Raw: September 16, 2013
I looked at myself in the mirror in my office. I knew in my heart that I hadn't quite felt like myself since I'd become the Raw general manager, but tonight, I did feel like myself once again.
Maybe Eve was right. Maybe I just needed to dress like myself to feel comfortable.
I admired my outfit. Of course, I'd listened to Eve and worn my signature leather jacket. I had also worn jeans tonight and opted to wear boots, instead of the high heels that I had been wearing every single week since becoming Raw general manager. However, the most notable article of clothing that I was wearing tonight was the t-shirt I had on underneath my leather jacket.
It was a simple t-shirt. It was just a dark gray t-shirt that had the old logo from Raw is War on the front. While many people would probably just think that I was a big fan of wrestling of the late 90s, which was honestly true, I was sending a discrete message with my t-shirt choice. As far as I was concerned, tonight's episode of Raw was the beginning of my war with Triple H and Stephanie, and I wanted to make sure that they knew that.
While part of me had been anxious over the past few days over my address to the roster, I was confident now, only minutes away from going to the ring to address the roster.
I knew that I had found myself, and I was ready to truly do things my way. I was determined to make sure things were done the right way on Raw. I felt like it was my responsibility to ensure that.
Brad walks in. "Are you ready?"
I smile. "Yeah, I'm ready to do this, Brad."
"Are you getting any last minute jitters or anything?"
"Honestly, no. I thought that I would, but I'm not. I'm ready to do this, and I feel as confident as I can be."
"Let's go do this."
Brad and I made our way towards the ring. I smiled to myself as I realized that Layla was right. Like she had said, about seventy-five to eighty percent of the WWE roster was standing around the ring, ready to let me address them.
I walked into the ring as Brad stopped to stand outside of the ring with the roster. Everyone had their eyes on me. I knew that it was time to start talking to the roster.
I start walking around in the ring. "First off, I want to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to be out here and listen to what I have to say. I know that some of you don't know me very well, some of you I'm friends with, and some of you aren't my biggest fans in the slightest. If that's you, I get it, and I don't blame you."
This comment causes some of the roster to laugh.
I smile before I continue. "Lately, there's been a lot of controversy in the WWE. At a point during all this controversy, I became the general manager of Raw. While many of you have stopped by my office at one point or another, I haven't addressed you as a group, and I didn't want to do it on TV. For those of you who need a reminder, I am Marissa Orton, and I am the general manager of Raw. To be honest, I'm still pretty new to all this, but I know what I want to achieve. I know that there is very evident corruption going on amongst the authority figures in this company right now. They're picking select people and putting down everyone else, especially those who directly speak out against them. I want to make it clear that I am not associating myself with all that, and that I am aware that there will be times that wrestlers do not agree with the authority figures. Let's be honest, has there ever been complete agreement around here?"
This once again causes laughter from the roster.
"I'm not going to make things miserable for a single person who doesn't agree with how I do things. That's not right. However, I want things to change here on Raw, and I plan on making sure that happens. While I can't do much about SmackDown, I don't want everyone to come to work every Monday, worried that their careers may be in jeopardy because the bosses are in a mood to fire people, just to show off their power. I don't want everyone to come to work every Monday, afraid to speak their minds because the bosses might single them out for it. Honestly, I'm highly encouraging each and every one of you to stand up for yourselves and what you believe in. Everyone has a right to that." I explain to the roster.
I paused to see many people nodding in agreement.
I continue speaking. "I honestly want those particular bosses gone, and I plan on fighting back against them. I'm not saying that I'm forcing any of you to choose between me and them, but I'm encouraging you to have a voice because I feel that they are trying to take that away from us. I know that some of you are probably reluctant to believe me since I'm related to those bosses. To some of you, I may seem like them, but I can assure you that I'm not. Stephanie and Triple H have been handed everything and don't understand what it's like to struggle. They don't care about having good relationships with the roster. All they care about is what they consider to be best for business. However, while these past few years of my career have been a bit easier for me, things weren't always that way. I didn't know that I was Vince's daughter until 2009. I was here for five years before that. During those five years, I fought and struggled for everything like all of you do. I understand the frustrations that come with that, and I don't want to be that general manager who isn't understanding what the people on my roster want. We all know that there's been plenty of those. I want to have a good working relationship with all of you. I don't want to make any of you feel intimidated. I don't want any of you to feel that you can't do anything about your situation. I don't want any of you to think that you don't deserve a chance because certain bosses think that you aren't good enough. I intend on working with all of you to make Raw what it should be. Just so you all know, my door is open for all of your questions and concerns. I won't have the Shield standing guard at my door, only letting certain people in. I do hope all of you will support me as Raw general manager, and we can all change things for the better around here. Thank you for your time."
