Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017 - Jacksonville, FL - Royal Rumble 2017: 26 Days Away

Tonight was the first SmackDown Live of the new year, 2017. And James, for one, was very excited about tonight. Tonight was his first SmackDown in about 3 weeks since the December 6th edition of SmackDown Live and it was safe to say he missed the squared circle. While Cassie was enjoying her time with James, the man himself was missing the thrill of being on the road. His body had thanked him giving him time to heal from the damage and fatigue he acquired over the past few months of competing. But his mind, his heart and his soul had begged to be back out there in the ring in front of the WWE Universe. It was a high that couldn't be replicated and he would be lying if he said he didn't love. He'd be lying if he said that he wasn't addicted to it because he was.

James was in the ring in a solid black hoodie with a set of grey sweats and black trainers. He was running the ropes trying to get a feel for them for tonight, Triple Threat main event for the Intercontinental Championship, The Champion Zack Mercer against The Miz and Dean Ambrose, two men who battled each other and took themselves to limit in a match that ended in a draw just last week for a shot at Mercer and tonight the man himself was looking to deliver a masterclass to the WWE Universe to show them exactly why he is where he is on the card.

To say that James himself had a lot of pressure was an understatement. He felt obligated to come out and give 150% all the time, every time. He thought about what it was like when he was a little kid and his sister had saved up money for them to go to a WWE Show, the feeling of seeing his favorites compete and lay it all on the line every night and every time they stepped through the ropes motivated him. And that was part of the reason he felt like he had to give it all whenever he stepped through the ropes to compete. And tonight was no different even on a simple episode of SmackDown Live, this was chance to get the ball rolling in the new year and build some momentum for the Royal Rumble.

His thoughts however were cut off when he heard some steps coming down the ramp and made him turn around to see Lexi coming down the ramp, face full of make-up clad in a simple white crop top and sweats.

"Well, he finally returns. I was beginning to think you were taking a break from your bestfriend," Lexi said as she climbed up onto the apron.

"No, ma'am I would never take a break from you. Can't live without you," he said as he put a foot on the bottom rope for her and pulled the middle rope up for her. Her crystal blue orbs looked into his electric blue orbs, making a slight blush raise across her cheeks that she tried to quickly hide as she entered the ring.

"I'm gonna need you to say that against just so I can record it and use it as evidence against you later," she joked making him chuckle as he shook his head.

"Yeah, that was a one-off, I'm not saying it again. And if you tell anyone, I'm going to deny it ever happened," he said as she rolled her eyes.

"Well, I'm glad to hear you wouldn't dream of taking a break from me," Lexi replied with a warm smile, "You know I'll treasure that little confession, even if you won't repeat it. A girl's got to hear stuff like that every once in a while, wish Matthew would say stuff like that."

He stepped towards her and put a finger under her chin forcing her to look into his eyes.

"Trouble in Paradise?" He asked as he raised a brow. She suddenly felt her mouth get dry as she looked into his eyes. The thoughts were starting to escape her mind as she stared into his eyes, "Lex?"

His voice snapped her out of her trance.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, he's just not the same. I don't know if it has something to do with the fact that I'm here and he's not. He just hasn't been the same so it's nice to hear someone say something nice," she said.

"I feel that, you deserve to always hear something nice about you. Things with Cassie have been very stagnant, it feels like our relationship has hit a wall. It's like we're going through the motions without really connecting anymore," he confided, a hint of vulnerability in his voice.

Lexi let out a soft sigh, her expression turning pensive. "I know what you mean about Cassie. It's just not the same lately, is it? I hate to see you two going through a rough patch."

She reached out and gave his arm a gentle squeeze. "But hey, at least you'll always have me, right? No matter what, we'll always have each other's backs." A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

Placing a hand on his shoulder, Lexi looked up at him earnestly. "In the meantime, I'm here if you ever need someone to talk to, okay? No judgements, just a listening ear. Lord knows you've been there for me enough times when I needed it."

"Alright enough serious talk, you wanna run the ropes?" he asked her.

"Yeah, I guess we could," she said as they both shared a smile before they started running the ropes together.

Hours Later - Backstage

James stood near guerilla position backstage with a water bottle in hand pouring it over his head allowing it to seap through his long flowing, raven-colored locks. He was sporting the turquoise ring gear that he work back at TLC which was the last time he competed in a Triple Threat match and that night he succesfully retained his Championship, a feat he was looking to repeat tonight on SmackDown Live. He had on one of his signature t-shirts with the title wrapped around his waist. Beside him stood Mike Mizanin sporting his signature robe that he wore in his entrance with his wife by his side and to the other side of him stood, Jon Good AKA Dean Ambrose, "The Lunatic Fringe of WWE".

