A/N: Again another batch of releases hours ago and this one hurts deep because a key element in this story was involved. Make that KEY elements. Ruby Riott and the Riott Squad. This will be hard to paint a perfect world. But we'll see. We'll see how it goes. 

As I posted during Black Thursday 2021, may all those released and their families be in better times and they get back on their feet. An oft forgotten line but always reminded of it from the campaign poster of a local politician, Tomorrow will be better than today. Hope it holds true for those who got cut.

Too much drama already seeping into this one. Let's begin.

April 27, 2020
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
2 hours before the show

The Hurt Business had arrived and were all waiting around.

Cedric: Diamond Donny! Our Most Valuable Player from last night - puts his hand up for a high five -

Don: - high fives back with some hesitation - Please do not call me that Ced.

Shelton: Ay yo! Why man? You hit the match winning move that made our group here the hitmakers we all deserve to be!

Don: I'm no MVP Shelton.

Lashley sees this and puts a hand on Don's shoulder 

Lashley: Hey, you have it easier to be honest. For me, it took almost 15 years for the company to get it right when it comes to booking me. For Shelton, just as long, or even longer. Same can be said of your mentor, just hope he's here to say some words....

Then out of nowhere, footsteps assisted with the use of a cane  were heard.

MVP: - jokingly - Now did I approve of you speaking for me, Berto?

Rest of the Hurt Business: P!

Don: Mentor!

MVP: Now now, I'm not dead. But I see you all can handle yourselves without me - sounding a bit sad -

Don: Oh no, mentor please....

MVP: - suddenly laughs - Oh I'm just messing with you all, but hey! You all did great last night while I was getting evaluated. Berto, you dominated in that title defense. As for the three of you - points to the rest - I did not make a mistake in bringing you all in. 

Shelton: Means a lot P!

Cedric: Hey man, thanks for that.

Don: Anything for you, mentor.

MVP: Now Donny, come on. At some point, you'll have to make a name for yourself. You'll have to stop clinging on to me man. 

The rest of the Hurt Business were confused.

Lashley: What are you talking about P?

Cedric: Are we about to split?

MVP: - puts his hands up in defense - no no! Fellas, don't forget that I am also a producer apart from an on-screen talent. Just sucks I'll do more producing than competing given that I will need this cane until I get surgery.

Lashley: Man, that worse huh?

MVP: Well, age finally caught up to me - sadly looks down - but hey, that won't stop me from making sure you all succeed. So tonight, we have to make everyone knows of my injury, BUT, we got ourselves a re-strategizing to do.

While the Hurt Business were having their pow-wow meeting, they saw the Riott Squad and they also do not look pleased.

with the Riott Squad

Liv and Ruby were talking amongst themselves about what could possibly be happening to them tonight.

Ruby: If we are about to get pushed further down to the point of not being used, I don't know what else I can do.

Liv: You said it Rue Rue. Honestly, I don't know what they plan to do with us? It just fucking sucks! 

As Liv said this, she kicked down an empty trach can and it made a sound. A lot of people backstage were looking for who did it but Liv was embarrassed and tried to run away.

Ruby: Liv! Gionna! - running after her -

Liv then began to run and tearfully try to imagine herself shrinking away until she bumped into Don Patricio. Don saw Liv like this and then asked

Don: Liv, what happened?

Liv was unable to speak and was instead in tears. Don did not want to make a scene and he instead hugged her and rubbed her back.

Don: Shh.. - rubs her back - there, there. Let it out. Hug it out if you want to. Shhh.... 

Liv was crying a deluge of tears onto Don's covered chest and wrapped her arms around his back.

Suddenly, Bruce Prichard came in and saw the scene.

Bruce: I happened to have heard Liv here had a tantrum over her booking? Is taht true?

Ruby was able to catch up and was about to explain but Don cut her off

Don: Uh, it was a pest problem. Yeah, a cat tried to chase a mouse down here that....

