OUTCASTS

RAW IS WAR, MARCH 19TH, 2001

Angel had been a mess all day, after not sleeping a wink the night before. She hadn’t been able to concentrate in weapons training with Blackman and didn’t even bother provoking Benoit, although she was starting to work out how to get at him.

Straight after training, she convinced Benoit to head over to the arena so she could intercept Jeff as soon as he arrived. She kept staking out the locker room but so far without success. In between, she and Benoit ate lunch and got ready, although Benoit’s match was yet to be set. Angel had a feeling he was hoping for Eddie again, as if he still had to prove himself. She looked over at him as he stared into space, the thoughts rushing through his mind at an incredible speed. Just one look at his face told her that.

"Do you think they’re here yet?" she asked suddenly.

Benoit slowly shifted his gaze to her. "They’re fools if they’re not. They have a title defense."

Angel nodded. "I’m gonna go…I’ll be back."

As she knew he would, Benoit got up and followed her from the room.

Angel breathed deeply as she walked down the hall. She didn’t know what she was going to say, all she knew was that she had to make things right.

She reached the door to the locker room and psyched herself up. Ordinarily she would have walked right in, but there was nothing ordinary about her current circumstances. So she knocked and waited.

Jeff opened the door, took one look at her and started to close it again, but Angel had been prepared for that and got her boot in the way.

"Please, Jeff," she said urgently. "Let me explain."

"I have nothing to say to you," Jeff replied coldly.

"Tell me how to fix it," Angel pleaded. "Tell me how to make it right. I’m so, so sorry."

"I don’t believe you anymore," Jeff sighed. "You’re not who I thought you were."

"I am, Jeff. If you’d just…"

"No," Jeff cut in. "It’s over, Angel. It’s all over. I don’t want to talk to you, I don’t want to look at you, I don’t even want to breathe the same air as you. Not now. Not anymore."

His words stung her. If he’d slapped her across the face it couldn’t have hurt more. She took a step backwards, trying to recover, when the door slammed shut in her face.

She stared at it for a few seconds. Over? It couldn’t be over. She hadn’t even had the chance to explain. If only they’d just…

The handle slid around. The door wasn’t locked. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the locker room.

"Jeff, it was an accident. You have to believe me."

Jeff, Matt and Lita stood in a tight little group, their faces stormy. Lita slowly shook her head.

"How could you do that, Angel? How could you?"

"No, Lita. It was an accident…"

"Don’t lie to me!" Lita cried. "And to think I vouched for you. I trusted you and look what you did in return."

"Lita, please. Just listen to me."

"No, you listen to me. You’ve hurt us enough, Angel, especially Jeff. We’re not going to take it anymore."

"Why are you doing this, Lita?" Angel asked quietly.

"Why am I do doing this? After what you did, I don’t even want to look at you."

Angel tearfully turned to the only person who hadn’t yelled at her. "Matt?"

Matt stared back at her coolly. "I think Jeff and Lita have said enough."

Angel shook her head as her face crumpled even more. "After all that’s happened, I thought you guys would stick by me."

"Well, that’s what we thought about you," Lita snapped. "But I guess, as your bosom buddy Benoit would say, you proved us wrong. Now, I want you to leave."

"Why, Lita? You’re my cousin. You’re family."

Lita’s glare was intense. "Yeah, we’re cousins, I can’t change that, but you’ve shown me something the past few weeks with what you’ve done to Jeff. We’re not family, Angel. Matt and Jeff are my family. They’re always there for me, and me for them. You’re just another person, getting in the way. If you’re not with us, you’re against us."

"But I’m…"

"Get out," Jeff interrupted her.

She looked up at him, sadly shaking her head.

"Get out!"

Numb all over, Angel turned and silently left the room, shutting the door after herself.

Benoit was waiting in the hallway.

"I heard shouting," he said simply.

Angel stared at him as the tears streamed down her cheeks. There was no compassion in his voice whatsoever, but he was there. He was solid and she needed that, otherwise her emotions could force her to her knees. Without a word, she stepped right up to Benoit and threw her arms around his neck as sobs wracked her body. Benoit didn’t return the hug but he did stand there, letting her hold him as her tears drenched his T-shirt.

Across the hall, unheard by Angel, the door to the locker room opened and there stood Jeff. Benoit simply stared at him enigmatically. Jeff scowled and, with a shake of his head, stepped back inside and shut the door again.

