Monday Night Raw – The Target Is Set
The arena was electric with anticipation. Fans packed into every inch of the seats, their cheers and chants reverberating through the walls. This was the night. The Shield had already made their debut, but now the real test began. How would they impact the ongoing feuds? Would they leave a lasting mark, or would it be another flash-in-the-pan gimmick?
Roman Reigns stood backstage, his broad shoulders filling the space in the shadowed corner. His black vest, his black gloves—everything about him screamed purpose. He wasn't just another wrestler. He was already an enigma, and the longer they watched, the more he became a mystery. He was the weapon, the power. And tonight? He would show them why he was the one that would carry the Shield to greatness.
Seth and Dean were preparing for the usual assault. Roman didn't speak much, but he could feel the tension in the air. They were all in this together, but it wasn't just about them anymore. It was about him, too.
"Yo, Big Dog, you ready?" Dean's voice broke through Roman's thoughts, the familiar, chaotic energy of the lunatic fringe always bringing a bit of heat.
Roman's eyes flickered to him. "Always."
Dean grinned, knowing the silent strength of his brother in arms. Seth approached, his typical smirk on his face.
"Here's the plan: We make an impact. We get in. We get out. We leave them with their jaws on the floor," Seth said, walking up and slapping both of their shoulders.
Roman nodded, his gaze hardening. He was prepared. They had learned how to make people take notice. But tonight, the world would see a different version of The Shield.
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The Ring – RAW (Live)
The lights dimmed. The opening chords of "The Second Coming" filled the arena, the anticipation heightening with every second.
Dean, Seth, and Roman marched down the ramp with their trademark black attire, keeping their heads low and their movements sharp. This wasn't just a statement. This was a declaration.
Seth made his usual antics, jumping and taunting, but Roman kept his focus. It wasn't about the theatrics. It was about sending a message.
As the trio slid into the ring, Roman stood tall in the center, taking in the sight of the crowd. His chest rose with each breath, his muscles rippling with every movement. He wasn't just a participant in this game—he was here to reshape it.
"Tonight," Roman's voice echoed throughout the arena, "we take over. And we don't leave until they know who the real power is in this place."
The fans roared. Some cheered, others jeered, but there was no denying it: Roman had their attention.
As the match with Kane and Ryback started, the chaos in the ring began, but Roman knew exactly how to manipulate the fight. With Seth and Dean's aid, they dominated Ryback and Kane at every turn, and then it happened.
Roman stood over Ryback, preparing to end the match. He ran towards the ropes, launching himself into the air with a Superman Punch that stunned the crowd, before pulling Ryback into a Guillotine Lock, locking it in tightly.
He squeezed harder, watching Ryback struggle to free himself. The crowd gasped as Ryback's strength faltered. Roman tightened the hold. The power, the control—it was all in his hands.
Seth and Dean didn't hesitate. They played their part, keeping Kane and the other opponents distracted, allowing Roman to finish it. A few seconds passed before Ryback tapped out. The bell rang.
Roman released the hold, standing tall as the rest of The Shield raised their fists in unity. The crowd erupted into a mixture of cheers and boos. But Roman? He didn't care about the crowd's opinion.
He was already moving on to the next battle. The next fight. The next conquest.
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Backstage – Post-Match
The Shield celebrated in their usual quiet way—low voices, raised hands, and shared glances. But Roman could feel something different now. He wasn't just getting the recognition of the crowd. He was feeling the buzz from the back—the locker room. It was more than just respect. It was the start of something larger.
Roman caught a glimpse of Charlotte Flair walking past the curtain, her signature jet-black hair cascading over her shoulders. She didn't look at him immediately. But when she did, there was an undeniable spark in her eyes.
"Nice work out there," she said, her voice smooth like silk, but with an edge that only someone from the Flair family could carry. "You've got the crowd eating out of your hand already."
Roman only nodded, keeping his demeanor calm. "I'm just getting started."
Charlotte smirked. She took a step closer, her presence commanding. "I'll be watching."
Before he could respond, she turned, leaving him with that thought lingering in his mind.
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The Following Week – RAW
The Shield made their rounds, taking on anyone who dared to challenge them. As their dominance continued to grow, so did the whispers in the locker room. The "big guys" started taking note.
But what really started making waves wasn't just their power—it was Roman. His presence was undeniable. Whether he was taking down opponents in the ring or quietly interacting backstage, Roman had a way of getting people's attention. The women were no exception.
After a particularly grueling match against The Wyatt Family, Roman was cooling down in the locker room when he saw AJ Lee walking past. Her eyes caught his immediately, and there was something in the way she looked at him—intense, curious.
"You know, you really know how to control a match," AJ commented, her eyes meeting his. "It's like you're playing a game they don't even understand."
Roman raised an eyebrow, intrigued but nonchalant. "I don't play games."
AJ chuckled softly, leaning against the wall. "Maybe not. But you've got a few people wondering what you're really about."
Roman studied her, sensing the flirtation beneath her words. But something in him didn't rush into it. He didn't have to. She'd come to him. He knew that much.
"Maybe you'll find out," he said, before heading for the showers.
AJ's eyes lingered on him for a moment longer before she shook her head and left.
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End of Chapter 3