All 3 men said nothing but understood their tasks for tonight; to put on a show for the WWE Universe and raise the prestige of the WWE Intercontinental Championship something that Zack and Miz themselves had taken pride in and tried to do with their own rivalry in recent months.

"You guys, ready?" they heard making them turn as Bryan Danielson AKA the SmackDown General Manager, Daniel Bryan walked over to them.

"As ready as we'll be," Jon said as the sound of Miz's music hit the PA system meaning it was showtime and that their time was now. Daniel grabbed put a hand on James' shoulder making him turn his head towards him.

"Before you go out, we need to talk about tonight," Daniel said as James took a deep breath and nodded his head.

Minutes Later - Smackdown Live

Inside the ring the fans cheered as The Miz stood outside the ring hiding behind his wife as Dean Ambrose stood in the ring locking his gaze upon him as they awaited the entrance of noneother than the Intercontinental Champion.

"Bully" Hits

The fans in the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena cheered as the music of the current WWE Intercontinental Champion, Zack Mercer hit the arena's sound system. Some of the lights around the arena started to lower as the others started to flash a bright set of white lights around the arena.

The Intercontinental Champion walked out onto the stage, eyes glossing over at the thousands of fans in attendance with a wide toothy grin before he hunched over title around the waist before he quickly snapped back up vertically raising his index and middle fingers up in the air as a tribute to his mother and his sister. He looked down at his Championship and smiled as he looked around the arena.

"Jacksonville, How you doin! Let's go it's Mercer Time baby!" Zack shouted as he walked down the ramp slapping the hands of the fans.

"And their opponent, from Las Vegas, Nevada. Weighing in at 225 Pounds. The Intercontinental Champion, "The Ace of Spades" Zack Mercer." Greg Hamilton announced as he reached the ringside area he looked around at the crowd once more with a smile.

He walked around the ringside area to the ring and got up onto the ring apron similar to the Miz's style. He held onto the middle rope while he raised up his index finger and middle finger with his other hand. He got up to his feet and entered the ring locking eyes with Dean Ambrose as he walked towards the corner and jumped onto the turnbuckles and did his same pose once again while the fans in Jacksonville gave him an applause.

He jumped down from the ropes and walked towards the center of the ring locking eyes with Dean Ambrose as he unwrapped the title from around his waist raising it into the air as The Miz took his turn to finally enter the ring as Zack's music slowly faded off into the background.

Zack lowered his title and tossed it to the official. As the WWE official raised the title into the air, Zack took his shirt off tossing it into the crowd while his opponents looked at the prize they were fighting for getting ready for a fight.

Ding-Ding-Ding!

Triple Threat Intercontinental Championship match here tonight between The Miz, Dean Ambrose and the current Intercontinental Champion, Zack Mercer. The fans cheered as the competitors stood in the squared circle gearing up for their high stakes Pay-Per-View level match up taking place in the main event of SmackDown Live.

Zack turned his gaze looking back and forth between the current #1 Contender, Dean Ambrose and the man who seemingly wiseled his way into this match-up, The Miz. All 3 competitors circled around the ring trying to get a feel for one another. Zack turned to The Miz and looked on with a smirk before he clocked THE MIZ WITH AN ACE OF SPADES SUPERKICK dropping him flat to his back, staring up at the lights! The crowd popped loudly as Maryse reached into the ring and struggled as she pulled her dazed husband out of the ring.

Zack simply shrugged his shoulders as Dean looked on amused. The two gladiators circled around the ring once more before locking horns in a collar-elbow tie up. The two men jocked and vied for position that is until Dean had the advantage and pushed Zack into the corner. Dean held Zack there before the referee came in between the two men and pushed them apart. Dean backed up to the center of the ring and motioned for Zack to come meet him in the center making Zack smirk as he stepped out from the corner. He ran a hand through his hair before he circled around the ring once more locking it up with Ambrose.

Both men jocked and vied for dominance in this collar elbow tie-up with Mercer now getting the advantage pushing Ambrose into the corner. Mercer held Ambrose there in the corner until the referee then again came between both men. Mercer backed up to the center of the ring and motioned for Ambrose to meet him in the center of the ring just like Ambrose did earlier earning an amused chuckle.

