The After-Party
Fans erupted in celebration the moment their heroes secured victory at WrestleMania X7, just as the final pinfall landed and the bell rang. But for the WWF, the true celebration came not amid the chaos of the event itself, but the following night after RAW. Instead of rushing from hotel to hotel, the superstars were invited to an exclusive VIP after-party at a sleek nightclub in downtown Houston, Texas—a night to let loose and savor the triumph of a historic WrestleMania.
The nightclub itself was bathed in gold and black lighting, towering WWF logos projected onto sleek walls, and WM X7 banners hung proudly throughout. Vince McMahon had picked the venue carefully—it exuded both luxury and the electrifying energy that mirrored the event's magnitude. Inside, superstars mingled in stylish attire, shedding their ring gear for casual yet fashionable looks. It was a time to unwind and bask in the shared triumph of an event that would be remembered for generations.
The unmistakable voice of The Rock boomed through the room as he worked the crowd from the stage, mic in hand. Serving as the unofficial MC of the night, Dwayne's charisma was undeniable. His quick wit and playful tone turned what could have been a formal affair into a raucous celebration. "Ah, another entourage has finally arrived!" Rocky announced, the spotlight shifting toward the newcomers. "Welcome, ladies! Oh, wait—did I just see another champion stroll in? Smitty, are you around? Ah, there you are!" He pointed with mock drama at Lou, drawing laughter from the crowd. "Let's give it up Lou Smith—Lulu, darling, stand up so everyone can see how lovely you are tonight!"
Lou laughed, unfazed, stood up and waved with a grin, earning cheers and applause. As the spotlight faded, the group moved into the buzzing crowd, the air electric with laughter and music. The Rock soon handed the mic to none other than Vince McMahon, who stood tall in his signature suit, exuding authority and pride. The room quieted as he addressed the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen." He began, his voice steady and full of emotion. "Last night at WrestleMania X7, we didn't just put on a show—we made history. And none of it would have been possible without every single one of you. From the superstars who left their hearts in the ring to the crew who made it all happen, this moment belongs to all of us."
Lou raised her glass along with the rest of the crowd as the room erupted in applause. Highlights from the night played on large screens: Shane's victory over Vince in their brutal street fight, The Undertaker extending his streak, and the heart-stopping TLC Tag Team Championship match. Laughter and cheers filled the room as everyone relived the most jaw-dropping moments of the night. As the applause subsided, Vince's smile widened. "Now, we couldn't call this a true WrestleMania celebration without a little help from some special friends!"
One by one, celebrity guests took the stage, to the crowd's delight. Houston's own Destiny's Child kicked things off, performing a medley of their hits that had the crowd on their feet. The energy peaked as the trio led an electrifying rendition of "Deep in the Heart of Texas," earning raucous applause and whistles. Then, the legendary George Strait took over, bringing the heart of Texas to life with a soulful acoustic set. As he walked through the crowd, microphone in hand, he handed it to a grinning Steve Austin, who belted out a few lines with his trademark cackle, sending the crowd into hysterics. The entire room swayed along, the melodies transforming the night into a celebration not just of WrestleMania, but of Texas pride. Cheers erupted as the music rose, and the dance floor became a whirlwind of energy. Vince McMahon himself was spotted tapping his foot near the bar, a rare moment of relaxed joy for the usually intense boss.
"Psst, Lou…you've got company." Nora nudged her and bobbed her head. Lou turned around to see Stephanie making their way to their table, specifically looking for her.
Instinctively the Champ got up and welcomed her. "Hi Stephanie. Looking good." Lou shared a cheeky kiss with the young woman.
"Not too bad yourself, Lou." Stephanie grinned. "Really nice boots!"
Lou looked down to her cowboy boots, the only one she owned after a random eyeshopping a couple of months ago. She was glad she had purchased it in the end. "A little something to match the party theme. I'm glad I have the reason to wear it."
"They're perfect." Stephanie smiled, then lowered her voice. "Hey, can I borrow you for a bit? There's something I want to talk about."
"Sure. Lead the way." Lou followed Stephanie going through the buzzing party.
