#just like he saw it in sami at wargames

[samijey]

You have a funny way of showing it

[afterdarkprincess]

fuck it if i can’t have him

Pairing: Sami/Jey Rating: Mature Word Count: 1,514

how dare you think it's romantic leaving me safe and stranded? Cause fuck it I was in love...

Part 2 in a series I'm calling "i love you (it's ruining my life)" Read part 1 here or this part can stand alone!

AO3 Link

Set between Elimination Chamber 2023 and Wrestlemania 2023

tag squad: @jeysbvck @harmshake @southerngirl41 @imabillyami @elementaldoughnut12 and @feelschicken

this fic is still running with inspo from @motherknuckers much appreciated!!

---

The sound of weights hitting the floor echos in the empty hotel gym and Jey pants with exertion, sweat dripping down his face.

It’s late, way later than he should be awake- they have a flight early tomorrow morning and his brothers won’t be kind in waking him up in a few hours. But he just couldn’t fall asleep, finally giving up and heading down to the gym. It’s technically not supposed to be open this late, but Paul has a way of working these requests into their hotel reservations, just in case.

The last few weeks have been tense after his disappearing act after the Royal Rumble. He was welcomed back after proving his loyalty by kicking Sami, but things haven’t been the same. Maybe the problem is him, the discomfort he feels within himself projected onto his cousin and brothers, but the vibes have been different.

When he thinks about everything that’s happened since the beginning of the year, looking at everything that’s gone wrong and how it all fell apart.

How close he and Sami had been to… something. Something that scared and excited him in equal measure.

He’d made his choices, sure. That superkick at the end of Raw was as clear a message as he could send. How could he have done anything else? Roman was going to take it out on Jimmy if he didn’t come back, hell he could have taken it out on Solo if he wanted to. The thought of his brothers suffering on his behalf is unbearable to him.

But at the same time, losing Sami has hurt more than he cares to acknowledge most days. He feels like he’s lost a limb, on unequal footing as he goes about his days. It’s too quiet without his constant presence, there are times he sees something funny on his phone and turns to show Sami but he’s just not there.

It reminds him of how he felt as a child when he and Jimmy were separated, the bone deep wrong that they had to learn to get over as they got older and had separate lives.

Jey wipes away the sweat from his face and tries to breathe, slow and steady like he’s been practicing.

It’s not fair. Nothing about his life has been fair since Roman established dominance in his life, you’d think he’d be used to it by now. But something about this last indignity, he just can’t seem to get over it.

Why couldn’t Roman just accept Sami into the fold? Hadn’t he proved himself over and over again over months, he’d beat Kevin for them at Wargames for them, that had been enough for him. Why did Roman have to push it to such extremes?

Sami choosing Kevin over him, over the family, over Roman. It hurt like hell, but Jey could understand that there wasn’t another choice for Sami to make. Sami wouldn’t be Sami if he had chosen to batter a tied up Kevin Owens. That innate goodness that permeated his soul, the light that made him put up with months of abuse from Jey, keeping the faith on whatever it was he saw in him.

Jey’s not sure what that even was anymore. He had no problem beating up Kevin Owens or anyone else Roman pointed at, whether they deserved it or not. Anything resembling a sense of justice had been beaten out of him by the Tribal Chief ages ago.

He couldn’t do it to Sami. Not at the Rumble. Not at Elimination Chamber. Not until it was clear that Roman would force him to make an impossible choice between his brother and Sami. The man he…

He picks up a barbell, starts a set of reps to keep his mind from the obvious ending of that sentence. The feelings that just rub salt into his wounds, adding insult to injury.

Not that it matters now. Even if Sami had thought of him like that, it hadn’t been enough for him to choose to stay, even if Jey had been brave and selfish enough to ask that of him, if there had even been a chance. Roman took that away from them both.

He finishes a set, and the song playing in his earbuds ends, starting another track thats both familiar and new. Jey fishes his phone out of his pocket and checks the screen, confirming his suspicion.

It’s a new song by an artist he and Sami had bonded over, they’d talked about it when it had been teased on twitter, excited about it. He’d completely forgotten in all the turmoil. It feels like a knife in the heart now.

However, he doesn’t stop himself from hitting share and copying the link into a new message to Sami and hitting send before he can even think about it.

It’s late as hell, no way Sami’s going to see that message until the morning. And what’s he supposed to say now? After the way he attacked Sami the last time they saw each other, he can’t exactly just act like nothing happened.

He stares at the screen, hovering his thumbs over the empty message field. Can’t say nothing either. Fuck.

thought you’d wanna see it- sent 2:30am

Somehow that sounds worse. Desperate. Clingy.

Jey swaps back to his spotify feed and changes the song before shoving his phone back in his pocket.

Maybe it’d be better if he never met Sami at all. Or at least if Sami had never attempted to join his family. He’d known Sami for a long time now that he thinks about it, he’d been around backstage for years, and they’d done spots together over the years here and there. Truthfully he hadn’t payed him much mind for most of that time.

It wasn’t until he approached Roman that it all started. The disgust he felt watching someone beg for the opportunity he’d been beaten into. Sure he could see the appeal of trying to get into the most decorated faction in WWE, but could it really be worth it? Even with the belts on his shoulders he wasn’t sure.

At least before then Jey didn’t have this foolish hope, didn’t know how it felt to be safe and secure with his family and have someone to commiserate with, some of that burden off of his shoulders. They’d been so damn happy. Or at least he had been. Maybe Sami had deceived him. Maybe-

The burn in his forearm alerts him that he’s pushed himself too far, setting down the weight and groaning.

Between the aching twinge in his arm and the far deeper ache in his chest, he finds his eyes stinging with tears.

“Fuck- FUCK!” He screams, the sound echoing around him.

How is this the right answer? Feeling miserable, unable to sleep, down bad and crying at the gym over Sami fucking Zayn.

