A/N: Forgot to explain, this timeline will possibly not follow certain events. Also, no Thunderdome and let us assume, COVID 19 never happened. Forgot to make it clear. Some events may happen but it may be in a different sequence than usual or with different persons involved.

Good? Alright, on to the debut chapter 

NXT , time skip to main event

Vade Drifter v. Johnny Gargano

Johnny and Vade are in the ring sizing the other up. What they do not know is that this will be Vade's last match as he will be called up soon. As to which brand, he will only find out after the match.

Highlights of the match: 

- Johnny hits a Snap Overhead Belly to Belly Suplex

- Vade hits a Half Nelson Bulldog 

- Johnny hits a Superkick to the knee, followed by another superkick to the face

- Johnny attempts a Gargano Escape but Vade was able to reach for the ropes

- Vade surprises Gargano with a barrage of knee strikes

- Vade hits the Die Together (Side Effect)

- Johnny attempts a Diving Reverse STO but Vade counters into an STO of his own

End of the match

Vade had Johnny set up for the VadeOut and shouted at the crowd

Vade: MY WAY TO HELL FOR US!

Suddenly, Candace LeRae goes on the top rope and tries to distract the referee. In the midst of the distraction, as Vade was about to turn to drive the elbow to Johnny's neck, Johnny was able to turn around shift his body to ram Vade to the other side of the ropes and sneakily hit a low blow.

Vade is crouched near the ropes and Johnny was positioned outside. Candice stepped down from the apron as Johnny had Vade in position to hit him with the One Final Beat DDT.

ONE....TWO...THREE...

Alicia Taylor: The winner of this match...Johnny Gargano

Johnny was seen having his hand raised while Candice joined her husband in victory as Vade looked away seeing that he had been bested the Johnny Gargano Way.

Backstage

Vade entered the gorilla position and saw Triple H and William Regal give him a round of applause. 

Triple H: Hey there, congrats on giving it your all and going out the way you did.

Vade: Well, it is best for business after all. But Hunter if you're here and so is Regal...is Johnny and Candice being given the call up?

Regal: No my boy. Johnny is staying. But we have seen enough in your two years down here. And we believe...

Triple H: It is time for you to, as you say, have the main roster Drift to chaos. Because as of this moment, *reaches out his hand* we shall be seeing you on WWE Smackdown on Fox on Fridays.

Vade could not believe it. Never did he expect that out of anyone, he was being called up. He did not bask in the moment and shook Triple H's hand.

Vade: Thank you for that. I will give it my all.

Johnny: *walks in and pats Vade on the back* Vade! Guess I won't be seeing you around. But good luck up there in the main roster.

Candice: *smiles at Vade* Hope you can open up there too but hey, you will make it out there. Just keep at it, alright?

Usually, Vade would dodge but seeing as he helped Johnny beat him handily as part of his now farewell match, he gave a weak smile and shook Johnny's hand. 

Vade: Thanks for being my opponent in the farewell match. Hope I can bring our A game to Smackdown. See you around.

Vade then walked away and gathered his things to his car. It is as if it was a dream, a fleeting dream but now a reality. He went to his apartment then rested, not knowing what will be to come.

Friday Night Smackdown

Vade arrived to the arena early as usual. This was only to familiarize himself with things on the main roster. He stayed by his lonesome in the backstage area and saw some Smackdown superstars arrive, in came Heavy Machinery, Jeff Hardy, Baron Corbin, the Usos, Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman. 

Vade was a bit starstruck but being his usual self, he was self absorbed with his bluetooth earphones on while playing some games on his phone. He then felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned his earphones off and saw Daniel Bryan give him a smile.

Daniel: So you must be the new call up from NXT? Don't worry, we're all nice people. Hunter told me all about you since I will be fighting you tonight. What's your name by the way?

Vade: Pat,  I mean Vade Drifter.

Daniel: I knew you'd be a great guy. I'm Bryan by the way, well Daniel Bryan. *reaches out his hand*

Vade: Ah yes, the man who won it all on Wrestlemania XXX. Is it time for our meeting with Triple H?

Daniel: You mean Hunter? Yeah we need to plan out your debut. And for someone who is called a drifter, you are quite chatty.

Vade: - while walking - I only talk to plan matches out, and when we can agree with something or don't drag me down the dirt. Not saying you should but...

Daniel: No no. I won't do that. I am reasonable. Plus ...nah I won't ruin the surprise for you. Once we see Hunter, we plan it out there.

Vade and Daniel walk by and the rest of the roster were curious with who Daniel was talking to. Among them, the Goddess herself, Alexa Bliss.

