Not that bad // Rhea Ripley

44- The Stigma

" Stay strong, hold on, you gotta keep it together now "

As It Is

I was continuing my training with the guys, it's been two months now, and Phil's and I feud was only starting to get interesting. There was a long time where we didn't have any matches together because their were other pushes inside the company, starting by Colby. He had started main eventing not long ago. He also got a girlfriend. On Phil's side, things weren't that good. He dated a girl for 2 or 3 weeks before she cheated. And he also still didn't get any response from WWE. He was really starting to stop hoping, and seemed really sad all the time, which broke my heart. I still had feelings for him, even after all this time, I couldn't deny it. I worked on sorting out my feelings also. I couldn't care less about Luke now. He was happy with his girlfriend, and we still talked together a 1or 2 times a week, and when I was on skype with the band. I, on the other hand tried to talk with Michael and my mother more than before. She had started seeing someone, and I couldn't be happier for her, she deserved it. Michael told me about a crush of his, and hesitated a long time, because it actually was a boy. I advised him to tell the other guys, that they won't be mad or anything, but he asked for me to wait a little, and not tell them anything for now, which I promised of course. Tonight we finally had a tag team match with Phil, against another team. I haven't been on the ring much since I came back from my injury, and maybe had 2 or 3 matches. I sincerely hoped it wouldn't cause prejudice on my career that had yet to begin. Tonight was supposed to be pure fire, since people were still expecting explanation from Punk and I, and tonight they would get what they're waiting for. We got prepared and I put on all my ring gear, then went for the makeup, and hair, before joining Phil right before the ramp.

" Are you ready lovely lady ?" Phil asked with a smirk.

" As ready as ever." I smiled.

How we had to act towards each other wasn't scripted, they told us to just go with the flow, just follow the fact that we couldn't break our "friendship" without their consent. The end of the matches were scripted though. Punk's theme song echoed through the room and he made his appearance. I was on his side, not too touchy, or even too close, only trying to look way more confident than I was in reality. We entered the ring, and he started his speech, attacking Colt mainly, saying he was a loser and that I would be best by his side, that he only fought alongside the best and the most promising. He also challenged Colt to a match against us, if he could find someone willing to be on his side. Then Colt's them started, and he came directly towards me. Bastard, he knew I wasn't expecting to have to talk.

" Why did you do that Roxanne?" He asked, as he came closer to me. "We could have made such a great team."

" I wasn't able to show all my potential with you Colt." I responded, trying to look as emotionless as possible. "But now that I am with The Best In The World, I'll finally be able to show what I'm capable of."

We continued 'arguing' like that before Colt threw a punch at Punk, resulting in loud cheers from the crowd. I tried to intervene by pushing Colt but this guy is like, huh, motherfucking strong you know, and it only resulted in him pushing me to the other side of the ring, and the referee coming to stop the fight. He went backstage first and I stayed with Punk, asking if he was alright and helping him up. His music started and we left, under the boo's of the crowd. Once we were backstage, I literally ran to Scott and insulted him for making me talk when I wasn't supposed to.

" Hey stop stop !" He laughed as I was punching his chest. "Had to check if you could live up to Punk's reputation."

The latter arrived, a smirk plastered on his face, his hand wrapping around my waist, which made me look at him. He just smiled at me, and I shrugged it off as a friendly gesture. We went to change and went home, as we usually do. I decided to connect on Skype with the guys. I had written down the time differences, and it should be around 6pm there. I saw Michael's little face pop on the screen.

" Hello you beautiful creature!" He smiled. "How are you ?"

" A bit tired, but overall very excited. " I grinned. "Just had my heel turn, will wrestle with Punk starting next week."

" That's great news." Calum said. "How's your knee ?"

" It doesn't hurt anymore at all, and I'm trying to go as easy as I can" I reassured them. "And you, how are things going down there ?"

" Who's telling her?" Ashton asked.

" Well, Michael is her best friend, he should tell her." I heard Luke say and my heart ached a little.

" Tell me what guys, stop beating around the bush!"

" We have 3 concerts planned !" Michael exclaimed.

" This is so fucking great !" I tried not to scream since Scott and Phil were probably asleep. "I'm so happy for you !"

" They are only 30 minutes sets but, it's already better than nothing." Calum sighed in relief.

" You're going to get so famous, and go on tour and you'll be the biggest rockstars ever." I rambled. "I'm so proud of you guys, I love you so much."

I regretfully had to hand up because it was almost 3 in the morning here, and tiredness was starting to get at me.