The Last Survivor pre-show was drawing to a close, but there was still time for a few more promos and interviews. After a video package promoting EBWF’s next pay-per-view, Fallout, the camera cut to the backstage area, where Renee Young standing by, microphone in hand. Renee turned to face the camera with a bright smile. Standing next to her, arms crossed, expression stoic as ever, was the cold-hearted handsome devil, Hook.
Renee Young: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time... Hook.
Hook gave a subtle nod, his gaze unwavering.
Renee Young: Hook, later on tonight, you will be competing in the Last Survivor match, entering at number 26. How are you feeling heading into this opportunity?
Hook took a moment, letting the silence linger before responding in his usual calm, confident tone.
Hook: I feel good, Renee. Entering at number 26, you could say that gives me a pretty strong advantage, as most of my opponents will have already been eliminated, or they will be exhausted from being in the match for a long time. But truth be told, I’m not really worried about what number I come in at. I came in at number 2 last year and made it to the final 8. So, the way I see it, my entry number doesn’t matter. What matters is that I step into that ring, and I handle my business. Yeah, some of the guys left in there will be tired, but that’s not my concern. My job is to go in, throw them out, and keep moving forward. That’s what I do.
Renee nodded, taking in his words before moving to her next question.
Renee Young: Now, earlier this week, Adam Cole had some interesting things to say about you. He said he respected you, but he also made an offer to mentor you – suggesting that he and Roderick Strong could help you accomplish greatness. What’s your response to that?
Hook smirks slightly, shaking his head.
Hook: Yeah, Cole said he respected me. Then he turned around and said I might be too stupid and naïve to take him up on his offer. Here’s the thing though… I’d only be stupid and naïve if I did just that and let him take me under his wing. I know exactly what Adam Cole is about, Renee. He doesn’t respect me… He doesn’t respect anybody! He uses people, plain and simple. He thinks he and Roddy could “help” me? Nah, they’d help themselves. They’d use me for their own gain. And the moment I stopped being useful, they’d toss me aside.
Hook leaned in slightly, his voice steady but sharp.
Hook: A few years ago, Adam Cole called himself a “lone wolf”. He used to stand on his own. Now, he’s got Roderick Strong watching his back, and he’s looking for more people to pull into his game. That’s not my style. I don’t need them. If I make it to the top, I’m going to do it my way. Ain’t no way I’m being a pawn, not for Adam Cole. Not for anybody.
Renee listened intently, nodding as Hook stood tall, his intensity unwavering.
Renee Young: It sounds like you’re fully prepared to go into the Last Survivor match as your own man, no alliances, just you taking on whoever stands in your way. Any final thoughts before the big night?
Hook tilted his head slightly, considering the question before delivering a short, confident answer.
Hook: I’m ready. Doesn’t matter who’s left, doesn’t matter what “surprise entrants” show up. They step in my way, they get thrown out. That simple.
With that, Hook stepped away from the interview, leaving Renee Young to turn back toward the camera.
Renee Young: There you have it… Hook is focused and ready for the Last Survivor match! Back to you.
The scene faded to black.
