Michelle was laid out on her towel, listening to the soothing sounds of nature on the shores of North Narabeen Beach, in Sydney, Australia. The city would be hosting the Warfare this coming Monday at the Allphones arena. The diva wanted to take advantage of the warmer weather, without the sunburn and excessive heat. The noise of the calm waves slapping lazily into the warm sand had caused her to drift into a doze, but her moments of tranquility were interrupted with the buzz and sound of her phone. She opened her eyes, peering at the device through her sunglasses, and reached out to it, aiming to move in the most efficient way possible without changing positions. It was too comfortable to get up.
In her notifications, she saw she’d received an email with the subject “Warfare Card” and swiped her thumb across the screen to unlock her phone. Her eyes scanned the message and she lazily tossed her phone back beside her.
“MsChif and Michelle McCool vs. The Beautiful People.” Something to look forward to.
She forced herself to roll over onto her back. For a few seconds, she laid there, staring up at the clear blue sky, then sat up slowly, looking out into the vast horizon of sea ahead. A few birds had flown by gracefully, but hadn’t caught her attention. She was watching the few people surfing the waves. One wiped out and disappeared into the water, before popping back up moments later, looking around.
Maybe I should start making new friends.
She stood up, stretched, and gathered her belongings and headed back towards the docks where she’d get a cab and return back to her hotel.
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Monday, March 10th, 10:59am
Backstage at Sydney’s Allphones Arena, things were already moving. Even though it was early in the morning, the EBWF was alive and awake. When it came to show day, every second was dedicated to leading up to the taping of the event itself. Especially with it being the World tour and Wrestlemania getting closer, backstage was generally hectic. And this held true for Michelle McCool. Earlier that week she’d been lounging on a beach, but now she’d been frantically searching the arena. The camera that followed had some trouble keeping up with her busy pace. Luckily for a moment she stopped.
Michelle: Has anyone seen MsChif?
When no one acknowledged her she was off again. Despite the air of desperation to find her tag partner for the night, her attitude wasn’t alarming. She was irritated.
Michelle: Where is this lady? You’d think by now she’d have said SOMETHING to me!
Since she’d seen the announcement of the card for Warfare nearly a week ago, Michelle had not heard of anything concerning MsChif. She was walking furiously ahead, and nearly ran into a stage crew member who barely rounded the corner. She grabbed him by the shoulders and looked at him with her head cocked to the side.
Michelle: Have you seen MsChif?
He shook his head silently then brushed passed her in his own busy way. She huffed and started her journey again. This time she had walked past a door with a gold nameplate on it. The camera followed on Michelle’s heels, the man controlling it nearly knocking her over when she turned around sharply and bumped into him.
Michelle: Really? Watch where you’re going, dimwit.
The screen span around crazily, then finally adjusted back to its upright position as it focused on the diva, who was standing before the door. For the first time her entire body was in frame. She wasn’t dressed up or in her ring attire, just in casual workout gear. A few soft thuds were heard as she knocked on the door. Her figure blocked the nameplate, keeping it out of view of the audience.
“Come in.”
The words were barely audible. Michelle pulled the door open, and the camera zoomed in on the nameplate. The glare of the light from the device once again failed to reveal whose room they were about to enter.
Michelle: Thank goodness you’re here. I need your help.
What can I do for you, Michelle?
Michelle slowly approached the desk Stephanie McMahon stood behind.
Michelle: It’s about my match tonight. I haven’t seen or heard anything from my partner. Have you?
Stephanie McMahon: No, I haven’t. Sorry Michelle, I’ve got a lot to take care of right now. If I hear anything, I’ll let you know, ok? I’m sure she’ll turn up, you don’t have to worry about MsChif.
Michelle: Of COURSE! Thanks for your help.
Michelle sighed dramatically and turned around, leaving the room in a hurry. The camera remained on Stephanie, who watched Michelle leave with an eyebrow raised. Then her attention returned back to her work. The camera operator swung around just in time to catch the diva slipping out of the office. He made a mad dash to the door, pushing it open and looking to his left and right to see the diva had gone missing in action.