He lays back on the weight bench, stares up at the ceiling and just lets all the shit he’s been pushing down wash over him. Tears flow freely down the sides of his face, anger at Roman, jealousy over Sami picking Kevin fucking Owens, disappointment in himself at letting it get this bad, that bitter feeling wishing he could change the course of the last 3 months so he could just be happy with Sami again.

Fuck.

Fuck it, he was in love with him. He was in love with that ginger idiot. And there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it now.

He sighs out his breath, letting his eyes close for just a moment. Something about admitting it to himself releases the ball of tension in his chest, and the late hour begins catching up with him, his eyes growing heavy.

He presses his thumbs against his eyes, rubbing them and wiping the lingering tears away.

Jey wipes down the bench efficiently, tossing his stuff back in his gym bag before heading out and back up to his room. He’s in a room by himself tonight, which Paul tried to sell to them as a treat but it feels more like a punishment.

The door shuts behind him, disturbing the quiet of the early morning. He thinks about getting a shower, but honestly he’s too tired for that. He’ll take care of it in the morning before the flight.

He rolls into bed, phone in hand, and against his better judgement opens his messages again. There’s no reply, unsurprisingly, but then he sees it.

A tiny “Seen 2:34am" underneath the bubble.

Sami’s…. awake? Or was anyway. The top of his phone reads just after 3 am now.

Maybe…. just maybe…

Jey worries his bottom lip between his teeth as he feverishly types a message, giving it one quick look over before hitting send. After all, what more does he have to lose?

He lets the phone drop against his chest, trying not to get his hopes up and getting comfortable in the bed.

His eyes shut for the briefest of moments, and he feels his phone vibrate in his hands.

---- Couldn't get this out of my head- wanted to leave the ending pretty ambiguous and kayfabe compliant. Got all this angst out of me, here's hoping I get back to fluffier WIPs lol

Hope you enjoyed!!

[wrestlezaynia]

Just saw wargames I'm so sorry for your lost

Thank you anon, but if I know Sami Zayn like I think I do, he isn't going to be able to live with himself. The guilt is going to eat him up inside. Does this look like the face of a man who won a match?

[placetobenation]

When all is said and done for Survivor Series 2020, we’ll remember it for two things.  One, the Final Farewell of The Undertaker. Two, the solidification of Roman Reigns as the #1 force and face of the WWE.

When it comes down the Deadman, the final image of The Undertaker and Paul Bearer on the same screen was a fitting goodbye to the best character in the business. After 30 years, I don’t think we’ll hear another word from him as The Undertaker. Now, will we see him from time to time as Mark Calaway? Sure. That only makes sense. But the man, the myth and legend known as The Undertaker has finally been laid to rest. It was well done I thought. Having Vince McMahon come out to introduce him after a cast of friends came out to the ring before him was a nice touch too. You could argue on who should’ve been out there. Where was The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin and others? Why was Jeff Hardy there? For the most part, it was respected friends in the ring. But also, let’s be honest, in this 2020 pandemic era, it’s not perfect. In an ideal setting, the farewell would’ve been done in front of a huge stadium of fans. But you only get one shot at a 30-year anniversary and this was it. It was time. Time to say goodbye.

Now, when it comes to Reigns, that main event vs. Drew McIntyre was awesome. Physical to the hill, continuing a storyline that could even have more legs moving forward and extending the saga with Jey Uso all in a tidy match to cap the night. The Universal Champion made the WWE Champion pass out, with Uso’s help, leaving us with a rightful reason to make Reigns the most dominant force in the WWE.

As for the lowlight – the women’s 5-on-5 elimination match. No more needs to be said.

Survivor Series results

The Miz wins Battle Royale (kick-off show)

Men’s 5-on-5 elimination match: Team RAW defeated Team SmackDown: AJ Styles, Braun Strowman, Keith Lee, Sheamus and Riddle sole survivors

SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Street Profits defeated RAW Tag Team Champions The New Day

United States Champion Bobby Lashley defeated Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn

RAW Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defeated SmackDown Women’s Champion Asuka

Women’s 5-on-5- elimination match: Team RAW defeated Team SmackDown – Lana sole survivor

Universal Champion Roman Reigns defeated WWE Champion Drew McIntyre

Star of the Week:

And like that, @AJStylesOrg has punched his ticket for next week's Triple Threat Match on #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/wLFxAtVwfq

— WWE (@WWE) November 24, 2020

AJ Styles – Styles leads Team RAW to a 5-0 clean sweep Sunday night at Survivor Series in the 5-on-5 elimination match. Then, just 24 hours later, Orton, with a bit of distraction from The Fiend, pins Randy Orton to keep himself alive as the #1 contender to Drew McIntyre’s WWE Championship. He’ll have to beat Keith Lee and Riddle to get that title match, but don’t think for a second that AJ’s doesn’t have another phenomenal night in him to do it.

RAW

RESULTS

RAW Tag Team Championship Match: The New Day defeated Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin

WWE Title #1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Riddle defeated Sheamus

RAW Women’s Championship Match: Asuka vs. Lana went to a no-contest

WWE Women’s Tag Team Non-Title Match: Asuka & Lana defeated Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler

WWE Title #1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Keith Lee defeated Bobby Lashley by DQ

Alexa Bliss defeated Nikki Cross

WWE Title #1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: AJ Styles defeated Randy Orton

For those of you who are faithful readers of this trusty weekly column, you’ll know that I’ve not been a fan of the way Monday nights have been going the past few months. So, if I’m going to hit them when they’re not good, I have to them a whole lot of credit when they do well. And this past Monday night, they did a whole lot of things well my friends. It was the best RAW I’ve seen top-to-bottom in months.

Now, I’m not a big fan of starting the show with six people talking in the ring, but having Team RAW making their cases each as the next challenger to Drew McIntyre’s WWE Championship worked. It worked well, with a bit of comedic moments too – I’m talking to you Bro and Firecrotch. Plus, when Braun Strowman puts his hands – and head – on WWE official Adam Pearce, you knew a suspension was coming. Pearce quickly made three qualifying matches to see Randy Orton, AJ Styles, Riddle, Sheamus, Bobby Lashley and Keith Lee face off with the winners moving on to a triple threat match next week. Well played! Settle it in the ring!