Lou raised an eyebrow but followed Stephanie through the buzzing crowd, her heels clicking against the floor with each step. They maneuvered through the crowd until they reached the coveted Powerhouse Table, the most sought-after spot in the club. Positioned near the center of the action with a perfect view of the dance floor and stage, it was where the biggest stars of the WWF gathered to celebrate.
As Lou neared the table, she noticed Vince McMahon sitting at the head, his commanding presence impossible to ignore. He glanced up as they approached, his sharp eyes locking onto Lou's. There was something in his gaze that made her feel a shift in the air, an unspoken expectation.
Before Lou could sit down, Vince stood, gesturing toward the empty seat beside him. "Lou, come sit for a moment," he said, his voice full of authority. Stephanie subtly stepped back, letting Lou take the seat next to Vince.
Lou raised an eyebrow but didn't protest. "Sure, Vince. What's on your mind?"
Vince studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. "I've been watching you, Lou. Watching how you've handled things—the matches, the promos, the energy you bring every time you step into the ring." He paused, letting his words hang in the air. "And I think it's time for a change. This business is in need of something different, something fresh. We need people who can take this company to the next level—people who aren't afraid to make things bigger, more powerful, more unforgettable."
Lou shifted in her seat, feeling the weight of his words. "I'm all for change, Vince. But what do you have in mind?"
Vince leaned in slightly, lowering his voice, though the intensity in his eyes never wavered. "You, Lou. I think you've got the potential to be part of something that'll shake this company to its core. I want you to be ready to take the next step. Embrace the power you could wield here. The time is right."
For a moment, Lou was speechless. She'd known something big was coming, but this felt different. She glanced over at Stephanie, who stood nearby, watching her with a mixture of curiosity and encouragement.
Before Lou could speak, Vince added, "Think about it. You've got the tools, Lou. What if this next chapter is about embracing power, not just earning respect?" He gave her a meaningful look, as if waiting for her to process it.
Lou leaned back in her seat, processing the gravity of his words. She wasn't sure what this Power Trip idea meant yet, but Vince's conviction made her wonder if this was the shift the company—and her career—had been waiting for.
Stephanie stepped forward again, sensing Lou's hesitation. "Come on, Lou, let's talk to Hunter. He's been waiting for you."
Lou nodded and stood up slowly, still turning Vince's words over in her mind. The tension in the air was palpable as she followed Stephanie to the other side of the table, where Triple H lounged casually with a beer in hand. His eyes lit up when he saw Lou approach.
Triple H waved as Lou approached, his smirk familiar. "Been a while since we sparred, Smith."
"Yeah, my favorite was when I got to low blow you," Lou teased, accepting the beer he handed her.
Paul chuckled. "Well, Don't get carried away. We're teammates now."
"I'll try not to." Lou slipped into a seat beside Stephanie, her tone shifting slightly. "I've heard rumors—something about you two teaming with Austin, and somehow, I get thrown into the mix."
Stephanie glanced at Paul, who gave her a slight nod. "Look, Lou, it's not like we're just sticking you in to fill a spot. You've got the talent, the presence, and the ability to make this work. Honestly, you're exactly what this storyline needs."
Lou couldn't help but chuckle, though her mind was still preoccupied. "So I've just heard from your dad." She replied, casting a brief glance back at Vince, who was now chatting with The Rock.
Hunter caught her eye, sensing her unease. "What's on your mind, Smith?"
Lou gave a noncommittal shrug but took a seat beside him. "Not sure, to be honest. Vince just dropped a bomb about me taking a bigger role around here. I guess he sees something in me... something I'm not sure I even know how to harness yet."
Hunter's expression softened, and he took a swig of his beer. "Look, Lou, I've seen what you're capable of. Vince doesn't just hand out compliments, and he sure as hell doesn't push people into positions for no reason. You've got what it takes—whether you're ready to admit it or not."
Lou glanced at Stephanie, who was watching them closely, her expression unreadable. She took a breath, steadying herself. "I don't know what this means yet, but... maybe it's time to stop running from change."
"Well now you have the chance. You'll do great, honestly. I can already imagine it." Steph reassured her.
Hunter gave a knowing nod. "And we'll be here to back you up."
Lou leaned back, her eyes narrowing. "Is this why you called me over? Were you two worried about me?"
Stephanie shook her head. "We just want you to know you're not alone with this one."
