Wrestling One Shots V. 1

Salt of the Earth: Part 1 (Maxwell Jacob Friedman) *Request*

MJF X Bella

Request for: AngelSmith893

~

Being the daughter of Dustin Rhodes meant I knew my way around the wrestling business. The biggest thing I've learned over the years is that not everything is what it seems. For example, Maxwell Jacob Friedman was a complete ass in the ring but backstage, he was the sweetest boyfriend I could ask for.

When Max started his feud with my uncle Cody, it didn't bother me. At least not until this point.

Cody wanted a match against Max, but Max wasn't going to just give it to him. He had three stipulations that Cody had to meet before he got his match. Cody couldn't touch Max until the day of their match, he had to beat Wardlow in a steel cage match, and he had to let Max whip him ten times.

Something about the final stipulation got under my skin. I knew Max was one to push boundaries, but this felt like crossing a line. I tried to ignore it and somewhat thought that the lashes wouldn't happen. However, tonight was the night.

"Are you really going through with this?" I asked Max as he was getting ready.

"Yes, unless Cody stops me," Max said.

"Don't you think it's going a bit too far?" I asked.

"I mean, it's just for TV," Max said. "You know I don't actually have anything against Cody."

"I know but that doesn't change the fact that you seem to expect me to be okay with you whipping my uncle on live TV," I said. "It just seems like you're trying to embarrass the Rhodes family. My family."

"Bella, I-" Max stopped when he heard a knock at the door.

It was one of the crew members coming to get Max for the lashes segment.

I followed Max to the tunnels, finding my place behind Tony so I could watch from the monitors.

I winced every time the belt made contact with Cody's back. By the time they got to the final lash, Arn, my dad, and the Young Bucks were ringside trying to keep Cody's spirits up.

Brandi was about to go out but when she saw me, she stopped.

"Do you want to go out?" Brandi asked. "We can do it together."

I nodded so she put an arm around me, and we walked out together. I gave Brandi space to talk to Cody when we got to the ring. I stood with my dad as Cody got back up.

Max seemed to hesitate now that I was out there watching. The final lash was quick and to Cody's chest. Once it was done, I got in the ring with everyone else to check on Cody. After a quick low blow, Max and Wardlow ran from the ring.

The Bucks made sure Cody got back to medical. I stood in the doorway as Cody got looked over. I wanted to be there for him, but I didn't want to be in the way.

"It's okay to come in," Cody said once he noticed me standing there.

"I don't want to be in the way," I said.

"You won't be," Cody said.

I walked in, getting a glimpse of Cody's back as I went.

"How bad does it hurt?" I asked.

"It looks worse than it is," Cody said.

"Are you lying to make me feel better?" I asked but Cody ignored the question.

"Don't be mad at Max about this," Cody said.

"I wouldn't say I'm mad," I said. "Just not happy with him whipping you. It felt a little to personal."

"It wasn't," Cody said. "He didn't even want to do this segment because of you."

"Then why-" Cody cut me off.

"The stipulations were my idea," Cody said.

"They were?" I asked.

"Yeah, I had a feeling no one told you," Cody said. "Bella, Max cares about you so much. He wouldn't do anything to intentionally upset you."

"I know," I said.

"And you know his whole brand is built on kayfabe," Cody said.

"I know that too," I said. "I think I'm going to go talk to him."

I left medical and made my way back to Max's locker room. When I knocked it was Wardlow that answered. He stepped aside to let me in. Before I could say anything, Max caught me in a hug.

"I'm sorry," Max said.

"It's okay," I said.

"No, it isn't," Max said. "If it bothered you, I shouldn't have gone through with it."

"You're a heel. What you do is supposed to bother me," I said sarcastically. "Look, I talked with Cody. I know it was his idea and I want you to know that I was never mad at you per-say."

"You seemed mad," Max said.

"Not mad, just bugged," I said. "But that's bound to happen from time to time."

"So, are we okay?" Max asked.

"Yeah, we're okay," I said. "I just get a bit protective when it comes to family."

"And there's nothing wrong with that," Max said before kissing me.

"Just, next time Cody is wanting to do something stupid, let me know before it happens," I said.

"I will," Max said. "I promise."