.@SuperKingofBros defeated @WWESheamus to qualify for next week's Triple Threat Match! #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/CtZTwx8abL

— WWE (@WWE) November 24, 2020

Riddle vs. Sheamus, even though we’ve seen it before, was one helluva match. Love Riddle going over too. It’ll keep Sheamus angry before eventually turning on his friend, Drew McIntyre. Lee vs. Lashley was physical and even the DQ worked with MVP protecting his US Champion. As for Styles vs. Orton, how could it not be good? Styles goes over and Orton gets another round with The Fiend. We all win there!

They did it! #WWERaw @TrueKofi @AustinCreedWins pic.twitter.com/Cit5IYHiGD

— WWE (@WWE) November 24, 2020

To start the night in the ring, we get a rematch for the tag team titles. Now, I was super thrilled to see it again since we just saw it last week, but it delivered. First, by throwing out the count out and continuing forward with a New Day victorious finish that keeps them strong after a Survivor Series loss to The Street Profits.

As for the women, it’s a winning night all around for Lana. She didn’t get beat up by Asuka. She didn’t get put through a table by Nia Jax or Shayna Baszler. She was part of the winning team with Asuka against the tag champs. The only downside was giving her a title shot in the first place against Asuka, but they made the storyline fit, so I won’t be picky there. In the end, it worked.

#WWERaw #FireflyFunhouse @WWEBrayWyatt @AlexaBliss_WWE. pic.twitter.com/eR8SoyttcP

— WWE (@WWE) November 24, 2020

Alexa Bliss vs. Nikki Cross did exactly what it needed to do – frustrate the heck out of Cross. Bliss is playing her character perfectly as The Fiend’s sidekick. Funny and diabolical in the Firefly Fun House segments and still getting wins in the ring. So sad to see Friendship Frog gone so soon though. RIP Friendship Frog.

These actions are almost certainly NOT going to earn @BraunStrowman a #WWEChampionship opportunity!#WWERaw @ScrapDaddyAP pic.twitter.com/Me9hjR082t

— WWE (@WWE) November 24, 2020

So, we’ve already got a Braun Strowman suspension and a terrific triple threat match of Riddle vs. AJ Styles vs. Keith Lee for next week. That’s a good start.

Things may be looking up on Monday nights after all.

NXT

RESULTS

Candice LeRae defeated Ember Moon

KUSHIDA defeated Timothy Thatcher

Cameron Grimes defeated Jake Atlas

Ladder Match for WarGames advantage: Pete Dunne defeated Kyle O’Reilly

WHY TONI WHY?!?!?#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/2NbZaUcse5

— WWE (@WWE) November 26, 2020

I’ll admit, that was one mighty swerve with Toni Storm joining Candice LeRae’s WarGames team. I never saw it coming! Neither did Ember Moon, especially after losing to LeRae and then the beatdown by LeRae, Raquel Gonzalez and Dakota Kai. Who will Moon gets as partners?

Well, it looks like Rhea Ripley’s not going anywhere…but WarGames! And you can bet that Shotzi Blackheart will be there too after she was dragged to the ramp by LeRae’s team before beating up Ripley in the ring. So, it’s Moon, Ripley, Blackheart and ?????

#WWENXT @NXTCiampa pic.twitter.com/oPJPOexz4A

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) November 26, 2020

KUSHIDA continues his ascent up the NXT ranks. This week, he takes down Timothy Thatcher, with a bit of help from Tommaso Ciampa sitting at ringside. KUSHIDA is a stud folks! It’s only a matter of time before he nets NXT gold!

#WWENXT @XiaWWE @Bigboawwe pic.twitter.com/UZeiOsfjR9

— WWE (@WWE) November 26, 2020

What in the holy heck is Xia Li caught up in? It’s got me intrigued!

Welcome back Grizzled Young Veterans!

IT'S OFFICIAL: @LEONRUFF_ will defend his #NXTNATitle against @JohnnyGargano & @ArcherOfInfamy at #NXTTakeOver: WarGames! #KOShow #WWENXT @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/Gm7Y79U49k

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) November 26, 2020

Welcome back to NXT Kevin Owens. We still like Wade Barrett on commentary, but the KO Show with Leon Ruff was spot on to set up the North American Championship match at WarGames.

The Feud between DexteWarr Lumis and Cameron Grimes is not done yet, of course. Next up: it’s a strap match between the two at WarGames.

That was absolutely definitely not I on #WWENXT… w/ that being said, big thanks to whatever freak athlete went out there & did the right thing by knockin ol’ cauliflower off that ladder

THAT A BOY @PeteDunneYxB, we’re basically GUARANTEED to win WARGAMES now pic.twitter.com/ZEVfl59Ban

— Pat McAFLEET (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 26, 2020

I’ll give Vic Joseph an “A” for effort, but come on, how does he not know that the guy under the hoodie was Pat McAfee? How does he not speculate on that? Otherwise, Pete Dunne beating Kyle O’Reilly in the main event ladder match to gain the WarGame advantage was everything you’d expect it to be: brutally physical. Now, how will The Undisputed ERA counter now that they’re behind the eight ball?

SMACKDOWN

RESULTS

Non-Title SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match: Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode defeated The Street Profits

Non-Title Intercontinental Championship Match: Sami Zayn defeated Daniel Bryan by count out

Bianca Belair defeated Natalya

Murphy defeated King Corbin

Kevin Owens defeated Jey Uso by DQ

Jey @WWEUsos just unloaded on @otiswwe!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/hCS0QN97N7

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) November 28, 2020

Roman Reigns is so bad he’s so good. Just when you thought he might give cousin Jey Uso some love for helping him beat Drew McIntyre at Survivor Series, the Puppet Master makes Uso feel even lower for being the leader of the losing Team SmackDown team Sunday night. But in true head of the table leadership, he makes Uso feel so bad, he takes out the anger and frustration out on that SmackDown team. First, chair shots on Otis. Then Daniel Bryan in the back. Finally, trying to take out Kevin Owens in the main event. Only an absent Seth Rollins didn’t feel Uso’s wrath.

