San Antonio, TX

The moment every fan in the world has been waiting for is about to happen: the best of AEW will go toe-to-toe with the best of WWE. The two companies are pitting champions against champions, factions against factions, and superstars against superstars.

The main matches that have everyone excited for this premium event are Roman Reigns versus Kenny Omega, Gunther versus Christian Cage, Seth 'Freakin' Rollins versus MJF, Lyra Valkryia versus Toni Storm, the Judgment Day's Rhea Ripley versus the House of Black's Julia Hart, and the men's and women's Survivor Series-style 5-on-5 matches.

The night before the show, all of the wrestlers have been encouraged to introduce themselves and plan out their matches. A good few of them already knew each other beforehand, but not everyone did. Currently, a large man with long dark hair and dark facial hair stands with his arms crossed, casually talking to Adam Copeland and William Reso (Christian Cage) when Tom Büdgen (Malakai Black) approaches with a short woman with black and blue hair behind him.

Tom: How're you doing, man?

He asks as he and the tall man with long hair hug each other.

???: I've been better, man. Lost another one on Tuesday.

Tom: When's the funeral?

???: Three weeks from tomorrow. Already cleared it with the boss man.

Tom: How'd he go?

???: Same way they all go. But what's done is done. Ain't nothin' I can do about it.

Tom: Sorry, man. Oh, where are my manners, this is Skye Dolecki. Better known as Skye Blue.

She offers a kind smile and a small wave. The tall man smirks a little. He takes his glass off and puts them on top of the black bandana wrapped around his head. Then, he holds his hand out for her to shake.

(A/N: This is just to show what he's wearing. He obviously looks younger than this.)

???: Name's Caleb Van Horn. Everyone either calls me Winters or TJ.

Skye, shaking his hand: TJ?

Caleb: Yeah.

As they shake hands, she notices how strong his hand is. And the size of it too. It dwarfs hers. If they were to hold their palms against one another's, it'd look like an eclipse. She looks up from his hand and finds his eyes. He has mostly blue eyes, but they have a brown ring around his pupils.

Skye: W-What does TJ stand for?

She struggles to start, quickly looking down and to hide her blush that she's not entirely sure why exists. The blue-haired beauty glances back up just in time to avoid making anything too awkward.

Caleb: That's somethin' you'll have to figure out on your own.

Skye: Are you always this mysterious?

Caleb: Of course. Makes life more fun.

They let go of each other's hand and start their own conversation. Meanwhile, Tom, Adam, and William all look on with smiles on their faces. Elizabeth Copeland (Beth Phoenix), Julia Hart, and Thea Büdgen (Zelina Vega) make their way over.

Julia: What're we looking at?

Adam, Tom, and William: Shhhhhhhh.

Julia raises her hands apologetically. Then, Tom and Adam both point and the women all turn to see Skye and Caleb talking.

Skye: So TJ, how'd you get into wrestling?

Caleb: A family member trained me when I got outta the Marines.

Skye: Is it true you guys eat crayons?

Caleb: Only the good ones do.

He says with a wink. She giggles a little, enjoying their banter.

Skye: Are you a good one?

Caleb: I'm the best, darlin'. Ask anyone I served with.

He jokes. She laughs a little, then notices the writing on his right forearm. It's a tattoo that reads "Always Faithful, Always Forward". It looks like it's a quote, only where you're supposed to put the origin of the quote, it's signed "Semper Fi, 11/10/1775".

Caleb: It's the motto my division used. The boys in my squad all got it tatted on them.

Skye continues to look at the tattoo, as well as the rest of the man in front of her. He's absolutely massive compared to her. His arms, his chest, his legs. They're all massive. The only "massive" things she can think of having are her ass and thighs. The man in front of her is an absolute beast. While her brain rushes with thoughts about how big he is filling her brain, one thought suddenly comes to the front of her brain: "I wonder if everything of his is that big." She quickly dismisses the thought, scolding herself a little then covering it with a warm smile.

Caleb: What about you? How'd you get into it?

Skye: Started on the indies before I graduated high school. Been wrestling ever since.

Caleb: Nice. Shit, I gotta run. Shit, sorry for saying shit. Fuck! Okay, I'm gonna go now. Talk to you tomorrow?

