Ramona Royale didn't need to give a speech to her most energetic stablemate this time.
They stood in a relatively empty gorilla position, watching from behind the curtain as Jenna Barns made her way down the ramp toward the empty ring. No crowd tonight. Just cameras - perched at every angle, ready to capture this match for LAW's online content and upcoming advertisements. Suspicious eyes would not be watching them. Perfect for what Ramona and her girls had planned.
She glanced sideways at Lakelynn, who was practically vibrating with anticipation. Their eyes met, and for a moment, neither of them said anything. Then, slowly, Ramona's lips curled into a sinister smile. Lakelynn's grin matched hers a second later.
"This is gonna be so good," Lakelynn whispered, unable to keep the glee out of her voice.
Ramona didn't respond. She didn't need to. The look said everything.
Lakelynn adjusted the black-and-white striped top she was wearing - sultry, form-fitting, and definitely
not standard LAW referee attire. The shorts were short, the top was tight, and the whole ensemble screamed "distraction" more than "official." It had taken some convincing, some negotiation, maybe a few well-placed words to the right people, but Ramona had made it happen. LAW didn't have a referee to spare for this crowdless match because of a little bug going through the locker room, so Lakelynn would be making the calls.
Her accomplice. Her ally. Her insurance policy.
Bambi, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, let out a dramatic sigh.
"I wish I could have a match this stacked in my favor."
Ramona shot her a flat look.
"Wait your turn."
Bambi shrugged, clearly unbothered, and went back to scrolling on her phone.
Ramona turned her attention back to the monitor. Jenna was in the ring now, stretching, preparing. Confident. Focused. Completely unaware of what was about to happen. Perfect.
"Let's go," Ramona said quietly.
Lakelynn didn't need to be told twice. She jogged out first, looking every bit the part of a good, dedicated referee... except she waved at the cameras, struck a pose, then slid into the ring. Ramona sighed. She waited a beat, then stepped through the curtain.
Her entrance music played, low and menacing, echoing through the empty arena. Without a crowd to play to, she kept it abbreviated - no pausing for photos, no long walk down the ramp. But she made sure the cameras caught everything. The deliberate stride, the exquisite face card, the shapely legs.
She climbed the steps slowly, stepping through the ropes with practiced ease. Her eyes found Lakelynn first - still playing her role, standing near the corner with her hands clasped behind her back like a proper referee. Their gazes met for just a second, and Ramona caught the barely-suppressed smirk on her face.
Then Ramona turned her attention to Jenna. She crossed the ring, closing the distance between them, and extended a hand.
"Good luck," she said, her tone smooth, professional, almost friendly.
"I hope we have a great match."
Her expression was sincere. Her body language was relaxed. She even managed a small, polite smile. It was good acting. Really good acting - her specialty.
