Gionna had never been more focused. She had never been more ready. Today was her first match in the WWE for over 5 months, in a mixed tag team match, teaming with Rusev against Lana and Bobby Lashley. While they may have been scheduled to lose, Gionna was just happy being back in the ring again, even if it meant being in an absolute shit storm of a storyline.

Gionna: Oh god, I'm so excited!!! I can't wait!

Rusev: You'll do awesome out there. If we're gonna lose, let's do it in style!

The two shared a hug before Liv thought she saw someone from her past walk by, in a black leather jacket and hat. But she didn't think much of it and instead headed for gorilla with Rusev.

End of the match...

As Liv and Lana battled on the outside, Liv was sent into the barricade, while Lashley speared Rusev inside out to get the win.

Mike: Here are your winners, the Ravishing Russian, Lana and the Almighty, Bobby Lashley!

As Lana got in the ring to celebrate with her man, Gionna just sat against the barricade, in pain a little but happy she had the chance to be back in the ring once again. But her happiness would then get even better, when the lights went out, and when they came back on, a masked figure stood behind Lashley. Lana looked absolutely terrified, but Bobby didn't know why. When he did, he tried punching the figure, but with just one hand, he blocked it, and twisted his arm to stop it. He then delivered a move familiar to everyone, The 25th Hour. As soon as Gionna saw that, she knew immediately who it was.

Liv: No way, could it be you?

As the lights went out and came back on again, the masked figure had disappeared, leaving Lashley out cold, Lana tending to him and Gionna curious as she might have a clue as to who it could be. She got backstage to find a note left for her on her locker room door.

I saw the way you looked at me earlier tonight. If you wanna find out who I am, all you have to do is say yes to the following.

Be in Rusev's corner next week for his match against Lashley.

Trust me, I'll be there, maybe even when you least expect it.

She kept the note and folded it neatly, before putting it in her bag and getting ready to go home.

The following week on Raw on New Year's Eve...

It was Rusev vs Lashley in a No DQ Match, with Gionna doing what the note said and being in Rusev's corner, while Lana was in Lashley's. As Lashley lined Rusev up for a spear, Gionna got up on the apron and got in front of Rusev to try and stop it. But Lashley did not care and still lined up his target.

Lana: Do it! Finish her!

Those words spurred Lashley on even more, and as he began running, the lights went out, and when they came back on, Lashley saw the same masked figure from last week. Again, he went for a punch, but the figure dodged it, and laid Lashley out with The 25th Hour again. He then helped Rusev up, and gestured for him to finish Lashley. He slowly got to his feet, and as Gionna threw Lana into the steel steps, Rusev connected with a Machka Kick to cover him and get the win.

Mike: Here is your winner, Rusev!

As Rusev and Gionna celebrated, they were also curious as to who the figure was that helped them. The crowd were chanting 'Take It Off!' so loudly it was almost deafening. Eventually, the figure decided to do it, and when he took it off, the crowd somehow got even louder. For it was none other than The Silent Warrior, Josh Stevens. While Rusev and everyone else was cheering, Gionna was in shock, for Josh was not only her ex, but also, she hadn't seen him for the best part of 5 years. She was almost in tears, and ran backstage. With Josh following her, she didn't know what to think.

Gionna: It... it really was him.

She heard Josh call out for her, but couldn't find her. He even tried calling her by her real name, and that sparked a response in her.

Josh: Gionna?

She slowly composed herself and revealed herself from her hiding place, just as Josh had given up and turned away to head back to his locker room.

Gionna: J-Josh?

Josh stopped in his tracks and turned around to see Gionna.

Josh: Hey, you.

She ran to him and hugged him tightly for all she had.

Josh: How long has it been?

Gionna wiped a tear from her face and looked up at him.

Gionna: More than 5 years.

Josh went wide eyed in surprise at how long it had been.

Gionna: You haven't changed a bit since we last met.

Josh: Neither have you.

He brushed a bit of her blonde hair behind her ear as she melted into the hug. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she wasn't alone anymore. Now she had someone watching her. She had her best friend back.

Josh: You have to believe me that I had nothing to do with... you know... What caused us to break up.

Gionna put a finger on his lips to keep him quiet and explaining himself.

Gionna: Shh. It's okay, I believe you. I shouldn't have let it come between us. I just overreacted at the time when I thought you were cheating.

Josh: I don't blame you for reacting that way though. As far as I'm concerned you had every right to be suspicious. But enough about the past, I'm more concerned about the present and the future. You had anything happen lately?

Gionna: Not really. I mean, I did try to get over it with Tyler Bate, but he wasn't as commiting as you were.

Josh: Well, I guess you're right about that.

Gionna: So, what about you? Any juicy details I should know about?

Josh: Well, there wasn't anyone else for about 2 and a half years. Then I realised that I would have to try and find someone to repair my heart, and I did.