Bruce: Oh you better not be lying Don. If it's one thing I hate apart from people who question OUR decisions and don't want to do their part, it's dishonest talent. 

Ruby: It was a pest problem. 

Bruce: You Riotts better be grateful you get TV time anyway or else....

Producer: Bruce, you're needed in the truck now. Vince is calling for you.

Bruce: Alright, these arenas better get a hold of their pest control anyway. Sorry to have bothered you all.

Bruce walked away. Ruby breathed a sigh of relief.

Ruby: That was crazy! You standing up for us to Bruce.

Don: I didn't exactly do that....

Ruby: You did in my book. Had you ratted us out, we may have...

Liv: - muffled - stop Dori... 

Don, seeing Cedric, asked him to get a bottle of water. He then saw Liv's eyes and despite them being red from crying, he couldn't stop staring at those soulful windows to the soul. 

Don: Gionna... sorry Liv

Liv melts upon hearing Don say her real name and blushes. Cedric then approaches the two still hugging and gives Don the water bottle. Don hands Liv the water bottle.

Don: - gives Liv the water bottle - here.

Liv then takes a sip while Don is making sure she is okay.

Don: Was this about you two being used again on TV?

Liv can only nod.

Ruby: You heard Lana and Nattie, even they're against it. Come on, I got an idea how we can fix thi....

Liv: I ...don't know anymore Rue - sniffles, then hands the bottle back to Don - 

Don returns the bottle back to Liv

Don: You need that more than me. 

Liv: - silent - Thanks Donny. For now, we have a meeting with Shane. 

Ruby: I hope he is honest about being big fans of us.

The Riotts then left as Don was left there with Cedric and the rest of the Hurt Business watching what just happened

MVP: Donny, be careful with how you talk to guys like Bruce. Man can make or break careers with his decisions.

Don: But aren't you a producer too?

MVP: Sadly, he is a higher-up but I saw as well how the Riotts are being mistreated as a product and talent. Say the word Don, I feel you may have an idea on what to do with them. Whatever it will be, I will pitch it to Shane.

Timeskip to Raw

The Hurt Business were in the ring with MVP at the center with his cane. The crowd were in a mix of cheers between boos and welcome back, mostly the latter for MVP.

MVP: So, - responding to the boos - well I missed you all too. So, we all saw a rise to the top and the beginning of what my protege called, a takeover. And guess what, - pats Don Patricio's shoulder - you're absolutely right. Because you see here, business will indeed begin to be in session on the regular. Ricochet, Ali and Apollo saw it. Now it's time to reorganize and rethink of the strategy. - paces a bit - As you all can see, - looks at his knee that needs the assist of a cane to move - my knee isn't so hot. So consider me, just the backer of these 4. But this won't mean I become a non-factor, no no no! I will still be influential and play a part in the rise of all these 4! So for now, we got the US title with the All Mighty Bobby Lashley. All we're missing is the WWE Championship and the Raw Tag Team Championships. Shelton, I believe it is time you take the leap. As Berto here still has a title, you have to prove yourself as a top caliber guy even if all you've had are forgettable mid card and tag title runs. 

Shelton can merely smirk but looked peeved off upon MVP mentioning this.

MVP: Now as for you two - turns to Don Patricio and Cedric Alexander - You two, being the new additions, need to show me that you two are as hungry and thirsty as you wanted to go in with us! Unless you are about to tell me, you're USING this as a springboard to save your dwindling or in YOUR case - turns to Don Patricio - budding careers. Because let me tell you now, if any of you cannot pull your own weight, the All Mighty as the CEO and I as the founder will not hesitate to put you back where you came from and STAY THERE!

Don and Cedric looked at each other and took in MVP's verbal threats with a pokerface.

MVP: Which is why, you two will need to team up and make sure that we get tag team division gold! You got me?

Both Don and Cedric nodded.

