SmackDown Filming: March 12, 2013

"Sheamus and I have a rematch against Team Rhodes Scholars tonight." Randy tells me as he walks into my office.

"I heard, so you'll beat up Cody, which will make him whine again." I comment.

Randy laughs. "Pretty much."

"It'll still be funny."

"What's got you all irritated?"

"What gave me away?"

"Honestly, the look on your face." Randy sat down across from me. "What's going on?"

"Most of the Divas division has reached out to me, freaking out about Nikki and Brie coming back and asking if they have secure spots on the roster. I know things are tight for the division, but the amount of the Divas that almost seemed threatened by Nikki and Brie coming back is ridiculous."

"Because they know that Nikki and Brie will get TV time."

"The appeal of twins gives them that, and they're not bad wrestlers. I wish more of the Divas would just see the bigger picture. It'll be beneficial in the long run."

"They will eventually."

"Do you think that they'll be threatened when I come back to competing?"

"Probably, we both know you'll get TV time, and personally, I think you're the best wrestler in the entire Divas division."

"You think I'm the second best wrestler in the WWE, only after you."

Randy laughs. "Fair enough. You can't let all this bother you though. There's always going to be people who feel threatened. Hell, it happens with the guys too. I know a lot of people feel threatened by me because I'm a main event guy. It's how it is."

"I just think it's ridiculous how many of the Divas are upset."

"Understandable. It'll be fine though. Only a few more weeks and then you're home."

"I hate the idea of being split from you, but I'm looking forward to being away from everyone else."

"Good. You've been busting your ass for over eight years for this company. You've earned a break."

"I'm glad that's how you see it."

Randy nodded. "Of course. I could use a break at some point too. I've been busting my ass for what feels like forever."

"Take one if you feel like it. There's no harm in it."

"I know. I'm gonna head to the locker-room to get ready for my match."

"Okay, good luck."

Randy stood up. "I don't need luck."

I roll my eyes. "Whatever."

Randy kisses me. "I'll see you after my match. Love you."

"I love you too."

I smile to myself as Randy exits my office.


I was going through paperwork in my office while also watching Randy's match when someone knocks on my door.

"It's open." I say as I don't even glance at the door.

Natalya walks in. "Sorry to bug you during Randy's match. Do you have a few minutes?"

I sigh, assuming this is another complaint about Nikki and Brie, before pushing my paperwork to the side. "Sure. What's up?"

"Just out of curiosity, what's your take on this whole situation? You know, everyone freaking out."

"I think it's a bit over dramatic. I don't think most of the Divas are seeing the bigger picture."

"So you're not upset over the twins coming back?"

"Of course not, I love Nikki, and while Brie and I are by no means friends, I see why it happened."

"So you're not even against the creation of the reality show? I heard you declined an offer to be on it."

"I did, but a lot of that is because y'all start filming right when I hit my third trimester. I think it'd be too much stress. I also am not so sure Randy would want to be involved in that. I think it's a great opportunity. It'll put eyes on the Divas division. Believe me, I want that."

"We all do."

"People paying attention will make it easier for us to get the change that we want and need. I try to push for more opportunities for the Divas, but it almost always goes nowhere. I want that to change. I know I can't just make it happen. However, I also know that I'm not the only one who is looking towards that goal. Nikki wants that. While we aren't friends, I know Brie wants that. You and I don't always agree, Natalya, but I know you do too. You three being on this show will help. The four of us and Layla are the veterans of the division now. I think the five of us could help make a positive change."

Natalya nods. "I agree. I know that we have a lot of potential. You're right about the fact that we don't always agree, but I know that the current state of things isn't your doing. You are trying to make things better. I respect it. I know you won't be able to help much while you're on maternity leave, but you're doing what you can while you can. A lot of people would've given up by now. We've been enemies more than friends in the ring, but I respect how stubborn you are about backing down. I'm going to try to step up as a leader for this division. I want change. I'll head out now. Thanks for the conversation."

I smile. "Of course. See you around."

Natalya leaves. I look back at the TV to see Randy RKO Cody and pin him.

1…2…3!

"Here are your winners, Sheamus and Randy Orton!"


Randy looked at me as we were sitting in our bed on the tour bus, on our way home as the show tonight had been in Indiana, so we were not too far away from home. "Just out of curiosity, what do you see the next couple years of your career theoretically looking like?"

I bit my lip. "Well…I think I can take maternity leave until the beginning of October, from my understanding, after that, I'd be back with the paperwork and gradually would try to eventually spend time backstage again. Maybe by December or January, I'd try to be back on TV in some capacity, maybe as your manager or an authority figure."

"Can you do both?"

"Maybe."

"Be a general manager, so I can get World Championship matches."

I laugh. "I don't think that's how it works. Anyway, as for wrestling, I can't even visualize earlier than January for wrestling again, if I'm even motivated enough."

"Okay. I'm going to be supportive of your decision on that. I was just curious what you wanted to do and how you saw the future."

I shrug. "I mean that's what I see, but I doubt it's fully accurate. Life can be surprising."

"Your pregnancy showed us that well enough."

I laugh. "Oh yeah. Do you like the name Ridley?"

"I don't."

I sigh. "Why is it so difficult?"

Randy pulls me close. "We'll figure it out. The right name could just hit us one day."

"At this point, that's what I'm hoping for."

"We've got this. Have you told Chelle or John about us making them god parents yet?"

"No, but I will when I can talk to both in person at the same time."

"That's reasonable. I guess it isn't a rush."

"Not at all."