Ambrose walked towards the center of the ring and tried to lock it up with Mecer but Zack had other plans and went behind Dean with a waistlock before transitioning his waistlock into a side headlock. Ambrose backed Mercer into the ropes and sent him into the ropes across the ring. Miz had gotten up and recovered grabbing Mercer by his feet, and pulling him out of the ring and throwing him into the steel steps on outside. The chorus of boos rang out loud for The Miz as a small smile snuck onto his face as he turned his attention on Zack Mercer who was down on the outside writhing in pain as he had a hand on his shoulder while his wife was clapping on the outside. He turned his attention to DEAN AMBROSE WHO CAME FLYING IN LIKE A HEAT-SEEKING MISSILE PUSHING THE MIZ BACK-FIRST INTO THE ANNOUNCE TABLE.

The WWE Universe in Jacksonville cheered as Dean Ambrose looked around at the crowd nodding his head along at recklessness. Dean walked over to Miz and grabbed him forcing him up to his feet. He grabbed Miz by the back of his head and slammed him face-first into the announce table cover. Dean looked around before he shrugged and did it again and again and again. Dean kept slamming The Miz's face into the announce table cover as the fans started counting. And the count was up to 9 and Dean slammed Miz's face into the cover again as the fans chanted "10!".

The Miz stumbled away only to be clocked with a clothesline from Zack Mercer who had risen back up to his feet. Mercer momentarily locked eyes with Ambrose both men looking with an intensity that told the story, both men wanted one thing and that was the Intercontinental Championship and they were determined to get it. Zack Mercer took his eyes off of The Miz and threw him into the ring before he, himself entered the ring with Ambrose following behind. Miz crawled over to the corner being followed by Zack Mercer who looked on with a smirk. Ambrose took this opportunity to grab Mercer and throw him into the steel ring post shoulder first taking him out of the equation.

Dean Ambrose turned his attention back to The Miz who took this opportunity to quickly rise up to his feet and grab Ambrose and throw him into the corner. Miz took his opportunity to land a chop to the chest of Dean Ambrose making him howl as the fans gave a light boo. Miz with another chop hearing the praise of wife on the outside. And Miz with another and another as Dean's chest began to have a slight red hue from those hard chops. Miz, everso arrogant, walked to the center of the ring and started to taunt holding his arms wide as he absorbed the boots that the WWE Universe gave him.

Miz tried running at Dean with a clothesline but Dean rushed towards him taking him down with a forearm. Miz popped right back up and was taken down with a clothesline. Dean tried hitting the ropes as Miz popped right back up but Dean's foot was grabbed by Zack Mercer who pulled him out of the ring hard and grabbed a hold of him throwing him face-first into the LED ringpost. Zack looked down at Dean with a frown on his face. Zack knew that Dean Ambrose was a tought SOB and he knew that this wasn't going to keep him down for long. He reached down grabbed Dean by the shoulders, lifting him to his feet before he threw him into the steel steps this time making him collide with the steps with a thud.

Zack looked around the arena with a frown showing a different side of himself, more aggression than he normally would've let out. He looked down at Dean Ambrose, shouting "You're not leaving out here tonight with my title!"

The Intercontinental Champion slowly turned his head towards The Miz, a man who he had a lot of history with, a man who had been a thorn in his side ever since he first became Champion. Mercer ran into the ring sliding under the bottom rope and immediately running towards Miz, both men started trading blows with one another with Mercer getting the advantage after hitting Miz with a hard forearm to the jaw making Miz collide with the ropes. Mercer ran towards Miz taking him back out of the ring with a clothesline sending him over the top rope.

Mercer gripped the ropes and was about to do something flashy but Maryse came over to shield her husband. The man hailing from Las Vegas looked on with a frown as he simply shook his head. He heard cheers in the background which could only mean one thing. If they weren't cheering for him, there was only one man they could be cheering for. Mercer turned around and walked towards the center of the ring only to be taken down with an elbow. Ambrose quickly hooked the leg.

1…

2, Mercer popped out at 2 not ready to give up his coveted Intercontinental Championship. Mercer rolled over to the ropes as Dean looked on with a grimmace on his face probably still feeling it in his shoulders after colliding with those steps earlier. Zack grabbed a hold of the ropes using the middle and top rope to pull himself up only to be clocked with a right hand from Dean Ambrose. Ambrose with a series of quick jabs to the jaw of Zack Mercer that had him reeling on the ropes. Dean grabbed a hold of Zack's wrist looking to whip him into the ropes but Zack manuever out of it and caught Dean with a forearm making him stumble into the ropes but Dean dipped through the ropes and came off with his patented Lunatic Lariat.

Dean had Mercer down and didn't see The Miz coming in allowing him to come in and clock him with a chop block. The fans booed as Miz got back up with a smirk and grabbed a hold of Dean's leg and dropped an elbow on the knee making Dean howl in pain before he popped right back up and locked on the Figure 4.