Michelle: Hello! Can you keep up please?
She’d somehow appeared to his right, then shook her head and beckoned him to follow her. This time she kept a mild stroll as she went around the corner. She stopped and put her hands on her hips.
Michelle: This is pointless. If she doesn’t show, she doesn’t show. I shouldn’t waste my time worrying about her anyway. I bet I could handle things myself if it came down to it. I’m Michelle McCool. I'm... Flawless! I don’t need help. Especially from someone who looks like they rolled in a bed of seaweed.
A thoughtful look had crossed her face as she smiled, her nose practically up to the sky with arrogance. The camera recorded on a few feet off to the side. Michelle chuckled to herself and flipped her long blonde hair over her shoulder haughtily, before continuing her cat walk down the hall. The camera remained behind, watching as she walked away.
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Monday, March 10th, 2:40pm
Later that day, it was Michael Cole’s turn to venture backstage. He was on a search of his own.
Michael Cole: Thank you EBWF Universe for joining me, I’m about to conduct an interview with my special guest, whom I’ve kept a secret for the entire week!
He said that, but in reality, he couldn’t find anyone to interview at the moment, let alone someone who’d WANT to be interviewed by him. His forehead was already glistening with sweat as he pressed on, energy in his step. He heard a couple of voices up ahead and his eyes grew wide as he looked into the camera and nodded. He whispered.
Michael Cole: They’re here!
Cole quietly made his way down the corridor, until he was met with a few clothing racks that obscured his view. Two female voices were engaged in conversation, while Cole motioned with his head for the camera to go ahead of him. The way he went about the situation was absurd, to put it simply. Michelle McCool was speaking to a seamstress, who held her ring attire up for the diva to see. Michelle was nodding in approval.
Michelle: That should be fine.
One of the few times Michelle seemed to be grateful was caught on camera. The approval was short lived though as the camera man popped out from around the dress racks, and Michael Cole came into view. He exhaled a husky breath as he patted his face with a handkerchief, and smiled at the camera.
Michael Cole: Hello, EBWF Universe, I’m Michael Cole and I’m here revealing my special guest, Michelle McCool!
The seamstress had disappeared as soon as Cole revealed himself, leaving Michelle behind with a look of distaste.
Michelle: What do you want, ferret-face? And why are you sweating? You don’t even work out! You didn’t earn that front-side muffin top by doing crunches.
Cole had turned to Michelle, holding the mic up for her as she spoke. She was pointing at his waist where his belly protruded slightly over his belt. With his free hand he buttoned up his dressy overcoat in a sorry attempt to cover up his gut, and nodded before speaking.
Michael Cole: Hello to you too. I’m here for our interview Michelle, remember?
Michelle: Umm, no? What are you talking about? I never agreed to an—
Michael Cole: Michelle, would you mind giving us your thoughts about your match last week on Warfare against Velvet Sky?
Her eyebrow floated up in surprise. She had to admit, the question was a good one. There was no getting out of it now. But she didn't like the fact he cut her off. She blinked a few times and sighed, before forcing herself to reply. Every little thing Cole did annoyed her, and it hadn’t even been two minutes since he showed up.
Michelle: I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but it’s utterly moronic. Then again, what else could I expect?
That wasn’t something Cole was expecting either. This was made apparent by the look of offense on his face. The diva rolled her eyes.
Michelle: I could probably go on about what happened last week up until my match tonight, but I’ll keep it short. I thought I’d win the match myself, but I didn’t have to. Of course, there’s the actual match, but I won before we even stepped into the ring. The Beautiful People are obviously confused.
Michael Cole: Why is that?
Michelle closed her eyes, trying to keep her composure.
Michelle: Thanks for letting me get the answer out, genius. Anyway, in her interview, Velvet Sky admitted that I had her believing what I said about her partner. That’s smart, admitting your weakness. Making yourself more vulnerable than you already are. NOT! Good to know you’re easily insulted, naïve, and a push over. Didn’t take much to get that out of you. Congratulations.
