Dean glanced across at Ronda from the driving seat of their hire car, a look of confusion and embarrassment on his face. They were on their way to Raw, but right now that was the least of their concerns. "I don't understand how that could happen," he said sheepishly.

"The next couple of days are going to be fun," Ronda said dryly, shaking her head. She was looking at a Twitter post of the image Dean had taken of her the previous week with her wrists tied to the bed in their hotel room and her Hot Ronda shirt used to gag her. It was now out in the public domain, and there was only one explanation. "Someone must have hacked you."

The explanation meant nothing to Dean – the world's biggest technophobe. "How can they hack my phone when I've got it on me?"

"They don't hack your phone," Ronda explained patiently. "Your phone syncs your pictures to the cloud, and they've hacked your account there."

"I didn't know I had a cloud," he said, shaking his head. "I'm really sorry, Ronda. Obviously I never meant for this to happen."

"It's not your fault. I knew you took the picture and I didn't get you to delete it. And anyway, I can hardly blame you for some scumbag hacking you."

Dean looked understandably relieved as he glanced at her again. "I can't believe you're not a lot angrier about this."

"What would be point of getting angry?" she said with a shrug. "It's not going to change the fact that the picture is out there. It's being retweeted and commented on, and I'm sure people are busy making memes out of it. The best way to deal with something like this is to be the opposite of angry. A lot of people only troll because it makes the target angry or intimidated or whatever. If I go along with it and join in with the jokes, it'll blow over a hell of a lot faster, and I might even make a good impression of myself. I'm glad it's just the two of us traveling together today, though. I wouldn't have been wanted to be with the others when I found out about it."

Dean looked over at her again, this time with a smile on his face. "I love you, you know that? Most people wouldn't be able to look at it with such a level head, including me."

"I've had plenty of experience being taunted and trolled online. This will be mild compared to some of what I've been put through. This the best way to tackle it. I'm going to share the picture myself and put a funny caption with it."

"What are you going to put?" he asked while she saved the picture and added it to a new tweet.

"How about this," she said, proceeding to read out her caption as she typed it. "I don't know why you guys are assuming this has anything to do with sex. It's just what happens when he's had enough of listening to me." She ended with an upside down smiley face emoji, then pressed send.

"That's funny," Dean grinned. "There is one other thing you're going to have to get through, though."

Ronda nodded, knowing exactly what he meant. "Yeah, the girls in the locker room. I'm sure there will be a joke or two coming my way, but they can go ahead. It'll all be in the right spirit."

Half an hour later, Ronda was about to find out what reaction she was going to get from her colleagues. She decided to bring up the subject herself as soon as she walked into the locker room. As she entered the room, she saw that almost everyone was already there. Perfect. She spoke loudly to make herself heard over the conversations that were going on, making sure to sound like she was enjoying herself rather than annoyed. "Alright, I'm sure you've all seen the picture. Let's have whatever jokes and wisecracks you've got ready for me."

"We wouldn't dream of it," Alexa said, looking slyly at Clementine, who was standing beside her.

"Right," Clem said with a cheeky grin. "Our lips are sealed."

There were some giggles around the room.

"That line doesn't work. Dean didn't use duct tape," Ronda pointed out with a relaxed smile.

"Ah, silly me," Clem said with a laugh.

"I think y'all are out of line," Ember Moon said, shaking her head. "Honestly, making a gag out of this situation."

Laughter filled the room, with Ronda joining in. Several other jokes came her way before the girls seemed to have worked it out of their systems. Satisfied that she had ridden it out, she went over and took the locker next to Zelina, which also happened to be next to Clementine.

"Great job, Ronda," Zelina said in a friendly tone. "Perfect way to play it off. I'm not sure if I could have done that."

"Thanks, Zel," Ronda smiled back. "I'm used to taking shit. This will blow over fairly soon. I'll share a few memes and stuff and join in with the jokes. Once everyone knows it's not making me mad, they'll move on to targeting some other poor idiot."

Ruby Riott approached them, looking a little cautious. "Hey, Ronda. Have you got a minute?"

"Sure, Ruby. What's up?" Ronda said as openly as possible. She hadn't worked with Ruby much at all so far, which maybe explained the former champion's demeanour.

"Well," Ruby said, drawing the word out. "We've got an in-ring segment to do tonight. I was just thinking that maybe, if you're okay with it, I might drop in a line that refers to the picture. It could be good for getting a laugh or a cheer out of the crowd."

"Go for it," Ronda said easily. "I really don't mind. If it's your character taking a dig at mine, great. After I just cashed-in and beat you, it makes sense that you would do that."

Ruby looked delighted that her idea had been received so positively. "Thanks, Ronda. You're pretty awesome, girl. I'm looking forward to working with you some more."

"Same," Ronda grinned.