He starts as he checks his phone. Once he sees who just texted him, he starts to panic a little and looks for the exit. Then, he runs a hand through his hair before walking backwards. Skye looks on and frowns a little inside. Outside, she's laughing at him apologizing for cussing while cussing before exclaiming "fuck" in a large gathering of people.

Skye: How will I know where to find you!?

She yells as he's already getting to the other side of the room. He looks at her and smirks while putting his glasses back on.

Caleb: Believe me, you'll know! You can't miss me!

He says before he completely disappears in the sea of wrestlers. "Great," she thinks to herself. "If I can't find him in this mess, how will I find him when everyone's running around tomorrow," she wonders. Meanwhile, Winters makes it outside of the room and quickly calls the number that texted him.

Caleb: Hello?

???: Hey, Winters. It's Amy Reid, Timothy's wife. I was just calling to let you know that...*sobs*...we decided to move the funeral up since our families are both already in town.

Caleb: No, no...*sighs* no, I get it. You guys just do whatever you need to do. I'll uhhhh *clears throat* I'll try to stop by when I have a minute. Just uhhh...just let me know if there's anything I can do.

Amy: Thank you, Caleb. Again, I'm so sorry.

Caleb: No need to apologize.

He says, fighting back any anger or sorrow building up. Caleb runs another hand through his hair, this time taking the glasses off his head. He leans against the wall while finishing the conversation.

Caleb: You guys stay safe. God bless.

He says before the call ends. Winters looks up at the ceiling and struggles to breathe. It feels like someone is choking him with his own emotions. He slides down the wall and hugs his knees, hanging his head against his legs, but he doesn't cry. Instead, he sits outside alone, trying to collect himself before going back in.

Just when he's gathered himself and stands up, Paul Levesque (Triple H) finds him.

Paul: Hey, man. Saw you leave the party quickly and just wanted to make sure everything's okay.

Caleb: Y'know that day off I asked for?

Paul: Yeah.

Caleb: Looks like I don't need it anymore.

He says plainly. Paul realizes what he means and gives the bigger man a small hug and a pat on the back.

Paul: You okay?

Caleb: Yeah...Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry about me, boss man. Let's focus on kicking AEW's ass tomorrow.

Paul pats his back a few more times and they go back inside.

Forbidden Door

It has been one hell of a night! Toni Storm defeated Lyra Valkyria via pinfall after a Storm Zero. Christian Cage defeated Gunther via disqualification when Adam Copeland ran in and speared Cage. Seth 'Freakin' Rollins defeated MJF via count-out, much to Seth's displeasure. Now, it's time for Julia Hart versus Rhea Ripley.

Backstage, everyone is moving around trying to get everything set up for the matchup. Everyone except one person: Skye Blue.

Instead of hanging out or rushing to the gorilla, Skye looks around for any sign of the large man she met yesterday. She got a text from Julia telling her to wait in the hallway and that TJ would meet her there soon. As she sits there, her mind wanders. It wanders so far, she doesn't notice a giant man approach her.

???: This seat taken?

She jumps and looks over to find a tall man with nearly all white eyes and a mask. Through the gap meant for the mouth, she can see his facial hair

The big man is gesturing to the spot next to her on the crate she's sitting on. She sighs and shakes her head. The big man groans a little as he sits down and shifts his body around until he's comfortably on the crate.

???: What's wrong?

Skye: I was supposed to meet someone here, but it doesn't look like he'll show anytime soon.

???: What time did they tell you to meet them at?

Skye: I was told to wait here and that he'd be here in fifteen minutes.

???: And when'd you get that text?

Skye grabs her phone from her jacket pocket and scrolls through her texts to find the one from Julia. You'd think it'd be easy to find and you'd be wrong. Meeting Caleb wasn't the only thing they talked about after all. While she looks, she racks her brain trying to figure out why the man sitting next to her's voice sounds familiar. The man next to her smirks and pulls the mask off as Skye finds the text.

Skye: It says fifteen minutes ago. See, loo-

She stops as she sees the masked man's face. He smiles goofily as he looks at her. Skye's face drops for a second, then a large smile takes over.

Skye: You asshole! I can't believe you did that! Why'd you do that to me!?

She says playfully hitting him. He raises his arms in defense and laughs.

Caleb: I told you, life's more fun this way.

Skye, calming down: Yeah. Yeah, you did.

