To the victor…

…3!”, Sylvia calls out, jumping to her feet and signaling the timekeeper. “Ring the damn bell! For the love of god, ring the bell!”

The bell rings three times, signaling the match is over. As Maria drops your legs to the mat, your eyes squint open as your head turns to Bayley. She’s in tears, feeling nearly every bit of pain you felt. But if you were to ask her right now, she’d say she was just glad the match is over.

Maria parades around the ring, posing, flexing, screaming. She had definitely let off some steam here. You roll over to the side as Bayley rushes over to you, stopping you from rolling off.

“Tell me you’re gonna be okay,” Bayley sobs as she looks for a place to gently touch you for reassurance. Weakly, you reach over to hold her hand. You both lock eyes as she leans in to hear you. “In the end,” you gasp, “I’m going home…with you…”

Maria hugs you as gently and as passionately as she can.

“I’ve never seen anyone take that much punishment from Maria before,” Bayley said. “When my knees heals up, I’m gonna challenge her and I’m going to beat her for you.”

“Please,” you muster, “Don’t hurt yourself for me.” She looks at you, confused, almost hurt that you think she’d lose.

“I’m just the new guy,” you joke. You both laugh, lost in the moment.

Suddenly, you feel the tough and huge hand of Maria grab you and roll you back into the ring. Bayley gasps as you’re yanked to your feet to stare eye to eye with Maria. Her stern gaze piercing you. You brace for a post match beat down.

“You took that beating for me,” Maria said, “So I could feel better?”

“You got a raw work deal,” you say, “I know how that feels.”

Maria grimaces for a moment. You’re unsure of what is in store for you at the moment. As you look down, you see Maria has extended her hand. You shake it as the crowd goes nuts. You have earned Maria’s respect. Which is a rare thing.

“You’re a stand up guy,” Maria says. “Thank you for letting me let off some much needed steam.”

“Well, give me some time to recover before you need to do it again,” you say, smiling. Maria smiles back. It’s a bit odd, but happiness suits her after all that.

“Per the stipulations of the match,” Sylvia announces, “Maria has earned the right to pound the loser’s ass in any manner she deems.”

As you see Colossus being brought over to Maria, your eyes look away. You know your ass is about to get ripped open and pounded. Instead of grabbing her massive strap on, Maria turns your head to face her.

“Hey,” she says, “You fought well. And you’re probably in a huge amount of pain. I’ll respect you if you want to call it a night.”

You exhale, relieved. You do need a large amount of ibuprofen and a dip in a hot tub.

…but something about that Colossus seems to be calling you. As if it’s a final challenge for you.