"Stephanie maybe, but I'm not. I know you'll do great with this." Paul laughed lightly. "Hey Smith, if you're in need of assurance, lemme tell you a lil secret." He leaned in and she followed. "Austin is also nervous about the whole heel turn. Like Steph said, you're not the only one. So don't stress."
Lou glanced at the next table where The Rattlesnake was laughing along with the others, his raspy laugh boomed. "He don't look nervous to me."
"That's cause he's fuckin' drunk—Oy Austin! How many bottles do you already have?"
Paul left the table to check on him—or rather to join the chaos and Lou couldn't help but smirk.
"Did you know Vince initially wanted Chyna for this plot?" Lou asked suddenly, her gaze drifting to the muscular woman on the other side of the club. She let the words hang, watching Stephanie's expression tighten just slightly. "I mean, imagine having this little chat with her instead."
Stephanie's smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "I didn't know that." She said evenly, glancing toward Paul, who was still laughing with the others. "My dad only ever mentioned you."
"Really? Huh," Lou said, her smirk widening as she took a slow sip of her drink. "Guess I'm lucky then." The weight of the unspoken history hung between them, thick and unmistakable. Lou could see the tension creeping into Stephanie's posture, her fingers drumming lightly on the table as if trying to shake it off.
"Look." Stephanie said quietly, leaning in just enough to lower her voice. "Can we not bring this up with Paul? There's no point dragging up old...stuff."
Lou raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Who said I'd mention it to Paul? But now that you're worried, maybe I should."
Stephanie's eyes narrowed, but her tone stayed calm, controlled. "You won't." She said firmly, more a command than a request.
Lou's grin widened as she leaned back, clearly enjoying the upper hand. "Relax, Steph. Just making conversation."
Stephanie exhaled sharply and shook her head, abruptly standing. "You know what? Enough of this—let's dance!" She yanked Lou to her feet with an overly bright grin that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Lou chuckled, letting herself be pulled along. "Aw, I was just starting to have fun." She teased, her tone dripping with mock sweetness. Stephanie didn't respond, but her grip on Lou's arm tightened just enough to send a clear message.
Before they could reach the dance floor, a familiar voice called out. "Hey, Smith!" Lou turned to see Austin, his gravelly voice cutting through the music. "You got a cig on ya?"
Lou grinned, lifting her foot onto a chair and unzipping an ornament on her cowboy boot. She pulled out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter, tossing them to him. Austin caught it, his laugh booming. "Knew you came prepared."
This action caught the attention of the table. "That was a pocket?" Undertaker said, raising an eyebrow. Lou just shrugged and winked. "Nice one, kid."
Lou just laughed, the moment easing some of the weight she'd been carrying. For now, it was time to let loose and enjoy the night.
Lou was starting to feel the buzz from the drinks as the night wore on. The golden lights of the club seemed warmer, the bass of the music vibrated through her chest, and laughter rippled around her like a constant hum. Normally sharp and focused, she let herself sink into the party's easy chaos, content to watch her friends' antics unfold.
On the dance floor, Jeff Hardy and Adam had teamed up against Christian in an impromptu dance battle that was quickly turning into a full-blown spectacle. Jeff spun wildly, his arms flailing like a broken windmill, while Christian countered with an awkward, exaggerated robot dance.
"Jeff looks like a tornado." Nora said, leaning against Lou as she snapped a picture on her disposable camera.
"A really colorful one." Lou quipped, swirling her drink and shaking her head as Edge mock-bowed like a grand showman.
The laughter crescendoed as Trish and Amy appeared, holding up a velvet rope they'd swiped from the VIP section. "Alright, Hardy Boys!" Trish called, setting the makeshift limbo bar in place. "Let's see if you can actually bend backward without falling on your asses!"
"This is going to end in disaster." Lou muttered, though she couldn't suppress her grin.
Jeff was the first up, dramatically bending backward as if performing an impossible acrobatic feat. He wobbled dangerously, his arms flailing for balance, before just barely making it under the rope. "I meant to do that!" he declared triumphantly, to roars of laughter.
"You're all going to break something." Lou said, watching Matt Hardy take his turn and nearly topple forward in the process.
"C'mon, Lou, you in?" Amy asked, giving her a playful nudge.
