Starrcade is a success. On Monday night, some secrets about what happened at Survivor Series come out, making some people doubt the Reader.
Warnings/Promises: wrestling violence, angst
Word Count: 3280
Note: I’m sorry if there are typos, I couldn’t get my fancy proof-program to connect. Now that Survivor Series is done, we’re getting into the more difficult stuff to write. The point of this series is to see if I can keep coming up with enough ideas to last a year. I am officially running out of the original ideas. Please let me know what you guys have liked so far. Also, due to storyline differences, Braun isn’t injured in mine. Part of me thinks he’s injured because he’s taking his vacation time. Should I write him out for that time, or keep him in? Any and all feedback super appreciated. Thank you, and enjoy!
Part 1: Welcome to the Team
Part 28: Not a Total Loss

Starrcade – November 24, 2018 – Cincinnati, OH
The big eight-women tag match started the Raw matches for Starrcade. Ruby Riott sneered at the other team from between Tamina and Mickie James. On the other side, Nia Jax, Rhonda Rousey, and Ember Moon glared back. The last two members of the teams, Sasha Banks and Bayley, kept a level gaze with each other. Something Natalya noticed from her seat on commentary.
“That Sasha-Bayley glare is going to lead to something either disastrous or something great!”
Nia and Tamina started off. Their moves made the ring shiver, and their teammate’s legs to wobble on the apron. Ruby tagged herself in and did a decent job keeping Nia off her feet. Rhonda tagged herself in, sending Ruby running back toward the ropes so the ref had to make her back off. Thwarted, she turned to Ruby’s corner and knocked everybody off the apron. Sasha was gone before she got there, running along the apron and dropping to the floor with Ruby’s neck in her hands, making it bounce between the ropes.
“Told you!” Natalya shouted, slightly disappointed that the rest of Sasha’s team didn’t notice.
Bayley ran around and checked to make sure nobody did, taking out Mickie on the way by and starting a series of conflicts on the floor. The rotation continued inside the ring, keeping the ref’s head on a swivel. Ember tagged in from Bayley, and caught Mickie in Total Eclipse, ending the match. Sasha shot one more look at Bayley, who nodded back.
***
Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas bounced around in the ring, hyping up the crowd until Titus and Apollo Crews came in. When their match began, it was pretty even. Titus and Bo started it off with a quick series of hits and moves. Curtis had a hard time keeping up with Apollo’s acrobatics, but he took him to the mat for an almost pin with his strength.
In the corner, Titus disappeared from sight, which was incredible considering his height. When Apollo and a camera were able to circle around the ring post, they found his tag partner on the ground with Braun Strowman sitting on his chest and raining blow after blow into his chest. The ref called for the disqualification, making Titus and Apollo the number one contenders for the Raw tag titles.
“How are they supposed to fight their best after such a beat down?” Michael Cole wondered.
Corey Graves sighed. “I think that was the point, Cole.”
***
The dark arena was illuminated by several beams of light onto a single spot. “Hello, I am Elias.” He strummed, playing out a cheerful ditty. He paused and looked around. “You know, I should have lowered my expectations for Cincinnati. Even still, they would never have been low enough for this crummy town. I mean, what do you expect from the birthplace of a guy like Dean Ambrose?” He chuckled and went to play again, but Baron’s music interrupted.
“We don’t have time for this, Elias. Not that anyone actually wanted to hear you play.” Baron strutted down the ramp.
“Nobody really wants to see you wrestle either, but here we are,” Elias shot back. He grinned wide and ‘welcomed’ Baron into the ring. His momentary tag partner growled on his way through the ropes.
Seth and Dean entered next, the white and gold belt on the shoulder furthest from Dean. He tapped it, looking pointedly at the two men in the ring. Dean tightened his wrist tape.
They all fought hard, each barely giving the other an inch. Dean almost had Baron in a Dirty Deeds, but Elias swooped in and helped spin him out of it. Seth rushed in with a quick tag, only to catch a jumping knee from the Drifter, dropping to the canvas like a stone. The referee was able to usher their opponents out of the ring while Dean rolled Seth back to the corner so he could claim the tag. He had to fight both of them while Seth recovered. Just in time, they traded spots so Seth could Curb Stomp Baron.