Alexa: Hey Nikki, who is the silent type walking along with Brian? He a new backstage producer?

Nikki: Oh no Lexi, Killy (Killian Dain) knows him from NXT. He's Vade Drifter.

Alexa: He's an NXT call up too?

Nikki: - nods - Killy and he had some matches together for a time. Vade was somehow able to take Killy to the limit. 

Alexa: Is he a snob to not talk to Bryan? Bryan's one of the nicest guys in the roster but already, this Vade guy is giving him a cold shoulder.

Nikki: Killy told me of this. Vade isn't really a talker backstage. He tends to be alone but talks only to plan the matches. 

Alexa: Either he is a stuck up snob or takes the business too much....looks interesting

Nikki: -notices Lexi's interest- You like him dontcha?

Alexa: Nikki no! I have Ryan remember?

Nikki: -changes to a tone of disappointment- right...Ryan the "wonderful." Lexi don't you think you give him too much of the benefit of the doubt whenever you want him to show up but doesn't grant you the same?

Alexa: Nikki! Oh uhm... hey we need to prepare for our match tonight remember?

Nikki: Ahh yes. We have to go suit up. (mind: Lexi, you need to open your eyes lassie)

Triple H's office, Backstage, 60 minutes before Smackdown

Daniel and Vade walked to Triple H's office. Daniel noticed Vade being silent. For a normal person it will cause uneasiness but Daniel assumed Vade was nervous. Upon knocking the door, Triple H himself opened the door

Triple H: Daniel, Vade, glad to see you both here. Let's talk Vade's debut in my office.

Both get seated

Triple H: So, Daniel I think you want to tell us something?

Daniel: Oh right. Listen Vade, I want you to come into the main roster ina  big way. And what better way  to make a debut than beating an established star like me?

Vade: Beating THE Daniel Bryan? Look sir I don't know...

Triple H: I appreciate the humility and dedication to the business but look kid, you have to make it big here. NXT may have been a memorable run for you even without having been able to wear gold, but here, you need to raise your stock as early as now.

Daniel: And hey, I won't take it against you. Plus Brianna (Brie) will need me back home anyway to prepare for the birth of our second child. So think of it as me giving you that seal of approval that you do belong here and can hang with the rest of the roster. 

Vade: Well...I was part of a farewell match only 2 nights ago. Only to be part of another one now...

Triple H: See that? At least you can bring the intensity you had with Johnny nights ago to Daniel. But this time, YOU win tonight.

Daniel: I saw that too. And man, Johnny may have given you that low blow to lose but think of it as adding fuel to the fire of you making it here. Even at my own expense. But don't expect me to just lie down and let you beat me down. I have to look good in defeat too you know - laughs -

Vade: Now that you mention it, how are we finishing the match? I know you have had a history of concussions and neck injuries. But seeing as most of my finishers target the neck or head area...

Daniel: That's perfect! We can play up the neck injury history on my part to add notoriety to your push here. But don't worry, we will meet halfway. 

Vade: Given that we had this talk, I won't do anything stupid and worsen your injury. At least to have you finally focus on your family.

Daniel: Well that and transition to the backstage as a writer but as early as now, let me say, you are one to look out for. 

Vade is feeling awkward as his anti-social side is almost showing and wanted to ignore what Daniel just said raising him up. But Vade smiled

Vade: Thank you. I can think of something up and ensure you don't hurt your neck later in the match. Don't want to be credited crippling someone now.

Daniel: - laughs - well I like this guy already. Don't you Hunter?

Triple H: - laughs along - That's why I got him called up. This one will help us reel people back to us. A hell raiser, just what we need. Now go to the locker rooms, you guys are the main event but you two have a promo to do to start the show. Now go!

Daniel and Vade leave and head to their locker rooms.

Smackdown on Fox

Smackdown opens with the usual pyro then....

Michael Cole: We start Smackdown now with oh wow, Daniel Bryan?

Corey Graves: What's he doing here? Last we saw him was in the Intercontinental title Tournament Final against AJ Styles

Michael: You're right Corey, what does Daniel have to say here?

Daniel is already in the ring with a mic on hand

Daniel: I am glad to be here tonight and - gets interrupted by the Yes chants but laughs and chants and raises his fingers with the fans - Yes! Yes! I know it's great to be back. Now the reason I am out here is that I have been resting up after the match with AJ Styles. Some of you may ask, does Daniel Bryan have more in the tank? After losing the Intercontinental Championship tournament final, after seeing me give it my all but came short. Some have started to doubt me and say no.