"ARE YOU WATCHING @WWERomanReigns? This is your family. Where are you? You wan't people to fear you? I FEAR NO ONE. Including you!" – @FightOwensFight #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/wmnPWxb8Gz

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) November 28, 2020

As for Owens, he says he fears no one. Classic lines from KO too, telling Reigns he treats his family like trash and while standing on the RAW announce table, proclaiming he’s the head of the table. Reigns vs. Owens looks like our next big-ticket item on Friday nights. Now that’s good for business!

.@HEELZiggler & @RealRobertRoode are UP and they want the #SmackDown Tag Team Titles! pic.twitter.com/aQdAlGzToM

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) November 28, 2020

Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode are worthy challenges to The Street Profits and the SmackDown Tag Team titles. Now, with a non-title victory over the champs, they’re next in line for a championship, presumably at TLC. BTW: someone’s gotta change those red solo cups to blue when they reign down now on SmackDown. Montez Ford changed his cup; the rest must follow! It’s the details folks.

Put Sami Zayn and Daniel Bryan in the same ring and good things are going to happen. Another really good chapter Friday night leaves Bryan on the outside looking in as Zayn outsmarts him for a count out win as Uso beats up Bryan in the back. Looks like Big E might have the next shot at the Intercontinental Champ as Bryan might have bigger fish to fry at the head of the table. It’ll be good to get Big E back in the ring after a month of backstage antics.

Bianca Belair vs. Bayley? Sign me up! Their story has just begun at Survivor Series and will give both a nice launching pad to big things as we end 2020 and begin 2021. Natalya’s just a pawn along the way which I’m sure we’ll be hearing the B.O.A.T. complain about very soon.

Does Murphy really need the entire Mysterio family’s help to beat King Corbin? I guess we get round 2 again next Friday night. I’m not sure we need it.

Billie Kay. Why?  

𝒞𝒽𝑒𝒸𝓀𝓂𝒶𝓉𝑒. #SmackDown @CarmellaWWE @SashaBanksWWE pic.twitter.com/epqGok3HsE

— WWE (@WWE) November 28, 2020

Cheers Carmella, courtesy of your SmackDown Women’s Champion, Sasha Banks!

Parting Shots:

For the first time in quite some time, every show on WWE was a very good show this week with some good set-up for things to come. Now, can they make two weeks in a row?

NXT: TakeOver WarGames – Updated Card

WarGames: The Undisputed Era vs. The Kings of NXT

WarGames: Candice LeRae, Toni Storm, Raquel Gonzalez, Dakota Kai vs. Ember Moon, Shotzi Blackheart, Rhea Ripley

NXT North American Championship Triple Threat Match: Leon Ruff vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Damian Priest

Strap Match: Dexter Lumis vs. Cameron Grimes

Coming up this week:

RAW: Triple Threat #1 Contender’s Match for WWE Championship: Keith Lee vs. Riddle vs. AJ Styles A Moment of Bliss with Randy Orton

NXT: WarGames advantage match: Raquel Gonzalez vs. Shotzi Blackheart

SMACKDOWN: Murphy vs. King Corbin

Thanks for letting us share our thoughts! Shoot me an email at jcrowe567@gmail.com. We’d love to hear your comments and suggestions! You can also check out my blog, The Crowe’s Nest as we delve into more pro wrestling, sports entertainment and the World of Sports. My apologies ahead of time – I AM a Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins fan! If you’re not down with that, I’ve got TWO WORDS for you… NEW ENGLAND

[afterdarkprincess]

The Devil's In the Details (But You got a Friend in Me)-Part 1

Surprise I'm back :)

This started from a very cute prompt, which I haven't even gotten to the meat of yet, but it sent my brain down so many fun rabbit holes that this little oneshot I had in my mind has grown.

SO- I've gotten what I think is about a third of what this will be written, and I wanted to go ahead and share.

If anyone would like to be tagged in the rest of the parts please let me know, this will also go up on AO3 when it's completed.

Samijey Endgame AU from the Royal Rumble :)

---

Jey Uso is tired and stressed. Even more than usual. The tag titles are heavy on his and Jimmy’s shoulders, with attacks coming from the whole roster and without any back up, the constant barrage is wearing on them both.

Solo hasn’t been around his brothers much, mostly spending one on one time with the Tribal Chief, doing god knows what. Both Roman and Paul keep assuring him that he’s still the Right Hand Man, but it sure doesn’t feel like it.

Jey trusts his gut, and his gut is saying something’s not right with his little brother, but there’s not much he can do about it with Roman involved.

And it’s not like Roman’s there to back them up either. Not so much as one appearance to strike fear into their opponents.

As for their other backup, the Honorary Uce?

--

Sami put his body on the line for their family week in and week out for months, proving his loyalty over and over again. Finally it caught up with him.

Roman put the man on trial just for him to get his knee blown out taking a hit meant for Jey.

The match was over, with Roman victorious again over Kevin Owens, but of course that wasn’t good enough, parading the rest of them out to deal devastating chair shots to the strung up man.

Roman handed a chair to Sami, a final test, but Sami saw what the rest of them didn’t.

The redhead pushed the tribal chief out of the way before grappling with Drew McIntyre, who’d appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Sami took a brutal fist to the face and was down, Jimmy took his opportunity to go after Drew but suddenly there were more bodies in the ring.

The brawling brutes had joined the fray, seemingly for revenge from the WarGames match.

Jey was distracted with Butch, trying to keep his fingers away from the mangy man and didn’t see Ridge Holland creeping behind him with a fucking bat of all things.

Before he knew it, Sami was pushing him back into the corner, and all he could do was watch as the bat connected with Sami’s knee with a sickening crack.

Jimmy and Solo ran Butch and Ridge back, and Roman took McIntyre out with a spear, but the damage had already been done.

