La Arquitecta

Chapter 41

Tuesday Night Smackdown – June 19th 2018

The episode began with The Vega Cartel in the ring, albeit with a very noticeable absence. Seth Rollins had a microphone in his hand, and got right down to business. "Please welcome the woman who single-handedly defeated Ronda Rousey in a lion's den match, our leader and yours, Zelina Vega!"

A furious volley of boos rained down from the fans when the cartel's music hit and Zelina limped out onto the stage. It was hard for her to hide her satisfaction at the response she was getting. It seemed that literally week by week the hatred she received was increasing in intensity. Controversially beating Ronda Rousey and ending the reign of both Stephanie McMahon and Daniel Bryan in the process had of course helped in that regard. WWE getting creative right was something of a rarity, but they were really coming through for her on the cartel angle.

Before the show, she had asked the lady who had done her makeup not to do anything with the hideous black eye she was sporting. Since she had taken the injury, she figured she might as well display it for the fans to get some enjoyment out of. In addition, there was the limp she had to walk with thanks to her bruised hip. The audience might well think she was putting that on, but in truth walking was very painful.

"She's battered, she's bruised, but Zelina Vega is the first woman in WWE to defeat Rowdy Ronda Rousey!" Graves said proudly, sucking up to Zelina as usual.

"Please," Renee scoffed. "Rollins has the temerity to stand there and say Vega won single-handedly. Yeah, I guess she did, since it was Sonya Deville who single-handedly won the match for her."

"Honestly, Renee, I think that's a bit harsh," Coach said. "Yes, Deville cost Rousey the match, but Vega did have the upper hand for a large portion of it, thanks to the knee injury Ronda suffered early on in the piece. We'll have an update on Ronda's condition later in the show," he added for the audience.

Renee said, "Whenever we do see Ronda again, I wouldn't want to be Sonya Deville, that's for sure."

Zelina had climbed gingerly through the ropes, with her cartel sycophantically applauding her. Joe and Seth carefully picked her up and sat her on their shoulders so that they could parade her around the ring in celebration. Naturally, more boos came from the crowd.

"This is the greatest day in the history of Smackdown," Graves said. "Zelina Vega is victorious, and, as reported yesterday by WWE dot com, both Stephanie McMahon and Daniel Bryan resigned their positions as a result. She took them both out in one fell swoop."

"Right now, we're in need of a commissioner and a general manager," Renee confirmed. "It is my understanding that both positions will be filled on next week's show, but as far as tonight is concerned, I have no idea who's in charge."

"Or if anyone is in charge," Coach put in.

Seth and Joe had just put Zelina back down on her feet, finished with the over-the-top celebration of her victory. Bobby handed their boss a microphone.

"I beat Ronda Rousey!" Zelina announced triumphantly, rubbing it in the fan's faces.

"Yes! I knew it!" Graves shouted sycophantically.

"Please, Corey, stop being so pathetic," Renee groaned.

"I beat Ronda Rousey, I got rid of Stephanie McMahon and I got rid of Daniel Bryan!" Zelina went on, beaming. "Not only that, my cartel are all still champions."

Seth was shown nodding his agreement with that, happy with his win over AJ Styles.

"With McMahon gone, just as I promised all along, the way is now clear for me to assume the role of commissioner on Smackdown," Zelina said smugly. "I can confirm I have put my name forward for the position, and I have been told that so far I am the only person on the shortlist. So, what all of you idiots sitting out there booing need to prepare yourselves for is next week, when I'm not only the boss of The Vega Cartel, I'm the boss of the whole damn show!"