MVP: Then it's settled, we just gave Shane McMahon, the locker room, especially Drew McIntyre and the Street Profits an advanced notice. A declaration of of business about to be in session for the champions. Because with how we've been doing it, we always back our words up. 

Joe: What a bold statement by the Head MVP. 

Byron: For sure, but isn't it quite a tall order that the 3 he just threatened 

Joe: Such a simple man Saxton. MVP is merely motivating the 3 in the best words he can.

Tom: Motivation that sounds like threats, Joe.

Joe: Ugh, you two are so naive!

Timeskip to the end of Street Profits v. Andrade and Angel Garza

Montez Ford after Angelo Dawkins neutralizes Andrade hits Angel Garza with the From the Heavens and Garza is unable to kick out as the Street Profits win the match. 

The Street Profits celebrated their win with their belts being given to them by the referee. However, the celebration was cut short when ....

https://youtu.be/_Vy-246HjTE

Out came Cedric Alexander and Don Patricio all decked out in business suits and sunglasses, looking at the Street Profits with arms crossed.

Joe: Woah wait a minute

Byron: Is this fulfilling the plan of MVP?

Tom: MVP did designate that Cedric Alexander and Don Patricio will take the Raw Tag Team Championship titles. 

Joe: Boys, we are about to see a prophesy fulfilled in a few weeks time or soon.

Backstage after that segment

The Street Profits, Andrade, Angel Garza and the Hurt Business were at the gorilla position.

Montez: Man, glad to see you two join in on the fun.

Dawkins: It will be more bodies fam.

Andrade: Yeah amigo, we finally have a chance to compete against one another.

Don: Thanks guys. Gonna be fun being a part of the Tag Team Division.

???: Don't forget us bro!

Don looked back to see Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins behind them and join their circle 

(A/N: I know they were a part of Black Wednesday 2020. But for this story as I need a tag division, Ryder and Hawkins, OC and Revival are not released for the sake of storyline)

???: Or us Top Guys!

In came the Revival with Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson

???: You NERDS forgetting someone?

Rounding them up are the O.C., Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.

Don: Wow, we got a lot of contenders huh?

Ricochet: You're almost all the bad guys.

Ali: Can't forget about us!

Cedric: Wow, these will be a fun next few weeks ahead, eh Diamond Donny?

Don: Yeah, right...

Timeskip to next Raw segment

Lana and Natalya are in the ring as the crowd showers them with boos.

Natalya: I don't need to speak for we are the Best Of All Time.

Lana: Be it in TikTok or in the ring, as you all saw last night on the pre-show against your favorite Riott Squad. I mean, they are just on a reunion tour only to be beaten by new, up and coming teams like us. I think they may be stuck in catering while we are rising to the top to win us the Women's Tag Team championships. Riotts back of the li....

https://youtu.be/TpRVTmN3uE4

The Riott Squad arrive and take offense to what Lana said.

Liv: Really Lana? 

Natalya: Liv, just go back there. Lana is better than you in any...

Ruby: Are you serious with that Nattie? Are....

Liv then backed Ruby away from Natalya as she wanted to say her own piece.

Liv: Rue, I think I gotta take this. Because Nattie here is only given every opportunity because of her blood. That I can take, but Lana here? I just don't get. She tries to make herself the beautiful woman out here but that's all she is. While I and you know this Rue, I had to work my ass off to be here.

Lana: And lose to us 3 times and counting? Admit it Liv, you and Ruby were just brought back to be our pummel horses, our punching bags for our stock to rise and yours to fall into obscurity once again. Just like your ....

Liv: Leave her out of it you bitch!

The crowd went oooh after Lana was about to do what Bayley did last week in dragging Sarah's name into the feud.

Lana: At least I didn't date a sausage flashing loudmouth.  