Miz had Dean Ambrose locked into the Figure 4 Leg Lock looking to destroy those knees and get Dean Ambrose to submit. The Figure 4 Leg Lock a move that was passed down from Ric Flair to the Miz. Pain etched all over Dean Ambrose's face. Miz gritted his teeth as he kept the hold locked on. Mercer had recovered from the hellacious beating that Dean Ambrose put onto him earlier and got up to the top rope. He turned around facing the crowd before jumping off with a Smash Splash (Imploding 450 Splash) as the fans cheered while Dean rolled out of the ring holding his ribs. Zack rose up holding his ribs and reached down grabbing The Miz who had a hand on his knee after Mercer landed on it. Zack jumped up and caught Miz with a double knee facebreaker that made Miz stumble back into the ropes and swing at Mercer only for Zack to duck and jump up and catch him with a backstabber hitting his famous, Closing Time Combo. Mercer with the hook of the leg to the Miz.

1…

2, Miz popped out at 2.

Zack Mercer sat up and looked around the crowd shaking his head wondering what he had to do to walk away with his title. The Intercontinental Champion grabbed a hold of the ropes using them to pull himself up to his feet as Maryse pulled a groggy Miz out of the ring. Dean Ambrose had managed to recover and stumbled over to Miz running towards him with a forearm. Miz didn't go down however and started to fight back as Maryse got out of harms way.

"The Las Vegas Ace" saw his opportunity and ran to the ropes gaining some momentum. When he bounced off the ropes he used that momentum to dive over the top rope taking out both men near the announce table as the WWE Universe cheered. All 3 men, a heap of bodies on the outside each man staring up at the lights as pain shot through their body. Dean Ambrose being tought as nails was the first to stir reaching up grabbing a hold of the announle table cover pulling it off as he managed to get back up with his feet. Zack Mercer was the next one to stir making it up to his feet as Dean threw a forearm but Zack Mercer ducked it and instead caught him with Ace of Spades making Dean lean over onto the table. Zack reached down grabbing a hold Miz hitting with a knee to the midsection before he threw him onto the table with Dean Ambrose. Zack Mercer looked around the arena with a smirk on his face before he slid under the bottom rope and hopped right back up to his feet once he got into the ring.

Mercer climbed the ropes climbing up to the ropes as the fans in Jacksonville cheered. Zack ran a hand through his hair as the cheers grew. Zack stood up before he tossed all care in the wind. Maryse saw this and pulled her husband off the announcle table leaving Dean Ambrose. ZACK MERCER FLEW THROUGH THE AIR PUTTING DEAN AMBROSE THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE WITH A FROG SPLASH.

The WWE Universe started cheering and chanted "Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit!" at the perfomance these gladiators were giving them all for the glory of being called the Intercontinental Champion! Miz backed up into the steel steps and panted for his breath as he looked at the two lifeless body that lay where the announce table used to be. Miz looked at his wife and gave him a kiss for possibly saving his ass and possibly keeping his Intercontinental Championship dreams alive.

The former Champion grabbed a hold of Zack Mercer and tossed him into the ring. Miz followed him inside the ring and watched as Zack struggled back up to his feet. Miz seeing his chance came in and clocked Zack Mercer WITH A SKULL CRUSHING FINALE. Miz with the hook of the leg looking to win the Intercontinental Championship once again.

1…

2…

Thr-No! Mercer kicked out. Miz backed up to the ropes looking on stunned as Zack Mercer somehow someway just kicked out of the Skull Crushing Finale after putting his body on the line through the announce table. Miz turned his head looking at Maryse who began wording something to him. She gave him a kiss that he needed, a kiss that helped him regain his confidence. Miz had gotten up to his feet only to be hit with a forearm from Dean Ambrose who came back charging into the ring. This forearm stunned Miz making him stumble into the corner. Dean walked towards Mercer and grabbed him by the head and shoulders forcing him up to his feet but Mercer pushed him off.

Mercer with the ACE OF SPADES TO DEAN AMBROSE looking to end it all here tonight. Dean instead of falling just stumbled back into the ropes which Mercer saw as his opportunity to hit another one but Miz had other ideas. Miz snuck in the ring and caught Zack with a SKULL CRUSHING FINALE. Dean somehow shook off the cob ways and walked towards Miz hooking both of the arms and dropped him with a DIRTY DEEDS. The WWE Universe was buzzing as Mercer rolled out of the ring to the outside dazed while Ambrose quickly scurried into the cover.

1…

2…

3…

Ding-Ding-Ding!

"Retaliation" Hits

"Here is your winner and the NEW Intercontinental Champion: Dean Ambrose!" Greg Hamilton announced as WWE Universe in Jacksonville cheered. Dean Ambrose has captured the Intercontinental Championship for a second time in his career.

