1/19/03 - Boston, Massachusetts

The past few days had been hectic for the newest member of the Monday Night Raw roster. This past Monday Night on Raw, he made his debut in a match in which he was victorious against the likes of Stevie Richards. That same night he would join Victoria for a night out on the town in which was a fun experience something he hoped he could have again. Tuesday he would jump up, hit the gym and hit the road to travel to the next town he was working in. Then fast forward to Wednesday, Thursday where he spent both of those days working live events competing for fans in live events. Friday, he would go back home to Calgary to spend a little time with his father, Jim Hudson before coming to Boston, Massaschussetts for the Royal Rumble.

And while he wasn't booked, it was always a good practice to always show up regardless of being booked or not. That was something Jack always taught, his purpose in teaching this was to instill an idea that you would always be there for your fellow wrestling brethren and just in case the promotion wanted to change things on the fly and put you on the card or in someone's spot on a show. And for a company like the WWE they were known to make changes on the fly.

And another one of Jack's unwritten rules, when it came to Pay-Per-Views ALWAYS dress up.

James pulled up to the back entrance of the Fleet Center. The young grappler took a moment to gather himself before stepping out of the vehicle clad in a simple pair of black slacks with italian loafers with a black turtleneck sweater and a tan overcoat. His hair was neatly combed with a ponytail at the end letting his jet-black wavy hair swing freely.

Carrying his bag with him, James approached the back entrance of the arena with a determined stride. His attire not only showcased his respect for the occasion but also hinted at his professionalism and dedication to his craft. As he prepared to enter the Fleet Center, he was ready to embrace whatever the night had in store, whether he was booked for a match or not, embodying the spirit of loyalty, preparedness, and commitment to his fellow wrestlers.

As he strided through the backstage area, he noticed how live the backstage area was. There was a sense of excitement and joy rushing through the arena. Everyone in the arena was moving with a purpose as they definitely moved to make the 16th annual Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View unforgettable.

A little bit of time had passed since James had first pulled into the arena. And so far, he had went in, did his usual rounds and right now he was making his rounds through the arena getting a feel for it. Even though, he wasn't performing tonight, he still didn't want to take any chances and forget to do his rituals just in case something happened and he was asked to perform.

He currently stood at the ringside area, looking to see as the stage crew was finishing up on the stage. His mind started to wonder about how much went into a WWE show that people didn't really know about. There are guys who break the ring down, load it up into a truck just for the truck to go to another show in which they break it down to build it back up in another arena. Pay-Per-View had their own unique stages in which someone had to design and build to capture the aesthetic of the Pay-Per-View.

Camera man, sound guys and so many more. People only really think about the performers but they don't ever really think about the other side of that. This Pay-Per-View event made James grateful for everything and everyone that helped with the WWE.

"Sir, this is James Hudson," James heard, making him look up to see Eric Bischoff clad in a suit with Vince McMahon by his side in a gray suit with a white button-up and red tie. James had never been around Mr. McMahon before. Not even during his contract signing, he instead did that with the Director of Talent Relations. Seeing him up close made him realize just how big he was. And not just big in terms of impact in the wrestling industry but big in terms of size.

"I know exactly who this is. Chris Hawthorne," Mr. McMahon said as the two walked towards James. Vince held his hand out which James shook with a firm handshake, "I must say you've impressed me over the years with your performances and I can appreciate someone who follows the traditions of the old times."

"Thank you sir, it's an honor."

"Walk with me, I have an idea I want to discuss with you," Mr. McMahon said as James simply nodded his head and looked on. He jumped over the barricade and started to walk and talk with the Chairman of the WWE.

James stood in the back in a blue version of the red gear he wore last week with white tape and white boots. He had let his hair down and had oil running through his hair to giving it that sleek appearance. He was silently doing backflips in his head as he was getting ready to compete on a WWE Pay-Per-View for the first time merely days after he made his debut. There was an extremely small list of performers who could say they made their debut just a few mere days ago and they were now booked on a Pay-Per-View event. But Chris Hawthorne was now a member of that list.

James was momentarily jumping in place trying to clear his head and his nerves and get loose before the match.

"Alright, kid, you ready?" asked Bischoff as James nodded his head and let out a deep breath.

"Yeah, I am."

"Good, now Chris Nowinski is about to go through that curtain. When he does, let him get his motion on the stage, you come from behind, attack him and take his spot. Got it?"

"Yes, sir. I got it."

"Alright, good luck out there kid," Eric said, patting James on the back before walking back to the producers area. Just as Eric had sat down, the 6 '5, 270 Pound former Defensive Tackle for Harvard, Christopher Nowinski came clad in his ring gear. Christopher looked around but failed to acknowledge James, making him smirk.

Chris' music could be heard playing on the PA system through the back. Chris started to make his way through the curtain walking out to face the crowd as James looked on. It was time to flick that switch and go from being James Hudson to Chris Hawthorne.

