Cody Rhodes' eyes were pulled open wide and they held a completely blank look within them. He was dressed in a white suit that was so impeccably clean that it looked as though it had been worn before. He was almost like a statue until he ran a hand along his chin. Backstage in the US Bank Arena the number one contender to the International Title looked as though he were on a completely different planet. However he was not disheveled in any way. In fact, he appeared to be even more clean cut and meticulously groomed than ever.

Matt Striker: ..Ah..Cody..

The former teacher began to approach. He was a little weary about speaking to anyone with that kind of look on their face.

Matt Stiker: Cody, if I could have a moment or your time.

Cody Rhodes: Does it look like I want to give an interview right now?

His voice came out low and barely audible.

Matt Striker: We were all just concerned about the condition of your father..

Cody Rhodes: ..What?

Matt Striker: Well, last week we had heard you mention that Dusty--

Cody Rhodes: He's fine. My father is fine.

Cody folded his hands tightly together and turned his sight towards the ceiling.

Matt Striker: Perhaps you could give us some insight on your match with Chris Sabin then?

Rhodes didn't move or utter a single word as he remained so still that it was becoming eerie. Striker glanced around before trying to press the issue.

Matt Striker: Cody? Your match with Chris Sabin?

Cody Rhodes: Chris Sabin has an amazing amount of untapped talent. I'm sure that eventually he's going to make his mark in this company.

Cody's eyes darkened considerably.

Cody Rhodes: But tonight is not going to be that night. I did manage to overhear Chris say that he couldn't get a grasp on me and that he was uncertain as to how I'm going to approach this match. I'll fill him and everyone else in on my strategy. I'm going to do Chris the same thing I did to Ryback. I'm going to pinpoint his weaknesses and not allow him to use his strengths. A very simple but very effective means of achieving a victory. He has surgically repaired knee and is more than likely demoralized at having his opportunity to regain the PTG Title taken away from him by The Shield. If he is looking to regain any form of momentum, unfortunately, I'm going to have to damage his psyche further. A win over me would surely ease some of his tension and self doubt. That simply is not going to happen because I cannot afford to lose any momentum. Quite the contrary. I have something planned tonight and a victory over Chris Sabin is only part of it.

All of that was said without Cody ever giving the interviewer so much as a glance

Cody Rhodes: Doesn't sound much like a conundrum, does it? Does that effectively answer all of your questions? Or would you like me to further illustrate how I'm going to crush whatever dreams and aspirations Chris Sabin may currently have?

Matt Striker: Yes it does. Thank you, Cody.

Cody Rhodes: Good. I'm so glad that was sufficient enough for you. Good bye.

Cody, wanting to find a place where he wouldn't be disturbed, headed off down the hallway. At some point he sort of staggered and clasped a hand to his face as the scene faded to black.