Boos were heard audibly. But Daniel turned it around

Daniel: But I think you all can answer that question for me, now do you think I still have what it takes to still make it to the top? 

The Yes chants grew louder and Daniel joins in

Daniel: Yes! Yes! Yes! Ye....

The chants stopped and as the lights in the arena darkened and....

Vade comes out to the stage, wearing a scowl and staring down the ring.

Michael Cole: Wait a minute...who the..who is that?

Corey Graves: Do my eyes deceive me? It's Vade Drifter

Michael Cole: OH MY! (A/N: I literally cringe when Cole does that)

Corey: What business does he have here on Friday Nights?

Vade Drifter walks down the ramp and stares at Daniel Bryan and begins to talk.

Vade: So this is what you have become? Daniel Bryan, the Nexus reject because of a damn bowtie choking. The one who lost his title in less than a minute to a boot to the face. The broken down shell of a man whose body can no longer take any more punishment? I admire your spirit, but to answer your question, you're done. 

Boos and No chants are now heard loudly.

Daniel: You hear what these fans are saying? They disagree with you. And, who are you?

Vade: Where are my manners? Vade Drifter, the Ambassador of Anger, the Voice of Rage, The Emissary of Embitterment, and the Omen of Oblivion. At your service.

You suck chants are heard.

Daniel: Why are you angry? Oh that's right, because you think you're so entitled that everything should be paved for you. That things be easy now? You think you can just walk past me, to disrespect me in front of these people to look big? Well news flash, I've faced guys like you and I can tell you now, I can tear you limb from limb and make you return to the hole you came out of.

Yes chants are becoming louder

Vade: Yes I admire your spirit, but can your body still have a go against someone like me? Now Daniel, the only reason I am angry is because of guys like you. You used to be so unique on your own. The American Dragon. The man who can tear limbs. What became of that man? A silly stupid catchphrase that's what. You won the big one but what did you need to do? Break your body and try to push past the limit to reach that brass ring they always say. You won it all only to drop those titles not once but TWICE! And now you talk a big game, you can try to tear at my limbs, but I can promise you this, you may not ever walk out of this place alive. Or ever again, think of it Daniel, I can put you on the shelf....permanently, a BROKEN, PATHETIC, USELESS MAN, HUSBAND AND FATHER. And it will be a shame for Birdie and Brie to see the man of their house be reduced to a crippled, pathetic ....

Daniel had enough and charged at Vade. A fight ensued and security tried to break the two apart. Triple H came out as soon as security pushed the two back.

Triple H: You two want to break each other. Tonight, it's Daniel Bryan v. Vade Drifter in the main event.

Michael Cole: Oh my! 

Corey Graves: Daniel can finally prove that he still has something left in the tank. But I feel Vade has so much in store that Daniel may indeed be unprepared.

*Gorilla position after that promo*

Triple H: Now did I tell you he's good or what?

Daniel: Wow... for someone with a silent exterior, you sure are a firecracker on the mic

Vade: I never had to do a promo that long but stuck to what I knew, but I apologize if ever I took it too far.

Daniel: Now, it's okay. I actually wanted you to go there. Just to add fuel to the fire that will be our match tonight. Back up what you said there alright?

Vade did not respond but fist bumped Daniel and both walked back to their respective locker rooms. Vade passed by Alexa but he did not notice her. She however did

Alexa: Good job earlier!

Vade was caught up in the hype but was able to catch the voice of the Goddess. He merely shrugged it away, not bothering as he found it non-essential to his match tonight.

skip to the main event

Daniel Bryan v. Vade Drifter

Flight of the Valkyries plays

Greg Hamilton: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! First from Aberdeen, Washington, weighing in 210 lbs. Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan proceeds to the ring jumping sideways with his index fingers pointing upward shouting Yes! along with his fans.

Greg Hamilton: And his opponent...

Turn the Page plays

Greg Hamilton: From Duluth, Minnesota, weighing in 200 lbs, Vade Drifter

Vade walks to the ramp with a total disdain. As he takes each step, the boos grow louder. He enters the ring and tosses his vest at Daniel Bryan. The referee tries to stop Daniel from charging at Vade in retaliation. 

Highlight of the match: 

- Daniel and Vade lock arms, only to end up with Daniel executing a hip toss against Vade

- Vade tries to mount an offense, but ends up on the end of a Dragon Screw 

- Daniel locks in a single leg crab but Vade was able to grab the ropes

- Daniel launches himself to do a suicide dive on Vade but reverses by catching Daniel mid flight to turn into a Half Nelson Bulldog outside

- Daniel was able to execute the first few kicks of the Yes kicks but come the roundhouse kick, Vade plays possum and chop blocks him off his feet.