Some of the fans weren't really paying attention as Chris Nowinski walked his way through the curtain and walked towards the ramp. A small wave of applause came as someone came running from the back to club Chris Nowinski in the back of the head with his forearm. That man was Chris Hawthorne.

Hawthorne started to put the boots to Nowinski as the music started to cease to play. Hawthorne grabbed Nowinski by his hair and forced him to up to his feet before he tossed him face-first into the steel railing on the titantron. Chris ran a hand through his hair as he turned towards the stage looking on with an arrogant smile on his face before he ran down the ramp making a beeline to the ring. He was taking his destiny in his own hands and entering the Royal Rumble match on his own.

He slid under the bottom rope as Jericho was mounting over Michaels putting my fist to the bloodied cut of Shawn Michaels. Chris ran towards Jericho and took him down with a hard clothesline sending him crashing to the canvas. Hawthorne started to put the boots to Jericho as he tried to regroup.

Hawthorne peeked over his shoulder and saw Shawn Micheals getting up to a knee and ran towards him grabbing by the hair forcing him up to his feet before he clocked him with a hard right fist to send him to the canvas. Immediately the fans were booing as they saw Chris Hawthorne beating up on their hero, Shawn Michaels.

Jericho had made it up to his feet and ran towards Hawthorne. Hawthorne ducked this and allowed Chris to clock Shawn Michaels who was rising up to his feet. Jericho turned around and was clocked with a kick to the gut by Chris Hawthorne who then whipped him hard into the turnbuckle pad making him drop down feeling pain shoot through his back.

Shawn had his hands on the ropes and forced himself up to his feet. Chris Hawthorne saw this and ran to the ropes to clothesline Shawn Michaels over the top rope, eliminating him from the Royal Rumble! The fans immediately started to rain down the boos on Chris Hawthorne as he dusted his hands off while chuckling arrogantly. Jericho grabbed a hold of the ropes forcing himself up to his feet as Hawthorne ran towards him only for Jericho to clock him with a boot.

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!BUZZ!

"619" Hits

And with the 4th pick, Rey Mysterio from SmackDown came running down the ramp making a beeline as the fans cheered. Chris Hawthorne tried to run towards Rey Mysterio only for Mysterio to slide between his legs and hop up and jump off the ropes taking Hawthorne off his feet with a Springboard Dropkick. Hawthorne rolled over to the corner as Chris tried to take his chances but Mysterio once again hit the ropes and this time came flying off with a springboard like flying headscissors takedown.

Chris Jericho popped up to his feet and Rey went straight for the offense hitting "Y2J" with a bunch of fists. Rey tried to whip Chris Jericho into the ropes but Jericho reversed it and when Chris tried to go for some offense, he grabbed Rey looking for a powerbomb but Rey instead grabbed him and brought him down face-first.

Chris Hawthorne had some time to recoup and came running towards Rey Mysterio and nearly took him out his boots with a clothesline. Hawthorne once again felt the boos from the crowd as he turned to Jericho. Jericho and Hawthorne started to walk towards each other gnawing off at one another, talking trash. Jericho was the first to throw the first blow as Hawthorne took the shot and fired one back. Jericho took this shot and fired one back of his own. And before you knew it both men were in the center of the ring duking it out like times of old. This gave Rey Mysterio the time he needed to recoup and climb the turnbuckle. Hawthorne and Jericho turned around only to be caught by Rey Mysterio who came flying off the top taking both men down as the fans cheered loudly.

Jericho was the first to make it up to his feet as Hawthorne rolled over to rest under the bottom rope. Jericho and Mysterio started to trade in blows as the countdown started while the fans chanted along.

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!BUZZ!

"Never Gonna Stop" Hits

The next entrant into the 2003 Royal Rumble from SmackDown, Edge emerged through the curtain running to the ring making a beeline as he slid under the bottom rope and jumped into the fray while the fans cheered.

Edge immediately jumped into the heat of battle taking both Rey Mysterio and Chris Jericho down with a double clothesline. Chris popped up to his feet as Edge hit the ropes when he popped off, he clocked Jericho with his devastating Spear! Chris Hawthorne had momentarily regrouped and tried to jump into the action only to be met with Spear by Edge! Mysterio had taken this time to climb up onto the turnbuckle as Chris Jericho started to make it up to his feet clutching his abdomen. Jericho stumbled around to meet Rey Mysterio coming off the top rope with flying hurricanrana. Jericho dropped to the canvas and rolled out of the ring getting some separation but since he didn't go over the top rope, he wasn't eliminated.

Edge and Rey Mysterio locked eyes on one another and both extended their hands as a sign of mutual respect for one another but both men had other ideas as they both kicked each other in the gut making them grunt upon impact. Edge went for a clothesline but Rey Mysterio ducked it and Rey tried to get some more offense in but was met with a back elbow making him stumble back to the middle rope.

Rey jumped back up to a vertical base as Edge ran towards him but Rey tripped Edge causing him to be set up in the middle rope for a move he was notorious for, the 619. Rey hit the ropes and when he bounced off, he grabbed a hold of the top and middle rope holding on as he looked for his 619 but Edge jumped out of the fray allowing Rey to simply spin out.

