Trouble Is...

Not Broken, Just Bruised

"Izzy, someone here wants to have a word," Tom said, appearing out of thin air. She nodded. Hayley took the hint and darted off to catering.

Tom escorted her into a nearby room set up with a conference table. Bella awkwardly shifted in the office chair before noticing Paul across the table. Paul was the wrestler-turned executive when he married the CEO's daughter. When she saw him, she sprung to her feet. He walked around and hugged her.

"Paul was just talking to me about the tournament," Tom said.

"I just wanted to wish you luck tonight," Paul explained. "You must be excited at the opportunity to be the face of the women's division."

Paul mentioned that he continued to keep an eye on Bella when she moved to TV and saw untapped potential. He liked her work ethic and the way she presented herself on camera. With a hearty grin, Paul said he was excited to continue to work with her soon.

Bella froze. Truth be told Paul was always somewhat of an idol to her. This was the guy who she watched on television week after week growing up. When she started training, she saw him less as the grand performer and more as a great architect. While rising to a corporate figure, he remained true to his wrestling roots, ready to help the newbies build a solid foundation. He was one of a kind and a true mentor/father-like figure to all those who lace up their boots backstage.

"Thanks, Paul," Bella grinned, and she felt her heartbeat in her palm. "I didn't think I would be chosen to compete. So this is an amazing opportunity."

Being told, personally, that she had caught an executive's eye and told of future plans, she felt chills crawl down her spine.

——

After the eventful meeting and hair and makeup, Bella rushed over behind the curtain. As she stood waiting for her cue to exit down to the ramp, she felt electric.

The lights went out in the arena, and she walked forward. An instrumental version of Three Day's Grace "Animal I Have Become" rang out. Some light cheers rang from the outside.

"And the opponent. Making her way from Las Vegas, Nevada. Weighing in at 115 pounds... IZZY"

Bella switched into work mode, throwing her hair back and bringing a smile on her face as she made her way down the long ramp. She focused on the Women's Championship, which hung above the ring.

She entered the ring, stopping briefly halfway to blow the camera a kiss. Behind a coy smile and air-blown kisses from the top rope, the audience made her presence felt. The cameraman paused to focus in on her, she turned and pointed at the title.

The energy shifted when she climbed down to face her opponent. Both women stared each other down intensely as they waited for the bell to ring.

From the announce table, Micheal Cole and Jerry "The King" Lawler provided the commentary for those watching at home.

"And welcome back to Monday Night RAW ladies and gentlemen. Tonight we continue our tournament to fill the vacant position of the Divas Title," King called.

"That's right, now we'd like to take a moment and wish our former Diva's champion a speedy recovery with her neck surgery. We're rooting for you and a speedy return AJ! But what a match we have here tonight King, Izzy goes face to face here with the veteran Natalya," Cole said.

The moment the bell rang, Natalya launched herself onto Bella. As they hit the floor, Natalya continued the relentless assault, throwing punches. The referee called for Nattie to stop. She rose her hands and nodded, then she took a fistful of Bella's honey-colored locks to pick her up and launch her into the corner turnbuckle.