Individually, the losers made their way back up the ramp while Dean and Seth mocked them from the ropes.
***
“The following match is for the Universal Championship!”
Finn held up his title, standing still even though the referee held an arm up to keep him from moving forward. Drew McIntyre was still too. Jojo left the ring quickly, rushing to her seat safe and far away from the ring long before the bell rang. It was for the best because it was still ringing when they engaged.
From every hit and bounce of Finn across the ring, it looked like Drew was going to take the night and the title. He was quicker than Finn. Three steps ahead. Studied in Finn’s patterns. Every which way that Finn turned, Drew was there with a strong fist or a Scottish boot that never quite made a full impact.
Renee pressed her headphones tighter onto her ears, listening intently to the ring mics. “Can… can you guys hear that?” The announce table got quiet. “Is… is Finn-“
“It sounds like he’s growling.” Corey gulped.
Drew tossed the champion across the ring again towards the ropes. Instead of bouncing off of them like usual, Finn caught the top ropes and froze. His back muscles rippled like he was still in a fight, though he wasn’t moving. When he turned, Drew involuntarily took a step back. Balor had the reigns. And he took vengeance on being toyed with by taking his turn to throw Drew around the ring. He finished with a sharp Coup de Grace and a flex that eased away into Finn’s exhausted, but proud, smile.
***
***
Monday Night Raw – November 26, 2018
When the show began, you and Stephanie McMahon were standing in the ring. There was a small, tall, round table between you, and the Raw women’s division on either side. With a deep breath to calm your nerves, you ignored Stephanie’s hard ‘impress me’ face and dove right into what you had to say.
“Twenty-eighteen has been a monumental year for the women’s division. Most recently there was the all-women pay-per-view Evolution, which was a fantastic hit. In my short time as general manager, I have been able to see the talent of each and every woman in this ring, and that of the talent on Smackdown, right in front of me. And each week it astounds me. But I can’t help think something has been missing.”
Around the ring, the women nodded in agreement.
“Last week I made the announcement that a new title would come into play for this division. Tag team titles. Tonight, Stephanie McMahon and I have the privilege of reveling those titles to you,” you said, looking around the ring, “and to you, the WWE universe.” The crowd cheered, making you beam as you took the half step to the table. With a nod, you and Stephanie each tugged at one layer of fabric, pulling it back to reveal the new Raw women’s tag team titles.
The gold accents glittered under the lights. Breathtaking. “But I’m not done. Tonight, we will have the first match in a tournament to determine the first tag team champions. And that first match will start-“
“In just a moment, I’m sure.” Ruby Riott stepped out of the line, flanked by Liv and Sarah. “I can’t deny that we have made waves this year, but I have to say we have not made the progress we should have. These titles are coming to the Riott Squad first because no one else in this ring deserves them. We will hold them, defend them, and prove that our Riott against what the women’s division is justified. The women’s division is weak. A bunch of sniveling little girls who whine when they don’t get chances. Who aren’t willing to fight with every ounce of what they have to achieve a goal. Or if they do, it isn’t enough.”
Stephanie shot you a look. Control this. You nodded back. “That is a fantastic plan. And you will have your chance.” The Riott Squad sneered in delight. “But not tonight.” Their faces dropped. “Perhaps another week. In the meantime, would you please get out of the ring?”
***
In one corner, Ember and Dana Brook whispered to each other, planning how they were going to win the match. On the other side, Nia and Tamina shared a look. They may have been on opposite sides at Starrcade, but why divide the two most powerful women on the roster? They proved that power by tossing each woman from one side of the ring to the other. Ember and Dana each had a good moment, taking the taller women out at the knees and then following up with another hit that made it possible to try for a pin. It was few and far between, but they were good attempts. Attempts that were like irritating bee stings to Nia and Tamina.
They took their vengeance by thwarting both Ember and Dana’s finishers and rerouting the energy into their own devastating moves. Tamina pinned Dana while Nia had Ember by the hair on the outside. The steel stairs fell apart as Nia send Ember through them. She grabbed a mic while Tamina rolled Dana out of the ring.