Rey landed on his feet and Edge went for a clothesline but Rey ducked it and hit the ropes. When he did, he bounced off and caught Edge looking for a hurricanrana but Edge held on having Rey in a powerbomb like position and walked over to the ropes. But Chris Hawthorne saw this as his opportunity and came running from behind to grab a hold of Edge and lift him up over the top rope eliminating both Rey and Edge!

The fans booed as Chris dropped down to a knee with a smirk on his face as he took advantage of the situation and scored his 3rd elimination thus far in his first Royal Rumble match. His first Pay-Per-View match for that matter. Jericho, still on the outside recouping from that, Spear left Hawthorne alone in the ring as the countdown started while the fans counted along.

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!BUZZ!

"At Last" Hits

The fans in Boston started to boo as the music of Christian hit the sound system as he came running through the curtain making his way into the ring. He slid under the bottom rope and went straight for the offense, running towards Christian only to be rocked with a clothesline that sent him down to the canvas. Chris mounted over Christian piling on a series of right hands over the superstar. That is until Chris Jericho came in and started to stomp down on Chris causing him to fall over and off of his friend and ally.

Jericho continued to stomp down on Chris Hawthorne as Christian slowly started to rise up to his feet. He ran over to help Jericho start to put the boots to Hawthorne as the fans were booing at all 3 of these performers in the ring.

They were booing up until a figure came running groggily down the ramp and that figure was none other than The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels who still had blood dripping down from the cut he had earlier thanks to Jericho! Shawn slid under the bottom rope and immediately Christian ran to go try to attack Shawn only to be dropped with a right hand. Jericho hopped up and ran towards Jericho only to be dropped with a right hand. Christian popped right back and ran towards Shawn only to be dropped with another right hand.

Jericho popped up again and this time was dropped with another right hand. Christian rose up once again and was dropped with a Sweet Chin Music for his efforts. Christian flopped to to his back as he stared up at the lights. Hawthorne and Jericho both started to rise to their feets and Shawn was looking to get revenge on Chris Jericho for busting him open but Jericho jumped out of harm's way causing Chris Hawthorne to be clocked with Sweet Chin Music! Hawthorne stumbled back to fall over the top rope eliminating him from the match! Shawn was looking on with a frown only for Chris Jericho to come from behind and grab Shawn forcing him over the top rope.

The fans booed Jericho looked on in the ring with a smirk as Chris Hawthorne stared at the lights while Shawn locked eyes with Jericho looking on with a frown.

Eventually James made his way to the back after the elimination spot with Shawn. As he walked through the curtain, he let out a deep breath hoping that his performance was decent enough. He walked past the production area, until he heard someone call for him.

"Hawthorne," he heard someone shout his ring name making him turn to look and see Shawn Michaels with an ice-pack in hand applying it to his back. Shawn waved him over making set his sights upon the legendary 4-time World Champion, "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels.

"Good job on selling that superkick, you did better than I expected."

"Thank you sir. I tried to make sure I did it a little justice, although I will say it was a little stiff," James said as he ran a hand through his hair.

"I know that's my mistake. And you can relax with the whole sir thing, I know I'm on the older side, but I don't want it to be rubbed in," Shawn said making James chuckle as he glanced down at the ground before looking back up at the senior WWE Wrestler.

"My apologies."

"What I'm about to tell you stays between me and you, I don't want to hear from anyone, from any dirt sheets or anything. If I do, I will do everything in my power to have the plans thrown out, got it?" James simply nodded as a smile snaked onto Shawn's face.

"I talked to Vince and Bischoff and I got us a match scheduled for No Way Out. It's the opener but it's good for your first big program." A huge smile appeared on James' face as he heard the news of his first big singles Pay-Per-View program with a legend like HBK.

"Thank you sir! Thank you!"

"Hey don't mention it, I think you're a talented kid I wanna give you a shot just so the old man sees it too," James heard this making him nod as the smile on his face couldn't be wiped away. This wasn't in his character to respond the way he did like a kid. He always prided himself on acting like a professional but this news had a way of breaking all of that. He knew a program with someone the likes of Shawn Michaels could do wonders for his career and launch into an early path of success.

"Don't make me regret it kid, now go out have fun be young but don't drink too much," Shawn told him as James took a deep breath and tried to whip away the smile to be more professional. If "Iron" Jack saw this, he'd make James do up-downs until he couldn't move anymore.

"Thank you, again," James said, shaking away the wave of happiness that left him like a kid and responded like a true professional holding a hand out for Shawn to shake. Shawn shook his hand and gave him a nod. James took a deep breath and turned around to walk down the hallway back to the locker room. His career was about to get a whole lot more interesting.

A/N: Boy am I cooking right now or what! I know I'm usually not the most active person ever but I'm trying right now to be as active as I can while I got the creative juices flowing. Let me know what y'all think and also don't forget to follow my new story, American Son. And also I got a Percy Jackson OC fic coming soon so if you want to be apart of that hit me up.