The crowd oooh-ed louder at the reference and Liv was then smirking and about to laugh, but charged at Lana, mat slamming her head to the canvas as a cat fight ensued. Ruby and Natalya began to pull away their respective tag team partners until....

https://youtu.be/h0qWCtlLFB8

Sasha and Bayley came out still wearing the title belts and pointed and laughed at the Riott Squad and Lana and Natalya

Joe: Oh, it's our Tag Team Champions. Glad they defended successfully.

Byron: Way to show brand loyalty Joe. They cheated against the Kabuki Warriors

Joe: It's called strategy Saxton.

Bayley: Alright you two, before you fight like little cats. At least Shane gave me a verbal agreement after seeing you two fight over the last piece of rhinestone or over the vain change of facing off against us. You see, we don't want to face the Kabuki Ding dongs anymore after Sasha and I defended our belts so - points at the Riotts - since we beat you two, maybe Lana and Nattie over there deserve a shot at the titles.

Lana and Natalya were in agreement and nodded but the Riotts were not having it.

Ruby: No you stuck up crazy Karen wannabe!

Liv: We want a shot at that too!

https://youtu.be/HMuYfScGpbE

Shane McMahon comes out and looks at Bayley and Sasha all weird.

Shane: Bayley, we did agree on something but not to giving the title shot straight to Lana and Natalya. Now I may run Raw and I've always said during my time as Smackdown Commissioner that Smackdown is the land of opportunity, I make it a point to also do the same here on Raw. 

The crowd cheers as Shane continues on.

Shane: So Bayley, Sasha, you will have contenders for those belts again. But, it will be between Lana and Natalya and the Riott Squad. But whoever wins between the two of you, will face this team for the number one contendership for the Women's Tag Team titles and ladies - points to Bayley and Sasha - you may know these two so..

https://youtu.be/xaGD5Btz510

The Kabuki Warriors come out of the ramp pointing and looking at the Women's Tag Team Champions.

Joe: You gotta be kidding me!

Saxton: It's only fair the Kabuki Warriors get another chance once more.

Tom: But again, the Kabuki Warriors will face on that night the winner of Lana and Natalya v. The Riott Squad.

Timeskip to after the segment

The women involved from the segment were all hanging around the hallway talking about what just happened.

Bayley: Well, whoever wins from the 6 of you, we will be ready.

Sasha: I bet it will be fun whoever we will face. But we gotta run, we have to rest up for our show too on Friday. 

Bayley: See you ladies!

The champions walk off.

Kairi: Kana-chan, we have to move too. I have a match tonight against Nia.

Asuka: Nia? Kaori-chan, be careful, alright?

Kairi: Hai!

Asuka: And - faces the Riotts, Lana and Natalya - good luck to whoever wins between you all. 

The Kabuki Warriors leave and all that's left are Lana, Natalya and the Riotts.

Lana: Well, until next week then? 

Liv: Yeah - sighs out of disappointment -

Ruby: Maybe this will be our chance.

Liv: I'm done hoping Dori!

Natalya: Liv, be careful. I know it sucks but just hang on a bit longer 

As Natalya says this,  she sees Don Patricio, to which she then grows a smirk.

Natalya: Things will be better in time. Alright? Chin up G!

Lana and Natalya leave as Don then arrives to see Liv and Ruby.

Ruby: I think this is the cue for me to...

Don: No, Ruby please stay. 

Ruby is shocked to hear this but stays.

Don: Liv, I heard they referenced...someone from your past.

Liv: And it's painful to be reminded of it. Sure I distanced myself but did they need to have CJ (Lana) sling mud like that?

Don: Look, I think I have an idea how to get the Squad Squad back on the right track. 

Ruby: You're not thinking of having MVP take care of our pushes now?

Don: Something like that...

Liv: Donny no! We want to earn our spots. Not use connections.

Don: Liv, it hurts to see you like this. Hell it hurts to see locker room morale to be as low as this. I thought that was a myth from my NXT days but to see it first hand just irks me to no end. 

Liv is shocked by Don's concern.