- Vade executes a cloverleaf backbreaker then transitions to a cloverleaf

- Daniel does a drop toe hold to Vade on the second turnbuckle 

End of the match

Daniel was able to create some separation from Vade as he prepares to do a Knee Plus. Vade played possum and as Daniel was about to hit the knee to Vade, Vade sidesteps and catches him to do a Die Together. Vade saw that Daniel was clutching to his neck and the referee was asking if Daniel still wanted to continue. Daniel, defiant to the end, told the referee that he can still fight and once the referee stepped away, he hit Daniel with his own Knee Plus to add a bit of insult to injury. Vade then picks up Daniel and arm wrenches Daniel and sets him up for the Drifter's Farewell. Daniel landed on his back nearing the neck area and it looked nasty (supposedly). Vade did not stop there and picked Daniel up in a powerbomb set up position then does a Rage-a-Hol Piledriver as an added insurance that Daniel is not getting up. Vade then places his foot on Daniel's chest, while Bryan was flat on the mat, signaling the referee to start the count.

ONE...TWO....THREE!

Greg Hamilton: The winner of this match, Vade Drifter!

Michael Cole: Oh my god... what did we just witness here...

Corey Graves: Daniel gave it his all. But Vade just seems to have had his number. 

Michael Cole: All those moves to his neck, EMTs have arrived to check and ensure Daniel is okay.

As Cole was calling this, EMTs did arrive to check and stretcher out Bryan. Vade on the other hand left the ring angrier and colder than how he entered minutes ago.

Backstage after the match
Vade was off by himself on the way to the locker room but heard a round of applause. He thought that it was for Daniel since everyone may have also heard that this would be Daniel's last match as well. Triple H however cleared the air to Vade

Triple H: Hey kid, that's for you too, you know? Welcome to Smackdown and the main roster!

Daniel suddenly emerges and still clutching his neck a bit pats Vade on the back

Daniel: Was that a debut or what? - laughs - 

Vade: - turns around - uhm thanks. I may have gone overboard with the moves.

Daniel: Oh no, it stings a bit but I did my best and you also took care of the impact to ensure just my back takes the Drifter's Farewell. While the Rage-a-hol was a bit overstepping, you made sure my head was away from the mat. You will get far. Trust me, now enjoy the moment and I can now go be with my wife and kids. Best of luck man!

Vade smiled but then tuned himself out and returned to the locker room to change and leave. He was never the life of a party. Some see it as a perpetual cold shoulder, some who were lucky to understand just knew that Vade was just being Vade. The loner with a mind of his own.

Parking lot

Nikki: Lexi, are you sure you don't want to book an Uber or something?

Alexa: No Nikki, Ryan will pick me up. He said after recording songs he can bring me to the hotel.

Nikki: Well, I have to go, good night and call me when you're back at the hotel.

Alexa: Sure sure Nikki. Oh hey, -phone rings and it's Ryan- I will see you Nikki. -answers the phone - Hey babe, where are you?

Ryan: Oh hi babe, sorry but I still have a gig after recording.

Alexa: I thought you said you'll bring me back to the hotel after recording your songs?

Ryan: Sorry babe, something came up. Can you wait out just a few more minutes? I can sneak out and....

Alexa: - tears forming and voice breaking - Don't I matter to you? 

Ryan: You do! I am your "wonderful person after all" plus I make you laugh...

Alexa: Right now are you doing any of those?

Ryan: Oh hey now come on, I let you do your own thing and I don't come at you like some crazy insecure person. Now you're doing that to me?

Alexa: You did not ANSWER ME!! - starts to cry -

Ryan: Hey now.. don't cry. Look you want me to book you an uber? 

Alexa: That's not the point! 

Ryan and Alexa continued their on phone argument, but Alexa did not realize that in the parking lot, she was walking into a car that's about to leave. Vade was there too walking but noticed the scene. Alexa was too into the conversation...or hell argument that she failed to see that the car was about to run over her. Vade ran as fast as he could and pulled Alexa out of the way.

Alexa was pulled to safety by Vade but her phone broke in the process. Alexa was stunned at the scene as it took her minutes to realize, she had been saved by Vade. She wanted to thank Vade but Vade began to walk away...drifting to his own lonesome.

That was Chapter 1 and my Goddess it's long! 

Need some time figure out what will be next but hope you all enjoyed. Again comments will help to see what I need to work on (apart from length lol)

Keep safe and stay awesome!

(A/N: Shoutout to alexrelatado and NovFour for the suggestions seen in this chapter. You sirs are awesome! *salute*)