The blonde took a moment to gather her thoughts.
Michelle:Actually, you know what? I take the congratulations back. Screw Velvet Sky! Forget her feelings. Ms. Piggy doesn’t stand a chance. I’m so over her. I think everyone is.
Michelle stated her opinion bluntly, looking over to Michael Cole. She poked his chest a little too hard, because he stumbled back awkwardly, then stepped back into the shot.
Michelle: No more being nice. Are you following this so far?
He nodded, then brought the mic back to himself.
Michael Cole: What about Women’s Champion Angelina Love? She interfered in the match, resulting in a Disqualification, causing you to get the victory.
Michelle: Angelina is funny. She thinks I’m threatened by her. I’m sorry, threatened by what? What exactly has she done to intimidate me since she’s been here? Twirl her hair and pick her nose? Please. I won the match last week by Angelina’s hand. Even better. Isn’t that ironic!? That’s a bigger slap in the face than me pinning Velvet and actually beating her…
She’s probably trying to explain herself: “I didn’t wanna see you lose. I saved you. Blaaah blah blaaah blah blah.” Well that didn’t work out too well, did it? No matter how you put it Angelina, you look bad for what you did. You got your little cheap shot in while my hands were tied... Literally. Right before I almost busted your girl’s face with a Faithbreaker.
Michael Cole: Anything about your match tonight? You’re partnered with MsChif, and will be facing The Beautiful People.
Michelle: I don’t know MsChif’s motives. I don’t even know where the hell she is, but I know that I plan on tearing up Angelina and Velvet with or without her. If she wants to help, be my guest. Poison Ivy just better not get in my way. As for the hot mess of a team I’ll be facing? I’m starting to think what your Women’s Tag Team Champions said about ME feeling threatened got a little twisted. Seems like The “Beautiful” People are threatened by me. Everything that happened between Velvet and I last week is proof. I’m getting the better of them without having to put in any effort. They’re doing it for me! Do I really have to say more?
Michael Cole: I do have another question, Michelle. Wrestlemania is coming up, which means your match for the Women’s Championship is also getting closer—
Michelle: You don’t have to finish, I can go from there Michael.
He grinned childishly, surprised he was addressed by his first name. But the moment was washed out just as quickly as it came.
Michelle: Seriously, what’s wrong with you? Why do you keep smiling like that? You look like an idiot.
Michelle shook her head and started once more.
Michelle: Too many people have been saying I haven’t achieved anything because I put over girls like Summer Rae and Eva Marie. A win is a win and winning is something I keep doing. It’s all about me now. Each and everyone one you that criticize me, you know damn well you’d be just as glad to have the streak I’m on. I’m starting to prove people wrong by beating some of the claimed “higher-ups” in the tier… Natalya.
She coughed the name out, trying to cover it up.
Michelle: Knock knock Angelina, look who’s at your doorstep. ME. I am your biggest threat right now! Get ready, because reality is about to smack you in the face, hard. You aren’t the queen around here anymore. It’s time to shake those cobwebs occupying your pea brain and brace yourself. It’s time to knock you down a peg. Playtime’s over! Don’t get too comfortable once you finally get your ass off that cushioned throne and sit back down after stepping in the ring with me tonight. Consider yourself lucky. This may not be a title match, but it’ll definitely be a preview of what’s to come. Soon enough our “beef” will be settled. Velvet Sky is only getting in the way, but you can stop her. You took care of that last week. Tonight, I’ll prove the Beautiful People aren’t a threat. It’s me they should be looking out for.
The blonde looked at Michael Cole with a smirk on her face before he brought the interview to its conclusion.
Michael Cole: There you have it ladies and gentleman. Michelle McCool. Thanks for watching, and be sure to catch Warfare Tonight, live from Sydney, Australia!
The segment faded out as Michelle left and Cole stood alone, looking around him before leaving in the opposite direction.