* * * *

Angel was an absolute wreck. Benoit didn’t know how long she’d been crying but it seemed like hours. She showed no signs of calming down and he’d had just about all he could take.

"That’s enough," he announced gruffly. "Shut up."

Angel unfolded her body just enough to give him the finger. "Leave me alone."

"I mean it!" Benoit told her. "They kicked you out. Why are you crying for them?"

Angel looked up tearfully. "You don’t understand."

"Oh no, not at all," Benoit replied sarcastically. "Maybe you don’t remember Eddie, Dean and Perry."

"That’s different. They were friends. Lita’s family."

Benoit was scowling at her. "The Radicalz were my family. They were my brothers. We came in here together and we were unstoppable. I thought it’d always be that way. Then we broke up for a while but when I got us back together we were better than ever. We might not have been related, but we were definitely family. So, don’t tell me I don’t know what I’m talking about."

Angel shook her head slowly. "You didn’t hear them. You didn’t hear what they said."

"I don’t care what they said. You don’t need them. You think I wasted my time crying about the past when the Radicalz ousted me? No. I concentrated on the future, on becoming the WWF champion. Friends are fine. They serve their purpose. But only you can look after you."

Angel stared at him for a long time as her face ran the gamut of emotions.

"You’re absolutely right," she said at last.

"They kicked you out," Benoit said again.

Angel nodded and swallowed hard. "Titles or people?"

"Titles," Benoit replied with certainty.

"Titles," Angel repeated. She stared at him carefully and it was some time before she spoke. "I want you to coach me."

Benoit raised his eyebrows, so she decided to explain.

"I’m here for a reason. And you’re right. It’s not about how many friends I have. It’s about getting my contract and beating who I want to beat. Now it’s about more. I want a title, Benoit. I want to be the women’s champion. Tell me honestly. You’ve seen me train. Am I good enough to get there?"

Benoit stared at her expressionlessly. "I wouldn’t have offered if you weren’t."

Angel nodded. She still hated him, as much as ever, but she’d been around long enough to know that his claims of being the greatest technical wrestler in the WWF weren’t just a catchphrase. Benoit was good, possibly the best, easily the best person who’d offered to coach her.

"If you coach me, what do you want in return?"

Benoit was surprised.

"Don’t give me that look. Nothing comes for nothing. What do you want?"

"Manage me." The words were out of Benoit’s mouth before he was even aware of them.

"Manage you? You mean like Debra and the Rock?"

"Well, I hope you’d do a better job than her."

"Manager," Angel mused. "You mean keeping my valet duties, but what else?"

"You make my matches. You manage my career. Do you understand?"

Angel gave him a sarcastic smile. "I’m a terrible valet. What makes you think I’d be a good manager?"

Benoit raised his eyebrows. "Why don’t we give you a little test? I don’t have a match yet for tonight. Why don’t you go see Commissioner Regal and get me the best match you can manage? If I approve, we have a deal."

Angel nodded slowly. "A challenge. Who do you want? Eddie again?"

Benoit simply shrugged. "Get me the best match you can. Then we’ll see if it’s what I want."

Angel fixed her gaze. She knew this was more than just a test of her managerial qualities. If she got a good match, she’d have something over Benoit; she’d have some form of control over his life when it seemed that he was increasingly controlling hers. Even for that alone, it would be worth it.

"Okay," she nodded coolly. "Consider it done."

* * * *

"Commissioner Regal?" Angel questioned. Now that she was here, she was less than confident. Possibly for the first time, she was happy that Al Snow had lost his match for the commissionership. At least Regal didn’t know her; she had some chance of winning him over. She was very conscious of her outfit – tube top, leather pants, wrestling boots, and was never more aware that it was a man’s world. What the hell did she think she was doing?

"Hello, my dear," Regal replied with his British accent, favoring her with a smile. "What can I do for you?"

Angel was all business. "I’m Chris Benoit’s manager and I can’t help noticing…"

"Wait one moment," Regal cut in. "Did you just say ‘cahn’t’?"

"Yes," Angel replied slowly.

"Well, you’re not American."

"No, I’m not, but I’m here about Chris Benoit and I really think…"

"Yes, yes, of course," Regal rushed on. "Tell me, my dear girl. What is the last letter of the alphabet?"

"Zed," Angel replied with a confused frown.

