Weeks Later - May 8th, 2006 - Anaheim, California

It had been weeks since that dark match he had a few weeks ago before Raw opened up. The next week on Raw, he was supposed to get some TV time or at least, that's what Shane McMahon told him when he had that match on the April 3rd edition of Raw. But so far, it had been a lot of dark matches on the pre-show of Monday Night Raw and ECW sometimes, hell sometimes he was wrestling on both the pre and post-show. And tonight on the May 8th, 2006 edition of Monday Night Raw was looking no different.

Currently, the young stud was booked to have another match on the pre-show of Monday Night Raw.

He couldn't be too mad as he realized he had to pay his dues as a young rookie in the WWE and not be booked for TV appearances until he interested the bookers and producers or Vince McMahon for that matter. But with just about no one watching but Shane, he didn't know what he could do to get Vince's attention. Supposedly Shane was going to say something to Vince to get him to watch but so far nothing happened so it's hard to imagine that Shane had actually done what he said he was going to do.

Hunter sat in the locker room looking down at the floor clad in a simple pair of black trunks with a purple design on the front with his last name Bennett plastered in silver studded with rhinestones with the same design on the back with "Heartthrob" written on the back in silver with rhinestones. On both sides of the trunks were a pair of hearts in purple broken down the middle with each one of his initials in silver. He had black knee pads with kick pads with a white pad with the same broken heart design plastered on the left pad with his ring name on the right pad in purple. To wrap up his look, he had white wrist tape on both of his wrist with tape on his right hand and a purple bracelet on his right wrist.

The locker room was empty as Hunter sat there to himself thinking about the direction of his career. He knew his was young and he had time on his side but the idea that he had to wait for a billionaire to finally notice him for him to get booked after he was the one who called him up made him sick to his stomach. But the only thing he could do was follow the advice given to by the veteran, Paul Levesque.


The fans in attendance in the Arrowhead Pond were starting to take their seats as music hit the arena's sound system.

"Do I" Hits

Kevin Bennett, marched out onto the stage with a smirk on his face as his graphic loaded up on the minitron and titantron and while the lights in the arena started to go back and forth between a sort of white and purple color scheme to go with his attire.

Kevin walked down the ramp slapping the hands of the fans at ringside as Lillian Garcia stood in the ring announcing while Cade was getting himself ready to compete.

"The Following Contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, making his way to the ring from Dallas, Texas. Weighing in at 218 Pounds. "The Heartthrob" Kevin Bennett!" She announced as Kevin made his way to the ringside area.

He looked around at the fans in attendance before he walked around the ring and slid onto the ring apron, grabbing a hold of the middle rope as he looked at the fans once more. He rose up standing at a vertical base and stepped between the ropes as if he were entering the ring but paused momentarily to look at the fans once more talking trash.

"And his opponent, in the ring, from Nashville, Tennessee. Weighing in at 267 Pounds. Lance Cade!"

Kevin entered the ring and hopped up onto the top turnbuckle looking on with a smirk as he threw up his longhorn, a tribute to his hometown. He hopped down as his music faded away on the PA system. He quickly discarded his hat and his vest as he got ready to compete in the squared circle.

Ding-Ding-Ding!

Kevin and Lance stood in a grappling position as both men circled around the ring looking on with serious looks on their faces. Both men went for the lock up as Lance quickly got the advantage, locking Kevin into a side headlock. A side headlock to which Kevin tried to reverse by backing up to the ropes. Kevin backed up to the ropes and tried to whip Lance into the ropes but Lance had the brakes planted and instead took Kevin down to a ground headlock with some old school mat wrestling.

Lance squeezed down on the head as Kevin groaned out. Kevin managed to maneuver out of the hold somehow and quickly popped back up to his feet as Lance did the same. Kevin hit the ropes and when he did, he was popped back down with a shoulder block from Lance Cade. Cade quickly into the cover on Bennett.

1, Kevin Bennett popped out before the 2. Lance grabbed Kevin by the hair and pulled him right back into a grounded headlock. Kevin grunted as he felt Lance tighten up the grip on the headlock.

