Raw: June 17, 2013
A lot has changed in the past few weeks. We brought the baby home a few weeks ago, and he was doing great. Now, I was backstage at Raw for the first time since the beginning of April.
Last night, WWE had the pay-per-view Payback in Chicago, which I had also been backstage for. Tonight, Raw was in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the SmackDown filming tomorrow was in Dayton, Ohio. Since all of these shows were in the Midwest, none of them were more than a couple states away from Missouri, which led Randy and I to make a serious decision. We decided to test leaving the baby with his parents for a few days.
The baby hadn't been around too many family members yet as we were trying to take some time to have him adjust to being at home a little, but Randy's parents have been around since the baby has been home. He has already seemed to have bonded with them a little, so I felt that if I was going to leave the baby at home with someone, it was going to be them.
Of course, I still felt weird about things, but unfortunately, I'd be travelling for work again likely by the end of the year. Due to that, Randy and I wanted to test how it was for everyone to leave the baby with Randy's parents until we got back from SmackDown in the middle of the night on Tuesday.
I trusted Randy's parents to watch the baby without an issue, and Randy and I had been video calling to check up and talk to the baby quite a bit. However, it just felt weird not being there.
Honestly, the idea of having the baby travel with Randy and I most of the time once I was traveling again had crossed my mind since the baby had nothing that required him to stay in Saint Louis, but I knew that would take a lot of planning and work to make that work out. Plus, I hadn't even mentioned the idea to Randy yet.
I was pretty certain that no matter how soon I was back on paperwork for WWE, which I had a feeling would be sometime next month, that I could push off being on the road again full time until I was comfortable with it, which I could've seen being sooner than October.
I had also been doing my best to limit my conversations with people at WWE right now because last night, I realized that I wasn't in the mood to have conversations with everyone in the company right now. Honestly, I'd even avoided saying much to my dad other than hello because I figured we'd end up discussing work if we kept talking.
Right now, I was walking through the halls backstage, trying to find something to do to occupy my time to keep myself busy since Randy was busy right now. As I turn into another hall, I spot Paul (Triple H) in the same hall, messing with his phone.
"How come the only reason I knew you were here was that the dirt sheets got word of it?" Paul asks.
I sigh. "Sorry, I've just not been feeling very social. I'm glad to see you though. I like you better than most people here anyway."
Paul hugs me. "I get it. How are you, kid?"
I laugh. "Honestly, I'm tired."
"Is that baby making you tired?"
"He wakes up at night. You know how it is. I have to go take care of him. Randy and I go back and forth on who does it, but when he's here at work, it's all me."
"Been there. Eventually, he'll sleep all night. Then you can too. You've been through a lot with him being premature. I'm glad to see you're doing okay."
"Thanks."
"Have you talked to Vince yet?"
"I said hi when I saw him yesterday."
"Avoiding having to talk about work with him?"
"I'm partially concerned about him wanting me back sooner than originally planned since the baby was born early."
"But you were just starting maternity leave, I'd insist on having what you were promised still."
"I'm worried he won't see it that way."
"I get that. Just remind him that the baby was born premature and hasn't been home very long yet. Plus, it's his grandson that you're taking care of. I think he'll be open to you not traveling for a while to care for the baby."
"You make a good point. I'm hoping the next time I'm traveling to the shows that I can bring the baby with me."
"I hope so too. Let me know when that is. I'd like to meet my nephew."
"I'll let you know, and you and Stephanie are always welcome to visit me and Randy at home if you find the time."
"If somehow we do, we'll let you know."
I was watching from guerilla as Randy was wrestling against Daniel in a No Disqualification match. I knew that kind of match could be harmful, but I trusted Randy enough to know he'll be okay.
Stephanie walks up to me. "I hear you've been dodging talking about work with Dad."
"Did he tell you that or was it Paul?" I ask as I keep my eyes glued on Randy's match.
"It was Paul. If you want my opinion, I don't think Dad will make you give up any of your maternity leave. You've been through a lot with having your son. You deserve the entire originally planned maternity leave."
"I hope Dad feels the same way. I know he'll find a way to talk to me about it before I go back home tomorrow after the SmackDown filming."
"I think you'll be okay. Do you want me to say something to him about it?"
I shake my head. "No, I've got it."
"Have you and Randy discussed your plans for when you do come back to traveling for work all the time?"
"A little bit, not very much though. That's kinda why we're doing what we're doing this week though. We're seeing how it is for everyone if we leave the baby with Randy's parents."
"Have you considered bringing the baby on the road with you?"
"It's crossed my mind a few times, but I don't know if Randy has considered it. We've never discussed that idea."
"It could work until the baby is old enough to start school. Even then, you could homeschool him."
"I don't think I have it in me to be a homeschool teacher honestly, but you're right. We could do it until he's in school."