“This. This is what the women’s division is. It’s power. It’s a fight. We,” she motioned between them, “are the women’s division. Those tag titles are going to be ours, make no mistake. But my ambition doesn’t stop there. Natalya, get out here. I know you want to finish what Ember started, but I’ve taken care of her. You know what I want.”
Natalya came out to the stage, her title over her shoulder and an over-bright smile on her face. “Yes, sweetie? I think I do know what you want. You want this.” She tapped the belt. After a moment’s thought, she nodded. “And you know what, I want to see you try. Next week. I’ll see you there, and I’ll see you fail.” She dropped the mic and held the title high, walking backward until she was backstage.
***
Back in your office, Stephanie was proudly looking at the women’s tag titles sitting on their pedestal. “I have to admit, despite the fiasco at Survivor Series, I’m looking forward to your future time as general manager here. These are a great idea.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
“Ah-“
“Stephanie.”
She smiled. “I may have been… irritated with you last week, but there’s still no need to be so formal. Keep up the good work.” She didn’t wait for a reply before leaving. You had about two seconds to breathe, then Dolph Ziggler invaded the space.
“You need to have a serious talk with your monster,” he spat.
Oh dear. “What are you talking about?”
He grit his teeth, glaring at Braun as he came into your office too. “I circled back to the security at Survivor Series. I know who attacked me. Originally I thought it was Sheamus or his teammate, Cesaro. But that’s not what the camera showed. Instead, it was a great big Strowman fist that bounced off the back of my head. It’s amazing I didn’t end up with a concussion.” He rubbed the back of his head for emphasis. “He needs to be controlled-“
“I asked him to do it.”
Dolph and Braun froze. You stood, calm and collected, and met Dolph’s eye. He blinked in surprise. “You… you what? Why?”
“I asked Braun to keep you from the match for two reasons. One. It was a match that didn’t need to happen in the first place, but you went ahead with it despite my direct order not to. I can’t have that kind of insubordination on my roster.”
Dolph sputtered and growled. Braun moved to step between you, but you raised your hand.
“Two. It was an excuse for the trainers to finally check you out. They had noticed that you had been favoring your knee in matches, and then came to me when you kept ‘missing’ your appointments.” Now Dolph looked sheepish, but you ignored that and continued. “No matter. Everything worked out. I won my own battle. You got the rest you so desperately needed. And, you have been cleared to compete again. Congratulations.”
He was at a loss for words. You could almost physically see the wheels turning in his head as he turned on his heel and left your office.
Braun waited until he was gone before gently tapping your shoulder. “This isn’t going to become a habit, right?”
You shook your head. “As long as people don’t keep secrets from me, I won’t keep anyone from them.” He didn’t seem to believe you, so you pressed. “What are you worried about? If I ever need to ‘take you out,’ I’d have to call over to Smackdown for Big Show. And that probably wouldn’t even work. All former matches considered. But we’ve been working well together. So, I don’t see any foreseeable problems. Do you?”
“No,” he rumbled.
“Good.” You gave him a curt nod. “Now, good luck with your match tonight.” It took no small amount of focus to keep your tone and expression calm while Braun thought over the underhanded threat. When he left, you finally let out the breath you’d been holding.
***
Titus and Apollo didn’t hold up much better against Dr. M and Braun than they did on Saturday. This time, Dr. M was in the ring the most, trying out new tricks and laughing as the old ones continued to be useful. He was fully engaged in the match and enjoying himself. On the other hand, Braun seemed distant. Going through the motions was still more than Titus World Wide could handle, but it nearly caught him in a pin more than once. It was beginning to grate on Dr. M that Braun kept tagging himself out.
“Braun!” Dr. M called. “Focus on the healing at hand.” He held out his palm, calling him in to engage. On the canvas, Apollo was crawling back to his corner, where Titus was struggling to climb back onto the apron. The doctor crowed with triumph as Braun accepted the tag. He continued to grin with pride as Braun finished the match. They were champions for another week. Dr. M turned from the carnage in the ring. Now, he could focus on the original plan.
***
The pen in your hand clicked shut just as Dean walked in. You smiled brightly, letting it dim only a little when he didn’t smile back. “I can see already that you don’t approve.”