"Come on now, heart boy!" Lance shouted trying to rile Kevin up. This seemingly did the trick as Kevin forced Lance up to a knee. Lance wrenched even tighter on the head as Kevin grunted but he refused to give in and forced Lance up to his feet. Kevin backed Lance up to the ropes and shoved him off into the ropes. Lance popped off with momentum making a beeline for "The Heartthrob" causing him to drop down and allow Lance to hop over and hit the ropes. Kevin quickly popped up and Lance tried to go for a strike but Kevin caught it, Lance went for another strike only for Kevin to duck it and slip him down for a backslide cover.

1…

2, Lance rolled out and rolled to a vertical base only to be met with a dropkick from "The Heartthrob" Kevin Bennett. This caused Lance to stumble backwards into the corner. Kevin set his gaze upon the bigger man and ran towards him in the corner hitting him with a jumping corner forearm. Kevin grabbed Lance by the head and neck pulling him out of the corner before dropping him with a neckbreaker! Kevin into the cover!

1…

2, Lance popped out at 2. Kevin ran a hand through his hair as he turned his head looking at the crowd with a smirk. Kevin popped back up to his feet and tried to grab Lance but Lance Cade had other ideas and pushed Kevin off before striking him with a dropkick showing his athleticism for his 6'5, 260-Pound frame. Kevin looked up at the lights stunned by Cade's dropkick as Cade taunted Kevin mocking him as the fans booed.

Kevin started to stir, shaking his head trying to shake away the cobwebs from the dropkick. He rose up to a vertical base and immediately locked eyes with Lance Cade. Cade ran towards Kevin looking for his patent finishing Lariat but Kevin ducked it and instead hit the ropes. He jumped up to the middle rope and jumped off turning in mid-air to try to take Cade down with some high-flying offense but was caught by Cade in mid-air and dropped with a spinebuster!

Cade looked down at Kevin, panting for his breath as he looked around the arena at the WWE fans. Lance quickly mounted over Kevin and started to pile in a bunch of fists to the head as Kevin tried his best to block the onslaught by Lance Cade. Cade rose up to a vertical base and started to pile on the boots to the young and up-coming wrestler. Cade pulled him by the head and neck up to a vertical base only for Kevin to push him off and jump up, clocking him with a Enziguri that left Cade stunned.

Kevin ran to the ropes and jumped up onto the middle rope jumping off the middle rope and flipped over, landing on Cade with a standing moonsault press. Kevin with the cover.

1…

2, Lance popped out before the 3 count. Both men rushed to their feets and Cade tried to hit Kevin with his lariat out of nowhere but Kevin ducked it and instead stood behind the bigger man. Cade turned to face Kevin and was caught with a kick to the gut in which allowed Kevin to catch Lance with a front face lock before dropping him with another one of his finishers he called the The Heartthrob (Snap Single Underhook DDT).

Kevin rolled Cade over and hooked the leg.

1…

2…

3…

Ding-Ding-Ding!

"Do I" Plays

"Here is your winner: Kevin Bennett!" Lillian announced as Kevin rose up to his feet.

The referee raised his arm up in the air in victory as Kevin ran a hand through his hair while looking around the arena. When the referee let go of the arm of Kevin he started to beat on his chest as the fans cheered. He walked towards the turnbuckle and stepped up to the middle rope and raised his arms in victory.


Hunter sat in the catering area clad in a simple pair of blue jeans with a simple white v-neck and a pair of brown boots with his chain around his neck. Hunter had some time to go to the locker room, shower and get himself mentally right. Throughout the catering area the WWE had monitors set up throughout the area so talent could watch the show as it went on. At the end of the day every talent in the WWE started off as wrestling fans or at least, most of them. And Hunter Bennett was no different.

Currently the young and up-coming star sat at the catering table the two veterans who had sort of become a support system for him, Paul Levesque AKA Triple H and Michael Hickenbottom AKA Shawn Michaels. The young star was frustrated due to the fact that he hadn't been getting booked for TV lately and he thought being called up from DSW was what was going to happen immediately.

