La Arquitecta

Chapter 63

"Alright, ladies," Hunter called out at the front of the conference room where all of the women on WWE's books who were not injured had been assembled prior to the first Smackdown episode after TLC. "Now that everyone's here, let's get down to business."

Zelina was standing with Bayley, Sonya and Ronda. Glancing at each other, none if them knew for sure what was going on, although they could make educated guesses.

"You're here because I have news to give you about our continued progress and commitment to the women's evolution in WWE. At Survivor Series, we're going to crown our first ever WWE Women's Tag Team Champions."

Joining in with everyone voicing their approval, Zelina looked at Ronda. It seemed obvious that they were going to be one of the teams involved, and they had to be contenders to win the whole thing. Ronda was somehow still yet to get her hands on WWE gold.

"Barrett and Paige will announce the new titles tonight, along with a tournament to determine the first winners," Hunter said once the noise died down. "I have a list of the teams we've decided to enter, which I will call out in a moment. Before I do, Nia, you're not involved because you're the Women's Champion, and Sonya, you're not involved for creative reasons."

"Creative reasons?" Sonya repeated, sounding understandably disappointed.

"Yes. You're going to be banned from entering as Bayley's partner by Paige because of all the interfering you've been doing in her matches."

"Okay," Sonya said, doing her best to put a brave face on it. Zelina felt sympathy for her friend. This was a big thing to sit out of due to a creative decision.

"If I'm not with Sonya, who am I with?" Bayley asked.

"You're with Becky." Hunter looked at the fiery redhead. "We think it's time for a heel turn for you, Becky."

Zelina watched Becky nod her agreement, then smile at Bayley. She had to agree that the Irishwoman needed a turn. Her face character was as stale as three week old bread.

"So that's pairing number one," Hunter said. "I'll read out the others now."

Zelina got ready to look around and judge people's reactions to their pairings.

"Carmella, Banks."

Seeing Carmella smile in approval, Zelina refused to look at Sasha. She could stick her opinion up her ass.

"Vega, Rousey."

Zelina looked at Ronda and grinned. She got a determined 'We're going to win this shit' look in return.

"Bliss, James."

No surprise there. Alexa and Mickie were already a team.

"Cross, Rose."

Zelina shared a sceptical look with Sonya. That really was an odd pairing. Probably a first round elimination.

"Brooke, Fox."

More fodder, Zelina thought.

"Natalya, Naomi."

Zelina liked that pairing of two women who had always been nice to her. They were already standing beside each other. As she watched them exchange a smile, she wished them more success than they were probably going to get.

"And last but not least, Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan."

Since Liv Morgan was out injured, that was another obvious one.

"So," Hunter went on, "That's eight teams, for four first round matches. There will be two of those matches tonight, with the other two next week. Then one semi final match on each of the remaining two Smackdown episodes before Survivor Series. The finals will of course take place there."