Jey finally got to put a lei on Sami, to welcome him into the family where he belonged. But he had to do it while Sami lay on a stretcher, unable to walk, a smile on his face despite the pain he was clearly in.

It was beyond unfair.

He waited outside of medical with his brothers, anxiously pacing as they checked Sami out. Solo was stone faced as usual, but even Jimmy seemed unsettled.

Finally the verdict came- surgery and at least 6-9 months of rehab. Devastating to a career and similar to the injury that took Jimmy out a few years before. It felt just as gutting as it did then.

He only saw Sami for a brief moment before they transferred him into the ambulance to take him off to the closest hospital qualified to perform the surgery. He looked out of it, eyes bleary and heavy, but Jey grabbed his hand and squeezed it tightly.

“Thanks, Uce,”

There was more he should have said then. But it would take time to piece together the jigsaw puzzle of his feelings, scrambled and jumbled as they were.

He would find more words, later.

As Jey stood in the ring, mic in hand, the friday after the Royal Rumble. The Bloodline had been given a reprieve for Raw due to the injury to one of their own, but even the tribal chief could only get them so much.

He talked about Sami’s bravery, his loyalty and love for their family. How he’d been tested and passed with flying colors. And ultimately, the price he paid for it.

The news of his injury was already known to the WWE universe, the devil moved fast but twitter was faster. Jey reassured the crowd that Sami Uso was a permanent member of their stable, no question about it, his spot on the island of relevancy assured for his return.

The crowd roared, chants of “Ucey” rang throughout the arena. If there were tears in his eyes that was no one’s business but his own.

He and Jimmy fought a match against the Street Profits after that. Jey ended the match with a Helluva Kick to Montez with thunderous applause.

The ride back to their hotel for the night was quiet and solemn, Jey’s eyes never leaving his phone for long. Sami’s surgery had been successful, but he was still resting up in the hospital in Texas while the rest of them were miles and miles away, and it made him antsy to not be there.

There were unknowns. Sami’s home was ultimately Montreal, and since he was out of action for the foreseeable future, there was no reason for him not to return there for his rehabilitation. And Jey wouldn’t have any explicit reason to go visit more than a handful of times when his schedule would allow.

After all, he hadn’t had much cause to pester Jimmy during his recovery from surgery, leaving the tending to of his whiny ass brother to his saint of a wife.

But Sami would be alone, without any family to speak of.

Surely it was the guilt that was eating at Jey, the knowledge that the bat had been intended for him, that made him feel so uncomfortable at the thought of Sami dealing with this alone.

A resolution comes later, when his cousin graced them with his presence on Raw the following week, seemingly there for a promo for the upcoming Wrestlemania match against the winner of the rumble, the newly returned Cody Rhodes.

Roman gave them their marching order for the evening as per usual, before dismissing Jimmy and Solo to address Jey.

His face was impassive as he spoke, “Sami has been released from the Hospital,”

Jey nodded, trying to keep his face neutral. He had to learn the hard way to keep his true feelings from Roman.

“Wiseman has arranged for a house back home in Florida, where he can recover before rejoining us. As my Right Hand Man, I expect you to keep an eye on things.”

It was a gift, an apology and repayment for his behavior at the trial, and maybe even before that. But of course Roman would not admit that outright.

Relief washed over Jey like a wave, but he just grinned. “Consider it done, Uce.”

He had a few days break after that night, so he would see Sami the next day.

Jey woke at the crack of dawn to catch his flight, filled with nervous energy. He’d received the address for the house from Paul, and had been sent with well wishes from the rest of them.

Solo, who’d looked sheepish as he handed over a stuffed bear with the words “Get Well Soon” emblazoned on a heart in it’s hands.

He grunted, “Gonna miss ‘im”

Jimmy laughed, “Me too, Uce. But we can go down, huh? Can’ let this idiot monopolize Sami’s time!”

The silence, so often filled by Sami’s jokes and rambling, was glaring. These months couldn’t go by quick enough. His family is better together, despite their differences.

—

Jey arrived to the house after a trip to the store, getting everything he might need for himself for a few days and a whole bunch of things for Sami.

He was laden with bags as he knocked on the door, trying to carry way too much as usual.

When there wasn’t an answer right away, Jey felt like a huge idiot. Sami just had knee surgery, how the hell was he gonna get the damn door? He started putting down bags, cussing at himself under his breath and feeling around in his pocket for his keys.

The door opened.

Sami stood there, or rather leaned, since his knee was up on a contraption with wheels.

“Hey man, is all this for me?” The ginger joked.

Jey’s frustration melted away at the sound, and he could feel a smile spread across his face as the rest of the grocery bags fell out of his hands. He enveloped Sami in his arms, letting his fingers cling to the back of Sami’s shirt.

They’ve hugged before, several times now, but this was different; more cautious with no rush of adrenaline to fuel it. Jey hung on for what was probably too long, but he couldn’t bring himself to care.

When he finally let go, Jey tried to laugh it off. “Yeah man, gonna get you all fixed up!” Sami moved to help Jey with the bags, but Jey shooed him off. “Got this’-what you doin’ outta bed anyway, fool?”

Sami laughed, “I got a busted knee, M’not dead.”

“You gonna wish you was dead if you ever pull some stunt like that again, Uce! What was you thinkin’ out there?” Jey put the bags down in the kitchen, passing Sami again to grab the rest of the groceries. There was no real heat in his words, but he needed answers.

The ginger looked sheepish, “Look, Jey- the knee sucks, don’t get me wrong, but I wouldn’t change a thing about what I did at the Rumble.”

Jey looked up from where he knelt, eyes fixated on the other man. His heart beat wildly in his chest, and he was trying his best to ignore it.

“Why?”

Sami shook his head, “I saw Holland with that bat- he may have hit my knee, but he was aiming for your head! No way was I letting you take that.”

Jey bristled, “Man Uce, you’ve taken ‘nough hits for me! Know I said you was bulletproof n’all but obviously you ain’t!”

