The Bloodline were kicking off Smackdown, with the new Unified WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Special Counsel Paul Heyman, and The Smackdown Tag Team Champions, The Usos. Unknown to them, a mystery superstar from NXT would be debuting tonight, and would have their eyes set on the Bloodline's gold.

Paul: At WrestleMania, the Tribal Chief, the Head of the Table, Roman Reigns successfully brutalised and eliminated Brock Lesnar from WWE and at the same time, became the NEW... UNDISPUTED and UNIFIED WWE Universal Champion. Now this begs the question... who next? Who will be next to challenge my Tribal Chief? Who will be next to challenge the most dominant Smackdown Tag Team Champions ever, The Usos?

Paul was then interrupted as the arena went dark. When the lights came back on, Jimmy was laying in pain on the floor. The lights went off again, and when they came back on, Jey had suffered the same fate, but nobody knew who had done it. All that did happen was the titantron had changed to a dark, room, with one man in a hooded bodywarmer, sitting with his back to the camera, with pictures of The Bloodline in front of him, a red cross over The Usos. When he spoke, a voice changer was used to keep his identity a secret.

Distorted Voice: Change... Is all around us. But the more change that goes on... the more it stays the same. People like you need to be taught what that really means. And in due time... you'll find out just what that does mean, Roman.

As the segment concluded, Kayla was interviewing Ricochet for his Intercontinental Title match against Gunther next week, when behind them, a hooded figure was attacking The Usos. Sending them from wall to wall, it ended with Jimmy speared through a locker room door and Jey on the wrong end of a spinebuster through the catering table. The figure then made his way towards Kayla as Ricochet then left. Intimidated by the power he had just shown, Kayla just let him have the mic.

Distorted Voice: Next week... Change will be upon us all. For I shall reveal myself to the world.

As he left and the cameras cut, Kayla was just stood there in pure shock and satisfaction, as she had felt, deep down that it was about time someone else challenged The Bloodline. And also, she got a little turned on by him.

Kayla: Mmm... Roman, Heyman, what have you got yourselves into?

The following week, it was just Roman and Paul headed to the ring, as The Usos were recovering from the injuries sustained from being attacked by the hooded figure.

Roman: If you don't mind, Special Counsel, I'd like to deal with this myself.

Paul: By all means, my Tribal Chief.

Paul just watched on as Roman spoke.

Roman: So last week, in what should have been a sweet, victorious, celebration... it ended up with a somewhat sour taste. Because some absolute maniac decides to... well, not even confront me but issue me a warning. Saying all that about 'change' and that I'll find out what it means. I didn't think much of it. But then you attack my family. My cousins. The Bloodline. So now, whoever the hell you are... you have now made this personal.

Just then, the arena went dark and when the lights came back on, Paul was laid out, by the ring steps. The hooded figure took his place in the corner, and just looked at Roman.

Distorted Voice: You see, Roman, I wasn't lying. Change is all around us.

The figure then reached for his hood and pulled it down, along with his mask to reveal himself as quite possibly the greatest star to not win a title in NXT, Josh Stevens. And the pop he got from the crowd was massive, as he was and always has been a fan favourite wherever he has gone.

Josh: In order for change to occur, new challenges must be faced. New ideas must come to mind. New fears must be fought. But probably the most important thing that comes to mind... new champions must be crowned.

The last few words were spoken with Josh circling Roman slowly, his eyes locked on Roman's titles.

Josh: So consider this a new challenge for those belts of yours... at Money In The Bank. As for Backlash, I'll see what happens. If you can even bother to show up that is. Because let's be honest, ever since you won the title back in 2020, you've been nothing more than a second rate, Brock Lesnar wannabe who barely shows up to defend the belt.

As Josh then went backstage, Roman was absolutely flabbergasted. Now Heyman was taken out, it just left him on his own. He looked down at the belts in his hands and had a face of thunder.

Meanwhile, backstage, Kayla was set to do an interview with Josh, and before the cameras were rolling, she felt flushed and even sighed a little at the mere presence of him, not that he seemed to notice that much. The cameras were rolling and immediately, Kayla went from that high school girl staring at her crush to a professional at her job.

Kayla: So, Josh, why have you challenged Roman at Money In The Bank and not at Backlash?

Josh: Simple. There's plenty of time for change between now and then. And trust me, if Roman doesn't believe me and my words, then I'll just have to let my actions do the talking. Maybe even at the Tag Team Title unification match against RK-Bro...

Kayla: So does that mean you'll be showing up at Backlash?

Josh: Now you mention it, I do have someone I'd like to call out. Sami Zayn... if you truly believe that doing Roman favours and being the Usos' best buddy is helping then you're dumber than you look. So allow me to do you a favour. Show your dumb ass up at Backlash so I can knock some sense into you... in a Falls Count Anywhere match!

Josh then went off screen, and as the cameras cut, Kayla followed him.

Kayla: Josh, wait!

Josh turned around to see Kayla struggling for breath a little.

Josh: You okay, Kay?

Kayla needed a moment before she answered him.

Kayla: Yeah, all good... Jeez, you sure do get around fast!

Josh: Cardio keeps me in tip top condition. Anyway, was there something you wanted?

Kayla: Yeah, there was. Would you be up for being one of the special guests on The Bump next week? Cause I get to choose who I'd like on for the next episode, and you were the first person I wanted to ask, and...