"That’s right! Now, you were saying?"

Angel took a deep breath. "I think that Chris Benoit has more than proven himself and…"

"Well, I’ll be a month of Sundays," Regal mused. "You’re Australian."

Angel nodded impatiently. "Yeah, I am but…"

"And her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is your revered head of state, correct?"

"Yes, she is, but…"

"Well, that is delightful. My dear, do you fancy a spot of tea?"

Angel frowned at the silver tea set. "Thanks anyway, but I like to watch my caffeine intake."

"Of course. You don’t mind if I partake?"

Angel waved him on. "Go ahead. Now, about Chris Benoit…"

"My, but that is good tea," Regal announced after taking a sip. "Tell me, my dear. Other than wrestling, what is your favorite sport?"

"Um, cricket. But…"

"Sensational! And speaking of which, how does one spell ‘favourite’?"

Angel shook her head. "F-A-V-O-U-R…"

"Say no more. You are certainly a delightful young lady."

"Thank you, but I’m sorry if I don’t think that’s the point."

"My dear, it is very much the point. I can tell you’re in quite a hurry and I’m a busy man myself, so perhaps you should tell me what it is you want."

"I’m Chris Benoit’s manager and I want you to give him a match with the Rock."

"The Rock," Regal repeated. "The WWF Champion?"

Angel’s nod held a lot more conviction than she really felt. "The Rock."

Regal mirrored her nod, smiling thoughtfully. Finally, he spoke. "Young lady, not only will I grant your request, but I will even make it easier for your client to be victorious."

Angel frowned at him so he continued.

"What I have in mind is a handicap match. The Rock versus both Chris Benoit and former WWF Champion Kurt Angle."

"Benoit and Angle versus Rock?" Angel repeated.

"I trust that this is satisfactory?" Regal asked.

Angel nodded slowly. "Will it be the main event?"

"Oh, without a doubt."

Angel broke into a broad smile. "Thank you. Thank you very much. It was a pleasure doing business with you." She shook his hand brusquely.

"No, my dear girl, the pleasure is all mine."

Angel gave him one more smile before leaving the office.

Regal watched her go, picking up his tea again.

"An Australian," he mused. "Not a Brit. by any means, but anything is better than an American."

* * * *

Angel shrugged outlandishly as she returned to the locker room. "I’m sorry. I did my best."

"What did you get?" Benoit asked, frowning at her.

"I tried," Angel sighed.

"Tell me!" Benoit demanded.

"Okay, okay, it’s a handicap match."

Benoit’s frown deepened as it sunk in. "Who are my opponents? Eddie and Dean? Dean and Perry? All three, perhaps?"

Angel shook her head. "No Radicalz."

"Who then?"

Angel took a deep breath. "You and Kurt Angle will be taking on the Rock."

Benoit was stunned. "Me and Angle against the Rock?"

Now it was Angel’s turn to smirk. "That’s right. How does the main event grab you?"

"Main event," Benoit repeated. "Me and Angle against the Rock. How did you do that? I mean, yesterday I had Haku!"

Angel simply shrugged. "I guess I’m a decent manager after all, huh?"

Benoit nodded slowly, all expression gone from his face. "Training starts tomorrow. Six AM sharp. I will not go easy on you."

Angel glared at him. "Well, gee, asshole. You’re welcome."

* * * *

"Turn that damn TV off," Angel spat.

Benoit backed away and spun around accusingly. "You don’t like it, leave."

"Oh, and where would I go?" Angel demanded. "It’s not as though I have any friends to hang with."

Benoit ignored her. "We watch Raw here. That’s what we do."

Angel bounced to her feet. "Never, ever speak for me again, okay? We don’t do anything." She started for the door as Benoit looked on.

"Where do you think you’re going?"

"For a walk. Watch your damn show. I really don’t give a crap."

* * * *

Angel walked the halls alone. She felt invisible in the way no one glanced at her twice and knew that it was only the case because she’d come through in the deal she’d had with Vince. Now, having lost Matt, having lost Al Snow, having lost Jeff, having lost Lita, she was beginning to wonder whether it was all worth it. She’d gotten herself into one hell of a situation. It was the definition of the word irony that the man she hated more than anyone, except perhaps Steven Richards and Eddie Guerrero, was now the only one she could trust. It made her sick to her stomach just thinking about it and despite all her efforts, she was still no closer to finding a way out. Now she was his manager. She actually enjoyed that fact more than she thought she would. Benoit needed her. Just as she needed him to pay her bills, she was now responsible for his. Competing was everything to Benoit but now, without Angel, there would be no matches. It was an interesting situation to say the least.

