotta good that did." Naruto countered, rolling his eyes. "You kicked me in the balls, fire balled me in the face, allowed Bray to Maniable Claw my burning face, and you, just you, after your match with Randy Orton, if you can even call it a match, dropped a steel rigging on me that nearly made me miss Stand and Deliver. And while you had nothing to do with it, I got Tsunami'd by Jona- Bronson, putting me out for a few months. After I recovered from that, I said you and I were done; and I meant it. You don't get to come running back to me after you failed to win gold from Belair-san, and especially after I won these," he patted his championships. "So you can go back to Bray and tell him that if shows his face again, I'm going to do what I should've done years ago, and finish what Orton-san started. Believe it."

"...I do, and I am not going anywhere," Alexa hissed, getting in his face. "I didn't come back to you just because you won some hunks of gold. After I lost to Bianca, Lily and did some self-reflection," Naruto snorted but she pressed on. "What I did to you was terrible, and I want to make up for everything I've done. Things don't have to go back to how they were, but at least give me this chance. So for now, I'm staying."

"..."

Naruto pinched the bridge of his nose. He had a main event to prepare for, and now he's racking his brain on this new development. He's already moved on with a new love life, and now he had to deal with the fallout of her upcoming reaction to exactly how his new love life is.

"Whatever," he muttered, sitting on the couch but on the other side. She tried to shift over, but he kept her back ."Ah-ah. Do not push your luck."

Alexa blew a sour raspberry and pouted.

An hour before the main event…

"Wise man."

"Yes, my Tribal Chief?"

"Are my cousins on standby?"

"Yes, my Tribal Chief. They have been given their marching orders."

Roman Reigns was in his locker room, looking annoyed. Solo Sikoa was sitting almost next to them on another couch, with Heyman kneeling between them.

"Wise man!"

"Yes, my Tribal Chief."

"…Any reason why you couldn't get me my rematch tonight?"

"My Tribal Chief, I have tried every avenue imaginable. Even of the unsavory variety, but that wasn't enough. My only guess is that Naruto Uzumaki is finally using his family connections to pull strings, having the championship as leverage. His promos yesterday and tonight alluded to that."

"His family connections, huh? So these Uzumaki are more important than my family? The family who made this place possible?!"

Heyman trembled before responding. "M-My Tribal Chief, please. It is no secret that the Uzumaki had helped Vince McMahon lay the first bricks of the WWE. They got him out of so many jams that he and the WWE are practically indebted to them for life. Yes, the Anoa'i family are major superstars in the WWE, including yourself, my Tribal Chief. But crossing the Uzumaki, an influential family before the days of professional wrestling and sports entertainment, is practically a death sentence!"

"Uzumaki already got himself a death sentence for what he did to me last night. My legacy was supposed to be cemented. 1000 days, you know. We were this close, this close. Wise man." Roman looked directly at a scared Heyman. "How did this happen?"

"My Tribal Chief, please." Heyman whimpered, shrinking under Roman's stare. "We had so many problems from all sides that Naruto Uzumaki was a mere afterthought, honestly. He was down in NXT doing whatever, and from what I found out, he went as far as to buy a plane ticket that he never used to cover his tracks. And-and he's an Uzumaki, the son of Kushina Uzumaki, someone I know very well along with her husband Minato. Being an unpredictable trickster like his mother, Naruto managed to get under my radar! And now that he's champion and using his family influence, it's going to be a tough time between now and Backlash."

"A tough time, huh? Great, wonderful, fantastic." Roman growled sarcastically as Heyman's phone vibrated. "Fine then. He had his time to shine, but that's done now. He talks about how I'm a roadblock? This whole month will be a damn roadblock. No matter. I'mma smash him like everyone else. And once I get those titles back, I'm going to put Cody in the ground for good, just like I did at WrestleMania, rubber chicken and all. …on second thought," he looked at Solo. "No, when I'm done, I'm gonna tag you in. "And then we can see who's ready now. Do you understand? Uzumaki's mine, and you show Cody who's really ready."

Solo nodded, flexing his taped thumb. Roman smirked and looked at Heyman, who had a confused look on his face.

"What's up, Wise man?"

"...My Tribal Chief. You'll never believe who's offering their services."

The main event…

After their entrances, Naruto warmed up with Cody in the ring during the commercial break. He had security stay in the back along with Alexa, the latter Naruto was still iffy about. Thankfully she didn't fight the decision, knowing that regaining Naruto's trust would take a while.

Naruto already survived spooky bollocks back in Lucha Underground. But spooky bollocks perpetrated by his now ex-girlfriend? That hurts.

Back from commercials, Naruto and Cody were awaiting their opponents, ready for action. But a while passed, and there was no Head of the Table booming. Naruto and Cody looked at each other in confusion and concern.

