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Instagram Story!

(Thursday August 4th, 2022)

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crimsonkaewwe

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IRL!

(Friday Afternoon, August 5th, 2022)

SmackDown DAY!

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The past couple days since NXT have been an anxiety-filled blur. All I've been able to think about is SmackDown. I know it's stupid, I've been on tv many times before, but this is it.

SummerSlam was an obstacle, and it went great, better than I could've ever imagined, but it wasn't a match. It's not going to be my permanent home. The crowds reaction was great Saturday, but what if today they have a different tune? What if—

My phone starts buzzing and I immediately answer seeing who is.

"Hello." I exhale, realizing I hadn't taken a breath since I started thinking too much.

"Hey, Cuata." Damien's voice fills my ear on the other line.

"Hey." I smile, so happy to hear from him. I don't think we've been able to talk since... last week? Week before? No, that's too long... "How are you?"

He laughs. "Been good, living forever." I roll my eyes. "You? You fucking killed it at SummerSlam, CK. I'm so proud of you."

My smile grows, feeling lighter already. Damien was one of my first friends here in WWE and we haven't left each other since. Him and Rhea are literally my ride or dies.

"Thank you, thank you."

"So." He clears his throat. "Rhea told me you were a bit nervous about tonight."

"Traitor." I mumble. Our FaceTime this morning where she cussed me out for keeping the SummerSlam secret from her. But once we go past that... we talked about tonight.

"You know you can always talk to me." He says, pulling me back. "And of course she did." He chuckles.

"Of course she did." I repeat, shaking my head. But I love her for it. Because if anyone can help and talk me down, it's Damien. "What was it like?" I blurt out. "For you. On your first night away from NXT."

"It was magical." He answers immediately. "Like I belonged. And I do. And so do you." He says firmly, knowing we both worked our asses off to get here. "You gotta make a statement."

Gotta make a statement.

The fire ignites stronger through my body than ever before. I'm ready.

"Thank you, D." I exhale peacefully.

"Knock em dead. Just like you did Saturday." He states.

I smirk. "Will do. Just for you."

He laughs. "Good. Talk later?"

"Course."

We end the call and now I gotta get ready for tonight.

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I wanted to do my own makeup for tonight, it being just a Friday and I already being frazzled, I just wanted more time at the hotel. And I absolutely love doing makeup, it's therapy for me.

I decide on a black lace spaghetti strap and some leather pants, adorning blood red jewelry as well, keeping it classy for tonight's appearance.

I arrive at the arena, not as early as I usually like but still enough to look around the ring before I have to talk to Hunter. He texted me earlier asking how I was doing and if I could in a bit early to go over some things.

My heels click down the hall as I head to his office, my usual circling of the arena will have to wait...

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"What do you mean I can't kick off the show?" I ask Hunter in his office, throwing a hand up from being crossed before it lands straight on my hip. "That's been the plan, hasn't it?"

He sighs. "It has, I know. But Paul Heyman called and asked if Roman and The Uso's could be shown arriving together since they all won Saturday and to show that he's not here tonight." Hunter informs me.

I scoff. Of course it's because of Roman Reigns.

I look at him pointedly. "Doesn't he always get shown arriving and winning?"

Hunter blows air out through his nose, shifting his gaze from me to some papers on his desk. "Look, Crimson, I'm sorry. I wanted you to kick off the show too. Immediately after that we have to go to a backstage segment, since we'll be showing SummerSlam highlights before their arrival. But you're in the highlights and you'll get to go on tonight, we're just moving you around a little." He assures.

I internally groan. Is it bad to argue with your boss? Sure. But Hunter knows how much I wanted to open tonight's show. And everyone knows the best slots are either kicking off the show or ending it.

"Can I close out the show then?" I ask, shifting from one foot to the other.

He sucks air in through his teeth. "Bloodline's on last."

"Of course they are." I mumble. I know they're the freakin champs right now, but I had one of the best damn moments of the night, and I want— no, I need to capitalize on that.