Angel looked up, and up, and up, into the face of a person who was approaching from the other direction, obviously headed towards the ring. It was the Big Show, the hardcore champion. Angel was fascinated with everyone who was successful in that division, just as she always had been. She wanted to be a part of that action, even if, as Jeff had once told her, it was never going to happen. Big Show looked down at her as they approached each other. Angel simply held his gaze and gave a nod and a half-smile as they passed, then both calmly continued on their way.

"Seven foot monster my ass," she muttered, hoping he wouldn’t hear her.

The next person she came across also seemed to be headed for the ring. He was singing loudly to himself and pushing a grocery cart, which was loaded with various props, including trashcans and a pot plant.

Just as she had with Big Show, Angel held his gaze. In fact, she stepped up on the front of the cart. "Where’s your ninja?"

He frowned and tried to shake her off. "Do I even know you?"

Angel leaned forward so, if he wanted to, he could look right down her top. "No, Raven, you don’t. The question is, do you want to know me?"

He took the bait, as she’d known he would.

"What’s your name?" he asked warily.

Angel shrugged dramatically and leaped over the pot plant onto more of the debris. She stood carefully, hoping it wouldn’t give way, then put her hands on her hips as he continued to push the cart and stare at her.

"My name is Angel," she replied, before slowly turning around. She raised her hands above her head and leaped from the moving cart in a modified moonsault. She landed it facing Raven’s back. "And I’ll see you later."

Raven spun quickly, giving her a surprised frown.

"Good luck out there," Angel smiled as Raven’s eyes traveled the length of her body.

"Luck? I don’t need no luck. You think I can’t beat that guy?"

Angel shrugged again. "I’m just saying he’s a big son of a bitch."

"He is, but I’m not so small myself, if you know what I mean."

Angel nodded. "You better get out there. Show me what you can do."

"I will," Raven replied. "I’ll see you later."

"Bye-bye, birdie," Angel murmured, turning and continuing on her way, knowing that if she turned back, Raven would be checking out her ass. Men. Some of them were so easy. So what if things with Tim and Jeff were over and she had a bizarre living situation with a man she hated? That didn’t mean she couldn’t have some fun.

Angel stopped in the catering area to make herself a coffee. She hadn’t been lying when she’d told Regal she was watching her caffeine intake. Benoit would just about have kittens if he caught her drinking coffee. But right now she was free and freedom meant coffee.

"Come to me, nectar of the gods," she murmured, taking her first sip. She sighed happily. Who knew instant coffee could be so good?

She just stood there, contentedly sipping, until she was disturbed by a commotion across the room from her. Some WWF employees and the women in particular were whispering and falling over themselves in the strangest fashion. Just then, the source of the commotion came striding through the room. He was tall, probably late twenties or early thirties, with dark hair and eyes. He was wearing a turtleneck and slacks and was carrying a clipboard. Angel sipped her coffee and watched him, as did everyone else in the room, but she was the only one sporting a frown.

He wasn’t extraordinarily good-looking, but had an aura about him that commanded attention. Although Angel was positive they’d never met, there was something undeniably familiar about his face, which meant she couldn’t take her eyes off him. Maybe he was a movie star – the WWF attracted its fair share of those. Suddenly, he was almost upon her and she was forced to stop her thoughts. She cocked her head and frowned at him slightly as he passed, not even sparing her a single glance. Then, after continuing his strong, confident walk to the hallway, he was gone.

Angel shook her head as the room returned to normal. He must have known he had everyone’s attention and yet he didn’t even acknowledge a single person, as though he was in his own little world. Shrugging, Angel headed over to the group of women on the premise of disposing of her coffee cup, even though she’d been standing right next to a garbage can.

"Who was that guy?" she asked the nearest person.

"You mean you don’t know?" the woman asked incredulously. "That was Shane."

"Oh, right, Shane," Angel smiled, although she still had no idea. "I just hadn’t seen him in so long I forgot what he looked like."

"I could never forget Shane," the woman sighed. "I’m so happy he’s back."

"He’s something, alright," Angel agreed, making her retreat. She rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, "That’s why I don’t have many chick friends."