With that, Ruby went back over to her locker. Clementine spoke to Ronda next, thankfully going for a change of subject. "All set for Wednesday?" was her question. She was talking about the upcoming visit to Pittsburgh for their charity presentation and a couple of days of fire training, all of which would be filmed for WWE Network. Then, the following week, they would be back there to film their attempts to put out fires, or whatever other challenges they were set, followed later in the week by a few trips out on a fire truck, attending real emergency call outs.

"I'm looking forward to it big time," Ronda assured her. "I love a good challenge, and this will definitely be one. How about you? Excited for it?"

"Actually, yeah," Clementine said brightly. "I mean, I am nervous, but I think it's going to be a lot of fun. Like you said, we'll make sure we get through it together. And if either of us fail..."

"We're both fucked," Ronda finished for her. "You're right, it is going to be a lot of fun. I really can't wait for the part where we get to try and put out a fire, just the two of us. It'll give us such a sense of achievement when we pull that off."

"When we pull it off," Clem confirmed, emphasising the first word.

"You're going to kill it, both of you," Alexa said. Looking proudly at Clem, she added, "You're so brave, honey."

Ronda's heart melted when Clementine gave her girl a little peck on the cheek. "Okay, you two kill me," she said, putting a hand over her heart. "Add me to the list of people who ship Blissentine."

Alexa beamed a truly dazzling smile. "Everyone ships Blissentine."

All three of them laughed, albeit with Clementine seeming a little embarrassed about her relationship being discussed.

"Hey, Ronda," Zelina said. "Let's talk about how we'll start the segment later."

"Sure, let's do it," Ronda said as she sat down next to her friend and on-screen manager.

Monday Night Raw – September 24th 2018

Raw's second hour began with the three person commentary team standing behind their table. They briefly talked about the events at the end of the previous week's episode, where Ronda Rousey had successfully cashed-in her Money in the Bank contract on Ruby Riott, to become the new Raw Women's Championship. Their description was aided by a brief video package which played as they talked.

"The question I have on my mind," Clementine said when the shot returned to the commentary table, "is now that The Arm Collector has the title, who on earth is going to be brave enough to challenge her for it?"

A piece of new theme music began to play. The words 'The Arm Collector' were displayed on the screen, drawing some boos from the fans. The exultation that had greeted Ronda's cash-in the week before was long gone, and the more customary heat had returned.

The new theme was totally different to Bad Reputation. Firstly, it had no lyrics at all. And secondly, it was a totally different style of music, being quite similar to the main part of the theme from the original Robocop movie. It was all part of WWE trying to move further away from the popular Rowdy Ronda Rousey character, and towards the hated Arm Collector. Ronda's first appearance as champion had been chosen as the perfect time to make the transition.

"Speaking of the new Raw Women's Champion, here she comes!" Cole had exclaimed as the music hit.

"And Zelina Vega is back alongside her," Coach added. "We saw Zelina return last week, bringing the Money in the Bank briefcase with her, which, as we just mentioned, was successfully cashed-in."

Ronda followed Zelina down the entrance ramp, her title belt around her waist and her usual nasty expression on her face. As requested by the higher ups, she did her best to give off the impression that she was Vega's trained killing (or arm collecting) machine. She was wearing black pants and her latest The Arm Collector shirt.

"In answer to your question, Clem," Cole said. "I know one person who will definitely be wanting to face The Arm Collector. Ruby Riott is contractually entitled to a rematch after losing the Raw Women's Championship."

"That's an excellent point," Clem admitted. "Let's see if Zelina will address it."

Manager and client were now in the ring, and Vega had a microphone. Ronda stood in the centre of the ring, commanding it. Her music faded out, allowing Zelina to begin the promo.

"Bow down to Ronda Rousey!" she exclaimed triumphantly, drawing the first volley of boos. She had purposely left out the word rowdy. "Bow down to The Arm Collector! Bow down to the new Raw Women's Champion!"

Ronda had removed the belt from around her waist, and held it up during Zelina's final theatrical sentence. Meanwhile, her facial expression barely changed. Meanwhile, Zelina pointed up at the belt in delight.

"That's right," Vega continued once the little celebration was over. "Just like I promised you all from day one, I waited for the right moment, the perfect moment to cash in the Money in the Bank contract, and when that moment came, The Arm Collector took Ruby Riott's arm, and the Raw Women's Championship along with it."

"Like anyone else, as soon as she was locked in the armbar, Ruby had to tap out or get her arm snapped," Clementine said.

"She chose to live to fight another day, even at the expense of her title," Cole agreed.

For the next couple of minutes, Zelina continued to brag about how she had masterminded the birth and rise of The Arm Collector, really rubbing it in the faces of the fans and the viewers at home.

"You see, the fact of the matter is that Ronda Rousey does what I say, when I say, and how I say. And that makes me the second most dangerous woman in all of WWE, behind only Ronda herself. With that being said, Elena D'Agostino, don't think I've forgotten about you kicking me in the face!" she snarled.