I finish talking and give Brad a concerned look as everyone is silent. Brad looks back at me with a smile and nod. I notice that Dolph Ziggler starts clapping for me. The rest of the members of the roster that were around for my address join in. I smiled as I realized that things went exactly how I needed them to be.
It's time for war.
Randy's POV
I sat in Catering, eating some food to put something on my stomach before Raw started. I was literally the only wrestler in there at the moment, so I had the opportunity to think about things. I had been frustrated with so much. For starters, I lost the WWE Championship last night due to a fast count by referee Scott Armstrong. I knew that Triple H and Stephanie had plans to do something about it, but they hadn't informed me what those plans were.
Also, I was feeling a bit guilty about Cody and Goldust getting fired, but I honestly had no choice in the matter. I was honestly hoping that Marissa had something in mind to get Cody and Goldust their jobs back. I had no doubts that she was looking for a solution.
Speaking of Marissa, I was mostly frustrated about how strained my relationship with her has been since SummerSlam. I didn't think she would be this angry over things since Triple H and Stephanie were family, but at this point, I didn't blame Rissa. I didn't know what exactly was said, but I know that Triple H had threatened her. If I was in her position, I'd be pissed after getting threatened too. I knew I really couldn't get myself out of the position that I was in now, but I wanted to do my best to make things right in my marriage at least, even if that meant defying Triple H and Stephanie.
"Hey, Randy, can we talk for a moment?" Colby asks as he walks in with Roman and Dean.
I look over at the Shield. "Hey, that's fine. Is it just me or do things seem too empty tonight? We're the only wrestlers in here right now."
"Almost everyone is out by the ring. Marissa was just out there in the ring, giving a speech." Roman explains to me.
"We didn't want to stir things up by going out there, so we hid nearby and listened." Dean adds.
"What was she talking about?" I ask, curious about what my wife had been up to.
"Well, she's encouraging the roster to stand up for themselves." Colby tells me. "She made it clear that she doesn't intend on being like Stephanie and Triple H. She explained that she wants to have a good working relationship with everyone on the roster. She also mentioned that her door was always open for anyone who had questions or concerns."
"She's also planning on opposing Triple H and Stephanie." Roman comments.
"Oh." I say, not exactly sure how to respond to this news in front of the Shield.
"Now, will you tell these two that we are not telling Triple H and Stephanie about it?" Colby asks me.
"Don't tell them."
"You really want to keep this quiet too?" Roman asks.
"Triple H threatened Marissa. She has every right to do this. Plus, I know my wife. She won't keep it quiet that she's planning on taking them on. They'll find out. There's no need to get involved. I highly suggest you stay quiet and stay off Marissa's radar as much as possible right now. Colby's right."
Dean nods. "I didn't think we needed to tell them anyway."
Roman gives me an uncertain look. "Are you sure?"
I smile. "As far as I'm concerned if Triple H and Stephanie ask, we found out when they did."
"Okay. See you later." Roman leaves with Dean following behind him.
Colby looks at me. "Have you talked to her?"
"Only about our kids." I answer. "Have you?"
"I'm honestly scared to try to. Rissa can have a temper."
"You do too. Don't lie to yourself."
"She's scarier than I am though. You know I'm right."
"I'm aware."
"Did Triple H and Stephanie try to convince you to try to talk some sense into her?"
"Yeah, I said I wouldn't. She'd never listen at this point anyway. I take it that they asked you too."
"They did. I said we weren't talking, so I doubt I'd get a chance to. Honestly, I wouldn't want to do it if I was talking to her."
"I don't think there's anything anyone can do to redeem Triple H and Stephanie in Marissa's eyes at this point. She's made up her mind."
"I couldn't agree more. I could tell by her voice during that speech. She's determined to take them down."
"That doesn't surprise me in the slightest. I'm going to talk to her tonight."
"You are? How?"
"I'm taking her to dinner after Raw is over."
"Did she agree to go to dinner with you?"
"I haven't said anything to her about dinner yet, but she will agree."
"How are you so certain?"
"I know her. That's all. She'll agree."
"For your sake, I hope you're right."
"Thanks. I'm not going to talk to her about trying to be on good terms with Triple H and Stephanie, but I'll try to talk her into sitting down and chatting with you at least."
"I'd appreciate that. Thanks, Randy."
"No problem. I think you got sucked into this like I did. You deserve a chance to talk with Rissa too."