["Hold on, I'm getting word that something is happening backstage!"] Patrick said as the titantron switched to a camera backstage.

Everyone was treated to a scene of Solo holding one of Naruto's security guards, with Roman delivering a Superman Punch to the poor slob. Solo then threw the knocked-out guard into a room, with Heyman locking the door and throwing away the key with a laugh.

["That-That was Naruto's security! They were supposed to protect Naruto per Adam Pearce's instructions, but Heyman just locked them all inside!"] Graves said in shock as he saw two familiar figures sliding into the ring. ["Oh wait, look out, in the ring!"]

Naruto's senses alerted him as he heard growing noise from the crowd. He and Cody whipped around, only to eat Superkicks from The Usos, Jey and Jimmy. The two collapsed as the twins ambushed them, grounding them with stomps and punches. The Fox and the American Nightmare defended themselves, eating the attacks and managing to mount a counterattack, with Naruto stomping out Jey, and Cody punching out Jimmy in their respective corners.

But then, music finally played again. But it wasn't Head of the Table… It was Next Big Thing, making both men stop, the crowd cheering as they looked to the stage in shock.

It was Brock Lesnar, black cowboy hat and all. She laughed, looking happy to be at WWE RAW as he made his way to the ring.

'Dammit! Really, Brock?! You couldn't have just waited?!' Naruto thought, knowing that Brock was gunning for him. 'Crap!'

After all, Brock had wrestled Roman at Summerslam, under the stipulation that if Brock lost, he could never challenge for the championship again; as long as Roman was champion that is. And now that Roman was no longer champion…

'Let Roman get his turn, dammit!' Naruto groaned as Brock entered the ring. 'Crap Crap Crap Crap Crap!'

But to their shock and surprise, Brock charged at The Usos, who bailed from the ring, holding their sides in pain. Naruto and Cody looked at each other, their guard up, but Brock clapped their shoulder with a warm smile.

"C'mon guys! Even I'm tired of the Bloodline! I got your backs!"

["Wait, is Brock Lesnar offering his services to Naruto and Cody?"] Grave wondered in confusion.

As much as Naruto wanted to believe him, he couldn't. There had to be a catch, for Brock wasn't a charitable guy in the WWE. But he didn't have time to dwell on it, as Head of the Table boomed in the arena. Their attention was now diverted to the stage, where Roman, Solo, and Heyman appeared, with Roman staring directly at Naruto.

'I have a bad feeling about this. But with Brock helping, maybe…' Naruto thought before hearing the crowd getting louder all of a sudden. He turned to see Cody on Brock's shoulder for an F-5, and was then grabbed by his ankles and dragged out of the ring by The Usos.

["Wait, wait a second! What the hell!"] Graves yelled as Cody was slammed with an F-5. ["Lesnar just F-5'd Rhodes!"]

'THE FUCK?!'

["And now the Bloodline is going after Uzumaki!"] Graves added. ["But why would Lesnar help the Bloodline after everything they did?!"]

["I don't know, Corey! But now Roman is finally getting his hands on Naruto on his terms!"] Patrick said.

The next thing Naruto knew, he was getting pushed and beaten up the ramp where Roman was waiting. Worse, Cody was now left alone with Brock, who started to maul him. Naruto was fighting back, trying to get back to the ring, but was hit with a Superman Punch, stunning him. The Bloodline proceed to stomp on Naruto, as a helpless Naruto continued to get mauled by Roman and his cousins, with Heyman singing Roman's praises.

'I'M GOING TO FUCKING KILL HIM!' Naruto groaned as he kicked back at him, rolled off the stage, and crawled to the back in full retreat. 'Gotta get Kyūbi!'

As soon as she saw what was happening, Alexa sprang into action. While she didn't wish for this situation, this was her chance to take the first step back into Naruto's good graces. She had Kyūbi on her, running in the direction of the ring until she held some knocking and muffled shouting. She switched course and found herself where the security was locked off. Looking around, she found the key and unlocked the door, allowing the security guards to slip out, all looking haggard.

"Naruto's in trouble! The Bloodline are ganging out on him! Do your job!" she screamed, with the security guards springs into action.

Alexa followed close behind, hoping she wasn't too late. She and the security soon found Naruto doing his best to fight off the four-on-one assault, but was getting overwhelmed. That was until the security guards swarmed the fight, finally separating The Bloodline from Naruto, who was shaking himself off and looking pissed. He charged at Roman, but Alexa held him back.

"Don't! Leave them! Cody's in trouble!" Alexa yelled at him and placed Kyūbi on his chest. "Go! Help him!"

As much as Naruto wanted to put the boots to The Bloodline for the planned ambush, Alexa was right. He nodded at Alexa, took the bat, and ran back to the ring, holding his side. Alexa smiled, glared at The Bloodline, with Heyman taking aback by the intensity of her fury, and took off after her ex.