Lou smirked, the alcohol loosening her usual reluctance to dive into their chaos. "Fine, but only if you're all ready to lose."
"Ohhh, it's on now!" Trish teased, clapping her hands in mock anticipation.
As the line formed, Jeff went again, this time collapsing in a heap under the bar. "I'm retired!" he shouted, sprawled out like a fallen soldier. Matt fared slightly better, wobbling his way through to raucous cheers. Amy and Trish both slid under the bar with the precision of seasoned performers, their years of flexibility training on full display.
When Lou's turn came, she rolled her shoulders and smirked at the crowd. "Watch and learn, boys."
With a certainty and grace, she bent backward, arms wide for balance, and glided under the bar effortlessly. The group erupted in cheers, though Christian immediately threw his hands up in mock protest. "No way. She's cheating!"
"Cheating?" Lou repeated, straightening with a grin. "That's called talent."
"I always forgot you were a gymnast." Matt muttered, earning a laugh from Amy.
As the bar lowered further, the crowd thinned. Jeff dropped out spectacularly, nearly yanking the rope down with him. "That's on purpose!" he declared, flopping onto a nearby chair. Lou just rolled her eyes as she stepped over him for her next turn.
By the end, only Trish and Lou were left. The crowd gathered closer, egging them on.
"You're going down, Smith," Trish said with mock seriousness, her arms crossed.
"Not a chance," Lou fired back, bending easily under the increasingly low bar.
When Trish finally faltered, Lou made one last pass with almost comical ease. Adam dramatically held up her arm like a prizefighter. "And the winner is…Lou Smith!"
"I told you so." Lou replied, giving a mock bow to the group.
The energy in the club had shifted slightly, but the chaos continued as more wrestlers jumped in to try their luck. Soon after, the second limbo contest began, the makeshift bar lowered even further, and the crowd's laughter boomed through the air as more participants scrambled to make it under. The noise grew as wrestlers took turns attempting to defy gravity, with each failed attempt eliciting roars of laughter and playful jeers from the crowd.
Lou had opted not to do the second one, felt the slight buzz of the drinks hitting her a little harder. Now leaning against the bar, she shared a contented grin when Farooq and Bradshaw made a poor attempt on the backbend.
"Hey, Smith." She turned slightly to see Steve Austin walking toward her. He had that same cocky grin on his face, his eyes scanning the scene before landing on her. Steve said, his voice low but with a playful edge. "I see you bailed out before the real competition started."
Lou smiled, raising an eyebrow. "What can I say? I'm a winner—I don't need to stick around and show them how it's done."
Steve chuckled, stepping closer. The light from the hallway flickered off his stubble, casting a shadow that only highlighted the way his eyes lingered on her. "Is that so?" He leaned against the bar next to her. "Funny… seems like everyone thought you had the moves tonight."
A slight flush rose to Lou's cheeks, but she played it cool, leaning back with a teasing smile. "Guess they got lucky," she replied, her voice light, but with a hint of challenge.
Steve shifted his stance, closer now, his shoulder brushing against hers as he leaned in just enough for Lou to feel the intensity in his gaze. "Lucky, huh?" a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Seems to me you've got a bit more than just luck working for you tonight."
Leaning back, Lou tilted her head slightly, trying to stay light. "What, you saying you're impressed?"
Steve's grin widened, his eyes never leaving hers. "Maybe. Or maybe I just like watching a winner take charge."
"I'm just here to make sure everyone gets their fair share of the spotlight." Lou said, her voice steady, but there was a subtle edge to it—a quiet intensity that matched the moment.
Steve chuckled, his gaze still locked on hers as he leaned back, breaking the tension just slightly. "Yeah, you sure did that tonight. But if you're tired of playing the humble champ, I think you've earned the right to show 'em all how it's really done."
Lou glanced at him, her lips curving into a playful smirk. "Maybe I'll take you up on that challenge sometime."
Steve's grin lingered just a bit too long, his eyes gleaming with something unspoken. "I'll be waiting." He turned back toward the party, but not before giving her a light pat on the shoulder. "Enjoy the rest of your night, Lou."
Lou grinned as he walked away, the weight of his gaze still lingering on her. The tension in the air seemed to hang just a little longer before she finally shook it off, a contented smile playing at the corners of her lips.