Its an uncomfortable feeling, after the months of giving Sami a hard time about not bleeding for his family, that now he was so upset at Sami throwing himself in harm’s way again. But Jey supposed that came with seeing the man as a brother now. Like Family. Obviously he doesn’t wanna see his family hurt and injured.

Jey had busied himself with putting the items he brought in away, but when he looked up at Sami’s face, it was soft, his expression unreadable.

“Thanks, Jey,” He replied, his mouth curling into a soft smile.

Jey’s damn heart fluttered again, but he played it off.

“Don’ thank me yet, Uce- you ain’t had Chef Uce-ardee’s famous chicken yet! Just you get comfy somewheres’ n’ let me take care of things, right?”

Sami laughed, but carefully set himself down on the couch, turning the tv on.

The sounds of canned laughter filled the small house as Jey got to work prepping the ingredients for dinner. Putting the marinade together for the chicken and setting it up in the fridge to soak in the flavors.

With the prep work done, he started on a light lunch for himself and Sami, nothing show stopping, just some grilled cheeses with some extra protein. (Turkey for Sami and Spam for himself) A staple of his childhood, and an easy meal on the road.

He plated both their sandwiches, and walked back into the living room to be greeted to the sound of Sami’s soft snoring.

Jey knew he probably should just let Sami nap, after all sleep is the best medicine to recover from injuries and stuff, but something in him just wanted a little peek, just to make sure he was okay.

He stuffed half of his own sandwich into his mouth to keep any noises he might make from waking the sleeping man up, but slowly looked over the top of the couch.

Sure enough, Sami lay on his back, stretched out on the couch despite the bulky black brace on his knee. His hands held his phone, clasped together on his stomach as if he put it down for just a moment before nodding off.

His face was relaxed in sleep, his usually expressive face soft and passive, his light eyelashes just barely noticeable against the pale skin of his cheek.

Jey felt an ache in his chest. That brace was there because of him. Sami was here instead of preparing for Smackdown because of him.

Sami might not have any regrets about the Rumble, but Jey sure did. And he would do anything he could to keep Sami safe from harm going forward.

He sat the plate for Sami on the coffee table in front of the couch in case the other man woke up, and pulled himself away to let him sleep.

Jey kept himself busy for the next few hours, getting his bag inside and settled into the second bedroom in the house. Paul had done a decent job picking the place out, it had everything Sami would need, including a small gym in the basement. It wasn’t large, just the two bedrooms and a bathroom with a bath and shower, plus the living room and kitchen.

It was cosy and homey and just right, light streaming in the windows in the hear of the day.

As the sun began to recede in the sky, Sami finally awoke, groaning as he repositioned himself on the rolleraid.

Jey heard him from the kitchen and came in, hands coming up to steady Sami’s shoulders.

“Still not, ugh- used to this damn thing.” Sami grumbled, “M’okay- what time is it?”

“Okay my ass, Uce. S’almost dinner time! Hope you’re hungry.” Jey helped Sami over to the table and adjusted to sit before returning to the kitchen to get the chicken out of the oven.

It wasn’t the same as grilling them obviously, but without a grill here it would do.

He loaded some plates up with the marinated chicken and rice in a big heap, and brought them out to Sami with a big grin on his face.

“Ta-daaaa! Bone appetite!”

Sami laughed at his poor attempt at french, but immediately dug into the plate and groaned.

“Jey-this is good!”

“Damn straight s’good! You got good taste unlike Jimmy.” Jey puffed his chest out with pride, grinning from ear to ear.

He knows his cooking’s good, obviously. But it’s nice to hear it from Sami.

They talk between mouthfuls, Sami catching him up on everything that happened in the hospital during his stay before asking about what happened on the shows he’d missed.

He got a particularly good laugh out of Sami describing how Montez had sold his signature move in their fight the night before.

When they were both done, Jey cleared the plates away, not letting Sami move a muscle. He was here to take care of Sami damn it, he was gonna even their scoreboards.

Jey tidied up the kitchen efficiently before returning to the table, where Sami has laid out some uno cards, clearly set up for a game.

“What we got here, huh?” Jey laughed, sitting down.

Sami shrugged, “Honestly was kinda worried if I sit back down on that couch I’ll fall asleep, and if I can’t beat someone in the ring, might as well beat you at Uno.”

“Oh, them’s fightin’ words, Uce!”

It felt easy to slip into a familiar card game, a typical pastime on the road in their “hurry up and wait” business. Both of their competitive natures coming out, yelling and slapping at each others hands when they both try to lie and cheat to win.

Jey had more fun playing uno with Sami for those hours than he could remember having in a long time. The stress of the business, Roman, all melted away under the soft light in the house and the sound of Sami’s unrestrained laughter.

When finally both of them started yawning and Jey was down to two cards (without cheating this time), Sami caught him off guard by gently covering Jey’s free hand with his own.

“Uce, I just wanted to say thanks. For tonight, for coming here, for the trial, just for being you.” Sami stared into Jey’s eyes, expression earnest. “It means a lot to me, and I just wanted you to know, yeah?”

“Man…” Jey sighed, dropping his gaze to where their hands were joined. “I should be thankin’ you.”

“Jey-“

“Nah- lemme get this out.” Jey swallowed thickly with the emotion that was creeping up. “You done more for my family, for me, than anybody else. You believed in me even when I was actin’ a fool. You don’ gotta thank me for this, I wanna be here for you, Uce. That’s what family do.”

Sami’s smile made Jey’s chest ache. “Family…”

“Yeah, Uce. I know Roman was probably jokin’ back then, but you really Sami Uso now. You stuck with us.”

That earned a laugh, “Can’t say I’m complaining.”

“Damn straight,” Jey grinned. “And you don’t have to prove nothin’ to nobody.”

Sami’s eyes glistened as he nodded. “I like that, ‘Sami Uso’”

“Me too.”

They stared at each other for a long moment before Sami burst into giggles.

“Guess we really ucey now, huh?” Sami teased.

Jey laughed until he could barely breathe.

—

The next few days passed in much the same way, Jey cooking big meals for them to eat (and storing the rest for Sami to eat later) and fussing over Sami in the house as they binge watched TV or played games.

