Duality

[Ian B]

Scene opens on total darkness

Baron: Do you smell gas? You don't? That's good, it means you're safe. For now!

The flick of a lighter illuminates just Baron Corbin's very disturbed looking face. The camera zooms close

Corbin: Isolation is not good for the soul. Neither is darkness though, that's why I carry light with me everywhere I go. Things are not well with Baron Corbin. I found myself. Jimmy helped. But something has changed, I was a lone wolf wandering on my own but then my brothers rescued me. All was well, nothing was going to bother me. Things were going smoothly. Then I won my first title here in EBWF. It was the Intercontinental belt. I think I did a bad thing though. Maybe beating Seth was not the best decision? Maybe I am selfish? Either way there may be a wedge driven in the hearts of The Broken. I rose from the ashes but I have hardly spoken a word to my brothers Seth or Jimmy since winning. Did I do bad? My instincts tell me - maybe. But you know what? I'm not going to stand for that. At this week's Warfare a few things are going to get straightened out. I have two items on my agenda for this week's Warfare. One is to set things straight with my brothers & sister. The other? Take down The Miz.

Baron's position shifts the camera pans out and Corbin moves the lighter and lights a couple of large candles. As the scene illuminates more it becomes clear Corbin is stood up and wearing a The Broken hoodie and brown pants though it is too dark to make out any other details of his attire or even his location.

Corbin: Frankly Miz, you are a welcome distraction from my less stable thoughts. I unfinished business with you friend. When I was getting focused to take you on a couple of months ago I had to take extreme steps. I took down a girl, one I had a bit of a thing for. That sucked but it was what I thought was required of me. I may have miscalculated. Nadine's blood is on your hands Miz, I can't forgive you for what you forced me to do to that girl. The worst part was that it was all in vain. It wasn't you who suffered at my hands that night - it was Syxx. I have unfinished business with you Miz. I will avenge a life taken too soon. I will have vengeance for not only myself but for Nadine and damn it, you know what? I will take you down for my brothers too. For Jimmy and Seth and for Leva. There may be some blurred line right now but that's what happens in a family. We argue but we are a unit. Our broken souls are bound and we are stronger together than apart. I would do anything for my Broken brothers & sisters, I just get a little confused sometimes, that's all. I'm not confused about you though, like I said. Clarity. You are my target, right now the only focus that I have. I am in an especially violent mood Miz. Warfare is going to live up to it's name this time. I am going to destroy you. I might even mess up the little bitch who follows you around if he steps onto my path. Then and only then will I be worthy to face my Broken brothers. Yes! Miz, I owe you one. I'm thinking clearly now, you've brought this on. Perhaps you are awesome after all. Your vanity is your downfall though, you are too steeped in self obsession to realize it. You are as messed up as the rest of us. You are own worst enemy and, trust me, I know what that can be like.

Corbin's expression changes. He appears to have a glimmer of confidence, of cunning.

Corbin: I have a question though, and I want you to think about this. I want you to dwell on it until the moment we step between those ropes. What is YOUR agenda? What are you hoping to achieve? I have a lot to prove around these parts or so I'm often told. What about you Miz? What is your motivation? You've been up and down the roster for a long time. Why are you still doing this when you know you're not the best? I have a lot to gain by beating you... allegedly. What do you gain by being stepping in the ring with me, a better, younger, stronger, hungrier man? Do you take time out from being a narcissist to truly reflect on these things? Are you the man you once were or are you a has been? I want you to really focus on those things. I am doing you a favor Miz, out of the kindness of my heart. I am trying to help you as I have been helped in the past. I want to bring out something, anything in you. Fight or flight? Step up or get knocked down & out of the way. Are you ready to face End of Days? What happens next?

Corbin is stopped in his tracks as another light source illuminates the room. His phone is going off. The Broken by Lit sounds out for a few seconds. Corbin answers the call on loudspeaker it is Jimmy Havoc on the other end

Havoc: 14 missed calls Baron, what the fuck have I done to deserve this?

Corbin: Jimmy. Where the hell have you been?

Havoc: Quite simply, none of your bloody business. Leva business, if you must know. I need a word with you at Warfare aswell, hence the call.

Corbin: Is it good news?

Havoc: Only the best news for my favourite protege! Hope you’re keeping on your toes though, who knows who could want that fucking title.

Corbin: Things are well! Just getting myself mentally prepared to face Miz

Havoc: That sounds like a decent approach. Now go on, I’m a busy guy. I'll see you at Warfare mate

The call disconnects. Corbin smiles a genuine but creepy smile.

Corbin: Things are well. I knew it all along. You can't break the broken! Miz I'm coming for you. I will make an example of you, I don't know who will want my belt but I can use you to send a message. I'm not easy prey. I am Baron Corbin and there is a fire in my soul like never before. Miz, think about what I was saying. You need to find yourself.