The crowd cheered loudly at the mention of the Italian's name. They were more than ready for another Rousey – D'Agostino showdown. There was definitely unfinished business between them after the shocking way Ronda had been quickly and comprehensively knocked out during their first match. They were also cheering the memory of Vega nearly getting her head kicked clean off her shoulders. A "Yes!" chant started to break out, but it was interrupted by Ruby Riott's music.

"Woah! This isn't Elena, this is Ruby Riott!" Cole cried as the former champion received a standing ovation. Her face turn had taken full effect.

"Guys, sometimes in life you can pinpoint the exact moment someone makes a very serious mistake that they come to deeply regret," Clementine said. "I've got the feeling this is going to be one of those moments for Ruby Riott. Coming out here and getting the face of Ronda Rousey is not a smart idea."

Ruby showed no sign of fear as she marched to the ring. She looked determined to face Ronda down and take back her title. She entered the ring, walked calmly past Ronda and Zelina, and fetched a microphone for herself as her music faded.

"Ronda, I was standing there in the back, listening to your manager going on and on, and I had a question on my mind. Can't you find something to gag her with? You like that kind of thing, right?"

Knowing exactly what she was referring to, the fans went wild while Ronda and Zelina both gave Ruby death glares.

"I'm not sure there's anything I can say to that," Clementine said.

Coach laughed. "I certainly support the idea of shutting Vega's mouth."

"You can stand here and talk about Ronda winning the title all you want," Ruby went on. "I'm not going to come out and cry about it. The whole point of the Money in the Bank is to cash-in when someone is ripe for the taking, and that's exactly what you guys did last week. More power to you. But be under no illusion, Ronda, Zelina, this is not over! I'm contractually entitled to a rematch, and I'm out here to demand that rematch right here tonight!"

"Alright! Let's do it!" Coach said. "Riott – Rousey tonight for the title!"

"I wouldn't count on it," Clementine said, referencing the fact that Zelina was already dismissively wagging her finger at Ruby and shaking her head.

"No, no, no," Zelina said. "You might be entitled to a rematch, there's nothing I can do about that, but you're not getting it tonight. Ronda Rousey has thirty days to defend her championship, which means she certainly won't be doing it in a dump like this, in front of these cretins. You can wait..."

The fans had been booing Zelina for her insults, but they erupted into cheers again when the intro to Elena D'Agostino's music played.

"Now Elena is coming out here!" Cole called as she started going through her entrance routine, to the delight of the live audience.

"Zelina Vega was just about to issue a challenge to Elena when Ruby Riott came out," Coach said. "Things might be about to get really interesting here."

Elena made her way to the ring, vaulting over the top rope to complete her entrance as was her custom. She walked around the three women in the ring and went to fetch a microphone, being glared at by Ronda and Zelina the whole time.

"I'm sorry to crash your party, Ruby," she began in her thick Italian accent. "But I've learned a couple of things. First, apparently Zelina can still speak after I broke her jaw with my Virtuosa Kick. And second, apparently Ronda wants me to knock her out again. So, if anyone is going to be challenging for the Raw Women's Championship, it's going to be the one person on Raw who has actually beaten Ronda Rousey, and that's me, La Virtuosa, Elena D'Agostino!"

"It's hard to argue with that logic, quite frankly," Clementine said. "If anyone has a claim to face Rousey, it has to be Elena."

Zelina looked livid at the interruption and the demands that were being made. "Who do the two of you think you are?" she snapped. "You don't get to come out here and make demands about facing my client. Ronda will face Ruby Riott within thirty days because she is contractually obligated to do so. But Elena? You can forget it. The fact you got a lucky win over Ronda means absolutely nothing."

Kurt Angle's music hit as soon as she finished speaking, drawing yet another loud cheer. Kurt spoke over the top of his music and the warm reaction from the crowd as he walked out onto the stage. "Actually, Zelina, Elena's win over Ronda does mean something. It means something very significant, in fact. What it means is that I'm going to give Elena a shot at the Raw Women's Championship."

While the fans cheered, Ruby Riott was shown looking angered by that announcement.

"Don't worry, Ruby," Kurt said next. "You're going to get your shot, too. Because at our next pay-per-view event, which is the Super Show-Down in Melbourne, Australia, we will see a triple threat match for the Raw Women's Championship. Competing in that match will be Ronda Rousey, Elena D'Agostino and Ruby Riott!"

"Oh my, what a match that is going to be!" Cole exclaimed over yet another cheer and Angle's music, which began to play again. He announcement had been short but sweet. The audience definitely approved of the match he had made.

"That's not fair," Clementine objected. "Ronda only just won the title, now in her first defence she could lose it without being involved in the decision!"

"Then she can blame her manager for digging a hole by shouting her mouth off about getting revenge against Elena," Coach said.

The segment came to an end with the commentary team hyping up the triple threat match some more, while Ronda and Zelina were faced down by the two women who had their sights set on the Raw Women's Championship.