She decided to continue her wanderings, although she’d been gone nearly half an hour. Hey, maybe she’d run into Shane again.

It was actually a long time before she ran into anyone, but finally she saw some people she knew. Edge, Christian and another, shorter, bulkier man were headed quickly towards her, talking and joking.

"Hey Edge," she smiled, but the three of them passed her without even noticing.

"Well, they seem happy," she smiled, turning to watch them leave. She was glad. Despite what Matt and Jeff thought, Edge was a cool guy. Still, the fact he’d ignored her had upset her slightly and she could no longer deny the fact that she was bored. It was time to go back to the locker room. She headed off, hoping she’d missed the painful experience of watching Matt and Jeff’s match.

* * * *

"Enjoy your walk?" Benoit asked testily.

Angel nodded coolly and sat down on the bench, focusing on the TV, where Steve Blackman and Grandmaster Sexay were taking on Team X-Pac.

"Yeah, I did. I even made some new friends. Raven wants to do me." She looked over to gauge Benoit’s reaction, but if he cared, he didn’t show it.

"Your friends lost," he informed her.

Angel turned back to the TV. "But it’s not over yet."

"No, not them," Benoit muttered. "Maybe I should have said ‘former friends’."

"Matt and Jeff lost the titles?" Angel asked.

"Bingo."

Angel frowned. "Well, um…I guess the Dudleyz were the better team after all."

Benoit shook his head. "It wasn’t the Dudleyz."

"It wasn’t? Who, then?"

"Edge and Christian."

"Serious? Wow. That explains why they were in such a good mood." She broke off and nodded to herself for a while. "You know what? I think that’s great. Edge has always been nice to me, which is more than I can now say for Matt and Jeff. That’s great."

Benoit said nothing. He was focused on the TV again.

Angel’s attention switched between it and him. She still had one unanswered question.

"Hey, Benoit."

"What?"

"Who’s Shane?"

Benoit didn’t take his eyes off the TV. "Shane Helms is a wrestler where I used to work."

"Shane Helmsley," Angel repeated. "Is he related to Triple H?" That might explain why he looked familiar.

Benoit stared at her as though she was a complete idiot. "Not Helmsley, Helms."

Angel nodded thoughtfully. "Tall guy, dark hair, favors turtlenecks. I saw him in the hall just before."

Understanding finally crossed Benoit’s face. "You mean Shane McMahon. The prodigal son."

"McMahon," Angel repeated, eyes wide.

"Don’t even think about it, Princess. He is way, way out of your league."

Angel glared at him. "I didn’t say I wanted to get in his pants. I just wanted to know who he is."

"I don’t even think he knows who he is after Triple H kicked his ass tonight," Benoit told her.

"What? Why?"

Benoit simply shrugged. "You just don’t cross the boss."

At that moment there was a knock at the door. Benoit was focused on the TV so Angel got up to answer it. "Yes?"

"Is Chris Benoit in there?"

"Yeah, he is. Can I ask who’s calling?"

"Look, can I see him or not?"

Angel shrugged and opened the door. "Benoit, a very rude former Olympian is here to see you."

"Hey Kurt," Benoit called, finally looking away from the TV.

Kurt’s gaze shifted from Benoit to Angel and back again. "Is that your daughter or something?"

"Never mind her," Benoit replied. "What’s going on, Kurt?"

Kurt pulled up a chair as Angel perched on the bench and watched them carefully.

"We need to work together tonight," Kurt started, looking at Angel out the corner of his eye. "Beating the Rock takes a lot of…oh, for Pete’s sake, does she have to be here?"

"Yes, she does," Benoit replied.

"I’m his manager," Angel added. "I’m making sure you don’t screw him over. That’s my job."

Kurt’s frown deepened. "Your job’s to screw him over?"

Angel stared at him incredulously. "No, my job’s to manage him. How paranoid are you?"

Kurt frowned and tore his eyes away from her. "I’m not paranoid," he said sulkily, before starting his spiel again. "Now, Chris, I know you haven’t met the Rock as many times as I have, so I thought I’d tell you all I’ve learned…"

"This shouldn’t take long," Angel murmured.

Kurt spun and glared at her. "What was that?"

Angel’s face was the picture of concern. "I didn’t say anything. Maybe you really are paranoid."