Seeing Caleb is really making her night right now. She's not sure if it's his humor, his goofy smile, or how the ring gear is making his arms look way bigger. All she knows is it's been a long time since she's been this happy.

The two sit and chat about seemingly nothing, just random nonsense. She asked about places he's served, he's asked about places she's wrestled. Just random stories. Their conversation is interrupted when a 6'4", 220lb Australian walks in.

???: Skye?

Skye: Kyle?

She says surprised. Her ex, the Aussie Arrow Kyle Fletcher.

Kyle: How've you been?

Skye: Good.

Kyle: Good, good. Who's this?

He asks gesturing towards Caleb. The big man stands up off the crate and holds his gloved hand out for the Aussie to shake.

Caleb: Name's Caleb. Everyone either calls me Winters or TJ.

Kyle: TJ?

Skye: It's best not to ask. He won't tell you.

Kyle: Gotcha. You're in the 5-on-5, right?

Caleb: Yeah. You?

Kyle: Yeah. Gonna mop the floor with you guys.

Caleb: That'd involve making me hit the mat. Think you can do that?

He asks with a smile, enjoying the small banter Kyle offers. Kyle returns the smile and shakes his head a little.

Kyle: We'll see.

Caleb: Guess we will.

He says offering a fist bump, which Kyle returns before leaving. Caleb looks over at Skye and notices her physically uncomfortable by Kyle's appearance.

Caleb: Somethin' wrong?

Skye: No, uhhhh nothing's wrong. Why?

Caleb: Because you look uncomfortable. You two clearly got a history. If you wanna keep it private, I'll stay out of it, but if you wanna talk it out, I'm always available for it.

Skye: It's nothing. Just my ex.

Caleb: Gotcha. Did it end on good terms?

Skye: We just wanted different things, that's all. Hey, can you hold on to my phone and wait right here for a minute? I'll be right back.

She says before turning and leaving. Caleb shrugs and watches her leave. Once she's out of sight, he turns his attention to one of the monitors. He watches on as Julia does surprisingly well against Rhea.

It's clear the match is winding down though as Ripley goes to hit Julia with a ferocious big boot. Unfortunately for Rhea, Julia dodges it and kicks the ref right in the chin. The ref goes down hard. Before either woman can get up, another woman rushes down to the ring. It's Skye Blue! She slides into the ring, hits the ropes, then slams Rhea down to the mat with a Code Blue.

Skye grabs Julia's arm and drags her on top of Rhea, wakes up the ref, then leaves the ring. The ref counts to three and AEW gains another victory against WWE.

Backstage

Skye comes back to Caleb, who is shockingly still sitting on the crate. She hops up on the crate next to him and smiles.

Skye: This seat taken?

The much larger man looks over at her and puts his phone away before smiling. She can tell he's hiding something behind the smile, but she's not sure they're close enough yet to ask about it.

Caleb: Nah, man. It's yours. So's this.

He says before handing Skye her phone. She smiles as she takes the phone from him. She looks down at it, sighs, and mumbles 'fuck it' under her breath before turning to Caleb.

Skye: What's wrong?

Caleb, raising an eyebrow: What?

Skye: I can tell something's wrong. You can tell me.

Caleb: Friend of mine's wife called last night. They're moving up the funeral. Now, uhhhh *clears throat* I can't make it.

Skye: Oh my God, I'm so sorry.

Caleb: No, it's okay. You didn't know.

She wraps her left arm around his shoulders and holds him. They both lean over, their heads resting against the others.

???: Awwww. You two are so cute.

A feminine Australian voice says. They both turn their attention to see Demi Bennett (Rhea Ripley) and Matthew Adams (Buddy Matthews) walking over to them, arms linked together. The two sit up and Caleb smirks.

Caleb: Skye is. Me? I don't think so.

Matthew: If you're ugly, I'm shit mate.

Caleb: That's the weirdest yet nicest thing you've ever said to me.

Demi: Great work out there, Skye.

Skye: Thanks, Demi. And I agree with Matthew. If you're ugly, the rest of us are screwed.

She says hoping her blush has calmed down. He called her cute. Why it matters so much, she's not sure, but Caleb called her cute and she's never going to forget it.

Caleb: You think I'm cute?

Skye: You called me cute first.

Caleb: I did?

