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Setting: Monday Night RAW (One Week Later)
Focus: The Authority starts working on Seth. Roman gets forced into a high-profile singles match. Meanwhile, Charlotte and AJ circle tighter around him—each with different goals. And Dean? He's watching everything.
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[Opening Segment – The Authority's Office]
Triple H sits behind his desk. Stephanie leans beside him, scrolling through her phone. Randy Orton stands by the door. Seth Rollins is on the couch, alone.
Triple H (calm): "You've been the most consistent part of The Shield, Seth. The technician. The tactician."
Seth: "We're a unit. You know that."
Stephanie (smiling): "That unit's starting to crack. Roman's not built for teams. And Dean… well. He's unpredictable."
Triple H: "But you, Seth—you're smart. We're just saying… maybe it's time you stop carrying dead weight."
Seth (tense): "…I'm listening."
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[Backstage – Shield Locker Room]
Dean is tying his boots. Roman's standing shirtless in front of the mirror, taping his fists. His shoulders seem heavier than ever.
Dean (casual): "You notice Seth's been real… quiet lately?"
Roman (low): "Quiet men are loud in the wrong moments."
Dean smirks, but it fades fast.
Dean: "You trust him?"
Roman doesn't answer.
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[Ringside – Announced Match]
Michael Cole (excited): "Breaking news! Roman Reigns will face Batista tonight, one-on-one!"
JBL: "Talk about testing loyalty… The Animal isn't here to play nice."
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[Roman's Entrance]
The Shield's music hits—but only Roman walks out.
His gear is darker, custom now. Sleeves cut. Hair tied tighter. The crowd gives a mixed reaction—respect, but unease.
Cole (in awe): "That's not the Roman we saw last year. That man's on a warpath."
Roman walks through the smoke, slow and dangerous. The lights dim. Every eye is on him.
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[Match: Roman Reigns vs. Batista]
Bell rings.
Roman circles Batista like a predator. Batista swings—Roman ducks—clothesline. Another.
Batista goes for a spinebuster—Roman counters—headbutt!
Roman (growls): "You ain't the alpha here."
The crowd roars. Batista slams Roman into the corner—shoulders to the ribs.
Batista: "I'm The Animal."
Roman breaks out—Samoan Drop!
Batista rolls out. Roman stalks him—Drive-By!
Rolls him back in—sets up—
Superman Punch— Batista ducks—Spear from Batista!
1…2…kickout!
Batista (furious): "Stay down!"
Roman rises slowly—eyes burning.
Roman (snarling): "Make me."
Reversal—Superman Punch! Batista staggers—SPEAR!
1…2…3!
Roman wins.
Crowd erupts.
---
[Post-Match – Backstage Chaos]
Triple H watches the monitor, jaw tight.
Stephanie (to Seth): "That's your competition."
Seth says nothing—but his fists tighten.
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[Backstage – Medical Area]
Roman is having his ribs checked. Sweat still gleaming. Charlotte walks in, wearing leather pants and a designer coat.
Charlotte (cool): "You wrestle like a god."
Roman (grunting): "Feel like I fought one."
Charlotte: "Let me help."
She kneels beside him, taking an ice pack, pressing it to his ribs. Closer than necessary. He watches her, but doesn't move.
Roman: "What do you want, Queen?"
Charlotte (smiling): "Maybe just a King."
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[Elsewhere – AJ Lee's Locker Room]
AJ watches the screen. She's alone, sitting criss-cross on a bench.
AJ (to herself): "You're too focused on the throne, Charlotte. I just want his heart."
She tilts her head, humming.
AJ: "But maybe I'll break it first."
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[Final Scene – Shield Locker Room]
Roman walks in, towel around his neck. Seth is sitting on the bench, hoodie up.
Roman: "Where were you tonight?"
Seth: "Had somewhere to be."
Roman (narrowing eyes): "You miss the Shield's music?"
Seth stares at him.
Seth: "You missed the part where it's not all about you."
They stare. Dean walks in—feeling the tension.
Dean (smiling): "This a team meeting or a standoff?"
Roman: "Depends on who you ask."
Camera pans back.
Triple H's words echo in Seth's head.
"It's almost time."
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To Be Continued…
Coming Up in Chapter 11:
Roman is put in a triple-threat match—no Shield help.
Seth gets offered a match for the Money in the Bank contract.
Charlotte and AJ's rivalry intensifies—now involving subtle mind games.
Dean finds a clue about Seth's meetings with The Authority.
End of chapter 10..