The NEW Champion had risen up to his feet looking on at the crowd as the official had grabbed the title from the ring crew and raised Dean arm proudly. Dean raised the title into the air proudly as the fans continued cheering. On the first SmackDown of the new year, Dean Ambrose had kicked off his year as a Champion.

Meanwhile on the outside of the ring the former Champion had leaned up against the barricade looking on with pain and frustration etched across his face. He ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head as he watched Ambrose with what was his title. He muttered under his breath, "Not like this…."

Dean climbed the turnbuckles, raising the title high into the air. The fans were roaring but Zack never took his eyes off the Champion, he slowly rose to his feet, gripping his ribs. Tonight he may have lost but was he was coming for his title.

Minutes Later - Backstage

Zack Mercer emerged backstage with a frown on his face having lost his WWE Intercontinental Championship to Dean Ambrose in a loss that he felt wasn't his fault. Feeling the anger and frustration of losing the coveted Intercontinental Championship, Zack kicked a trash can that was in the back.

"Piece of crap!" Zack shouted as he felt the anger. Backstage interviewer, Dasha Fuentes took the risk of getting next to Zack looking to interview him after his loss of his title. She hesitated for a moment as she saw the fire in Zack Mercer's eyes, but she swallowed her nerves and stepped closer, microphone in hand.

"Zack, first off—"

"Don't," Zack interrupted, running a hand through his sweat-soaked hair, "Don't start with the 'how are you feeling' crap. You saw what happened out there, Dasha. Everyone did."

His voice was sharp, his breathing still heavy from the war he just went through. He looked off to the side for a moment, trying to compose himself, before turning his glare back to Dasha, showcasing an anger that no one was used to seeing from the likes of Zack Mercer.

"Yeah, I lost. On paper, I lost. I didn't get pinned. I didn't tap out so I alone didn't lost my title, The Miz did. And because of The Miz my title was stolen right from under me."

Dasha, holding her composure, pressed on. "I understand your frustration, but The Miz—"

"The Miz?" Zack scoffed, cutting her off. "Miz weaseled his way into the match like he always does, but at the end of the day, he wasn't the one who took my title. Dean Ambrose? He got lucky. Right place, right time, and now he's out there parading around with something that belongs to me."

Zack clenched his jaw, his fingers tightening into fists at his sides. "You know what pisses me off the most, Dasha? It's that I fought my ass off. I went through hell. I put my damn body on the line, and what do I get for it? A loss I didn't deserve."

He shook his head, pacing for a second before turning back to the camera.

"Ambrose, don't get too comfortable. Because I promise you, I don't care if I have to go through you, Miz, or the entire SmackDown roster— I will take back what's mine."

With that, Mercer stormed off, shoving a production crate out of his way, leaving Dasha standing there with a nervous but knowing expression.

Next Week - January 10th, 2017 - Baton Rouge, LA - Royal Rumble 2017: 19 Days Away

James walked into the back feeling very different than he did last week. Last week he marched into what was going to be his last day as being the Intercontinental Champion and he was extremely blessed to say that he was and just overall glad that the company had the faith and trust in him to trust him with a prize like the Intercontinental Championship. And while he was going to miss being champion, he had to trust in the process and vision that the WWE Producers and management had for him and his character.

James sported a simple pair of black leather pants with a white tanktop with a simple Gold fiagaro chain with a simple matching gold bracelet on his right wrist. He had his hair up in a messy bun showing the faded undercut he got that faded into his beard and his gold hoops in his ears.

Something calm and casual to take him into the night. He walked in passing by some of the ladies in the make-up chair including his own best friend who didn't see him since she had her eyes closed. James saw this and slowly walked towards her making eye contact with one of the make-up ladies. He raised his finger to his lips, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

Leaning in close, James whispered in his friend's ear, "Fancy seeing you here, stranger." His warm breath tickled her neck, causing her eyes to flutter open in surprise. Lexi snapped her head around as Becky started to chuckle and Nikki started to giggle as Lexi playfully swatted his arm.

"Drew! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" She again playfully swatted at his arm, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. The makeup artist tried to stifle a chuckle, amused by the familiar banter between the two friends. James winked at her, then turned his attention back to his best friend.

"What can I say I couldn't resist surprising my favorite lady," he said, his voice low and teasing. "Though I have to say, you're looking radiant even without the makeup."

Lexi rolled her eyes as she couldn't help but laugh at Drew's mischievous grin. "You're incorrigible, you know that?" she said, playfully bumping his shoulder.