Demi, laughing: You're an ass. The women's 5-on-5 is coming up.

Skye: Then that's my cue. See you after the match?

Caleb: If you're able to find me.

She smirks, puts her jacket on, and makes her way to the gorilla. Meanwhile, Demi and Matthew look at Caleb with smiles.

Demi: You're smitten.

Caleb: We just met yesterday. She's cool. Wouldn't say I'm smitten though.

Demi: If you aren't now, you will be.

Caleb, leaning back: We'll see where it goes. I just don't wanna hurt her.

Demi: Are you afraid of her getting hurt or are you afraid you'll be the one hurting?

Her question rings in his head. She might be right. He doesn't want to admit it, but he knows she is. Demi's very smart and knows exactly how to talk to Caleb. It helps that they both prefer telling it how it is instead of beating around the bush.

Women's 5-on-5

Both teams are already gathered in the ring. Four women stand on either side of the ring on the apron while two start off the match. Team WWE is made up of Bayley, Tiffany Stratton, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, and their leader Becky Lynch. Meanwhile, Team AEW is made up of Thunder Rosa, Dr. Britt Baker DMD, Saraya, Ruby Soho, and lastly but definitely not least Skye Blue.

The match was interesting and had everyone's attention, especially when it came to the two former Riott Squad members squaring off. The match started with leaders Britt Baker and Becky Lynch. Shit definitely hit the fan really quick.

Now, the match is dying down. Liv surprised the world when she scored a pinfall over Ruby. Now, it's down to Becky, Liv, and Bianca on one side and Skye and Britt on the other.

Currently, Liv and Skye are the legal competitors. The Problem Child has Blue trapped in the corner. She runs to the opposite corner, then sprints at Skye. Before Liv can make contact, she's met with a vicious kick to the jaw.

Skye collapses backwards, draping her body across Liv and manages to get the three count.

Announcer: Liv Morgan has been eliminated!

Bianca is the next one to storm into ring, picking Skye up and readying her for the KOD. Skye manages to slip out of Belair's grasp and clumsily makes the tag to Britt by falling backwards, causing her shoulder to hit Baker's hand.

Britt marches into the ring and lays into Belair with rapid forearms. She connects a few kicks to the hamstrings, but when she goes for a clothesline, Belair counters by ducking under and hitting her with a back suplex. Bianca rolls over on the ground, clearly exhausted from the long match, and makes a hot tag to Lynch.

Lynch charges at Baker and hits her with several stiff forearms. She whips the doctor into the corner, then runs at her. Baker counters with a boot to Becky's stomach before climbing to the middle rope. She leaps off and hits Becky with a sunset flip piledriver.

Britt stands up and pulls out her black glove. She puts it on, then locks Lynch in the Lockjaw. She slides the glove into Becky's mouth and finishes locking in the Lockjaw.

The pain becomes too much for Lynch as she struggles to break out of the hold. Eventually, the pain becomes too much and Lynch passes out from the pain. The ref declares Becky is unable to continue, meaning she is now also eliminated.

Announcer: Becky Lynch has been eliminated!

Before the announcement could finish, Bianca slips into the ring and stomps on Britt's back. She picks Britt up and throws her into the corner. As she hits, Skye secretly tags herself in. Britt bounces off the turnbuckles and is caught by Bianca before being hit with a KOD.

Bianca hunches over and tries to make her way to Britt to make the pin. Before she can get to her, Skye plants her on the mat with a Code Blue.

She traps Belair's arms beneath her legs and manages to score the winning pinfall. Britt stumbles over to Skye and lifts her to her feet as the announcer declares Team AEW the winners of the Women's 5-on-5 match.

Backstage

Skye comes back through the curtain for the second time. She looks for Caleb, but sees he isn't in the same spot he was in. Her head drops down and she feels a little bummed. She was really hoping to see how he liked the match.

Meanwhile

Caleb sits alone in a dark room with a faint light. As he does, he tries to clear his mind of all thoughts except feeling and causing pain. Playing the Son of Kane isn't as easy as he makes it look y'know.

He focuses on removing all positive thoughts from his mind and twisting any evil emotions into fuel. As he's doing so, there's one image he just can't seem to get out of his head. It's brief, seemingly on repeat. It's of Skye. It's something she did during her entrance earlier. The image is her winking and holding her tongue with her teeth, then looking straight forward and smiling.