"How's being away from the baby affecting you now?"
"I feel weird about it, but it's not like I still haven't been video calling to see him. I just haven't been away from him this long before."
"That's fair. I think you should bring him the next time you are sitting backstage for a show."
"I honestly want to."
"I'm sure nobody would have an issue with that."
Randy wins the match after the referee stops it due to concerns for Daniel's health. Randy helps Daniel up, pulls him into a hug, and walks with him backstage. Randy spots me as he splits from Daniel and walks over.
I raise an eyebrow at Randy. "Did I see you hug Daniel?"
Randy kisses my forehead. "Only out of respect for his integrity in wrestling and the fact that I'm a face and supposed to be professional. I still can't stand him."
Stephanie gives a small laugh. "Your professionalism is appreciated, Randy. Glad to see you, but I'll leave you two to talk by yourselves."
Randy nods. "Thanks, Stephanie."
"You did great." I comment.
"Thanks, Rissa. Have you talked to your old man yet?"
"No, but I will soon."
"Okay, do you want to head to my locker-room for now?"
I notice the new Divas Champion, AJ Lee, and Big E Langston pass us. "Actually, can we stick around until this next segment is over? I've got a bit of an interest in this."
Randy spots AJ and nods. "I understand. That's fine."
"Thanks, babe."
Let's light it up, light it up, light it up
Light up tonight, let's light it up
Like shooting stars are burning, light up the sky…
AJ and Big E make their way to the ring. I kept my eyes locked on the nearest monitor to watch as Randy kept his arms around me.
"So this is what it feels like to have it all. 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 the spotlight with the greatest Divas Champion of all time…ME! I've always been the champion. Now, I just have proof." AJ holds up the Divas Championship. "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."
I notice most of the Divas Division walk into guerilla and head over to Stephanie. They look like they're all trying to convince Stephanie to let them go out there.
AJ continues. "There's not a woman in this audience, there's not a woman in that locker-room, there's not a woman in the whole world that is as strong, brilliant, as courageous as I am."
I look at Randy as Stephanie is trying to calm down the Divas. "This isn't right."
Randy nods. "She's pissing you off too, isn't she?"
"Yeah, I'm a former three times Divas Champion. I'm sure I was a bitch at times, but AJ is getting out of hand. She thinks she's some mastermind."
Randy releases his grip on me. "Go. I know you want to. You can't get physical, but we both know you can give her a piece of your mind. Go, Rissa."
I walk towards Stephanie as she is still trying to calm the Divas.
"And if there is a woman back there that 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 taunts.
"Ladies, you will all have your opportunity to say something to AJ." Stephanie explains. "But I do not condone her behavior either, so I will go first."
"Actually," I say as I walk up. "I got this one."
Stephanie looks at me. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'm technically on maternity leave, but this is a Divas Division issue. I'm supposed to be the President of the Divas Division. Let me do this."
Stephanie nods. "Alright."
AJ waits for a moment. "That's what I thought."
I know I want that girl so bad
I lie awake at night
And think of all the things that I would do
With a girl like that…
I walk towards the ring to the loudest reaction I've heard in ages. I couldn't help but give a small smile. AJ, however, didn't look thrilled to see me. I didn't care though. I had a job to do.
I grab a microphone before entering the ring to look right at AJ.
"Hi!" AJ says as I enter the ring. "Hi. Hi, boss lady. Are you here to congratulate me, one champion to another?"
"You know, AJ, there's a line of the whole Divas division back there, who all want to say something, but I wanted to come out here and say something first." I tell AJ. "You know, you're a true underdog. You're out here, and you're riling everyone up. You've got everyone buzzing. You've got this amazing, tremendous story, and what a victory you had last night. And for that, I do say congratulations, AJ.
"Thank you. Thank you, Marissa. You see, I knew you would understand."
"I do understand, but what I don't understand, AJ, is why you're pushing this stereotype about women. You act like we're vicious and conniving and manipulative and would rather tear each other down than build each other up. What you did to Kaitlyn was degrading to women everywhere. You're the Divas Champion, AJ, and that's a huge responsibility that I don't think you're quite understanding. You need to start acting like a champion, AJ."
"You know what, Marissa? I'm sorry. You're right. I should be thinking more like you. I should be acting more like you. Instead of dating Superstars, maybe I should marry one. Let's not get started on your daddy issues. That's a whole nother can of worms."
"You know, AJ, for someone who has claimed to be so smart, I'd think you'd be able to find a bit more of an original way to attempt to insult me."
"I am original. What I did to Kaitlyn was highly original. That was cunning. That was well planned. That was well executed, months in the making. That was my masterpiece!"
"AJ, keep me giving those crazy eyes you've got going on there. I think you have forgotten who you're talking to. I'm Marissa Orton. Nobody does the crazy bitch schtick better than I do. Now if you want to continue to be Divas Champion, I highly suggest you listen to what I said before and start acting like a Divas Champion."