Shaking his head, Kurt turned back to Benoit. "Chris, is there any way…"

"No," Benoit replied. "She stays." He shot a threatening glance at Angel, but she ignored it, preferring to keep her focus on Kurt. She stared at him intensely, not blinking, and watched him start to sweat as he tried to explain his plan.

"I think what you should to is break him down, then I’ll be able to secure my ankle lock for victory. I’ll break the Rock’s ankle and…"

"What about crossface?" Angel asked suddenly.

Kurt frowned at her uneasily. "What about it?"

"It’s at least as effective as the ankle lock and a lot harder to break. And yet you’re proposing that Benoit softens Rocky up so your finisher looks good. He does the work, you take the glory. Isn’t that right, Kurt?"

"No, it’s not right!" Kurt cried, glancing uncertainly into Benoit’s expressionless face. "She’s putting words in my mouth."

"I know what she’s doing," Benoit murmured, turning to glare at Angel. "And you can cut it out. This isn’t a game."

Angel shrugged and leaned back into the wall, swaying her legs slowly. She smiled to herself as Kurt covered up his mistake.

"I like crossface! Crossface is great!"

She decided it was a good time to break into song.

"It’s time to play the game," she growled in her best Motorhead voice. "It’s time to…"

"Go wait in the hall!" Benoit screamed, making both Angle and Angel jump.

Angel simply smiled charmingly, got to her feet and left the room.

"Where’d you find that girl?" Kurt asked as the door closed.

Benoit shrugged. "Got her in a great deal from the Hardy brothers. But trust me, she’s a lot more trouble than she’s worth."

"Yeah, I can see," Kurt agreed. "But here’s what I think about the match."

* * * *

Angel leaned against the wall in the hallway, perfecting her withering stare. Finally, the door opened and Kurt appeared, so she really got to try it out. He tried not to look at her, but without much success.

"See you in the ring, Kurt," Angel murmured expressionlessly.

"Yeah, bye," Kurt faltered. He was almost gone when Angel spoke again.

"I’m on to you, Kurt. I know exactly what you’re planning."

Kurt spun to face her. "What are you talking about?"

She just stared back at him as if she’d never spoken at all. "I just said we’ll kick some ass."

Kurt’s frown deepened. "Oh right. Yeah." He shook his head slowly and continued on his way. "That girl is intense!"

Angel smiled after him. She wasn’t on to him at all and really didn’t give a crap if he was planning anything. She just liked watching him sweat, and of course the added bonus that it pissed Benoit off.

Benoit was waiting when she reentered the locker room.

"I don’t know what you think you’re playing at, but don’t let that happen again."

"Why not? It was fun. He’s an idiot. I was letting him know that."

"I don’t care if he’s an idiot. He’s a decent fighter and he’s on my team tonight, so you should treat him with some respect."

Angel smirked. "Benoit, I don’t even respect you. Why the hell would I respect him?"

* * * *

Angel stood with Benoit, waiting for his entrance music to start. Not long earlier they’d been informed that, while still a handicap match, each team would feature another member. Benoit, Angle, and Commissioner Regal would be taking on the Rock and Chris Jericho. Angel was amazed that a match could be made featuring five men she didn’t give a rat’s ass about, but it had.

Finally, ‘Shooter’ hit and they made their way to the ring, to be joined moments later by Kurt Angle. In the ring were four people – the Australian, the Canadian, the American and the Brit. and, at least in theory, they were all on the same page.

Kurt hadn’t been in the ring for long when ‘J-J-J’, a countdown started, and an explosion heralded the arrival of Chris Jericho, the intercontinental champion. He stood on the ramp with a microphone and alluded to the face that he’d urinated in William Regal’s tea.

Angel rolled her eyes. "And I thought I was childish," she muttered.

Jericho continued his speech and then, juniors, it was go time. Well, almost.

"If ya smell what the Rock is cooking!"

Jericho’s partner had arrived.

"Good luck, guys," Angel said quietly, before rolling from the ring and taking her place in the corner.

She cheered Regal on as he kicked things off with Jericho, and not just because she wasn’t a Y2J fan. If she wanted to control Benoit’s career like he controlled her life, it was important to keep the commissioner on side. Unfortunately, to work properly, that also meant cheering on Benoit and Angle. She decided the sacrifice was worth it – especially when their opponents were the two people Jeff had guaranteed would save Angel’s ass – so cheer she did. Well, not cheer per se. She wasn’t vocal like she’d been when valeting for Hardyz, Hollys, Blackman or Snow, but she did applaud appropriately and tap on the apron to encourage her men when things looked bad.