["Hey, here comes Naruto!"] Patrick declared as Naruto ran back to the ring area. ["And he got his equalizer!"]

Brock grabbed a chair and was getting back into the ring, where Cody was trying to get back to his feet. Brock was about to wail on Cody again when he saw Naruto sliding into the ring. Brock quickly dodged as Naruto swung for the fences, and kept swinging until Brock got out of the ring.

["Brock in full retreat, but the damage has already been done."] Graves commented as Naruto quickly checked on a hurting Cody.

"Come on! I got more for ya! Believe it! Get back here!" Naruto yelled, waving his bat as Alexa managed to slip by Brock.

"...Nah!" Brock crackled, waving him off as he walked back up to the stage.

Naruto pointed Kyūbi at the retreating Brock, helping Cody up and keeping him steady until WWE Officials and referees slid in to help.

"I don't get it," Naruto said as Alexa walked to his side. "Why didn't he go after me? I'm the champion."

"Maybe Cody is the appetizer before the main course?" Alexa guessed cheekily.

"Ugh," Naruto grumbled as he watched Cody getting medical assistance.

As Cody was escorted to the back, he waved the personnel off and tried to walk under his own power, but collapsed (dramatically) as Naruto sweatdropped.

"Seriously man? Get your sorry ass up."

Raw Talk

"I'm here with the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Naruto Uzumaki." Byron Saxton said, interviewing an annoyed Naruto with Alexa next to him. "Naruto, how are you feeling?"

Naruto shook his head. "Hurt and confused. Just wondering what the hell happened out there. The last thing I expected was Lesnar and Roman to be working together after everything they've done to each other. And why'd Lensar show up to target Cody and not me? I'm the champ. Did Cody piss in his cereal or something?"

"Look on the bright side! At least Brock is distracted with Cody!" Alex said brightly.

"...Thank you, Alexa," Naruto uttered with clear sarcasm.

"Seeing how you two are together, are you two-?" Byron started to ask.

"No. Hell no." Naruto answered flatly.

"We're working on it," Alexa said to Byron, with Naruto shaking his head.

"Well, uh, what's next for you?" Byron asked.

"It's simple, Byron. Roman Reigns and his Bloodline? They're a roadblock on the Road to Backlash. But I promise you that after Backlash, they will be nothing but afterthoughts, as a new power takes over the WWE landscape. Believe it. And if Lesnar decides to come calling? This life will be made a living hell!" Naruto said resolutely and brightened up. "On another note, Daiman Priest really fell out with Bad Bunny over Dominik Mysterio? Really? Where's the sense in that?"

Byron could only shrug.

Naruto was escorted back to his Hummer, where his chauffeur already had the car on.

"You're dismissed, guys. I'll see you at Smackdown." Naruto grunted and stuffed some dollar bills in their pockets. "Treat yourselves."

The security guards departed with gratitude. Naruto was about to get into the car when he spotted Alexa from afar, smiling and waving at him.

The blonde grimaced, still guarded around her, but can't deny how she helped him. He waved back and got in the car. "The hotel."

Alexa continued waving until the Hummer rounded the corner. For her, it was one step taken to be part of his life again. And if Wyatt or Howdy came calling, they'll regret it.

The match was confirmed. Naruto Uzumaki vs. Roman Reigns in a Three Stages of Hell match at Backlash in Puerto Rico; where Bad Bunny will be hostings. That is if he recovers from his now former friend and bouncer Daimen Priest putting him through the announce table for putting his hands on Dominic Mysterio.

Yet Naruto was confused as the days went by.

He had no idea why Brock zeroed in on Cody and not him. He was champion, and the stipulation Roman and Heyman had in place since Summerslam was nulled and void. Rumors has it that Brock wasn't happy about Cody closing the show when he started it, but Naruto didn't believe that for a second. Sadly, Brock wasn't telling, shrugging off interviews and explanations. Cody was fine, but really banged up, his with wife Brandy having to be restrained from going after Lesnar herself.

While it was a blessing, Naruto felt sorry for Cody, and knew that Cody was going to have a bad time until Backlash with Lesnar on his ass. As much as he wanted to help Cody, he had the Bloodline to deal with.

As well as the Goddess turned Wicked Witch, and his ex, Alexa Bliss.

"...I guess this is what my parents meant that being champ isn't easy, 'ttebayo."


[WWE Smackdown]

It was Smackdown at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, and Naruto was there in the arena. He had nothing scheduled, but he was there anyway. It was his decision to come to every show scheduled or unscheduled, to show how different he was from the part-timer Roman Reigns. The WWE deserved to have a champion that was always there, and that was him.

At the moment, he was alone in his personal locker room with security outside, watching the show and occasionally eating some ramen and sushi. He enjoyed the contest that was The Brawling Brutes vs. Imperium, but his mood soured when Paul Heyman appeared for an interview segment with Solo Sikoa.