Sitting at a nearby table were two wrestling veterans, Shawn Michaels and Triple H, engaged in a conversation of their own.

Hunter couldn't help but overhear their discussion about the industry and the challenges they faced throughout their careers. He admired both Michaels and Triple H, their accomplishments, and the legacy they had built. Deep in thought, Hunter pondered the state of his own career, feeling a mixture of determination and uncertainty.

Shawn turned to look at the younger star, seeing the contemplative expression on the young star's face.

"Hey Kid, you alright?" Hunter looked up slightly startled.

"Oh, hey Shawn. Yeah, just thinking about where my career is headed, you know?"

"It's a tough business, kid. We've all been there," Paul said nodding along.

"Yeah, I know. It's just frustrating not getting much TV time lately. I want to make a bigger impact," Hunter said, running a hand through his hair.

"Patience, Hunter. It takes time. Keep working hard, and the opportunities will come," Shawn said, trying to offer some advice to the young star.

"Thanks, guys. I'll keep pushing forward," Hunter said, nodding along at the advice given to him.

Just then, as fate would have it, Hunter noticed Vince McMahon, the Chairman of the WWE, walking down the hallway nearby. A surge of adrenaline coursed through him.

"Guys, look, it's Vince McMahon!" Paul saw the look in Hunter's eyes and saw the ideas running through his mind.

"Maybe now isn't the best time. Let things happen naturally," Paul said to the young man but the young man said nothing and simply looked between both veterans and jumped up making a beeline to hop into the way of the billionaire Chairman of the powerhouse titan that was WWE.

"Mr. McMahon, may I please have a moment of your time?" Hunter said as he approached the Billionaire. With each pressing moment, he could feel his heart pump almost as if it were going to beat out of his chest. Vince McMahon paused, assessing the young man looking him up and down taking note of his appearance.

"Go on," Vince said looking with an intimidating frown.

"My name is Hunter Bennett but inside that ring, I go by Kevin Bennett. I'm your next big megastar, Mr. McMahon. I'm going to make you a lot of money," Hunter said as Vince looked at him with an eyebrow raised out of intrigue.

"Why don't you come with me and we'll talk about it," Vince said, leading the way as Hunter looked on, taking a deep breath as he looked on.


Hunter walked into the temporary office of Vince McMahon. His heart was pounding with a mix of nervousness and excitement. Vince McMahon, seated behind a large oak desk, looks up at Hunter, his piercing eyes fixed on the determined young wrestler.

Hunter took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves.

"Mr. McMahon, thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak with you," Hunter said as he ran a hand through his hair. Vince leaned back his chair and study Hunter intently.

"You caught my attention, Hunter. Now, tell me, why should I invest my time and money in you?"

Hunter stood up straight, exuding confidence as he took a deep breath before releasing what had been on his mind.

"Mr. McMahon, I believe I have what it takes to become the face of this company. I am dedicated, hardworking, and passionate about the business. I want to leave a legacy that will be remembered for years to come."

"Passion and dedication are important, Hunter, but they're not enough. What sets you apart from the rest? What makes you unique?" Vince leaned forward, intrigued by the words spoken by the young star. Hunter paused as he gathered his thoughts.

"Mr. McMahon, I have a vision for my character. I've been refining it, working on my in-ring skills, developing a persona that will captivate the audience. I want to be more than just a wrestler; I want to be a storyteller, creating moments that will resonate with the fans and leave them wanting more."

Vince nodded along, intrigued by Hunter's words.

"That's an ambitious goal, Hunter. But let me be frank with you. Right now, I'm not sold on your attire. It lacks that "wow" factor, that visual impact that can make a superstar stand out. You need something that commands attention and leaves a lasting impression."

Hunter nodded, grateful for the honesty coming from a man who had some of the biggest stars of the industry.

"I appreciate your feedback, Mr. McMahon. I will work tirelessly to enhance my look, to create an appearance that truly reflects the character I want to portray. I want to be someone the audience can't ignore."

Vince leaned back in his seat, folding his arms as he looked on.