"You'll go on right before them. Still towards the end, and you can still have the same amount of time."
Hunter says. I know things like this happen constantly  in this business and it's just one segment, it's not gonna kill me.

But it's still aggravating...

"Hey, you're still gonna have them roaring after what happened Saturday." Hunter speaks up, after no response on my end. "You were damn near perfect as perfect can be." He compliments, nodding strongly. "And you will have many opportunities to open and close the show." He adds. "There's no doubt in my mind."

A thrilling buzz blossoms in my chest as I try to ignore it.

I know what he's saying is right. And an extremely praise coming from him of all people.

"Thank you, Hunter." I nod, taking a deep breath. "I appreciate it." I can't burn bridges before they're even complete.

"Alright." He seems to relax, rising from his chair. "Good. See you in just a couple hours." He nods, leading me to the door. "Thank you."

But that doesn't mean I can't cause a little chaos.

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As the show progresses throughout the night, I can't help but let the fire continue to grow, spreading all throughout my body, irritation plaguing my mind.

Make a statement, Damien's words rings through my mind. It's now or never to make a statement.

My statement.

They play a recap of Liv and Rhonda's match, showing my entrance and destruction, discussing my moment and what it means for the future of the SmackDown Women's Division.

This is supposed to be my cue to head out... but I don't.

I stay planted right back here and when my music hits... nothing. I can't seem to bring myself to move.

Oh I'm so gonna get in trouble for this.

Pat and Michael Cole cover it up well and they quickly go to commercial before coming back on air as Roman's music hits. Him and Jimmy and Jey slowly start their way down to the ring.

I watch the screen intently as Roman demands acknowledgment from Greenville, South Carolina.

It's now or never...

Before I can help it, or even think twice, I find myself storming off to the gorilla.

Lord, this better pay off...

As I enter the darkly lit room a few people immediately start buzzing as I enter and one of the men beside Hunter taps him.

"There she is." He says.

Hunter jumps up from his monitor, taking his headphones off. "Crimson! What the hell are you doing? Crim—"

I ignore them, moving forward I pause, looking up at the large tv screen back here.

"Hit my music." I call over my shoulder, plucking a mic front a stool.

"But there's a few things we need to address..." Roman says. Perfect.

Hunter yells something else as I push my way through the curtain and my music starts playing. Better to ask forgiveness than permission, right?

The crowd fires up with a mixture of cheers and a few boo's sprinkled here and there as I step out onto the stage, twirling the mic in my hand.

Roman's brows furrow together as he looks up the ramp, rearing his head back in shock before turning from Jimmy to Jey very confused as both their faces light up with excited-curiosity.

I wave my hand side to side as my music fades and I bring the mic up to my lips. "Roman, Roman, Roman, Roman." I start, making my way down to the ring, smirking as the crowd continues in anticipation.

"Is-is that Crimson Kae, Michael?" Pat asks surprised.

"I beleive so, yes, Pat. Making her way down to the ring, she made her SummerSlam debut this past Saturday, former 3-time NXT Women's Champion, Crimson Kae!" Michael responds.

"What the hell is she doing out here interrupting the Chief?" Pat hollers back.

"I guess we're about to find out!" Michael responds as I slowly step up to the outside of the ring.

I let out a chuckle. "I agree we do have things to address." I rest my elbow across the ropes. "I gotta say, you're a very persistent man around here."

Roman stares me down, still very confused on why I'm out here. Jimmy and Jey are leaning back behind Roman, whispering to each other and pointing to me.

"I mean, you have to start the show, you have to end it..." I shake my head, finally stepping between the ropes into the ring. "When is anybody around here supposed to even breathe without you being on every five seconds?" I ask exhaustedly, getting my annoyance off my chest, and the crowd seems to be on the edge for what Roman's gonna say to me.

Roman nods slowly as his face brightens with amusement before he brings the mic back up to speak. "I'm sorry," He pauses, looking me up and down. "Do you even go here?"