Angel watched Benoit particularly carefully.

"Training starts tomorrow," ran through her mind. "I will NOT go easy on you."

She shook her head slowly as Jericho’s back slammed into the canvas after a particularly vicious suplex.

"He’s going to kill me."

After finally getting the tag, the Rock started to lay the smack down and made the cover on Benoit, only to have it broken by Angle. Angel applauded politely and jumped out of the way as Kurt and Rock battled closer to her.

In the ring, Y2J put Regal in the Walls of Jericho, but Benoit broke it, causing Angel to applaud again. Jericho scored the lionsault, then left Benoit lying in the ring as he and Regal took it outside. Angel stepped up to Benoit.

"Get up, you sack of shit!" she cried, slapping him across the face. "I got you this match. The least you can do is make yourself look like you belong here. Come on."

Benoit glared at her and used the ropes to find his feet.

"Do something!" Angel shouted as Benoit scowled, then broke up an attempted People’s Eyebrow on Kurt. The Rock tried to retaliate, but Benoit brought him down and locked on the crossface, right in front of Angel, who smiled smugly and nodded.

"Tap out!" she encouraged the champion as Kurt found his ankle lock. "Tap the hell out or they’ll snap you in two!"

The Rock just screamed and tried to battle on.

Suddenly…

"Outta the way, sister!"

Jericho flew into the ring with a huge missile dropkick. It was also deadly accurate, breaking both submission holds.

"Are you crazy?" Angel shouted as Jericho started on Angle and the ref rolled Benoit into the corner and started asking him if he was okay.

"He’s fine!" Angel cried. "He just needs to get his ass back up."

"I’m fine," Benoit muttered breathlessly.

The ref turned back to find that Regal had the cover on Jericho. One…two…three. Angel’s team had won. She nodded to herself and prepared to climb into the ring, only to find that the guys weren’t done. The three of them started kicking the Rock as Jericho rolled painfully from the ring near Angel. She watched him fall, shrugging indifferently, before walking over to the other corner.

"Hey!" she cried. "The match is over!"

"Naive girl!" Regal called back. "It’s not about winning and losing. It’s about destroying one’s opponent, any way possible."

Angel scowled at them and shook her head.

Suddenly, the sound of smashing glass filled the arena and Stone Cold sprinted down the ramp.

"Yeah, Austin!" Angel cried as he attacked Angle, Rock took down Benoit and Regal vacated the area. Austin went for the Rock, but Angle wanted some more and got a Stunner for his efforts. Rock and Austin cleaned house as Angel cheered the Rattlesnake on. Suddenly, Rock his Austin with a title belt and sent him crashing to the canvas.

Angel’s hands flew to her face and just then some shouted words issued from her mouth that she wasn’t aware of until they were out.

"Benoit! Get the Rock! Kick his ass!"

Benoit nodded sadistically and proceeded to do just that, until Rocky ducked a punch and tossed Benoit over the top rope. Angel ran to Benoit’s side. "Get up! Kick his ass!"

But Benoit was dazed and taking a while to find his bearings. Angel looked up into the ring, just in time to see Austin get Rock Bottomed.

"No!" she shrieked as the Rock stood over Austin’s body.

Without stopping to think of the consequences, Angel dove into the ring next to Stone Cold.

"Austin? Are you okay?" She knew she was being watching and raised her head to stare into the dark eyes of the Rock. "Why did you do that?" she cried as the Rock moved like a cat, waiting for her to stand. She didn’t realize it and began to scramble to her feet. "He’s a nice guy. Why did you do it?"

The Rock lunged forward and grabbed her for the Rock Bottom, but she fell out of his grasp and was pulled from the ring by one leg. Benoit stood her on her feet and glared at her, pain and exhaustion glistening on his face.

"Don’t be so damn stupid!" he snapped, before turning and starting towards the ramp.

Angel stepped up behind him. "What do you mean? Didn’t you see what happened?"

Benoit spun furiously. "What I saw was me saving your ass yet again. So, shut the hell up and let’s get out of here."

With Rock in the ring and Benoit in front of her, Angel didn’t know who she wanted to scowl at more. Eventually she decided on Benoit which, considering the Rock’s mood, was probably the safer choice.