"That's the spirit, Hunter. But it's not just about appearance. It's about embracing your character fully. You need to live and breathe it, both inside and outside the ring. Give the audience an experience they won't forget. I need you to be the same man you were in DSW. I need you to BECOME The Heartthrob not just be called The Heartthrob," Vince said Hunter simply nodded along.

"I understand, Mr. McMahon. I haven't done a good job with my character not as much as I did in DSW, I will change. I'll make sure that crowd feels every emotion I want to convey."

Vince looked on, leaning forward, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

"I like your courage, Hunter. It takes guts to come in here and present yourself the way you did. You're showing me that you're willing to do what it takes to succeed. Keep that fire burning, and don't let it extinguish."

"Thank you, Mr. McMahon. I swear I won't let you down, I will do whatever it takes to be a megastar in this industry."

"I expect nothing less. Now, go and we'll discuss you getting TV time. The stage is set, the opportunity is yours. Make it count."

Hunter nodded as Vince McMahon held out a hand for him to shake. Hunter shook Vince's hand firmly looking on.

"Thank you, Mr. McMahon, for this chance. You won't regret it."


Hunter walked through the hallways with a surge of determination coursing through his veins. He knew that the road ahead won't be easy, but with the support and guidance he knew he had, he knew he was in good hands and had the support system necessary to make it as a superstar. However his attention was cut off when he saw a woman who had his attention in a chokehold lately, the beautiful Mickie James.

Her infectious smile and undeniable charisma captivate everyone around her. Hunter couldn't help but feel a surge of nerves as he approached her, seeing her clad in a pair of brown boots and a green top almost in the fashion of a cheerleader. Her Women's Championship sat on a crate beside her as she stretched trying to get herself loose before her match.

Hunter couldn't help but allow his eyes to trail up and down her athletic and curvy frame. She turned her head feeling someone watching her and saw Hunter Bennett standing there making her smirk.

"You gonna stand there like a stranger or you gonna come over here and talk to me cowboy," she said in a lower, husky tone capturing his attention.

"You know I'd never miss an opportunity to talk to you angel," Hunter said walking towards Mickie as a smirk danced on his lips. He couldn't resist indulging in a flirtatious banter with Mickie James, the woman who had captured his attention. Hunter leaned up against a crate locking his eyes onto Mickie's.

"Well, angel, I couldn't resist admiring the view. You always know how to make heads turn," Hunter complimented as Mickie looked on with a playful glimmer in her eyes while she raised a brow.

"Is that so, cowboy? I must be doing something right then. But I hope you're not getting distracted now. You've got your own journey to focus on," Mickie said as he simply smirked looking on.

"Oh, I'm focused, Mickie. Trust me. But a little distraction can be a welcome break from all the intensity. And who better to distract me than the one and only Mickie James?"

"Oh is that all I am to you?" She said looking on with a playful frown, making Hunter roll his eyes. Mickie laughed softly, her gaze lingering on Hunter.

"Smooth talker, aren't you? But I have to admit, I appreciate the compliments. It's always nice to know that my hard work is paying off."

Hunter took a step closer, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

"Your hard work definitely pays off, Mickie. You're not just a champion in the ring, but you've got a way of capturing attention too," Hunter said, making Mickie playfully roll her eyes, a teasing smile on her lips.

"Oh, so now you're trying to charm me, huh? I hope you know I don't fall for just anyone, cowboy," Mickie said as James simply smirked and ran a hand through his hair before leaning in, his voice low and husky.

"Well, Ms. James, I'm not just anyone."

Mickie bit her lip before she smirked looking down at the floor before leaning in to the point where there was only inches between the two. She stood on her tiptoes whispering into his ear in a low, sultry tone.

"I don't think you can handle a woman like me."

"I'm willing to test that theory," he whispered, making her bite her lip once again.

"We'll see about that one Mr. Bennett," she said before backing up and grabbing her Championship title from the nearby crate, "I got to run. I have a match, watch it please."

She placed a hand on his chest looking into his eyes before she walked off swaying her hips as he watched on, this time biting his lips.

"Oh I will be watching angel."