Before Jey knew it, it was Thursday night, the hour way too late for how early his flight was in the morning, but he didn’t want this bubble of time to end.

“You can come back, you know?” Sami teased as Jey yawned for the 5th time in a half hour. “You should get some rest, you’ve got a fight tomorrow!”

“‘Course m’coming back, Sami- Not tired yet.” It was clearly a lie, but he’d rather give Sami a white lie than face the truth that he just wanted more time here with him.

“Sure Uce, and I’m Brock Lesnar.” Sami laughed, and the sound was music to Jey’s ears. “Seriously though, I can’t exactly carry you to bed like this, you’re gonna have to go to bed.”

Jey felt his face heat up as he thought about Sami carrying him to bed bridal style, laying him down softly in bed before lightly kissing-

“-Uce? Hello- earth to Jey?”

Jey was full on blushing, embarrassed at the thoughts he’d gotten lost in.

He stood quickly, “Yeah, you- uh. You right, uce. Yeah, gonna go to bed now.”

Sami looked at him with a curious expression, but didn’t press the issue. “Finally, I’m gonna hit the hey too. What time are you heading out again?”

Jey stumbled out his flight time and said he’d probably be up and leaving around 6.

“Alright, I’ll be up to send you off.”

“You don’t gotta-“

“I do, Jey. I’ll be up.” Sami’s smile was surely meant to be reassuring but it made his heart beat faster.

“Okay,” Jey backed himself up towards the bedroom door. “Uh- Night, Sami.”

“Goodnight, Jey.” Sami pushed himself up to stand and get on his rolleraid to get back to his room, but Jey turned and shut the door.

6am came sooner than he would have liked, but sure enough as he rolled his suitcase out of the bedroom, Sami was there at the table with a cup of coffee and a smile.

They exchanged a quick hug for goodbyes, Jey struggling not to linger in the other man’s arms for too long. He headed out to his rental car, sparing one last glance at the house that felt entirely too much like home for just spending a few days there, before getting in to head off to the airport.

—

More coming soon!

[placetobenation]

THAT. JUST. HAPPENED. #WWEBackstage pic.twitter.com/TDd5n0qk25

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) November 13, 2019

“Just when they think they have all the questions, I change the culture. I’ll see you next week.” – CM Punk on WWE Backstage Tuesday, November 12

In less than one minute of air time on Fox Sports 1 Tuesday night, CM Punk returned and blew up the wrestling industry once more! Not since the pipe bomb incident and his subsequent leave from WWE back in 2014 have we seen the man named Phil dominate the conversation. FOX Sports and WWE confirmed that Punk will now be a contributor to WWE Backstage on a regular, but not every week basis. This is huge news for WWE on two fronts. One, it gives the immediate buzz during Survivor Series build and two, it keeps Punk away from AEW, which reportedly did meet with him and offer a big-money contract. Now, since Punk’s contract is reportedly with FOX and not WWE, it will be interesting to see if the WWE plans to try and use him in a role other than on WWE Backstage, which unfortunately for them, is seen of the least watched platform they are on, as opposed to the USA Network and FOX.  I for one, like many of you, have been waiting for Punk to return as he is one of the generational talents that you will stop what you’re doing to watch or listen to on a weekly basis. I’m hoping they use him well, let him speak his mind and make it an awesome experience for him and us as fans and viewers. Because if they do, hold on to your hats. If they don’t, it will be very short lived!

Now, as for the week that was in the WWE, it continues to be centered around NXT’s involvement in the Survivor Series. After a very disappointing, and yes, taped, RAW from Manchester, England, we got solid shows from NXT and Smackdown. I think what the WWE has to do in the final week leading up to Survivor Series itself on November 24 in Chicago, home of CM Punk of course, is to do more than the run-ins it has been doing the past couple of weeks. Give me more storyline and emotion. Introduce the NXT superstars to those in RAW and Smackdown that may not know them. It may eventually get more eyeballs on to the product on Wednesday night, which is one of the big benefits if done properly.

We’re going to start a new feature to TWITW (This Week In The WWE). It’s the star of the week and this week, it’s an easy one.

Star of the Week – CM PUNK

For obvious reasons stated above. Punk sent shockwaves through the industry not so much for what he did, appear on screen for less than a minute, but what could be in the near and extended future. Count me in! Who knows, maybe a reunion with Colt Cobana could be the next near impossible thing we’ll see.

Now, on to the shows!

RAW

RESULTS

WWE Women’s Tag Team Title Match:: Champions The Kabuki Warriors defeated Becky Lynch and Charlotte

Drew McIntyre defeated Sin Cara

WWE 24/7 Title Match: R-Truth vs. The Singhs went to a no contest

Seth Rollins defeated WALTER @ 4:20 (DQ)

Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, & The Street Profits defeated Imperium

Andrade defeated Cedric Alexander @ 3:50

Erick Rowan defeated Nigel Kickpads @ 1:00 via pin

Non-Title Match: RAW Tag Team Champions The Viking Raiders defeated Flash Morgan Webster & Mark Andrews

Randy Orton, Ricochet, & Humberto Carrillo defeated The OC

What we loved:

Humberto finally wins – We’ve been harping on this for a few weeks now and it was great to see Humberto Carrillo finally get a win on television. Albeit, it’s in a six-man tag match, but a win is a win.

NXT UK – Great way to introduce the mainstream audience to NXT UK’s most powerful entity, Imperium and its leader, WALTER, especially with the show coming from Manchester, England. Too bad WALTER vs. Seth Rollins fell apart after only four minutes only to lead to the predictable tag team match.

What we didn’t love:

The vibe – Because RAW was taped last Friday after a Smackdown taping in Manchester, you could tell the crowd just wasn’t into it, especially towards the end of the show. It’s almost as if the WWE was treating it as a throwaway show. That’s something they should NEVER do, especially when they treat Monday nights in such high regards.