He lets out a small smile while thinking about it for a few seconds. Once he's done thinking about it, he shakes his head clear of thoughts about the Chicago girl and puts his mask on.

With Skye

Skye: Hey Demi, do you know where Caleb is?

Demi: He should be warming up for his match. He normally starts preparing early.

Skye: Where is he? So I can wish him luck on his match.

She says. The rest of the Judgment Day, who are all sitting around a table, look at her. Luis Martínez (Damiam Priest) smiles and shakes his head.

Luis: You don't wanna see him right now.

Skye: Why?

Luis: Have you ever seen his character?

Skye: No, why?

Demi: You're in for a treat, girl.

Luis: Let's just say it's better to be on this side of the curtain when he's in character.

With Caleb

He stands and begins changing his breathing until it's just angry huffs. He stares at the small mirror in the room and berates himself mentally until he's pissed off. Once he sees the fire in his eyes build, he knows it's working and he's ready to get to work. He opens the door, turns the light off, then slams the door behind him.

With Skye

Skye, the Judgment Day, and Matthew hear a loud thud. The Chicago native looks in the direction, then looks over at them. None of the Judgment Day acknowledged the thud.

Skye: What was that?

Luis: Caleb.

Demi: He must be heading to the gorilla.

Luis: He'll have to pass us. Sure you're ready?

Skye: Yeah, why wouldn't I be?

Just then, Caleb struts past them with a purpose. As he passes them, he looks down at Skye, but his demeanor doesn't change. They can hear his harsh breathing and can tell that hatred and rage are all that's behind the mask now. The man Caleb is dead. Now, there is only Maddox.

Timeskip

Team AEW's Malakai Black, Kyle Fletcher, Big Bill, Paul Wight, and their leader Jon Moxley stand across from Team WWE's Ricochet, Omos, their leader Rey Mysterio, and Braun Strowman. Everyone gathers in the ring and the tension is nearly too much when an explosion on the ramp gets their attention.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

The lights go red and the Lord of Hellfire marches down to the ring.

Backstage

Skye:.....Woah....

Demi: I know right. Freaky.

She says excitedly. Skye can't believe it. She's heard that WWE has had someone continuing the legacy of the Brothers of Destruction, but she had no idea it was Caleb! She should've known! The mask, the attire, the white eyes. It all screams Kane!

Men's 5-on-5

Maddox is now inside the ring. He stares down each of the AEW representatives before turning away from them and facing the hard cam. Then, he raises his arms before slamming them down. Fire erupts from the posts with a thunderous roar.

With that, the match begins. Jon starts against Rey in what becomes a hellacious bout. After about five minutes, Ricochet is being thrown around by Big Bill when he makes the tag to Maddox. The masked man enters the ring by stepping over the top rope. He and Bill stand toe-to-toe.

Even though Bill is taller, Maddox doesn't back down. Instead, he hits Bill with a throat thrust uppercut and follows up with several heavy right hands. Once he backs Big Bill into a corner, he uppercuts him and whips him hard across the ring into the opposite corner. Bill bounces out and is hit with a ferocious Wrath of Hell.

He goes for the pin and gets the three count, eliminating one of AEW's heavy hitters.

Backstage

Announcer: Big Bill has been eliminated!

Skye: Woah.

Luis: Yeah. Been hit with that before. Doesn't tickle.

The group continues to watch as Maddox turns the tide against AEW. He carves a path through each opponent he goes against. When they hit him, nothing looks like it fazes him in the slightest. Instead, it looks like it's just pissing him off. It's like a real life horror movie and her new friend is the villain.

The Judgment Day laugh a little to themselves as they watch Skye witness the destruction Maddox can cause for the first time. Demi and Dom even sneak videos of her watching the match. It's really kind of adorable. They're all used to it since they've worked with him for so long, but to see someone watch him for the first time is definitely a treat.

Men's 5-on-5

Finally, it's time for the match to come to a close. Team AEW is down to Paul Wight and Jon Moxley, the latter of which is stuck in the ring with Maddox. Maddox currently has him down on the mat, his gloved hand wrapped tightly around Mickey's throat. He slowly drains the life out of Jon until the ref deems he's unable to compete any further.