"I am. I am the Divas Champion, Marissa. And the only reason you're out here is not because you're disappointed in me. It's because I am you…only younger."
"Well, if that's how we're going to be, AJ, then let's be like that. You know deep down that if I hadn't gotten pregnant and wasn't on maternity leave, that you would've never been Divas Champion in the first place because you can't touch me in this ring. You claim that you're a younger version of me, but that's not the case because I wouldn't have to manipulate to become Divas Champion. You wish you were a younger version of me. You're not on my level and never will be on my level, AJ, and there's nothing you can do about that. Now, heed my warning, if your behavior continues to be this way, I won't hesitate to strip you of the Divas Championship or maybe even just step back into the ring and beat you for it myself. If I happen to be in a certain mood, I may even see to it that you're done in this company. Now, is there anything else you have to say to me?"
When you look into your heart and ask yourself "what′s true"?
You know there's nothing in this world that you can do
Now I′m looking at world's shape with different eyes
And I keep reachin' higher, gonna touch the sky…
Naomi, Cameron, Alicia, Layla, Natalya, and Kaitlyn all walk out onto the stage. Kaitlyn is holding a microphone.
"Congratulations, AJ. You did it." Kaitlyn says. "You won."
I walk up the ramp and stop at Kaitlyn. "I'm not going to hold it against you, but I don't appreciate the interruption."
I continue walking backstage without looking back.
Kaitlyn continues and starts walking down the ramp. "You won. You won the Divas Championship. You won. You got inside my head. You manipulated me! You humiliated me! You played me like a puppet! You broke me. And now, it's my turn."
Kaitlyn drops the microphone and runs in the ring to attack AJ. I watch from guerilla with a smirk on my face.
I knock on the door of Vince's office. "Hey, we need to talk. Don't we?"
Vince nods. "I think we do. Close the door and take a seat, Marissa."
I close the door and sit in the chair across from my father at his desk.
"I'm curious." Vince comments. "How did it feel for you tonight to walk down to the ring for the first time within the year of 2013 and not wrestle but confront someone? It's been a long time since you've done that."
"Honestly, it felt nice. I was cheered by the audience pretty loudly. I haven't stepped into the ring for anything since November of last year. It's been seven months. I've missed it dearly, but I don't think I'm ready to completely be back for that yet." I explained.
"That's about what I thought. I got a bit of a kick out of seeing you talk to AJ Lee tonight."
"What made you get such a kick out of it?"
"Your behavior towards her really. You went out there with every intent of being professional, but you stood your ground when AJ started getting personal. I respect that."
"Thanks I guess."
"You reminded AJ just exactly who she was talking to, and I would've done the same in the position that she put you in."
"I guess that I did the right thing then."
"You did. I'm not expecting you to want to be back to work yet, and I am not going to force you to be. However, I do want to know what you think you're wanting to do when you come back."
"Honestly, if I'm allowed to do paperwork from home, I'd be willing to go back to that next month. That way I'm doing something at least."
"Okay, let's start from there. Let's find a date in July to make your return to doing paperwork for work official." Vince looks at a calendar. "Money in the Bank is on July 14. Starting you back on the week of the pay-per-view would be best if you'll agree to that."
"I'll agree to that. What about me being backstage again? I know you're wanting to ask."
"Well, if I remember correctly, we discussed having you staying home mostly until October, right?"
"Yes, we did."
Vince looks at the calendar once again. "On October 14, Raw is in Saint Louis. I feel that would be easy on you to just begin traveling and being backstage from there. If you change your mind, let me know, but I'll write down that date for now."
"Okay, that's fine with me."
"There's one more thing that I want to discuss. You're not going to be able to get the full pay listed in your contract after being done with your maternity leave in October unless you make appearances on TV in some capacity. It doesn't have to be right away once you get back, but you need to figure out what you want to do if you want that full pay. I'm not expecting that to be you just hopping back into the ring and wrestling like you normally did. I'm figuring you'll want to be Randy's manager, and that's fine. However, after showing as much backbone as you did to AJ Lee tonight, I want you to consider the idea of possibly being an authority figure on TV."
I give Vince a surprised look. "Really?"
"Yes, I'll admit I've had some small concerns about you ever being an authority figure on TV, but tonight, you acted like a McMahon. I loved seeing that from you. You weren't even supposed to be on TV tonight, but you proved to me plenty that you could fill the role of authority figure on TV effectively. We don't have any openings for that right now anyway, but you know how quickly things change around here. If an opening for that appears, I want you to highly consider it, but for now, I'll assume you'll be on TV as Randy's manager. Do you have any other concerns?"
I shake my head. "I don't think so."
"Good, make sure you do reach out if you do end up having any concerns."
"I will."