James feigned a look of innocence. "Who, me? I'm simply appreciating the view." He gave her a wink, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement.

Leaning in closer, he lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Say, how about this tonight after show we go and grab a bite. I know the perfect cozy little spot just a few blocks away. Might be nice to have a little one-on-one catch up, don't you think?"

Lexi couldn't help but be drawn in by his infectious energy. With a resigned sigh and a smile, "Fine, troublemaker but don't think I'm letting you off the hook easily after that stunt you just pulled."

James chuckled as he winked at Lexi before he walked off leaving her there with Rebecca and Nikki who just looked on with raised brows. Lexi turned watching him walk off before she turned back to see the looks that Rebecca and Nikki were giving her making her cheeks flush under the scrutinizing gaze of Rebecca and Nicole. She knew that mischievous gleam in James' eye all too well - it usually spelled trouble. And yet, she found herself powerless to resist his charming invitation.

Clearing her throat, Lexi tried to play it cool. "What? It's just a bite to eat between friends. Nothing to read into, you two." She crossed her arms defensively, silently willing the redness in her face to subside.

The Irish Lasskicker raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "Uh-huh, sure. 'Just a bite between friends.' That's how it always starts, isn't it, Nik?"

Nikki nodded sagely, unable to contain her grin. "Yep. First it's a bite, then next thing you know, he's 'accidentally' brushing up against you, fingers 'accidentally' lingering a little too long..."

Lexi groaned, burying her face in her hands. "You two are the worst, you know that? I'm just going to have a nice, friendly catch-up with Drew. That's it. End of story."

Rebecca and Nicole exchanged a conspiratorial glance, their smiles widening. "Oh, we'll see about that," Nikki sing-songed, eliciting another groan from Lexi who simply rolled her eyes.

SmackDown Live

"Retaliation" Hits

The fans in Baton Rouge, Louisiana rushed up to their feet as the new WWE Intercontinental Champion, "The Lunatic Fringe" Dean Ambrose was looking to welcome the WWE Universe to SmackDown Live tonight. Dean walked out onto the stage chewing gum clad in his signature black boots, blue jeans, black tanktop and leather jacket. He looked around the arena before marching down the ramp with his usual swagger and bravado but with an extra pep in his step.

Dean made it to the ringside area and stepped up onto the steps looking out around at the crowd and stepped up onto the ring apron entering the ring that was set up for his show, The Ambrose Asylum.

The Champion grabbed a microphone that was sitting on the stool in the ring and looked around at the crowd as he nodded his head along to the music before it slowly faded off into the background.

Dean paced back and forth in the ring soaking up the cheers from the sold-out crowd in the Baton Rouge River Center.

"Welcome to the first episode of the Ambrose Asylum of 2017," Dean said as the cheers rolled on in, "And welcome to the first ever episode the Ambrose Asylum hosted by the Intercontinental Champion."

Once again the crowd gave Dean a cheap pop as he looked on with a smirk.

"And, you know, while we're at, let me officially enter the Royal Rumble match!" Dean said into the mic, "Now, about tonight, you know, since we are in beautiful cajun country here in Baton Rogue, Louisiana. I'd thought it be really cool, really great if we got a live alligator on the show," Dean said as he took the title off his shoulder and looked at the toy alligator head resting on a stool.

"But apparently, we don't have the permits," Dean said as some members of the crowd chuckled at his comedic work, "But I did pick up this guy at a gas station, though, I named him Maryse," Dean said as the shot zoomed in on the alligator.

"Now since you can't interview an inanimate object, I settled for something a little bit better. My guest tonight is a man who-"

"Bully" Hits

The music of the FORMER Intercontinental Champion rang out on the arena's sound system. The former Champ walked onto the stage with a microphone in hand with a frown on his face as some of the lights around the arena started to lower as the others started to flash a bright set of white lights around the arena.

"Cut the music! Cut the music! Cut the music!" Zack Mercer said as his music slowly faded away while the cheers from the WWE Universe started to rain down on him, "First off, Baton Rouge, How you doin!"

His signature line got a small pop from the crowd but wasn't enough to make his frown waver. Zack walked down the ramp with the mic up to his lips speaking to the crowd.

"I gotta be honest, Dean… I really didn't wanna come out here tonight at least not under these circumstance. I figured I'd let you have your fun, crack some jokes, do your whole 'loose cannon' routine while I sat in the back and tried to shake off the fact that I woke up this morning without my Intercontinental Championship. But then you go and bring out… that," Zack said as he stepped onto the ring apron and pointed to the alligator head on the stool.