“You’re a smart woman, Y/N. I figured you knew on Saturday or before that I wouldn’t approve. Look, Dolph isn’t my favorite person, but calling a hit on him? That’s… that’s not what I was expecting from you.”
Another techie handed you a clipboard to sign. “It’s not what a lot of people expected of me. I didn’t expect it of me. But as Survivor Series came rolling up, I saw how much it mean to Stephanie and to you guys, then Dolph made that match… I couldn’t let it happen. There was already too much hanging in the balance. My control over my personal life was something I needed to handle myself.”
Dean fiddled with the hem of his sweatshirt sleeves. “You’re headed down a dangerous road.”
“No, I’m not. I know what I’m doing. I’ve established that I’m willing to do anything for Monday Night Raw, and I’m going to hang onto that power.” With a sigh, you waved another clipboard away. “But I didn’t call you in here to get scolded. You’ve got a match tonight. But… what kind of a match do you need? Easy? Ambrose versus the world? Or-”
“Give me the worst odds, or at least some bad ones,” he said, giving you the slightest grin.
“I figured. Then, head to the ring. And have fun.”
He was almost gone when he turned back. “We’re not through with this discussion, young lady.”
You giggled. “Yes, sir, Deano, sir!” As he left, you had to agree; this was far from over.
***
The match you made for Dean was a three-on-one handicap match.
Jinder Mahal had Sunil start the match, and then when Dean tired him out, sent in Samir. Only after they were both too exhausted and at risk of not being able to kick out, then and only then did Jinder tag in. By then, Dean was starting to move a little slower. Something the Maharaja had been counting on. He successfully sling-shot Dean around the ring into the ropes and turnbuckles.
But pride is not power.
The crowd’s cheers helped Dean get to his feet, despite being in a chokehold in the center of the ring. Jinder looked to his corner as he began bouncing back and forth on the ropes, powering up to something. The Singh brothers were still splayed out on the ringside floor. By the time Jinder turned around, Dean was there with a kick to the stomach and a satisfying Dirty Deeds.
When it came to Dean, the odds rarely ever mattered.
***
Seth strolled through the hallways around Gorilla, smiling when he found who he was looking for. “Hey, I’ve got a proposition for you.”
Barely looking up from his phone, Finn chuckled. “Oh. And what would that be?”
“A match tonight. But, with a little extra.” He smirked when Finn put his phone away, obviously interested. “You pick a teammate, and I’ll pick someone. That way it’ll be a different match that Clash of Champions. Deal?”
“Deal.”
“Deal. Then… I’ll meet you in the ring. If you can find anyone so late notice.”
Finn rolled his eyes. “I could say the same to you.” He watched him leave, then went in a different direction to finds someone to tag with.
***
Both men found teammates that they knew would the other pause. Mojo Rawley entered with Seth, and Elias entered with Finn. The demon king and the drifter sang for a little bit, even though one was royally off-key. The discordance continued into the match. Each time Finn was in the ring, and Mojo wanted to tag out, Seth refused to tag in. The way around with Elias. For the majority of the match, the last-minute additions were the ones doing all the work. And they noticed. And they didn’t like it.
Seth tried to tag out as Finn was forced into the ring. Instead of accepting the tag or dropping to the floor, Mojo sucker-punched his partner. “Pin him,” he shouted at Finn. The Irishman shook his head, backing away into his corner. Soon he was face-down on the canvas too. Across the ring, Mojo and Elias shared a look. They eased their way through the ropes, eyeing one another with distrust as they crossed to beat up the other’s teammate. Both went for a pin. Seth and Finn kicked out, sharing a look as they huffed and puffed.
The match was done. Everybody knew it. So, Elias and Mojo left the ring. Before they could make it far, Seth and Finn took turns sailing over the ropes and landing on them. Two, three times Mojo and Elias were able to stagger to their feet. Three times, the champions sent them back to the floor. When they didn’t rise a fourth time, Seth and Finn accepted their titles from the ref. They leaned against the ropes and laughed, knocking their titles together in a toast.
Part 30: Challenge Accepted
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