"Oooo!!" Both Jimmy and Jey let out as the crowd bursts with noise.

I let out another laugh, goosebumps prickling my arms and legs. "That's cute." I nod, pacing back and forth for a moment before clearing my throat. "While you were getting your ass handed to on Saturday by cowboy Brock and his tractor, I was dominating the women's division, making a name for myself in one night which took you years to accomplish for yours." I lean forward on my tippy-toes, raising my brows. "Big Dog."

The crowd immediately erupts into a mixture of 'ooo's', gasps, and cheers, thankfully eating up my response. Their electric reaction only fueling me even more.

Something in Roman's eyes shifts before he puts on a smile, chuckling he turns to the twins one at a time.

"Uso's, she's funny, isn't she funny?" He muses, eyes landing back on me as I hold my head up high, keeping a strong gaze.

Jimmy and Jey nod in agreement, looking like they're having the time of their life right now.

"Very funny." Jey says genuinely and Jimmy goes to say something before Roman snaps his head at them and they instantly stop before his attention reverts back to me once again, and he takes a step forward.

"Well since you're new here, I think you need to be reminded like everyone else..." Roman starts. "This here? This is my show." He points down. "This is my ring and—" Oh, please, spare me now.

"This ain't your show anymore." I cut him off quick. I look out to the crowd as most of them gasp loudly at my reaction. "This is my show now, this is my ring, and this is my yard." I chuckle coldly, stepping forward. "And I'm not going anywhere." I state, holding the mic a few inches away I smirk in satisfaction and I watch Roman's eyes burn as he goes to speak once again.

"You will fall in line like everyone else here in Greenville." He glances at the crowd before narrowing his eyes at me as he takes another step forward. "And acknowledge me." He stops inches in front of me, staring down as his breath rages and I can see his nostrils flare.

Must've hit a nerve or two. Mmm, good.

"Acknowledge you?" I ask, looking up at him innocently.

"That's right." He nods.

"Mmm." I hum, and without a second thought, my finger traces down his chest. He watches me intently, foaming at the mouth for me do it, for me to say the words and acknowledge him, just like everyone else has. "I—"

He smirks, his chest rising and falling.

Unfortunately for you, Roman Reigns, I'm not everyone else, and won't kiss your ass around here.

I quickly grab a handful of his hoodie, pulling him down directly front of my face. "I don't. acknowledge. shit." I spit out. His jaw locks and with that I push him back, laughing as I back away. Jimmy and Jey jump forward to stand beside Roman.

If I thought the crowd was loud before, they're deafening as everyone jumps to their feet, exploding over what just happened.

Roman looks lethal as I drop down to my side and roll out of the ring, waving my fingers at him as I slowly back my way up the ramp as the crowd begins to chant.

"Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit!"

"Well, Michael, if anyone didn't know who this young lady right here is, after tonight they sure as hell do!" Pat shouts in excitement.

"Pat, we're seeing something we've never seen before from the Tribal Chief, something he's never seen before. Defiance!" Michael relishes.

"That's right, Michael. Roman Reigns looks beside himself right now at someone refusing to acknowledge him!"

As Pat and Michael continue, their conversation fades as I soak up the crowd coming to life. Roman rubs his face angrily as he yells something to Jimmy and Jey when suddenly Drew McIntyre's music hits and I disappear to the back before he comes out. It's just not Roman's night, is it?

I stop, leaning against the wall to process everything and catch my breath.

Oh my, God, that was unbelievable! It's like my entire mouth and body was taken over and the words just started falling out!

I push myself off the wall, making the dreaded entrance through the curtain... Hunter standing right in front of me, arms crossed.

Oh, shit.

I momentarily forgot about the consequences of my impulsive decision... it feeling so natural as if it was planned all along.

"You know, you could be in a lot trouble right now, right?" Hunter asks after a moment of silence.

I nod. "Yes, sir."

Wait— could?

"And that you or anyone else can't just do whatever you want around here, right?" He asks again.

Ugh, I think I'd rather him just yell at me.

