Flames

Another Belt for the Wall, part 2

Being alone in a locker room felt so strange that after the camera crew had finished her promo and left, Becky wasn't quite sure what to do. When she returned at SummerSlam in 2021, she had Roux and took her almost everywhere. Even as her star rose as The Man, she still preferred to change and chat with the rest of the women. But now she and Seth were leaving Roux at home more and, in an odd twist, he was at a house show in San Francisco while she was at No Mercy. Same state, she mused, and yet so far. Part of her had already done some calculations, trying to figure out how feasible it would be for him to fly to her or vice versa, but she knew they would both be too tired for late-night flights and check-ins. "Maybe four years ago," she said to herself, smiling at the thought. When they first got together, Seth thought nothing of flying across the country to spend one of his rare days off with her.

She thought about taking a quick picture to use in a 'Before and After' type post, but Becky sent a quick text to her in-laws instead: Please don't let Roux watch my match. I'm sure everything will be fine, but just in case. We'll watch it with her when we get home. Roux generally didn't get too upset during their matches, but Becky's bout with Tiffany was going to be an Extreme Rules match and she wasn't sure how much blood would be shed. Better safe than sorry, she thought as she tucked her phone in her bag and grabbed the NXT Women's Championship before heading for the door.

"Hey, Becks!" Nathan wasn't on the No Mercy card, but Becky suspected Seth had asked him to act as a go-between for her. He wasn't sitting exactly right outside her locker room, but close enough that it didn't exactly look casual either. "All good?"

"Everything's great, Nathan. Thank you." Then she smiled. "Honestly. I'm fine. Go hang out with Thea. After my match is done, I'll finish up my promos and head to the hotel and call Seth so he knows I'm still in one piece."

Nathan gave a sheepish chuckle. "That obvious, am I? Sorry. I know you can take care of yourself and I know we've got a good crew, so I doubt anyone's hassled you—" He stopped abruptly, pushing his hair back in a way that reminded her of Seth. "They haven't, right?"

Becky shook her head. "Everyone's been great. Like you said, you've got a good crew." There were some of the NXT wrestlers she liked more than others, but that was only natural. Everyone had been helpful and polite, and the women's roster in particular had given her a warm welcome. It all made her wish she could spend more time in NXT, have more matches and help spotlight more of the women, but she didn't want to overstay her welcome either.

"I'm glad." Nathan was still smiling. "It's a nice blend right now, people from NXT UK and here. I hope we can move up the ranks together. Not just me and Thea," he added quickly, blushing slightly, "but a bunch of us. You know, to keep feuds going, like Bron and Carmelo or—"

"Nathan. It's fine." Becky patted his shoulder. "You and Thea have been together a while now, right? I think I saw you post about your one-year anniversary?" When he nodded, she gave him a quick hug. "Congrats. You're both adorable. I wish you every happiness."

"Thanks, Becks." He gestured at the door. "You know your way to the—"

Becky nodded. "I'm good to go. Thanks for all your help." As she watched Nathan awkwardly take his leave, she chuckled softly. Seth must have said something to him. She knew her husband didn't mean it in an insulting or overbearing way; they were just so used to being on the road together and looking out for each other that it felt weird when they couldn't hang out before a match. Halfway to the ring entrance, she spotted Tiffany. "Ready for another go?"

Tiffany shook out her arms and nodded. "Yeah. I mean, I've never had a match like this, but... I'm ready. I trust you."

"You'll be great," Becky assured her, holding out her hand to shake. "Let's show them all how women kick ass, yeah?"