Chris Jericho had met Stephanie McMahon while working for her fathers company, the World Wrestling Federation. To begin with, he was intent on making an impact to notice the young brunette. By the time she'd gotten his attention, she was married to one of the top men in the Federation, Hunter Hurst Helmsley.

An affair started both of them unable to deny the powerful attraction to the other. Despite the fact that Stephanie and Hunter were more like close friends than a married couple, for some reason, Steph couldn't bring herself to tell her husband of her new lover. For a while, Hunter was suspicious, and they hid their true feelings behind childish insults and name calling until his suspicions eased. They were so wrapped up in their affair and keeping it secret, they were oblivious to Steven Richards rise to power.

The RTC didn't affect Stephanie or Chris until Stephanie and Hunter were informed that due to the 'suspect circumstances' surrounding their wedding, that their marriage was annulled until further notice.

To add to that stress, Chyna a former team mate and ex-girlfriend of Hunter's was placed on the RTC's 'Shape Up or Ship Out' list, a compilation of people who had offended or opposed the Right to Censor in some way. The 'Shape Up or Ship Out' edict was very simple. You either conformed to Right to Censor's laws, or you were arrested and sent off to a maximum security prison, and forced to conform.

In Chyna's case, it was due to a Playboy appearance and a long-standing rivalry with Ivory. She called her old DX teammates, including her ex boyfriend to discuss what she should do. That night, Hunter called Stephanie to tell her that DX had reformed, and were going into hiding. Chris had been with Stephanie when the call came through and had spoken to Hunter.

"Jericho... I know we've never been the best of friends, but I need you to do something for me." Hunter's voice sounded strained, as though asking Chris for a favor was the last thing he wanted to do. Chris glanced at Stephanie, who was sitting in an armchair, looking at her hands and making no effort to disguise the tears streaming down her face. His heart constricted as he replied in a controlled voice. "What do you want?"

"I need you to look after her." Hunter said quietly. "Take care of her. Make sure that she remains unaffected by all this bullshit."

"It's a bit late for that Helmsley." Chris said curtly. Hunter sighed. "Protect her as much as you can. I know you would never intentionally hurt her, but ... there's something else..." He hesitated. "Someone wants to talk to you. Maybe they can explain it better."

"Chris?"

"Chyna?"

"This is mainly from me, although it comes from DX as a group." Chyna's voice sounded urgent. "Listen to me. Be careful. They'll get you in slowly. If they make a new law, one that won't affect you, or will only affect you a little, don't say to yourself 'Well it's stupid but it'll be ok.' Because sooner or later, they'll bring in a law that will have a major affect on your life. And when you question it, someone will say 'You had no problem with the other laws. Why is this law so different?' and you won't have an answer. It could happen next week, next month, next year. It may not happen at all. It could happen tomorrow. But as soon as they bring a law that makes you feel uncomfortable, that you don't agree with or that you even think is stupid, get the hell out."

"Chy, I -" Chris had a million questions, but then realized that she and the guys needed to get away. "Good luck. Don't let them get you."

"I'll see you when I see you." She chuckled. "On the run, no doubt."

He was about to hang up when he realised Hunter back on the line. "Take care of her Jericho. If you have to run, run. But don't get her dragged into this. She doesn't deserve it. If you hurt her, or get her involved in this, I swear to God Jericho, I will hunt you down and kill you."

Chris had fulfilled his promise to the best of his ability. The RTC watched Stephanie closely and had questioned her several times about Hunter's whereabouts. Chris had been present the last time and had been disgusted at the tactics the four men had used on the poor girl. Luckily for Steph - and DX - she honestly didn't know anything.

Things only got worse for the young couple. Stephanie was under constant surveillance and laws regarding relationships meant that Chris and Stephanie had to be chaperoned whenever they were together. Originally Stephanie's older brother, Shane kept an eye on things, until, for reasons unknown to the McMahon family and his friends, Shane simply disappeared.

It was six months before they heard anything and that was only gossip. The rumor was that he'd compared Steven Richards to Adolf Hitler, something the RTC did not take to kindly. After another couple of months, word was received from Ivory, Richards' private secretary that Shane had escaped from a minimal security prison. The McMahon's were to notify RTC immediately if they had any news of his whereabouts.

It was shortly after this, that the RTC brought in a simple new law. It was rather minor, compared to some of their other laws, but Chris just couldn't bring himself to do it and when he discussed it with Stephanie, she told him not to. The law was that every male had to have their hair cut to collar length. To cut it wouldn't have been such a big thing for Chris, but Chyna's warning rang in his ears.

He left in the middle of the night, not knowing where he was going and praying he would run into the NCC. Jeff Hardy's group had gained notoriety with their attacks on RTC groups and buildings. With them, Chris knew he would be safe.

Within a couple of days he'd caught up with the NCC and welcomed into their ranks. Much to his relief, he found Shane within the group. They got word to Stephanie that they were with the NCC, but hadn't heard anything back. It was a rough life, but all of them considered it worth it to defend their freedom and individuality. And now, as a result, they were having a weeks holiday in a main facility of their enemies. As far as Chris Jericho was concerned, Jeff was asking for trouble.