Where was Natalya – I know they gave the obligatory Natalya couldn’t be there due to family obligations, but why not throw in there that Natalya and Charlotte Flair are getting a tag team title match soon. It seems as if they are defaulting to Becky Lynch and Flair as a team when ever they need a quick fix. I don’t like it especially since we’ve seen them as a team a lot lately. Make your champions special. I liked the team of Flair and Natalya together and it gave them a purpose, a storyline to get behind. Stick to it.

NXT

RESULTS

NXT Cruiserweight Champion Lio Rush defeated Angel Garza

Xli Li defeated Aliyah

Non-Title Match: Keith Lee defeated North American Champion Roderick Strong

Swerve Scott defeated Bronson Reed

Ladder Match for The Advantage in War Games: Io Shirai defeated Mia Yim

#SmackDown Women's Champion @itsBayleyWWE just DROPPED @QoSBaszler on #WWENXT! pic.twitter.com/ONpe5pxjGp

— WWE (@WWE) November 14, 2019

Yeah. We're ready for this.@FinnBalor @SuperKingOfBros #WWENXT #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/Da8aeb15NT

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) November 14, 2019

What we loved:

Climbing the ladder – Kudos to Io Shirai and Mia Yim for delivering another awesome NXT main event. Every week, these main events have given us quality matches that leave us wanting more. Yim getting busted open with a broken nose and the closing run-in by NXT Women’s Champ Katie Lee Ray, put the WOW in this one. And then to boot, we get what seems to be a thumbs up to KLR for her spot on Shayna Baszler’s Survivor Series team leading to…

Welcome home Bayley – It was short, sweet and effective. Bayley returns to Full Sail as the former NXT Champion takes out the current NXT Champion Baszler on the stage to avenge Baszler’s beatdown of Bayley on Smackdown. Straight to the point and well done.

Balor vs. Riddle – Yes, please. More of this! Talk about your way around not having Balor vs. Johnny Gargano, well here it is. This could be an epic match to come!

Keith Lee – Not only does he continue to get better and better each week, but now his win solidifies his team for WarGames and sets himself up for a future North American Championship title shot down the road. Really good stuff.

What we didn’t love:

Balor’s spotlight – Kill it already. Whoever is following Balor with the spotlight, it ain’t working! It makes it look minor league, especially in a small building like Full Sail.

Got us thinking:

Angel Garza and Lio Rush’s wife – Something watch as we could get more in this cruiserweight battle that saw round one goes to Rush.

SMACKDOWN

RESULTS

For Spots on The Survivor Series Team: Mustafa Ali & Chad Gable defeated Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler

Smackdown Tag Team Title Match: Champions The New Day defeated The Revival (DQ after interference by Undisputed Era)

Heavy Machinery defeated Jimmy & Johnny Kickpads

Non-Title Match: Bayley vs. Nikki Cross (No contest after NXT interence)

Team Smackdown (Nikki Cross, Sasha Banks, Dana Brooke, Carmella) defeated Team NXT (Dakota Kai, Rhea Ripley, Mia Yim and Tegan Nox) – Nikki Cross wins spot on Team Smackdown for Survivor Series 

What we loved:

The dog mascot – Sure, we thought, probably like most of you, that it was going to be Roman Reigns in the mascot costume. But, pleasantly surprised when it wasn’t as Reigns came straight down to the ring in the middle of the match. Maybe we’ll get a surprise reveal to a returning star later at Survivor Series. That would be a nice payoff. Either way, some unpredictability is good.

#TheNightmare can't scare #TheBoss. #SmackDown @SashaBanksWWE @RheaRipley_WWE pic.twitter.com/nhfc2oSp4G

— WWE (@WWE) November 16, 2019

Highlighting the SS teams – A lot of the time was devoted to building out the Smackdown teams, including forty minutes at the top of the show for the men and then the main event before MizTV for the women. It’s nice to see spots getting earned in the ring for Survivor Series rather than just being thrown together in a promo or graphic reveal.

At #SurvivorSeries, @WWEDanielBryan will willingly step into the darkness when he battles #TheFiend @WWEBrayWyatt for the #UniversalChampionship. https://t.co/d2iqO0jp2E pic.twitter.com/9Fgqb5GNAx

— WWE (@WWE) November 16, 2019

Someone says YES – It wasn’t Daniel Bryan that says YES, but Universal Champ Bray Wyatt that says YES! to a match with Bryan at Survivor Series. We still get Bryan in that clunky not a face, not a heel position, but we’ll get a great match between these two at SS while the fans try to decide who to cheer for as both are well liked at the moment. The possibilities are there and let’s not forget how Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura could still get involved with all this.

What we hated:

It’s not that we really hated anything this week, it’s more of a wish. With Smackdown moving to FOX, we expected something really different and we just haven’t seen it. Outside of the NXT invasion that was brought about due to “travel issues,” we haven’t really gotten the creative changes we thought were coming. Maybe with the change from Eric Bishoff to Bruce Pritchard, things are delayed. But much like we haven’t really seen too many Paul Heyman changes on RAW, maybe we are expecting too many drastic changes to a company that can’t really deliver that “edge” we may be looking for since it is, after all, sports entertainment, and it’s a public company that delivers to major, national sponsors on major, national networks so a pushing of the envelope has to be pushed softly and not with a Myles Garrett over-the-head helmet shot.

Parting shot:

Aside from Triple H, isn’t it refreshing to see a brand supremacy battle not being waged with a McMahon vs. McMahon vs. McMahon as the theme? While we love Stephanie McMahon as the ultimate heel villain when she really turns it on and not trying to be a brand ambassador, it is nice to see the superstars telling the story. Kudos for not defaulting into a tired storyline WWE. Thank you!

Thanks for letting us share our thoughts! Shoot me an email at jcrowe567@gmail.com. We’d love to hear your comments and suggestions! You can also check out my blog, The Crowe’s Nest as we delve into more pro wrestling, sports entertainment and the World of Sports. My apologies ahead of time – I AM a Patriots and Red Sox fan! If you’re not down with that, I’ve got TWO WORDS for you… NEW ENGLAND!