Josh then silenced her by putting his finger on her lips.

Josh: Sure thing, I'd love to. Who else you going to ask?

Kayla: I was thinking maybe Liv, and Rey. That okay?

Josh: Why wouldn't it be?! Here...

He scribbled down his number on a nearby napkin and gave it to her.

Josh: Give me a call closer to the time with the deets. And... for other purposes, if you like.

Kayla smiled to herself as he turned around and headed off to get his bag and head home.

Kayla: Sooner or later, I think those... other purposes might come in handy...

It was now Wednesday and the day of The Bump, with Josh, Liv Morgan and Rey Mysterio. Josh arrived shortly after Rey and took a seat in between Liv and Kayla, who were getting a touch of make up done.

Josh: So... This is The Bump? Looks good!

With 5 minutes until filming, Kayla got up and went over with Matt to the main camera to prep for their intro, while Josh admired Kayla's behind, especially her butt, which looked nice and plump in the tight black leather pants she chose to wear, and this was something Liv almost immediately noticed.

Liv: Now, now... are you having a little thing for Kayla?

Josh snapped out of his trance like state to answer.

Josh: What? No, of course not!

Liv: It's fine, you know! You can tell me!

He sighed as he couldn't hold it in anymore. But he did speak quietly so as not to arouse suspicion from Kayla.

Josh: Okay, yes, I might have... one or two feelings for Kayla, going back to before I even came to WWE, let alone NXT.

Liv: So why don't you just admit those feelings to her? You never know, you might just be the one for her!

Josh: I dunno - besides she probably has a boyfriend, anyway...

Liv: That's where you're wrong. Kayla's a single pringle. She prides herself on being that way, but I'm sure a handsome, good looking guy like you could change her mind!

Josh: You think so?

Liv: I know so! But if you want me to keep it a secret for now, I will, I'm awesome at keeping secrets.

She held out her pinky, as did Josh, and they linked them.

Liv: Trust me, I won't tell a soul!

The cameras then began rolling, and Liv, Rey and Josh were told to wait outside for their entrances, with Josh's coming last. 15 minutes into the show, it was time, and out came Josh, doing his typical entrance with the hooded bodywarmer, and using his theme, Terrify The Dark  by Skillet. It even had Rey and Kayla intimidated a little. The show went on, with Rey even giving everyone a lucha style mask, and coming up with lucha style names, with Josh's being El Stefano, Liv being La Morgana and Kayla being La Fontana De Kayla. The show ended with Josh giving everyone a hooded bodywarmer, and in their lucha masks, said bye in their new gear. As they split up, Kayla wanted to speak with Josh again.

Kayla: You doing okay?

Josh: Yeah, why wouldn't I be?

Kayla: It's just, well this sounds silly...

Josh: Go on, spill the beans!

Kayla: You see... I've got this friend who told me recently that they're interested in you, in a relationship kind of way, if you know what I mean.

Josh: I see...

Kayla: They wanted me to tell you that they really like you and would like to see you outside of work.

Josh: And who is this mystery girl exactly?

Kayla had to think on her feet, and not tell him that it was actually her.

Kayla: ...Megan Morant, the other reporter for Smackdown...

Josh: Ahh, right. Well even though I don't really do relationships and girlfriends, I don't see any harm in it so why not? Just a harmless meet up between 2 work colleagues... out of work...

Kayla: Anyway, I'd better head off, got lots to do!

Josh: Yeah same here, see you on Smackdown on Friday!

Kayla: See you then...

When Josh closed the door for the set, Kayla groaned and moaned in frustration as to what she had just done.

Kayla: Oh for god's sake... why did I just do that?

Liv joined her, leaning against the wall, trying to comfort her.

Liv: Because deep down, you like him, don't you?

Kayla: Is it that obvious?

Liv: Obvious? Kay, you've nearly broken character three times when you've been around him. Normally, you're as calm as a cucumber, so to me, at least, yeah, it is pretty obvious!

Kayla: Oh God... Help me, Liv, what do I do?

Liv: Don't worry, I have a few tricks up my sleeve, but for now, we bide our time.

Meanwhile, Josh couldn't help but overhear their conversation as he too was sat down, leaning against the wall and thinking about Kayla.

Josh: So... she really does like me?

He then pulled a picture of him with his family out from his wallet. His mum, Liz, his dad, Richard and his younger brother, Bradley. They all tragically passed away nearly 7 years ago in a fatal car crash that claimed their lives. Now, the only family Josh had was his sister, Rhiannon, or Annie, as she liked to be called, but they hadn't seen or spoken to each other in months.

Josh: Guys, help me. What the hell do I do?

He then called Annie.

Josh: Hey sis, it's me.

Annie: Josh? What's up, bro?

Josh: I need your help... it's about a girl.

Annie: So, you've finally come to your senses? After all this time, you could be on the way to your first girlfriend?!

He looked on his phone as he saw a Twitter response to his interview from Smackdown by none other than Sami Zayn.

SamiZayn: So, that so called tough guy Josh wants to fight me? Well, I say let's sign the contract in Chicago this Friday! The Bloodline NEVER backs down from a challenge...

Josh then snapped out of it and answered Annie.

Josh: Yeah yeah, there's no need to rub it in. Just tell me... how soon can you get to Chicago?