"She made broken look beautiful
and strong look invincible.
She walked with the Universe
on her shoulders
and made it look like
a pair of wings. "

▽▽▽

SUMMERSLAM  2016

I stared over the masses of crowds that I hadn't seen in person since Brie's semi-retirement back at Wrestlemania. I recalled how hard it had been for me then, not heading out to sit ringside because that night was all about Brie. My partner, my twin sister, the one person who had always been there and would always be there.

The hard part was having to let her go, saying goodbye to her and not being able to be in the ring with the rest of our friends facing off against her.

Standing in the ring then as I hugged her knowing she would be off to make a new journey for herself scared me because it seemed like it was the end for the Bella's in the WWE. It seemed like my only other love besides John would no longer be there, yes we were in the process of doing so many new things to expand our brand but nothing could compare to how being in that ring made me feel so the thought of never being able to do it again broke my heart.

But here I was, with the scar on my neck that would only serve to empower me now than make me feel weak like I had felt before when there seemed no light at the end of the tunnel...

I felt my eyes glistening as I sealed the victory and raised my hand, briefly staring up and saying a small thank you to my Pop pop Joe who I had asked for guidance so many times and I finally felt stable again. Because I was home...

I made my way to the ropes hearing the cheers filling the crowd as I couldn't contain the bright smile upon my face before finally heading back. I hadn't seen anyone yet for the night besides the women I faced and stood beside because my return was hush hush.

I knew John would be so happy considering I hadn't seen him in over a month with his current feud keeping him on the road as well as his other commitments.

I hugged several people, doing a brief interview before being handed the blue t-shirt representing where I now belonged.

Smackdown.

I raised it proudly, having been so afraid John and I would be split. I heard slight clapping as the camera dropped and smiled thinking the source was John but as I met the sound I was met with a familiar pair of blue orbs but not the ones belonging to my boyfriend of nearly four years.

"Er.. are you waiting for the Braced Bella because she isn't here any longer." I playfully narrowed my eyes as the crew disappeared leaving us reasonably alone. I knew once I disappeared to Female Talent there would be no peace for me with my ladies celebrating my return...

"Pity. I happened to think the brace was a pretty good accessory. Should have kept it, use it as an unfair advantage"

"Nikki Bella needs no advantage." I rolled my eyes causing him to chuckle.

"Longest Reigning Diva's Champ huh? How'd that happen again?"

I giggled and pushed his chest causing him to lean back before grounding his feet again.

"In my defense, the kiss was a surprise to me as well. " I defended my win at Survivor Series nearly two years ago which had been just a couple of days after my birthday.

"Well you beat an AJ for the title. Whether the same would count for the one currently in front of you would be debatable." He said casually as he ran his hand through his brown hair that was often made fun of. I didn't see why, I liked his hair it suited him well and somehow allowed his eyes to pierce more.

"I'm sure Brie's lips would leave you dazed and confused as well. Lift you onto my shoulders and bam, goodbye Styles" I smiled but it faded as he shook his head, protesting.

"All due respect ma'am but I'm not a lightweight"

"How much do you think I lift, Styles?" I questioned slightly narrowing my eyes.

"Not sure. Guess we should get a session in and see what you're made of, Bella."

"You'll be tapping out, just like you will be by the end of the night" I pointed out with him going up against John.

"Mmmm what, planning on kissing me and then letting him get me into a STFU? That's the only way he'll even get remotely close to getting me down."

"So my kiss would bring the Phenomenal one to his knees?"

"Well..." He smirked causing my eyes to widen and realized how my words might have been interpreted.

"I didn't mean.."

"Its okay, Darling. Many a women have wanted a piece of what is Phenomenal" he winked playfully causing me to shake my head and move over to an equipment box, lifting myself up onto it.

He slowly followed but didn't say anything as I saw a replay of myself returning due to it still being commercial. I hadn't seen him since around Wrestlemania but I could tell with us being on the same brand we would be seeing more of each other. I appreciated him coming up to me as besides my friends, being back was quite scary especially with all the changes...

"You know I pictured this night so many times and now its real. So real, I pictured it with me maybe coming back to reclaim what was mine but everything has changed. Its quite scary..." I nervously giggled letting it all sink in wishing John had made his way to meet me but knew he was probably quite busy and we tried to be professional at work. Well he did, most of the time I couldn't help stealing a kiss or just a hug from him.

"Its tough, especially with the new talent coming up but none of them are the Longest Reigning Champion you know? They might want to dismiss its value now but think of all the greats that have held that champion and you're number one. "

I nodded slowly, before leaning my head back against the wall and staring over at him as he chose to stand next to me, fixing his gloves.

"I shouldn't be talking to you. You're the enemy" I teased to get out of my fears which I usually kept to discussing with John.

"What Johnny boy doesn't know won't hurt him. I replaced him by welcoming you back, just like I'll be doing within the next hour by becoming the face of the company"

"You're very confident. But I appreciated the welcoming." I rolled my eyes but my smile did not falter.

"Well I meant what I said that night." His eyes briefly met mine making me think of my embarrassment as I returned from being at the arena for the Royal Rumble.

"The fact that you remembered let's me know that you certainly did, Allen" I smiled and hopped off before moving towards him and wrapping my arms around him.

"Thank you"

It took him a few seconds before I felt his arms wrap around me as well. "For a second there, watching you out there since the Rumble. I thought we might have lost the southern manners."

"Never." He chuckled as the vibrations of his chest was felt against my cheek.

"Hopefully you won't be bitter after your defeat either." I winked leaning back causing him to drop his arms.

"And if I happen to slay the great John Cena, what will you have to say then?"

"That maybe you are meant to be the face. Your boys here tonight?" I smiled having met them once at Wrestlemania, I hadn't even known they were his kids until John whispered it after I had taken pictures with them. Which led to me realizing the lovely woman I had spoken to had been his ex-wife.

"Nah. Pity though, its going to be historic. Me beating your boyfriend and all..." He folded his arms with a small smile.

"Guys and their want to be better than the other. I'm sure if you were to win, it would be one of the best losses in John's life, he holds you in high regard Allen."

"And how does his girlfriend consider me?" He leaned forward as if challenging me which made me let out a small laugh.

"Mmmm she hasn't had much time to form an opinion, but hey, we're on the same brand so besides knowing you're good in the ring you can prove to me why you should be the face of the company" I gestured before folding my arms as well.

"Oh I see now, your approval is needed. I intend on getting it darling, hey there Champ!" He gave a slight wave before moving on past me causing me to frown slightly. I hadn't expected to be joined by him but speaking to him had somehow felt calming.

I turned to see John who reached me and my smiled brightened and I immediately hopped onto him as he spun me around.

"We're on the same brand, love!" I squealed before kissing him.

◆◆◆◆

Been over a month since I posted the prologue. Hopefully you enjoyed this, simply Nikki returning to the roster and a random encounter with the Phenomenal one :)

Thanks so much for those who have voted + commented and added so far!

Thoughts?

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PHENOMENAL ONE FOR HIS VICTORY AT MSG IN BECOMING THE NEW US CHAMPION!!! ♥♥♥