Announcer: Jon Moxley has been eliminated!

Now it's Paul Wight, the man formerly known as the Big Show, versus Maddox. The two meet in the middle of the ring and trade blows. After getting a few good hits in, Paul Wight signals for the one punch to end it all: the Knockout Punch. He pumps his fist up and down a few times, but when he throws the punch, Maddox ducks under it. He traps Wight's arm and wraps his hand around the giant's throat. Then, he hits one of the largest Chokeslams the world has seen to date.

Maddox puts one foot on top of the chest of the giant formerly known as the Big Show showing everyone in the wrestling world, fan or competitor, that there's only one giant, unstoppable monster in this industry and his name is Maddox. The ref counts to three and WWE is declared the winner of this match.

Backstage

Caleb comes backstage and fist bumps everyone involved in the match before heading over to Skye and the Judgment Day. When he gets there, the Chigaco native stares up at him. He smiles and removes the mask, holding it in his ungloved hand and running his other hand through his messy wet hair.

Caleb: So...what'd ya think?

Skye: You're Maddox!?

Caleb: Yep. I thought you knew that.

Luis, laughing: She definitely did not.

Demi: We got pictures and videos to prove it.

Skye: You what?

Demi, smiling: Relax. You looked cute.

Caleb: I'm gonna need y'all to send those to me. As for you...

He starts, turning his attention back to Skye. He puts one hand on his hip while holding the mask against his leg.

Caleb: What'd you think of the match?

Skye: You're like a Jason or Michael Myers out there.

Caleb, smirking: Thanks. That's the goal. So, any plans after the show?

He asks while sitting down in an empty chair. He stretches one leg out and slouches slightly, laying his mask on the table.

Skye: Some of the others and I are going drinking. You in?

Caleb: Nah, I'm good. Don't like bars.

Skye: How come?

Caleb: Every time I go, some drug asshole tries to fight me.

Skye: Really?

Luis: Yep.

Demi: Every. Single. Time.

Caleb: Yeah, there's only so many times you can get bailed out by the company.

He jokes. It takes a split second for Skye to realize what he said. She laughs, but notices he's only smirking.

Skye: What? You're kidding, right?

Caleb: Of course I am.....I've never gotten caught bar-fighting.

She laughs again and his smirk widens. They continue to sit and joke together until the show comes to an end. Everyone gets showered and changed before either going to drink or heading back to their hotels. By chance, Caleb happens to meet back up with Skye in the parking garage.

Skye: Soooooo...I guess this is it then.

Caleb: What do you mean?

Skye: They said tonight was one night only. So I guess this is the last time we'll get to work together.

Caleb: I wouldn't say that. Y'know what they say, never say never in this line of work.

Skye: Yeah.....Hey, do you want my number? So we can let each other know when we're in the same town.

Caleb: Sounds good to me.

He hands her his phone and lets her put her number in. When she's finished, she sends herself a text to make sure she's entered it correctly. She smiles when the text comes through and hands him back his phone. Caleb looks at her contact info over and laughs at the name slightly. She put herself in his phone as Skye🖤💙.

Caleb: Definitely won't be hard to find you.

Skye: Why's that?

Caleb: I don't use emojis.

Skye: At all? Not even the heart ones or the goofy faces?

Caleb: None of 'em.

Skye: You're a very interesting person, Caleb. Or should I call you Maddox?

Caleb: You can call me whatever you want. Doesn't mean I'll answer.

Skye: If I call, will you answer?

Caleb, smiling: Every time.

She smiles back. It quickly fades when a voice shouts from the back of a rental car. It's a loud, piercing English voice.

Saraya: COME ON, SKYE!!!!!

She shouts from across the parking garage. Caleb shakes his head and crosses his arms.

Saraya: HI, TJ!!!

Caleb: Hey, Saraya!

He says, not yelling as loud. His voice naturally carries across the garage. Skye shakes her head a little, then sighs.

Skye: That's my ride. It's been really fun meeting you, Caleb.

Caleb: I had fun too. Take care of yourself.

Skye: No promises.

Caleb, smirking: See you soon, Skye.

Skye: See ya then.

She smiles, gives him a small hug, then goes to get in the car with Saraya and the others. It's not until she's in the car that she realizes what he said. See you soon. What is he talking about? Does he know something she doesn't?