Don: And besides I wanna see you rise as well along with me. - smiles -

Liv: Awww Donny. - then recalls - Oh yeah! You up for a console hunt tomorrow?

Don: Oh yeah, sure! 

Liv: Great! - smiles then sees Shelton - HEY SHELTY! 

Shelton: - goes near Don and Liv - Oh hey, need me for something?

Liv: Can't believe you already forgot - pouts - 

Shelton: Oh.... - recalls - Oh! We're buying Diamond Donny here his first gaming console!

Liv bounces and claps at Shelton recalling the deal made last night.

Shelton: Ay yo, Diamond Donny P. You ain't got nothing to worry about with buying your first console, let Daddy a.k.a. Young Saliva and the VG OG help you with that.

Ruby: Wait, hold up! - looks at Don - You got no console?

Don: - blushing - yes.

Ruby: Let me join in! I can help - smiles, then whispers to Shelton - and have these two have their moment 

Shelton can only wink at Ruby.

Liv: Yay! Gamer Donny! Gamer Donny! - bounces and claps -

Don: Alright, we better go ahead and rest up for that.

Liv: Donny....? - looks at Don with sad puppy eyes and pouting -

Don: Alright, Liv - hugs her -

As Don hugs Liv, Liv tightens the hug and jumps to try to make Donny Liv in the Huggies, but realized that it's too early and let things go smoothly as they are first. However, Ruby and Shelton saw the attempt by Liv. The two hug buddies left and went their separate ways.

With the Riott Squad

Liv and Ruby were on their way to their hotel room and Ruby broke the silence.

Ruby: Liv, I saw what you were trying to do with Don earlier. 

Liv: You....did? - blushing -

Ruby: Yeah, ease up before wrapping him in a Huggies. I think we made him awkward after your first Huggies back in

Liv: RUBY! - blushing and playfully slapping her arm - 

Ruby: What?

Liv: I think....of Donny.... 

Ruby: Oh my gosh! Liv, you have to tell him!

Liv: But what if he thinks differently...

Ruby: Now who would turn away such an energetic, sunny ball of sunshine like you?

Liv: Eri...

Ruby: He doesn't count, he's an idiot for wasting his shot with you. 

With Shelton and Don

Shelton and Don are roommates for the hotel stay. Don laid on his bed while Shelton laid and checked his social media.

Shelton: Hey Donny, I noticed earlier when you were afraid to go and have Liv wrap you in a Huggies.

Don: Is that what it's called?

Shelton: Man, let the girl wrap you in a Huggies. You can tell she likes you.

Don: Well...yes... since the dinner..and that time I comforted her earlier.

Shelton: Ah right, booking. Well, they have it worse than the men. At least we are featured, they're not as featured and I still don't get that this has been the way since my first few years here. Like nothing's changed

Don: Yeah.... - lost in thought -

Shelton: Donny? Donny? - snaps his fingers - Donny!

Don: Yeah?

Shelton: You...thinking about Liv and tomorrow?

Don: Yeah, why?

Shelton: I bet you like her already.

Don: Come on now. She can go for someone else other than....

Shelton: Not every guy in the roster is wrapped in a Huggies. So you being given the Huggies must mean something more than, "Hey I wanna be your friend"

Don: Come on Shelton, why of all times?

Shelton: I just have a sense with these things Don. Have a daughter and all that. But honestly man, you know who you are and Liv sees something in you that she'll want to know you more. And more than what you two talked about in the steak dinner - chuckles -

Don: Steak dinner.... you were there? 

Shelton: - laughs - Man Donny, you dense too? We was there man, ensuring you and Liv are fine. And based on that, you did okay. And tomorrow, I can tell the same and more will come.

Don: I hope so...

Don and Shelton talked some more until both decided to fall asleep. Don and Liv looking forward for tomorrow when they go gaming console shopping with Ruby and Shelton.

That is it for Chapter 9