Marissa's POV
I watched as Daniel refused to hand the WWE Championship over to Triple H after he stripped Daniel of the championship. I didn't agree with this completely, but I wasn't supposed to interfere in something Paul was doing. However, he thought that he could keep the WWE Championship vacant until he decided to make a match. That wasn't the case since I made a rematch for the WWE Championship between Randy and Daniel for Battleground official last night, and I was about to drop that news on everyone. Triple H pulled the WWE Championship out of Daniel's hands, and Randy immediately hit Daniel with the RKO. I looked over at the stagehands before preparing to walk out to the stage.
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 out onto the stage. "Hunter, sorry to interrupt all this, but it seems you haven't been looking at your paperwork."
Triple H rolls his eyes. "What do you want, Marissa?"
"Well, you see, you can keep the WWE Championship vacant for now, but you will not be deciding when there will be a WWE Champion. I saw what happened last night and decided then and there that I would schedule a rematch between Randy and Daniel for the WWE Championship at Battleground. As you are aware, we can't change what each other plans, so you can have the WWE Championship be vacant for now. However, that ends at Battleground. I am expecting that there won't be a screwjob or a fast count by a referee. I am expecting this to be a fair match on both sides. You got that, Randy?"
Randy nods.
I smile. "Good. Everything should be settled for now. Nice chat, Hunter."
I walk backstage. Stephanie is in guerilla and glares at me. I walk past her.
"We're not supposed to interfere in each other's plans." Stephanie comments rudely.
"I made my plans first." I tell Stephanie. "I scheduled the match last night. My plans trump yours here."
I sat in my office with Brad, keeping an eye on the show to see if I needed to make an appearance to settle something. I look over at the door to my office as I hear it open.
Randy is standing in the doorway. "Maddox, I need to speak to my wife."
Brad nods. "Okay."
Randy looks at me. I nod in understanding.
"Brad, he means that he needs to speak with me in private. You can go. I'll let you know when Randy and I are done talking." I tell Brad.
"I understand." Brad exits the office.
Randy closes the door before looking around. "Nice little setup you've got going on in here."
"Do Triple H and Stephanie know that you're in here?" I ask, unsure of what Randy wanted.
"Last I checked, I didn't need permission to come talk to my wife."
"Is there something that you need or…?"
"I wanted to thank you for the match at Battleground."
I nod. "I felt it was the right thing to do."
"I intended on winning the match clean last night. I thought it might at least get you to talk to me."
"Sorry that didn't work out. Did everything go well with the kids? Were there any issues?"
"There weren't any issues. Don't you worry, Mom." Randy laughs.
"Will you sit down? It's kinda driving me nuts that you're standing when there's a chair that's empty like two feet from you."
Randy sits down. "Do you have any plans after the show tonight?"
I raise an eyebrow. "No, why?"
"I'm taking you to dinner."
"I don't recall talking about having dinner together."
"We didn't. I'm telling you now."
"What if I'm not in the mood for it?"
"It's at the Cheesecake Factory."
"Damn, you know I have a hard time passing on Cheesecake Factory. Why are we going to dinner?"
Randy smiles. "Because we need to discuss a lot of things, and dinner would make it a more peaceful setting than doing it here."
"You make a good point."
"Okay, we'll go after the show."
"What if I drove here?"
"I know you didn't. I was in the parking lot when you got here with Layla. She was driving."
"I'll have to tell her that I'm riding with you."
"Okay, see you after the show."
"Wait, shouldn't I change if we're going to the Cheesecake Factory?"
"No, I've always loved you in leather. I'll dress casual too. It's okay."
"Okay. I'll meet you after the show, and we'll go to dinner."
Randy and I had both been awkwardly silent at dinner. Our food had arrived a few minutes ago, and we were eating in silence.
"I heard about your speech before Raw today." Randy tells me.
"Who told you?" I ask quietly.
"The Shield eavesdropped on you. They came and told me about it. I think you're the reason a bunch of guys came down and helped Daniel at the end of the show."
"Are you mad at me for that?"
"No, you wanted them to stand up for what they believe in. You didn't straight up tell them to help Daniel. Plus, I honestly figured something like that was going to happen. Triple H and Stephanie were the ones who wanted me to do that to Daniel."
"What about Miz?"
"He just pisses me off."
"You can't be doing that to the whole roster."
"I know, but you should know that Stephanie and Triple H told me today that they didn't think I was being aggressive enough. They want me to be more aggressive."
"They want the 2009 Randy Orton. That guy didn't like authority. Are they stupid?"