Gionna's heart sunk a little when she heard that Josh had moved on.

Gionna: Oh... well, that's great. I'm really happy for you. So, who's the lucky woman?

Just then, Charlotte came up from behind Josh and hugged his waist.

Ashley: Hey, Joshy, ready to go?

Josh: Yeah, sure thing babe, you just wait in the car and I'll be right there.

She delivered a kiss on Josh's cheek in response and waved at Liv as she went past.

Gionna: You're dating Ashley?

Josh: Yep, been going strong for just over 2 years now, and she's been there for me every single day and every step of the way.

Gionna's happy mood then pretty much vanished when she heard how long Josh and Ashley had been going out.

Josh: Gio, you okay?

Gionna: Yeah, I'm fine. It's just, with you spending so much time, I was wondering...

Josh: If we can still be friends? Now what kind of person would I be if I said no to someone as cute and adorable as you?! Here's my number, shoot me a text if you're ever feeling down or anything.

The two then shared a hug before going their separate ways for the night, with Gionna just staring at Josh as he left.

Gionna: What the hell did I do all those years ago?

Meanwhile, Josh had now met up with Hunter for a quick talk in his office, who told him his plans for his newest signing.

Hunter: Great work these last couple of shows. We plan to give you as much success as possible so in the next couple of weeks, we plan to just test your ability in the ring in a few matches, and after the Rumble, which you'll also be in, we'll talk further from there. But long story short, welcome to the big time. You've got a big future ahead of you, and a lot of titles coming your way.

Josh could not believe what he had just heard. It was like he was now Hunter's protégé. After he was done with meeting Hunter, he quickly went to his Ferrari where Ashley was waiting.

Ashley: There you are, what kept you?

Josh: Sorry, had a quick meeting with Hunter to discuss my plans for the future here.

Ashley: And...?

Josh: Put it like this, you could be seeing championship gold around my shoulder very soon!

Ashley: Oh my god that's amazing, babe!

Josh: I know right?! I did say though that I don't want to rush things, I want to earn my place in the title hunt. So I'm gonna be in a few matches over the next few weeks to test my ability and to really prove myself, I'm gonna be in the Royal Rumble match!

Ashley: That's awesome, babe! Come here...

She grabbed his face and passionately kissed him, laying him on the bonnet of the car and turned it into a makeout session, while Gionna watched on from a distance, keeping out of sight of the couple.

Gionna: God, I wish that was me...

Before things could get even more frisky between Josh and Ashley, the two clambered off the bonnet and got in the car, and drove off into the night, as Gionna watched on with a look of guilt.

Gionna: Now I really regret letting you go, Josh. I remember when I used to call you Joshy... Knowing you were mine was probably the best feeling in the world, but now, knowing I can only be your friend just kills me inside.

She took a deep breath, before slowly walking back to her locker room, accidentally bumping into Hunter.

Gionna: Oh, sorry, Hunter!

Hunter: No worries, Gio. I'm actually glad I ran into you, because I was actually wanting to talk about your future plans.

Gionna: Okay then, but can we go somewhere a bit more quiet? I don't want to be seen like this.

Hunter: No problem, come on.

They took the short walk to Hunter's office and Gio took a seat.

Hunter: Now, with this being Wrestlemania season, we're planning to give the WWE Universe a few surprises. Given that you've only just come back into our plans, we plan on having you in a small feud with a woman of your choosing, and at Elimination Chamber in just over a month's time, we plan on having you win the match to face Becky at Wrestlemania.

Gionna: Whoa, that's amazing! Who else will be in the chamber match?

Hunter: We plan to have your old Riott Squad members, Sarah and Ruby in there, as well as Charlotte, Natalya and Asuka.

Gionna: Whoa, that's certainly gonna be special!

Hunter: All I need from you is a name of who you want a little feud with before the Chamber...

Gionna: I want Charlotte.

Hunter: Okay, that was easy. Any special reason? We could be able to make this feud more interesting with a few specifics.

Gionna: Well, me and her boyfriend, Josh, were a thing a few years back, and now that Josh is here in the WWE, I feel like a rivalry will test both her and my limits.

Hunter: I have to admit, I thought you would have picked Ruby or Sarah, but if you want Charlotte, you got it. It'll start with a match between the two of you after the Royal Rumble.

Gionna: Maybe I could kick start the rivalry a little by eliminating her. I don't think I'm ready to win it though.

Hunter: Now that I love. I'll get onto creative about it and get back to you. In the meantime...

He shook Gionna's hand and opened the door for her as she left.

Hunter: It's good to have you back.

Gionna managed to raise a smile as Hunter shut the door behind her, and she had a determined look on her face.

Gionna: Charlotte Flair... Ashley... I'm coming for you.