"You named that thing Maryse? And the funny thing is that thing actually looks better than she does," Zack said earning a wave of chuckles and cheers from the crowd, "But thats besides that point. The point is that championship should still be mine!"

A wave of cheers with some boos mixed in came around the arena as Zack stepped up standing in front of Dean, staring him down. Dean, unfazed, titled his head and shrugged his shoulder.

"Ahh, see, there it is. The Mercer Pity Party. Look, Zack, I like you, I respect you, hell, I even kinda enjoy fightin' you… but you gotta let this one go, pal. You had your chance, you fought your ass off, but at the end of the night, I walked out with the gold. That's just how the cookie crumbles," Dean spoke as he patted the Intercontinental Championship, but Zack snatched his hand away before he can lower it. Tension building as Mercer took a deep breath, composing herself.

"You're damn right I fought my ass off, and you know that if it wasn't for The Miz sticking his nose where it didn't belong, we'd be standing here having a very different conversation. You got your hand raised, Dean, but deep down, you know we're not done. You know that title still has my name written all over it," Zack said as he and Dean were staring daggers at one another until Dean chuckled, taking a step back before leaning against the ropes.

"Lemme ask you something, Zack… If you were in my position—if you had walked out of that triple threat with this on your shoulder—would you be out here whinin' about how I deserved another shot?" Dean said as Zack looked around around, exhaling through his nose, clearly trying to hold back his frustration. He took a deep sigh before he spoke again running a hand through his messy bun making his hair hang loose.

"Dean, I haven't been here as long as you have but in the short amount of time that I have, you've come to know me. You know what I stand for. If the roles were reversed and you got screwed out of your rematch, I'd be the first guy to step up and say, 'Let's run it back.' Because I don't wanna win by circumstance—I wanna win because I'm the best damn thing going in this company today," The crowd popped at Zack's confidence that bordered arrogance. Dean' raised his eyebrows, nodding in amusement

"You're right kid, I'm not a guy who likes to back down from a challenge. Never have and I never will be. You want a fight? You want a rematch? You got one!" Dean said as the crowd erupted as Zack smirked nodding in approval.

"Buuuuut…"

Zack's smirk faltered slightly as Dean stepped forward, lifting the title in front of Zack's face.

"If we're gonna do this, I don't wanna hear any excuses next time. No Miz, no 'wrong place, wrong time'—just you and me, Mercer. So if you're as good as you say you are, if you really think that title still belongs to you… then let's make it interesting."

Dean paused for dramatic effect before flashing a wild grin.

"Let's make it… No Disqualification."

The crowd went nuts as Zack's eyes widened slightly, processing the challenge. He looked at Dean, then at the title, then back at Dean. A slow smirk creeped onto his face as he stepped up, standing nose to nose with Ambrose.

"You're on," Zack said into the mic as the fans cheered in the background for this Pay-Per-View worthy match-up.

Just as the crowd was buzzing from Zack Mercer accepting Dean Ambrose's No Disqualification challenge for the Intercontinental Championship, the unmistakable sound of SmackDown Live's Commissioner blasted through the arena speakers.

"Here Comes The Money" Hits

The Baton Rouge crowd erupted as Shane McMahon, the SmackDown Live Commissioner, steps onto the stage dressed in his signature sneakers, jeans, and a SmackDown-branded bomber jacket. In his grasp he held a microphone and gesutred for his music to cut as he looked down at the two men in the ring from the stage looking as the two men never turned around to face him but kept their gaze on one another.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa—hold on just a second, guys!"

"First off, I gotta say—what a match you two had last week at SmackDown Live. It was hard-hitting, it was competitive, it was everything the Intercontinental Championship should represent. And Dean, congratulations on winning the title," Shane said as Dean patted the title that rested on his shoulder, nodding along as Shane continued.

"Now, I've been listening to everything you two just said, and believe me, I know everybody here in Baton Rouge would love to see a No Disqualification match for the Intercontinental Championship tonight…"

The crowd cheered loudly at the idea, with Dean holding his arms out like, "Yeah, why not?" as Zack nodded in agreement.

"But… that match is too big to happen tonight," Shane said earning a wave of boos from the crowd in Baton Rogue making Zack turned around to look at Shane on the stage with a frown.

"That match is too important to just throw out there without the spotlight it deserves. So, here's what we're gonna do—Dean Ambrose, Zack Mercer, you two will indeed get your rematch… in a No Disqualification match… at the Royal Rumble!" The crowd cheered as Zack clenched his jaw, nodding, while Dean started pacing back and forth, seemingly hyped about defending his title at the coveted Pay-Per-View event.