Randy laughs. "I honestly still don't care too much for authority figures. You may be the only exception."
"What about Triple H and Stephanie?"
"I'm stuck with them for now because I was greedy. You know I can't just back out. You may be able to cover me on Raw if necessary, but…"
"But I wouldn't be able to on SmackDown. I hate this."
"I know. I'm sorry. This is my fault. I've been a jackass because at first I thought they were right, and you just didn't get it. I was wrong. You're right. I have been going along with whatever they said, and as a result, I have disrespected you. I shouldn't have."
"What's the deal with you not helping out at home?"
"I was dumb. To me, it seemed you had this routine that I would just screw up. After those few days this past week, I have no clue how you do it. I'm sorry about that too."
"You didn't need to worry about screwing up my routine, Randy. I would've adjusted it in accordance with what you did, or we could've agreed on who did what."
"We should do that. First thing to do when we get home."
"I'll agree to that. You know maybe the 2009 version of you can come back and beat up Triple H. It'd save me a lot of trouble."
"If I can get out of this situation, I'll help you out, but I think you know what you're doing. I saw that little gleam in your eyes tonight. You're confident and determined to take Triple H and Stephanie down. That's never been good for anyone you've opposed, plus you're a great leader."
"Thanks, Randy."
"I want to work on things between us."
"Me too. It's gonna take some work to get back to where we were."
"I know, but I'm willing to do it."
"Thanks."
"I want to be back on the same side as you. I don't like being on opposing sides at work. I know it's my fault, but it sucks."
"I'll find a way to get you away from them and not be threatened."
"Thanks, sweetheart. You look beautiful by the way."
I smile. "Thanks, handsome."
"I got into it with them a little bit tonight."
"You did?"
"Yeah, they pissed me off when they said that I needed to be more aggressive. I told them that you were handling things better than them. I meant it too."
"Are you trying to get them pissed at both of us?"
Randy shrugs. "Maybe they'll decide that they're done with me."
"Maybe, do you think that they feel threatened by us?"
"Honestly, I wouldn't doubt it. When you and I are on the same page and not fighting, we both excel at whatever we try to do. I'm sure that we both have made other people on the roster feel threatened, but I never thought about them being threatened. They're family, but I guess that doesn't mean they can't feel threatened, huh?"
I nod at Randy. "Yeah, you're right. They can still feel threatened."
"And you think that we make them feel threatened?"
"They've never tried to work with both of us before now. From what you told me, they almost manipulated you. They gave you a too good opportunity and now you do whatever they want. They've tried to intimidate me into joining this whole thing. They want to control the whole situation. They think having both of us is useful but only if they're calling the shots. You don't do well with authority normally. As of now, I'm an opposing authority figure. If we don't listen to them, we're a threat."
"You make a good point. They have been the biggest power couple in this company since they've been together. We probably do threaten that for them."
"Have you talked to them about our issues?"
"I've just said that there's been issues, and you don't agree with how things are being handled. They make comments about you being ridiculous and try to convince me and Colby to, as they put it, talk some sense into you. We both refused. Stephanie practically asks me nonstop if you and I are still having issues though."
"So she's wanting to know what's going on between us?"
Randy nods. "Yeah."
"I think they want us to have issues. It makes us less likely to be a threat to them."
Randy sighs. "That's a fair point. I don't want to have issues."
"Me either."
"I know you were serious when you mentioned divorce. I can understand why you felt that way, but I don't want us to get to that point. I love you, and you and the kids are everything to me. I'm sorry about all this."
"I know. We're just going to have to work through all of this. I do think you owe Cody a huge apology though."
"I'll be sure to apologize to him, but I wouldn't blame him if he didn't forgive me. Hell, I wouldn't blame you if you were mad at me for a while longer. I know you've gone through a lot since being back at work, and it's stressful. All I've done is be an ass and not contribute. I'm sorry."
"You've contributed a little. Don't sell yourself short. I just need more help. We've got two kids, and I still work when we're at home. It's too hard for me to do everything alone. I was going to try to get back into therapy, and I don't even have the time."
Randy caressed my face as he noticed that I was starting to get emotional. "Don't you worry. I'm going to fix things between us. I know things won't be completely smooth between us at first, but no more letting work get between us and we'll have a plan to handle all this. If you feel that you need to go back to therapy, you should go. I can take the kids whenever that is going on. We've got this, okay?"
I nod. "Okay. Thank you."
"Of course. I think it's about time to head back to the hotel, but let's get some cheesecake to go before we leave. I think we should treat ourselves a little bit here."
"I'll never say no to cheesecake."