"Yes, sir." I repeat, looking anywhere but directly at him, dreading the disapproving dad look I know he's wearing right now.

"But—" He continues, "That stunt of yours was something I would've pulled." He chuckles and I finally look up at him to find a small grin on his face. "Hell, did pull. And thankfully for you, the crowd seemed absolutely enjoy that. You're already blowing up quicker than anything from this weekend." He shakes his head.

I raise a brow, looking around to make sure I'm hearing him correctly. "Wait... so I'm not in trouble...?" I trail off, afraid to ask, but also not able to stop the words from coming out.

He chuckles. "Oh, no. Your ass is still being fined."

"Ah." I click my tongue. "Yep, yep, fair." I nod quicker than I ever have before.

He leans forward. "But, if you ever do something like that again without notifying me first, you will be in bigger trouble, got it?"

I smirk proudly, unable to even process how he and everyone else loved what just happened out there. "Got it." No arguments here...

I could shit myself right now. Like actually fucking explode.

"Good." He nods, holding his hand out. "Well done."

I meet his hand, trying not to show my absolute excitement of the century. I went rogue and did my own thing on a wimp on my first night of SmackDown and Hunter tells me well done?

"I don't think I could ever planned something like that myself." Hunter admits, letting out a chuckle.

"Me either, sir." I breathe out, admitting. It actually wasn't my plan at all, it really just kinda... happened.

I went rogue and did my own thing on a wimp on my first night of SmackDown and Hunter tells me good job?!

I think I could die any second now and go out the happiest and most shocked woman on the planet.

"Now get out of here before I change my mind and take it all back." He says, nodding his head towards the door he tries to hide his smile.

"Yes, sir." I give a curt nod. Don't have to tell me twice.

I all but sprint to the door.

"Your fine is being sent to you tomorrow!" He holler after me and I shove a thumbs up around the door before letting it shut behind me, and let out a huge sigh of relief.

What. a. night.

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𝟶ʙᴜᴛᴛᴇʀʙɪsᴄᴜɪᴛ𝟽 sᴘᴇᴀᴋs!

Hello, helloooo!! HAPPY SUMMERSLAM!!! OMFG, this SS was a WHIRLWIND of freakin emotions y'all, holy shit so much happened in ONE NIGHT!!

Also, gonna be up front with y'all lmao, Dominik was supposed to be Denise's love interest in the future (I had a mutual on TikTok say that I should do a Dominic story & that's what inspired Denise's character in the first place bc Crimson is best friends with Rhea & Damien so it would be perfect!)

But now I'm so mad I don't even wanna do that anymore lmao. Ugh, Dom was growing on me & him & Rhea were still gonna be an in-ring on-screen thing & him & Denni were gonna be cute but now ahhhh. Idk maybe I just need to sit on it lol (bc idk who her new love interest would be at the moment, again all angry SS thoughts lmao).

ANYWAYSSSS... CRIMSON & ROMAN HAVE FINALLY CROASSED PATHS Y'ALL!! O-M-G FINALLY!! Ever since the revamp/rebirth of this book idea this has been one of the absolute first scenes I've had planned, so I'm so excited for y'all to finally read it, eekkk!! Let the Crimson & Roman chaos begin ;)

AND GUESS WHO IS FREAKIN BACK!!! Everyone said he was scheduled & rumored to come, but I felt like he wouldn't, but the entire night I could feel it in my chest & I kept telling my mom even tho she doubted me lmao, AND AHHH IT HAPPENED!! I can't wait to get to 2024 in this book so bad rn lol.

Okay, sorry for all that I had so much to get out & say hahaha, hope y'all enjoyed this chapterrrr, eekkk!! Until next time mwauh!! <3333

OMG ALSO I GOT TICKETS TO NEXT FRIDAY'S SMACKDOWN SHOW Y'ALLL!! OMFG, I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS IS REAL!! I've dreamt of going to a show FOREVERRR & it's finally happening 😭💙 Can't wait to tell y'all all about it!!