At the same time, Alexa Bliss entered his locker room. Naruto could only grumble and gestured for her to sit next to him, which she gladly did as the "interview" started.

He insulted Portland, resulting in loud booing.

He dodged questions about Brock Lesnar.

He dick-rode- sung the praises of the Bloodline and Roman Reigns.

He complained about what Naruto did cashing in on Roman.

Jey came in, being referred to Main Event Jey.

Jimmy wasn't in the building tonight per Roman's wishes.

Jey was to deal with Sami Zayn on his own.

Jey went to get ready, with Heyman informing Solo that the end of tonight's events depends on Jey's result.

"He really grows on you, doesn't he?" Alexa giggled.

"Looks like the Bloodline is looking to handle all stray problems so Roman can focus on me and me alone. Fine then," Naruto said as he leaned forward. "Let them tire themselves out. Easy pickings."

"You should be more careful. Roman may be here to ambush you again." Alexa told him.

"They say he's not here, but I guess we'll see." Naruto said, taking a pause and looking at Alexa. "About last Monday… Arigato (Thank you)."

"Dōitashimashite (You're very welcome)." Alexa replied, putting a hand on his shoulder. "I'm not leaving your side. We have a lot to catch up on."

Naruto managed a small smile. "You're lucky kaa-chan likes you so much, as well as-" he cut himself up. "I'll tell you later."

"I have a feeling I know what you meant. Can't wait to meet her." she muttered the last part to herself.

Considering how she once saw Naruto's father Minato with three wives, she has a feeling on what Naruto's been up to in his private love life.

Sami Zayn was not having a good night. He and Kevin were supposed to be done with the Bloodline, yet he was booked in a singles match with Jey Uso. He tried to talk to Jey before the match, but Solo used the opportunity to attack and injure Kevin's ankle, preventing him from seconding Sami. This resulted in Sami losing to Jey due to interference from Solo, the latter beating him down in rage after the match. The Underdog from the Underground had slight relief, when Jey stopped his brother, thinking that he finally got through to him; only to eat a Superkick, ending all doubts about Jey's royalty and allegiance to the Bloodline.

And his commitment to staying on a sinking ship.

"[And Jey said, we're gonna go it my way. That was the definite blow to any possible relationship between Jey Uso and Sami Zayn!]" Michael said as Jey started directing traffic, with Solo getting a steel chair-

"BRO~!"

Hey Bro rang in the arena as The Original Bro Matt Riddle rushed down the ring. He pummeled Jey and Solo with MMA-Style hand slaps, combos, knees, and kicks, but was about to be overwhelmed with the numbers game until Spin and Burst cued up.

Naruto came charging down the ramp, swinging Kyūbi over his head and pointing at the ring to cheers. He slid into the ring and went to town, blasting Jey and Solo with bat shots to their stomachs and back, causing them to roll out of the ring and retreat.

"Come on! Come get some!" Naruto yelled as he and Riddle helped Sami up.

But the brothers opts to keep walking since the numbers were against them. Spin and Burst boomed in the arena as Naruto raised Sami and Riddle's arms to end the show.

The Smackdown Lowdown

"I'm here with the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Naruto Uzumaki. We never thought that you would show up here on Smackdown." McKenzie Mitchell greeted him.

"The WWE Universe deserves a champion that shows up when able, so that's me. Even if I'm not booked for anything, I will be here when able." Naruto replied.

"I'm sure the WWE Universe will be happy to hear that, especially after you saved both Sami Zayn and Matt Riddle," McKenzie said.

"Only because Kevin Owens was taken out, and Jey Uso decided to continue playing the role of Roman's lapdog. He's quite the disappointment, that one. He and his brother are not worthy of respect anymore. Soon, they'll be all alone with their sins." Naruto chuckled. "The next few wells will be interesting."

"And what about you and Alexa?"

"...Working on it."

"Back to you in the studio."

Same song and dance as before, as Naruto was taken to his ride by security. Once they left, Naruto looked around and once again spotted Alexa eying him from around the corner.

"…" Naruto clicked his tongue. 'I'm going to regret this…' he mentally groaned. "…Hurry up or I'm leaving you for good!"

Alexa's eyes shined with excitement and made a beeline to him, jumping into the Hummer limo.

'I hope the other girls don't mind her.' Naruto mused as he closed the door.


Road to Backlash, Week 1, in the books. To be continued…


Next time on The Fox of Pro-Wrestling…

Naruto teams up with Sami, Kevin, and Riddle to deal with the Bloodline. Alexa continues to get into his good graces and starts officially accompanying him everywhere.


If this type of story doesn't force me to write every day, nothing will.

I hope to catch up on current WWE events.

I feel like laying off the commentary at times.


Released: Friday, May 26, 2023