"I want you two to go out there and steal the show on one of the biggest nights of the year. No excuses, no controversy, just two of the best going at it for one of the most prestigious championships in WWE history," Shane lowered his mic as the cameras focused on Zack who cracked his knuckles and smirked.

"Fine by me. If I gotta wait a few more weeks to take back my championship, then so be it. Because at the Royal Rumble, Dean? That 'Lunatic' side of yours? You're gonna need it. You better bring everything you got—because when that night's over, I'm gonna make sure that I am the man standing tall with my title," Zack said as Dean just laughed, stepping up to Zack face-to-face again.

"Mercer, See you at the Rumble. You might wanna start regretting accepting a No Disqualificaion match with me. And get used to this ssigh before you, me standing tall with the Intercontinental Championship," Dean said as he dropped the mic as the two men stood nose-to-nose as Shane grin and nodded, satisfied with his decision.

Hours Later - New Orleans, LA

SmackDown Live had ended a couple of hours ago and James had taken the liberty to taking him and Lexi to a bar in New Orleans, an hour away from Baton Rouge just to they had an opportunity to get away from the noise that came with being a WWE Superstar. They both needed a chance to hang out and be somewhat normal and New Orleans was just the place with food that brought people from all over the country. Food that James loved and Lexi wasn't used to. He knew that she wasn't the type of girl who ate a lot, he knew about her eating disorder and her hospitalizations in the past so he was always careful around her when it came to meals.

As they entered the bustling bar in New Orleans, the aroma of Cajun spices filled the air, mingling with the sounds of lively chatter and clinking glasses. James led Lexi to a cozy corner booth, away from the boisterous crowd, where they could have some privacy.

Lexi looked around, her sky blue eyes bright with curiosity, taking in the lively atmosphere of the bar. Her bright blonde hair caught the dim light in a way that made it seem like strands of gold.

"Are you excited about the Rumble?" Lexi asked breaking the brief silence between them. James nodded his head as he took a deep breath.

"Excited and nervous. You know me I gotta look good so I gotta get some new gear made by Saturday and hopefully get it deliver to home by next week and then were in San Antonio, the Alamodome with 50,000 fans. Like that's a lot of fans and a lot of pressure," James said making Lexi nod as she listened to him.

"Yeah but I'm sure you got it. If anybody can go out there and put on a show in front of 50,000 I know it's you."

"Thanks and I got two matches that night, my match with Jon and then the Rumble match itself."

"Must be nice, I'm sitting here struggling to even get one match like I'm the SmackDown Women's Champion and that still doesn't guarantee me a spot on the card," Lexi said voice her frustrations to James who took a deep breath feeling her pain. It was something he knew all too well, women in the WWE never truly got opportunities in past, they started getting some and it still didn't feel like enough. He knew he couldn't really complain since he had been booked on every single Pay-Per-View event since had arrived on the main roster.

James reached across the table and gently placed his hand over Lexi's, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I know, Lex. It's not fair, and I wish I could do more to change that." He let out a heavy sigh, his brow furrowing with empathy, "

You're one of the most talented women on the roster, and you deserve so much more than what you've been given. But I promise, it's going to change. The powers that be are finally starting to see the value in showcasing the women's division the way it deserves."

He offered her a warm, encouraging smile. "Just look at your match at Survivor Series - you stole the show! And you know Vince and the creative team were watching. They've got to be cooking up something big for you at the Rumble, I just know it."

Lexi couldn't help but return his smile, feeling bolstered by his unwavering belief in her. "Thanks, James. I know you're right, it's just... frustrating, you know? I want to prove myself, but it feels like I'm always fighting an uphill battle."

She let out a sigh, her gaze dropping to their hands. "I guess I'm just tired of waiting for my moment. I want to grab it by the horns, you know?"

James gave her hand another reassuring squeeze. "I get it, believe me. But your moment is coming, I can feel it. And when it does, you're going to shine brighter than anyone else out there." He winked at her, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Just watch, Lex. You're going to blow them all away."

Lexi managed a small smile, grateful for his words of encouragement. She appreciated his empathy and the way he always seemed to know how to lift her spirits. Despite the challenges women like her faced in the male-dominated world of professional wrestling, having a friend like James by her side made everything a little bit easier.

Their conversation drifted to lighter topics as they enjoyed the Cajun cuisine that New Orleans was famous for. The evening passed in a comfortable haze shared moments and just being with one another, a welcome break from the intensity of their WWE Carers while something else crept in the back of their minds being with one another.

A/N: So it's been a while since I last updated this story, I apologzie for my absence, I'm going to do a light timeskip with this story, next Chapter will be the Royal Rumble, I figured I can skip ahead a little bit skip over a light SmackDown match or two to get to the important stuff.