We Meet Again

[Ben M]

OOC: Sorry this is short, I've been feeling ill the last couple of days. Think I might be coming down with the flu or something. Ah well, good luck Jack!

Two weeks ago on Warfare, Wade Barrett and Ryback had become the number one contenders for the EBWF Tag Team Titles. After months of the titles being both inactive and irrelevant, it had appeared that with the start of a new year, the powers that be at EBWF wanted to regenerate interest in the Tag Titles, but since Barrett and Ryback's victory, nothing had been said about either the titles or their match at the Royal Rumble. This week's Warfare was the last show before the pay-per-view, and still nothing was being done to promote Barrett and Ryback's Tag Title match - instead, Barrett had been booked in singles action against one of the two men he and Ryback had beaten to become the number one contenders, Adam Rose. Maybe there was a plan to involve Edge and The Miz after (or during) the match, but if there was, Barrett had yet to be briefed on it. As he sat backstage in his locker room before the show, Barrett began to wonder if his Tag Title match would take place after all. Becoming restless, Barrett got to his feet and began pacing. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door, and as Barrett opened the door, an EBWF staff member was stood in front of him. She was a blonde woman in her 30s, and Barrett thought her name was Sarah, but he wasn't sure and instead, opted for a safe "Hello" to avoid embarrassment. The woman smiled, looking up at Barrett as she did so. She was about a foot smaller than him.

Staff Member: Hi! I've been sent to ask if Michael Cole can interview you? They want to do some pre-tapes to include in the show, and they'd like a five minute segment with you to promote your match.

Barrett wasn't sure why he was being asked as if he had a choice in the matter; he knew that he didn't have enough pull to refuse such a request and get away with it, and even if he did he wouldn't have refused - he was a professional. Perhaps Sarah, or whatever her name was, was just being polite.

Wade Barrett: Michael Cole? Has Renee Young got the night off?

Barrett smirked, and the staff member laughed. Whoever she was, she obviously realised he was joking, and didn't answer Barrett's rhetorical question.

Wade Barrett: Of course. Lead the way.

A few moments later, Barrett was stood in front of an EBWF backdrop with Michael Cole and an EBWF cameraman. The camera started rolling and Cole began to speak.

Michael Cole: Ladies and gentlemen, with me at this time is one half of the number one contenders for the EBWF Tag Team Titles, Wade Barrett. Wade, later on tonight you'll be taking on Adam Rose, who is one of the men you and Ryback defeated to become the number one contenders. What are your thoughts on going up against Rose again?

Wade Barrett: My thoughts, Cole? Well the main thing I'm thinking is this... why am I going up against Adam Rose again? I've beaten him once, I have nothing left to prove. Like you said, Ryback and I beat Rose and Stardust just two weeks ago to become the number one contenders for the Tag Titles - but here I am facing Rose again, while our Tag Team Champions, Edge and The Miz, are nowhere to be seen.

Michael Cole: Actually Wade, speaking of The Miz, rumour has it he's injured and won't be able to compete at the Roy-

Barrett interrupted Cole, cutting him off.

Wade Barrett: Miz is injured? Great. I guess Edge is either going to have to forfeit the Tag Titles, or face Ryback and me in a handicap match.

Barrett grinned smugly.

Michael Cole: Well I'm not sure whether the rumours about The Miz are true, but I do know Edge is expected to be here tonight. So maybe the Rated R Superstar will have an answer for you tonight - about whether or not Miz will be teaming with him at the Rumble.

Wade Barrett: Maybe he will, Michael. Maybe he'll come to the ring during my match with Adam Rose to send a message to me. But if he does, someone should warn Edge that "The Big Guy" will be at ringside for my match, and if Edge tries to get involved, Ryback will crush him like a bug.

Michael Cole: It's interesting that you mention Ryback being at ringside, because we did hear from Adam Rose earlier, and Rose wanted you to know that Stardust will be at ringside also. Are you concerned about Stardust getting involved in your match?

Wade Barrett: Michael... are you forgetting that Ryback and I beat Adam Rose and Stardust just two weeks ago? I'm not worried about either of them, especially since I know Ryback will have my back. To be honest, I hope Edge is here tonight, and I hope he comes to ringside to watch my match with Adam Rose. Because he'll see what I'm capable of, and whether he has to defend the Tag Titles with or without Miz, he'll see that he has no chance of holding onto the gold come Sunday.

Michael Cole: Wade, thank you for your time and good luck in your match tonight.

The scene faded as Barrett walked away.